Saint of the Day – 30 January – Saint Adelelmus (Died c 1100) Abbot, Soldier, Miracle-worker. Born in the 11th Century at Laudun, Poitou, France and died in c 1100 at Burgos, Castilla la Vieja, Spain of natural causes. Patronages – Burgos, Spain, butlers, domestic servant, housemaids, manservants, servants. Also known as – Adelunie, Aleaume, Alleaume, Elesmes, Lesmes.
Adelelmus joined the military at a young age. During a pilgrimage to Rome he met St Robert de Turlande (c 1000-1067), Founder of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu – “Home of God” and left the military life to become a Monk in the Benedictine Order, under the spiritual direction of Saint Robert.
Soon, Adelelmus was known for miles around because of his miracles. Queen Constance of Burgundy of Castile was so impressed with the reports of Adelelmus’ holiness, she invited him to live in Burgos, Spain. She and King Alfonso VI founded a Monastery in the City in 1079, on the condition that he would be its first Abbot . He added a hospital and a Church to the building soon after. He later used his military training to help King Alfonso against the Moors.
One night, while out on some holy business, Abbot Adelelmus and his aide were caught in a storm. Adelelmus ordered his servany to light a candle in order to complete their journey in the darkness. Not only was he able to light the exposed candle in the rain and wind but it stayed alight throughout their whole wet, windy, stormy travels.
After death, Adelelmus became the Patron Saint of the City of Burgos in Spain. His remains lie in the Iglesia de San Lesmes Abad, dedicated to him.
Adelelmus’ life was written soon after his death by a French Monk named Rodulph, who travelled to Burgos with the sole purpose of writing the Saint Vita. This volume gives a detailed account of the life and miracles of Saint Adelelmus and includes all the liturgical chants for the Mass which celebrate this Saint. As an attestation of the centuries-long veneration of the Patron Saint of Burgos, the Vita Adelelmi represents a unique and indescribably valuable artifact.
Adelelmus’ Feast day is kept on 30 January and celebrated honourably in Burgos but it is no longer observed in the General Roman Calendar.
AnaStpaul 