Saint of the day: the story of Blessed Luca Belludi

Saint of the day the story of Blessed Luca Belludi: in 1220 Saint Anthony was preaching conversion to the inhabitants of Padua when a young nobleman, Luca Belludi, approached him and humbly asked to receive the habit of the followers of Saint Francis. Anthony liked the talented and educated Luca and personally recommended him to Francis, who later welcomed him into the Franciscan Order.

Luca, then only twenty years old, was to be Antonio's companion on his travels and in his preaching, taking care of him in his last days and taking Antony's place on his death. He was appointed guardian of the Friars Minor in the city of Padua. In 1239 the city fell into the hands of its enemies. The nobles were put to death, the mayor and the council were banned, the great university of Padua gradually closed and the church dedicated to Sant'Antonio remained unfinished. Luca himself was expelled from the city but returned secretly.

Devotion of the day for having impossible graces

At night he and the new guardian visited St Anthony's tomb in the unfinished sanctuary to pray for his help. One night a voice came from the grave assuring them that the city would soon be liberated from its evil tyrant.

The story of Blessed Luca Belludi the Saint of the day

After the fulfillment of the prophetic message, Luke was elected provincial minister and promoted the completion of the great basilica in honor of Antonio, his teacher. He founded many convents of the order and had, like Antonio, the gift of miracles. On his death he was buried in the basilica he had helped to finish and which has had a continuous veneration to this day.

Reflection: The epistles repeatedly refer to a man named Luke as Paul's trusted companion on his missionary journeys. Perhaps every great preacher needs a Luke; Anthony certainly did. Luca Belludi not only accompanied Antonio on his travels, but also cured the great saint in his latest illness and carried on Antonio's mission after the saint's death. Yes, every preacher needs a Luke, someone who offers support and reassurance, including those who minister to us. We don't even have to change our names!