Randoald of Grandval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Randoald of Grandval |
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_St.Randoald.jpg)
Stained glass depiction of Saint Randoald in the Church of Saint Martin, Saint-Imier, Bernese Jura, Switzerland.
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| Martyr | |
| Died | 21 February 675 near Moutier |
| Venerated in | |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation |
| Feast | 21 February |
| Attributes | Monk's habit, martyr's palm, spear |
Saint Randoald (also known as Rancald or Randaut) was a monk who lived a long time ago. He was a leader, called a prior, at a place called Moutier-Grandval Abbey. This abbey was a home for Benedictine monks.
Randoald worked with another important monk, Germanus of Granfelden, who was the abbot (the head of the abbey). Randoald died on February 21, 675. Both he and Germanus are considered saints in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
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Why Saint Randoald is Remembered
Saint Randoald is remembered because he stood up for what was right. He and Abbot Germanus tried to protect poor people in their region. They spoke out against a powerful leader, the Duke of Alsace, named Eticho.
Standing Up for Others
Duke Eticho was causing trouble for the people living near Delémont. He was taking their things and making their lives hard. Randoald went with Abbot Germanus to a church in Courtételle. There, Germanus bravely talked to the duke about his unfair actions.
After their meeting, the monks left the church and started heading back to their abbey. But the duke's men followed them.
The Death of Saint Randoald
One of the duke's officers and his soldiers caught up with Randoald and Germanus. They attacked the monks. A soldier cut off Randoald's head. Germanus was killed with a spear. This happened on February 21, 675. Because they died for their beliefs and for helping others, Randoald and Germanus are called martyrs.
Honoring Saint Randoald
The night after they died, other monks carefully collected the bodies of Randoald and Germanus. They buried them first in Saint-Ursanne. Later, their bodies were moved to Moutier-Grandval Abbey.
Miracles and Pilgrimages
People believed that miracles happened at their tomb. Many people traveled there to visit, making it a special place for pilgrimage. In 1477, the remains of the two saints were moved to a place of honor under the main altar in the abbey.
Their story and their importance spread throughout the area. When the Reformation happened, their relics (special remains) were moved again. They were taken to the Church of Saint-Marcel in Delémont. You can still find and honor their relics there today.
Feast Day
Every year, on February 21, people celebrate the feast day of Saints Germanus and Randoald. This day marks the anniversary of their deaths.
