Luchesio Modestini

Blessed Luchesio Modestini was born around 1180 in the region of Poggibonsi in Tuscany, possibly in the small village of Gaggiano. A contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi, he first sought success in worldly ways—serving for a time as a soldier and later becoming a merchant. Married to Buonadonna de’ Segni, he was known for a strong attachment to profit, and both spouses were reputed to be overly concerned with material gain. Grace, however, brought Luchesio to a profound conversion. Embracing a life of penance, he practiced prayer, fasting, and works of mercy with striking generosity. He and Buonadonna chose to remain married while living a more radical Gospel simplicity, giving away their goods, keeping only what was needed, and laboring with their own hands so they could feed the poor. Tradition holds that after meeting Francis in Poggibonsi, Luchesio and his wife became the first members of the Franciscan Order of Penance, the Third Order of Saint Francis, showing a path of holiness for lay people and married couples. He is venerated as a Blessed and is patron of Poggibonsi. His feast day is April 28.