SAINT OF THE DAY

MONDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2019

SAINT AGRICOLUS

The son of a Gallo-Roman senator named Magnus, St. Agricolus entered the monastery I about the age of 14, possibly after the death of his mother, and acquired a great reputation for piety and learning. Meanwhile, his widowed father, Magnus, received Holy Orders and became a monk.

Magnus was named bishop of Avignon 16 years later, and he consecrated his son, who by then had been a priest for quite some time, to become coadjutor bishop. St. Agricolus succeeded his father ten years later and became famous for preaching and aid to the sick and poor.

He built a church in Avignon to be served by the monks of Lerins and also a convent for Benedictine nuns. By his blessing he put an end to an invasion of storks.

He is sometimes depicted with a dragon, St. Agricolus, like Sts. George, Arsacius and Margaret of Antioch, is considered to have done battle with the devil–not utilizing his own weak human will, but shielded with a crucifix, much prayer, fasting and faith in his Redeemer. As bishop of Avignon, St. Agricolus worked all the harder for the sake of his flock. He was named Patron of Avignon in 1647.

PATRON: Avignon

PRAYER

Loving God, today we remember St. Agricolus who devoted his life to the service of the poor, the sick and the down-trodden. Let us remember all those who live in poverty, who are in need of our assistance and who are considered the outcasts of our society. May we care for them and provide what they need to live a healthy life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.