Aldric of Le Mans facts for kids

Saint Aldric (born around 800 – died January 7, 856) was an important religious leader. He served as the Bishop of Le Mans, a city in France. He lived during the time of Louis the Pious, a powerful emperor.

The Life of Saint Aldric

Aldric was born around the year 800. His family was noble, with roots in both Saxon and Bavarian areas. When he was twelve, his father sent him to the court of Charlemagne. He lived in the home of Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, in a city called Aix la Chapelle.

Both Charlemagne and Louis the Pious thought highly of Aldric. But when he was twenty-one, Aldric decided to leave the court. He moved to Metz and became a priest. He received a special position at St. Stephen's Church. Later, Emperor Louis called him back to court. Louis wanted Aldric to be his personal chaplain and a trusted advisor.

Nine years after becoming a priest, Aldric was chosen to be the Bishop of Le Mans. He officially became bishop on December 22. The emperor arrived in Le Mans three days later. He celebrated Christmas with Aldric. Aldric was known as a wise and religious leader. He cared deeply for the poor people and for the spiritual well-being of his area.

Aldric was not only virtuous but also very practical. He helped build water systems called aqueducts. He also used money to free people who had been captured. He built new churches and helped restore old monasteries.

After Emperor Louis died, there were civil wars. Aldric remained loyal to Charles the Bald, one of Louis's sons. Because of this, Aldric was forced to leave his position as bishop. He went to Rome for safety. Pope Gregory IV later helped him get his position back.

In 836, Aldric was sent as a representative from an important meeting called the Council of Aix la Chapelle. He visited Pepin I, who was the King of Aquitaine. Aldric, along with another bishop, convinced Pepin to order his followers to return all church property they had taken.

Aldric also took part in other important church meetings. These included the Councils of Paris in 846 and Tours in 849. During the last two years of his life, he was sick and confined to his bed. He died in Le Mans on January 7, 856. He had been a bishop for twenty-four years. Aldric was buried in the church of Saint Vincent.

After his death, Robert (bishop of Le Mans) became the new Bishop of Le Mans.

See also

In Spanish: Alderico de Le Mans para niños