Faritius facts for kids
Faritius (also known as Faricius) (died 1117) was an important Italian monk and doctor who lived a long time ago. He became the leader, or Abbot, of Abingdon Abbey in England and was also a skilled physician, which means a doctor.
Faritius's Life
Faritius was born in a place called Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy. He was a Benedictine monk, which is a member of a religious order. People knew him as a very good doctor and someone who loved books and learning.
He came to England around 1078. He was present when the remains of St. Aldhelm were moved. Later, in 1100, while he was working at Malmesbury Abbey, he was chosen to be the abbot of Abingdon. King Henry I approved his election, partly because Faritius was already, or soon became, the king's own doctor.
Faritius officially became abbot on November 1st. His first big project was to fix up the abbey buildings. He also rebuilt a large part of the church, including the eastern end, the transepts (parts that stick out like arms), and the central tower. He made the abbey richer by getting land and gifts. He also had many books about religion and medicine copied for the library. He was generous to the monks and increased their number from twenty-eight to eighty. He could do all this because of the money he earned from his work as a doctor.
In 1114, King Henry I wanted Faritius to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The position had been empty for five years. However, other bishops did not agree. They were worried that Faritius, being Italian and very strict about church rules, might cause new problems for the church. They also said it would not be proper for a doctor who treated women to become an archbishop. So, the king chose someone else, Ralph d'Escures, instead.
Faritius's Writings
Faritius wrote a book called 'Life of St. Aldhelm'. Another writer, William of Malmesbury, later commented on this work. Faritius's book is believed to be an anonymous 'Life' found in an old manuscript. It has been published in collections of saints' lives. He is also said to have written letters and a work arguing that babies who die without being baptized cannot be saved.
