Feast of St. Thomas Bellacci, patron of butchers.
Thomas of Fiesole’s life is a truly remarkable journey from deep personal turmoil to recognized sanctity. Born the son of a humble butcher, his early years were marked by a wild and dissolute lifestyle so notorious that parents would go as far as warning their children to avoid any contact with him. His reputation suffered even further when he was falsely accused of a serious crime, an event that plunged him into despair and led him to wander the streets aimlessly, feeling lost and hopeless. It was during this darkest period of his life that Thomas encountered a compassionate and understanding priest who not only listened carefully to his troubled story but also took him in, offering shelter and support while tirelessly working to clear Thomas’s name. Deeply shaken by this act of kindness and inspired profoundly by the priest’s example of forgiveness and charity, Thomas made the life-changing decision to completely renounce his former ways. He wholeheartedly embraced a new life centered on prayer and penance and eventually joined the Franciscan order as a lay brother in Fiesole, Italy.
As a Franciscan friar, Thomas became an extraordinary model of humility and asceticism. He practiced rigorous fasting, kept long vigils through the night, disciplined himself with unwavering dedication, and even wore the discarded and worn-out clothes of his brethren as a sign of his humility. Despite never being ordained as a priest, his spiritual depth and dedication were so impressive that he was entrusted with the important role of novice master, guiding many young men in their journey towards holiness and religious commitment. Thomas’ influence extended far beyond the boundaries of Fiesole. He was instrumental in founding several friaries in southern Italy and the island of Corsica, significantly strengthening the Franciscan presence and mission in these areas. His holiness and leadership earned him recognition from Pope Martin V, who entrusted Thomas with the critical task of preaching across Tuscany to combat the spread of the Fraticelli, a sect considered heretical by the Church.
Even well into his seventies, Thomas remained tireless in his missionary zeal, undertaking challenging journeys abroad to Syria and Abyssinia with the goal of promoting the reunification of the Eastern and Western Churches. His unwavering faith in this cause eventually led to his imprisonment, where he courageously expected martyrdom for his beliefs. Fortunately, the Vatican was able to secure his release through a ransom. After returning to Italy, Thomas died while traveling to Rome, where he had intended to seek official permission to return to the East for further missionary work. His legacy endures as a powerful testament to transformation, selfless service, and profound spiritual commitment within the Franciscan tradition.
