(522-560) Clodoald, later known as Saint Cloud, was born to French royalty as the son of King Clodomir and grandson of King Clovis I, founder of the Frankish Kingdom. Clodoald and his two brothers were raised by their grandmother, Saint Clotilda, until his brothers were murdered by an uncle in a power grab. Clodoald renounced all claims to the throne and lived as a hermit. He was known for his prayer, generosity to the poor, and working of miracles. He became a priest and lived a monastic life until he died of natural causes at 38.
Saint Cloud’s life reads like a testament to the first three Steps. We are powerless, God can restore sanity, so we turn over our will and our lives to His care. Even royal blood and wealth don’t provide the abundance and security that a dependence on God provides.
“God, I offer myself to Thee — To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life” (Third Step Prayer).
Reflection by Brad Farmer