8. St. Desideratus, Bishop

St. Desideratus was the son of Auginus and Agia, a worthy couple of Soissons, France. The wonderful Christian influence of his parents, who spent all their time and possessions in helping the poor, worked on Desideratus and his two brothers, Desiderius and Deodatus, to such an extent that all went on to become Saints.

Desideratus became Secretary of State for King Clotaire and had a telling effect on him for the good. Though surrounded by the worldly splendors of the royal court, the holy man of God lives a life of mortification and prayer. He also strove to eliminate heresy and simony. He often voiced a desire to retire to a monastery, but was always reminded by the King to put the people’s welfare before his own.

In 541, Desiseratus was appointed Bishop of Bourges and held the post for nine years; during that time his fame spread far and wide as a peacemaker and wondermaker. He took part in the Fifth Council of Orleans and the Second Council of Auvergne, which dealt with the errors of Nestorius and Eutyches. He died on May 8, 550.

PRAYER: God, You made St. Desideratus an outstanding exemplar of Divine love and the Faith that conquers the world, and added him to the roll of saintly pastors. Grand by his intercession that we may persevere in Faith and love, and become sharers of his glory. Amen.