Saint Allo of Bobbio

Biography

Saint Allo of Bobbio, also known as Allone, was a monk of the Bobbio Abbey in Italy during the 7th century. Unfortunately, the details of his life have been largely lost to history, but the fact that he was buried next to Saint Columbanus is a testament to his holiness. Born in an unspecified year, Saint Allo lived a life dedicated to the service of God and the Catholic Church. He resided in the Bobbio Abbey, a prominent monastery in the region. The abbey was known for its commitment to monasticism and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. Saint Allo's exact contributions and accomplishments as a monk remain unknown, but his presence and burial next to Saint Columbanus, a renowned Irish missionary and founder of the Bobbio Abbey, speak to his reputation and the high regard in which he was held. On August 31st, in an unspecified year during the 7th century, Saint Allo passed away in Bobbio, Italy, from natural causes. His mortal remains were interred next to Saint Columbanus in the church at the abbey of Saint Columbanus. This placement in such a prominent location further testifies to Saint Allo's holiness and the impact he had on the monastic community. Later, in the year 1482, Saint Allo's relics were enshrined in a wooden urn in the crypt of the basilica of Saint Columbanus. The basilica was built over the site of the old church, where the saint was originally buried. This new shrine served as a place of veneration for the faithful who sought his intercession and sought inspiration from his holy example. It was in 1910 that the altar, crypt, and shrine of Saint Allo were refurbished and reopened to the public. This restoration allowed a new generation of believers to come and pay their respects to this revered saint, adding to the ongoing legacy and influence of his life. Although Saint Allo's representation is unknown, his feast days are celebrated on March 16th and previously on August 31st. These occasions provide an opportunity for the faithful to remember and honor him, even if the full details of his life remain shrouded in mystery. Saint Allo of Bobbio was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, although it occurred before the formalized process of canonization known as the Pre-Congregation era. Despite the lack of extensive information about his life, his burial beside Saint Columbanus and the veneration bestowed upon him make him a significant figure in the history of the Bobbio Abbey and in the broader realm of Catholic sainthood. While his patronage is unknown, his devotion and commitment to the monastic life continue to inspire believers to this day.