Saint Odilo of Cluny

Biography

Saint Odilo of Cluny, also known as the Archangel of Monks, Odilo of the Poor Souls, Olon, Odilón, or Odilone, was born in 962 in Auvergne, France. He belonged to the French nobility and was the son of Berald de Mercoeur and Gerberga, who became a nun after being widowed. During his childhood, Odilo was afflicted with an unnamed malady, and he was miraculously cured through the intercession of Our Lady. This early encounter with divine intervention had a profound impact on his life and shaped his spirituality. At the age of 29, Odilo entered the Benedictine monastery of Cluny, located in Burgundy, France. He quickly distinguished himself through his dedication to prayer, asceticism, and intellectual pursuits. Recognizing his innate leadership qualities and spiritual depth, the monks of Cluny elected him as their abbot in 994 when he was just 32 years old. As abbot, Odilo initiated various reforms and implemented innovative practices that would leave a lasting impact on the monastic world. One of his major contributions was the promotion of the Truce of God, a practice aimed at suspending hostilities during specific times for religious reasons. This allowed enough peace for commerce to flourish and provided sanctuary to those seeking refuge in a church. The Truce of God played a crucial role in pacifying feudal society and mitigating the violence that plagued medieval Europe. Saint Odilo also gained fame for his charitable deeds, particularly during times of famine. He made tremendous sacrifices by selling Church properties and treasures to provide food for the poor. His compassion and selflessness in the face of adversity earned him great admiration and respect. Additionally, Saint Odilo is renowned for instituting the feast now known as All Soul's Day. This commemoration, held on November 2nd, honors and prays for the souls of the faithful departed. Through this initiative, Saint Odilo sought to offer solace and spiritual support to those enduring the trials of Purgatory. Despite his numerous achievements, Odilo declined the prestigious archbishopric of Lyon, opting to remain in Cluny where he could continue implementing his reforms and guiding the monastic community. Under his leadership, the number of Cluniac houses expanded significantly from 37 to 65, solidifying Cluny's position as a prominent monastic center. Saint Peter Damian, an influential figure in the Church, played a vital role in promoting the cause for Odilo's canonization. He wrote a comprehensive biography of Saint Odilo, testifying to his sanctity and remarkable life. Saint Odilo of Cluny is often depicted in religious art as a Benedictine abbot with a skull and crossbones at his feet, symbolizing his dedication to the souls in Purgatory. Other representations show him celebrating Mass with Purgatory open at his side or releasing souls from Purgatory, emphasizing his role as a compassionate guide for the suffering souls. Saint Odilo died peacefully on January 1, 1049, in Souvigny, France, of natural causes. Unfortunately, during the French Revolution in 1793, his sacred relics were burned, depriving future generations of physical connections to this revered saint. Saint Odilo of Cluny is honored as the patron saint against jaundice, a disease affecting the liver, and as the patron of souls in Purgatory. His feast day is celebrated on January 1st, although it also appears on various calendars on different days, including January 2nd, May 11th, December 31st, and January 3rd in specific dioceses such as Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg. He is also honored on April 29th as one of the Seven Abbots of Cluny and on January 19th in Cluny (which was formerly celebrated on January 2nd) and on February 6th in Switzerland.