Saint Berardo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Berardo
Bishop of Teramo
Died	19 December 1123 Teramo, Italy
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Major shrine	St. Anne's Chapel in Teramo Cathedral
Feast	19 December
Patronage	Teramo, Italy

Saint Berardo lived a long time ago, from the 11th century until December 19, 1123. He is an Italian saint. People in the city of Teramo, Italy, and the surrounding church area (called a diocese) consider him their special protector.

The Life of Saint Berardo

Early Years and Becoming a Monk

Berardo was born into a noble family called da Pagliara. Their family castle was near a town called Isola del Gran Sasso in the Abruzzo region of Italy. We know about his life from old church records. We also learn from stories written by Bishop Sassone, who came after Berardo.

When Berardo was a young man, he joined a monastery in Montecassino. Later, he was connected to another important church, the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere.

Helping People in Teramo

Berardo became known for his kindness and good deeds. When the local leader, Bishop Uberto, passed away, people asked Berardo to become a pastor in the Teramo area.

He took on this important role in 1116 and served for seven years. Berardo worked hard to help poor people. He also tried to bring peace between different groups who were fighting in the city.

His Passing and Burial

Berardo died in 1123. He was buried in a place now known as St. Anne's Chapel. This chapel is inside the old Teramo Cathedral, which was once called Santa Maria Aprutiensis.

This chapel was one of the few places that were not destroyed. The city of Teramo was attacked and burned by a Norman commander named Roberto di Loretello.

Moving His Remains

Around the year 1174, Bishop Attone decided to move Berardo's remains. They were moved to the newly finished cathedral of Teramo. First, they rested in a special underground room called a crypt for 600 years.

Then, in 1776, they were moved again. The people of Teramo built a special chapel to honor him. This happened when Bishop Pirelli was in charge.

How Saint Berardo is Remembered

Feast Day and Miracles

People celebrate The Feast of Saint Berardo every year on December 19. This day remembers when Berardo died.

Many people believe that Berardo performed several miracles. These are special events that cannot be explained by science.

Art and Statues

You can find several artworks honoring Saint Berardo in Teramo Cathedral. There is a silver bust (a statue of his head and shoulders) from the 1500s. There is also a silver likeness of his arm from the 1600s, showing him giving a blessing.

A stone statue of Berardo once covered his crypt. Now, it stands at the top of a chapel built in his honor. Inside the cathedral's sacristy (a room where sacred items are kept), there is a painting from the 1600s. It is by a Polish artist named Sebastiano Majeski and is called The Miracle of Saint Berardo.

Another painting in the cathedral is by Giuseppe Bonolis. It shows The Virgin Mary and Saint Berardo liberating the city of Teramo from the siege of the Duke of Atri. Many other artworks also show scenes from Berardo's life.

In 1973, a person named Raffaele Aurini collected many pictures and prints about Berardo. This collection helps us learn a lot about the saint's life and how he has been shown in art.

Honoring His Memory

Over the years, the leaders of Teramo have sometimes lit a large candle each year to honor Berardo. Other times, they have stopped this tradition.

See also

In Spanish: Bernardo da Pagliara para niños