FORZATÈ, GIORDANO. - Born in Padua of a noble family after the middle of the 12th century, died in Venice in 1348 at the age of ninety. He first devoted himself to legal studies, then to the monastic life. Prior of the monastery of St. Benedict in Padua. He was an ascetic, a mystic, and a hard-working monk. He rebuilt the church of St. Benedict and the adjoining monastery.
He was called upon as a judge and peacemaker amid intricate civil and ecclesiastical disputes. He renounced the bishopric of Ferrara. At the death of St. Anthony he calmed the people, who had risen up to seize the saint's body, and was appointed by the Pope to institute the process of canonization of the Saint. A remarkable example of love of country, Padua was able to experience his political genius and to avail itself of his prudent work, especially in the fierce and irremediable quarrels between the powerful families of the lords da Romano and of Camposampiero. He concluded peace with the Trevisans at Sugiiano and strenuously opposed the tyranny of Ezzelino III da Romano, by whom he was imprisoned for two years in the castle of St. Zeno near Asolo, until he was freed by the Emperor. Having taken refuge in Aquileia, he then moved to Venice to the monastery of the Celestia, where he remained until his death. The Church venerates him as blessed and his body rests in the cathedral of Padua.
Bibliography
Innocenzo Giuliani