Conrad of Piacenza

Saint Conrad of Piacenza was born around 1290 (perhaps earlier) at Calendasco near Piacenza in northern Italy, into the noble Confalonieri family. As a young man he married a noblewoman, Ephrosyne, yet God gradually drew him toward a life of repentance and prayer. Tradition tells that after a tragic fire for which an innocent man was blamed, Conrad publicly confessed his responsibility and accepted the loss of his wealth as a providential call to conversion. He and his wife separated so each could pursue a consecrated life, and Conrad entered the Third Order of St. Francis. For some forty years he lived as a hermit, embracing austere penance, deep solitude, and loving service when needed. He is especially linked with the region of Noto in Sicily, where he prayed for the suffering, cared for the sick, and was remembered for miracles, including healings and the gift of bread during famine. Venerated as patron of Calendasco and Noto, he died in prayer on February 19, 1351. His feast day is February 19.