Saint Conrad of Piacenza, born in 1290 into a noble family in northern Italy, led a life that transformed from nobility to deep spiritual devotion. In his youth, Conrad was married to Euphrosyne, a noblewoman. Their lives took a dramatic turn following an incident during a hunting trip when Conrad, in an attempt to drive out game, inadvertently caused a massive fire that spread to neighboring fields and a vast forest. As an innocent peasant faced punishment for the disaster, Conrad stepped forward, confessing his responsibility. This act not only saved the peasant from an unjust death but also led Conrad to compensate for the damages incurred.
This event marked a pivotal moment for Conrad and Euphrosyne, leading them to make a life-altering decision. They chose to part ways in pursuit of religious lives; Euphrosyne entered a Poor Clare monastery, while Conrad joined a hermit community adhering to the Third Order Rule. Conrad’s commitment to a life of prayer and penance soon earned him a reputation for holiness. However, the influx of visitors seeking his guidance disrupted his quest for solitude, prompting him to relocate to a secluded area in Sicily. There, he spent 36 years in hermitage, dedicating his life to prayer and penance as means to combat temptation.
Conrad’s earthly journey concluded in a profound state of devotion, as he passed away kneeling before a crucifix. Recognized for his holiness and miraculous intercessions, Conrad was canonized in 1625.
Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
, a noble turned hermit in Sicily, devoted 36 years to prayer and penance, died kneeling before a crucifix, canonized in 1625.){kind=link}
God help us to emulate this saint, because thro prayer and penance we go far in life.
I always see myself telling lies even when I have resolved to stop. Pray for me dear st Conrad that I may alway say the truth even in the face of death.
i always seems to dewell in the past pains and heart aches that hurted me so much ..i want to stop hurting myself about my past please st Conrad pray for me
Almighty God,
You attracted Saint Conrad through his zeal for justice to serve You faithfully in the desert.
Through his prayers may we live justly and piously, and happily succeed in coming to You.
Amen.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that as Thou wert pacified by the penance of Blessed Conrad, so we may imitate his example and blot out the stains of our sins by crucifying our flesh. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that as Thou wert pacified by the penance of Blessed Conrad, so we may imitate his example and blot out the stains of our sins by crucifying our flesh. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Conrad, pray for hermits.
Saint Conrad of piacenza we ask your prayers amen