Leodegarius (616–679)

Biography

He was ordained a priest and was later named bishop of Autun. But he had the misfortune of being appointed advisor to Queen Batilde, where he aroused the envy of the butler Ebroino. He served three sons of the queen in their consecutive reigns, always trying to lead them to a more Christian life, in some cases, with few results. During the last reign, Ebroinus managed to besiege Autun where Leodegario was taking refuge. The bishop surrendered to spare his parishioners the horrors of hunger. After having torn out his tongue and burned his eyes, Ebroinus called a synod where he convinced the members to declare him an “unworthy priest” and condemn him to death. However, Ebroinus was also murdered a few months later and at another synod, the bishops awarded Leodegarius the crown of martyrdom.