Blessed Bernard of Scammacca
A nobleman from Catania who led a dissolute youth, Bernard of Scammaca converted and joined the Dominicans. He distinguished himself through his penances and mystical phenomena such as levitation. He died in 1486, his body was found incorrupt, and his cult was officially approved in 1825.
Contemporaries
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Guided reading
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BLESSED BERNARD OF SCAMMACA, DOMINICAN (1486).
Youth and conversion
Born into the nobility of Catania, Bernard abandoned a worldly and dissolute life to enter the Order of Preachers.
Born in Catan ia, Bernard of Scam maca belonged to a noble family; he first gave himself over to the pleasures of the world and led a dissolute life. God did not abandon him; he returned from his wanderings and entered the Order of P reachers. He devoted himself to works of frightening penance, and made himself so pleasing to God that he was seen raised several times from the ground during prayer, while his face shone with a supernatural radiance. He died in 1486. His body, exhumed a few years later, was found fresh and without corruption, a state in which it is still preserved today. On March 5 , 1825, Leo XII approved his cult.
Mystical Life and Penance
Leading a life of rigorous penance, he benefited from mystical graces such as levitation and transfiguration during prayer.
Born in Catania, Bernard of Scammaca belonged to a noble family; he initially gave himself over to the pleasures of the world and led a dissolute life. God did not abandon him; he returned from his wanderings and entered the Order of Preachers. He engaged in works of frightening penance and made himself so pleasing to God that he was seen raised several times from the ground during prayer, while his face shone with a supernatural radiance. He died in 1486. His body, exhumed a few years later, was found fresh and without corruption, a state in which it is still preserved today. On March 5, 1825, Leo XII approved his cult.
Death and Posterity
After his death in 1486, his body was found incorrupt and his cult was officially approved by Pope Leo XII in 1825.
Born in Catania, Bernard of Scammaca belonged to a noble family; he first gave himself over to the pleasures of the world and led a dissolute life. God did not abandon him; he returned from his wanderings and entered the Order of Preachers. He gave himself over to works of frightening penance, and made himself so pleasing to God that he was seen raised several times from the ground during prayer, while his face shone with a supernatural radiance. He died in 1486. His body, exhumed a few years later, was found fresh and without corruption, a state in which it is still preserved today. On March 5, 1825, Leo XII approved his cult.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
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The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Blessed Bernard of Scammacca
Frequently asked questions about Blessed Bernard of Scammacca
Who was Blessed Bernard of Scammacca?
A nobleman from Catania who led a dissolute youth, Bernard of Scammaca converted and joined the Dominicans. He distinguished himself through his penances and mystical phenomena such as levitation. He died in 1486, his body was found incorrupt, and his cult was officially approved in 1825.
How is Blessed Bernard of Scammacca depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Blessed Bernard of Scammacca is recognizable by: Dominican habit, radiant face and in levitation.
What miracles are attributed to Blessed Bernard of Scammacca?
3 miracles are attributed to this saint, notably: Levitation / bilocation, Sign / wonder and Incorruptibility.
Which saints were contemporaries of Blessed Bernard of Scammacca?
Contemporaries include: Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre, Saint Philip Neri, Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Colette (Nicole).
When did Blessed Bernard of Scammacca die?
Blessed Bernard of Scammacca died around 1500.
What are the other names of Blessed Bernard of Scammacca?
Other forms of the name: Bernardo Scammacca.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Worldly and dissolute youth
- Conversion and entry into the Order of Preachers
- Practice of fearsome penance
- Levitations and ecstasies during prayer
- Died in 1486
- Exhumation and discovery of the incorrupt body
- Approval of cult by Leo XII on March 5, 1825