SAINT OF THE DAY
SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER, 2023
SAINT AGRICOLUS
BISHOP
(c. 630 AD - c. 700 AD)
Saint Agricolus, also known as Agricola, was born around the year 630 in Avignon. His father, Saint Magnus, a Gallo-Roman senator of the gens Albina, who, after the death of his wife, became first a monk at Lérins and then bishop of Avignon.
When he was 14 years old, Agricolus himself went to Lérins and acquired a great reputation for piety and learning, was advanced to the priesthood.
After sixteen years as a monk, his father summoned him to the episcopal city. Here he was appointed archdeacon and distinguished himself by his preaching, by his powers of administration, and by his care for the poor, the oppressed and the sick.
He became the Bishop of Avignon after the death of his father in 660. As bishop of Avignon, St. Agricolus worked all the harder for the sake of his flock. He was named Patron of Avignon in 1647. He built a church in Avignon to be served by the monks of Lerins and also a convent for Benedictine nuns.
He is considered to have battle with the devil–not utilizing his own weak human will, but shielded with a crucifix, much prayer, fasting and faith in his Redeemer. One of the great miracles attributed was when there was an infestation of storks, a simple blessing of his drove away the giant birds. Another miracle was during a great plague of terrible storms, St. Agricolus's intercession resulted in good weather.
Saint Agricolus died in 700 at the age of 70.
PATRON: Avignon, storks, good weather, fine harvests, rain, against the bubonic plague and misfortune of all kinds.
SYMBOL: St. Agricolus, is sometimes depicted with a dragon, like Saints George, Arsacius and Margaret of Antioch. He is also represented in art by a stork.
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.