Bl. Alan de Solminihac

  Posted on December 30, 2023  by admin  No comments

Born: 25 November 1593 in the family castle at Belet, Dordogne, France

Died: 31 December 1659 at Mercues, Lot, France of natural causes

Beatified: 4 October 1981 by Pope John Paul II

Also known as Alain, Alamus, Alanus

Additional Memorial 3 January (Augustinians)

Born to a noble, pious and patriotic family, Alan wanted to join the Knights of Malta, to serve God while in the military. Instead, however, he became an Augustinian Regular at Chancelade Abbey, Périgueux, France at age twenty. Superior of the abbey in 1623. He worked to restore order and piety to his men, and was so successful that the reforms spread to other local houses. Bishop of Cahors, France for 23 years from 1636 until his death. There he continued his reforms of the religious houses, and evangelization of his parishioners. Noted for his face-to-face meetings with the laity, Alan visited each of his 800 parishes at least nine times during his espicopate. He held a synod, episcopal council, founded a seminary, sponsored home missions and charities, brought back traditional devotions, and promoted adoration of the Eucharist. Attended the Council of Trent, and followed the lead of Saint Charles Borromeo in enforcing the Council’s decrees in his home diocese.