December 31
Alano de Solminihac, bishop (1593–1659)
missionary bishop
Practical advice
Personally review an area you manage today and listen to those who work there before deciding what needs to be corrected.
Biography
Bishop of Cahors and reformer according to the Council of Trent, Alano de Solminihac persistently renewed the religious life, the clergy and the parishes entrusted to his care. He entered the canons regular of Saint Augustine and, as abbot, materially and spiritually restored Chancelade Abbey. Appointed bishop in 1636, he convened synods, created a seminary, promoted popular missions and organized a weekly council. He systematically visited the nearly eight hundred parishes of his diocese, some as many as nine times. His reform united discipline, personal example and constant attention to the real needs of the people.