St. Rainerius was once the life of every party, but when he discovered the joy of faithfulness, he poured all of his energy into pursuing holiness.

He was born to a good family in Pisa, Italy, in the 1100s. He spent his time as a young adult eating and drinking and socializing--he was a musician, and played through the night at parties.

One day, while performing for a crowd in a castle, he met a monk from a nearby monastery. Rainerius was drawn into conversation with the man, captivated by the witness of his life of prayer and dedication to God. The encounter inspired a profound conversion in Rainerius, and he left his instruments to pursue a life of faithfulness.

Rainerius learned how to conduct a business from his father, who was a merchant, and he built a life around trading with sailors, and would travel between ports to trade. He was successful and earned a lot of money.

His travels took him to the Holy Land (pictured here in a fresco in Pisa) and there he received a sign or vision that convinced him that his wealth was holding him back from giving his life entirely to God. So one day he walked away from it all—he even gave away his shoes. He begged what he needed for food and shelter. His friends mocked him and his parents worried that he had lost his mind, but he had discovered single-minded faithfulness. He stayed in the Holy Land for seven years, visiting shrines and doing penance, and then he returned to Pisa.

Rainerius became famous for working wonders. Once, he was threatened by wild beasts, but tamed them with the sign of the cross. He met a woman who fed the poor with her bread, and he multiplied her loaves. He cured many people who were sick by using holy water.

He never joined a monastery, though he lived among monks for much of his life. He died in 1160 and is patron saint of Pisa. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Rainerius, you were the musician who was inspired to leave the party scene and give your life to God, pray for us!