Augustine Fangi was a 15th-century Italian Dominican priest born in Biella. Despite his wealthy family's intentions for him to pursue a secular life, he joined the Dominican Order after being inspired by friars in his hometown. He served as a prior for several monasteries, where he focused on upholding the Rule of Saint Dominic. Known for his intense spiritual concentration and calm demeanor, he spent his final decade living in Venice, where he passed away in 1493.
Life and character
Fangi was noted for his remarkable equanimity, once reportedly enduring a surgical procedure without anesthetic or outcry because he was so deeply focused on spiritual matters. During his time as prior in Soncino, he was associated with various miracles, including the purported restoration of a child to life and the miraculous repair of a broken wine jug. He died in Venice on July 22, 1493.
Veneration
His devotion grew after his body was found incorrupt in a flooded crypt in Venice during the 1530s. Although his memory faded for several centuries, his cultus was officially confirmed in 1872. He was beatified in 1878, and his feast day is observed on July 24.