ARESI, PAOLO

PAOLO ARESI. — Of Milanese origin, born in Cremona in 1574, died in Tortona on 20 June 1644 in a reputation for holiness. His baptismal name, Cesare, was changed to Paolo when he entered the Order of the Clerics Regular of the Theatine Fathers in 1590. He taught philosophy at a young age in Naples, and theology in Naples and Rome. In 1620 he was appointed bishop of Tortona by Paul V, and he scrupulously fulfilled the duties of his office while devoting himself intensively to the study of rhetoric and theology. He devoted himself entirely during the plague that broke out in 1630 and during the two sieges that Tortona suffered at that time. He was among the finest orators of his age. Notable among his works are *L’Arte di predicare bene* (Venice 1611) and *Imprese sacre*, written to promote the culture and preparation of sacred orators; *Della tribolazione e i suoi rimedi*, 2 vols., Venice 1627.