Edit Saints: Bl. John of Parma

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'''Blessed John of Parma''', born '''Giovanni Buralli''', was a significant figure in the Franciscan Order, serving as its seventh Minister General from 1247 to 1257. Initially a philosophy professor in Parma, he joined the Franciscans at twenty-five, dedicating himself to a life of poverty and humility. His leadership aimed to restore the Order's original spirit post-Saint Francis, traveling extensively to visit Franciscan communities. Despite facing opposition and resigning due to perceived inability to enact reforms, he nominated Saint Bonaventure as his successor and retired to Greccio, where he lived for thirty years. His life was marked by humility, scholarship, and efforts to unify the Church, notably in his later attempt to reconcile the schismatic Greeks, during which he fell ill and died. ==Biography== === Birth === John was born around 1209 in Parma, Italy, into the noble Buralli family. === Early Life === Educated by his uncle, a chaplain, John excelled in philosophy, becoming a teacher in his hometown before joining the Franciscans. === Occupation === Before his religious life, he was a philosophy professor; later, he served as a theologian and Minister General of the Franciscans. === Vocation === His vocation was deeply rooted in the Franciscan ideals of poverty and humility, leading him to teach and preach across Italy and France, eventually becoming Minister General. === Death === John met his end peacefully from natural causes on March 19, 1289, in Camerino, Italy, while on a mission to reconcile the Eastern Church. ==Significant events== * Elected seventh Minister General of the Franciscan Order in 1247. * Visited Franciscan provinces in England, France, and Italy, notably meeting King Henry III and St. Louis IX. * Served as papal legate to Constantinople to negotiate with the schismatic Greeks. * Resigned in 1257, nominating Saint Bonaventure as his successor, and retired to Greccio. ==Parishes== {{Saint parish map|Where=Blessed John of Parma|zoom=7|Saint=Blessed John of Parma}} ==Canonization== === Servant of God === The process to recognize John as a Servant of God would have begun posthumously, based on his virtuous life and contributions to the Church. === Venerable === Declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue, though specific dates are not well-documented. === Beatification === Beatified in 1777 by Pope Pius VI, acknowledging his contributions to the Franciscan Order and the Church. === Canonization === John has not been canonized but is venerated as Blessed. ==Miracles== No specific miracles are well-documented for his beatification: === Miracle for beatification === Not specifically documented. === Miracle for canonization === Not applicable since he has not been canonized. === Other notable miracles === - Numerous miracles were reported at his tomb post-death, contributing to his veneration. ==Patronage== Blessed John of Parma is the patron saint of Franciscan students and scholars, reflecting his life of learning and intellectual pursuits. ==Feast day== Blessed John of Parma's feast day is celebrated on March 20. ==Veneration== John is venerated through Franciscan traditions, with his legacy preserved in Greccio, where he spent his retirement. His life is remembered for his humility and efforts in Church unity, influencing Franciscan spirituality. ==Books== === Written about the saint === * [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-john-of-parma/ Franciscan Media - Blessed John of Parma] * [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08466b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia - Blessed John of Parma] === Written by the saint === - Some works attributed to him, such as "Dialogus de vitis ss. Fratrum Minorum," though authorship is debated. ==External links== * [https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-john-of-parma/ Catholic Saints Info - Blessed John of Parma] * [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3186 Catholic Online - Blessed John of Parma] * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Parma Wikipedia - John of Parma] ==References== {{Reflist}}