(d.670) Raised in an Irish monastery, he sought to live as a hermit in north-central France but was constantly sought out for his holiness and knowledge. The place of his hermitage complex eventually became a village. Saint Fiacre had the gift of a healing touch. He is a patron of gardeners, the sick, blind, and barren, as well as those suffering from headaches, fever, hemorrhoids, and venereal disease.
Many of the stories leading to various patronages seem to have faded over time and may have been mostly legend to begin with. One area of acclaim that has withstood scrutiny is Fiacre’s skill as a gardener. In recovery, we strive to bring life and spend time weeding out our defects. How is recovery like cultivating a garden? How is your garden faring these days?
Saint Fiacre, pray for us, that we can be agents of healing. Pray that all we touch is imbued with the grace of Jesus Christ and leads to wholeness for us and those around us. Amen.
Reflection by Brad Farmer