BENEDETTO of Urbino, Blessed. — Capuchin, in secular life Marco Passione, born in Urbino on 13 Sept. 1560, died at Fossombrone (Marche) on 30 Apr. 1625. At only 22 years of age he obtained the degree in both laws at Padua; on 11 May 1584 he withdrew among the Capuchins at Pano, becoming a perfect example of religious virtue. Chosen by St. Lawrence of Brindisi as a companion in his famous apostolic mission among the Lutherans of Germany, he spared neither hardship nor suffering of any kind. Returning to his homeland, he devoted the last years of his life to the education of youth. He was beatified by Pius IX on 15 Jan. 1867. His feast is celebrated on 30 Apr.
BIBL.: E. da Montesano, Vita del b. B. da U., Rome 1867; Aureola Serafica, II, Quaracchi 1900, p. 178; L. Waddagin, Annales, XXVI, ibid., ad annum 1625, n. 100; C. Ortolani, Santità francescano-picena, Pesaro 1932, p. 29.