Order of Carmelites

Memorial of St. Avertano of Lucca

Today, February 25, is the memorial of Saint Avertano of Lucca.

Carmelite confessor.

Avertano was born in Limoges, France around 1320. In his youth, Avertano had resolved to live a life closest to the teachings of the Gospels. The desire for holiness was always in his mind and soul.

Thus, when Avertano witnessed the exemplary way of life of the Carmelites who had just arrived from the East in their homeland, he expressed his intention to join the Order. It did not take long for him to become a Carmelite.

Wherever he was assigned, Avertano was a model of virtue. People who came in contact with him were edified by his reputation for and examples of holiness. He was also known as a miracle-worker who was blessed with many mystical gifts.

In a vision, Jesus told Avertano that his death was near. The Blessed Virgin, together with angels, appeared to him at the time of his death in 1366, while on his way home from his travels. Even more miracles took place when he was buried. He was beatified in 1828.