SAINT BERNARD PTOLEMY FOUNDER OF THE OLIVETANS

HE was born at Sienna in 1272. After giving the most illustrious proofs of his learning and virtue, he disposed of all his worldly substance to the poor, and retired into a frightful desert near Sienna, where he led a most austere life. Here, being joined by some pious companions, he founded the Congregation of our Lady of Mount Olivet in 1319, approved by the holy see. He died on the 20th of August, 1348, and is named in the Roman Martyrology. See the Bollandists, p. 465.