No image available
Feast Day: May 11
Blessed Bartholomew Buonpedoni, also known as Bartolo Buonpedoni da San Gimignano, Bartholomew of San Gimignano, Bartholomew of Tuscany, and The Job of Tuscany, was born around 1227 in the castle of the counts of Mucchio, located outside San Gimignano, Italy. He came into the world as the long-awaited child of Count Giovanni and Countess Giuntina Buonpedoni, who had fervently prayed for years for a child.
As Bartolo grew up, his family, belonging to the nobility, sought to arrange a suitable marriage for him. However, he felt a strong calling to the religious life and decided to leave home to pursue this vocation. Bartolo journeyed to Pisa, Italy, where he took up the role of a lay servant and infirmary nurse at the monastery of Saint Vitus, under the care of the Benedictines. During this time, he deeply contemplated his calling, seeking guidance and discerning his path in life.
In a profound moment of revelation, Bartolo experienced a vision of the risen Christ. This divine encounter led him to Volterra, Italy, where he became a Franciscan tertiary, dedicating himself even further to prayer and reflection. At the age of 30, the bishop of Volterra ordained him as a diocesan priest, honoring Bartolo's steadfast faith and commitment.
Initially, Father Bartholomew served as a chaplain in the town of Peccioli, Italy, and later as a parish priest in Picchena, Italy. However, it was during his time in Picchena that he contracted leprosy, a debilitating and stigmatized disease at that time. Despite his own suffering, Father Bartholomew did not waver in his dedication to serving others, particularly those afflicted with leprosy.
Responding to the needs of his condition, Father Bartholomew gave up his parish work and adopted the dress of a Franciscan tertiary. This humble servant of God spent the remaining twenty years of his life ministering to the lepers of his region, residing in their colony and hospital in Cellole, Italy. His compassion and unwavering commitment to help those marginalized by society found companionship in his longtime friend, Blessed Vivaldus, who supported him in this mission until the end.
Blessed Bartholomew Buonpedoni, despite his own difficulties, sought to alleviate the sufferings and isolation of his fellow lepers. His unwavering faith and deep love for God guided him in this challenging ministry. Known for his patience while enduring the pain and hardships of leprosy, he acquired the nickname "The Job of Tuscany," symbolizing his virtue of enduring adversity with unwavering trust in God.
Father Bartholomew Buonpedoni's life came to a peaceful close on 12 December 1300, in San Gimignano, Italy, where he returned to his birthplace. He passed away due to complications related to leprosy. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the San Bartolo chapel within the church of Saint Augustine in San Gimignano.
After his death, Blessed Bartholomew Buonpedoni's reputation for holiness continued to grow, and numerous accounts of miracles and healings were attributed to his intercession. His cultus, or popular veneration, was confirmed by Pope Pius X on 27 April 1910 when he was beatified, acknowledging his sanctity and righteous life. To this day, Blessed Bartholomew Buonpedoni is remembered for his profound faith, selfless service, and remarkable compassion towards the afflicted, especially those marginalized by society.