Albinus of Angers
Saint Albinus of Angers was a French abbot and bishop known for his devout life and his efforts to combat corruption and aid those in distress. He is remembered for his work as bishop of Angers, his participation in church councils, and his legendary interventions to free prisoners and protect his flock. His veneration spread widely, particularly during the Middle Ages.
- Feast Day
- March 1
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Born to a noble Gallo-Roman family in Vannes, Brittany, around 470 AD.
- ›Served as abbot of Tintillac from 504 AD for twenty-five years.
- ›Elected Bishop of Angers in 529 AD against his wishes.
- ›Participated in the Third Council of Orléans in 538 AD.
- ›Tradition credits him with freeing hostages from pirates using diocesan funds.
- ›Died on March 1, 550 AD, and was buried in Angers.
Saint Albin, Saint-Aubin
Protection From Pirate Attack
About Albinus of Angers
Saint Albinus of Angers
Saint Albinus of Angers, also known as Saint Albin or Saint-Aubin, was a significant abbot and bishop in 6th-century France. Born around 470 AD to a noble Gallo-Roman family in Vannes, Brittany, he first served as a monk and then as the abbot of Tintillac for twenty-five years, during which his reputation for piety grew.
In 529, Albinus was elected Bishop of Angers, a role he undertook reluctantly. During his episcopate, he actively campaigned against incestuous marriages, particularly among the nobility. He participated in the Third Council of Orléans in 538, seeking guidance from Saint Caesarius of Arles to address perceived laxity in the clergy.
Tradition recounts Albinus as a compassionate figure who aided those in distress. He is said to have used diocesan funds to ransom hostages captured by pirates and, in one notable instance, impressed King Childebert by securing the release of a woman named Etherie, who had been imprisoned. Legends also tell of his miraculous intervention to free men imprisoned in the Tower of Angers.
Saint Albinus died on March 1, 550, and was initially buried in the church of Saint-Pierre at Angers. By 556, a church dedicated to him was consecrated, and his body was moved to its crypt, near which an abbey named Saint-Aubin eventually arose.
Veneration and Legacy
The cult of Saint Albinus became widespread during the Middle Ages, with his influence extending to Germany, England, and Poland. He is sometimes invoked as a patron saint for protection against pirate attacks, a tradition possibly stemming from accounts of him ransoming parishioners taken captive by pirates on the Loire River. Later miracles attributed to him, such as the miraculous defeat of attackers at Guérande in the 10th century, further reinforced this devotion. Nicholas Belfort, a Regular Canon, wrote extensively about miracles performed at Saint Albinus's tomb after the year 1000 AD. This enduring fame led many coastal villages to choose him as their patron saint, and his name is preserved in places like Saint-Aubin in Jersey, marking the site of an ancient chapel. His feast day is observed on March 1.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Albinus of Angers born and when did he die?
Saint Albinus of Angers was born around 470 AD and died on March 1, 550 AD. His life spanned the late Roman and early Frankish periods in Gaul.
What was Saint Albinus's role before becoming bishop?
Before his election as bishop, Saint Albinus was a monk and served as the abbot of Tintillac from 504 AD for twenty-five years. His reputation grew during this time.
What were some of Saint Albinus's notable actions as bishop?
As bishop, he campaigned against incestuous marriages, participated in church councils, and is traditionally said to have used diocesan funds to free hostages from pirates. He also sought advice from Saint Caesarius of Arles regarding laxity among bishops.
What legends are associated with Saint Albinus?
Legends describe him intervening to free a woman named Etherie imprisoned by King Childebert, with a soldier dying at his feet. Another legend tells of him praying for prisoners in the Tower of Angers, leading to a miraculous escape when a stone collapsed.
Where is Saint Albinus venerated and what is his feast day?
Saint Albinus is venerated in France and his cult spread to Germany, England, and Poland. His feast day is celebrated on March 1.
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