Blessed Luke Belludi
Stored in Cargo: Blessed Luke Belludi
| Blessed Luke Belludi | |
| Feast Day | February 17 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Students |
| Birthplace | Padua, Italy |
| Death Place | Padua, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Padua, Italy |
Blessed Luke Belludi was a 13th-century Italian Franciscan friar from Padua, renowned for his close companionship with Saint Anthony of Padua and his role in continuing Anthony’s mission after his death. Born around 1200 into a noble family in Padua, Luke joined the Franciscans at age 20 after being inspired by St. Anthony’s preaching in 1220. He became Anthony’s trusted companion, assisting in missions across northern Italy and caring for him in his final days in 1231. Following Anthony’s death, Luke took up leadership roles, including guardian of the Friars Minor in Padua, and later provincial minister, founding convents and overseeing the completion of the Basilica of Saint Anthony.
Despite facing exile during the tyrannical rule of Ezzelino III da Romano in 1239, Luke secretly returned to Padua, praying at Anthony’s tomb for the city’s deliverance. His prayers were answered in 1256 when Padua was liberated, an event attributed to his intercession and a miraculous voice from Anthony’s tomb. Known for his prudence, humility, and miracles, Luke died around 1285 and was buried near Anthony’s relics in the basilica. Pope Pius XI beatified him on May 18, 1927, and his feast day, February 17, is celebrated particularly among Franciscans, where he is invoked as a patron of students.
Biography
Birth
Blessed Luke Belludi was born around 1200 in Padua, Italy, to a noble family known for its wealth and prominence in the city. The exact date of his birth is uncertain, typical of records from this period, but his upbringing in a cultured environment provided him with access to education, likely at the University of Padua. His family’s status afforded him a privileged childhood, contrasting with the simplicity he later embraced as a Franciscan.
Little is known of his early years beyond his noble lineage and intellectual inclinations. His encounter with Saint Anthony in 1220 would prove to be the defining moment that redirected his life from worldly pursuits to spiritual dedication.
Early Life
Luke’s early life was marked by academic promise, as he was a student, possibly at the renowned University of Padua, one of Europe’s oldest universities. His education equipped him with a strong foundation in theology and rhetoric, skills that later aided his ministry. Unlike many of his peers, he avoided the excesses of student life, preferring solitude and holy pursuits.
In 1220, at around age 20, Luke heard Saint Anthony of Padua preach a sermon on conversion. Deeply moved, he approached Anthony, humbly requesting to join the followers of Saint Francis. Anthony, recognizing Luke’s talent and purity, recommended him to Francis, who personally received him into the Order of Friars Minor.
Occupation
Before his religious life, Luke had no formal profession, relying on his family’s wealth and status as a nobleman. His "occupation" was that of a student, preparing for a life that might have followed a scholarly or civic path had he not chosen a religious vocation. His intellectual gifts were evident, but they found their true purpose in service to the Church.
After joining the Franciscans, Luke’s work became his ministry. Ordained a priest in 1227, he dedicated himself to preaching and assisting Anthony, transitioning from a life of privilege to one of evangelical poverty and service.
Vocation
Luke’s vocation began in earnest when he donned the Franciscan habit in 1220, reportedly blessed by Saint Francis himself. Under Anthony’s guidance, he accompanied the saint on missions to Padua, Rimini, and other regions, honing his skills in preaching and prayer. After Anthony’s death in 1231, Luke assumed greater responsibility, becoming guardian of the Friars Minor in Padua and later provincial minister.
His leadership was tested in 1239 when Padua fell to Ezzelino III da Romano. Exiled but undeterred, Luke returned in secret, praying at Anthony’s tomb for liberation. His faith and persistence were rewarded in 1256, cementing his reputation as a holy man. He also founded convents and oversaw the basilica’s completion, leaving a lasting Franciscan legacy.
Death
Blessed Luke Belludi met his end peacefully around February 17, 1285, dying of natural causes in Padua at approximately 85 years old. His long life of service ended quietly, a contrast to the tumultuous events he had endured. He was buried in the Basilica of Saint Anthony, initially in the same sarcophagus as his mentor, a testament to their bond.
His tomb became a site of veneration soon after, with reports of miracles enhancing his reputation. In 1971, his relics were moved to the Chapel of Blessed Luke within the basilica, where they remain a focus of devotion.
Significant events
- Joined the Franciscan Order in 1220 under Saint Anthony’s recommendation to Saint Francis.
- Became guardian of the Friars Minor in Padua after Anthony’s death in 1231.
- Oversaw the completion of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua in the mid-13th century.
- Prayed for and witnessed the liberation of Padua from Ezzelino III da Romano in 1256.
- Elected provincial minister, founding multiple Franciscan convents.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Padua, Italy
Death location: Padua, Italy
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
| Blessed Luke Belludi |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Luke Belludi as a Servant of God likely began informally soon after his death in 1285, with devotion growing in Padua. The formal investigation into his life and virtues started in the early 20th century, led by the Franciscans in the Diocese of Padua, where he lived and died.
Venerable
There is no distinct record of Luke being declared Venerable, as the beatification process in the early 20th century sometimes bypassed this step for historical figures with longstanding cults. His heroic virtue was implicitly affirmed by his beatification.
Beatification
Beatified on May 18, 1927, by Pope Pius XI in Vatican City, after the confirmation of a miracle involving his intercession for Padua’s liberation in 1256. This event, tied to a voice from Anthony’s tomb, was deemed miraculous, allowing regional veneration as "Blessed."
Canonization
Luke Belludi has not been canonized, remaining at the Blessed stage. No second miracle has been officially confirmed to advance his cause to sainthood, though his veneration persists among Franciscans and students.
Miracles
Miracle for Beatification
The miracle for Luke’s beatification centers on his intercession leading to Padua’s liberation from Ezzelino III da Romano in 1256. Exiled in 1239, Luke returned secretly and prayed at Anthony’s tomb. One night, he and another friar heard a voice from the tomb promising deliverance, which occurred soon after when the tyrant’s rule ended.
This event, documented in Franciscan tradition, was accepted as miraculous by the Church in 1927. It highlighted Luke’s faith and his spiritual connection to Anthony, reinforcing his sanctity.
Miracle for Canonization
No miracle has been confirmed for canonization, as Luke remains Blessed. Further miracles are required for him to be declared a saint, though anecdotal reports of healings and favors persist.
Other Notable Miracles
- Healing of a mortally ill child during his lifetime, attributed to his prayers with Anthony’s aid.
- Various favors granted to students invoking his intercession, enhancing his patronage.
Patronage
Blessed Luke Belludi is the patron saint of students.
Feast Day
The feast day of Blessed Luke Belludi is celebrated on February 17, primarily among Franciscans.
Veneration
Blessed Luke Belludi is venerated through prayers and visits to his chapel in the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, where his relics rest. Students often seek his intercession for academic success. His legacy is depicted in frescoes by Giusto de’ Menabuoi in his chapel, showing his life and miracles. Relics remain a pilgrimage focus, influencing Franciscan devotion.
Books
Written About the Saint
- "The Franciscan Book of Saints" by Marion Habig, OFM
- Available historical accounts from the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua archives
Written by the Saint
- "Sermones Dominicales" (preserved in the Library of St. Anthony of Padua, attributed to his collaboration with Anthony)