Saint Raynald of Nocera

Biography

Saint Raynald of Nocera, also known as Rinaldo, was born into a noble family as the eldest son of the Count of Postignano around the year 1150. Despite the expectations for a life in politics, Raynald felt a deep calling to the religious life. Raynald received a good education and was well-prepared for a future in leadership and governance. However, he made the decision to renounce his worldly possessions and withdraw from society, choosing instead to live as a hermit on the mountain of Serrasanta near Gualdo Tadino, Italy. This radical step spoke to his desire to dedicate his life solely to God and His service. In his pursuit of a more contemplative and ascetic life, Raynald joined the Benedictine Camaldolese monks at Fonte-Avellana, located in the region of Umbria, Italy. He embraced their way of life, characterized by solitude, prayer, and simplicity. Recognizing his qualities of leadership and spirituality, Raynald was eventually chosen as the prior of his monastery. In 1209, Raynald was appointed as the Bishop of Nocera, a city in Italy. During his time in this pastoral role, he worked diligently within the Roman Curia and was involved in various ecclesiastical matters. Known for his exceptional charity towards the poor, Raynald's generosity was widely acknowledged and appreciated by the communities he served. One of the significant contributions made by Saint Raynald was his involvement in the promulgation of the Indulgence of Portiuncula in August 1216. This indulgence, which granted remission of temporal punishment for sins, was highly esteemed by the Catholic faithful. Saint Raynald of Nocera passed away on 9th February 1217 in Nocera, Umbria, Italy, of natural causes. Despite his death, his body was discovered to be incorrupt, an extraordinary phenomenon that indicated his holiness. This discovery soon led to the initiation of his cultus, or public veneration, as reports of miracles performed through his intercession began to circulate, solidifying his reputation as a saint. Bishop Pelagio Pallavicini officially approved the cultus of Raynald in late 1217, recognizing the popular devotion and the numerous accounts of miracles attributed to his intercession. This endorsement prompted the people of Nocera to choose Raynald as their patron saint. Furthermore, in 1448, he was declared co-patron of the diocese of Nocera. The relics of Saint Raynald of Nocera were first enshrined in an urn in the Church of Santa Maria dell'Arengo. However, in 1456, the relics were transferred to the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Due to earthquake damage suffered by the cathedral, the relics were subsequently moved to the church of San Felicissimo on 26th September 1997. Saint Raynald of Nocera is remembered and esteemed as the patron saint of the diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino in Italy, as well as the diocese of Nocera itself. His life of self-denial, charity, and devotion to God continues to inspire believers to this day.