Saint Conrad of Piacenza (1290-1350)
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(Franciscan Media) Born into one of the noblest families of Italy Piacenza, Conrad married as a young man and led a virtuous and God fearing life.
One day while hunting Conrad ordered his attendants to fire some brushwood in which game had taken refuge. The prevailing winds caused the flames to spread rapidly and the surrounding fields and forest were soon engulfed –Conrad fled. An innocent beggar, who happened to be found near the place where the fire originated was accused of starting the inferno and was tried, found guilty and condemned to death.
As the poor man was being led away to execution, Conrad stricken with remorse came forward, admitted his responsibility and in order to pay compensation for all of the damages. he was obliged to sell all of his possessions.
Reduced to poverty, Conrad retired to a small lonely dwelling for a hermit some distance away from Piacenza, his wife agreed to a separation and went to a Poor Clare monastery.
Subsequently, Conrad went to Rome, then to Sicily where for 30 years he lived a most austere life–prayers and penance were his answers to the temptations that harassed him.
Conrad passed away from life while kneeling before a Crucifix.
In 1515 Pope Leo X approved the celebration of his Feast by Italy Noto and on this date in 1625 Pope Urban VIII approved the celebration by all Franciscans.
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