Biography
Guarinus of Palestrina
About Guarinus of Palestrina
Guarinus of Palestrina was a twelfth-century canon regular and bishop. Born in Bologna, he joined the Augustinian community at Mortara while already a cleric. The account in the New Catholic Encyclopedia emphasizes a disciplined religious life and attention to people in need. His later responsibilities brought him into the Roman church, but that public office was not what he first sought.
When the see of Pavia became vacant, its people wanted him as bishop. The account says that he refused and escaped confinement imposed to secure his acceptance. In 1144 Pope Lucius II nevertheless required him to become cardinal bishop of Palestrina. His refusal of one episcopal office should not be confused with a refusal to serve the community in the office he later held.
The Diocese of Palestrina describes his concern for poor people and his continued austere community life. It says that he died on February 6, 1158, and that Pope Alexander III proclaimed him a saint in 1159. The New Catholic Encyclopedia instead gives 1159 as the death year. This discrepancy remains unresolved, so no death year is stored. His memory continues in the diocese that he served.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.