Episode 2457: St Medericus

Saint Medericus, also known as Saint Merry (in French, Saint Médéric), was a revered 7th-century monk and abbot who is particularly venerated in Paris, France. His life is marked by a deep dedication to monastic discipline, prayer, and a desire to live in solitude for spiritual growth. His feast day is celebrated on August 29.

Early Life:
Saint Medericus was born in the 7th century in Autun, Burgundy (now in France). From a young age, he exhibited a strong desire to dedicate his life to God, eventually joining the Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin in Autun. He entered the monastery as a monk and pursued a life of strict asceticism, prayer, and labor.

Abbot of St. Martin's Abbey:
Medericus was known for his holiness, wisdom, and leadership qualities, which led to his election as abbot of St. Martin’s Abbey in Autun. As abbot, he became a spiritual father to the monks, guiding them with wisdom and humility in the monastic life. Under his leadership, the abbey flourished as a center of prayer and religious life.

Hermitage in Paris:
Despite his success as abbot, Medericus longed for a life of solitude and deeper contemplation. He eventually resigned from his position and set out for Paris, seeking a more reclusive life of prayer. In Paris, he found a quiet place near what is now the Church of Saint-Pierre-des-Bois, where he lived as a hermit. His reputation for holiness spread, and many people began to seek him out for spiritual guidance and healing.

Death and Legacy:
Saint Medericus died around 700 AD in Paris. He was buried in the area where he had lived as a hermit, and over time, his tomb became a pilgrimage site. The Church of Saint-Merry, located in the center of Paris near the modern-day Beaubourg district, was built in his honor and became an important center of devotion to him.