Gerard Segarelli facts for kids

Gerard Segarelli (born around 1240 – died July 18, 1300) was the person who started a religious group called the Apostolic Brethren. This group was also known as Apostolici in Latin. Sadly, he was put to death in the year 1300.

The Story of Gerard Segarelli

Gerard was born in a place called Segalara, which was close to Parma in Italy. When he was young, he tried to join a Franciscan monastery in Parma. A monastery is a place where monks live and worship. However, he was not allowed to join. Some people said it was because he wasn't very educated or from a high-ranking family.

Even though he was turned away, Gerard often visited the monastery's church. He would sit or kneel in front of the altar, which is a special table used in religious services. He might have been inspired by a picture of the twelve Apostles above the altar. The Apostles were the main followers of Jesus. Gerard decided to live like them. He let his beard and hair grow long and wore simple, rough clothes.

Starting a New Way of Life

In 1260, Gerard was inspired by a Bible verse that said, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor." He took this seriously. Gerard sold everything he owned and gave the money to poor people in the market of Parma.

After this, Gerard walked through the streets, telling people to change their ways and ask for forgiveness. He did this for three years. Then, a man named Robert, who used to work for the Franciscans, joined him. Soon, about 30 more people joined Gerard.

The Apostolic Brethren Grow

Gerard started preaching in other cities, and more and more poor people became his followers. At first, he wasn't sure about being their leader, but he eventually agreed. The group would walk through the streets, singing religious songs. They preached to anyone who would listen and shared any food they received with other poor people.

This movement became very popular. It spread not only in Italy but also to countries like Germany, France, Spain, and England.

Facing Challenges

As the group grew, they started to face problems with the authorities. In some places, like Würzburg and Chichester, leaders made rules against them. These rules said the Apostolic Brethren could not preach or beg for food. People were also warned not to help them by giving them food or water. It's not completely clear if all these groups were directly connected to Gerard, but they had many similar ideas.

Later, in 1300, followers of the Apostolic Brethren were found in Spain. One of them, Richard of Alexandria, was very good at preaching, especially in a region called Galicia. Years later, in 1320, one of Richard's followers was questioned by the Inquisition in Toulouse. The Inquisition was a powerful group within the Church that investigated people suspected of going against Church teachings.

Gerard's Final Years

The followers of Gerard Segarelli had a lot of success in Italy, especially in a region called Lombardy. But this success also brought them enemies. In 1280, the bishop of Parma heard that Gerard was speaking against the Church. The bishop had Gerard arrested right away. After questioning him, the authorities thought he was just a poor, confused person and let him go.

However, in 1286, probably because of pressure from the Inquisition, the Bishop banned Gerard from the city. It seems Gerard secretly returned to his hometown in 1294, breaking the ban. He was arrested again. This time, he was forced to admit his mistakes and was sentenced to prison for life. Four of his followers were put to death.

It's not fully understood why, but in 1300, Gerard was questioned again by the Grand Inquisitor of Parma. He was found guilty of repeating the same mistakes he had promised to stop. Because of this, he was put to death.

See also

• Fra Dolcino