Leo of Cava, Saint

LEONE di CAVA, saint. - Second Benedictine abbot of Cava (Salerno), born in Lucca, died at Vietri on 12 July 1079. As a young man he entered the monastery of Cava and, under the guidance of St. Alferio, founder of the abbey of Cava, made rapid progress in piety, humility, and patience, succeeding him in 1050. For 29 years (from 1050 to 1079) he governed his subjects, shining in holiness and prudence. For the people he obtained justice from the cruel prince Gisulfo II of Salerno; and for his abbey he obtained the donation of many lands in the Cilento region.

In 1597 Clement VIII granted an indulgence to visitors to the church of the Most Holy Trinity of Cava on the feast of St. L., abbot, and Leo XIII confirmed his cult in 1893. Feast: 12 July.

BIBL.: Acta SS. Iuli, III, Venezia 1747, pp. 458-62; L. P. Guillaume, S. L. di Lucca e Gisulfo II, Cava dei Tirreni 1876; anon., Vitae ss. abbatum Coccavium, Cava 1912, pp. 33-41; A. Zimmermann, Kaleudarium Benedictinum, II, Metten 1934, pp. 441-44; anon., La Badia della S.ma Trinità di Cava. Cemi storici, Badia di Cava 1942, pp. 11-15. Felice da Mancio
Cite this article

“LEONE DI CAVA, SANTO.” Enciclopedia Cattolica, vol. VII (1951), p. 688. Azione Romana digital edition, https://azioneromana.com/article/leone-di-cava-santo.