Bernard of Vienne

Who they were

Bernard, of a wealthy family near Lyons, married at his father's wish and served seven years as an officer under Charlemagne. On his parents' death he divided his property between the Church, the poor and his children, and entered the poor monastery of Ambronay, which he bought and enlarged; he became its abbot in 805.

In 810 he was chosen Archbishop of Vienne, accepting only at the command of Pope Leo III and Charlemagne, and was known for his piety and learning. He died at Vienne on 23 January 842.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

A soldier and father who gave away his wealth to serve God as a monk and bishop.

Connected on this site

• Leo III Saint
  “In 810 he was chosen Archbishop of Vienne, accepting only at the command of Pope Leo III and Charlemagne, and was known for his piety and learning.” — this site's research