LEONARD of Noblac

Memorial
6 November

Profile
Frankish nobility. Part of the court of the pagan King Clovis I. The Queen suggested to Leonard that he invoke the help of God to repel an invading army.. He did, the tide of battle turned, and Clovis was victorious. Saint Remigius, Bishop of Rheims, used this miracle to convert the King, Leonard, and a thousand of Clovis' followers, to Christianity.

Leonard began a life of austerity, sanctification, and preaching.. His desire to know God grew until he decided to enter the monastery at Orleans. His brother, Saint Lifiard, followed his example and left the King's court, built a monastery at Meun, and lived there. Leonard desired further seclusion. He withdrew into the forest of Limousin, converting many on the way, and living on herbs, wild fruits, and spring water. He built himself an oratory, leaving it only for journeys to churches. Others begged to live with him, and a monastery formed. Leonard had a great compassion for prisoners, obtaining release of many and converting them.

After his death, churches were dedicated to him in France, England, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Bohemia, Poland, and other countries.
Pilgrims flocked to his tomb, and in one small town in Bavaria there are records of 4,000 favors granted through Saint Leonard's intercession.

Died c.559

Patronage
Against - burglaries and robberies.
On behalf of - Captives, P.O.W.'s, prisoners & imprisoned people, blacksmiths, coal miners, coopers, coppersmiths, greengrocers, grocers, locksmiths, miners, porters; and, unusually in the light of the preceeding groups, horses (nice to know they have someone looking after them) - but then, Leonard was a Cavalry Officer (who might also might have been concerned for the treatment of the soldiers he had captured) .... & of childbirth ..... (and No, ..... I don't know why ! )

Representation
Abbot holding chain, fetters or lock