Andrea Bertoni

Andrea Bertoni was born in Faenza to poor parents in 1454.[2] He often frequented the churches in his area during his childhood and possessed an ardent devotion to the Mass.[3]

He joined the Servite Order in 1453 at the tender age of nine[2] and was later ordained to the priesthood following the successful completion of his theological and philosophical studies that were required for ordination. He was made the procurator of his convent in Faenza from the appointment until his death. Bertoni assumed the religious name of "Giacomo Filippo" upon making his profession.[3] He dreaded offending God so underwent frequent confession. He also - on one occasion - healed an ill monk after making the sign of the Cross over the latter three times. His first biographer was Nicolò Borghese who Bertoni once cured; Borghese wrote a chronicle of the priest's life three months before the latter died.[1]

On 24 May 1483 he visited his fellow Servites and asked for their prayers due to his ill health.[1]

Bertoni died on 25 May 1483 as he recited the Divine Office and kissed a Crucifix that he was holding in his hands.[3] His remains were re-interred in the Manfredi Chapel on 15 April 1594 while his remains were re-interred once more to the altar of Saint Charles Borromeo in the Faenza Cathedral after the church he was in before was damaged in November 1944 due to World War II.[2]

Bertoni was beatified - on 22 July 1761 - after Pope Clement XIII approved of the late priest's "cultus" (or popular following and devotion) while Bertoni was selected as a patron of Faenza in a decree that the council of the town issued on 14 July 1762.[2]

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