BL. CONRAD OF ASCOLI, MISSIONARY - 19 APRIL

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL

Saints celebrated on the 19th of April

WELCOME!

BLESSED CONRAD OF ASCOLI, MISSIONARY 

Blessed Conrad of Ascoli was a Friar Minor and missionary; he was born at Ascoli in the March of Ancona in 1234; died there, April 19, 1289. 

A LIFE OF PENANCE

He belonged to the noble family of Milliano and from his earliest years made penance the predominating element of his life. 

HE TAUGHT THEOLOGY

He entered the Order of Friars Minor at Ascoli together with his townsman and lifelong friend, Girolamo d’Ascoli, afterwards minister general, and later pope under the title of Nicholas IV. Having completed his studies at Perugia, Conrad was sent to Rome to teach theology. 

MISSIONARY ENGAGEMENTS

Later he obtained permission to go to Africa, where he preached with much fruit through the different provinces of Libya and worked numerous miracles. He was recalled from Africa to go on a mission to the King of France, then at war with Spain, and subsequently he became lector of theology at Paris. 

HIS HOLY DEATH

When not engaged in teaching, Conrad preached to the people or ministered to the sick in hospitals. In 1288 he was summoned to Rome by the new pope, Nicholas IV, who wished to make him cardinal, but Conrad died on the way after reaching his native city, being then fifty-five years of age. 

THE POPE WAS DEEPLY GRIEVED

Nicholas IV was deeply grieved at the loss of his saintly friend, on whose counsel and zeal he had counted so much, and declared that Conrad’s death was a great loss to the Church. 

A SPLENDID TOMB

The people of Ascoli erected a splendid tomb over the remains of Blessed Conrad. In 1371, when his body was removed to the new church of the Franciscans, it was found incorrupt and gave forth a sweet odour. Pius VI approved the cultus of Blessed Conrad. His feast is kept in the Order of Friars Minor on April 19.

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Conrad may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.