Saint Allucio of Campugliano

Biography

Saint Allucio of Campugliano, also known as Allucio of Valdi Nievole and Allucio of Valdinievole, was born around 1070 in Campugliano, Italy. He was the son of Omodeo, a rancher, and grew up in a humble farming family. As a young man, Allucio worked as a shepherd in Pescia, a town located in the Tuscany region of Italy. Despite his simple upbringing, Allucio had a deep desire to help others. He felt a calling to serve those in need and dedicated his life to acts of charity. He became the director of the alms-house in Valdi Nievole, Italy, where he cared for the poor and provided them with shelter and support. One of Saint Allucio's notable contributions was the construction of shelters for travelers in mountain passes and river crossings. These shelters were important for the safety and well-being of those journeying through the treacherous terrains. His selfless work not only provided physical comfort but also inspired others to join his cause. The impact of Saint Allucio's kindness and generosity attracted many people who wished to assist him in his charitable endeavors. These individuals formed a community called the Brothers of Saint Allucio, dedicated to continuing his mission of serving the needy. Their devotion to helping others, following Allucio's example, made a lasting impact on the communities they served. In addition to his charitable work, Saint Allucio was also known for his ability to perform miracles. He possessed a deep faith and a profound connection with God, which enabled him to heal the sick, bring solace to the troubled, and perform other extraordinary acts. Many people sought his intercession and witnessed the manifestation of divine powers through his prayers. Saint Allucio's reputation as a peacekeeper also played a significant role in his life. He was instrumental in ending the war between the Italian city-states of Ravenna and Faenza, using his diplomatic skills and spiritual wisdom to bring about reconciliation and harmony. His efforts led to a lasting truce and brought about a renewed sense of peace in the region. Saint Allucio passed away on 23 October 1134 in his hometown of Campugliano, Italy. His remains were interred by the Brothers in the church of Saint Luke in Campugliano. In 1344, his relics were enshrined in a stone urn at the high altar of the Cathedral of Campugliano by Dominican Brother Paul Lapi, following the order of Bishop Guglielmo Dulcini of Lucca, Italy. As time passed, the veneration of Saint Allucio grew, and he was officially canonized as a saint on 23 October 1182 by the Bishop of Lucca, Italy. He became the patron saint of Pescia, a town in the diocese of Lucca, a title officially proclaimed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 2000. Today, Saint Allucio is remembered and revered as a compassionate servant of God who dedicated his life to serving the poor and the marginalized. His legacy lives on through the Brothers of Saint Allucio and the countless individuals who continue to draw inspiration from his example. The chapel of Saint Allucio in Campugliano, later renamed Sant’Allucio di Uzzano, remains a place of pilgrimage and reverence for believers seeking his intercession and guidance.