CLAUSI, BERNARDO, VENERABILE

CLAUSI, BERNARDO, Venerable. — A most pious priest of the Minims, born at S. Sisto (Cosenza) in 1799, died at Paola on 20 December 1849. He entered the Order of Minims at Paola at a very young age, but when the Order was suppressed in 1809, he was obliged to leave the cloister and serve in the military. After the restoration of the convents, he returned to the Minims, professing their rule in 1828; his exemplary life earned him a reputation for holiness. For many years he served as superior in various convents, and for a longer period in Rome. He was endowed with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. He spiritually directed several servants of God, among them the Venerable Pallotti and distinguished persons. He was beloved by the popes Gregory XVI and Pius IX. In his final years he suffered severe spiritual dryness and demonic vexations. His cause of beatification was introduced by decree on 20 December 1883.