Blessed Reinaldo Of Melinais

Biography

Blessed Reinaldo of Melinais, also known as Reinaldo of Angers, Rainaud, and Reginald, was born in Picardy, Gaul (present-day France). As a young man, he felt a deep calling to the religious life and joined the Augustinian Canons Regular convent of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes in Soissons, France.

However, Reinaldo soon found himself drawn to a more solitary and contemplative existence. He became a holy hermit in the mountains of Craon, France, where he became a spiritual student of the renowned Blessed Robert of Arbrissel. Blessed Robert led a group of mountain hermits and canons, but when he left the group, Reinaldo decided to seek a new location for his hermitage.

Reinaldo settled in the Mélinais forest near La Flèche in the diocese of Angers, France. There, he constructed a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist, becoming a beacon of spiritual insight and guidance. His reputation as a devoted hermit and wise spiritual director attracted many individuals seeking his advice and discipleship.

Blessed Reinaldo of Melinais passed away on September 17, 1104, in Mélinais, Angers, France, due to natural causes. He was buried in the chapel of Saint John the Evangelist that he had built. Over time, the site of his tomb became the location for the construction of the Saint Augustine abbey. The relics of Blessed Reinaldo were subsequently enshrined and, at various times, moved within the abbey complex.

During the anti-Catholic persecutions of the French Revolution, the relics of Blessed Reinaldo were hidden to protect them. They were eventually enshrined in the parish church of Candé, Maine-et-Loire, France, where they are venerated to this day.

Although no specific representation is mentioned in the available information, Blessed Reinaldo of Melinais is revered as a holy hermit and spiritual guide. His feast day is celebrated on September 17th, commemorating the day of his death and his entrance into eternal life.

Unfortunately, there is no information regarding his beatification or any miracles attributed to him that would provide further details about him as a recognized blessed within the Catholic Church.