03 April - Born in England, Richar lived from 1197 to 1253. Although a member of the nobility and a very wealthy man, his family was ruined in no time and Richard's older brother had to write off his debts in prison shortly after their parents died. Richard did everything he could to save his brother.

Soon after, Richard left to continue his studies in Paris, where he met two young men, also poor, and they became friends. The three of them shared a single coat and took turns attending classes. Their food was very simple: a piece of bread and a little wine every day, only on Sundays they had meat or fish. In spite of this almost ascetic austerity, Richard succeeded brilliantly in his studies and returned to England where he taught at Oxford University. His humility, his frankness, his kindness and his respect for all men seduced many people and he was appointed Chancellor of the University.

At the same time, he was also appointed Bishop, but King Henry III opposed this. In spite of this, Richard succeeded in protecting the Church. He resumed his role as pastor and distinguished himself for his concern for the poor and destitute. Time and again, to help the poor, he spent more than he owned and to console himself he said, "Better to sell horses and silverware so that the poor, members of the body of Christ, do not remain in suffering." Richard caught a high fever and died in Dover on April 3rd, 1253 while trying to join the seventh crusade to the Holy Land.