WELCOME!
BLESSED RICHARD, BISHOP OF FOSSOMBRONE
Richard, commemorated on August 7, Bishop of Fossombrone (Forum Sempronii) in Umbria, is listed by Artur* as a "blessed." According to Sintzel*, Blessed Richard descended from a aristocratic family, but was even more noble by his excellent virtues. In order to serve God alone, he avoided the company of men and loved solitude, devoting himself solely to prayer and spiritual learning.
When he was elected Bishop of Fossombrone, he refused, saying in his humility: "A bishop, according to the saying of Saint Paul, should be blameless; How shall I, an unworthy man, dare to accept the episcopal dignity, when I am so reprehensible in my actions and omissions?" Since his refusal was not successful, he was consecrated.
As bishop, Blessed Richard strove to be an example and model of all good works to the people entrusted to his charge; he redoubled his prayers, practiced fasting and vigils even more strictly, increased almsgiving, comforted the afflicted, visited the sick, and was a father to widows and orphans. His table and clothing were humble and poor; his sermons earnest and penetrating. Because of his wisdom, he was chosen as an arbitrator in disputes, and the parties willingly submitted to his recommendations. Out of love for Saint Francis, he was admitted to the Third Order, whose rule he conscientiously observed in all respects for the rest of his life. He went to his eternal reward on August 7, 1242.
(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882, p. 92)
*A hagiography source used by the authors
Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Richard may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org

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