Berardo dei Marsi

Blessed Berardo dei Marsi was born in 1079 in the region of Marsi in central Italy, to Berardo and Theodosia. From childhood he was formed in prayer and learning among the canons of the cathedral of Santa Sabina, and he deepened his studies at Monte Cassino from 1095 to 1102. His gifts for administration and fidelity to the Church led Pope Paschal II to entrust him with governance in Campagna, and in 1099 the pope raised him to the College of Cardinals, first as a cardinal-deacon and later as a cardinal-priest. In 1113 Berardo was appointed Bishop of Marsi, where he became known as a courageous reformer. With pastoral firmness he opposed simony and urged the renewal of clerical life, including the practice of celibacy, seeking a clergy marked by integrity and devotion. Near the end of his life he foretold the day of his death, and in his will he gave his possessions to the poor. He died on November 3, 1130, and is honored as patron of Colli di Monte Bove and Pescina. His feast day is November 3.