Priest — Dominican Preacher and Scholar
π️ Born: c. 1255
π Birthplace: Pisa, Italy
⚰️ Died: 19 August 1311
π Place of Death: Piacenza, Italy
π Venerated in: Roman Catholic Church (Dominican Order)
π Beatified: 23 August 1833, Saint Peter's Basilica, Papal States by Pope Gregory XVI
π Feast Day: 19 August
✨ Attributes: Dominican habit, book, preaching
“He spread the light of truth through his preaching and wisdom.”
In 1280, Jordan joined the Dominican Order at the convent of Santa Caterina in Pisa, embracing the order’s mission of preaching and teaching. The Dominicans, founded by St. Dominic de Guzman, emphasized intellectual rigor and evangelization, aligning perfectly with Jordan’s talents. He continued his studies at the University of Bologna and spent time in Paris again from 1285 to 1288, deepening his mastery of theology. His prodigious memory allowed him to memorize the breviary, missal, the Bible with its marginal notes, and the second part of St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae, earning him a reputation as a scholar among his peers, as noted in the chronicle of the Pisa Dominican convent.
Jordan’s commitment to the Dominican charism extended beyond scholarship. He founded the Confraternity of the Holy Redeemer in Pisa, a lay organization dedicated to fostering devotion to Christ’s redemption and providing spiritual support to its members. This initiative reflected his desire to engage the laity in the Church’s mission, a hallmark of his ministry.
Jordan of Pisa is celebrated as the first preacher whose vernacular Italian sermons are preserved, marking him as a pioneer in using the Tuscan dialect for evangelization. At a time when Latin dominated ecclesiastical discourse, his decision to preach in the vernacular—described as versatile, musical, and accessible—was revolutionary. This approach made theological concepts and Christian teachings accessible to ordinary people, contributing to the development of modern Italian as a language of communication.
From 1305 to 1308, Jordan served as a lector at the prestigious church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, appointed by the Dominican provincial chapter at Rieti. His sermons, delivered up to five times a day, attracted large crowds who followed him indoors and outdoors as he expounded on Thomistic doctrine, Christian living, and perseverance. His friend and disciple, Silvester of Valdiseve, often sat near the pulpit with wine to refresh him during lengthy sermons, a testament to their duration and intensity. Some listeners took notes, preserving his words for posterity. Jordan’s preaching had a profound impact on Florentine public life, promoting morality and spiritual renewal through his emphasis on sound doctrine and holiness.
His sermons were not ornate but clear and engaging, blending intellectual depth with pastoral warmth. He emphasized that learning alone was insufficient for effective preaching; holiness of life was essential. Jordan’s own life exemplified this principle, as he lived with simplicity, devotion, and a deep love for the Virgin Mary and St. Dominic, often speaking of them in his sermons.
Jordan was a visionary, reportedly experiencing a divine encounter with the Virgin Mary, who appeared in the Dominican refectory and served at table, visible only to him. This vision, recounted in hagiographical sources, left him so awestruck that he could barely eat, underscoring his profound Marian devotion. His love for St. Dominic also shaped his preaching, as he saw the Dominican founder as a model of apostolic zeal.
In 1311, the Master General of the Dominican Order, Aymericus Giliani, appointed Jordan as a professor of theology at the friary of Saint James in Paris, where he was to lecture on Peter Lombard’s Sentences and pursue a master’s degree. This appointment recognized his scholarly achievements and preaching prowess. However, tragedy struck during his journey to Paris, as Jordan fell ill and died on August 19, 1311, in Piacenza, Italy, likely from natural causes.
Blessed Jordan of Pisa’s relics are venerated in the church of Santa Caterina in Pisa, where they remain a focal point for devotion. His cultus was confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI on August 23, 1833, and he was beatified in 1838. His feast day is celebrated on August 19, the anniversary of his death, though some calendars also observe it on March 6. Jordan’s legacy endures through his preserved sermons, which offer insight into medieval preaching and the development of the Italian language.
His contributions to evangelization, particularly his use of the vernacular, had a lasting impact on the Church’s mission to reach the faithful. The Confraternity of the Holy Redeemer, which he founded, continued to promote spiritual growth among the laity. Jordan’s emphasis on combining intellectual rigor with holiness of life remains a model for preachers and theologians.
Blessed Jordan of Pisa’s life challenges us to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and zeal, using the language and means that resonate with others. His innovative use of the vernacular, his devotion to Mary and St. Dominic, and his commitment to living a holy life inspire us to integrate faith and action. Let us pray to Blessed Jordan for the grace to preach the truth boldly, to live with authenticity, and to aspire to eternal life through a vibrant relationship with Christ.
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