Andrew Avellino

Saint Andrew Avellino was born in 1521 at Castronuovo in Basilicata (today Castronuovo di Sant’Andrea), Italy, and was baptized Lancelotto. Gifted in mind and presence, he studied in Venice and later in Naples, where he earned a doctorate in civil and canon law and was ordained a priest at twenty-six. Serving for a time in the ecclesiastical courts, he was soon entrusted with reforming a scandal-ridden convent. His courageous work restored discipline but provoked violent opposition, and he was badly wounded in an assault. During his recovery among the Theatines, he resolved to belong wholly to God and entered their young order, taking the name Andrew. As master of novices, superior, and founder of new Theatine houses, he labored for the renewal of clergy and people through preaching, confession, spiritual direction, and care for the sick, supporting the reforms of the Council of Trent. He died on November 10, 1608, struck by apoplexy as he began Mass, and is invoked especially against sudden death and for those suffering stroke. He is patron of Naples and Sicily, and also of Badolato, Castronuovo di Sant’Andrea, and Monasterace. His feast day is November 10.