Saint Atto of Pistoia

Biography

Saint Atto of Pistoia, also known as Atho, Attho, and Attone, was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the 12th century. He was born in Pistoia, Italy, and little is known about his early life. Atto devoted himself to a life of piety and became a monk at the renowned Vallombrosa monastery. Due to his exceptional dedication, Atto quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the abbot of Vallombrosa. As the abbot, he played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual and disciplinary life of the monastery, ensuring the proper observance of the monastic rules and guiding his fellow monks in their religious practices. In recognition of his wisdom and leadership, Atto was appointed as the bishop of Pistoia, a position he held for a remarkable 20 years. As a bishop, he tirelessly served his diocese, working to foster spiritual growth, providing pastoral care to his flock, and promoting the teachings of the Church. One notable achievement of Saint Atto was his authorship of a work on the relics of and miracles associated with Saint James of Compostella. This work not only served to document the various miracles that took place at the shrine of Saint James but also helped to spread devotion to this revered saint. Throughout his life, Atto led a humble and simple existence, exemplifying the virtues of poverty and humility. His unwavering faith, deep piety, and commitment to serving others endeared him to his contemporaries and earned him a reputation for holiness. Saint Atto of Pistoia continued to dedicate himself to his episcopal duties until his death in 1153, passing away from natural causes. His exemplary life and outstanding devotion to God prompted many to venerate him as a saint even before his formal canonization. Consequently, the details of his patronage are not well-known. Although the specific details of his representation are not available, it is not uncommon for Saint Atto depictions to feature him in bishop's attire, as a testament to his role as the bishop of Pistoia. His feast day is celebrated on May 22nd, a day that allows Catholics around the world to honor Saint Atto's unwavering commitment to the Church and his significant contributions to spirituality and monastic life. While Saint Atto of Pistoia's canonization happened before the official establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he is regarded as a saint in the Catholic tradition. His canonization remains in the Pre-Congregation era, which refers to the time before the present-day formal process for canonization was established.