Episode 203: Sts. Gualbert and Anacletus

Saint John Gualbert was born around 985 into a noble family in Florence, Italy. He initially pursued a military career, but a dramatic experience changed his life. After forgiving his brother's murderer in a moment of divine inspiration, he decided to devote himself to the monastic life. He joined the Benedictine monastery at San Miniato al Monte but later felt called to a more austere way of life.

In 1038, John founded the Vallombrosan Order, a reform branch of the Benedictines, in the Vallombrosa region near Florence. The order emphasized poverty, simplicity, and manual labor, and it played a significant role in the movement to reform the Church and combat simony and corruption among the clergy.

Saint John Gualbert is remembered for his dedication to reform and his piety. He died on July 12, 1073, and was canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1193.

Saint Anacletus (died c. 92 AD)
Feast Day: April 26

Biography:
Saint Anacletus, also known as Cletus or Anencletus, was the third Bishop of Rome, succeeding Saint Linus and preceding Saint Clement I. His papacy likely began around 79 AD and ended with his death around 92 AD.

Little is known about Anacletus's life, but he is traditionally believed to have been a Roman of Greek descent. His name means "blameless" in Greek. During his pontificate, he is said to have organized the Roman Church, dividing it into parishes and ordaining priests. He also may have played a role in the construction of a burial place for Saint Peter, laying the foundations for what would become St. Peter's Basilica.

Saint Anacletus is venerated as a martyr, though specific details of his martyrdom are not well-documented. His contributions to the early Church helped to establish the administrative framework that supported its growth and development in the centuries to come.