St. Leodegar
Bishop of Autun and Martyr
Feast Day: October 2
Biography
St. Leodegar (c. 615–678/679), known in France as St. Léger, was born to a noble Frankish family and educated at Poitiers under his uncle, Bishop Dido. After serving as archdeacon there, he became abbot of Saint-Maixent, where he introduced the Rule of St. Benedict and renewed the community's life. Called into the circle of Queen Bathilde, he was made bishop of Autun in the 660s. He held a reforming synod, cared for the poor, and restored his cathedral and diocese. Leodegar was also drawn into the fierce politics of the Merovingian court, and he made a lasting enemy of Ebroin, the ambitious mayor of the palace. Leodegar was exiled for a time to the monastery of Luxeuil. When Autun was besieged around 675, he gave himself up to spare the city. Ebroin's men put out his eyes and later cut his lips and tongue. He spent about two years confined in a monastery, reportedly still able to preach and pray, before being condemned in a sham trial and beheaded in a forest in northern France. Sources differ on whether he died in 678 or 679. Venerated as a martyr soon after his death, he remains one of the most popular saints of France, where many churches and towns bear his name.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Leodegar, faithful shepherd of Autun, you loved your people more than your own safety and bore cruel suffering without losing your faith. When I face injustice or the abuse of power, help me to answer with courage, patience, and forgiveness. Pray that the eyes of my heart may always see the light of Christ, even in darkness. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Leodegar, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Leodegar, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.