Saint Andrew of Fiesole

Biography

Saint Andrew of Fiesole, also known as Andrew of Ireland, Andrew of Tuscany, Andrew the Scot, and Andrea, was born to the Irish nobility, and he was the brother of Saint Bridget the Younger. He received his education from Saint Donatus of Fiesoli, and in the year 816, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, accompanying his mentor. A remarkable occurrence took place during this pilgrimage when Donatus was miraculously chosen by divine intervention as the bishop of Fiesole. Seeing Andrew's dedication and spiritual potential, Donatus ordained him as an archdeacon. From that moment on, Andrew committed himself to serving the Church and spiritual development in the Fiesole region. Saint Andrew of Fiesole dedicated an astounding 47 years of his life to his duties as an archdeacon in Fiesole. During this time, he undertook various projects and initiatives that left a lasting impact on the local community. One of his notable achievements was the restoration of the church of Saint Martin, in which he invested significant time and resources to ensure its preservation and continued worship. Additionally, Saint Andrew founded a monastery in Mensola, Italy, possibly choosing to reside there as a monk for a period of time. The monastery represented a center of spiritual growth and provided a place for devoted individuals to deepen their relationship with God. Saint Andrew of Fiesole was often referred to as "the Scot," which was a common term used during that era to describe someone from Ireland. However, it is important to note that Andrew's heritage was Irish, even though he became deeply connected to the Italian region of Fiesole. As Saint Andrew approached the end of his earthly journey, he laid on his deathbed. According to legend, an angel brought his sister, Saint Bridget the Younger, to his side for a final farewell. The circumstances surrounding Andrew's passing are relatively obscure, with little information available about the specifics of his life. This absence of details led later writers to fill in the gaps with pious fictions and stories. Saint Andrew of Fiesole died around the year 877 of natural causes in Italy. His relics were eventually enshrined in the church of Saint Martin in Fiesole, becoming a place of veneration for faithful pilgrims. Although Saint Andrew's life is shrouded in mystery, his dedication to the Church, restoration of Saint Martin's church, and foundation of the Mensola monastery make him a revered figure among the faithful. His memory is honored every year on August 22nd, the day of his feast. Saint Andrew of Fiesole was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church before the official process of canonization was established, earning him the title of pre-congregation saint. Although the specifics of his patronage are unknown, Saint Andrew stands as an inspiration and spiritual guide for those who seek to follow their calling and serve the Church.