Leo I of Cava
Italian abbot and saint (died 1079)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leo I of Cava (Italian: San Leone I Abate; died 1079) was an Italian abbot and the second abbot of the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava in Cava de' Tirreni. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.[1]
Lucca, Italy
Cava de' Tirreni, Italy
Saint Leo I of Cava | |
|---|---|
 The Virgin appears to Saint Leo from Lucca | |
| Abbot | |
| Born | Unknown Lucca, Italy |
| Died | 1079 Cava de' Tirreni, Italy |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Canonized | Cultus confirmed in 1893 by Pope Leo XIII |
| Feast | 12 July |
Life
Little is known about the early life of Leo I. He was born in Lucca and later became a monk at the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava. He succeeded Alferius as abbot and led the monastery during the 11th century.
During his abbacy, the monastery expanded its religious and social influence in the region. He is traditionally associated with strengthening the Benedictine rule and the spiritual life of the community.
Veneration
The first four abbots of Cava were officially recognised as saints on 21 December 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.[2]
These abbots include:
- Alferius
- Leo I (1050–1079)
- Peter of Pappacarbone (1079–1122)
- Constabilis (1122–1124)
