Blessed Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)
Image Courtesy: 365 Rosaries
(Franciscan Media) Jacomo was born a noble member of the Benedetti family in the Northern Italian City of Todi, he became a successful lawyer and married a pious, generous lady named Vanna.
Jacomo young wife took it upon herself to do penance for the worldly excesses of her husband. One day at the instance of Jacomo attended a public tournament, she was sitting in the stands with the other noble ladies when the stands collapsed, Vanna died–her shaken husband was even more disturbed when he realized the penitential girdle she wore was for his sinfulness, on the spot, he vowed to radically change his life.
Dividing his possessions among the poor, Jacomo entered the ‘Secular Franciscan Order’ often dressed in penitential rags, he was mocked as a fool and called Jacopone or “Crazy Jim” by his former associates–the name became dear to him.
After 10 years of such humiliation, Jacopone asked to be a member of the ‘Order of Friars Minor because of his reputation his request was initially refused. Jacopone composed a beautiful poem on the vanities of the world, an act that eventually led to his admission to the Order in 1278 he continued to lead a life of strict penance, declining to be ordained a Priest. Meanwhile he was writing popular hymns in the vernacular.
Jacopoene suddenly found himself a leader in a disturbing religious movement among the Franciscans –‘The Spirituals’ as they were called, wanted a return to the strict poverty of Francis. They had on their side two Cardinals of the Church and Pope Celestine V (1215-1296) these two Cardinals though opposed Celestine’s successor Boniface VIII (1230-1303)
At the age of 68 Jacopone was excommunicated and imprisoned as penance, he spent the final three years of his life more spiritual than ever, weeping “because Love is not loved.” During this time, he wote the famous Latin hymn ‘Stabat Mater.’
On Christmas Eve 1306 Jacopone felt that his end was near–In a convent for the Poor Clares with his friend Blessed John of La Verna (1259-1322) Like Francis, Jacopone welcomed “Sister Death” with one of his favorite songs.
It is said that he finished the song and died as the Priest intoned the Gloria from the midnight Mass at Christmas. From the time of his death, Brother Jacopone has been venerated as a Saint.
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