Bl. Gerard of Villamagna

Gerard Mecatti was born at Villamagna near Florence, perhaps around 1174. He joined the Franciscan Third Order, gave his goods to the poor, and lived as a hermit in penance and prayer.

Each week he walked to three churches: one to pray for the dead, one for his own sins, and one for the sins of others.

Sources disagree about the year of his death, which may have been 1242, 1245, 1254 or 1276. Gregory XVI confirmed his cult in 1833.

Legend and tradition. Stories say he made cherries ripen in winter for a sick man, and that untamed oxen obeyed him.

Gerard of Villamagna was beatified in 1833.

Beatification allows public veneration, usually in a particular region or religious family. Canonization extends it to the whole Church.