Bartholomew was born in 1200 in the city of Vicenza, Italy, to a noble family belonging to a line of counts of Da Breganze, and lords of the manor.
From early on he was sent for studies at Padua where law, dialectics, medicine, and grammar were taught. He trained under the fatherly care of Saint Dominic, and nourished in his Order from childhood. He applied himself whole-heartedly to the studies of his new life and was imbedded with piety and a strong dislike for the vanities of the world.
At 20, he received the habit of the Order from Saint Dominic himself and through the assistance of divine grace and under the Order’s guidance and teachings, he was soon regarded as a model religious, able theologian, and a faithful exponent and defender of the Word of God.
He was ordained a priest and soon came to serve in various positions of leadership in the new Order. He was sent out to preach the Catholic faith and to combat libertinage and heresy. He felt a need to resolve the dissensions which continuously disturbed the public peace. At the age of 30, he established a new military order, Chevaliers of Santa Maria Gloriosa, which sought to end dissentions, quarrels, and enmities by carrying the message of reconciliation everywhere. It was successful and confirmed by Pope Urban IV.
In 1246, Pope Innocent IV appointed him as Bishop of Cyprus and after 2 years, was sent as Papal Legate to the future saint, King Louis IX of France, who was carrying on the Crusade against the Muslims. They became good friends and Bartholomew was chosen as his confessor.
When the King returned to France in 1252, Bartholomew returned to his diocese in Cyprus. His goal was to purge the diocese of the heresies which had crept into it. He successfully converted the leader of the heretical party, including many of his followers, which infuriated an Italian feudal lord, Ezzelino, who was a strong opponent of Papal power. He was subjected to much hostility.
In 1259, Ezzelino died and he was transferred back to Vicenza. He worked diligently to rebuild his home town diocese and strengthen their loyalty to Rome.
Despite oppositions and obstacles, he remained faithful to his ministry, serving as an inspiration in our our darker moments. He had unwavering faith, genuine humility, and a tireless dedication to serving both God and his fellow people.
He died on July 1, 1271, of natural causes. He was venerated by his people and they honored him by immediately giving him the title of ‘Blessed’. He was officially beatified by Pius VI on September 11, 1793.
For God’s Glory.
