Aujourd’hui, 8 novembre, l’Église honore Saint Geoffroy d’Amiens, évêque du XIIᵉ siècle, modèle de droiture et de courage. Né près d’Amiens, il consacra sa vie à réformer l’Église, à défendre les pauvres et à rétablir la justice. Refusant la corruption et les privilèges, il affronta les puissants avec la force tranquille de la foi. Son humilité, sa fermeté et sa charité ont marqué l’histoire spirituelle de la Picardie.
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.
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