PIETRO GONZALEZ, blessed. - Spanish Dominican, popularly called s. Elmo or s. Telmo, born at Fromista (Palencia) toward the end of the 12th century, died at Tuy around 1246.
Of noble family, supported by his uncle Tello Tellez de Meneses, bishop of Palencia, he became, while still young, a canon of the Cathedral and then dean of the Chapter. Dissipated and worldly, after a humiliating fall from his horse he changed his life and became a religious. He was confessor to Ferdinando III of Castiglia, whom he accompanied in the conquest of Cordova (1236). He enjoyed great success as a preacher and devoted himself especially to the evangelization of sailors, who began to invoke him under the name of s. Elmo (derived from Erasmo, the protector of sailors). Benedetto XIV confirmed and extended his cult (already decreed in 1254) in December 1741. Feast: 14 April.