St. Nicholas of Tolentino was an Augustinian friar known for his deep piety, fasting, and devotion to the souls in purgatory. He performed numerous miracles, including healings and visions, and was widely regarded as a holy man during his lifetime. His incorrupt body and miracles after death led to his canonization in 1446.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino was born in 1245 in Sant'Angelo, Italy, to parents who had long prayed for a child. Their prayers were answered, and they dedicated Nicholas to God from a young age. Inspired by a sermon on St. Augustine, Nicholas joined the Augustinian order at the age of 18. He devoted himself to a life of prayer, humility, and service to the poor.
After becoming a priest, Nicholas was assigned to Tolentino, where he spent nearly 30 years preaching, hearing confessions, and ministering to the sick and needy. He was known for his extreme fasting and personal sacrifices. He often ate only bread and water, slept on the floor, and spent long hours in prayer. He was especially devoted to the souls in purgatory and had several mystical visions in which souls appeared to him, asking for his prayers.
Numerous miracles were attributed to him, both during his life and after his death. He was known for healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even bringing a child back to life. One of his most famous miracles involved blessed bread, which he gave to the sick, leading to many miraculous healings.
St. Nicholas passed away on September 10, 1305. After his death, his body was found to be incorrupt, a sign of holiness in Catholic tradition. Pilgrims flocked to his tomb, and numerous miracles were reported through his intercession. His incorrupt body remained preserved for centuries and is venerated at the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Tolentino, Italy.