Ubald (or Ulbadus) was born to noble parents in Gubbio in Umbria, Italy (then a Papal State). On reaching adulthood he was frequently urged to marry, but nothing could shake his resolution of leading a life of celibacy. He was appointed Prior of the Cathedral Chapter by the bishop, who was his uncle. The condition of the chapter being scandalous, Ubald reformed it despite opposition from some of the canons. He lived with them in strict discipline and visited the Canons Regular instituted by Peter de Honestis in the territory of Ravenna to learn how to run a religious house. But after a fire in which the cathedral and cloisters were reduced to ruins, he left the cathedral. The fame of his virtue spread far and wide. Pope Honorius II compelled him to accept the charge of the Church of Gubbio and accordingly he was consecrated Bishop in 1128.
Having taken possession of his See, he changed little or nothing of his mode of life but he began to apply himself more than ever to the practice of every virtue, in order that he might the more effectually, both by word and example, procure the salvation of souls, for he was a pattern of the flock in all earnestness. His food was scanty, his dress unpretending, his bed hard and most poor. While always hearing about, in his body, the mortification of the Cross, he every day refreshed his spirit with prayer, in which he seemed insatiable. The result of such a life was meekness of so admirable a nature, that he not only bore the worst injuries and insults with patience but treated his persecutors with surprising affection, and showed them all possible kindness.
During the last two years of his life, Ubald suffered much from sickness. In the midst of the most acute pains he ceased not to give thanks to God. He died in 1160 on the feast of Pentecost and was canonised by Pope Celestine III in 1192. God has given him a special power for driving away unclean spirits. His body, which has remained uncorrupt for several centuries, is honoured with much devotion by the faithful of the city of Gubbio which he has more than once rescued from the calamities that threatened it.
Dom Prosper Gueranger:
Having taken possession of his See, he changed little or nothing of his mode of life but he began to apply himself more than ever to the practice of every virtue, in order that he might the more effectually, both by word and example, procure the salvation of souls, for he was a pattern of the flock in all earnestness. His food was scanty, his dress unpretending, his bed hard and most poor. While always hearing about, in his body, the mortification of the Cross, he every day refreshed his spirit with prayer, in which he seemed insatiable. The result of such a life was meekness of so admirable a nature, that he not only bore the worst injuries and insults with patience but treated his persecutors with surprising affection, and showed them all possible kindness.
During the last two years of his life, Ubald suffered much from sickness. In the midst of the most acute pains he ceased not to give thanks to God. He died in 1160 on the feast of Pentecost and was canonised by Pope Celestine III in 1192. God has given him a special power for driving away unclean spirits. His body, which has remained uncorrupt for several centuries, is honoured with much devotion by the faithful of the city of Gubbio which he has more than once rescued from the calamities that threatened it.
Dom Prosper Gueranger:
In order to honour her Eternal High Priest, the Church presents to Him this day the merits of a Pontiff, who, after his mortal career, was admitted into a happy immortality. Ubaldus, here on Earth was the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like his Divine Master, he received the holy Anointing of Priesthood. He was a Mediator between God and man. He was the Shepherd of a flock. And now he is united with our Risen Jesus — the great Anointed, the Mediator, the Shepherd. In proof of his influence in Heaven, our Ubaldus has had given to him a special power against the wicked spirits who lay snares for our perdition. It has frequently happened that the simple invocation of his name has sufficed to foil their machinations. It is with the view of encouraging the faithful to have recourse to his protection that the Church has fixed this day as his feast.
O blessed Pontiff, be our protector against the spirits of Hell. They are devoured by envy at seeing how man, that lowly and feeble creature, has become the object of God’s predilection. The Incarnation of the Son of God, His Death on the Cross, His glorious Resurrection, the Sacraments which give us the life of Grace — all these sublime means by which the infinite goodness of God has restored us to our lost dignity, have excited the rage of the old enemy, and he seeks revenge by insulting, in us, the Image of our Creator. At times, he attacks man with all the frenzy of angry jealousy. To mimic the operations of Sanctifying Grace — which, so to speak, makes us the instruments of God’s good pleasure — Satan sometimes takes possession of our fellow creatures, and makes them his slaves. Your power, O Ubaldus, has often manifested itself by rescuing these unhappy victims of the Devil’s jealousy, and holy Church, on this day, celebrates the special prerogative conferred on you by our Heavenly Father. Relent not in the exercise of your charitable office. And yet, O holy Pontiff, you know that the snares of the wicked spirits are more injurious to the souls than to the bodies of men. Have pity, then, on the unhappy slaves of sin, who, though the divine Sun of the Pasch has risen upon them, are still in the darkness of guilt. Pray for them that they may become once more Children of the Light, and share in the Easter Resurrection which Jesus offers to all.
