Leonard of Noblac is a Frankish saint who was converted to Christianity along with the king, at Christmas 496. Leonard became a hermit in the forest of Limousin, where he gathered a number of followers. He became one of the most venerated saints of the late Middle Ages and his intercession was credited with miracles for the release of prisoners, women in labour and the diseases of cattle.
During an invasion in which the Fankish army was losing, the Queen asked Saint Leonard to invoke the help of God in the battle. When he did, the battle ended quickly in the Frankish army's favor and the bishop of Rheims, Saint Remigius, proclaimed it to be a miracle from God. This miracle happened at Christmas of 496, following which King Clovis I, Leonard, and several thousand fellow noblemen converted to Christianity.
Saint Remigius was his godfather, and as a disciple of Remigius, Leonard was granted the prerogative to visit prisons and free anyone held there. He secured the release of a number of prisoners, for whom he has become a patron saint.
Leonard became a hermit in the forest of Limousin and through his prayers the queen of the Franks safely bore a male child. In recompense, Leonard was given royal lands at Noblac. There he founded the abbey of Noblac, around which a village grew, named in his honour Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.
According to legend, prisoners who invoked him from their cells saw their chains break before their eyes. Many came to him afterwards, bringing their heavy chains and irons to offer them in homage.
The release of Bohemond - I of Antioch in 1103 from a Danishmend prison is attributed to the intercession of St. Leonard. His cult spread through all of Western Europe: in England, with its cultural connections to the region, no fewer than 177 churches are dedicated to him.
Saint Leonard died in 559 of natural causes. His resting place is a famous pilgrimage visit along the way to Santiago. The town of Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and retains the Romanesque collegial church and bell tower.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Atticus
2. Saint Barlaam
3. Saint Edwen
4. Saint Pinnock
5. Saint Winoc