February 14th 7th century

Saint Ragnobert

Racho

The first bishop of Frankish origin in Autun in the 7th century, Ragnobert (or Racho) reformed his clergy and signed important monastic privileges in 658. His relics, saved from revolutionary devastation, were solemnly replaced in the Saint-Lazare Basilica in 1803.

Chronology

Contemporaries

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    SAINT RAGNOBERT OR RACHO, VULGARLY SAINT ROCH, BISHOP OF AUTUN (658).

    Life 01 / 03

    Episcopacy and reforms in Autun

    Succeeding Ferréol, Ragnobert became the first bishop of Frankish origin in Autun, where he reformed the clergy and supported the monastery of Sainte-Colombe.

    Ragnobert or Racho , commonly Saint Roch, after the death of Ferréol, was raised to the see of Aut un an d was its first bishop of Frankish origin. He signed the privilege granted by Emme n, bi shop of Sens, in 658, in favor of Abbot Agon and the monks of the Se nonian monastery of Sainte-Colombe. This privilege aimed to promote the pious design of the brothers of this monastery, which was to conform their life in all things to the rule of the holy Fathers, to evangelical authority, and to apostolic tradition. It is reported that he caused the clergy of his cathedral to follow a regular and more perfect life; a perfect model, through his examples, of those he was charged to instruct, he rendered himself worthy of the immortal honors of holiness.

    Cult 02 / 03

    Translation and cult of the relics

    The saint's body underwent several translations between the 16th and 19th centuries, from the church of Saint-Nazaire to the basilica of Saint-Lazare, despite the destructions of the Revolution.

    His body, honored by the piety of the faithful, long rested in a small church that bore his name, and which was situated near the ancient walls of Autun. In the year 1530, it was transferred, with great pomp, to the c athedral church of Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse by Bishop Jacques Huralt; then, the vaults of this church having fallen into ruins at the end of the following century, it was again transported to the bas ilica of Saint-Lazare, wh ere many miracles were performed through the intercession of the Saint. In the midst of the storms that broke out at the end of the 18th century and, during the sacrilegious devastation of the basilica, it was cast at random into one of the sepulchral crypts of the same church. But his head and the greater part of his bones were retrieved by faithful who piously preserved them and returned them to the Bishop of Autun. The prelate had the holy relics canonically examined and solemnly brought them back to the said church of Saint-Lazare, at the same time as the glorious relics of the Hotel of Our Lord, on September 3, 1803.

    Legacy 03 / 03

    Patronage and sources

    Saint Racho remains the patron of a parish in the Charolais region, his cult being attested by the Proper of the Diocese of Autun.

    Racho is the patron of a parish in the Diocese of Autun that bears his na me (arrondissement of Charo lles, Saône-et-Loire).

    Proper of Autun.

    Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.

    The miracles of Saint Ragnobert (Racho)

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    Frequently asked questions about Saint Ragnobert (Racho)

    Who was Saint Ragnobert (Racho)?

    The first bishop of Frankish origin in Autun in the 7th century, Ragnobert (or Racho) reformed his clergy and signed important monastic privileges in 658. His relics, saved from revolutionary devastation, were solemnly replaced in the Saint-Lazare Basilica in 1803.

    What is Saint Ragnobert (Racho) the patron saint of?

    Patronage of Saint Ragnobert (Racho): Parish of the Diocese of Autun (Charolles district).

    What miracles are attributed to Saint Ragnobert (Racho)?

    1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Sign / wonder.

    Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Ragnobert (Racho)?

    Contemporaries include: Saint Priest (Prix), Saint Gregory the Great (Pope and Doctor of the Church), Saint Die (Didier, Deodat) and Saint Augustine of Canterbury.

    When did Saint Ragnobert (Racho) die?

    Saint Ragnobert (Racho) died around 700.

    What are the other names of Saint Ragnobert (Racho)?

    Other forms of the name: Racho and Saint Roch.

    Annexes & related entities

    Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.

    Key Events

    1. Elevation to the see of Autun after the death of Ferréol
    2. Signing of the privilege in favor of the monastery of Sainte-Colombe in 658
    3. Reform of his cathedral clergy for a regular life
    4. Translation of relics in 1530 to Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse
    5. Translation to Saint-Lazare following the ruins of the cathedral
    6. Rescue of the relics during the Revolution and solemn return on September 3, 1803