![[Saint Leonard holy card]](saintl09.jpg "11kb jpg French holy card of Saint Leonard, artist unknown; please do not write to ask about the image")
Leonard began a life of austerity, sanctification, and preaching. His desire to know God grew until he decided to enter the monastery at Orleans. His brother, Saint Lifiard, followed his example and left the King's court, built a monastery at Meun, and lived there. Leonard desired further seclusion. He withdrew into the forest of Limousin, converting many on the way, and living on herbs, wild fruits, and spring water. He built himself an oratory, leaving it only for journeys to churches. Others begged to live with him, and a monastery formed. Leonard had a great compassion for prisoners, obtaining release and converting many.
After his death, churches were dedicated to him in France, England, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Bohemia, Poland and other countries. Pilgrims flocked to his tomb, and in one small town in Bavaria there are records of 4,000 favors granted through Saint Leonard's intercession.
against burglaries against robberies against robbers blacksmiths captives Castelmauro, Italy childbirth coal miners coopers coppersmiths greengrocers grocers horses imprisoned people Kirkop, Malta locksmiths miners porters P.O.W.'s prisoners prisoners of war
abbot holding chain, fetters or lock chain fetters manacles
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate Google Directory Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson