St. Leodegar of Autun

St. Leodegar of Autun (c. 615 – c. 679), known in French as Léger, was a Frankish nobleman educated at the royal court and in the Church, who became bishop of Autun in Burgundy around 663. An energetic reformer, he restored discipline among his clergy, rebuilt churches, held synods, and cared for the poor, becoming as well a leading figure in the turbulent politics of the Merovingian kingdoms during the struggles between the royal houses and the powerful mayor of the palace, Ebroin.

His opposition to Ebroin drew upon him the enmity of that ruthless statesman. Seized in the political upheavals, Leodegar was cruelly treated — blinded, his tongue and lips mutilated — and after a period of imprisonment was finally put to death. Though his end was entangled in the violent factional strife of the age, the Church venerated him as a martyr who suffered for justice and the discipline of the faith, and his cult became widespread in France; many places named Saint-Léger recall him.