February 27

St. Leander of Seville

When they lived: St. Leander of Seville, also known as Saint Leander the Younger, lived during the late 6th and early 7th centuries. He was born around the year 534 and passed away in 600 or 601 AD.

Where they lived: St. Leander lived in the city of Seville, which was part of the Visigothic Kingdom in what is now modern-day Spain. At the time, Seville was an important center of culture and learning in the Visigothic realm.

Notable world events during the time of their life:

End of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD): St. Leander’s lifetime coincided with the aftermath of the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The shifting political landscape in Europe during this time had significant impacts on culture, governance, and society.
Byzantine-Persian Wars (6th and 7th centuries): The ongoing conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Persian Empire had far-reaching consequences for the regions involved, shaping trade routes, diplomacy, and political alliances.
Gregorian Mission to England (597 AD): Pope Gregory the Great’s mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons of England to Christianity began around the same time as St. Leander’s lifetime. This event marked a significant religious and cultural shift in England and had lasting implications for the spread of Christianity.
Birth of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (7th century): While St. Leander’s life predates the full emergence of Islam, his passing occurred during the early years of the religion’s development. The birth of the Prophet Muhammad in 570 AD marked the beginning of a new major world religion that would eventually have a profound impact on global history.
Transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages: St. Leander lived during a period of significant transition, as Late Antiquity gave way to the Early Middle Ages. This era saw shifts in political power, cultural norms, and intellectual pursuits.

Their patronage: St. Leander of Seville is notably recognized as the patron saint of scholars, students, and teachers. His strong commitment to education and his role in preserving and promoting learning during a time of cultural change make him a fitting patron for those who seek knowledge and enlightenment. As a scholar and theologian, St. Leander’s influence extended beyond his own lifetime, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire those dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

From a Monk to a Bishop

St. Leander of Seville was born around the year 534 in Cartagena, Spain. He was the son of Severianus and Theodora, who belonged to a noble family of Hispano-Roman descent in Carthago, Nova. His family was known for their piety and devotion to the faith.

Around the year 554, Leander’s family moved to Seville. As a young man, Leander entered a Benedictine monastery in Seville, where he spent three years in prayer and study. His tranquil life as a monk ended when he was made Bishop of Seville around 579.

Defending the Faith Against Arianism

Bishop Leander did not waste any time. He established a school that became renowned as a center of orthodoxy and learning. During his time, the heresy of Arianism was spreading. This heresy believed that Jesus was not like God the Father but was just a creature made in time. Thus, Arianism denied the divinity of Christ. As the Bishop of Seville, Leander also became a great defender of the faith against Arianism.

Bishop Leander had also befriended Princess Ingunthis. He also assisted her in her attempts to have her husband convert to Christianity. Princess Ingunthis’ husband was the son of Leovigild, the Arian King of the Visigoths. Upon learning of his son’s conversion to the faith, Leovigild was enraged. He sent Bishop Leander into exile. He resided in Byzantium from 579 to 582.

Exiled and Returned

While he was in exile, Bishop Leander wrote many important manuscripts against Arianism. He also met Gregory, who soon became Pope Gregory the Great. They developed a close friendship, and Leander encouraged Gregory to write the Moralia, a renowned commentary on the Book of Job. For many years, Leander and Gregory continued to correspond with each other in such endeavors.

In 585, Leovigild had his own son, Hermenegild, executed. Four years later, Leovigild died. It was under the reign of King Reccared that Bishop Leander was able to return to Seville. He continued his work of promoting the true faith and fighting against the Arian heresy. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and moral uprightness in Seville.

Bishop Leander also presided over the third local Council of Toledo in 589, where many moral changes were brought about. In the same Council, the consubstantiality of the three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity was decreed. Through Bishop Leander’s wisdom and enduring defense of the faith, the Suevi and the Visigoths were led back to the Church. He also wrote an influential Rule for nuns.

Bishop Leander died around the year 600. He was succeeded as Bishop of Seville by his brother, Isidore, who was also later canonized. His feast day is February 27.

Five Interesting Facts About St. Leander of Seville

St. Leander of Seville was responsible for introducing the Nicene Creed at Mass. He ordered that the Creed be recited by all Catholics at Mass each Sunday as a way to reinforce the Catholic Faith. This became a universal custom and is still part of the Sunday Mass up to the present day.
St. Leander of Seville’s siblings, Isidore of Seville, Fulgentius of Ecija, and Florentina of Cartagena, were all canonized saints like him.
St. Leander of Seville is remembered as a gifted author. Only two of his writings survive: a homily “On the Triumph of the Church” delivered during the Council of Toledo and a monastic rule written for his sister, Florentina.
St. Leander of Seville is honored as a Doctor of the Faith by the Church in Spain.
St. Leander of Seville was visited by frequent ailments, particularly gout.

Prayer to St. Leander of Seville

Lord God, who graciously imbued blessed Leander with heavenly doctrine, grant, through his intercession, that we may keep that same teaching faithfully and express it in what we do. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen.