Bl. Roger of Todi

A native of Todi, Italy, Roger was admitted to the Franciscan Order by Saint Francis himself in 1216. Roger resolved to model his conduct upon the examples of Francis and several of Italy’s other saints. Francis was so impressed by Roger’s virtues that he often selected him for the task of accompanying him on his journeys to win souls for Christ. Francis also assigned him to provide spiritual direction to a fledgling community of consecrated women in Rieti led by Blessed Philippa Mareri. The community subsequently adapted a rule modeled upon that of the Poor Clares. Roger assisted at Philippa’s deathbed, and at her burial praised her great sanctity, a judgment confirmed several years later when Philippa was beatified. Roger died less than a year after Philippa. Roger’s own sanctity was attested by Pope Gregory IX, who knew him personally.