Saint Avitus of Périgord

Biography

Saint Avitus of Périgord, also known as Avitus of Vouillé, was a soldier in the army of Alaric, the Visigoth king. He was captured during the Battle of Vouillé and taken as a prisoner to Paris, France. However, after his release, he experienced a profound spiritual transformation and dedicated his life to the service of God. Following his release, Avitus made his way to Poitou, France, where he entered a monastery and became a monk. His time in the monastery was marked by an unwavering commitment to prayer, meditation, and asceticism. Avitus embraced the monastic lifestyle wholeheartedly, seeking union with God through rigorous self-discipline and contemplation. After spending several years as a monk, Avitus felt a calling to a more solitary existence. He left the monastery and retreated to the rugged region of Périgord and Ruffec, where he lived as a hermit. In this remote area, Avitus could devote himself entirely to his spiritual practices and lead a life of penance and solitude. As a hermit, Avitus became renowned for his holiness, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. Many sought his counsel and sought his intercession in their prayers. Despite his secluded lifestyle, Avitus was often visited by people seeking his blessings and seeking to learn from his profound spiritual insights. Saint Avitus lived a long life and died in the year 518 of natural causes. His legacy as a soldier turned monk and hermit remained, as he was remembered for his devotion to God and his radical detachment from worldly comforts. Though not officially recognized as a patron saint for any particular cause or group, Avitus' life continues to inspire and encourage people in their spiritual journey. It is important to note that Saint Avitus was canonized before the formal processes of canonization existed within the Catholic Church. As such, he is considered to be pre-congregation, which means that he was recognized as a saint by popular acclaim and veneration. Saint Avitus of Périgord is commemorated on his feast day, March 22nd, when believers honor his memory and seek his intercession. While there is no specific representation or icon associated with Avitus, his life serves as an example of profound conversion, dedication to prayer, and the pursuit of divine union.