About Saint Nicholas of Tolentino:
Born of a poor family in 1245, he joined the Augustinian Order while a young man, after hearing the inspired preaching of Reginaldo da Monterubbiano, Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian monastery in Sant’ Angelo. He became noted not only for his preaching but also his spirit of prayer, penance, austerity of life and devotion to the Holy Souls. He gave special attention to those who had fallen away from the Church. People considered him a miracle worker.
He often fasted and performed other works of penance. He spent long hours in prayer.
The story is told that, one day, having fasted for a long time, Nicholas was physically weak. While at prayer, Jesus told him to eat some bread marked with a cross and soaked in water in order to regain his strength. This is the origin of the Augustinian custom of blessing and distributing Saint Nicholas Bread in his memory.
Another story relates that Nicholas, while asleep in bed, heard the voice of a deceased friar he had known. This friar told Nicholas that he was in Purgatory, and urged him to celebrate the Eucharist for him and other souls there, so that they would be set free by the power of Christ. Nicholas did so for seven days. The friar again spoke to Nicholas, thanking him and assuring him that a large number of souls were now with God.
Because of this, Nicholas was proclaimed Patron Saint of the souls in Purgatory. He is also considered the patron saint against epidemic disease and against fires.
Nicholas died on September 10, 1305 and was Canonized in 1446 by Pope Eugene IV.
We celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino on September 10 each year.
An interesting note: Each priest, at his ordination makes his Perpetual Profession of Vows, also known as final profession, the final stage in joining a religious order where a person makes lifelong vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. On June 19, 1982 when Father Robert Francis Prevost (also an Augustinian like Nicholas of Tolentino), was ordained, he chose Saint Nicholas of Tolentino as his patron. Of course, Father Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV.
The body of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino was discovered in 1926 thanks to the efforts of Father Nicola Fusconi and the Crypt was constructed in 1932 to house his body. It became the center of devotion to the saint
Images above: Opening of the feast of the Bread of St. Nicholas with the Holy Mass presided over by S. E. Card. Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna.
Traveling to The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in Tolentino, Italy:
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino is part of the Augustinian monastery in the hill-town of Tolentino in central Italy. Tolentino is 52 miles (83 km) east of Assisi and 177 miles (285 km) southeast of Bologna. The closest large city is Macerata, the provincial capital.
There is no direct train from Rome to Tolentino; however, there are services departing from Rome Termini station and arriving at Tolentino station via Fabriano. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours, 30 minutes.
Address: Piazza, Traversa S. Nicola, 62029 Tolentino MC, Italy
Tel: +39 0733 976311 Fax: +39 0733/976343
E-Mail: info@sannicoladatolentino.org
Visit the official website of The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in Tolentino, Italy.