Gandolfo of Binasco

The apostolic activity of Gandolfo of Binasco was primarily carried out in Sicily, where he is considered one of the first Franciscan missionaries sent to the island. He traveled through the region with fervor, preaching in numerous cities such as Palermo, Castelvetrano, and Termini Imerese. It was in the latter city that he founded a Franciscan convent in 1256, thus leaving a lasting mark on the establishment of his order in the province. Despite the success of his preaching and the affection of the populations, Gandolfo deeply aspired to a life of contemplation and solitude to guard against vainglory. Accompanied by his faithful traveling companion, Brother Pascal (Fra Pasquale), he retired to a wild hermitage in the heart of the Madonie mountains, near Polizzi Generosa. There, he led a life of extreme austerity, alternating long periods of silent prayer and harsh penances with evangelization missions in the neighboring villages. In January 1260, responding to the pressing invitation of the inhabitants of Polizzi Generosa, he settled at the hospice of the San Nicolò de' Franchis hospital to preach during Lent. It was in this place that he completed his earthly pilgrimage on Holy Saturday, April 3, 1260, after delivering his final sermon on Holy Wednesday.

Gandolfo's reputation for holiness was established during his lifetime due to his rigorous piety, his absolute detachment from the world, and the extraordinary signs that accompanied his presence. Popular piety has preserved the memory of several wonders. Among them is the famous "miracle of the swallows": while he was preaching in the public square of Polizzi Generosa, the tumult caused by a flock of swallows prevented the faithful from hearing his words; Gandolfo then addressed the birds to ask them to be silent, and they obeyed immediately. The unexplained healing of a mute young man who was searching for a lost beast of burden with his father near a fountain at the entrance to the city is also reported. At the time of his death, tradition relates that birds entered the church where his remains rested to sing melodious songs. Immediately after his passing, the inhabitants of Polizzi Generosa proclaimed him the patron saint of their city, a choice that was solemnly confirmed by local authorities in 1320.

The cult rendered to Gandolfo of Binasco has been maintained without interruption throughout the centuries, particularly in Sicily. In 1320, Bishop Giacomo of Narni formally attested to the existence of a liturgical feast celebrated in his honor on September 17, in accordance with a tradition already described as very ancient. In 1632, a canonical process was opened to officially document the popular devotion, the miracles attributed to his intercession, and the celebrations surrounding the elevation and translation of his relics. This immemorial cult was officially confirmed on March 10, 1881, by Pope Leo XIII, who approved his cult and inscribed him in the Roman Martyrology with the title of Blessed.

The spirituality of Blessed Gandolfo of Binasco perfectly embodies the ideal of the first companions of Saint Francis of Assisi, characterized by an intimate union between eremitic contemplation and missionary action. His personal asceticism was of great rigor: he imposed upon himself frequent fasts on bread and water and observed three Lents per year. Gandolfo was deeply convinced that the preaching of the Word of God could only touch hearts and bear lasting fruit if it were nourished by continual prayer and the offering of self. His legacy remains alive, particularly in Polizzi Generosa, of which he remains the heavenly protector. His relics, preserved in the town's Chiesa Madre, are the object of deep veneration and are carried in procession each year on the third Sunday of September.