Raoul of Turenne

Raoul of Turenne or Saint Raoul, was archbishop of Bourges, France from 840 to 866. He was known for his learning and was called the Father of the fatherland for his many achievements. He is also called Saint Ralph or Radulph.

Saint Raoul was the archbishop of Bourges for 26 years during very difficult circumstances. His talents in diplomacy enabled him to resolve many issues during his days that many people called him "le Père de la Patrie", or the Father of the fatherland. He founded several monasteries and convents.

In his "Pastoral Instruction", which contained 45 chapters and served as a guide to his priests, he recommended to them that they encourage good Christians to go to communion everyday. This was an innovation at that time.

He was a Benedictine bishop, the son of Count Raoul of Cahors. As part of the custom of that time, he given charge of the monks of Solignac, France. He is said to have "rendered invaluable assistance to several abbots before receiving election as abbot himself in several houses, including St. Medard, Soissons."

Ralph was also known for his learning and the deep concern he felt for the monks in his care. He attended the Synod of Meaux in 845.

June 21, his feast day, is celebrated by people whose names are Raul, Raoul, Rudolf, Rudy.

ources

* [http://nominis.cef.fr/contenus/saints_7376.html Raoul]
*"Raoul de Turenne," in Marie-Nicolas Bouillet and Alexis Chassang (ed.), "Dictionnaire universel d'histoire et de géographie", 1878
* [http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4554 Saint Ralph at Catholic.org]