Abbot, founder of the monastery of Vallombrosa, born Florence, Italy, c.985;died Passignano, Italy, 1073. He entered the Benedictine Order at San Miniato, despite his father's opposition. He practised the most austere asceticism, and in 1038 retired to Vallombrosa, establishing there his new religious society which received papal recognition in 1070. He adopted the Benedictine Rule with several changes, making it more rigorous, excluding manual labor, and organizing a body of lay brothers. He founded houses at San Salvi, Moscetta, Rozzuolo, Monte Salario, and Passignano. Canonized, 1193. Feast, Roman Calendar, July 12,.