St. Fulco

As provost (dean) of the cathedral chapter of Piacenza, Italy, Father Fulco Scotti was assigned by his bishop to deliver a talk to the clergy assembled for a diocesan synod in 1208. Addressing the virtue of purity, Fulco admonished his fellow priests to guard against sinning with their eyes, tongues, hands, or feet, for their eyes are meant for seeing the "All-seeing One," their tongues by the words of consecration "bring down from heaven the Son of God," their fingers "frequently touch that which was conceived from pure flesh, born to purer flesh, risen up again in the purest flesh," and their feet "enter unto the Lord who gives joy to our youth." Fulco became bishop of Piacenza in 1210. Six years later, he was transferred to the episcopal see of Pavia. During his many years as a bishop, Fulco manifested an extraordinary generosity to widows, orphans, and other needy souls. Each day, he invited fifteen paupers to share a meal with him.