Ubertino of Casale

Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Ubertino of Casale, born in 1259 in the Italian region of Casale Monferrato, was a prominent Franciscan theologian and spiritual leader associated with the Franciscan Spirituals, a faction that advocated for strict adherence to the ideals of Saint Francis. He was drawn early in his career to a mystical and ascetic interpretation of Franciscan poverty, which increasingly led him into conflicts within the Franciscan Order and with church authorities. Ubertino’s strong convictions gained the support of leaders like Cardinal Napoleone Orsini, yet his insistence on spiritual rigor also attracted criticism and scrutiny, particularly from those who viewed his ideals as overly radical.
His relationships with the popes of his time were complex and often turbulent. Under Pope Boniface VIII, Ubertino found some measure of tolerance for his teachings, though their approaches to the church’s role and wealth diverged. The election of Pope Clement V brought both hope and conflict for Ubertino; initially hopeful, he later grew disillusioned with Clement’s attempts to mediate between the Spirituals and the more lenient “Conventual” Franciscans. Ubertino’s advocacy for reform and his criticism of wealth in the church intensified under Pope John XXII, who took a firmer stance against the Spirituals, viewing them as a challenge to papal authority. Facing pressure, Ubertino ultimately left the Franciscan Order, seeking protection from various allies and briefly aligning with the Benedictines.
In 1318, he was summoned to Avignon by Pope John XXII to answer for his views. Although spared immediate punishment, Ubertino’s persistent criticism forced him to live in exile for much of his later life. Despite their strained relationship, Ubertino’s writings and teachings profoundly impacted the church and continued to influence reformist thinking. He spent his final years in obscurity, likely passing away around 1329, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated yet controversial voice for ecclesiastical reform.
Extant Writings:
- Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu
- Declaratio de Statu Fratrum Minorum
- Epistola ad Fratres de Monte Alverna
Quotes and Excerpts:
On Mary’s Immaculate Conception
“Who could doubt that the Virgin Mary, who was chosen from eternity to be the dwelling of the divine Word, was preserved from every stain of sin? For it would be unfitting for the vessel prepared for the Most High to be sullied by even the smallest shadow of corruption. In her, the beauty of grace shone perfectly, untouched by the inherited guilt that weighs on the rest of humankind.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book II, Chapter 22.
Mary as the New Eve
“As Eve was the mother of death through her disobedience, Mary is the Mother of Life through her obedience. Eve believed the serpent’s lie and brought ruin upon her offspring, but Mary believed the angel’s truth and brought salvation to the world. By her humble fiat, she undid the prideful refusal of her foremother, becoming the gateway through which grace entered the world.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book III, Chapter 15.
On Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant
“Behold the Virgin who carried in her womb Him whom the heavens cannot contain! She is the ark of the New Covenant, bearing not tablets of stone but the living Word of God. As Mother of God, she is exalted above all creatures, for through her, the Creator entered creation, and through her, the bridge between heaven and earth was restored.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book II, Chapter 19.
On Mary’s Assumption
“It is fitting that she who bore the King of Glory should herself be glorified. Just as Christ rose and ascended into heaven in His divine majesty, so too was His Mother taken up, body and soul, to reign beside Him. For she who was united to Him in life and in suffering must also share in His triumph, becoming Queen of Heaven and advocate for all humanity.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book V, Chapter 10.
On Mary as Queen
“Crowned with the stars of heaven, the Virgin Mary stands as Queen over all creation. Her queenship is not one of dominion but of maternal care, for she reigns with the heart of a mother. All creatures owe her homage, for through her, the Word took on flesh and brought salvation to the world. In her, the mercy of the King finds its perfect complement, and in her intercession, all find hope.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book IV, Chapter 7.
Mary’s Unique Role in Redemption
“Through her immaculate purity and perfect obedience, Mary became the new beginning of creation. Just as all fell through the disobedience of one woman, so all are restored through the obedience of another. At the foot of the Cross, she bore the agony of her Son’s Passion, sharing in the suffering that redeemed the world, and thus became the spiritual mother of all who are reborn in grace.”
Reference: Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu, Book III, Chapter 22.