Not Home. Come Home.

Saint Leonard, the patron saint of political prisoners, was born into a wealthy and prominent family in France. Many of his relatives and friends were military commanders and members of King Clovis's royal court, who ruled over the French region of Noblac in the 6th century.

Young Leonard's faith was greatly influenced by Saint Remigius, Archbishop of Rheims, who baptized him and mentored him in Christian teachings. When Leonard was still quite young, an enemy army attacked the kingdom. The queen, aware of Leonard's faith, jokingly asked him to pray for victory. After his prayer, the kingdom emerged victorious, astonishing the court. Aware of this spiritual openness, Saint Remigius led the formerly pagan King Clovis and thousands of his followers to faith in Christ. This event profoundly impacted Leonard, leading him ultimately to forsake his comfortable life to become a monk.

Upon taking monastic orders in early adulthood, Leonard sought seclusion in a forest in the Limousin region of France, sustaining himself on herbs, wild fruits, and spring water. Along his journey, he invited many to become followers of Jesus. Over time other believers, who drawn to his humble devotion, formed a community around his hermitage. 

In the 6th century, societal norms often led to the imprisonment of the poor for minor offenses. Much like today, disproportionality in sentencing needed tangible advocacy. Saint Leonard, deeply compassionate toward those who were imprisoned, actively sought to improve prison conditions and advocated for the release of those who were unjustly incarcerated. 

Leveraging his noble connections, Leonard secured from King Clovis the authority to liberate prisoners deemed ready to reenter society. Grateful former prisoners would often present their chains to Leonard in thanks for their freedom.

St. Leonard's commitment to prisoners extended beyond individual acts of liberation. He founded a monastery in Noblac (now Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat) on land gifted by King Clovis. This monastery became a sanctuary for former prisoners, offering them a place to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. Under Leonard's guidance, these individuals engaged in communal work, such as clearing land and farming, which fostered a sense of purpose and community.

St. Leonard lived Psalm 146:7-9 incarnationally:

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed

    and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

    the Lord loves the righteous.” 

King Clovis, impressed by St. Leonard's leadership and influence, wanted to enlist him to royal service. Leonard refused the kings and chose to remain as he was –in humble obscurity and among those he had welcomed into his home and life.