Domenico Facente

Domenico Facente (b.1497-) younger son of Giuliano Facente, a well known gentleman, and his second wife Maria. From very early childhood he was afflicted with a stutter so violent that it was unknown whether he had 'falling sickness' or had been cursed by a person envious of the family's good fortune. Although the best doctors and the most learned clergy examined the boy they could find nothing to alleviate the condition.

Daily his mother would take Domenico to Mass and pray to Our Lord and Saviour, the Blessed Virgin, and Saint Jude for the relief of her son's condition. the anguish of his parents was made greater by the child's beauty for in appearance he favored his mother with auburn hair and eyes which some call hazel in color.

No one knows the intentions of Our Lord, nor whom he will bestow His Grace upon.

At the age of five Domenico began to sing whenever he and his mother attended Mass.

Maria Facente took this to be the answer to her prayers, and brought him back to his father. When asked to sing an Ave Maria the young boy began in a voice no child should have, for the tone was of uncommon clarity, and the diction flawless. His father wept believing it was a miracle.

But, for each gift given by Our Lord there is a price to be paid, or an obstacle to be overcome, for the affliction of speech did not modify. Only when Domenico sang or spoke Latin was he free from the torment. He was allowed and encouraged to learn to read and write in Italian and Latin. By the age of twelve he had outstripped his music tutors becoming proficient on the lute and lira and, as always, displaying a virtuosity of vocal talent rare in even the most gifted. He tutors explained to his mother that Domenico was not imitating what he had heard, but was improvising and inventing new music.

His father, having no knowledge of what to do, placed a servant boy of the household named Marco to protect and serve his son. At first Marco resented this task, but Domenico's affliction and his openness of spirit won his servant's affection. By the age of fourteen Domenico had become known in the city of Florence, especially at Carnevale, a time when the people would sing about themselves, and each other. Marco had become a feisty young man and Domenico had a great wit. Together they were formidable; one was fearless and the other could shred a person with a song.

When reading a passage in the Bible Domenico had an epiphany. While reading Exodus he realized that Moses may have had the same kind of affliction. He knew he was no prophet, but also thought that this "curse" had prevented him from sinful utterances, made him humble, and had allowed him to reveal his true self only when he sang. To squander such a gift would be a sin, he decided that only by glorifying Our Lord and Savior would he fulfill his obligation for the great gift he had been given.

His parents allowed him to leave for Rome in the winter of 1513, Marco left with him.

Should he be called to the clergy, he would enter the priesthood. If not he would exert himself to exalt the Glory of the Faith.

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