# Saint Cajetan

> (1480–1547) Founder of the Theatines

**Wikidata**: [Q379914](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q379914)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Cajetan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-cajetan

## Summary
Saint Cajetan (born as Gaetano Thiene in 1480 and died in 1547) was an Italian Catholic priest and founder of the Theatine religious order, known for his work in reforming the Catholic Church and establishing a new religious community dedicated to penance and preaching.

## Biography
- Born: 1480-10-01 (October 1, 1480)
- Nationality: Italy (Republic of Venice, Q4948)
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Founder of the Theatine order
- Employer(s): Theatine order (founded 1524), Catholic Church
- Field(s): Catholic priest, religious leader, reformer

## Contributions
- Founded the Theatine order in 1524, establishing a new religious community focused on penance and preaching
- Established churches and religious institutions named after him across Italy and other countries
- Played a key role in the Catholic Reformation movement
- Authored theological works and writings related to his religious order

## FAQs
**What was Saint Cajetan's most important achievement?**
He founded the Theatine order in 1524, establishing a new religious community dedicated to penance and preaching as part of the Catholic Reformation.

**Where are churches named after Saint Cajetan located?**
Churches dedicated to Saint Cajetan exist in multiple locations including Bitonto, Florence, Padua, Brescia, Siena, and Velha Goa, India.

**What was his role in the Catholic Church?**
He served as a Catholic priest and religious leader, working to reform the Church and establish the Theatine order.

**When did the Theatine order begin?**
The Theatine order was established in 1524 under his leadership.

## Why They Matter
Saint Cajetan's founding of the Theatine order had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church during the Reformation period. His emphasis on penance, preaching, and spiritual renewal helped shape the Counter-Reformation and provided an alternative model for religious communities. The Theatine order continued to grow and influence Catholic practice for centuries, with churches and institutions bearing his name continuing to serve as centers of faith and community.

## Notable For
- Founded the Theatine order in 1524
- Established multiple churches dedicated to his name across Italy and beyond
- Played a significant role in the Catholic Reformation movement
- Authored theological writings related to his religious order
- Was recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Saint Cajetan was born as Gaetano Thiene on October 1, 1480, in the Republic of Venice (modern-day Italy). He came from a noble family and initially pursued a career as a lawyer before converting to a religious life. His early education and background in law provided him with the skills that would later serve his religious work.

### Conversion and Religious Life
After converting to Catholicism, Cajetan dedicated himself to religious service. He became a priest and began working with the poor and marginalized in Venice. His experiences with poverty and social injustice led him to seek a more radical approach to religious life.

### Founding the Theatine Order
In 1524, Cajetan founded the Theatine order, named after the Theatine Church in Rome. The order was established with the specific purpose of reforming the Catholic Church and promoting penance and preaching. The Theatines took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and focused on serving the poor and the sick.

### Leadership and Influence
As the founder of the Theatine order, Cajetan served as its first superior general. He traveled extensively throughout Italy and Europe, establishing new communities and spreading the order's mission. His work helped to strengthen the Catholic Church during a period of significant challenge from Protestant reformers.

### Legacy and Institutions
Cajetan's legacy is preserved through the numerous churches and religious institutions dedicated to his name. These include churches in Bitonto, Florence, Padua, Brescia, Siena, and Velha Goa in India. The Theatine order continued to grow and influence Catholic practice for centuries, with its members serving in various capacities within the Church.

### Death and Canonization
Cajetan died on August 7, 1547, in Venice. He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church and is remembered as a key figure in the Counter-Reformation movement. His feast day is celebrated on August 7.

### Connections to Other Entities
The Theatine order established churches and institutions across Europe, including the Theatine Church in Munich, Germany. Cajetan's work was influenced by and influenced other religious movements of his time, including the broader Catholic Reformation efforts. His legacy continues to be recognized through various religious and cultural institutions named after him.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Evolución del Calendario Romano postconciliar (1969–2014)
8. Calendarium Romanum Generale (1969)
9. Autoritats UB
10. CERL Thesaurus
11. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
12. Enciclopedia Treccani
13. FactGrid