Lives Of The Saints
November 13
St. Homobonus
Quick answer
At a glance
- Who is this saint?
- St. Homobonus was a married merchant of Cremona who joined honest work to prayer and generous care for the poor. He died in 1197. His feast is November 13.
- Feast
- November 13
- Brief life source
- Novena Regina editorial summary of Alban Butler, The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints, vol. XI, November 13, pp. 280-288 (Richardson and Son, 1842), Internet Archive scan. Read the source standards.
St. Bonifacius and St. Homobonus, Pieter de Jode II, 17th century
Brief life
Homobonus learned commerce from his father in Cremona. The account describes a merchant who considered honesty a duty before God, even when deception might have brought a financial advantage. He married and took the care of his household seriously.
His work supported a generous life of charity. He sought out the poor, relieved their needs, and encouraged them in the faith. Prayer accompanied his business through the day, and he regularly attended the offices and Mass at the church of St. Giles.
This life records his death during Mass on November 13, 1197. When he did not rise at the Gospel, those nearby discovered that he had died. His bishop later sought his canonization from Pope Innocent III. His life offers an example of holiness within the ordinary responsibilities of a layman.
Questions about this saint
What does Homobonus mean?
Butler explains the name as “good man.” His account presents integrity in trade, patience with difficult people, and charity as practical expressions of that name.
How did St. Homobonus combine work and prayer?
He prayed throughout his daily business and attended the offices and Mass at St. Giles. Butler treats careful attention to work and household duties as part of his Christian vocation.
How did St. Homobonus help the poor?
He gave from his earnings and visited people in their homes. Butler describes both material help and spiritual encouragement. His example directs business toward service and integrity, rather than treating devotion as a guarantee of profit.
Source for these reading notes
The introduction and answers are Novena Regina editorial summaries of the older reference below. The brief life above has its own source citation at the top of the page.
Next step
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