ARESI, PAOLO

ARESI, PAOLO. - Of Milanese origin, born in Cremona in 1574, he died at Tortona on 20 June 1644 in the repute of sanctity. His baptismal name, Cesare, was changed to Paolo when, in 1590, he entered the Order of Theatine Regular Clerics. At a very young age he taught philosophy at Naples, and theology at Naples and Rome. Appointed bishop of Tortona in 1620 by Paolo V, he scrupulously fulfilled the duties of his office and applied himself intensely to the study of eloquence and theology. He gave all of himself during the plague that broke out in 1630 and during the two sieges suffered by Tortona at that time. He was among the finest orators of his age. Notable among his works are: l'Arte di predicare bene (Venezia 1611) and the Imprese sacre, written to promote the education and preparation of sacred orators; Della tribolazione e i suoi rimedi, 2 vols., Venezia 1627.