Liborius of Le Mans
Liborius of Le Mans was the second Bishop of Le Mans and is the patron saint of Paderborn, Germany. Little is known of his life, but he is credited with a long episcopacy and missionary activity within Gaul. He is remembered for his patronage against gallstones and for being a patron of a good death.
- Feast Day
- July 23
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Liborius of Le Mans died in 397, reputedly on July 23.
- ›He was a Gaul influenced by Latin culture and is said to have been Bishop of Le Mans for 49 years.
- ›He built churches and ordained 217 priests and 186 deacons.
- ›Saint Martin of Tours assisted him when he was dying.
- ›His relics were sent to Paderborn in 836, establishing a lasting brotherhood between the two dioceses.
- ›He is invoked against colic, fever, and gallstones, and his attribute is three stones on a Bible.
A Good Death, Gallstones, Colic, Fever, Unity and Peace, Paderborn
Three Stones On A Bible, Peacock
About Liborius of Le Mans
Liborius of Le Mans (died 397) was the second Bishop of Le Mans and is recognized as a saint within the Roman Catholic Church. Little is known about his life, as is common for many saints of the fourth century, but he is considered a Gaul influenced by Latin culture.
Life and Ministry
Liborius is said to have served as Bishop of Le Mans for an impressive 49 years. His missionary work appears to have been primarily confined to Gaul during his time. He is credited with building several churches in the Le Mans region and with ordaining a significant number of clergy, including 217 priests and 186 deacons over 96 ordinations. Tradition holds that Saint Martin of Tours was present with him at his death. Liborius was buried in the Apostle Basilica of Le Mans, beside his predecessor, Julian.
Veneration and Patronage
Miracles are reported to have occurred at Liborius's tomb. In the 9th century, his relics were transferred to Paderborn, Germany, a diocese founded by Pope Leo III and Emperor Charlemagne. This event created a strong and enduring connection between the two cities, symbolizing a "love bond of lasting brotherhood" that has persisted through centuries of historical changes. Both churches committed to mutual support through prayer and material aid.
Liborius is invoked as a patron of a good death, stemming from his passing in the arms of his friend Martin of Tours. Since the 13th century, he has been prayed to for assistance against gallstones, particularly those associated with the limestone-rich water of certain areas. This patronage is reflected in his iconographic symbol of three stones placed on a copy of the Bible. He is also invoked against colic and fever. In recognition of his role in fostering unity, Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt of Paderborn established the Saint Liborius Medal for Unity and Peace in 1977.
Liturgy and Legacy
While recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, Liborius's feast day was not initially included in the Tridentine calendar. It was later added in 1702 as a commemoration on July 23. The 1969 revision of the Roman Calendar removed him from the General Roman Calendar, deeming him not of sufficient universal importance, and left his inclusion to local calendars. The annual week-long "Libori Festival" in Paderborn celebrates his veneration and begins on the Saturday after his July 23 feast day.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Liborius of Le Mans live?
Liborius of Le Mans died in 397. His birth year is unknown. He is considered a saint of the 4th century.
What is Liborius of Le Mans the patron saint of?
Liborius of Le Mans is the patron saint of the cathedral and archdiocese of Paderborn in Germany. He is also looked to as a patron of a good death and is invoked against colic, fever, and gallstones.
Why are Liborius of Le Mans' relics in Paderborn?
In 836, on the instructions of Emperor Louis the Pious, the body of Liborius was sent to Bishop Badurad of Paderborn. This was to provide a patron saint for the diocese, which had been founded in 799.
What is the significance of the stones associated with Saint Liborius?
The attribute of three stones placed on a copy of the Bible is associated with Saint Liborius due to accounts of healings from gallstones dating back to the 13th century. He is prayed to for assistance against this ailment.
What is the Libori Festival?
The Libori Festival is a week-long annual celebration in Paderborn, Germany, held in honor of Saint Liborius. It begins on the Saturday after his feast day of July 23.
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