00:00Today, November 8, the church celebrates Saint Geoffrey of Amiens, a great 12th-century bishop, a model of courage, integrity, and pastoral charity.
00:14Born around 1066 in Moulincourt, near Amiens, Geoffroy grew up in a noble but deeply religious family.
00:22A studious and reserved child, he was entrusted at a very young age to the Benedictine monk of Mont-Saint-Quentin, who saw in him an elite soul.
00:34At 25, he was ordained a priest and immediately distinguished himself by his piety and pastoral zeal.
00:41He lived in voluntary poverty, sharing what little he possessed with those in need.
00:47He spent long hours in prayer and his face radiated inner peace.
00:56The faithful already considered him a saint before his time.
01:00In 1104, he was chosen as abbot of the monastery of Saint-Quentin.
01:06He then undertook a courageous reform.
01:10Restoration of monastic life, return to the rule, prayer, work, humility.
01:17Many initially resisted, but Geoffroy's kindness prevailed over all opposition.
01:26He knew how to combine the firmness of a leader with the tenderness of a father.
01:31His fame grew so quickly that the people of Amiens demanded his election as bishop.
01:35Geoffroy tried to flee this honor, judging himself unworthy.
01:41He said,
01:43"If I am to govern souls, I must first learn to save my own."
01:49But on the Pope's orders, he finally accepted the position of Bishop of Amiens to serve out of obedience.
01:55Upon entering the city, he immediately attacked the abuses of the clergy.
02:02He drove out simoniacal priests, denounced greed, and recalled the sanctity of the ministry.
02:10He reconciled families, visited the sick, and went to the poorest villages to proclaim the gospel.
02:17He was often seen walking alone, crosier in hand, head bowed in prayer, coat worn by the dust of the roads.
02:29He had neither horses nor lavish servants. His authority came from his faith.
02:36His love of truth brought him into conflict with powerful lords, but he never backed down.
02:42To those who threatened him, he replied,
02:45"I fear betraying my conscience more than losing my life."
02:51Weary from struggles, fasting, and travel, he finally retired to the Abbey of Saint-Crépin-de-Soissons.
02:58where he died peacefully on November 8, 1115, murmuring,
03:02"Lord, may I finally see you face to face, you whom I have served in your poverty."
03:09His body was brought back to Amiens and immediately many miracles were reported at his tomb.
03:15The people honored him as a patron saint of the city, and his memory remains alive to this day.
03:24Saint Geoffrey of Amiens remains the symbol of the true shepherd.
03:28Firm without being harsh, humble without being weak, loving without compromising.
03:32In a time of confusion, he was a beacon of righteousness and inner peace.
03:40Prayer to Saint Geoffroy of Amiens
03:41O Saint Geoffrey, faithful bishop and servant of Christ,
03:48you who guided your people with gentleness and firmness,
03:52teach us to remain just and courageous in times of hardship.
03:54You who have never backed down from the truth,
03:59Grant us the strength to be witnesses of the Gospel without fear or compromise.
04:05Protect our families, our pastors, and our cities
04:08and increase in our hearts the peace that you carried within you.
04:13Saint Geoffrey of Amiens, pray for us.
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