PIETRO GEREMIA da PALERMO, blessed. - Dominican preacher and reformer, b. at Palermo, of the noble Geremia (or De Jeremiis) family, on 1 Aug. 1381, d. there on 3 March 1452.
Having completed his legal studies at Bologna, despite his father's opposition he entered the Dominican Order and devoted himself to deepening his theological learning. Having dedicated himself to preaching, he soon became renowned in northern Italy and was highly esteemed by s. Vincenzo Ferreri. A strict observer of religious discipline, in 1427 he was entrusted by his master general with the reform of the convents of Sicily. At the invitation of Eugenio IV, he took part in the Council of Florence (1439) and made a valuable theological contribution to the union of the Greek Church. Appointed by the same Pontiff apostolic visitor of the Kingdom of Sicily, he undertook the reform of the religious Orders, achieving excellent results through his gentleness and firmness. Pio VI approved his cult and permitted the Dominican Order to celebrate his feast.