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.
Canonized in 1446 by Pope Eugene IV. 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 we celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino on September 10 each year.
About The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino:
The body of Saint Nicholas 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.
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.
Address: Piazza, Traversa S. Nicola, 62029 Tolentino MC, Italy
Tel: +39 0733 976311
Click here for the official website of The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino