Saint Leonard (6th century) was a Frankish nobleman converted to Christianity, a disciple of Saint Remi. He refused the honors of the court of King Clovis to lead a religious life. He is known for having obtained from the king the right to free prisoners, thus becoming the patron saint of captives. He retired as a hermit in the forest of Limousin, where he founded a monastery around which the town of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat developed. Many miracles are attributed to him, including the deliverance of prisoners and pregnant women in difficulty. His cult spread in Lorraine and Europe, especially among knights and pilgrims.
