Agricola of Avignon
Saint Agricola of Avignon was a bishop of Avignon in the 7th and 8th centuries. Tradition holds him as the son of Saint Magnus, also a bishop of the city. He is remembered for his preaching, charity, defense of the poor and sick, and for establishing a church staffed by monks and a convent for nuns.
- Feast Day
- September 2
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Agricola was the son of Saint Magnus, who was also a bishop of Avignon.
- ›He became a monk at the Abbey of Lérins at sixteen and later served as coadjutor to his father in Avignon.
- ›Upon his father's death in 660, Agricola succeeded him as bishop.
- ›He founded a church in Avignon staffed by monks from Lérins and a convent for Benedictine nuns.
- ›Agricola was known as a preacher and for his charity and defense of the poor and sick.
- ›His relics are preserved in the church of Saint-Agricol in Avignon.
Agricol, Agricolus
Storks, Good Weather, Fine Harvests, Rain During Drought, Bubonic Plague, Misfortune
Benedictine Nuns, Monks of LéRins
Storks
About Agricola of Avignon
Saint Agricola of Avignon
Saint Agricola of Avignon (c. 630–c. 700) was a bishop of Avignon, a significant figure in the religious history of the region. Tradition identifies him as the son of Saint Magnus, who also held the office of bishop in Avignon. His life and ministry are primarily associated with the 7th and 8th centuries.
Life and Ministry
Agricola's early life was marked by religious devotion. At the age of sixteen, he professed as a monk at the renowned Abbey of Lérins. Later, at thirty years old, he was called to Avignon by his father, Magnus, and appointed as coadjutor. Upon his father's death in 660, Agricola succeeded him as the bishop of Avignon. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the construction of a church in the city, which was staffed by monks from Lérins. He also established a convent for Benedictine nuns, demonstrating his commitment to monastic life and religious community.
Reputation and Veneration
Bishop Agricola was recognized as a gifted preacher, widely respected for his profound charity and his courageous defense of the poor and sick against the oppressive actions of civil authorities. His death occurred from natural causes, and he was succeeded by Saint Veredemus.
Veneration of Saint Agricola began posthumously. A charter from 919 mentions his burial in the Avignon church dedicated to Saint Peter (Saint-Pierre). By the late 11th century, a donation referenced the abbey of Saint-Agricol. A church dedicated to Saint Agricola, likely built in the 12th century, was elevated to collegiate status in 1321 by Pope John XXII. During this period, it is probable that the relics of Saint Agricola were transferred from the church of Saint-Pierre to the church of Saint-Agricol, where they remain preserved to this day.
The cult of Saint Agricola experienced a surge in popularity during the 14th and 15th centuries. Historical records from the 15th century recount a legend where he is said to have prevented an invasion of storks through his blessing, leading to his association as patron of storks, often depicted with them as an emblem. In 1647, Archbishop César Argelli officially declared him the patron saint of Avignon. Devotees invoked his name, which signifies "cultivator of fields," seeking his intercession for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and rain during droughts. He is also invoked for protection against the bubonic plague and various forms of misfortune.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Agricola of Avignon?
Saint Agricola of Avignon was a bishop of Avignon who lived from approximately 630 to 700 AD. According to tradition, he was the son of Saint Magnus, also a bishop of the city.
What is Saint Agricola remembered for?
He is remembered for his work as a bishop, including his preaching, charity, and defense of the poor and sick. He also established a church staffed by monks and a convent for nuns.
What is Saint Agricola the patron saint of?
Saint Agricola is the patron saint of storks, and is invoked for good weather, fine harvests, and rain during times of drought. He is also invoked against the bubonic plague and misfortune.
When is Saint Agricola's feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on September 2nd.
Where are Saint Agricola's relics kept?
The relics of Saint Agricola are preserved in the church of Saint-Agricol in Avignon, to which they may have been transferred from the church of Saint-Pierre.
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