Saint Poppo

Memorial: 25 January
Profile: Son of Tizekinus and Adalwif, pious nobles; when Poppo was grown, his mother became a nun. Soldier. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands in 1000. Pilgrim to Rome. While on the road late one night, a flame suddenly lit over his head, and his lance radiated a brilliant light. Poppo took this as a sign of the Holy Spirit, and started considering a religious vocation. Monk at Saint Theirry's monastery at Rheims in 1005.

Worked with Abbot Richard of Saint-Vanne to restore order and religious observance to several houses in 1008. Prior of Saint Vaast of Arras monastery in the diocese of Cambrai in 1013. Prior at Vasloges, diocese of Verdun in 1016. Abbot-general for a large group of houses in Lotharingia in 1020. Practised severe asceticism, cared nothing for literature, and lacked organization, but managed to bring order and devotion to his houses, earning the love of his brothers and the laity. Unofficial counselor to emperor Saint Henry II on matters of faith, politics, and diplomacy.
Born: 978 at Flanders, Belgium
Died: 25 January 1048 at Marchiennes of natural causes
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
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