Is it true that such a small plaque could tell us about a blessed man? This is the Pacifico Ramati Plaque. It commemorates a man named Pacificus Ramati. He was born in 1424 in Cerano. Cerano is in the Diocese of Novara in Lombardy.
Pacificus Ramati was also known as Pacificus of Ceredano. Some called him Pacificus of Novara. He came from the respected Ramati family.
Pacificus was orphaned at a young age. Despite this adversity, he decided to become a monk. He initially considered the Order of Saint Benedict. However, he chose to become a Franciscan.
In 1445, Pacificus entered the Order of Friars Minor. He joined their Observants convent of San Nazario in Novara. In 1452, he was ordained to the priesthood. Afterward, he became a preacher. Italian Observants were known for their preaching at that time. Pacificus also preached about the crusade against the Turks. His order had undertaken this crusade. He also received a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Paris.
In 1481, the General Chapter of the order met in Ferrara. They sent Pacificus to Sardinia as a commissioner. His task was to administer and inspect Franciscan monasteries there. Pope Sixtus IV supported this mission. Pacificus died in Sardinia on June 4, 1482.
Pacificus wished to be buried in Cerano. His remains were taken to the church attached to the Franciscan convent. His head was given to the parish church as a relic.
People immediately honored him as a saint. In 1745, Pope Benedict XIV approved his veneration. This was for the Franciscan Order and the Diocese of Novara. His feast day is celebrated on June 5.
Blessed Pacificus is famous for his writing. He authored a dissertation in Italian called “Summa Pacifica”. It discusses the proper method of hearing confessions. The work was first printed in Milan in 1479. Its title was “Somma Pacifica o sia Trattato della Scienza di confessare”. It was also published in Latin in Venice in 1501 and 1513.
The Pacifico Ramati Plaque reminds us of his life. It is a testament to his dedication. Pacifico Ramati’s journey from orphan to blessed priest is inspiring. His work continues to influence the church. Take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Pacificus Ramati. His story lives on through this plaque.