Saint of the Day Online - Bl. Alvarez of Corova

Saint of the Day - Feb 19, 2017

Blessed St Alvarez of Córdoba (c.1350–c.1430) was born at Zamora in Spain and entered the Order of Preachers in 1368. He preached throughout Spain and Italy and also established the priory of Scala Caeli at Córdoba where he promoted the regular life. By his preaching and contemplation of the Lord’s Passion, he spread the practice of the Way of the Cross throughout the West. He died on 19 February 1430.

Alvarez was born in either Lisbon, Portugal, or Cordova, Spain. He entered the Dominican convent at Cordova in 1368. He became known for his preaching prowess in Spain and Italy, was confessor and adviser of Queen Catherine, John of Gaunt's daughter, and tutor of King John II in his youth. He reformed the court and then left the court to found a monastery near Cordova. There the Escalaceli (ladder of heaven) that he built became a center of religious devotion. He successfully led the opposition to antipope Benedict XII (Peter de Luna), and by the time of his death was famous all over Spain for his teaching, preaching asceticism, and holiness. His cult was confirmed in 1741.