September 7

St. Cloud

When they lived

St. Cloud, a revered and enigmatic figure of the Catholic Church, lived during the 6th century AD. Born in the year 522, his life spanned a period of great historical significance, filled with turbulent events and remarkable developments.

Where they lived

St. Cloud’s origins lie in the region of Aquitaine, France, which was renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The lush greenery and serene rivers of Aquitaine would later become symbolic of the saint’s connection with nature and the divine.

Notable world events during the time of their life

The Plague of Justinian (541-542): In the early years of St. Cloud’s life, a devastating pandemic, known as the Plague of Justinian, swept through the Byzantine Empire and surrounding regions. This deadly outbreak had a profound impact on the population and shaped the course of history for generations to come.
The Hagia Sophia’s Construction (532-537): As St. Cloud matured into adulthood, the iconic Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) was completed. This magnificent architectural masterpiece would later become a symbol of religious harmony, showcasing the Byzantine Empire’s grandeur and cultural influence.
The Codex Justinianus (529-534): During St. Cloud’s lifetime, the Roman Emperor Justinian I compiled the Codex Justinianus, a pivotal legal code that helped consolidate Roman laws. This landmark legal reform laid the foundation for modern legal systems worldwide.
The Founding of Buddhism in Japan (552 AD): St. Cloud’s era also witnessed the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, marking a significant cultural exchange between the Asian continent and the island nation. This event would shape Japan’s spiritual landscape and influence its artistic expressions.
The Life of Prophet Muhammad (570-632 AD): Overlapping with the later years of St. Cloud’s life, the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula would lead to the emergence of Islam, a religion that would go on to shape the lives of millions and significantly impact world history.

Early Life

St. Cloud, also known as St. Clodoald, was born into the tumultuous world of 6th century Frankish royalty. His life, which began in 522 AD, was marked by tragedy and profound spiritual transformation from its earliest days.

Born as a prince, St. Cloud was the son of King Chlodomer of Orléans and his wife Guntheuc. His royal lineage was impressive; he was the grandson of Clovis I, the founder of the Merovingian dynasty that would rule the Franks for nearly three centuries. However, the young prince’s life was soon overshadowed by loss and political turmoil.

In 524 AD, when St. Cloud was merely two years old, his father King Chlodomer was killed in battle against the Burgundians. This event, recorded by the contemporary historian Gregory of Tours in his “Historia Francorum,” marked the beginning of a perilous period for the young prince and his brothers.

Following their father’s death, St. Cloud and his two brothers, Theudovald and Gunthar, were placed under the care of their grandmother, Saint Clotilde. This arrangement, while seemingly secure, was fraught with danger. The boys’ uncles, Childebert I and Chlothar I, saw the young princes as potential rivals for the throne of Orléans.

In a shocking turn of events, also recorded by Gregory of Tours, Childebert and Chlothar attempted to assassinate their young nephews in 524 AD. While his brothers fell victim to this brutal power play, the young St. Cloud managed to escape. Sources suggest that he sought refuge with Saint Remigius, the influential Bishop of Reims.

During this period of hiding and uncertainty, St. Cloud received his early religious education. He was guided by Saint Severinus, a hermit near Paris, who likely played a crucial role in shaping the young prince’s spiritual outlook. This time of study and reflection seems to have deeply influenced St. Cloud, setting the stage for his later decisions.

The defining moment of St. Cloud’s early life came when he was twenty years old. In a public ceremony that symbolized a complete break with his royal past, St. Cloud officially renounced his claims to the throne and declared his intention to become a monk. This event, while not extensively documented in contemporary sources, is consistently mentioned in later hagiographies and religious texts.

One of the most vivid details of this ceremony, recounted in later traditions, was the cutting of St. Cloud’s long hair. In Frankish culture, as noted by historian J.M. Wallace-Hadrill, long hair was a symbol of royal status. By cutting his hair, St. Cloud was making a powerful statement about his rejection of worldly power in favor of a spiritual path.

It’s important to note that while these events form the traditional narrative of St. Cloud’s early life, many details come from sources written centuries after his death. The broad strokes of his story – his royal birth, the loss of his father, the threat from his uncles, and his choice of a religious life – are consistently reported. However, the specific details and motivations often reflect later interpretations and religious traditions rather than contemporary accounts.

What emerges from these sources is a picture of a young man who, despite being born into the highest echelons of Frankish society, chose a path of religious devotion over political power. This decision would shape the rest of St. Cloud’s life and cement his place in religious history.

Life as a Hermit and Priest

Following his renunciation of royal claims, St. Cloud embraced a life of religious devotion. According to Alban Butler’s “Lives of the Saints,” Cloud sought solitude and spiritual growth, becoming a disciple of St. Severinus of Paris.

At the age of 20, Cloud left Paris to find deeper solitude in the forest. This period of his life is marked by accounts of miracles and healing, though it’s important to note that these stories, while central to his hagiography, are difficult to verify historically.

In 551 AD, at the age of 29, Cloud was ordained as a priest by Eusebius, Bishop of Paris. This event marked a new chapter in his life, shifting from solitary contemplation to active ministry.

Pastoral Work and Community Building

As a priest, Cloud served a small village in Nogent (now known as Saint-Cloud), located near Paris. Here, he gained a reputation for his pastoral care, preaching, and continued acts of charity.

Historical records, including local church documents, suggest that Cloud’s uncles eventually reconciled with him, restoring his inheritance. True to his vows of poverty, Cloud used this wealth to benefit his community. He is credited with founding a religious community attached to a church he built in honor of St. Martin of Tours.

Death and Veneration

According to tradition, St. Cloud accurately predicted the date of his own death, which occurred on September 7, 560 AD, at the age of 38. He was buried in the church he had founded in Nogent, which later became a place of pilgrimage.

Legacy and Patronage

St. Cloud’s feast day is celebrated on September 7th. Over time, he became associated with various patronages:

Patron saint of nail makers
Protector of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota (established in 1889)

The reasons for these associations are not always clear in historical records and may be the result of later traditions.

St. Cloud is also recognized as the patron saint of brewers, winemakers, and exiles. His connection to these groups is rooted in legends and traditions that developed over centuries:

As patron of brewers and winemakers, St. Cloud is said to have possessed the ability to turn water into wine during his time as a hermit, echoing the miracle of Jesus at Cana.
His patronage of exiles likely stems from his own experiences of fleeing from danger and choosing a life away from his royal origins.

Conclusion

St. Cloud’s life story, transitioning from royal heir to humble priest, continues to inspire many. While separating historical fact from later legend can be challenging, the core narrative of his devotion and service remains powerful. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring impact one individual’s choices can have across centuries.

Sources

Gregory of Tours. “Historia Francorum”, 6th century.
Butler, Alban. “The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints”, 1866.
Farmer, David Hugh. “The Oxford Dictionary of Saints”, Oxford University Press, 2011.
Wallace-Hadrill, J.M. “The Long-Haired Kings”, University of Toronto Press, 1982.
McNamara, Jo Ann and John E. Halborg. “Sainted Women of the Dark Ages”, Duke University Press, 1992.

Note: While these sources provide valuable information, it’s important to approach hagiographies and medieval accounts with critical analysis, as they often blend historical facts with religious traditions and legends.