May 8
Amato Ronconi (1226–1292)
Husband
An Italian Franciscan layman, Amado Ronconi converted his own home into a hospice for poor pilgrims.
Biography
He rejected a marriage of convenience and dedicated his assets, his agricultural work and his strength to welcoming walkers. He made several pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela and lived with austerity, despite ridicule and unfair accusations. Before he died he formally gave his hospital-house to a Benedictine community to ensure that the work of hospitality would continue.
Practical advice
Today, it offers concrete hospitality—food, rest or transportation—to a person who is passing through or far from home.
Example of
Family lifeCare for the sickLove for the poor