By Lyn Bennett Wilson
If we ever needed proof that God works through a life devoted to prayer, we can look to St. Leonard of Noblac. Born into a high-ranking Frankish noble family in the 6th century, young Leonard had everything lined up for a comfortable life of power and prestige. He served in the court of King Clovis I and became a devoted disciple of Saint Remigius, the Bishop of Reims. Reports suggest his heart and mind turned toward God after the Battle of Tolbiac, setting him on a path deeply devoted to spiritual warfare.
Offered a cozy bishopric by the king, Saint Leonard politely said, “No, thank you.” He gave up life at court to become a monk and eventually set out for the quiet forests near Limoges, Aquitaine, to live as a hermit. He didn’t want political power; he wanted spiritual power and committed his life to prayer before the God who holds the lives of kings in His hands. But his noble connections didn’t go completely to waste. Saint Leonard had a sincere heart for those prisoners of war held in captivity, securing a standing royal privilege from Clovis I to grant freedom to any worthy prisoner he visited.
His hermit life was suddenly interrupted one day when he got an emergency visit from a royal hunting party that rode into his woods. The pregnant queen had gone into labor unexpectedly and was in urgent need of help. Thanks to God and to Saint Leonard’s urgent prayers, both mother and baby survived. With great joy, King Clovis offered Saint Leonard as much royal land as he could ride around on a donkey in a single night. Saint Leonard accepted, founding the monastery of Noblac on that spot, and spent the rest of his days helping freed captives start new lives. Today, he’s remembered on November 6 as the patron saint of prisoners, captives, and women in labor—a great reminder that true freedom is found when we surrender our plans to God.
