Saint Medulph of Thiers

Biography

Saint Medulph of Thiers, also known as Medulfo or Mion, was a married man, a father, and a fervent Christian. Little information is available about his early life, but it is believed that he lived in Thiers, Auvergne, France, during the 5th century. One particular event in Medulph's life stood out and became the subject of many accounts of his holiness. On a fasting day when Medulph went to gather food for his family, he found that all the waterways were frozen and he could not catch any fish. Faced with the prospect of his family going hungry, he turned to a nearby fountain to draw water. Much to his astonishment, when he pulled up the bucket, he discovered a large fish in it. Recognizing this as a miraculous intervention, he fed his family with this unexpected bounty. This divine intervention deepened Medulph's faith, and he felt called to dedicate his life to God. Inspired by his encounter with the miraculous fish, Medulph eventually became a hermit near Thiers. There, he lived a life of solitude and prayer, seeking a closer connection with God and continuing to inspire others with his pious example. Saint Medulph passed away on June 1, 430, due to natural causes. He was buried in the abbey of Menat, located in the same region where he had devoted himself to a life of contemplation and solitude. Although Saint Medulph's canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. His canonization took place prior to the formation of the Pre-Congregation, which was responsible for assessing and affirming the sanctity of holy men and women before the establishment of standardized canonization procedures. Saint Medulph of Thiers is honored on his feast day, which is celebrated annually on June 1st. While no specific patronage is attributed to him, Medulph's story continues to inspire believers to practice faith, trust in divine providence, and cultivate a deep spirit of prayer and devotion. Through his humble and miraculous intervention, Saint Medulph of Thiers serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the divine presence in the everyday lives of ordinary individuals. His extraordinary encounter with the miraculous fish continues to remind us of God's providential care and the importance of trusting in His guidance even in the face of adversity.