Leudwinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Leudwinus |
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Saint Lietwinus of Treves
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| Archbishop of Treves | |
| Born | c. 660 Mettlach (today Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany) |
| Died | September 29, 722 (aged 61–62) Treves, Austrasia (today Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Lutwinuskirche, Mettlach Abbey |
| Feast | September 29 |
| Attributes | Eagle |
Saint Leudwinus (born around 660 – died September 29, 722 AD) was an important person in early European history. He was a bishop (a high-ranking church leader) in a place called Treves, and also in Laon. He is remembered for starting an abbey (a type of monastery) in Mettlach.
People in Mettlach still honor him today. His special day is September 23. During an annual celebration, his relics (special items connected to him) are carried through the town.
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Early Life of Leudwinus
Leudwinus was born into a powerful family in a region called Austrasia. His parents were Warinus, who was a count, and Gunza of Metz. His Frankish name was Liutwin.
When he was young, Leudwinus lived at the royal court of Austrasia. He was known as the Count of Treves. His uncle, Saint Basinus, who was an archbishop, helped educate him. In 697, Leudwinus signed an important document with his uncle.
Leudwinus' Family Life
At first, Leudwinus did not plan to work for the church. He married a woman named Willigard of Bavaria. They had children together:
- Milo, who also became a Count of Treves.
- Wido, who was a Count of Hornbach.
- It's also thought that their daughter was Chrotrude of Treves. She later married a famous leader named Charles Martel.
The Story of Mettlach Abbey
A legend says that Leudwinus founded the abbey in Mettlach after a hunting trip. He got tired and fell asleep under a tree. As the sun moved, it started to shine on him. But then, an eagle flew down and spread its wings over him. This protected him from the hot sun.
When Leudwinus woke up, his servant told him about the eagle. This happened near a small chapel. Leudwinus believed this was a sign from God. He decided to build a Benedictine monastery there. This monastery quickly became a center for spreading Christianity. Today, the St. Gangolf church stands where the old chapel was.
After his wife passed away, Leudwinus joined the monastery he had founded. He lived there as a simple monk.
Becoming a Bishop
In 697, Leudwinus began working with his uncle Basinus, who was the Archbishop of Treves. In 698, they helped start the Echternack Abbey.
When Archbishop Basinus died in 705, Leudwinus took his place. He became the Archbishop of Treves. He was also made the bishop of Laon. This made him one of the most important church leaders in the Frankish kingdom at that time.
Leudwinus' Death and Burial
Leudwinus died on September 29, 722, in Reims. His son, Milo, became the next Archbishop of Treves. Milo wanted to bring his father's body back to Treves for burial. However, local traditions made this difficult.
So, Leudwinus' family decided to let the saint choose his own burial place. They put his coffin on a ship without a crew. The ship sailed by itself along the Moselle River, then the Saar River. It finally stopped at Mettlach. When it arrived, the church bells in Mettlach began to ring on their own!
Leudwinus was buried in St. Mary's Church at the Abbey in Mettlach. Later, in 990, a new building called the Old Tower was built there. This is the oldest stone building still standing in Saar.
Over the years, Leudwinus' relics were moved several times. In 1247, they went to a new chapel. About 200 years later, they were moved again. During the French Revolution, a family bought the monastery. They built the Liutwinus Cathedral in Mettlach, which is where the saint's relics are today. Many people have visited Leudwinus' grave over the centuries, as miracles were reported there.
Saint Leudwinus' Feast Day
Leudwinus' original feast day was September 29. This was the day he died. However, September 29 is also the feast day for Saint Michael the Archangel. So, after a big church meeting called the Second Vatican Council, Saint Leudwinus' feast day was moved. It is now celebrated on September 23. This is also the feast day of his uncle, Saint Basinus.
