Another Saint Conrad

Today's saint had to give up everything because of a mistake he made, but instead of living a life of sorrow he gave his life to prayer.

St. Conrad of Piacenza

Feast Day: February 19
Birth:  1290
Death:  1350
Patron of those with hernias
Italy
Nobility

Conrad was given all that he needed growing up in a Italian noble home.  When he was of age, he married the daughter of a nobleman.  They were happily married and led a life of virtue.

One day on a hunting trip, Conrad made the error of flushing out the game by having a fire set in a field.  This fire led to great damage to property and an innocent man was arrested.  Just before the peasant was to be put to death, Conrad spoke up and confessed his crime.  He paid for all damages to the property, selling nearly all he owned in order to raise the cash.

Soon after this event, Conrad and his wife chose to separate, she to the convent of the Sisters of Poor Clare and he to a group of Franciscan hermits.

Although Conrad desired a life of solitude, many came to him especially after finding out he had the gift of healing.  He then fled to a more remote location and here lived for the remainder of his life.

One story is told about a visit to Conrad from the bishop.  Upon arriving at Conrad's cell after the strenuous journey, the bishop asked if Conrad had anything to offer a visitor.  Conrad entered his cell and miraculously returned to the bishop with freshly baked cakes!

There are also many stories that recount that he was often surrounded by birds and other wild animals.

Conrad died of natural causes and over 100 years later in 1485 his body was found to be incorrupt.