St. Avitus, Abbot, A.D. about 530.
by VP
Posted on Monday June 17, 2024 at 07:02AM in Saints
"He was a native of Orleans, and retiring into Auvergne, took the monastic habit in the abbey of Menat, which was at that time very small. His obedience was so universal, so without all exception or reserve, that instead of edifying the rest, he was despised by them, and looked upon as a fool. His superior, who best knew his spirit, gave him a charge in the house upon which his companions were so uneasy to him, that he quitted the place in silence, and retired into the forest of Orleans. There he lived in such sanctity, that after some time, the same religious, by their importunity, and the command of the bishop, obliged him to return, and be their abbot. He submitted; and having laboured to bring the spirit of his religious to the truth of what they professed, but with little effect, he judged himself useless, and departed from them. He hid himself in the thickest of the forest, where he enjoyed the comfort of his retirement. He was discovered by miracle, and others joining him, King Clotaire built a church and monastery for him and his companions. St. Avitus was soon after called to the company of the blessed, about the year 530. His body was carried to Orleans, and buried with great pomp in that city; and a church was built over his tomb, which still subsists.
The conduct of this
saint was in obedience to particular directions, which by some may be
seasonably followed; since those labours, which prove fruitless to
others, and are a dissipation to ourselves, may in some circumstances be
changed into a more profitable retirement. The strict tie of many states, however, will not allow of this; but is attended with a necessity of using endeavours perseveringly to the end. And then the Christian's
art must be to make his advance towards heaven in patience, humility,
and perseverance, in such labours as belong to his state; with hopes
that God will have regard to them, and not measure them by the fruit, but by the charity with which they are undertaken, and the fidelity with which they are performed. This may be a hinderance to a more desired recollection; but cannot fail at length of an eternal recompense." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
