Blessed Augustine of Tarano was an example of humility for all who knew him.
Augustine of Tarano, known also as Augustine Novello, was born near Rieti, Italy.
After completing studies in both civil and canon law at the University of Bologna, Augustine became prefect in the court of KingManfred of Sicily. During a battle at Benevento in which the king was killed, Augustine resolved to enter religious life and joined the Augustinians as a lay brother, keeping his profession and former status secret. His identity was revealed, however, when his community became involved in a property dispute with the local bishop, and the Augustinian Order’s lawyer recognized Augustine as a former colleague.
When Clement of Osimo, the prior general, learned of Augustine’s background he had him ordained a priest, brought him to Rome to work on the Augustinian Order’s Constitutions, and nominated him penitentiary in the Roman Curia.
Augustine was elected prior general in 1298 despite his attempt to refuse this position he was ordered by the pope to accept. In 1300 he resigned from office and spent the remaining ten years of his life at the hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. There he ministered to the people of the surrounding villages as well as in nearby Siena. He played an important role in the founding of Siena’s hospital of Santa Maria della Scala and composed a set of guidelines for the hospital community. He died on 19 May in 1309 or 1310. His remain, kept for a long time in the church of Sant’ Agostino in Siena are now preserved at Termini Imerese in Sicily.
The Augustinian Family commemorates him together with Clement of Osimo on 19 May.
Rotelle, John, Book of Augustinian Saints, Augustinian Press 2000
Blessed Augustine of Tarano by Mario Ferrari, Rome, Italy.