The story of Jacopone da Todi, also known as “Crazy Jim,” is a tale of profound transformation and devotion. Originally living a life of worldly excess, Jacopone’s perspective drastically changed following a tragic event involving his young wife, Vanna. During a public tournament, Vanna, who had been doing penance for Jacopone’s sins, died when the stands they were sitting on collapsed. This incident profoundly affected Jacopone, leading him to a path of radical change.

In response to this personal tragedy, Jacopone gave away his possessions to the poor and joined the Secular Franciscan Order, also known as the Third Order. Despite facing mockery and being labeled as a fool by his former peers, Jacopone embraced the derogatory name ‘Jacopone’ and continued his life of strict penance. After ten years of living in humility, he sought to join the Order of Friars Minor (First Order). Initially rejected due to his reputation, Jacopone’s eloquent poem on worldly vanities eventually secured his admission into the Order in 1278.

Jacopone’s life continued to be marked by strict penance and humility, as he declined ordination as a priest and devoted himself to writing hymns in the vernacular. His journey took a dramatic turn when he became a leading figure in the Spirituals movement within the Franciscans, which advocated for a return to the strict poverty of St. Francis. This stance put him at odds with the Church hierarchy, leading to his excommunication and imprisonment at the age of 68 under Pope Boniface VIII. It wasn’t until Pope Benedict XI’s tenure that Jacopone was released and absolved, five years later.

Accepting his imprisonment as a form of penance, Jacopone spent his remaining years in deep spirituality, lamenting that “Love is not loved.” During this period, he composed the renowned Latin hymn “Stabat Mater.” His life reached a poetic end on Christmas Eve in 1306 at a convent of the Poor Clares, where he passed away singing one of his favorite songs, just as the midnight Mass commenced. Jacopone da Todi’s legacy continues, and he has been venerated as a saint since his death.

Photo credit: Sailko via Wikimedia Commons
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10 COMMENTS

  1. Dear Blessed Jacopone da Todi, please pray for my brother J who is wrapped up in worldliness and an atheist that God the Father would soften his heart and would lead him back to Himself. Also pray for me and my family that we too would reject worldliness and draw close to God.

    AMEN

  2. Philanthropy is what is worldly love. Must confess as a hiker and dog walker; having a hard time with the admittance that I would rather be hiking trails than at home. Do do my studies and work for income but would rather be outside any day and I teach my children to love the outdoors, also.

  3. The poetry of Blessed Jacopone da Todi:
    From “Love That Is Silent”:

    Love, silent as the night,
    Who not one word wilt say,
    That none may know thee right!
    0 Love that lies concealed,
    Through heat and storm and cold,
    That none may guess nor read
    Thy secrets manifold;
    Lest thieves should soon grow bold
    To steal away thy treasure,
    Snatch it and take to flight
    Deep-hid, thy secret fires
    More ardently shall glow;
    And he who screens thee close,
    Thy fiercest heat shall know.

    Blessed Jacopone da Todi, pray for us!

  4. BLESSED JACOPONE,,,GOD. GAVE. YOU. MANY. GIFTS. TO. SHARE,,,,,,,YOUR. MUSIC. ,,,,,,TOUCHES. THE. HEART !!!
    AND. CAN. CALM. THE. SOUL !!!!!!!
    PRAY. FOR. THIS. WORLD,,,,,,, JACOPONE!!!
    WE,,NEED,,,,,,,PEACE. ON. EARTH………..AND….GOOD…WILL….TO…ALL!!! ✝️

  5. Dear Blessed Jacopone de Todo: Your life was a real rollercoaster, with many ups and downs. So, you understand how life for us is today. Please pray for the people of the world who face the coronavirus, and I will pray that God shows you His great mercy. Thank you.

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