SAINT CONRAD OF PIA ENZA

Image of Saint Conrad of Piacenza

By Edward Matulanya 

Learn about Saint Conrad of Piacenza, celebrated on 19 February. His life of penance, charity, and miraculous intercessions guides Catholics in faith and virtue.

1. Saint of the Day February 19 February

Saint Conrad of Piacenza (1290–1351) is commemorated on 19 February for his exemplary repentance, moral courage, and lifelong devotion to God (Butler, 1990; CCC, 1997). For example; Liturgical calendars and Catholic devotional guides present him as the saint of the day, emphasizing moral conversion (Catholic Church, 2004). The lesson is; daily remembrance of saints encourages Catholics to pursue holiness in everyday life (Hebrews 12:1; CCC, 828).

2. Feast Day of Saint Conrad of Piacenza

His feast appears in the General Roman Calendar and local Franciscan calendars, highlighting penitential spirituality (Second Vatican Council, 1963). For example; Franciscan communities mark the day with prayers, fasting, and reflection on conscience. The lesson is; the liturgical year sanctifies time and instructs the faithful in virtue (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 102).

3. Saint Conrad of Piacenza as Catholic Saint  

Saint Conrad is universally recognized as the primary saint commemorated on this date (Attwater & John, 2013). For example; his feast provides a model for lay and religious Catholics alike. The lesson is; daily saint commemorations foster continuity in Catholic spirituality.

4. Biography of Saint Conrad of Piacenza 

Born a wealthy Italian nobleman, Conrad’s life transformed after a grave moral failure led him to repentance and conversion (Attwater & John, 2013). For example; he publicly confessed responsibility for a fire he caused, saving an innocent man from execution (Butler, 1990). The lesson is; Sainthood comes through grace and conversion, not perfection (CCC, 2013).

5. Saint Conrad of Piacenza as Saint and Martyr

His biography illustrates restitution and moral responsibility, core elements of Catholic moral theology (Aquinas, 1981; CCC, 1459). For example; he surrendered wealth and noble status as part of his penance. The lesson is; repentance involves both interior contrition and outward acts of justice.

6. Life of Penance, Prayer, and Conversion of Saint Conrad of Piacenza

After conversion, Conrad joined the Third Order of Saint Francis, adopting asceticism, prayer, and solitude (Franciscan Order, 2010). For example; he lived as a hermit in Sicily, fasting and dedicating his life to intercessory prayer. The lesson is; Penance unites the soul to Christ’s redemptive suffering (CCC, 1430–1431).

7. Why the Catholic Church Honors Saint Conrad on 19 February

Saint Conrad exemplifies moral courage, truthfulness, and mercy (Attwater & John, 2013). For example; his confession corrected an injustice, saving an innocent man. The lesson is; truth is a moral imperative (CCC, 2468; John 8:32).

8. Saint Conrad of Piacenza and the Franciscan Spiritual Tradition

As a lay Franciscan, he embodied evangelical poverty and humility (Franciscan Order, 2010). For example; he renounced his wealth to live simply and serve God. The lesson is; Holiness is accessible to both lay and religious Catholics (Lumen Gentium, 31).

9. Saint Conrad of Piacenza as a Franciscan Saint

He stands among Franciscan saints known for radical conversion and humility (Moorman, 1988). For example; his renunciation parallels Saint Francis of Assisi’s life. The lesson is; Franciscan holiness emphasizes humility, poverty, and reliance on divine providence.

10. Daily Catholic Saint Reflection

The feast encourages examination of conscience and moral responsibility (CCC, 1776). For example; his refusal to remain silent about injustice demonstrates integrity (Butler, 1990). The lesson is a well-formed conscience must be obeyed (CCC, 1783).

11. Catholic Reflection for 19 February 

His life reveals God’s mercy working through humility and responsibility (CCC, 982). For example; he accepted consequences without bitterness. The lesson is contrition opens the soul to forgiveness (CCC, 1451; Ps 51).

12. Saint Conrad of Piacenza; Patronage, Miracles, and Devotion

He is venerated for repentance, conversion, and miracles (Butler, 1990; CCC, 956). For example; Pilgrims sought his intercession for healing and moral guidance (Attwater & John, 2013). The lesson is; Saints intercede for the faithful and inspire holiness.

13. Catholic Devotion to Saint Conrad of Piacenza

Devotion grew especially in Sicily and Franciscan communities (Attwater & John, 2013). For example; feast-day prayers and chapels honor his life and intercession. The lesson is; devotion strengthens faith and communal identity.

14. Saint Conrad of Piacenza in Catholic Tradition and History

His life reflects medieval Catholic moral theology in action (Butler, 1990; Aquinas, 1981). For example; Hagiographies cite him as a model of restitution and virtue. The lesson is; tradition preserves moral wisdom for future generations (CCC, 78).

15. Saint Conrad of Piacenza as Example of Conversion in the Catholic Faith

His life demonstrates metanoia which is a complete turning toward God (CCC, 1427). For example; he reoriented all aspects of his life after repentance. The lesson is; conversion transforms both action and priorities (2 Cor 5:17).

16. Saint Conrad of Piacenza as a Lesson on Humility and Penance

Humility and penance formed the foundation of his sanctity (CCC, 2544). For example; he embraced obscurity rather than reclaim honor. The lesson is; humility opens the soul to grace (Luke 14:11).

17. Feast Day of Saint Conrad of Piacenza

His feast reinforces Catholic teachings on repentance and renewal (Catholic Church, 2004). For example; often highlighted during Lent. The lesson is; feast days strengthen spiritual life and conversion.

18. Saint Conrad of Piacenza Commemoration

His feast integrates him into the Church’s rhythm of sanctification (Second Vatican Council, 1963). For example; his; penitential witness aligns with seasonal liturgical themes. The lesson is; liturgical calendar sanctifies time itself (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 102).

19. What Catholics Should Know About Saint Conrad of Piacenza

Saint Conrad proves holiness is possible after grave sin (CCC, 2015). For example; a layman achieved sanctity through repentance and penance. The lesson; all Catholics are called to holiness (Lumen Gentium, 40).

20. Saint Conrad of Piacenza and the Franciscan Way of Life

His life reflects Gospel poverty, prayer, and charity (Franciscan Order, 2010). For example; he trusted entirely in God’s providence (Matthew 6:25–34). The lesson is; detachment frees the soul for God.

21. Miracles of Saint Conrad of Piacenza

Discover the miracles of Saint Conrad of Piacenza, from miraculous healings to spiritual conversions, and learn how his intercession inspires faith and holiness.

21.1. Healing Through Intercessory Prayer

Healing miracles attributed to him occurred through God’s grace (CCC, 956). For example; physical recovery from serious illness after prayer at his hermitage or tomb (Butler, 1990; Attwater & John, 2013). The lesson is; prayer and sacraments are avenues for divine healing (James 5:14–15).

21.2. Conversion of Heart

Miracles of interior conversion are central to his intercessory power (CCC, 1427). For example; sinners returned to sacramental life, reconciled with family, or made restitution (Moorman, 1988). The lesson is; conversion is the greatest miracle of grace (Luke 15:7; CCC, 1451).

21.3. Divine Providence and Protection

He experienced and inspired miracles of providence (Matthew 6:25–34; CCC, 302). For example; food and protection appeared miraculously during fasting or isolation (Attwater & John, 2013; Franciscan Order, 2010). The lesson is; faith in divine providence cultivates trust and detachment (CCC, 2446).

21.4. Miracles Associated with His Tomb and Relics

Posthumous miracles confirm his holiness and intercessory power (CCC, 957). For examples; healing, spiritual consolation, and moral reform after prayers at his tomb (Butler, 1990). The lesson is; veneration of saints directs the faithful toward God (Hebrews 12:1; CCC, 957).

21.5. Moral Courage Inspired by His Example

The Church considers the influence of saints’ example a “miracle of grace” (CCC, 828–829). For example; laypeople confessed sins, made restitution, and embraced penance inspired by his life (Aquinas, 1981). The lesson is; witness of holiness inspires others to virtuous action.

21.6. Spiritual Consolation

Saint Conrad provided supernatural comfort to those in despair (CCC, 1766). For example; Pilgrims reported renewal of faith and relief from moral or emotional burdens (Attwater & John, 2013; Franciscan Order, 2010). The lesson is; God consoles the faithful through saintly intercession (Ps 34:18; CCC, 1777).

21.7. Church Acceptance of His Miracles

Miracles must align with faith, morality, and produce spiritual fruits (CCC, 1566–1567; Second Vatican Council, 1963). For example; Saint Conrad’s miracles consistently promoted repentance, conversion, and charity (Butler, 1990; Attwater & John, 2013). The lesson is; Miracles glorify God and edify the faithful (John 14:12–14).

References

Attwater, D., & John, C. (2013). The Penguin dictionary of saints (3rd ed.). Penguin Books.

Aquinas, T. (1981). Summa theologiae (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Christian Classics. (Original work published 1265–1274)

Butler, A. (1990). Butler’s lives of the saints (Vol. 2). Christian Classics.

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Catholic Church. (2004). Roman Martyrology. Vatican Press.

Franciscan Order. (2010). Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. Vatican Press.

John Paul II. (1999). Homily on the canonization of saints. Vatican Press.

Moorman, J. R. H. (1988). A history of the Franciscan Order. Franciscan Herald Press.

Second Vatican Council. (1963). Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy). Vatican Press.

The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. (1989). National Council of Churches.