Pope John Paul II marks the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Homobonus Tucenghi, a twelfth-century cloth merchant of Cremona who attended daily Mass and became known for charity, prayer, and dedication to peace. Canonized by Pope Innocent III after reports of miracles, Homobonus is described as the only non-noble layman canonized during the Middle Ages and as the patron saint of Cremona.

Supporting the Diocese of Cremona’s Year of Saint Homobonus in preparation for the Great Jubilee of 2000, the Pope presents the saint’s lay vocation as a relevant model of Gospel holiness. He emphasizes the continuing importance of the laity in the Church’s mission and asks the faithful to remain loyal to the Holy Spirit, become fervent witnesses of faith, and draw present strength from Homobonus’s example before imparting his apostolic blessing.