Blessed Pietro Of Gubbio

Biography

Blessed Pietro of Gubbio, also known as Peter Ghisengi, was born in the early 13th century in Gubbio, Umbria, Italy. He hailed from the Italian nobility and received his education in law at universities in Perugia, Italy, and Paris, France. Pietro quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant and honest lawyer, focusing his efforts on representing the marginalized and impoverished.

At the age of 40, Pietro's life took a significant turn when he encountered the Augustinian Order. Deeply moved by their dedicated service to the Church, he felt compelled to offer his law practice and himself for the service of God. Pietro embraced the religious life and became a priest and friar in the Augustinian monastery located in his hometown of Gubbio.

Pietro's dedication and exemplary qualities caught the attention of the Order's vicar-general, who appointed him as Provincial Visitor to Augustinian houses in France. In this role, Pietro traveled barefooted, a symbol of his humility, to meet with his fellow Augustinians. He displayed great patience with those who struggled to live up to the Augustinian Rule, providing guidance and support.

Known for his holiness of life, Pietro was recognized as a gifted preacher. He eloquently conveyed the teachings of the Church and the importance of living in accordance with the Augustinian Rule. Moreover, Pietro's devotion to prayer and his zeal for the Christian life inspired others to seek a deeper connection with God.

Throughout his life, Pietro was renowned for his miracles. Numerous accounts attest to his intercession and the remarkable healings that occurred through his prayers. His reputation as a miracle worker only served to strengthen the faith of those who encountered him.

In his later years, Pietro retired to the Augustinian monastery in Gubbio, where he had initially embarked on his religious journey. As a prayerful monk, he continued to live a life of devotion and contemplation. It was during this time that Pietro passed away, sometime between 1306 and 1322, of natural causes.

After his death, Blessed Pietro of Gubbio's body was buried in the common grave of the friars in the center of the choir area in the Augustinian church of Gubbio. Legend holds that soon after the burial, as the monks sang the Te Deum in the choir, they heard a voice emanating from the tomb responding, "Te Dominum confitemur!" (Lord, we thank you!). Startled by this unearthly occurrence, the monks opened the tomb and found Blessed Peter's body on its knees, hands crossed on his chest, looking heavenwards.

Blessed Pietro's relics remain enshrined in the Augustinian church in Gubbio, where they are venerated by the faithful. After he was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1874, his cultus, or public honor, was officially confirmed. Today, the feast days of Blessed Pietro of Gubbio are celebrated on March 23 and October 29, not only by the Augustinians but also by the Diocese of Gubbio in Italy.

Blessed Pietro's life serves as an inspiration, a testament to his unwavering faith, humility, and commitment to the Augustinian Rule. His unwavering dedication to the service of God and his compassion towards the poor and marginalized continue to resonate with believers, drawing them closer to the teachings of Christ.