John Righi was a 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar and priest who lived a life of asceticism. Born into a noble family in Fabriano around 1469, he joined the Order of Friars Minor in 1484. He later spent his later years as a hermit in Cupramontana, where he gained a reputation for preaching and healing the sick. His spiritual influence was significant, as his sermons encouraged many people to repent or return to the Catholic faith.
Life and ministry
After making his solemn profession, Righi served as a priest and eventually withdrew to a hermitage in Cupramontana in 1511. From this location, he provided spiritual guidance and medical care to those in need. His dedication to an ascetic lifestyle and his preaching drew large crowds of followers who sought his counsel and healing abilities.
Veneration
The priest was honored through widespread popular devotion following his death in 1539. His remains were eventually moved to an altar within the church of San Giacomo della Romita. In 1903, Pope Pius X officially confirmed his beatification, recognizing the long-standing religious veneration directed toward him by the faithful.