Saint Jonat
ABBOT OF MARCHIENNES, IN THE DIOCESE OF CAMBRAI (691 or 693).
Abbot of Marchiennes
A disciple of Saint Amand, Jonat was the first abbot of the monastery of Marchiennes in the 7th century. He wisely led the religious community, including Saint Rictrude, and actively participated in the evangelization of the region. He died towards the end of the century, leaving behind the image of a model of virtue and gentleness.
Guided reading
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SAINT JONAT,
ABBOT OF MARCHIENNES, IN THE DIOCESE OF CAMBRAI (691 or 693).
Foundation of Marchiennes and origins
Saint Amand founded the monastery of Marchiennes around 643 and placed Jonat at its head; his origins remain obscure, suggesting a past as a redeemed slave.
When Saint Amand had founded (around 643) the monastery of Marchiennes (Marchianæ, Order of Saint Benedict) on the lands granted to him by Saint Adalbaud, husband of Saint Rictrude, he placed there, to lead the new religious, one of his disciples named Jonat, who resp Jonat First abbot of the monastery of Marchiennes and disciple of Saint Amand. onded perfectly to his trust. Nothing is found in the authors that reveals his early years: his homeland, his family, his entry into religion, everything has remained unknown. This circumstance, which one encounters in the life of almost all the disciples of Saint Amand, comes no doubt from the fact that most of them were foreign children and captives, whom the charitable missionary had redeemed from slavery, and had raised in some tranquil solitude.
Religious life and apostolate
Recognized for his wisdom and prudence, Jonat is also said to have assisted Saint Amand in his missions of evangelization against idolatry.
All authors limit themselves to praising the wisdom and virtue of Jonat. As a religious, he was the model for his brothers; as an abbot, he directed them with a prudence that serves as his praise, just as it does f or Saint Am saint Amand Spiritual advisor to Gertrude. and who had trained him. A few words, which one encounters in very ancient acts, would seem to suggest that he sometimes accompanied the missionary on his apostolic journeys. "These two holy men," it is said there, "shining in the house of the Lord like brilliant stars, drove before them the profaned darkness of idolatry and sin. By their examples and their prayers, they had the happiness of introducing many souls into the heavens."
Direction of Saint Rictrude
Jonat provided spiritual direction to Saint Rictrude and her daughters at the monastery, leaving a mark on the region through his holiness and affability.
When Saint Rictrude, after the death of her husband, retired to the monastery of Marchiennes with her two youngest daughters, Saint Jona saint Jonat First abbot of the monastery of Marchiennes and disciple of Saint Amand. t was again entrusted with their direction and that of the people who came to the holy widow to embrace the religious life. The counsel of his experience, the gravity of his manners, and the holiness of his conduct exerted a very happy influence in the monastery and throughout the region, where his name remained in veneration for a long time. To complete the praise of this venerable abbot, and to supply, as much as possible, for the silence of the authors, let us recall these words of an ancient hagiographer: "Jonat was chaste in body, humble in spirit, of a gentle and peaceful exterior, affable and amiable towards all. A particular grace shone on his brow like a reflection of his virtues, and invincibly drew hearts to him."
Passing and hagiographic references
Jonat died at the end of the 7th century and was buried in the abbey church; his life is documented by the Acta Sanctorum Belgii.
He died at th e monastery of Marchienn monastère de Marchiennes Site of the foundation of the monastery where Saint Jonatus served as abbot. es on August 1, 691, or, according to others, 695. His body rested in the abbey church.
A cta Sanctorum Belgii, Acta Sanctorum Belgii Cited hagiographical source. translation by Abbé Destombas.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Possible redemption from slavery by Saint Amand
- Religious training by Saint Amand
- Appointed as the first abbot of Marchiennes around 643
- Spiritual direction of Saint Rictrude and her daughters
- Participation in evangelization missions with Saint Amand
Quotes
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Jonat was chaste in body, humble in spirit, with a gentle and peaceful exterior, affable and kind toward all.
Ancient hagiographer cited by Abbé Destombas