FORZATÈ, GIORDANO. — Born in Padua to a noble family after the middle of the 12th century, he died in Venice at the age of ninety in 1348. He first devoted himself to legal studies, and then to monastic life. Prior of the monastery of S. Benedetto in Padua, he was an ascetic, a mystic, and an energetic monk. He rebuilt the church of S. Benedetto and the adjoining monastery.
He was called upon to serve as judge and peacemaker amid intricate civil and ecclesiastical disputes. He renounced the bishopric of Ferrara. At the death of S. Antonio, he pacified the people, who had risen up to seize the saint’s body, and was appointed by the Pope to institute the process for the canonization of the Saint. A remarkable example of patriotic love, Padua was able to experience his political genius and to benefit from his prudent activity, especially amid the fierce and seemingly irreconcilable disputes between the powerful families of the lords da Romano and del Camposampiero. He concluded peace with the people of Treviso at Sugiiano and strenuously opposed the tyranny of Ezzelino III da Romano, by whom he was imprisoned for two years in the castle of S. Zenone near Asolo, until he was freed by the Emperor. Having taken refuge in Aquileia, he then went 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.