Tradition says this Frankish noble declined a bishopric to live as a hermit in the forest near Limoges, where he founded a monastery. He was widely venerated in medieval Europe as an intercessor for prisoners.
Life
Saint Leonard of Noblac is honored as a sixth-century hermit and abbot in the Frankish kingdom. However, the account of his life was written centuries later, so little is known for certain.
According to tradition, he was of noble birth and connected with the court of King Clovis, but he left worldly honors to live as a hermit in a forest near Limoges. The monastery of Noblac grew up there, and he is said to have prayed for prisoners and helped win their release. For this he became widely beloved in medieval Europe as patron of prisoners. The Church remembers him on November 6.
Spirituality
The spirituality conveyed by Leonard's tradition is mercy toward those in captivity. He chose solitary prayer over worldly honor, and that prayer reached out to those in chains. His story invites us to remember people society has forgotten.
Reflection
Leonard is remembered as a saint who prayed for prisoners. Why not pray today for those in prison, and for neighbors trapped in prisons of the heart?