Bl. James Bianconi de Mevania

(1220-1301)

James Bianconi (Giacomo Bianconi da Bevagna) was born on March 7, 1220, in Bevagni (Latin Mevania) in Umbria. According to legends, his birth was to be accompanied by miraculous signs. Most remarkable was the appearance of three glowing stars in the sky, from which three Dominican figures emerged. It turned out that Thomas Aquinas and Ambrose of Siena were born at the same time. During his childhood, he achieved peace between two quarreling families. In 1236, at the age of 16, he entered a Dominican priory in Spoleto, then pursued theological studies in Perugia. As a result of the sermons he listened to as a monk during Lent, he decided to live in extreme poverty, which exceeded Dominican standards. Penance and adoration were the true sources from which he drew the fire of mercy that made him one of the greatest apostles and preachers of his time. He founded a Dominican monastery in his hometown, of which he became the first prior. After the city was sacked by Frederick II in 1248, he showed tremendous help to survivors and refugees. He also helped suppress the heretical Nicolaitan movement. In 1281, the order's general chapter granted him the title of preacher general. In 1291, he became superior of the monastery in Spoleto, and eight years later - took the office of prior of the monastery in Foligno.

A legend has survived according to which James Bianconi once knelt before a crucifix and expressed doubts about his personal salvation. At that moment, blood was about to ejaculate from the cross, and Christ, speaking from the cross, assured him that this blood was a sign that he would be saved. He died in Bevagna on August 22, 1301. According to legends, as he was dying, Saints George and Dominic appeared to him, as well as the Blessed Madonna, who he believed would take him to heaven.

James Bianconi wrote two treatises: Speculum humanitatis Salvatoris Iesu Christi and De Ultimo iudicio universali sive speculum peccatorum. Unfortunately, they have not been preserved to this day.

As early as the 14th century, efforts were made to canonize him. To this end, testimonials and materials were collected to write a biography. Unfortunately, around 1375, all these documents were burned in a fire at the Bevagna monastery. In 1377, Bonaventura Camasseo, who was familiar with the records, compiled a biography of James Bianconi, who died in the reputation of sainthood and enjoyed a cult. This testifies to the early worship that was still going on. More were created as early as the 17th century. It was finally approved by Pope Clement X on May 18, 1672, and its memorial falls on August 23.

Bibliography:

Iacobilli L., Vita del B. Giacomo da Bevagna dell’Ordine de’Predicatori, Foligno 1644.
Tinassi N.A., Ristretto della vita del beato Giacomo da Bevagna dell’Ordine de Predicatorii fatto da un religioso del medemo ordine, Roma 1674.
Becchetti F.A., Vita del beato Giacomo di Bevagna dell’Ordine de’Predicatori, Roma 1785.
Emore P., La „Vita” del beato Giacomo Bianconi scritta da Ventura da Bevagna: unm testo ritrovato?, „Hagiographica”, 4 (1997), pp. 253-299.