Homobonus
12th-century tailor and merchant canonized for combining business integrity with radical charity.
Patronage
Tailors, clothiers, shirtmakers, businessmen, merchants, business people, the poor and needy
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Homobonus of Cremona was a 12th-century Italian merchant and tailor of the Lucca family who lived an extraordinarily holy life while engaged in commercial business. Born in Cremona around 1050, he became renowned for conducting his tailoring business with exceptional honesty and integrity, never cheating customers or employees. Homobonus was celebrated for his radical generosity to the poor, often giving away his profits and sometimes his own clothing to those in need. He maintained a strict personal asceticism while helping others flourish materially and spiritually. His wife, Beatrice, supported his charitable endeavors, and together they became known for their devotion and good works. Homobonus was particularly active in establishing confraternities dedicated to serving the poor. He died on November 13, 1176, and was canonized relatively quickly by Pope Alexander III in 1198, becoming one of the few laypeople recognized for sanctity during the medieval period. He demonstrates that holiness is achievable through secular work conducted with integrity, charity, and spiritual dedication.
Prayer
Prayer to Saint Homobonus
O glorious Saint Homobonus, model of charity and honest dealing, we beseech thee to intercede for us before the throne of God. Grant us the grace to conduct our daily labors with integrity and justice, and to share the fruits of our work with those in need. Help us to follow thy example of sanctity in the marketplace and to remember that all we possess is a gift from God to be used for the good of our brothers and sisters. Through thy powerful intercession, may we grow in virtue and in love of our neighbor. Amen.
Generated by Find My Saint for personal reflection. Not an official Church prayer.