Saint John Gualbert

Saint John Gualberto – Hero of Mercy

Born in Florence in 995, João Gualberto was the second son of the Visdonini family. His brother was murdered, and, like his father, João was consumed by a sense of revenge and vowed to kill the murderer.

One day, on a narrow road, he found him unarmed and immediately took out his sword to kill him. However, the adversary fell to his knees and begged: “For the love of Jesus, who died for us this day, have mercy on me, do not kill me!” It was Good Friday in 1028, and so touched by God's mercy, João Gualberto forgave him.

On the same day, he went to a church and, in front of the Cross, asked for the grace of forgiveness and new life. As a sign of his repentance, he became a humble monk, setting an example in discipline to the Rules, in study, in prayer, in penance and in charity. He received the gift of prophecy and miracles.

In 1035, he was unanimously elected abbot, but resigned immediately when he learned that the treasurer had bribed the bishop of Florence to choose him. At that time, he went to live in a forest in the Apennine Mountains, on the Vallombrosa mountain, over the green Arno Valley.

From then on, the place began to receive countless young people in search of spiritual guidance, thanks to the reputation of its sanctity. This was how a new monastery and a new religious congregation emerged, the Order of Benedictine Monks of Vallombrosa, which obtained canonical approval.

João Gualberto died on July 12, 1073, and is considered the hero of forgiveness. He was canonized in 1193, and was declared Patron Saint of Foresters by Pope Pius XII in 1951.