Bonfilius facts for kids

"Saint Bonfilius" can also refer to Buonfiglio dei Monaldi, one of the founders of the Servite Order.

Quick facts for kids Saint Bonfilius
Bishop of Foligno
Born	1040 Osimo, Italy
Died	1125
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Major shrine	Cingoli Cathedral
Feast	27 September or 28 September (Foligno, Italy)
Attributes	Shepherd staff
Patronage	Foligno, Italy

Saint Bonfilius was an important Italian religious leader who lived a long time ago, from about 1040 to 1115. He was known as a saint, a monk, and a bishop. His life was full of learning, travel, and helping others.

Early Life and Becoming a Monk

Bonfilius was born in a town called Osimo in Italy. When he was young, he decided to become a monk. He joined a Benedictine monastery named Santa Maria di Storaco, near Filottrano.

Even though he was one of the youngest monks there, Bonfilius was very smart. He knew a lot about the Bible and religious writings. Because of his wisdom, the other monks chose him to be the abbot, which is the leader of the monastery.

Serving as a Bishop

Between the years 1072 and 1078, Bonfilius was chosen for an even bigger role. He became the bishop of Foligno, another city in Italy. As a bishop, he was a spiritual leader for many people.

He helped the church in many ways. For example, in 1078, he gave a special gift to the religious leaders of Folignano. He also encouraged a man named Mainardo to start a new monastery called the Sassovivo Abbey in 1080.

Journey to the Holy Land

In 1096, Bonfilius had a big dream: he wanted to visit the Holy Land. This was a very important religious journey, like a pilgrimage. He joined a group of people traveling there.

During the long and difficult trip, his companions sadly passed away one by one. Bonfilius bravely continued his journey and reached Jerusalem all by himself. In Jerusalem, he lived a simple life as a hermit until 1104. A hermit is someone who lives alone, often for religious reasons.

Returning Home and Final Years

When Bonfilius returned to Italy in 1104, he found that someone else, named Andreas, had become the bishop of Foligno. So, Bonfilius went back to his old monastery, Storaco.

Later, he decided to live as a hermit again. He spent his last years at a place called St. Maria of la Far, near Cingoli. Bonfilius passed away peacefully there on September 27, 1115.

Legacy and Remembrance

Saint Bonfilius's life inspired many people. One of his first biographers, or people who wrote about his life, was Saint Sylvester Gozzolini. Sylvester was so moved by Bonfilius's story that he later founded his own religious group called the Sylvestrines.

Bonfilius's remains, or what was left of his body, were later buried in the Cingoli Cathedral. People still remember him today. His feast day, which is a special day to celebrate him, is held on January 28 in Cingoli and on September 27 in Osimo.