Saint Medard of Noyon

Biography

Saint Medard of Noyon, also known as Medardo or Medardus, was born around the year 456 in Salency, Picardy, France. He was the son of Nectardus, a Frankish nobleman, and Protagia, who came from Gallo-Roman nobility. Medard had a brother named Gildardus, who later became the Bishop of Rouen, France. From a young age, Medard displayed piety and a strong commitment to his faith. He received an excellent education at Saint-Quentin and often accompanied his father on business trips to Vermand, France, and Tournai, Belgium. It is believed that Medard also attended schools in these cities. At the age of 33, Medard was ordained as a priest. Despite his initial reluctance, he was later appointed as the bishop of Vermand in 530. In 531, due to border clashes, he decided to move his episcopal see to Noyon, France, which was further away from the conflicts. In 532, Medard became the bishop of Tournai. The union of the dioceses of Vermand and Tournai lasted until 1146. As bishop, Medard's reputation grew, and he was highly honored during his time. He is particularly remembered for giving the veil to Queen Saint Radegunde. Saint Medard's memory has been venerated in northern France throughout history, and he became the subject of numerous legends. One of the most well-known legends recounts how as a child, he was sheltered from the rain by a hovering eagle. This depiction became popular in art and led to his patronage of good weather for farmers and those who work in the fields. In fact, it is said that the weather on Medard's feast day, which is celebrated on June 8th, will determine the next 40 days. If it rains on his feast day, the next 40 days will also be wet, while good weather on his feast day means fine weather for the next 40 days. Another legend associated with Medard is his patronage against toothache. He is often depicted with his mouth wide open, laughing aloud, which led to his association with dental health. Medard also became well-known for leaving footprints in stone and is represented in art with a citadel and two horses at his feet. Apart from these popular depictions and legends, Medard had a significant impact on the community through his charitable actions. It is believed that he instituted a yearly stipend or "scholarship," known as the Rosiere, which awarded the most virtuous and exemplary young girl in the region of Salency, France. The Rosiere is accompanied by 12 boys and 12 girls to the church, where she is crowned with roses and given a monetary gift. Saint Medard of Noyon lived a life dedicated to God and the service of others. He passed away on June 8th, 545, in Noyon, France, from natural causes. His relics are preserved at the royal manor of Crouy at the gates of Soissons, France, where a Benedictine abbey was constructed over his tomb. Although he was canonized before the establishment of the formal canonization process, Medard is considered a saint in the Catholic Church. He is venerated as the patron saint against bad weather, imprisonment, sterility, toothache, and for good harvests, good weather, and rain. He is also the patron saint of captives, imprisoned people, mentally ill people, peasants, prisoners, vineyards, brewers, farmers, and the town of Arcevia, Italy.