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 Blessed Davanzato of Poggibonsi entered the SFO (III Order) sponsored by Blessed Lucchesi, one of the first Franciscan Tertiaries, if not the first in an absolute sense, with his wife Buonadonna. Whereas Bl. Lucchesi lived a holy life, as did his wife, following the Rule for Penitents, Blessed Davanzato entered the Order prior to studying to become a priest. Later, he became Bishop, and he died in old age. It is said that on his grave many miracles took place. Currently the body of Blessed Davanzato is venerated in the Church of San Bartolomeo in Barberino Val d'Elsa, Italy, and he was elected the town's patron. Annual festivals in Barbarino Val d'Elsa are held on the first Sunday in July.
He was the first tertiary Franciscan priest, that is, apart from properly carrying out the duties of his state and diligently curing the souls entrusted to him, he sought the highest spiritual perfection in prayer and penance, humility and privation. Blessed Davanzato lived among his people with the austerity of a hermit, the piety of a prince, the poverty of a mendicant friar. He was pastor for seventy years, dying almost 100 years old*, on July 7, 1295.
Note: *The Italian machine translation was poor, and I do not want to imply that he was 100 years old (since this is unclear). The translation was "dying almost centenary"
It is not clear if Blessed Davanzato appears in the Italian Franciscan Ordo; but I want to include him as the first tertiary (SFO) who was ordained a priest. /Fss
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