Saint John Gualbert

Mar 082010

[Saint John Gualbert]
Also known as

Giovanni Gualberto
John Gualberto

12 July

Profile

Florentine nobility; part of the Visdomini family. His brother Hugh was murdered; John tracked down the killer, finding him on a Good Friday. John received a vision of Christ on the Cross, which he took as a sign to pardon the killer, and convert to Christianity. He did both.

Against his family opposition, he became a Benedictine monk at the San Miniato del Monte monastery. Founded and built by hand the monastery in Vallombrosa, Italy in 1038. The rule of John’s order was an austere form of the Benedictine Rule, included an order of lay brothers, and received papal approval in 1070. When it seemed he would be appointed abbot, John fled. He founded abbeys at at San Salvi, Moscetta, Rozzuolo, Monte Salario, and Passignano, though did not do all the construction himself. Reported to have the gift of prophecy. Known for his great charity. Claims of miracles throughout his intercession in life and after.