Born in 1245 in Ancona, Italy, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino was a cherished child, for his parents had longed for a child for many years. Their prayers and pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Nicholas of Bari were answered with his birth, and in gratitude, they named their son after the saint.
From an early age, Nicholas felt a strong pull towards the priesthood. Despite suggestions from family friends to pursue a prestigious and wealthy parish, Nicholas sought a more profound connection with God. His direction became clear one day when he overheard a passionate sermon by an Augustinian priest, Father Reginald, who spoke about the fleeting nature of worldly love. This sermon resonated deeply with Nicholas, leading him to join the Augustinian Friars, under the guidance of Father Reginald.
At the age of eighteen, Nicholas took his vows and continued his journey to become a priest. He was ordained around 1270 and dedicated himself to spreading God’s Word through preaching. A divine call during prayer led him to Tolentino, where he would spend the next thirty years of his life.
Tolentino was a town fraught with political turmoil, leading many away from the church. Recognizing the need to reach out, the Augustinian Friars initiated street-preaching, with Nicholas at the forefront. His heartfelt sermons in public spaces drew many back to the path of faith, leading to repentance and a renewed connection with God.
But Nicholas’s service wasn’t limited to preaching. In the impoverished areas, he provided solace to the lonely, administering sacraments to the sick, caring for children, and visiting prisoners. Miraculous events were often associated with him, including healing a sick child with a simple prayer.
After a year-long illness, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino passed away on September 10, 1305.
He was canonized as a saint in 1446 by Pope Eugene IV.
Photo credit: Public Domain via The Met
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