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Thomas was born in Olera (Bergamo) in late 1563. Leaving his family and flock, at the age of 17 he was accepted into the Venetian Capuchins. A non-clerical friar and humble mendicant for about fifty years (first in the lands of the Serenissima and then in those of the Habsburgs), he distinguished himself for his zeal for the Catholic faith and the consecrated life. He was the spiritual director of bishops and government officials, as well as contemplative virgins and common people. During his formative years, he was also taught to write. His numerous writings reveal him as a singer of the Immaculate Conception, a mystic of the Heart of Jesus, and a precursor of Paray-le-Monial. He died in Innsbruck on May 3, 1631. |
Prayer
God our Father, source of every perfect gift, that inflamed with charity the heart of Blessed Thomas, concede also to us to follow his example, and through his intercession, make us collaborators of your plan of love: to make Christ the heart of the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.