Saint Paul Aurelian
March 12 is the feast day of Saint Paul Aurelian, also known as Saint Pol of Léon. But who is today’s saint?
Who is Saint Paul Aurelian?
Saint Paul Aurelian, also known as Saint Pol of Léon or Pol Aurelian, was the first bishop of the Diocese of Léon in the 6th century. He is particularly honored in Brittany during the Tro Breizh (which literally means “Tour of Brittany”), a pilgrimage in honor of the seven founding saints of Brittany.
Saint Paul Aurelien came from a noble family. From his earliest childhood, Paul Aurelien showed signs of holiness, particularly through his great piety and his love for the Holy Scriptures. Thus, Paul Aurelien entered the monastery of Saint Hydultus. At this school, he met the future Saint Samson, Bishop of Dol, and the future Saint Gildas, Bishop of Rhuys. Saint Paul Aurelien studied philosophy and theology while observing the monastery’s monastic rule. At the age of fifteen, the young man felt drawn to the hermit’s life. He spoke to his teacher about it, who advised him to follow God’s plan. So Paul Aurelien left the monastery and his friends and went to settle in a deserted place near a farm belonging to his father. Twelve other people gathered around him, longing for a life of prayer and silence. So the young man built a chapel and thirteen cells, spaced far apart from one another. This was the first monastery built by Saint Paul Aurelian, in 507. From that moment on, he lived in silence, in constant prayer, subsisting only on water and dry bread. His holiness was beyond question, and his reputation grew. He was ordained a priest at the age of 22 and celebrated his first Mass in 514.
Later, Saint Paul Aurelien crossed the English Channel with his twelve companions and arrived in Brittany, on the island of Ouessant. They then landed in Léon in 517 and founded the first small monastery there, consisting of a chapel and thirteen small cells. An angel appeared to Paul Aurelien in a dream, telling him to set sail again because the Lord wanted them to settle elsewhere. Paul Aurelien obeyed. The group then landed at Le Havre du Kernic, in the parish of Plounévez. They did not settle there immediately. They continued on foot and made their way to the island of Batz, where Saint Paul Aurelien performed numerous miracles. He established his new monastery on the island, in the former palace of the local count. Later, at the request of the inhabitants of Léon, Saint Paul Aurelien became a bishop. However, considering this responsibility too great a burden to bear, he resigned shortly thereafter and entrusted his bishopric to his nephew, Saint Jaoua. Paul Aurelian then retired to his monastery on the island of Batz. He was forced to resume the bishopric for a time upon his nephew’s death but later succeeded in finding another successor. He then retired permanently to his monastery on Batz, where he remained until his death.
When did Saint Paul Aurelian live?
Saint Paul Aurelian was born toward the end of the 400s (probably 492) in Wales. He gave his soul to God on March 12, 572 (or 573) on the island of Batz.
Who is Saint Paul Aurelian the patron saint of?
Saint Paul Aurelian is the patron saint of the Diocese of Léon.
Hymn of the Seven Saints – Kantik ar seiz sant
Composed by Father Jacques Le Maréchal, this hymn was first sung to a traditional tune in Erdeven, where the seven saints are honored.
“Chorus: Malo, Brioc, Tudwal, Paul, Samson, Padarn, Corentin.
1. You sought the face of your Savior without pretense,
You followed him ceaselessly with quiet faith. For him, you left everything behind.
2. You bore the sorrows of others with a good heart, without losing hope. You were devoted to hope, which sustains the path that leads to the Father.
3. You lived out mercy for every person in a crazy world. Share with us the love that makes both people and the whole world grow.
4. For you are still like beacons for your brothers and sisters on the path to peace, when the burden of misfortune suddenly falls,
We sing of you in the depths of our sorrows.
5. You have never ceased to pray fervently for the people of this land. Teach us—pilgrims following in your footsteps—the way to your true homeland.”
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