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Blessed James Salomone

Blessed James Salomone Also known as

Father of the Poor
James of Salomonio
James Salomonelli
James Salomonio
James Salomonius
James the Venetian

31 May

Profile

Born to the nobility, and an only child. His father died when James was very small, his mother left the family to become a Cistercian nun, and James was raised by his grandmother. Tutored by a Cistercian monk who taught the boy to meditate. When he came of age, he became a Dominican at Santa Maria Celeste in Venice, Italy. On his way to the monastery he gave away his money to the poor he met on the way, keeping only enough to buy books; on arrival, he found a lay-brother in need of clothes; he gave the man the rest of his money, and entered empty-handed. Dominican for 66 years, holding offices in several houses in and around Venice. When word got out about his gift for spiritual direction, he feared the notoriety, and tried to withdraw from public life, transferring to the house in Forli, Italy, a place noted for its poverty and strict observance. Worked with the sick, heard confessions by the hour, and gave away everything that came to hand. Noted healer with hundreds of miraculous cures attributed to his intervention.

Born

1231 at Venice, Italy

Died

31 March 1314 of cancer at Forli, Italy
buried in the chapel at Forli

Beatified

1526 by Pope Clement VII

Patronage

Representation

Dominican surrounded by a horde of petitioners
Dominican with a staff and book and the Christ-child over his heart
Dominican holding a heart with the letters “IHS” on it

Prayers

God of endless ages, in your providence you gave your people Blessed James to attain the mystery of salvation. By his life and prayers may we come to know your Son and so experience his presence more fully in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. – General Calendar of the Order of Preachers

Additional Information