SAINT LEODEGAR, ABBOT

SAINT LEODEGAR, ABBOT - 24 APRIL

SAINT LEODEGAR, ABBOT

Saint Leodegar (Leodegarius), St-Léger in French, a pious priest at the monastery in Perte, Champagne, was appointed by a bishop of Chalons sur Marne (Catalaunum) as rector of the congregation living there. Papebroch* emphasises that the bishop who entrusted Leodegar with this office was not Saint Memmius, but rather Saint Alpinus.

In his new role, Saint Leodegar was very concerned for his monastery and sought to improve it in every way. He even dug a well which was known as "Saint Leodegar's Fountain" for centuries to come.

He tamed his body through constant prayer, watching and fasting, so that God glorified him by miracles already during his lifetime. For instance, a man who was contracted in every limb made a full recovery by Leodegar's prayers, and on another occasion a lunatic came back to his senses.

At length, Leodegar died at a ripe old age, rich in virtues and merits, on April 24. The year, however, is unknown. Papebroch* reckons that Leodegar flourished in the 5th or 6th century.

His brothers buried him in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But when this building was destroyed by the raids of the barbarians (the Normans, as Papebroch* thinks), the then bishop, Letoldus of Chalons, had it rebuilt with great splendour and also hired four canons for the same.

Later, the saint appeared three times to a man from Aquitaine, who had been blind from birth, and made known to him the exact place of his grave, assuring him that through visiting him at his resting-place and praying there, he would recover his sight.

Thereupon his body, emitting sweet fragrances, was solemnly raised. The gentleman who had gained his eyesight, whose name was Hayberius, stayed at Perthe and there served God and his saintly servant Leodegar. This elevation occured under Bishop Gibinusum in A.D. 947. A second solemn transfer of his relics took place under Bishop William of Chalons on June 23, 1115, and his festival was observed on that date from then on. Also at this his latest tomb, God glorified his servant with many miracles.

The Bollandists* mention Saint Leodegar both on April 24 and June 23.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 3, Augsburg, 1869, p. 761)

*A hagiography source used by the authors

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Leodegar may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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