Bernard, Ptolomei, St

Bernard, Ptolomei, St.

founder of the Olivetans (q.v.), was born at Sienna 1272, died August 20, 1348. He descended from one of the first families of Sienna, and had filled the highest positions in his country. In consequence of a vow to leave the world if he should be cured from a sore eye, he sold all he had, distributed the money among the poor, withdrew to a desert ten miles from Sienna, and then practiced extraordinary austerities. He was soon joined by some followers; and when the pope counselled him to connect himself with one of the monastic orders of the Church, he adopted the rule of St. Benedict and a white habit. The congregation established by him is known under the name of Congregation of the Virgin Mary of Mount Olivet, and was approved by several popes. — Hoefer, Biog. Generale, 5, 375.