Saint Andrew of Strumi

Biography

Saint Andrew of Strumi, also known as Andrew the Ligurian, was a 12th century Benedictine monk and scholar who played a crucial role in the campaign against simony in Milan, Italy. Born in Parma, Italy, his life was dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the defense of the Catholic faith. Andrew's vocation led him to join the Benedictine order, where he excelled as a student of theology and became known for his deep holiness and dedication to the teachings of the Church. He soon came into contact with the renowned Saint Arialdo of Milan, a zealous advocate against simony and corruption within the Church. Andrew became one of Arialdo's closest disciples and chief supporters. During this time, Milan was plagued by the destructive influence of simony, which refers to the buying and selling of church offices and positions. Andrew and Arialdo worked tirelessly to combat this corruption, striving to purify the Church and restore its moral integrity. Their efforts were met with opposition and hostility from those who benefited from the corrupt practices. In addition to his work alongside Arialdo, Andrew also held the prestigious position of abbot at the San Fedele monastery in Strumi, situated on the Arno river. As an abbot, he played a vital role in maintaining the spiritual life of his community and ensuring the adherence to the monastic rule. Andrew's peaceful and diplomatic nature led him to act as a mediator between the rival Italian cities of Florence and Arezzo, who were engaged in a long-standing conflict. He believed in the power of dialogue and reconciliation to resolve disputes, and his efforts were instrumental in bringing about a lasting peace between the two cities. As a devout scholar, Andrew wrote biographies of two prominent saints of his time, Saint John Gualbert and Saint Arialdo, preserving their lives and teachings for future generations. His writings showcased his deep intellectual understanding of the Catholic faith and demonstrated his commitment to promoting holiness and righteousness within the Church. Saint Andrew of Strumi passed away in 1097 due to natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, intellectual brilliance, and a dedication to the pursuit of justice and moral integrity in the Church. Although not recognized as a patron saint for any particular cause, his life and example continue to inspire Catholics to stand against corruption and uphold the principles of the Gospel. His feast day is celebrated on March 10th, honoring his significant contributions to the Church and the pursuit of holiness.