Blessed Ollegarius Of Tarragona

Biography

Blessed Ollegarius of Tarragona, also known as Ollegarius Bonestruga, Ollegarius of Barcelona, Olaguerand, Oldegar, Olegari, Olegarius, Oligarius, Oleguer, Olegario, and Ollegario, was an Augustinian canon regular who played a significant role in the history of the Catholic Church during the medieval period. He was born in 1060 in Barcelona, Spain, and dedicated his life to serving God and the Church.

Ollegarius began his religious journey as a member of the Augustinian canon regular order. He showed great devotion and commitment, leading him to become the prior of various monasteries in France. His piety and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and in 1115, he was appointed as the Bishop of Barcelona, Spain. Just a year later, in 1116, he was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Tarragona, Spain.

During Ollegarius' time as Archbishop of Tarragona, he faced the daunting task of reviving and rebuilding the diocese, which had fallen into a sorry state during the Moorish occupation. With his exceptional organizational abilities and spiritual guidance, he tirelessly worked towards restoring the faith and rebuilding the diocese's infrastructure. Through his efforts, Ollegarius managed to rejuvenate the diocese, bringing back strength and vitality to the Catholic community in the region.

Blessed Ollegarius was not only known for his administrative skills but also for his deep spirituality and commitment to the faithful. He was a renowned preacher, delivering powerful sermons that moved the hearts of those who heard him. His words carried a profound message of love, faith, and hope, inspiring the people of Barcelona and Tarragona to live a life in accordance with God's teachings.

Ollegarius' dedication to his pastoral duties and his unwavering faith earned him great respect and admiration from his contemporaries and later generations. He was known for his humility, his love for the poor and marginalized, and his unwavering commitment to serving God's people. He was seen as a living example of virtue, leading by his own actions and inspiring others to walk in the path of righteousness.

Blessed Ollegarius of Tarragona passed away in 1137 of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of piety and devotion. His body, remarkably preserved, was interred in the side chapel of Christ of Lepanto in the cathedral of Barcelona, Spain. His incorrupt remains became a testament to his saintly life and a source of veneration for the faithful.

Recognizing his holiness and the impact he had on the Church, Ollegarius was beatified on 25 May 1675 by Pope Clement X. His feast day is celebrated on 6th March, commemorating his life and the contributions he made to the Church. The faithful still pray to him, seeking his intercession and guidance, reminding us of the spiritual heroism displayed by this blessed servant of God.