CAPTIVE

Phil
Nov 6
4 min read

There are 162 churches dedicated to St.Leonard in England today. It was my privilege to be the Rector of one of them, St Leonard Leverington (see above). The Church is a magnificent building, and was built in post-Crusade times. Leverington is a large village on the outskirts of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire.

Who was Leonard?

Leonard was born at the end of the 5th century to a noble family near Orléans. His family, connected to the Frankish court, had ancient roots and probably even Roman origins. He was baptised by (Saint) Remigius, Bishop of Reims, who was to become a deeply influential spiritual guide for him. Clovis, King of the Franks, was his godfather. As a young man, Leonard was educated to be a soldier and a courtier, but he felt a strong calling toward prayer and the spiritual life.

Because of his royal connections, he was offered a prestigious Episcopacy, but he refused it, and chose rather to serve God in a simple, contemplative monastic life. He gave all his possessions to the needy, and was joined by his brother, who had felt the same calling. The two were welcomed into an abbey near Orléans, but after the abbot’s death Leonard went farther afield, seeking an even more secluded retreat near Limoges in the forests of Aquitaine. There he lived in a hut made of branches beneath a great tree. He dug a well and built a small church dedicated to Our Lady, and an altar in honour of Saint Remigius. King Clovis, grateful to him for helping the queen during childbirth, granted him the area of his forest that he could travel around on a donkey within a single day. This area became the heart of his settlement, which later took the name Noblat in his honour. Around his monastery grew a community that took the name Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.

Because of his strong connection with Remigius, King Clovis allowed Leonard to visit prisons and to free anyone held there whom he deemed innocent. Leonard used this privilege to help many oppressed people, and according to legend, prisoners who invoked his prayers from their cells saw their chains break before their eyes. Many came to him afterwards, bringing their heavy chains and irons to offer them in homage. A considerable number of released prisoners remained with him, and he often gave them a part of his vast forest to clear to plant crops that they might have the means to live an honest life.

Leonard died in 559, surrounded by his followers, who already regarded him as a saint. His cult spread widely, especially from the 11th century onward. A notable figure was Richard the Lionheart, who venerated him as a saint, giving thanks for miracles attributed to his intercession. His tomb became an important pilgrimage site, and the church built in his honour was elevated to the status of a royal basilica.

The veneration of Saint Leonard spread throughout Europe, particularly at the time of the Crusades, when many were imprisoned or lost their lives. Leonard is often depicted as a monk or a hermit, holding chains and shackles that symbolize his role as protector of innocent prisoners. He is also the patron saint of several cities and professions and is invoked for many needs—from difficult childbirths to animal diseases, and for protection against bandits and natural disasters. Leonard became one of the most venerated saints of the late Middle Ages.

God of compassion, by whose grace your servant Leonard followed in the way of your Son in caring for those in need, and bringing release to the captive. Help us, like him, to work with strength for the restoration of all to the dignity and freedom of those created in your image; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 58, beginning at verse 6. "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"

We remember the time when Jesus faced difficult decisions and destructive forces:- in the days and nights of his searching,- in finding ways to free others from their captivity.- in breaking down social and religious barriers,- in facing failure, -

in facing death.When we too experience destructiveness in our lives

may we find the courage to let go and trust in God's guiding light.

We remember this same Jesus, who has shown us

that life is stronger than death.

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those who are in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love:-

prisoners, their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.

Heal those who have been wounded by the activities of others,

especially the victims of crime.

Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly

together with Christ in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day.

Prison Fellowship

For those imprisoned by addiction.

God of mercy, we bless You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

who ministers to all who come to Him.

Give Your strength to those imprisoned by the chains of addiction.

Enfold them in Your love and restore them to the freedom of God's children.

Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy,