14th century
Feast: February 19
A wealthy nobleman who became a hermit after accidentally causing a fire that destroyed fields.
Conrad of Piacenza (1290-1351) was a wealthy Italian nobleman who lived a life of luxury until an accident changed everything. While hunting, he caused a fire that destroyed farmers crops and forests. When an innocent peasant was blamed and tortured, Conrad confessed and made restitution. This experience led him and his wife to renounce wealth and enter religious life. He became a hermit and later joined the Third Order of St. Francis.