Feast: November 10 (Traditional Roman Calendar)
Drawn from traditional Catholic sources: the Roman Missal (1962), the Roman Martyrology (pre-1959), and classical hagiographic tradition.
✠ Life of Saint Andrew Avellino
Saint Andrew Avellino was born in the year 1521 in the town of Castronuovo, in the region of Lucania (southern Italy). His baptismal name was Lancelotto Avellino. Though his family was modest in means, they were rich in faith, and from his earliest years he exhibited signs of piety and a serious disposition toward God.
He was sent to Naples for studies, where he earned a doctorate in both civil and canon law. He began his career as an ecclesiastical lawyer, defending clients in Church courts. However, one day, having told a slight falsehood in the defense of a case, he was struck with remorse. This event marked a profound conversion. From that moment forward, he resolved never again to speak anything but the plain truth and to live entirely for God.
✠ Religious Life
Desiring a more perfect life, he entered the Clerics Regular of the Theatines, taking the name Andrew in honor of the Apostle. From then on, he pursued sanctity with heroic fervor, embracing strict poverty, chastity, and obedience. He was known for intense self-denial, constant prayer, and exact observance of the Rule.
He became a powerful preacher and tireless confessor, known for his deep interior life, wisdom, and compassion for souls. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin was profound, and he daily meditated on the Passion of Christ. He was especially concerned with the reform of clergy and the spiritual renewal of the faithful, according to the spirit of the Counter-Reformation.
✠ Death and Canonization
On the 10th of November, 1608, as he was preparing to celebrate the Holy Mass, he was struck with apoplexy (a sudden stroke), collapsed at the foot of the altar, and died shortly after, still vested for the Sacrifice. This holy death, just before the altar, was seen by many as a final testimony to his priestly zeal and love for the Holy Eucharist.
Numerous miracles followed his death. He was beatified in 1624 by Pope Urban VIII and canonized in 1712 by Pope Clement XI.
✠ From the Roman Martyrology (1956 edition)
At Naples, Saint Andrew Avellino, Priest of the Clerks Regular, famous for his extraordinary chastity, penitence, and contempt of self; Pope Leo XII enrolled him among the Saints.
✠ Spiritual Example and Virtues
Saint Andrew Avellino stands as a shining model of:
- Heroic purity, even into old age, mortifying his body with fasting and vigils;
- Priestly zeal, tirelessly hearing confessions and preaching with conviction;
- Love of truth, having renounced worldly law practice after one lie, and thereafter committed to absolute integrity;
- Devotion to Our Lady and daily recitation of the Rosary;
- Love for the Mass, dying at the foot of the altar, clothed in sacred vestments, as if entering eternity through the Holy Sacrifice.
✠ Liturgical Collect (from the 1962 Roman Missal)
O God, who didst cause blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor, to reach the summit of holiness through the rugged path of life: grant us, we beseech Thee, that by his example and intercession, we may so mortify our flesh with the spirit, as to attain to everlasting glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…
✠ Spiritual Reflection
Today’s resolution (inspired by St. Andrew Avellino):
Make an honest examination of conscience. Are there any areas in your life where you excuse “small lies,” half-truths, or evasions? Ask for the grace to imitate St. Andrew’s firm commitment to truth — no matter the cost. Offer today’s Rosary for the grace of purity, integrity, and zeal in your vocation, whatever your state in life.