St. Leonard of Noblac

Saint Leonard of Noblac

Abbot & Confessor

Leonard was born into a noble Frankish pagan family in the late fifth century, during the reign of King Clovis. Like Clovis, Leonard was baptized a Christian by Bishop St. Remigius. He left courtly life and began to preach as a disciple of Remigius, before retiring to a monastery under the guidance of Ss. Mesmin and Lié. Seeking greater solitude, Leonard then became a hermit in Noblac, occasionally preaching at nearby churches. Eventually he established a monastery for those who sought to be his disciples. Leonard was renowned for working miracles, visiting prisoners, and freeing captives, sometimes miraculously opening shackles. Because of the abbot’s holy reputation, the king even permitted Leonard to free prisoners at will, and he granted much land to the monastery. Leonard died in the mid-sixth century and remained obscure for a long time, until in the twelfth century the crusader Prince Bohemond of Antioch attributed his release from Muslim captivity to Leonard’s intercession. Leonard’s popularity exploded, and churches all across Europe were dedicated to him. Leonard is hailed as a patron of prisoners, locksmiths, porters, women in labor, and against robbery and burglary.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for November 6th

AT Tunis, in Africa, the birthday of St. Felix, martyr, who, having confessed Christ, was sent to prison, his execution being deferred. But the next day he was found dead, as is related by St. Augustine, in his exposition of a psalm to the people on the feast of the saint.

At Theopolis, ten holy martyrs, who are reported to have been put to death by the Saracens.

At Barcelona, St. Severus, bishop and martyr, who had his head pierced with a nail, and thus received the crown of martyrdom for the faith.

In Phrygia, St. Atticus.

At Berg, the departure from this life of St. Winoc, abbot, who was renowned for virtues and miracles, and for a long time served his brethren, even those who were subject to him.

At Fundi, in Campania, St. Felix, monk.

At Limoges, in Aquitaine, St. Leonard, confessor, disciple of the blessed bishop Remigius, who was born of a noble family, and chose to lead a solitary life. He was celebrated for holiness and miracles, but his miraculous gift shone particularly in the deliverance of captives.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.