Giuseppe Maria Tommasi, BLESSED, cardinal, noted for his learning, humility, and zeal for reform; b. at Licata, Sicily, of a princely family, September 12, 1649; d. in Rome, January 1, 1713. Though destined by his father for the Spanish Court, he joined the Clerks Regular of the Theatine Order at Palermo, March 24, 1665, renouncing his primogeniture and the princedom in favor of his brother. He was professed March 25, 1666. He studied philosophy, first at Messina, and later, owing to poor health, at Ferrara and Modena; and theology in Rome and Palermo. He was ordained priest on Christmas Day, 1673. To a wide knowledge of Greek, he united the study of Ethiopic, Arabic, Syriac, Chaldaic and Hebrew—converting his master, a Jewish rabbi, to Christianity. From the Psalters in these different languages, he collected the titles of the Psalms. He devoted himself to the study of Scripture and the Fathers. Searching the chief libraries, archives, and monuments, he retraced the ancient ecclesiastical discipline and liturgy.
His valuable works (Codici Tommasiani), published chiefly from ancient codices in the Vatican and Vallicellian Libraries and the Library of Christina of Sweden, were highly praised by the different academies of Europe, even Protestant. Chief among his publications are the “Codices sacramentorum nongentis annis antiquiores” (Rome, 1680), partly transcribed by Mabillon in his “Liturgia Gallicana”. Following these, in order of time, were: “Psalterium” (Rome, 1683), according to the Roman and Gallican editions, published under the name of “Giuseppe Maria Caro”. In this work Tommasi introduced Origen’s symbols (obeli and asterisks), obsolete for nine centuries. Under the same pen-name Tommasi wrote “Responsalia et Antiphonaria Rom. Feel.”, etc. (Rome, 1686); “Sacrorum Bibliorum Tituli, sive capitula” (Rome, 1688); “Antiqui libri Missarum Rom. Eccl.” or the Antiphonary of Pope Saint Gregory, entitled “Comes”, written by Alcuin at the order of Charlemagne (Rome, 1691); “Officium Dominica: Passionis”, used by the Greeks on Good Friday, translated into Latin (Rome, 1695). Under his proper name he published “Speculum” (Rome, 1679); “Exercitium Fidei, Spei et. Caritatis” (Rome, 1683); “Breviarium psalterii (Rome, 1683); “Vera norma di glorificar Dio” (Rome, 1687); “Fermentum” (Rome, 1688); “Psalterium cum canticis” (Rome, 1697); “Indiculus institutionum theologicarum veterum Patrum” (3 vols., Rome, 1709; 1710; 1712), an exposition of theological theory and practice, derived from original patristic sources. Tommasi also wrote numerous opuscula, the last four published by G. Mercati (Rome, 1905). In 1753 Vezzosi published his works in eleven quarto volumes.
Tommasi’s efforts at reform were directed not to the introduction of the new, but to the restoration and maintenance of the old. He was not always upheld and was sometimes rebuked for his zeal. Innocent XII made him examiner of the bishops, or of the clergy. Clement XI appointed him consultor of the Theatine Order, theologian of the “Congregatio super Discipline Regulari” and other congregations, consultor of the Congregations of Rites and Indulgences, and qualificator of the Holy Office. The same pope created him cardinal-priest of the Title of S. Martino ai Monti and compelled him to accept the honor. Taking St. Charles Borromeo for his model, Tommasi practiced humility and charity towards the poor. He taught catechism to the children of the poor in his titular church. He introduced the use of Gregorian chant in his church. On his death he was mourned by all, even by the pope, who so admired his sanctity that he consulted him before accepting the papacy. He was beatified by Pius VII, June 5, 1803. Every year the Arcadians hold a religious and literary commemoration in his honor. His body rests in the church of S. Martino ai Monti.
FRANCESCO PAOLI