ANDREA GRECO DA PESCHIERA, BEATO

ANDREA GRECO of PESCHIERA, Blessed. — Dominican, born in 1400 to poor peasants in Peschiera del Garda, died between 16 and 19 January 1485. He received the Dominican habit in Brescia and completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the convent of San Marco in Florence. For about 45 years, he dedicated his apostolic action and preaching in Valtellina, earning the title of “apostle of Valtellina.” He preached in Engadin and even in the valleys of the Rhine. From 1445, he worked toward the founding of a convent in Morbegno. Pope Pius VII approved his cult on 23 September 1820. Beatified in the Order of Preachers on 19 January.