Oregio, Agostino

Oregio, Agostino a learned Italian prelate, was born in 1577 at Santa Sofia, in Tuscany. Sent to Rome to pursue his studies, he ran there the same risk as Joseph in the house of Potiphar, and had, like him; sufficient force of character to overcome the temptation. This virtuous act touched the heart of cardinal Bellarmine so vividly that he became quite well affected towards the young pupil, and was induced to place him in a noble college at his private expense. It is said Oregio learned the Greek language by means of seeing and hearing his patron write and dispute in that tongue. After being theological counselor to pope Urban VIII, he was made cardinal Nov. 18, 1633, and archbishop of Benenvento, where he died, July 12, 1656. The collection of his works has been published by his nephew (Rome, 1637, fol.), in which are distinguished a dissertation entitled Aristotelis vera de rationalis animae immortalitate sententia, written at the request of cardinal Barberini, afterwards Urban VIII. In it Oregio takes pains to defend Aristotle against the reproach of materialism. Other noteworthy treatises of his are, De Deo: — De Trinitate: — De Incarnatione: — De Angelis: — De Peccatis, etc., which, frequently reprinted, have for a long time been used in the Italian Roman Catholic seminaries.