Originally from Patras in Greece, Benoît fled the troubles of his country to settle near Nantes in the 9th century. Welcomed by Bishop Alain, he founded a community at Macerac where he led a life of humility and prayer. His relics, transferred to Redon, were desecrated during the French Revolution.
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SAINT BENOÎT OF MACERAC, ABBOT,
IN THE DIOCESE OF NANTES (845).
Origins and exile
Originally from Patras in Greece, Benedict left his native country, which was plagued by civil unrest, to seek solitude in a foreign land.
Greece was the homeland of Saint Bened ict, and Pa tras, the capital of Achaea, the city where he was born. It is highly probable that the civil unrest to which his country was then exposed, and the desire to live here below unknown, were the causes that determined him to leave the place of his birth and to seek a foreign land, where he could hide himself from men and occupy himself with God alone.
Arrival in Brittany and foundation
Accompanied by his sister Avenia and nine companions, he disembarked at Nantes where Bishop Alain and the local count granted him the site of Macerac.
It appears that he made his journey by sea, and having sailed up the Loire, he came to disembark at the p ort of Nantes with his siste r, named Avenia, and nine companions, who shared his desires fo r retreat. Alain, bishop of that city, welcomed them with kindness, placed Avenia in a monastery of virgins, and having recommended Benedict to the benevolence of the Count of Nantes, the latter gave Benedict and his compani ons a p lace named Macerac, situated at the confluence of the small river Dou and the Vilaine.
Monastic life and humility
Benedict led a life of prayer and directed a community as abbot, although the specific monastic rule followed remains unknown.
It was there that this generous soul, working tirelessly to merit blessed eternity, spent days full in the eyes of the Lord and amassed treasures for heaven. Benedict is given the title of abbot, which implies that he formed a community with the companions of his retreat, and that he was its superior. It is difficult to know whether he embraced a Rule already known in the Church, such as that of Saint Columbanus or Saint Bene dict, or whether he followed a particular institute. The profound obscurity in which this holy man hid himself out of humility prevents us from knowing the details of his actions. Content with pleasing his divine master, he did not seek to live in the memory of men.
Death, relics and cult
Died in 845, his remains were transferred to Redon before being desecrated in 1793; his cult was officially re-established in the diocese of Nantes in 1790.
It is believed that he died on October 1, 845. He was buried in his hermitage, which later became the church of Macerac; and his tomb, which was not respected during the Revolution, still remains. His body was transported to the c hurch of the abbey of Redon, where it was kept until the year 1793, at which time impious men desecrated and destroyed it. This translation, which took place on October 22, is the reason why the feast of Saint Benedict is celebrated on this day. It was only in 1790 that it was established in the diocese of Nantes, by M. de La Laurence, who was bishop at that time.
Excerpt from the Saints of Brittany, by Dom Lubinea u.
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Frequently asked questions about Saint Benedict of Macerac
Who was Saint Benedict of Macerac?
Originally from Patras in Greece, Benoît fled the troubles of his country to settle near Nantes in the 9th century. Welcomed by Bishop Alain, he founded a community at Macerac where he led a life of humility and prayer. His relics, transferred to Redon, were desecrated during the French Revolution.
What is Saint Benedict of Macerac the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Benedict of Macerac: Macerac.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Benedict of Macerac?
Contemporaries include: Saint Ansgar (Apostle of the North), Saint Bernard of Menthon (Apostle of the Alps), Saint Rumold (Rombaud) and Saint Zachary, Pope.
When did Saint Benedict of Macerac die?
Saint Benedict of Macerac died around 845.
What are the other names of Saint Benedict of Macerac?
Other forms of the name: Benoît.
Who are the relatives of Saint Benedict of Macerac?
Relatives of Saint Benedict of Macerac: Avenia (sister).
Annexes & related entities
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Key Events
- Born in Patras, Greece
- Departure from Greece to escape civil unrest
- Arrival by sea at the port of Nantes with his sister and nine companions
- Settlement in Macerac on land donated by the Count of Nantes
- Foundation of a religious community in Macerac
- Died in 845 and buried in his hermitage