Bienheureux Jacques Benfatti
Prêtre dominicain (✝ 1332)
Dominicain natif de Mantoue en Italie, il était maître en théologie. Elu évêque de sa ville natale en 1303, il était surnommé le père des pauvres. Son culte fut confirmé en 1859.
À Mantoue en Lombardie, l’an 1332, le bienheureux Jacques Benfatti, évêque, de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs, qui apaisa les luttes dans la cité et soulagea le peuple souffrant de la peste et de la faim.
Martyrologe romain
Also Known as Blessed James of Mantua
Memorial Day: November 26th
Profile
James Benefatti, Bishop of Mantua was a famous man in his time; it is unfortunate that he is so little known in ours. James was born in Mantua, in the latter half of the thirteenth century, and entered the Order at the convent in his native city, probably around the year 1290 he was both a learned and holy priest, and these qualities brought him to the attention of his brother Dominican, Nicholas Boccasino, the future Pope Benedict XI. As Cardinal, Nicholas chose for his companion the young Dominican from Mantua. He employed him in various offices in Rome and recommended to other high-ranking prelates. Consequently, James found himself kept busy in diplomatic offices by several popes - Benedict XI and John XXII among them. The latter named him bishop of his hometown of Mantua, and he went to take over his See in 1320.
For eighteen years, James occupied the See of Mantua and accomplished great good among the people. He rebuilt and refurnished the cathedral and worked many miracles among his flock. At his death in 1338, many remarkable miracles occurred and he was called "Blessed James" by people who were grateful for his favors. Nearly a 150 years after his death when repairs where being made in the church where he was buried, an accident opened his tomb and people where startled to find that his body was completely incorrupt. Again in 1604, the same phenomenon was noted.
Born: 13th century in Mantua, Italy
Died: died in 1338
Beatified: Pope Pius IX elevated him to the dignity of the Blessed in 1859
Prayers/Commemorations
First Vespers:
Ant. Strengthened by holy intercession, O James , Confessor of the Lord, those here present , that we who are burdened the weight of our offenses. Maybe relieved by the glory of thy blessedness, and may thy guidance attain eternal rewards.
V. Pray for us, Blessed James .
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Lauds:
Ant. Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful in a few things, I will set thee over many, saith the Lord.
V. The just man shall blossom like the lily.
R. And shall flourish forever the Lord.
Second Vespers:
Ant. I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock.
V. Pray for us, Blessed James
R. That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.
Prayer
Let us Pray: O God, who didst give unto James, Thy Confessor and Bishop, the grace to fulfill with faithfulness all the duties of a good shepherd, grant us , through his intercession, that walking in the path of Thy commandments we may deserve to be placed amongst the sheep of Thy pasture forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed James Benfatti, OP B (AC)
(also known as James of Mantua)
Born in Mantua, Italy; died there in 1338; cultus confirmed 1859 by Pope Pius IX. James Benefatti, bishop of Mantua, was a famous man in his time; it is unfortunate that he is so little known in ours.
James entered the Dominican convent in his home town about 1290. He was both a master in theology and a holy priest. These qualities brought him to the attention of his brother Dominican, Nicholas Boccasino, the future Pope Benedict XI. As cardinal, Nicholas chose the young Dominican from Mantua for his companion. He employed him in various offices in Rome and recommended him to other high-ranking prelates. Consequently, James found himself kept busy in diplomatic offices by several popes--Benedict XI and John XXII among them.
For 18 years after being consecrated (1303) bishop of Mantua by Pope John XXII in 1320, James occupied the see and accomplished great good among the people, meriting his title of "Father of the Poor." He rebuilt and refurnished the cathedral and worked many miracles among his flock. At his death in 1338, many remarkable miracles occurred, and he was called "Blessed James" by people who were grateful for his intercession. Nearly 150 years after his death, when repairs were being made in the church where he was buried, an accident opened his tomb, and people were startled to find that his body was completely incorrupt. Again in 1604, the same phenomenon was noted (Attwater 2, Benedictines, Dorcy).