Blessed Leo Ii Of Cava

Biography

Blessed Leo II of Cava, also known as Leonardo da Cava or Leonardo Caracciolo, was a Benedictine monk and the fourteenth abbot of the monastery of Cava de' Tirreni in Campania, Italy. He was chosen for this esteemed position on 25 January 1268 and consecrated on 5 February 1268. Pope Gregory X granted him a bull of confirmation, acknowledging his authority and responsibilities as the abbot.

Leo II faithfully served as the abbot of Cava de' Tirreni for an impressive period of 27 years. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional dedication to the spiritual and intellectual growth of his monastery. One of his notable achievements was his participation in the important Council of Lyons in 1274, where he represented the Benedictine Order.

Inspired by his visit to the abbey of Cluny during the Council of Lyons, Leo II sought to implement the practices and traditions of the Cluniac monks at Cava de' Tirreni. Under his guidance, a new church and cloister were constructed at the monastery, reflecting the architectural style and spiritual ethos of the Cluniac order.

Leo II recognized the importance of knowledge and education for the prosperity of his monastery. He commissioned the copying of numerous manuscripts for the library at Cava de' Tirreni, enriching its collection and fostering scholarly pursuits among the monks. This emphasis on learning would promote a vibrant intellectual environment within the community.

On 19 August 1295, Blessed Leo II passed away at the Cava de' Tirreni monastery, the place where he had dedicated his life to God and the Benedictine way of life. He was laid to rest before the main altar in the abbey church. Over three centuries later, in 1675, his relics were re-interred into a wall of the Arsicia cave, considered the first hermitage of the founder of Cava de' Tirreni.

The virtue and holiness of Blessed Leo II were recognized by the Catholic Church, and he was beatified on 16 May 1928 by Pope Pius XI. His beatification confirmed the devotion and reverence that had been fostered towards him over the centuries as an exemplary Benedictine abbot, scholar, and spiritual guide.

Blessed Leo II of Cava stands as an inspiring figure in the history of St. Alphonsus Liguori's beloved monastery at Cava de' Tirreni. His contributions to monastic life, the propagation of knowledge, and the pursuit of holiness continue to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.