Saint Bartolomeu Fernandes dos Mártires

Saint Bartolomeu Fernandes dos Mártires

Born: 3^rd May 1514, Lisbon, Portugal

Died: 16^th July 1590 Minho, Portugal

Feast Day: 16^th July

Patron Saint: Archdiocese of Braga

Shrine: Viana do Castelo, Minho, Portugal

Also Known As: Saint Bartolomeu dei Martiri Fernandes, Bartholomeo Fernandez dos Martires, Bartolomeu dos Mártires Fernandes, Bartholomew of Braga, Bartholomæus de Martyribus

Symbols in Art: Episcopal attire, Dominican habit, Pastoral staff

Venerated: 23^rd May 1845 by Pope Gregoy XVI

Beatified: 4^th November 2001 by Pope John Paul II

Canonised: 5^th July 2019 by Pope Francis

Saint Bartolomeu was born in Lisbon on 3^rd May 1514 and joined the Dominican order on 11^th November 1528.  He completed his theology and philosophy studies with excellent grades and started teaching philosophy at St Dominic of Lisbon in 1538 and then Theology in the college of Batanha in 1540.  At Evora he became the royal tutor and preacher.

He was presented by Queen Catherine of Portugal in 1558 for the Archbishop of Braga and Pope Paul IV confirmed his appointment although Bartolomeu was reluctant.  He remained in position from 27^th January 1559 to 23^rd February 1582. He took part in the Council of Trent and introduced the Councils decisions to Portugal. He was responsible for establishing hospitals and hospices in the diocese and established the first clerical seminary in Portugal.

His 32 works include Biblical commentaries, a Portuguese catechism, and a Compendium doctrinal spiritualis (22 editions).  Late in life Pope Gregory XIII allowed him to resign his office and he spent his last eight years as a teacher and prayerful monk in the monastery of Viana, Portugal where his relics remain.

References: https://www.op.org/life-of-the-order-2019/canonisation-du-frere-bartholomee-de-los-martires-1514-1590/

https://motherofmercychapter.com/Martyrology/Jul18.html

http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/documents/ns_lit_doc_20011104_beat-fernandes_en.html

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartolomeu-dei-martiri-fernandes/