Contardo of Este
Contardo of Este was the posthumous son of Aldobrandino I of Este, marquis of Ferrara. He was born in 1216 in Ferrara.
He renounced to his wealth and position of crown prince of Ferrara to become a simple "God's man" and started on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
In 1235, King Andrew II of Hungary names Contardo: "Milites Sancti Sepulcri", by virtue of the characteristics of the sub-feudation with the Kingdom of Jerusalem; in feudalism it was common practice for the rulers to confer the title of knight on their best men.
He fell ill in Broni and died there. His body was first buried on the hill where he died. Miracles were reported on his grave : severely sick people were cured.
The body was later transferred to the Saint Peter parish church in Broni. Two relics are in "Saint Biagio church in Modena.
His cult was approved in 1609 by Pope Paul V on the request of Claudio Rangoni, Roman [Catholic Diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio|bishop of Piacenza], native of Modena, and indulgences were linked to it by Pope Urban VIII
Patron
He is patron to :- the city of Broni
- the House of Este
- the Order of the Eagle of Este. Saint Contardo is featured on the decoration of the Order.
- the city of Modena with Saint Homobonus since 1698