DAVANZATO, Blessed. — Franciscan tertiary, born in Poggibonsi in 1200, died in 1295. In the very year (1221) in which St. Francis established the Third Order in Poggibonsi, the pious young man entered it, being received by Bl. Lucchese, the first tertiary. Having begun the priesthood, he governed the parish of S. Lucia di Casciano in Val d’Elsa for 70 years, consecrating his life to prayer, penance, and the care of souls.
Following the example of Bl. Lucchese, he was of inexhaustible charity; all the revenues of his church passed to the poor. His house was open to all, and all received bread and hospitality. His body rests in the church of S. Bartolomeo di Barberino in Val d’Elsa. His feast is celebrated on 7 July, though his cult has not yet been confirmed.