Ubald

Saint Ubald of Gubbio was born around 1084 in Gubbio, Umbria, the only son of the noble Rovaldo and Guiliana Baldassini. Orphaned while still young, he was raised by his uncle, the bishop of Gubbio, and formed in the cathedral community, where he became a canon regular. Ordained about 1114, Ubald devoted himself to reforming clerical life with humility and fidelity, even traveling to Ravenna to learn approved statutes for canons and bringing them home to renew his own chapter. He gave his inheritance to the poor and to the restoration of monasteries, and though he refused other bishoprics, he was chosen and consecrated bishop of Gubbio in 1128. As shepherd, Ubald was renowned for patience, heroic gentleness, and a healing charity that forgave injuries and calmed civic unrest. In times of conflict he defended his people, and even won the respect of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who spared the city. After a long illness, he died in 1160 and was canonized in 1192. He is patron of Gubbio and also of Barchi, Brugnetto, Civitella del Tronto, Petrignano, and Taranta Peligna. His feast day is May 16.