00:00Today, September 17, we celebrate Saint-Renaud.
00:06We also remember Saint Lambert of Maastricht and Saint Hildegard of Bingen,
00:12but in France, it is above all the first name Renaud which is in the spotlight.
00:18Saint-Renaud, sometimes called Renatus,
00:22is a character whose memory is rooted in the popular piety of western France.
00:26According to tradition, he was a monk from Brittany in the 7th century,
00:33disciple of the great founders of Breton monastic life,
00:36at a time when the Christian faith was consolidating in these regions still marked by Celtic customs.
00:42Legend has it that Renaud was born into a Christian family,
00:47but very early attracted by the spiritual life,
00:50he chose to leave earthly goods to devote himself entirely to God.
00:54Endowed with great gentleness and a spirit of peace,
00:59he became a monk, probably linked to the abbey of Saint-Molaine in Rennes or to a neighboring community.
01:04He is described as a man of great austerity,
01:07leading a life of prayer and penance,
01:09but also as a pastor close to the people,
01:12attentive to the poor and the sick.
01:15In Breton tradition, it is considered a protector against certain illnesses,
01:20especially those who hit children.
01:21The cult of Saint-Renaud spread especially in the west of France.
01:27Several churches and chapels bear his name,
01:30particularly in Brittany and Normandy.
01:33The first name Renaud has remained popular throughout the centuries,
01:36transmitted as a sign of attachment to this discreet saint,
01:40but loved by the Christian people.
01:42Even today, in some parishes,
01:45we gather around his memory,
01:47to ask for his protection and rekindle the flame of faith.
01:51Although the historical details of his life are partly obscured by time,
01:56his example remains that of a faithful man,
01:59humble and totally devoted to God.
02:02Prayer to Saint-Renaud
02:03Let us pray together.
02:06Lord Almighty,
02:09You who raised in Saint-Renaud a simple and faithful heart,
02:13grant us to walk in his footsteps in trust and humility.
02:16Teach us, following his example,
02:20to seek your kingdom before all else,
02:23to be attentive to the poor and the sick
02:25and to live by the light of your gospel.
02:30Through his intercession,
02:33protect our families and guard our children.
02:36Make faith grow in us,
02:38hope and charity.
02:39We entered you,
02:42through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son,
02:45who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
02:47for ever and ever.
02:49Amen.
02:50Subtitling Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
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