November 6
Leonard was a member of the nobility in medieval France and served at the court of King Clovis I. Leonard was converted to Christianity, along with the king, at Christmas 496. Saint Remigius, Bishop of Reims, was his godfather. Leonard was particularly interested in the welfare of prisoners, and because he was a disciple of Saint Remigius, he was granted the privilege to visit prisons and free anyone held in them. Prisoners reported that after asking Leonard’s prayers and intercession, chains dropped from their wrists and ankles, and they were freed!
Leonard entered a monastery, became a monk, and then became a hermit. Through his prayers, the queen gave birth safely and, in gratitude, Leonard was given the royal lands at Noblac, where he founded the Abbey of Noblac. A village grew around it, eventually named Saint Leonard de Noblac. Leonard gave released prisoners some of his lands, which they cleared and then farmed, earning an honest living. After Leonard’s death, he continued to intercede for prisoners, women in labor, and the diseases of cattle. Because the abbey and the village were along the route of the famous Camino that led to the Cathedral of Saint James in Spain, Leonard’s miracles became well-known. Leonard became one of the most venerated saints of the Middle Ages. Many churches and shrines throughout Europe are dedicated to him.
(Image © Zvonimir Atletic, via Shutterstock)