how St Amidei gave up all his belongings to devote yourself to god
+8
Saint Amadeus of the Amidei (born Bartholomew Amidei) gave up his wealthy life and status as a noble in Florence, Italy, in 1233. Moved by a shared vision of the Virgin Mary alongside six companions, he left his family's property and social standing, settled in a humble house outside the city, and later moved to the solitude of Monte Senario to establish the Servite Order through absolute poverty and prayer. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
The Path of Renunciation
- Spiritual Awakening: Immersed in a society torn by political conflict, he and six prominent Florentine merchants joined a Marian confraternity. [1, 2, 3]
- The Vision: While praying on the Feast of the Assumption in 1233, they experienced a mystical vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary calling them to leave worldly ambitions behind. [1, 2]
- Surrendering Wealth: He abandoned his rich estate, social privileges, and career to embrace a life of total destitution. [1, 2]
- Life as a Hermit: He moved to a small, dilapidated dwelling outside Florence before retreating entirely to the remote Monte Senario for continuous penance and contemplation. [1, 2]
