Background
Marco Passionei was born on 13 September 1560 as the seventh of eleven children to Domenico and Maddalena Passionei.
Marco Passionei was born on 13 September 1560 as the seventh of eleven children to Domenico and Maddalena Passionei.
He assumed the name "Benedetto from Urbino" when he entered the order. He was beatified in 1867. Passionei was soon able to admit himself to the order in Fano despite his fragile health.
He recuperated in a convent in Fossombrone.
He was later ordained to the priesthood and took the name of "Benedetto from Urbino". He was then sent as part of a team of missionaries in 1600 with Lawrence of Brindisi - future saint - to Bohemia after Pope Clement VIII ordered that missionaries be sent there to evangelize.
He was there until 1603. He died on 30 April 1625 after a period of ill health.
The sainthood process commenced in Urbino under Pope Innocent XII on 17 September 1796 - it granted him the title of Servant of God.
His life of heroic virtue was recognized on 24 February 1798 and allowed for Pope Pius VI to confer upon him the title of Venerable. Pope Pius IX beatified him on 10 February 1867 after the recognition of two miracles attributed to his intercession.