The Catholic Hermit: St. Leonard of Noblac

 SAINT LEONARD OF NOBLAC

(† c. 550)

        St. Leonard was one of the chief personages of the court of King Clovis I. He was also sponsored by the Monarch in baptism. St. Leonard was so moved by the discourse and example of St. Remigius that he relinquished the world and became a priest.

        St. Leonard was an apostle to the Franks. He preached in Aquitaine and ministered to prisoners. He distanced himself from influential roles and eventually trained disciples as a hemit. Thus, St. Leonard withdrew to the monastery of Micy near Orleans and afterward to the solitude of Noblac near Limoges. He founded an abbey there, and the town of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is named after him.

        St. Leonard's charity accustomed him to remain active in works of mercy: comforting hospital patients and visiting prisoners. He is alive today in the presence of God and receives prayers for intercession. He is the patron saint of captives and prisoners.