BRUNI, BRUNO. - Missionary in Ethiopia, died for the faith. Born in Civitella del Tronto (Abruzzi) on 7 Nov. 1590, he entered the Society of Jesus in Rome on 14 Aug. 1608. After completing his studies, he departed for Ethiopia and arrived there in July 1625. In his desire and hope for martyrdom, he then took the name of Bruno of St. Cross. He worked successfully for ten years, when, after the death of Emperor Socinius, his successor Fasiladas unleashed persecution against Catholics. While Patriarch Mendez withdrew to Goa with eleven missionaries, Bruni remained in Tigray with Bishop Apollinaro d'Almeida and five other fathers. The first time, in 1635, he fell into the hands of soldiers; though covered in wounds, he was nonetheless saved by the faithful and took refuge under the protection of Za Mariam. When the fortress of this latter, Amba Salama, fell, Fr. Bruni and his companion Fr. Luigi Cardeira were hanged (12 Apr. 1640). The beatification process of the martyrs has been initiated, which includes Bishop d'Almeida with his six companions.
BRUNI, BRUNO
BIBL.: C. Beccari, Rerum Aethiopicarum Scriptores occid., Rome 1903, pp. 3-4, passim (cf. the general index in vol. XV, s. v.; vols. XII-XIII contain letters of Bruni); E. Martire, Un martire italiano in Etiopia; il p. B. di Santa Croce, in Riv. italiana di storia delle missioni, 1 (1938), pp. 88-115.