Bl. John of Parma
Blessed John of Parma
Bl. John of Parma
When they lived:
Bl. John of Parma, also known as Blessed John of Parma, lived from 1209 to 1289.
Where they lived:
John of Parma was born in Parma, Italy, and spent much of his life within the Franciscan Order, traveling to various locations in Europe.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- The Mongol Empire: During John of Parma’s lifetime, the Mongol Empire, led by figures like Genghis Khan and later Kublai Khan, rapidly expanded its territory, impacting vast regions of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
- The Albigensian Crusade: The early 13th century saw the Albigensian Crusade in Southern France, a military campaign by the Catholic Church against the Cathars, a dualistic religious sect. This conflict resulted in significant religious and social changes in the region.
- The Seventh Crusade: In 1248, King Louis IX of France launched the Seventh Crusade to the Holy Land, an attempt to recapture Jerusalem and other territories from Muslim control. Despite initial successes, the Crusade ultimately ended in failure.
- The Medieval Inquisition: The 13th century marked the establishment of the Medieval Inquisition by Pope Gregory IX, aiming to suppress heresy within the Catholic Church and wider society. This led to various trials and persecutions of religious dissenters.
- The Magna Carta: In 1215, during John of Parma’s early years, the Magna Carta was signed in England, a significant document that limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for modern constitutional law.
- The Italian Renaissance: Towards the end of John of Parma’s life, the Italian Renaissance was starting to take shape, leading to a flourishing of art, literature, and scientific advancements.
Their patronage:
Bl. John of Parma is considered a patron saint of Franciscan students and scholars. His life was marked by a deep devotion to learning and intellectual pursuits within the Franciscan Order, making him a fitting intercessor for those seeking knowledge and wisdom.
Early Life
Blessed John of Parma was born circa 1209 in Parma, Italy. It was recorded that his family name was Buralli.
Blessed John was said to have been of noble descent. There is not much information about his parents or siblings.
Blessed John was trained and taught by his uncle, who was at the time a cleric at St. Lazarus Church. He was such an intelligent young man that, after completing his basic education, he was appointed tutor of philosophy.
He was pious and sought more spiritual knowledge. This caused him to join the Order of the Friars Minor at the age of 25. He dedicated his time and body to practicing religion.
Blessed John was humble and practiced poverty to help rid him of an annual anchor.
He was appointed priest and became a teacher at notable institutions like the Universities of Naples, Bologna, and finally Paris.
In July 1247, Blessed John was elected Minister General. This was partly influenced by Pope Innocent IV, who had taken a special liking to him.
Blessed John served for ten years until February 2, 1257.
Dedication and Devotion
All the activities carried out by Blessed John were documented thanks to a man called Salimbene. Salimbene worked and went everywhere with Blessed John.
Blessed John was hardworking and needed to see the whole of the Order. He went around from one community to the next on foot and mostly dressed poorly. He was said to always have been escorted by just one or two friars.
His first stop was England, where he was welcomed by King Henry III. There, he was impressed by the state of the Order and so traveled on to France.
In France, he was welcomed by King Louis IX. From then on, he passed through Burgundy and Provence. Finally, in September 1248, he set out for Spain.
In Spain, at the request of Pope Innocent, Blessed John hosted the Chapter of Metz. It was at this Chapter that he set up a new document to guide the order.
It was during this time that trouble began brewing between the mendicants and the University of Paris.
Blessed John fought for peace between both parties. Afterward, he wrote a letter that would be released in Milan in 1255. This letter was asking for peace between the warring Dominican and Franciscan Orders.
Legacy
Due to these disputes, Blessed John’s authority was undermined. This,and some other reasons caused by political challenges, caused Blessed John to leave his post.
It is recorded that Pope Alexander II might have been a key player in the resignation of Blessed John. Salimbene tried to convince Blessed John not to resign, but without success.
Blessed John resigned his office, certain that he could do nothing more to help the Order. He appointed Bonaventure as his replacement before disappearing into the hermitage.
Blessed John withdrew to the village of Greccio. There he lived inisolation. He lived there peacefully until he was once again summoned for a hearing due to some accusations made against him.
Blessed John was acquitted of these charges and once more returned to solitude. There he prayed, fasted, and meditated.
Death and Canonization
At the age of 80, in 1274, Blessed John made a decision to go and minister in Greece. He was permitted by Pope Nicolas IV.
Blessed John died in a monastery on the 19th of March, 1289.
Pope Pius VI announced his beatification in 1777. He was canonized pre-Congregation.
Blessed John is celebrated on the 20th of March.
5 Interesting Facts About Blessed John of Parma
- Did you know that Blessed John was one of the first Ministers of the
orders of Friars Minor? - Did you know that Blessed John is also said to have studied in
Paris? - Did you know that Blessed John was such a good evangelist that even
the powerful traveled to hear him speak? - Did you know that Blessed John was the first Minister General to
visit the whole Order? - Did you know that miracles were said to have been recorded at
Blessed John’s tomb?
Prayer to Blessed John of Parma
You stayed true to your faith by advocating for the successful return of a simple way of living through the Franciscan order advocated by Saint Francis. May we stay true to our beliefs, especially regarding our faith in God, and seek to bring his works to others, especially the elderly in need. Amen.
Source:[https://clicktopray.org/blessed-john-of-parma-45952/]{.ul}
