John of Tufara

Saint John of Tufara was born in 1084 in Tufara, Italy. From his youth he felt a strong pull toward God, a desire so intense that it strained his relationship with his parents, Mainardo and Maria. At eighteen he left for Paris, hoping to pursue a more devoted life, but the noise and bustle of the city only deepened his longing for silence. Returning home, he found his parents had died. After a brief time with his brother Benedetto, John gave away his possessions to the poor and withdrew to the caves near Baselice, embracing the hidden life of a hermit. For forty-six years he lived in prayer and austerity, drawing others who were inspired by his simplicity and love of God. In 1156, with authorization from Pope Adrian IV, he founded the monastery of Santa Maria di Gualdo Mazzocca at Foiano di Val Fortore, which became a place of prayer and help for the needy. Worn by fever and exhaustion, he died there on November 14, 1170. He is venerated as patron of Tufara and Foiano di Val Fortore. His feast day is November 14.