Background
He was born in Brescia, to the noble Maggi family.
He was born in Brescia, to the noble Maggi family.
His very name comes from the Greek word "Sebastos" (venerable one). He is related to Bishop Berardo Maggi, who was also Duke and Count of the city. His intelligence was quickly noticed, and he received a Master"s degree in Theology.
Over time, he rose through the ranks and became the superior of several religious houses.
He practiced corporal mortification and was strict in discipline. If you will not have me as a father, you will find me a severe judge."
He appointed Girolamo Savonarola to the position of Novice Master, setting that famous Florentine friar on his own path to fame.
In his time, he was regarded as one of the greatest preachers in Italy. Sebastian was chosen by Pope Alexander VI to investigate revelations Savonarola claimed were given to him directly from God.
Savonarola appealed the choice, thinking that Sebastian, as Vicar-General of the Lombard Congregation, would be biased and try to take over his recently-emancipated San Marco facility in Florence.
The Pope, however, had already decided to give the facility back to the Congregation, making Sebastian Savonarola"s canonical superior. He died in 1496. He is buried at the Dominican Santa Maria di Castello complex in Genoa.