Blessed Nicola Da Forca Palena

Biography

Blessed Nicola Da Forca Palena, also known as Nicholas of Forca Palena or Nikolaus von Forca Palena, was born on September 10, 1349, in Forca, Chieti in the former Papal States, now modern Italy. Not much is known about his early life and family background.

As a young man, Nicola felt a strong calling to the priesthood. He joined the Franciscan tertiaries and quickly became known for his personal piety and life of penance. His dedication to his faith led him to serve as the curate of the church of Sant‘Antonio in Palena, Italy in 1379.

In his desire to deepen his spiritual journey, Nicola embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, where he visited the tombs of each of the Apostles. It was during this pilgrimage that he began to feel a strong calling to solitude and an even more austere life. Inspired by this experience, he chose to retire to a hermitage in Rome.

Nicola's fervor for a solitary life of prayer and penance continued to grow. In 1400, he attended the Jubilee in Rome, a time of special indulgence and spiritual renewal, and then moved to a hermitage in Naples, Italy, in 1417. However, two years later, in 1419, he returned to his beloved hermitage in Rome.

Deeply committed to his ascetic lifestyle, Nicola founded the Poor Hermits of Saint Jerome, known as Romitani di San Girolamo. This congregation received the approval of Pope Martin V in 1421 and established houses in Rome, Naples, and Florence. Nicola's strict adherence to poverty and his devotion to prayer inspired many to join him in this way of life.

Nicola forged a close friendship with Pope Eugene IV, who entrusted him with the spiritual direction of Franciscan houses in Florence in 1434. Recognizing his exceptional spiritual gifts and dedication, the pope held him in high regard.

In 1439, Nicola undertook yet another significant endeavor. He established the Sant‘Onofrio church in Rome, which became a center for religious devotion and a place of solace for the faithful.

Eventually, in 1446, Nicola merged his Poor Hermits with a similar congregation founded by Blessed Pietro Gambacorta. Together, they formed a unified community of Hermits, and their combined efforts received papal approval from Pope Eugene IV on January 1, 1447.

Throughout his life, Nicola enjoyed the friendship and support of several popes, including Pope Nicholas V. They recognized his genuine holiness and admired his commitment to a life of austerity and prayer.

Blessed Nicola Da Forca Palena passed away on September 29 or October 1 (records vary) in 1449 in Rome, Italy, of natural causes. He was buried under the floor of the church of Sant'Onofrio in Rome, and his relics were re-interred under the main altar of that church in 1712.

In recognition of his exemplary life and virtuous devotion, Pope Clement XIV beatified Nicola Da Forca Palena on August 27, 1771, confirming his cultus or public veneration. Today, he is honored on September 29 in the Roman Martyrology and on October 1 by the Franciscans. His life serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, penance, and a life dedicated to charity and humility.