Blessed Jordan Of Pisa

Biography

Blessed Jordan of Pisa, also known as Giordano Pierleoni, was born around 1255 in Pisa, Italy. He joined the Dominican Order in his hometown of Pisa in 1280, showing great dedication to his religious calling from a young age.

As part of his formation, Jordan was sent to the University of Paris in France to pursue his education. He proved to be an exceptionally talented student and immersed himself in the study of theology. His profound knowledge and intellectual abilities would later become instrumental in his mission as a preacher and theologian.

In 1305, Blessed Jordan was appointed as a lector at the prestigious church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. It was during this time that he began to gain recognition as a highly gifted and influential preacher. His sermons attracted large crowds, and his words had a profound impact on the faithful.

Not content with simply preaching to those within the church, Jordan also ventured outside to spread the message of the Gospel. He became a renowned preacher in and around Florence, captivating audiences with his eloquence and passion for the faith.

One of Blessed Jordan's notable achievements was the founding of the Confraternity of the Holy Redeemer in Pisa. This lay confraternity aimed to foster devotion to Christ and His Redemption, while also providing spiritual support to its members. The establishment of this organization demonstrated Jordan's commitment to promoting the spiritual well-being of the faithful.

In 1311, Jordan was appointed as a professor of theology at the Saint James Friary in Paris. His teachings further solidified his reputation as a learned theologian, and he became highly respected among his peers. However, his tenure in Paris was cut short when he fell ill and died on August 19, 1311, in Piacenza, Italy. He had been on his way to Paris to fulfill his teaching duties when he passed away from natural causes.

Blessed Jordan of Pisa was not only known for his remarkable intellectual abilities but also for his strong devotion to Our Lady and Saint Dominic de Guzman. He was a visionary who believed in the power of preaching as a means of evangelization. Jordan was considered a daring innovator for his use of vernacular Italian as a beautiful and musical language of communication, which eventually contributed to the development of modern Italian. His profound knowledge of the breviary, missal, Bible, and the Summa Theologica showcased his dedication to understanding and transmitting the teachings of the Catholic Church.

It is important to note that Blessed Jordan emphasized that learning alone could never make a preacher truly effective; holiness of life was also essential. His own life exemplified this teaching, as he lived a virtuous and pious existence, seeking to be an instrument of God's grace for others.

Blessed Jordan of Pisa's feast day is celebrated on August 19, the day he passed away, while on some calendars, it is also observed on March 6. His relics are venerated at the church of Saint Catalina in Pisa, Italy.

Recognized for his sanctity and contributions to the Church, Blessed Jordan was beatified on August 23, 1833, by Pope Gregory XVI. His beatification confirmed the cult of veneration surrounding him and acknowledged his enduring legacy as a preacher and theological scholar.