Saint Medard

Bishop of Noyon
(456–545)

Saint Medard was born around the year 456 in Salency near Noyon in northern Gaul. A pious legend about his childhood recounts that as a boy he sheltered a poor man from a rainstorm by having an eagle spread its wings over them both; because of this story, popular tradition in France held that if it rained on his feast day, June 8, it would rain for forty days thereafter.

Medard studied for the priesthood and was ordained around the age of thirty. He laboured as a priest for many years in the region of Noyon, winning souls by his preaching and his example of charity. His father before him had been noted for his generosity to the poor, and Medard inherited this virtue, giving away his possessions lavishly to those in need.

Around the year 530, Medard was consecrated bishop, serving at first the diocese of Vermand, which he later united with that of Noyon. He became the close friend and collaborator of Saint Gildard of Rouen, who had been consecrated on the same day. It is said that both bishops went to the same church on the anniversary of their consecration every year to celebrate Mass together.

Among his notable works was the institution of the Rosière festival at Salency, a ceremony in which a crown of roses was given annually to the most virtuous young girl of the village, a tradition that continued for many centuries. He died on June 8, 545. His relics were later enshrined at Soissons, where he was greatly venerated. His feast is celebrated on June 8.