No image available
Feast Day: March 10
Blessed John of Vallombrosa, also known as John of the Holy Trinity or John of Celle, was a Benedictine Vallombrosan monk born around 1310 in Florence, Italy. He entered religious life and took the name John of the Holy Trinity when he joined the community.
John's life took an unexpected turn when he developed a fascination with black magic. He began studying and practicing it secretly, collecting occult and forbidden writings. However, his dangerous path was discovered, and he was summoned before the abbot-general of the Vallombrosans. At first, John denied his involvement with black magic, but eventually, he confessed to his illicit studies.
Following his confession, John was imprisoned by the Order as a means of penance. During this time of solitude, he underwent a profound conversion and imposed severe austerities upon himself. His confinement became instrumental in saving his soul. Recognizing his transformation, his brothers in the community requested that he return, but John declined their offer, preferring to continue his life of solitary devotion.
John lived the rest of his days as a hermit, devoted to prayer, writing, and contemplation. He dedicated himself to penance for his past sins and sought solace in the saving solitude of his cell. Throughout his life, he had profound mystical experiences, receiving visions of Saint Catherine of Siena, who became a guiding presence in his spiritual journey.
Blessed John of Vallombrosa passed away around the year 1395 at Vallombrosa, Florence, Italy, due to natural causes. Over time, his profound penitential journey and unwavering commitment to a life of prayer and seclusion have attested to his holiness. While the exact details of his veneration, beatification, and named feast days are unavailable at this time, his life continues to inspire those seeking conversion and a closer union with God.