St. Gerald of Aurillac led a saintly life in the world at a particularly decadent and disordered period. Born in 855, he succeeded his noble father as Count of Auvergne and owner of considerable estates. Filled with love of God and neighbor, he gave away much od his revenue to the poor, avoided all extravagance and worldly pomp, and lived a simple and prayerful life. He conscientiously fulfilled all the duties of a wealthy nobleman and was careful to deal with everyone fairly and justly.This Saint delighted in studies, prayer, and meditation instead of the worldly pursuits of the noble classes. Rising at two o’clock every morning, he devoutly recited the first part of the Divine Office and attended Mass; the rest of the day was the divided according to a rule, with much of it set aside for communing with God and reading.
About 890, on returning from a pilgrimage to Rome, St. Gerald founded a Benedictine monastery at Aurillac that went on to attain widespread fame. He himself pondered joining the monastery but St. Gausbert, Bishop of Cahors, helped him realize that his true vocation lay in working in the world for the glory of God. Seven years before his death, he was afflicted with blindness, which he bore with Christian resignation. He died in 909 and became known throughout France as a result of a biography written by St. Odo of Cluny.
PRAYER: Lord God, You alone are holy and no one is good without You. Through the intercession of St. Gerald, help us to live in such a way that we may not be deprived of a share in Your glory. Amen.