This tailor was quite a pray-er

By Tony Staley

	St. Homobonus When: ca. 1120-Nov. 13, 1197 Where: Cremona, Italy What: Tailor, businessman Feast: Nov. 13 Patron: Textile workers, cobblers, merchants, shoemakers, tailors

It may seem hard to believe that a 12th century tailor would have relevance in today's corporate world. But an Internet search on St. Homobonus Tucingo turns up references to him as a patron saint for business people and a four-inch tall plastic statue in his honor.

Why all the attention to a medieval saint unknown to most? Homobonus was born into the family of a prosperous merchant of Cremona, in the Lombardy region of Italy. After naming his son "good man," Homobonus' father was determined that he live up to that name. Homobonus learned not only tailoring from his father, but also how to be a diligent and honest businessman. He took over the business after his father died.

Homobonus firmly believed in the spirituality of work and, living in a way that respected his gifts, helped other people, served society and brought glory to God. Among the deeds he performed was the burial of poor people who had died and settling disputes among families.

He and his wife lived simply and gave much of their earnings to the poor. Writers hold differing views about his wife - some say she was quarrelsome and others say she was generous and virtuous. It's probably fair to say that there were times when she may have been concerned that his generosity would leave them and their two sons penniless. It's said though that the more money he gave away, the richer Homobonus became.

He also was known for his opposition to local heretics. Eventually, he decided to give up his tailor business and spend all his time on charitable works and contemplation.

Homobonus prayed twice a day at church, where he died while kneeling with his arms outstretched before a crucifix as the choir sang the Gloria at Mass. His death was discovered only when he didn't stand for the Gospel.

Two years later, Pope Innocent III canonized Homobonus and declared him, among other glowing titles, "Father of the poor," "consoler of the afflicted," and "a man good in name and deed."

That made Homobonus the first and only layperson in the Middle Ages, who was not a member of royalty or nobility, to be canonized.

Pope John Paul II wrote about the model that Homobonus provides to modern Christians in a June 24, 1997, letter to Bishop Giulio Nicolini of Cremona: "His life assumes an exemplary value as a call to conversion without any restrictions whatsoever, and therefore to sanctity that is not reserved for some, but proposed to everyone without distinction."