Originally from the area around Paris, Saint Frédéric (or Flédéric) became the devoted pastor of the parish of Vlierzèle in East Flanders. Recognized for his charity and apostolic zeal, he died at an advanced age after a life of miracles. His cult, marked by the healing of the deaf, was officially structured in the 16th century.
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SAINT FRÉDÉRIC OR FLÉDÉRIC, CONFESSOR,
Youth and formation
Frederic was born near Paris and distinguished himself from childhood by his application to studies and his early piety.
Saint Frederic or Frederic Saint Frédéric ou Flédéric Priest and pastor in Vlierzele, known for his piety and miracles. , as several hagiographers write, was born in the vicinity of the city of Paris: this is ville de Paris Place of birth, ministry, and death of the saint. at least the most generally adopted opinion. From his earliest years, he was applied to the study of letters in which he made rapid progress. His advancement in virtue was no less admirable, and seeing the ardor with which he devoted himself to works of piety and religion, one could judge that he would one day be a great servant of God.
Pastoral Ministry in Vlierzele
He became pastor of the parish of Vlierzele in the diocese of Cambrai, where he dedicated himself to the instruction and reconciliation of his faithful.
Unknown circumstances later brought the virtuous Frederic to the reg Frédéric Priest and pastor in Vlierzele, known for his piety and miracles. ions of northern France, where he is seen serving the parish of Vlie rzele or Vliederzele, two leagues fr paroisse de Vlierzèle ou Vliederzèle Parish where the saint exercised his pastoral ministry. om Alost (East Fla nders Alost City near the parish of Vlierzele. ), in the former diocese of C ambrai. In the fulfillmen ancien diocèse de Cambrai Ecclesiastical jurisdiction on which Vlierzele depended. t of the duties of his office, he displayed all the qualities of a good and holy pastor. Attentive to instructing his flock in the important truths of religion and the obligations it imposes, he was no less attentive to retracing in his conduct all the virtues of Jesus Christ, the pastor of pastors. Like Him, he worked to spread the spirit of charity, concord, and mutual benevolence everywhere. He could not, without deep pain, learn that hatreds and divisions had broken out among some of his spiritual children, and he did everything one could expect from a worthy minister of Jesus Christ to reconcile them. The entire life of this holy priest was consumed in the obscure and arduous functions of his pastoral ministry, which God deigned to fill with His blessings. Frederic had reached an extreme old age when, already illustrious for his virtues and miracles, he rendered, full of joy, to his God a life he had consumed in the service of the Church and his flock.
Miracles and posterity
After his death at an advanced age, numerous miracles, notably the healing of the deaf, are reported near his tomb.
A great number of the sick, primarily the deaf, recovered their health through his intercession. Multiplied wonders have always drawn neighboring populations to his tomb, particularly on September 3, the day his memory is honored.
Official recognition of the cult
In 1545, Bishop Martin Cuper consecrated an altar in his honor and set the dates for his feast day and annual procession.
In the year 1545, Marti Martin Cuper Suffragan bishop of Cambrai who consecrated the saint's altar in 1545. n Cuper, suffragan bishop of Cambrai, under the administr ation of Monsignor Robert Monseigneur Robert de Croy Bishop of Cambrai at the time of the consecration of the altar. de Croy, was requested to consecrate an altar dedicated to Saint Frederick, and to assign him a feast day and an annual procession on the Sunday following the solemnity of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. As for the altar, it was consecrated on the eve of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 13, and this day was designated for the celebration of the Saint's feast in the parish.
Saint Frederick is represented everywhere, on the altar, on the reliquary that contains his body, and on the small banners or images of the pilgrims, in priestly vestments, and holding a chalice and a host in his hand.
Excerpt from the Life o f the Saints o abbé Destombes Author of the Life of the Saints of Cambrai and Arras. f Cambrai and Arras, by Abbé Destombes.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born near Paris
- Study of letters and progress in piety
- Settled in northern France
- Pastoral ministry in Vlierzele
- Consecration of an altar in his honor in 1545 by Martin Cuper
Miracles
- Healing of the deaf
- Healing of many sick people
- Numerous miracles at his tomb