Feast of San Bertoldo di Calabria

San Bertoldo di Calabria, ora pro nobis

March 29th is the feast of St. Berthold of Calabria, 12th-century French crusader, mystic, hermit, ascetic, founder and first prior general of the Carmelite Order. While defending Antioch from the Saracens, he had a vision of angels carrying his fallen brethren to heaven. After the siege, he established a small hermit colony in Palestine and built a chapel on Mount Carmel dedicated to Our Lady, founding the Carmelite Order in 1155. He served as prior for forty-five years until his death in 1195.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Bertoldo di Calabria!

Prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Berthold may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Berthold protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.