Andrea Dotti (saint)


Andrea Dotti was an Italian Servite preacher. His feast day is September 3.

Life

He was of noble parentage, being the brother of Count Dotto Dotti. Andrea grew up as many other noblemen of his time, but was distinguished for piety as well as for courage in the field. He was made captain of the archers of the body-guard of Philip the Fair. In 1278 Philip Beniti delivered a sermon at the opening of the general chapter of his order in Borgo, and young Dotti was so struck that he at once asked to be admitted to the Servite Order. He was received by the General, and was soon after ordained to the priesthood.
His zeal manifested itself principally in preaching and penance. He filled various position of honour in the Order and by his charity and zeal won over to the Order a large number of hermits living at Vallucola. Many visions were vouchsafed him, and he worked a great many authenticated miracles.
After long years of preaching, he retired into a hermitage and renewed his penances, and died there. He was buried in a church of his native town. Pope Pius VII authorized his cult.