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Saint Odilo of Cluny

illustration of Saint Odilo, Abbot, from the book 'Saints of the Order of Saint Benedict, designed by Father Amandus Liebhaber Also known as

Archangel of Monks
Odilo of the Poor Souls
Olon…
Odilón…
Odilone…

Memorial

1 January
2 January on some calendars
11 May on some calendars
31 December on some calendars
3 January (dioceses of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg)
29 April as one of the Seven Abbots of Cluny
19 January in Cluny (formerly 2 January)
6 February in Switzerland

Profile

Born to the French nobility, the son of Berald de Mercoeur and Gerberga who became a nun when widowed. Cured of unnamed malady in childhood by the intervention of Our Lady. Monk at Cluny at age 29. Abbot at Cluny in 994 at age 32 until his death. Promoted the Truce of God whereby military hostilities were suspended at certain times for ostensibly religious reasons, but which allowed enough commerce that people could survive, and which guaranteed sanctuary to those who sought refuge in a church. Instituted the feast now know as All Soul’s Day. Known to sell Church property and treasures to feed the poor during times of famine. Declined the archbishopric of Lyon. Increased the Cluniac houses from 37 to 65. The cause for his canonization was pressed by Saint Peter Damian, who wrote a biography of him.