GHERARDO MALETTA dei BOCCABADATI, Blessed. — A most active preacher of the Friars Minor, from Modena, born toward the end of the 12th century. In his youth he studied letters and law. Having become a Friar Minor, from 1232 to 1256 he preached in Venice (1232), Modena (1233), Parma (1233), Ferrara, and traveled throughout Italy, preaching and performing miracles, settling disputes, earning the reputation of a great preacher, an excellent and gracious one.
In 1233, while preaching in Parma, he was believed to be inspired by God, acclaimed as *podestà*, and entrusted with reforming the statutes to his liking. In 1250 he accompanied the Blessed John of Parma to Constantinople and there announced to the people the captivity of St. Louis, which he had seen in spirit. He then served as visitor in Romania. Returning to Italy, in 1256 he fell ill in Ferrara and in 1257 died in Modena. He was buried in a distinguished tomb in the church of St. Francis. Chroniclers often confuse him with the Blessed Gherardo Rangone.
GHELLINI, Gellio, Venerable — Portrait — Vicenza, Istituto della Misericordia.
GHERARDO MALETTA DEI BOCCABADATI — GHEZZI PIER LEONE 298