Saint Leo of Cava
IN THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES (1075).
Second abbot of the monastery of Cava
Born in Lucca and educated in Salerno, Leo became the second abbot of the monastery of Cava in 1050. Known for his humility, he performed arduous manual labor and sold wood to help the poor. He died in 1075 after passing his office to Blessed Peter.
Guided reading
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SAINT LEO, SECOND ABBOT OF THE MONASTERY OF CAVA,
IN THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES (1075).
Origins and monastic formation
Leo was born in Lucca but grew up in Salerno, where he embraced the monastic life under the guidance of Alferius, founder of the Abbey of La Cava.
Leo Léon Second abbot of the monastery of Cava. was born in the city of Luc ca, in Lucques City in Italy where Saint Zita lived and died. Tuscany; but he left his native land early and was raised in Salerno (Kingd om of N Salerne Port of embarkation for the Holy Land. aples). He devoted himself to the monastic life and was formed in piety under the guidance of Alfe rius, founder and f Alférins ou Alfieri Founder and first abbot of the Abbey of La Cava. irst abbot of the monastery of La Cava.
Succession as head of La Cava
Noted for his virtues, Leo became the companion of Alfieri before succeeding him as abbot in 1050.
The holy founder, in consideration of the extraordinary graces with which he saw God favoring his young disciple, chose him as his companion in order to give more weight to the influence that the examples of his virtue could exert on the other religious. When, in 1050, he was chosen to succeed Saint Alfieri, he endeavored to continue with vigor the edifice of piety that his predecessor had placed on such solid foundations.
Practice of humility
The abbot distinguished himself by his extreme humility, performing arduous manual labor and selling wood to provide for the needs of the poor.
Far from elevating himself above his brothers, he lowered himself beneath them and took upon himself with visible joy all the manual labor that was done in the community. He would go himself to cut wood in the forest, carry the load back on his shoulders, go to sell it at the market, and distribute the proceeds to the poor. He thus sought to tame the spirit of pride and vanity, which is so quick to poison all good works.
Advisor to the Prince
Leo exerted a moral influence over Gisulf, Prince of Salerno, managing to moderate his difficult temperament through his admonitions.
Gisulf, Gisulfe Prince of Salerno, contemporary of Saint Leo. Prince of Salerno, held our Saint in high esteem, and more than once he moderated his proud and cruel temper upon the stern admonitions of the modest abbot.
Final years and succession
Aged, Leo entrusted the monastery to the blessed Peter before passing away in 1075, becoming the object of an immediate cult.
Leo, having become very old, relieved himself of the direction of his monastery to the blessed Peter who had been for some time at Cluny, and who, having been made bishop of Policastro, had left his bishopric to work for his salvation in solitude. Saint Leo die d in 1075 Saint Léon Second abbot of the monastery of Cava. and was immediately honored with a public cult.
Documentary sources
The text is based on the works of Godescard and the Acta Sanctorum of the Bollandists.
Taken from Godescard, Brussels edition. — Cf. Acta Sanctoru Acta Sanctorum Monumental hagiographic collection by the Bollandists. m, volume III of July.
The Ordeal of Peter Igneus
Evocation of the miracle of Peter Igneus, who emerged unscathed from the fire, prompting the conversion of a simoniacal bishop.
Saint Peter, whom a council of bishops, most of whom were guilty of the same crime, had refused to judge. Finally, it is historically certain that Pete r Igneus eme Pierre Igneo Successor of Leo at La Cava, known for his ordeal by fire. rged miraculously safe and sound from this ordeal. As for the simoniacal bishop, this prodigy converted him; he renounced his dignity and became a monk in the very congregation of Vallombrosa.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Education in Salerno
- Entered the monastery of La Cava under the direction of Alfieri
- Election as abbot in 1050
- Manual labor and sale of wood for the poor
- Resignation from his office in favor of Blessed Peter
- Died in 1075