Blessed Paolo Giustiniani

Biography

Blessed Paolo Giustiniani, also known as Paolo of Venice, was born on June 15, 1476, in Venice, Italy. He hailed from a noble Venetian family, being the son of Francesco Giustiniani and Paola Malipiero. Paolo received a thorough education in theology and philosophy at the prestigious University of Padua.

In 1507, Paolo embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, an experience that ignited within him a profound desire for the religious life. This journey served as a turning point in his life, leading him to join the Camaldolese hermits in 1510. The Camaldolese order was known for its eremitical and monastic traditions, rooted in the teachings of Saint Romuald.

Having joined the order, Paolo became a fervent reformer, traveling from one Camaldolese hermitage to another, dedicating himself to the restoration of proper Camaldolese discipline and teaching. His efforts were recognized and appreciated by his brethren, leading him to be selected as part of the general chapter of 1513. This assembly played a crucial role in uniting and regularizing the conventual and hermitic sections of the Camaldolese order.

From 1516 to 1520, Paolo served as the Prior of the hermitage in Camaldoli, Italy. During his term, he sought permission from Pope Leo X to establish a new order of hermits devoted to the original rule authored by Saint Romuald. His request was granted, and thus, in 1520, Paolo founded the Society of Saint Romuald, commonly known as the Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona or Montecoronesi.

With the establishment of the new order, Paolo went on to found the hermitage of Monte Cucco in 1521. As a zealous advocate for the continuity and fidelity to the original Camaldolese observances, he penned the constitutions of the Society of Saint Romuald in 1522. The following year, in 1524, the four existing hermitages convened their first general chapter and unanimously elected Paolo as their Prior-General, recognizing his leadership and dedication.

Despite his significant accomplishments, Paolo faced numerous hardships throughout his life. He was briefly imprisoned in Macerata, Italy, and later in 1527 in Rome when the city fell victim to the ruthless sack by Lutheran mercenaries known as Lanzichenecchi. During his imprisonment, Paolo endured torture alongside Saint Gaetano da Thiene, but the two managed to escape the harsh captivity that threatened their lives.

On June 25, 1528, Paolo Giustiniani passed away at the hermitage of San Silvestro de Monte Soratte in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. He was buried in the nearby crypt of San Silvestro, but over time, the location of his grave was lost as the hermits were compelled to abandon the site due to various circumstances. It was not until 1932 that his relics were rediscovered.

Though Paolo Giustiniani has not been officially beatified or canonized, his life and contributions are commemorated and celebrated by the Camaldolese order. His feast day is observed on June 25 within the Camaldolese calendar, and some calendars also recognize June 28 as a day of remembrance for him.

Blessed Paolo Giustiniani's unwavering dedication to the restoration of Camaldolese discipline, his founding of the Society of Saint Romuald, and his endurance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to all those who follow in his footsteps.