Saint Homobonus

Saint Homobonus was born in Cremona in northern Italy, known in life as Omobono Tucenghi. A married layman and cloth merchant, he received an inheritance from his father, a prosperous tailor, and came to see his work as God’s gift so he could serve those in need. In business he was scrupulously honest, and though he and his wife were well provided for, they lived simply so he could give generously to the poor. He devoted himself to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, even caring for the burial of abandoned dead, and became known as a peacemaker and consoler of the afflicted. Tradition remembers a miracle on his travels: after giving all his food and drink to a beggar, water drawn from a stream turned to wine. Each night he prayed at the church of St. Giles, assisting at Matins and remaining until morning Mass. He died on November 13, 1197, and was canonized in 1199. He is venerated as patron of Cremona and of merchants, tailors, cobblers, and clothworkers. His feast day is November 13.