Homobonus
Saint Homobonus was a wealthy cloth merchant from Cremona, Italy, known for his exceptional charity and devotion to the poor. He was canonized in 1199, making him one of the first laypeople to be formally recognized as a saint through papal decree.
- Feast Day
- November 13
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Homobonus was a married layman from Cremona, northern Italy.
- ›He was a cloth merchant who inherited wealth from his father, a tailor and merchant.
- ›He practiced his business with scrupulous honesty and gave much of his money away to the poor.
- ›Homobonus devoted himself to spiritual and corporal works of mercy and attended to the burial of the abandoned dead.
- ›He died on November 13, 1197, and was canonized in 1199 by Pope Innocent III.
- ›His body is preserved in the crypt of the cathedral of Cremona.
Sant'Omobono, Sankt Gutmann, San Mobon, Omobono Tucenghi, homo bonus
Business People, Tailors, Shoemakers, Clothworkers, Cremona, Italy, Merchants, Textile Workers
About Homobonus
Saint Homobonus
Saint Homobonus, known in Italian as Sant'Omobono, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church, particularly in his native Italy. He was a married layman and a prosperous cloth merchant from Cremona, born Omobono Tucenghi. His name itself, derived from the Latin "homo bonus," meaning "good man," reflects the virtuous life he led and the reputation he held among his contemporaries.
Life and Historical Context
Homobonus lived a life of faith and charity, believing that his work and prosperity were gifts from God intended to support those living in poverty. He inherited wealth from his father, who was also a tailor and merchant, allowing him to pursue his calling with ease. Homobonus conducted his business in Cremona with exceptional honesty. Despite his comfortable circumstances, he and his wife lived simply, generously giving away much of their wealth to aid the less fortunate. He was deeply committed to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and was known to attend to the burial of the abandoned dead.
A notable legend recounts a journey where Homobonus gave all his provisions to a beggar. Upon refilling his flask from a stream, the water miraculously transformed into wine. His piety was further demonstrated by his nightly custom of attending services at the church of St. Giles, remaining until the morning Mass.
Canonization and Veneration
Homobonus died on November 13, 1197. Fourteen months later, his sanctity was formally recognized when he was canonized by Pope Innocent III in 1199. The canonization occurred at the urgent request of the citizens of Cremona, underscoring his profound local veneration. Pope Innocent III described him in the canonization bull as "father of the poor," "consoler of the afflicted," and "a man good in name and deed."
Patronage and Legacy
Today, Saint Homobonus is widely recognized as the patron saint of business people, tailors, shoemakers, and clothworkers. He is also the patron saint of Cremona, Italy. His body is preserved in the crypt of Cremona Cathedral, which was dedicated to him and St. Mary's Assumption in 1592. In 1643, the City Council officially chose him as the patron of the city. The veneration of Saint Homobonus continues, with initiatives and dedications such as "The year of St Homobonus" celebrated in Cremona and churches named in his honor, such as Sant'Omobono in Rome. A commune in Italy, Sant'Omobono Terme, is named after him, and a Saint Homobonus Hospital is located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, reflecting his enduring influence and the global reach of his patronage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Homobonus?
Saint Homobonus was a married layman and cloth merchant from Cremona, Italy. He was known for his deep faith, charitable works, and honest business dealings.
What is Saint Homobonus the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of business people, tailors, shoemakers, and clothworkers, as well as the city of Cremona, Italy.
When was Saint Homobonus canonized?
Homobonus was canonized in 1199 by Pope Innocent III at the urgent request of the citizens of Cremona. He died on November 13, 1197.
What was Saint Homobonus known for during his life?
He was known for living simply despite his wealth, giving generously to the poor, and dedicating himself to spiritual and corporal works of mercy, including attending to the burial of the abandoned dead.
Where is Saint Homobonus venerated?
His body is preserved in the cathedral of Cremona, where the cathedral was dedicated to him and St Mary’s Assumption in 1592. A church in Rome, Sant'Omobono, is also dedicated to him, as is a comune in Italy named Sant'Omobono Terme.
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