St. Aubert of Avranches

St. Aubert was born in the late 7th century into a noble family in France. Known for wisdom and piety, he eventually became bishop of the Diocese of Avranches in northwest France. 

Legend says that round 708, Aubert had a vision in which St. Michael instructed him to build an oratory out on a tidal island nearby. He did not pay attention to the vision at first, doubting its authenticity. Michael appeared a second time, and again, Aubert hesitated to believe it a true vision. Michael appeared a third time, this time poking Aubert in the head, ordering him to build the oratory. Where Michael touched him, Aubert was left with a hole in his skull.

Aubert set to work building the oratory out on the rocky island. It would eventually become Mont Saint-Michel, now the most visited place in France outside of Paris. It was dedicated on Oct. 16, 709. It became, and still is, a popular pilgrim site. 

As a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel is accessible during low tide but surrounded by water during high tides. It has been used as a monastery as well as a fort and prison over its long history. For most of the monastery’s history, it was run by Benedictines. Since 2001, a small community of monks and nuns of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have been living there as tenants of the office for national monuments. 

Mont Saint-Michel is part of the “Sword of St. Michael,” a series of seen places in Europe dedicated to the archangel that create a straight line from Ireland to the Holy Land: Skellig Michael (Ireland), St Michael's Mount (England), Mont Saint-Michel (France), Sacra di San Michele (Italy), Monte Sant’Angelo (Italy), Santo Monasterio di Taxiarchi Michail (Greece), and Monastero Stella Maris del Monte Carmelo (Mount Carmel, Holy Land)

St. Aubert died in 720 and was initially buried at the oratory. His feast day is Sept. 10. 

Saints for the Modern Youth

Yesterday was the canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis. Although their canonizations were originally scheduled separately, the death of Pope Francis caused a delay in Acutis’ canonization. However, I think it’s very appropriate that they share a canonization ceremony. Both are been role models for young, passionate believers in the modern world. This was also the first canonization overseen by Pope Leo XIV.  

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born April 6, 1901 to a wealthy family in Turin, Italy. His father was a newspaper owner and also served in Italian politics, even serving as ambassador to Italy. His mother was a painter. From an early age Frassati showed concern for the poor and a desire for charity.

Although his father was agnostic, Frassati was baptized and confirmed into the Church. He attended a Jesuit school. As he grew older, he spoke out against fascism; he was arrested in Rome in 1921 while protesting alongside the Young Catholic Workers Congress. He joined Catholic Action and the St. Vincent de Paul Society and became a third order Dominican.

He often said: “Charity is not enough; we need social reform.” Inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, he helped establish the newspaper Memento, and he continued to serve and advocate for the poor.

Is Rejoicing OK?

“Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult, lest the Lord see it, be displeased with you, and withdraw his wrath from your enemies. Do not be provoked at evildoers.” -Proverbs 24:17-19

When big-name conservative Christian leader died recently, there were many people who celebrated his death. They had been raised in environments where his influence permeated. His name, to them, was associated with traumatic childhoods, harmful teachings, hate, cruelty, and tyranny. When people think of cruel, judgmental Christians, they often think of the communities influenced by him. Knowing he could no longer actively spread his harmful ideas was a moment of relief, of celebration. I get it.

As millions wait another evil man’s death, I know that day will be of mixed emotions. We are not supposed to speak ill of the dead. But can we not celebrate when there’s a bit less evil in the world? Will one man’s death change the cruel culture? No. It’s not a victory, really. But it will feel like relief.