Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Ubald of Gubbio, a remarkable leader and saint of the 12th century. From a young age, Ubald was entrusted with positions of leadership, yet he never sought power for its own sake. In fact, he once talked himself out of becoming Bishop of Perugia. Instead, he led in response to the needs of his time—a man who longed for solitude, yet proved to be an effective administrator.
Those who knew him were struck by his gentleness and forgiveness, qualities that did not diminish his ability to lead with clarity and conviction. His life serves as a valuable lesson in leadership. Many believe that effective leaders must command through force and bluster, imposing their will upon others. Ubald, however, exemplifies a different approach: leadership rooted in peace, yet carried out with strength and authority.
One story about him, recounted in Bert Ghezzi’s Voices of the Saints, is particularly striking. After Ubald had been raised to the Bishopric of Gubbio, he reprimanded a cement worker whose sloppy work was damaging the vines in his vineyard. In response, the worker pushed Ubald into the wet cement.
When the man was brought to court, Ubald intervened on his behalf. He asserted his jurisdiction over the case, as the offense had been committed against a cleric, and exercised his power to set the man free. His judgment was not one of retribution, but of mercy—offering the man the kiss of peace and his prayers.
This story beautifully illustrates the nature of forgiveness. It does not deny that an offense has occurred, nor does it ignore one’s authority to enact justice. Instead, Ubald used his power effectively and led by example, recognizing that what the worker needed was not harsh punishment but mercy. He understood the economy of retribution yet chose to demonstrate God’s economy of grace. In this, he reflected the command of Christ in Matthew 5:44: “Pray for those who persecute you.”
Such a teaching becomes even more powerful when our persecutors are subject to our authority. It is easy to pray for them when we have no ability to alter their actions, but Ubald shows that true Christian leadership must always operate from the foundation of mercy. As leaders entrusted with power, we are called to respond not with vengeance, but with the love and forgiveness exemplified by Christ himself.
You may hold the trump card, but be warry of playing it in the wrong game. The goal of our lives as Christians is rooted in making Christ known in us and through us. St. Ubald’s example is a powerful example of what that can look like.
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