Today we celebrate the optional memorial of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino.

Saint Nicholas of Tolentino was born in 1245 in Sant’Angelo in Pontano. His name was taken from St. Nicholas of Myra, at whose shrine his parents prayed to have a child. Nicholas became a monk at 18, and seven years later, he was ordained as a priest. He gained a reputation as a preacher and a confessor.

Saint Nicholas received visions, including the souls in the purgatory. These visions inspired him to develop a spirituality of praying for the suffering souls in the purgatory coupled with his lengthy fast.

He died on September 10, 1305, and was canonized as a saint by Pope Eugene IV.