Saint Attalas of Bobbio

Biography

Saint Attalas of Bobbio, also known as Attal, Attala, or Attale, was a monk committed to a life of devotion and service to God. Born in Burgundy, France, he embarked on a journey of spiritual growth that led him to become a significant figure in the monastic movement of his time. Attalas began his monastic life as a monk at Lérins, a renowned monastery in France known for its strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Through his humble and dedicated demeanor, he quickly gained the respect and admiration of his brothers. Seeking further spiritual enlightenment, he later joined the Luxeuil Abbey under the guidance of its revered abbot Saint Columbanus. The bond between Attalas and Saint Columbanus grew strong, leading them to embark on a mission to establish a Benedictine abbey in Bobbio, Italy. Attalas played a vital role in the construction of the abbey, providing support and guidance during its formative years. His commitment to the monastic ideals helped shape the foundation of the community, which flourished under his leadership. In 615, Attalas was appointed as the abbot of Bobbio Abbey. During his tenure as the abbot, he faced various challenges, one of which was the severity of the Columbanian Rule. Many monks within the community found it difficult to adhere to the strict regulations imposed by Saint Columbanus, but Attalas showed compassion and understanding towards their struggles. Despite this, he maintained discipline and fostered an environment of harmony and mutual respect among the monks. Among the notable individuals who joined Attalas in Bobbio Abbey were Saint Valery and Saint Blitmund. These spiritual companions, inspired by Attalas's wisdom and exemplar, shared his dedication to prayer, intellectual pursuits, and the pursuit of holiness. Saint Attalas of Bobbio is often represented in art as an abbot near a mill, staff in hand, symbolizing his role as a wise and compassionate spiritual leader. Another representation depicts him alongside Saint Columbanus, emphasizing their close bond and shared mission. After a virtuous and fulfilling life of service, Saint Attalas passed away in 627 of natural causes. His remains were interred beside Saint Columbanus in the church at the abbey of Saint Colombano in Bobbio, Italy. In 1482, his body was re-interred in a stone sarcophagus in the crypt of the basilica of Saint Colombano, built over the site of the old church. This crypt became a sacred space, with an altar and shrine dedicated to Saint Attalas, attracting pilgrims seeking solace and spiritual guidance. Although Saint Attalas of Bobbio has not been officially designated as a patron saint, his life serves as an inspiration for all those aspiring to live a life of devoted service to God and others. His compassionate leadership, commitment to monastic ideals, and unwavering faith make him a remarkable figure in the annals of Catholicism.