The third abbot of Tournus in the 11th century, Ardaing distinguished himself by his exemplary charity during a major famine in 1030 and by the material and spiritual restoration of his abbey. After twenty-eight years of governance, he died in 1056, leaving the memory of a 'golden star' of doctrine.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
3 reading sections
SAINT ARDAING OR ARDAN, ABBOT OF TOURNUS (1056).
The Abbacy and the Great Famine
Ardaing succeeded Bernier in 1028 as abbot of Tournus and distinguished himself by his exemplary charity during the famine of 1030, while developing the abbey's infrastructure.
Ardaing or Ardan , third abbot of the monastery of Tournu s, succeeded Bernie r, who died in the year of Our Lord 1028. He was well worthy of this high office, he who had despised earthly glory to attach himself to God, and who, by the brilliance of his doctrine and the purity of his life, deserved to be called a golden star and a mirror of good works. During a three-year famine, which began in 1030 and spread its ravages everywhere, he distributed aid of all kinds to the poor, and saved a great number of them from certain death. While causing regular observance to flourish in the monastery through vigilant solicitude, and working on the task of his own holiness, he also knew how to apply himself to restoring the abbey and increasing its buildings and possessions.
Death, miracles and the fate of the relics
After 28 years of leadership, Ardaing died and his relics, sources of miracles, suffered Calvinist destruction before being partially saved and honored in Autun and Tournus.
Finally, filled with merits and having very wisely led his brothers for twenty-eight years, he departed to the Lord on the 11th of February. He was buried in the northern cloister, on the side of the church. His holy relics were raised eighty-five years after his death, on the 13th of July; they were illustrated by numerous miracles. The Calvinists, having entered Tournus in 1562 , destroyed them. Nevertheless, some bones of the blessed abbot, formerly brought to the abbey of Saint-Symphorien in Autun, pr eserv ed with care during the storms of the 18th century, and later recognized in due form, are honored both in the cathedral chu rch of Autun and in the c hurch of Saint-Philibert in Tournus.
Source
The text is taken from the Proper of the Diocese of Autun.
Proper of Autun.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Ardaing (Ardan)
Frequently asked questions about Saint Ardaing (Ardan)
Who was Saint Ardaing (Ardan)?
The third abbot of Tournus in the 11th century, Ardaing distinguished himself by his exemplary charity during a major famine in 1030 and by the material and spiritual restoration of his abbey. After twenty-eight years of governance, he died in 1056, leaving the memory of a 'golden star' of doctrine.
What is Saint Ardaing (Ardan) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Ardaing (Ardan): Tournus.
What is Saint Ardaing (Ardan) invoked for?
Saint Ardaing (Ardan) is invoked for: relief from famine.
How is Saint Ardaing (Ardan) depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Ardaing (Ardan) is recognizable by: abbot's vestments.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Ardaing (Ardan)?
1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Sign / wonder.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Ardaing (Ardan)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Bernard of Menthon (Apostle of the Alps), Saint Stephen of Hungary, Saint Norbert of Magdeburg and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
When did Saint Ardaing (Ardan) die?
Saint Ardaing (Ardan) died around 1100.
What are the other names of Saint Ardaing (Ardan)?
Other forms of the name: Ardan.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Succeeded Abbot Bernier in 1028
- Management of the three-year famine beginning in 1030
- Restoration and expansion of Tournus Abbey
- Died after 28 years of leadership
- Elevation of relics 85 years after his death (July 13)
- Destruction of relics by the Calvinists in 1562
Quotes
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golden star and mirror of good works
Source text