Berard of Carbio in Umbria, Saint and Martyr

Berard Of Carbio In Umbria, Saint And Martyr was one of the six monks whom St. Francis of Assisi sent from Italy into Spain, to convert the Moors. Berard (who knew a little of Arabic) was appointed the chief of the mission; they penetrated to Seville, where they preached in the mosque. The Moors, taking them for madmen, drove them from the mosque; but, when they tried to convert the prince, sent them to Morocco; where they were cast into prison, but, having escaped, they began again to preach in public. The king, having tried in vain to silence them, was greatly exasperated, and with his cimeter split open their heads, Jan. 15, 1220. Dom Pedro, infante of Portugal, brought their bodies to Portugal, and placed them in the Church of the Holy Cross, at Coimbra. Pope Sixtus IV canonized them Aug. 7, 1481; and their Life was written by the infante Dom Pedro mentioned above. See Baillet, 1, 210, Jan.