Diana degli Andalò
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Blessed
Diana degli Andalò (1201 – 10 June 1236), sometimes d'Andalo, was a Dominican nun
who founded a convent for her order dedicated to Saint Agnes
in Italy.
In 1218, the Dominicans established themselves in Bologna
. In 1219, with the help of Cardinal Ugolino
they obtained the church of San Nicolò delle Vigne despite the opposition of the wealthy Loderingo degli Andalò, who owned the land on which the church was built. Diana was Loderingo's sister. Reportedly she lived a worldly life until, inspired by Reginald of Bologna
, she entered the Dominican convent at Ronzano
, despite the violent reproach of her family. She was once even forcibly removed from the convent, but returned.
In 1221, Diana met Dominic of Osma when he visited Bologna. She made her vow of virginity to him and asked him to help her found a house for nuns on the model of Notre-Dame de Prouille. Dominic agreed and left behind four Dominican priests to oversee the foundation: Paul of Hungary, Guala of Brescia, Ventura of Verona, and Rudolph of Faenza. In 1222, Diana began a correspondence with Dominic's deputy, Jordan of Saxony, and they became close friends. Despite the continued violent opposition of her family, Jordan convinced them to donate land for the foundation of the convent of Saint Agnes. On 13 May 1223, the convent came into being. Diana was its first superior until her death three years later. The date of her beatification by Pope Leo XIII
is given as either 8 August 1888 or 24 December 1891, the same day as that of her fellow Dominicans Cecilia Cesarini and Amata. Her feast day is either June 8, 9, or 10.
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
Diana degli Andalò (1201 – 10 June 1236), sometimes d'Andalo, was a Dominican nun
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
who founded a convent for her order dedicated to Saint Agnes
Saint Agnes
Agnes of Rome is a virgin–martyr, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, and Lutheranism. She is one of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass...
in Italy.
In 1218, the Dominicans established themselves in Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
. In 1219, with the help of Cardinal Ugolino
Pope Gregory IX
Pope Gregory IX, born Ugolino di Conti, was pope from March 19, 1227 to August 22, 1241.The successor of Pope Honorius III , he fully inherited the traditions of Pope Gregory VII and of his uncle Pope Innocent III , and zealously continued their policy of Papal supremacy.-Early life:Ugolino was...
they obtained the church of San Nicolò delle Vigne despite the opposition of the wealthy Loderingo degli Andalò, who owned the land on which the church was built. Diana was Loderingo's sister. Reportedly she lived a worldly life until, inspired by Reginald of Bologna
Reginald of Bologna
Reginald of Bologna was the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland from 1247 until his death. He was highly praised by Humbert de Romans, Bernard Gui, Antonio Pierozzi, Leander Alberti, and Thomas Malvenda in his Annals.Reginald was an early follower of Dominic of Osma and entered the...
, she entered the Dominican convent at Ronzano
Ronzano
Ronzano is a suburban district of Bologna, Italy on a hill westsouthwest of the city centre. It is notable for its hermitage.In 1848 G. Dozza discovered Etruscan artefacts on the Ronzano hill...
, despite the violent reproach of her family. She was once even forcibly removed from the convent, but returned.
In 1221, Diana met Dominic of Osma when he visited Bologna. She made her vow of virginity to him and asked him to help her found a house for nuns on the model of Notre-Dame de Prouille. Dominic agreed and left behind four Dominican priests to oversee the foundation: Paul of Hungary, Guala of Brescia, Ventura of Verona, and Rudolph of Faenza. In 1222, Diana began a correspondence with Dominic's deputy, Jordan of Saxony, and they became close friends. Despite the continued violent opposition of her family, Jordan convinced them to donate land for the foundation of the convent of Saint Agnes. On 13 May 1223, the convent came into being. Diana was its first superior until her death three years later. The date of her beatification by Pope Leo XIII
Pope Leo XIII
Pope Leo XIII , born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci to an Italian comital family, was the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, reigning from 1878 to 1903...
is given as either 8 August 1888 or 24 December 1891, the same day as that of her fellow Dominicans Cecilia Cesarini and Amata. Her feast day is either June 8, 9, or 10.
External links
- Western Dominican Province: The Dominican Year, gives 1891 as date of beatification and 8 June as feast day
- Beata Diana degli Andalò, Vergine at Santi Beati