LORENZO da RIPAFRATTA, Blessed. - Dominican, born at Ripafratta (Pisa) on 24 March 1359, died at Pistoia on 28 September 1457. He received the religious habit at Pisa around 1379. Together with Bl. Giovanni Dominici, he was one of the most active reformers of the Order in Italy.
For many years master of novices at Cortona, his disciples included St. Antoninus, Bl. Angelico, and Bl. Pietro Cappucci. He was also prior of the convent at Fabriano, where he distinguished himself in caring for the plague-stricken. He served as vicar of the Congregation of Reformed Convents (1443). Admired for the wisdom and prudence of his counsel, his apostolic zeal, and the holiness of his life, he died nearly a centenarian. St. Antoninus composed a magnificent eulogy of him (in a letter dated 1 October 1457). He is buried in the church of S. Domenico at Pistoia. His cult was approved by Pius IX on 4 April 1851. Feast day: 28 September.
Lorenzo da Viterbo - Detail of the Sposalizio della Vergine. Viterbo, church of S. Maria della Verità, Mazzatosta Chapel.
of the most distinguished in the Franciscan Order, he was renowned as a sacred orator. Endowed even in life with the gifts of miracles and prophecy, his cult remained alive after his death until Pius XI confirmed it on 28 February 1923. Feast day: 6 June.