Saint Leontius I the Angien

« Beneath this stone rest the ashes of the venerable Leontius, who bore the pontifical mitre on high: his people, with groans and confused murmurs, announce to us the full magnitude of their loss; the child, the young man, the old man, all vie in shedding tears for him. Leontius yielded to no one in terms of birth; purity itself had formed his character; no other titles were sought, and could one have desired more precious ones to raise him to his station? The more he was distinguished by his rank and virtues, the more he sought to lower himself through profound humility. His mere presence put discord to flight; it retreated trembling, while love and respect surrendered all hearts to him. In losing him, every age has lost its defender. What need is there to say it? Their tears teach us this with too much eloquence. Does one see anyone speak of his death without being moved? One finds consolation only by erecting a temple to his memory within one's heart. Shall we pass over in silence the immense charity of this generous pastor? For the love of Christ, he lavished even the inheritance of his fathers. The poor turned to him with confidence, the captive asked him for the price of his ransom, and the needy had acquired the right to dispose of his riches. Let us not doubt that such a beautiful soul has flown from earth to heaven. Leontius lived less for himself than for God; he never ceased to study and follow the designs of Providence for those entrusted to him. The prince himself rendered justice to his merit; finally, to summarize everything in a word, he had become the idol of his people, because his only ambition had been to reign over souls. He lived in power for five lustra and seven years, and was at the end of the day taken from this world ».

After a life devoted to extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ, Leontius came to end his days in the dioc ese of Rodez. It diocèse de Rodez Diocese where the saint's feast day is celebrated on April 28. was at Sa int-Léons, Saint-Léons The precise location of the death of Leontius. not far from M illau, Millau City near the place of Léonce's death. then famous for a monastery of Bene dictine monks, that h Religieux bénédictins Monastic order whose church housed the saint's remains. e gently rendered his soul to God, around 542.

Taken from the France Pontificale, and from Notes communicated by Abbé Bousquet of Rode l'abbé Bousquet de Rodez Canon of Rodez and source of the biographical notice. z.