Blessed John Righi Of Fabriano

Biography

Blessed John Righi of Fabriano, also known as Giovanni Battista da Fabriano, Giovanni da Fabriano, Giovanni Righi, Joannes de Fabriano, Johannes Baptista Righi, and John Baptist of Fabriano, was born into a noble family in the town of Fabriano, Ancona, Italy in 1469.

In 1484, at the age of fifteen, he felt a strong calling to serve God and joined the Franciscans in Forano, Italy. Blessed John Righi dedicated his life to the service of God and his fellow human beings. His commitment to the Franciscan way of life and his pursuit of holiness distinguished him among his peers.

From 1511, Blessed John Righi chose to live as a hermit in Cupramontana, Ancona, Italy. During this time, he sought solitude and deepened his relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and contemplation. Despite his secluded lifestyle, he also engaged in active apostolic work, preaching the Gospel, and caring for the sick. He was known for his compassionate nature and tireless dedication to those in need.

Blessed John Righi's ascetic lifestyle exemplified his detachment from worldly possessions and ambitions. He embraced a simplicity of life, focusing solely on the pursuit of spiritual growth and the love of God. Long periods of prayer became a defining characteristic of his daily routine.

Throughout his life, Blessed John Righi demonstrated deep humility and obedience to God's will. His obedience to his superiors and his commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church were evident in his actions and words. He fully embraced the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and sought to imitate his example.

Blessed John Righi died in 1539 of natural causes. After his death, many miracles were reported at his gravesite, affirming his sanctity and intercessory power. Recognizing his holy life and the veneration people had for him, his relics were re-interred under an altar in the church of San Giacomo della Romita, located at his monastery.

The cultus, or public veneration, of Blessed John Righi was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII who beatified him in 1903. This acknowledgment by the Church reflects the widespread belief in his holiness and his ability to intercede on behalf of those who seek his help.

Blessed John Righi of Fabriano remains an inspirational figure to Catholic faithful today, encouraging us to embrace a simple and prayerful life, showing compassion to those in need, and remaining obedient to God's will. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of spiritual devotion and the pursuit of holiness.