Arnold of Soissons
Arnold of Soissons was a Catholic saint, a former soldier who became a Benedictine monk and later bishop. He is primarily remembered as the patron saint of Belgian brewers, an association stemming from his advice to drink beer over water during an epidemic due to its perceived health benefits and safer preparation.
- Feast Day
- 14 August
- Century
- 11th century
- Country Or Region
- Belgium
Key Facts
- ›Arnold was born in Brabant and initially served as a career soldier.
- ›He later settled at St. Medard's Abbey in Soissons and eventually rose to become abbot.
- ›Arnold was appointed bishop of Soissons in 1080 but sought to avoid public life.
- ›He founded the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg, where he brewed beer and encouraged its consumption.
- ›His advice to drink beer instead of water during an outbreak of sickness is credited with saving lives.
- ›Miracles reported at his tomb were investigated and approved in 1121.
Arnoul of Soissons, Arnold of Oudenburg, Arnulf of Oudenburg
Belgian Brewers, Hop-Pickers
Mashing Rake
About Arnold of Soissons
Arnold of Soissons, also known as Arnoul of Oudenburg, was a Catholic saint celebrated for his role as a bishop and for his association with brewing. Born in Brabant around 1040, Arnold began his life as a career soldier before finding his calling within the Benedictine order. He first settled at St. Medard's Abbey in Soissons, France, where he spent three years as a hermit before rising to the position of abbot. His hagiography recounts his reluctance to accept these honors, even humorously stating he was forced back by a wolf when he tried to flee.
Arnold later became the bishop of Soissons in 1080, another role he initially sought to avoid. When his see was contested, he chose to retire from public life and founded the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg. It was during his time as abbot in Oudenburg that Arnold became deeply involved in brewing. Recognizing beer as a safer alternative to water, especially during outbreaks of sickness, he encouraged the local peasants to drink it, attributing to it a "gift of health." This practice, which involved boiling water and thus killing pathogens, is credited with saving lives in his community.
Arnold's legacy is strongly tied to brewing, and he is venerated as the patron saint of hop-pickers and Belgian brewers. He is often depicted in art with a mashing rake, a tool used in the brewing process, further solidifying his connection to the craft. Miracles attributed to him at his tomb were officially investigated and approved by a council in Beauvais in 1121, and his relics were transferred to the Church of St. Peter in Aldenburg in 1131. His feast day is observed on August 14th, and he is honored in Brussels with a parade on the "Day of Beer."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Arnold of Soissons?
Arnold of Soissons was a Catholic saint, a former soldier who became a Benedictine monk and later the bishop of Soissons. He is known for founding the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg.
Why is Arnold of Soissons the patron saint of brewers?
Arnold is the patron saint of Belgian brewers because, as abbot, he brewed beer and encouraged its consumption, particularly during an epidemic. He advised people to drink beer over water, as the boiling process made it safer and free of pathogens, thus saving lives.
What are Arnold of Soissons' symbols?
Arnold of Soissons is often depicted with a mashing rake in his hand, a tool used in brewing. This symbol helps to identify him in iconography and on products associated with his patronage.
When is the feast day of Arnold of Soissons?
The feast day of Saint Arnold of Soissons is celebrated on August 14th.
What role did Arnold play during an epidemic?
During an outbreak of sickness, Arnold advised the local people to avoid consuming water, which was likely contaminated, and instead drink the beer brewed at his monastery. This advice was effective in saving lives because the brewing process, which involved boiling water, made the beer safer than the available water.
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