Roman and Saint Lupicinus

Biography

Roman was thirty-five years old when he left his hometown carrying with him only a Life of the Desert Fathers. He headed east, crossed large forests, and reached the confluence of the Tacon and Bienne rivers. He had found what he was looking for: land to work, a fountain, trees and silence. He lived for some years imitating the anchorites, dedicated to prayer and manual work. Over time, so many disciples came to him that he had to build two monasteries: Condat and Leucona. Lupicino waited until he was a widower to join his brother. He entrusted him with the direction of Leucona and he remained in charge of Condat. Their characters were very different: Román was sweet and indulgent, Lupicino was intransigent and severe. Román answered that his obligation was to trust everyone, leaving the final choice to God. For the rest, the virtues and defects of both were happily balanced, for the good of both monasteries. When too much relaxation was introduced in Condat, Lupicino took command and reestablished discipline; When, due to fasting and vigils, a certain discouragement spread in Leucona, it was Roman who replaced his brother, and by encouraging everyone to sleep a little more and eat better, he restored their good humor and health.