Gonçalo de Amarante

Saint Gonçalo de Amarante was born in 1187 in Portugal to a noble family. Tradition recalls that even as an infant at his baptism he fixed his gaze on the crucifix, a sign of the love for Christ that would mark his whole life. Ordained a priest by the Archbishop of Braga, he embraced simplicity of heart, distributing his wealth to his nephews and serving faithfully in the parish of Saint Paio de Vizela. Longing to deepen his devotion, he obtained permission to make a pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem, venerating the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul before journeying onward. After more than a decade he returned, changed by prayer and austerity, only to be rejected by the nephew he had left in charge. In this humiliation he discerned God’s call to the Order of Preachers, living as a Dominican hermit in service of the people. Beloved for his charity, he is remembered for building a bridge over the Tâmega River and for miracles that provided food and drink for laborers. He died on January 10, 1259; his feast is celebrated on January 10, and he is honored as patron of Amarante and places bearing his name.