JOHN of FERMO (of La Verna), Blessed. – Preacher of the Friars Minor, born in Fermo in 1259. From childhood he was devoted to solitude and penance. At the age of 13 he entered the Friars Minor; after his profession, he was sent by St. Bonaventure to La Verna. From that moment his life was marked by ecstasies and raptures. For three months he enjoyed the habitual presence of his guardian angel. He was granted the gifts of prophecy, discernment of hearts, and infused knowledge. He preached in many cities of Tuscany and on several occasions before the Pope, cardinals, and princes. He composed the preface *Qui venerandum* for the Mass of St. Francis. He died at La Verna on 10 August 1322. In 1880, Leo XIII approved his cult as immemorial.
BIBL.: Analecta Franc., III, Quaracchi 1817, pp. 286 and 439-47; IV, ibid. 1906, pp. 254-60, 281, 283, 513, 518, 519; Wadding, *Annales*, I-IX and XIV, passim; *Acta SS. Augusti*, II, Paris 1867, pp. 453-74; *Aureola Serafica*, III, pp. 155-59; P. E. da Chitignano, *Vita del b. G. della V.*, Prato 1883; L. Oliger, *Il b. G. della V. (1259-1325)*, Arezzo 1913; *Archiv. Franc. hist.*, 2 (1909), p. 634 and 638. Felice da Mareto