St. Homobonus
Feast 11-13 · Canonized 1199
Patron of
About
Homobonus was born in Cremona, Italy, in the twelfth century, the son of a prosperous tailor and merchant. He took over the family business and ran it with scrupulous honesty, giving a large share of his profits to the poor.
He attended Mass daily and saw his trade as a way of serving God, treating customers fairly and keeping careful accounts so that nothing was gained unjustly. His generosity to the needy of Cremona was well known in his lifetime.
He died on November 13, 1197, while attending Mass, and was canonized in 1199 by Pope Innocent III. He is venerated as the patron saint of merchants, business people, and tailors.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave St. Homobonus the grace to run his trade with scrupulous honesty and to give his profits to the poor, grant through his intercession that merchants and all who work in business may act with integrity and generosity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.