Blessed John of Vercelli

Not much is known about Blessed John of Vercelli’s life. In the 1240s, John entered the Dominican Order, where he served in numerous leadership positions. He was elected the sixth master general of the Order of Dominicans and served in this capacity for almost 20 years.

Blessed John of Vercelli is known for his superior peacemaking skills. Pope Gregory X and Pope Nicholas IV commissioned John to act as mediator and peacemaker in political disputes. After the Second Council of Lyons, John was commissioned to spread special devotion to the name of Jesus. John required all Dominican churches to contain a Holy Name altar. He also formed groups to combat blasphemy and the use of profanity. 

Late in his life John was offered patriarchy of Jerusalem, but he turned down the offer. He remained the Dominican master general until his death in 1983.