Blessed Luke Belludi

(1200-c. 1285)

In 1220, St. Anthony was preaching conversion to the inhabitants of Padua When a young nobleman, Luke Belludi, came up to him and humbly asked to receive the habit of the followers of St. Francis. Anthony liked the talented, well-educated Luke and personally recommended him to St. Francis, who then received him into the Franciscan Order.

Luke, then only 20, was to be Anthony's companion in his travels and in his preaching, tending to him in his last days and taking Anthony's place upon his death. he was appointed guardian of the Friars Minor in the city of Padua. In 1239 the city fell into the hands of its enemies. Nobles Were put to death, and the largest council Were banished, the great university of Padua Gradually closed and the church dedicated to St. Anthony was left unfinished. Luke himself was Expelled from the city but secretly returned. At night I and the new guardian would visit the tomb of St. Anthony in the unfinished shrine to pray for his help. One night a voice came from the tomb Assuring them That the city would soon be delivered from its evil tyrant.
After the fulfillment of the prophetic message, Luke was ELECTED provincial minister and furthered the completion of the great basilica in honor of Anthony, his teacher. I have founded many convents of the order and had, as Anthony, the gift of miracles. Upon his death I was laid to rest in the basilica That I had Helped finish and has had a continual veneration up to the present time.

Comment:

The epistles refer several times to a man named Luke as Paul's trusted companion on his missionary journeys. Perhaps every great preacher needs to Luke, Anthony surely did. Luke Anthony Accompanied Belludi not only on his travels, Also have cared for the great saint in his last illness and Carried on Anthony's mission after the saint's death. Yes, every preacher needs to Luke, someone to offer support and reassurance-including Those who minister to us. We do not even Have to change our names!