Aldebrandus or Aldebrand (Italian: Aldebrando da Fossombrone), also known as Hildebrand (1119–30 April 1219),[1] was a Bishop of Fossombrone and a saint.[2]

Saint

Aldebrandus
Bishop of Fossombrone
Born1119
Sorrivoli, Italy
Died30 April 1219
Fossombrone, Italy
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
Major shrineFossombrone Cathedral
Feast1 May
Attributesepiscopal robes holding the cathedral he built
PatronageFossombrone, Italy

Aldebrandus was almost certainly born at Sorrivoli in the comune of Roncofreddo, Italy. He was educated by the canons of Santa Maria de Porto near Ravenna. After being ordained to the priesthood, he was appointed provost of the chapter of Rimini Cathedral, where his bold preaching against sinful living put him at odds with those in authority. He was threatened with death and forced to flee the area.

In 1170 he was appointed Bishop of Fossombrone,[3] where he later had the cathedral built. His relics are still there.

A miracle attributed to Aldebrandus is that when he was old and bedridden, his servants brought him a cooked partridge, but as it was a fast day he was unable to eat the bird, so prayed over it, whereupon it came to life and flew away.[4]

His feast is celebrated at Fossombrone on 1 May, but at Sorrivoli on the second Sunday of May.

References edit

  1. ^ other accounts indicate a probable year of birth as c. 1164 and a probable year of death as 1247
  2. ^ although the Roman Martyrology records him on 1 May as "Blessed": "At Fossombrone in the Marche, Blessed Aldebrando, bishop, noted for his austerity of life and apostolic spirit".
  3. ^ St. Aldebrandus Catholic Online
  4. ^ Saint Aldebrandus of Fossombrone Patron Saint Index

Sources edit