BAMBACARI, CESARE NICOLA. - A distinguished preacher and ascetical writer, b. at Lucca on 13 June 1647, d. there on 16 March 1725. At the age of 17 he entered the Canons Regular of the Lateran, and after his religious profession he continued his studies at S. Pietro in Ciel d'oro in Pavia. In 1672 he obtained the diploma of preacher, which at that time was equivalent among the Lateranensi to today's degree in theology. He preferred to teaching the sacred preaching which for many years he exercised from the most renowned pulpits of Italy "with the greatest fruit of souls and honor of the Congregation." With this motivation he was elected (1687) perpetual privileged abbot. In 1708 he became prior of the canonry of S. Frediano in Lucca and ordinary of Carrara; in 1711 he was confirmed in office for another three-year term, but the following year he resigned.
He composed various ascetical treatises, among them: Modo d'orare con viva fede (dedicated to St. Teresa), Via compendiosa per un'anima che desidera unirsi a Dio, and Della frequenza della S.ma Comunione. He combated quietism and set forth the true principles concerning the union of the soul with God; he admits infused contemplation. The treatise on frequent Communion (Lucca 1700) is one of the most complete published at that time. The aforementioned writings are gathered in two large volumes, Opere spirituali, Lucca 1733-34. They are preceded by a brief biography of the author.
Bibliography
Nicola Widlöcher