Saint Lomer of Corbion

Biography

Saint Lomer of Corbion, also known as Laumer, Laudomarus, Launomar, or Launomaro, was born into a humble and poor family in Neuville-la-Mare, Diocese of Chartres, France. As a young boy, he worked as a shepherd near Chartres, fulfilling the duties assigned to him with dedication and diligence. Recognizing his potential and piety, Lomer was later ordained as a priest. He went on to become the treasurer of the cathedral chapter of Chartres, demonstrating his strong sense of responsibility and his ability to manage the financial affairs of the church. After some time, Lomer felt a deep yearning for a more solitary and contemplative life. He sought solitude and withdrew to the forest of Perche near Chartres, becoming a hermit in pursuit of a closer union with God. It was here that Lomer's reputation for holiness began to grow, and people began flocking to seek his counsel and spiritual guidance. As disciples gathered around Lomer, he recognized the need for a more structured community to accommodate them. With the support of his disciples, Lomer founded the monastery of Corbion, situated near Chartres. He selflessly devoted himself to serving as its first abbot, guiding and nurturing the monks in a life of prayer, study, and manual labor. Throughout his life, Lomer's dedication to God and his commitment to the monastic life were unwavering. He lived to be over a hundred years old, a testament to his endurance and perseverance in his religious vocation. Upon his death in January 593, Lomer was buried in the church of Saint-Martin-du-Val. However, in 595, his remains were ultimately re-interred at Corbion Abbey, the monastery he had founded. Over time, his relics were also transferred to various locations, including Avranches, Le Mans, and Moissac, France, underscoring his wide veneration throughout the country. Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Protestant Reformation, the relics of Saint Lomer at Corbion Abbey were destroyed by Huguenots in 1567. Nonetheless, his memory continued to be honored and cherished by the faithful. Although Saint Lomer of Corbion has not been officially designated as a patron saint or associated with any specific devotions, his life serves as an inspiration for those seeking a deeper relationship with God, a life of solitude and prayer, and a commitment to the monastic ideals of community, discipline, and sanctity. While he may not be as well-known as some of the more prominent saints, Saint Lomer's perseverance in seeking God's presence amidst the challenges of his time makes his life worthy of reflection and veneration. His memory is celebrated on 19 January, with the date of 5 January also recognized on some calendars. Although he was canonized before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church.