TOMMASUCCIO (TOMMASO UNZIO) da FOLIGNO, blessed. — A Franciscan tertiary and author of a prophetic poem, born at Valmaciniana (Nocera Umbra) in 1319, died at Foligno on 15 September 1377. His body rests in the church of S. Agostino.
For 24 years he led a life of severe penance on Monte Regali, near Gualdo Tadino, with his master, b. Pietro di Regoli or di Gualdo. After the latter’s death (1365), he had himself walled into a little cell, where he lived in prayer for three years. Then, at an angel’s command, he went out to preach penance and submission to the Pope, and travelled through Umbria, the Marches, Tuscany, and Liguria, performing wonders and uttering prophecies. He then returned to Foligno, where he lived for four years in a corner of a hospital. His vision of the glory of the Virgin Mary, of s. Francesco, of his disciples, and of the members of the Third Order faithful to the Rule is famous. His prophetic poem, recited during a kind of ecstasy and written down by his confidant Bartolomeo Lardi, was printed at Vicenza (1510), Fano, and Foligno (1566). T. rebukes vices and discord, and prophesies the imminent fortunes of regions and cities, especially those of central Italy. He appears in the Martyr. Franciscanum, Rome 1938, p. 359, under 15 September.