OUR PATRON SAINT

There are few English parish churches dedicated to Leonard; though Colchester has two. St Leonard’s-at-the-Hythe is sadly now redundant. Leonard was a popular saint in France – and many French parish churches are dedicated to him. Leonard, rather like St Francis, was of noble birth, and embraced a life of poverty. He lived in the 6 th century, as a hermit in the forest of Limoges. He later gathered around him a small monastic community. He had a particular ministry to those in prison; and is the patron saint of prisoners and captives. His feast day is observed on November 6 th. He is commemorated in the church in a stained glass window and in a modern carving by the chancel step. He is depicted in monk’s habit, and holding chains – to symbolise his patronage of those in prison.

More details can be found on various sites on the web. Try this one (© St Leonards school, Illinois) as an example.

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