“So much must I live for others, that I am a stranger to myself” (Pope Innocent III, who canonized St. Homobonus).
If you are starting your own business, you can assign this saint to take care of your business. Pray to St. Homobonus of Cremona, the patron saint of entrepreneurs. This man was a layman in every sense of the word. He was born in Italy to a wealthy family. He has got family business as an inheritance from his father. Through the process of innovation, he recreated this humble yet profitable tailoring business into something bigger, bolder, and fresher once he took the reins from his father.
The meaning of his name is “good man”. What can we learn from this entrepreneur who struggled throughout his entrepreneurial journey? From his unwavering commitment to God, his clarity of thought when it came to the discipline of business, and his perspective on talents and abilities, there is much to be learned from this good man and several disciplines business owners can adapt in our own entrepreneurial journey:
Homobonus saw his inheritance as a way to give far more than what his church asked or required of him. He often gathered poor people at his home and blessed them with financial support. In fact, he seemed to set no limit to his alms, knowing that the Lord would give back to him one hundredfold for his generosity and care for people in need. His alms did, indeed, serve as a blessing, as each act of kindness in fact did not make him less wealthy. Instead, his wealth grew.
St. Homobonus opened his home to everyone and shared his coffers with every person in need. He worked tirelessly to rectify any differences among government, business, and the citizens of his city, and he devoted himself to the concept of corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He loved his Catholic faith and used it to make every decision. Jesus reminds us to do this: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-39).
At the center of St. Homobonus’ life was his faith. Daily reception of the Eucharist and frequent prayer were central to his family and work life. In fact, this wealthy saint died at the altar, looking up toward the crucifix. He can, therefore, remind all of us, in the busyness of our daily work, that prioritizing God demands the Eucharist and that in the Eucharist, we are empowered to live more fully integrated lives, bringing God to our business and our business to God (Matthew 7:13-14).
A Prayer for Business Leaders:
Beloved and Charitable St. Homobonus, your honesty and goodwill served your community and the Lord well. Help me follow your example and not give in to the temptations of greed and easy shortcuts that wound others. I ask for guidance in my work, so that I may prosper by choosing virtue over avarice. Amen.