Sts. Volusian, Bishop and Deicolus, Abbot

According to tradition, St. Volusian was of senatorial rank. He served as Bishop of Tours from 488 to 496. What little information exists about concerns the last years of his life. As a result of his rank, he was continually involved with the politics of his day and finally he was driven from episcopate by the Goths who believed that Bishop was planning to form an alliance with the Franks against them.

St. Volusian made good his escape from Tours and traveled to Spain where he went into exile. He died about the year 498. According to some historians, St. Volusian was fallowed into Spain by the Goths who captured him and cut off his head. This possible martyrdom was probably the basis for his canonization as a Saint.

St. Deicolus, also known as St. Desle, left his native land of Ireland in the company of St. Columban, and both men settled at Luxeuil. St. Deicolus established the Abbey of Lure, where he remained for the rest of his life as a hermit.

Despite his hardships, his contentment was always evident. When St. Columban onc asked him, “Deicolus, why are you always smiling?” this saintly soul simply replied: “Because no one can take God from me.” He died about 625.

PRAYER: Lord, may the intercession of Sts. Volusian and Deicolus comment us to You, so that by their patronage we may obtain what we do not deserve by any merits of ours. Amen.