top of page
1/1
St. Bona of Pisa was a 12th century nun known for leading religious pilgrims on the often-dangerous journeys to sacred sites. She underwent her first trip at the age of 14 and was made an official guide by the Knights of St. James, facing numerous difficulties (including a stint imprisoned by pirates) but always leading her groups to safety. She was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962, becoming the patron saint of tour guides and flight attendants.
I've been a tour guide for over a decade and this was my first piece in 2020. I may have been working through some issues.
St. Bona of Pisa
St. Who? the Obscure:
While I wasn't raised Catholic, I've always had an affinity for the art and iconography of saints. As I grew older and started learning about the saints themselves, it struck me how there seemed to be a patron saint for every conceivable situation. Sure, everyone knows about St. Francis and St. Valentine, but it's nice to know that someone's looking out for the tin miners, vinegar makers and surfers as well.
bottom of page