Saint Who?
Saints Who Performed Great Miracles
Blessed Pietro of Imola
Religious († 1320)Feast: October 5
Pietro Pattarini lived in Italy amidst the political struggles between Guelphs (papal supporters) and Ghibellines (German imperial supporters). He belonged to a noble family of the Ghibelline party. A respected lawyer and judge, he worked hard to mediate between the two factions. But about age sixty, he was forced from his hometown, and fled to Florence. Here the power was held by guilds of lower classes. It was, moreover, largely Guelph. Pietro’s political alliance and his aristocratic background barred him from public office.
He joined the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (known today as the Order of Malta). Not long afterward, he was named Grand Prior of the order. He was a devoted servant of the poor, and often visited and cared for them in their homes.
His most striking miracle—witnessed by many—occurred after his death at the church where he was buried. A priest was standing on a ladder, decorating the church, when his support began to totter dangerously. Pietro’s arm reached out from his tomb and steadied the ladder.
Compassionate Father, through the prayers and example of Blessed Pietro, help us to cultivate true peace.
