Saint Contardo of Este

Saint Contardo of Este was born in 1216 in Ferrara, the posthumous son of Aldobrandino I of Este, marquis of Ferrara. Though heir to wealth and honor, he freely renounced his position as crown prince, choosing instead the humility of a pilgrim and “a man of God.” Drawn by love for Christ and the desire to live simply, he set out on pilgrimage toward Santiago de Compostela. In 1235, King Andrew II of Hungary named him a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, recognizing his noble character and devotion. On his journey Contardo fell gravely ill in Broni, in Lombardy, and died there. He was first buried on the hill where he passed away, and soon the faithful reported healings and other favors at his grave. His body was later brought with honor to the parish church of Saint Peter in Broni, which would become a minor basilica, and his veneration spread. His cult was officially approved in 1609. Saint Contardo is patron of Broni. His feast day is April 16.