Born in France in the fifth century he came from a family of nobles in the court of King Clovis I. When an invading army threatened to overrun the King’s forces, the Queen asked Leonard to pray. 

Leonard’s prayers were answered and the invaders were turned away. St. Remigius, Archbishop of Reims, used the victory as an opportunity to convert King Clovis, and in 496 he was Baptized. This was a critical turning point because it ultimately led to the conversion of all of the Frankish people. 

Seeking a life of prayer and seclusion Leonard became a hermit but he was recalled by the Queen when she was trying to bear a male child. 

Those prayers were answered and Leonard was given a large share of the King’s forest as thanks. Later he asked to meet with those who were held as prisoners and to release any he thought worthy. 

As a result, a large number of prisoners were freed. Many came to him as followers, and Leonard shared some of the land he’d been given for them to clear, and make a new life for themselves. 

He attracted many followers so he built a monastery and an oratory and never again left, except to visit other Churches. 

He died in 559, and after his death, Churches were dedicated to Leonard in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and other countries. 

Pilgrims flocked to his tomb, and in one small town in Bavaria, there are records, of four thousand favors, granted through the intercession of St. Leonard. 

St. Leonard, please pray for us.