Venturino of Bergamo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Servant of GodVenturino of Bergamo OP |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 9 April 1304 Bergamo, Italy |
| Died | 28 March 1346 (aged 41) Smyrna, Ottoman Empire |
Venturino of Bergamo (born April 9, 1304 – died March 28, 1346) was an Italian Dominican preacher. He is currently being considered for beatification, which is an important step towards becoming a saint.
Contents
Venturino's Early Life
Venturino was born in Bergamo, a city in Italy. When he was 15 years old, on January 22, 1319, he joined the Dominican Order. This order is a group of religious people also known as the Friars Preachers.
Becoming a Famous Preacher
From 1328 to 1335, Venturino became very well-known. He traveled and preached in many cities across northern Italy. People admired his sermons and his way of speaking.
The Big Pilgrimage and a Misunderstanding
In February 1335, Venturino planned a special trip. He wanted to lead about 30,000 of his followers on a pilgrimage to Rome. A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place.
Pope Benedict XII's Concerns
At this time, Pope Benedict XII lived in Avignon, France. He heard about Venturino's large group. The Pope misunderstood Venturino's intentions. He worried that Venturino might be trying to become a rival pope.
The Pope sent letters to officials in Rome. He asked them to stop the pilgrimage. However, Venturino did not receive these messages.
Arrival in Rome and Imprisonment
Venturino and his followers arrived in Rome on March 21, 1335. He was welcomed and preached in several churches. But just 12 days later, he left Rome suddenly. The pilgrimage ended in confusion.
In June, Venturino asked to meet Pope Benedict XII in Avignon. Instead of a meeting, he was arrested. He was then put in prison, where he stayed for eight years, from 1335 to 1343.
Later Life and the Crusade
Venturino was finally released from prison. He regained the favor of the next Pope, Pope Clement VI. On January 4, 1344, Pope Clement VI gave Venturino an important job. He was asked to preach about a crusade against the Turks. A crusade was a religious war, often to protect Christian lands.
Leading a Crusade
Venturino was very successful in encouraging people to join the crusade. He suggested that Humbert II of Dauphiné should lead it. Venturino had been a friend and spiritual guide to Humbert. However, Humbert was not a strong leader, and the crusade did not succeed.
Venturino's own writings included sermons, which are now lost, and letters. He died in Smyrna, a city that is now in Turkey.
