St. John of Pulsano

Saint John of Pulsano, also known as Giovanni di Matera, Giovanni Scalcione, John of Matera, or John of Mathera, was a Benedictine monk and a renowned figure in Catholic history. Born around 1070 in Matera, a town in the Basilicata region of Italy, John led a life of great austerity and spiritual devotion. As a young man, John joined the Montevergine Abbey in Italy, where he became a monk under the guidance of his close friend and spiritual director, Saint William of Vercelli. John's life of rigorous asceticism and dedication to his faith soon gained him a reputation and made him a popular preacher in the city of Bari. However, John's austere lifestyle and commitment to holiness did not sit well with some of his brothers within the monastery. They perceived his exemplary practices as a constant reminder of their own shortcomings and felt overshadowed by his virtuous example. This led to enmity towards John and created a sense of jealousy among his fellow monks. In time, John's spiritual journey led him to found the Saint Mary of Pulsano Abbey in Pulsano, Italy. He became the abbot of the monastery and built a new congregation around it. Saint John's vision for the abbey emphasized a life of prayer, deep contemplation, and a commitment to serving God and the community. One of the most well-known representations of Saint John of Pulsano is depicted in artwork where he is shown driving away the devil with a rod. This portrayal symbolizes his unwavering devotion and his ability to combat the forces of evil through his faith. Saint John of Pulsano passed away in 1139 in Pulsano, Italy, from natural causes. He was laid to rest in a niche in a cave within the church at Saint Mary of Pulsano Abbey. However, in 1830, his relics were translated to the Matera Cathedral, where they were enshrined. In 1939, a new sarcophagus was constructed to house these sacred relics. Saint John of Pulsano was officially canonized as a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1177. His canonization acknowledges his exceptional spiritual life, commitment to austerity, and his role in founding the Saint Mary of Pulsano Abbey. While he may not have a patron saint designation, Saint John's life and example continue to inspire Catholics around the world to seek holiness and live a life of devotion to God.

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