Saint Amadeus of the Amidei

Saint Amadeus of the Amidei, also known as Bartholomeus Amadeus of the Amidei (died 12 February 1266) was an important religious figure in the Florence of the 13th century. He was born from the rich and noble family of the Amidei. When he was still young he attended a religious congregation, where he met six other friends with which he would create an important religious order which is now spread world wide. These seven friends, known as the Seven Saint Founders of the Servite Order, began this order in 1233.

Life

He was born in Florence, part of a rich family, but despite that he never felt attached to material goods. In fact he left his family with his six friends and went searching for a place to pray in without being disturbed by other people. They all agreed on moving into a small house next to Florence, but many people were constantly going there to ask for suggestions or for redemption. Finally they decided to move from there, too. They went to Mount Senarius, which is at about 16 kilometres from Florence. There they finally found the peace and quiet they were longing for. Amadeus lived there until he died on 12 February 1266. When he died, the other father founders saw a flame which went up to the sky looking like a small light between all the other stars which reminded of his love for God. In Italian, in fact, it is said he was predestined to such a life since his name in Italian is Amadio which means "Love God".

He was named a saint by Pope Leo XIII in January 1888. He is remembered every 12th of February.