Saturday, August 19, 2006

Savonarola


Girolamo Savonarola (Born at Ferrara in 1452 – Died at Florence, 1498.) An Italian Dominican priest and, briefly, ruler of Florence. Known for his religious reformation, anti-Renaissance preaching, book burning, and destruction of art. He was not at all fond of fashion, and held great "bonfires of the vanities."


He was burned at the stake for heresy. Although his so-called heresy has been disputed and many believe he ought to be canonized a saint. My friend Pier Giorgio Frassati took his name for himself in the Third Order of St. Dominic.


Some priests have met with great obstacles in their efforts towards reform.