Bona of Pisa (c. 1156–1207)

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Bona of Pisa (c. 1156–1207)

Italian saint. Name variations: Bonna of Pisa. Born in Pisa about 1156; died on May 29, 1207; buried in the church of San Martino in Pisa.

Bona of Pisa grew up in the charge of her mother after her father died when she was quite young. It was reported that throughout her childhood she was blessed with visions and that she determined to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem as soon as she was able. Returning from Jerusalem, she met a hermit who encouraged her to undertake the task of converting the Saracens, but the Saracens had her imprisoned. Despite this, upon her release Bona continued her pilgrimages to sacred places, including Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St. Peter in Rome. In an Apostolic Letter of March 2, 1962, Pope John XXIII declared her patron saint of flight attendants because of her frequent travels. Her feast day is May 29.