Saint Valery – Abbot of Leuconay and Founder of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

ST. VALERY

Saint Valery was a 6th-century French abbot who founded the monastery at Leuconay, now Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Known for his humility and miracles, he is venerated for his pious life and dedication to monasticism.

Saint Valery of Leuconay was born around the year 550 in the region of Auvergne, France. He came from a humble background and worked as a shepherd during his youth. Even while tending sheep, he sought God deeply, memorizing the Psalms and praying frequently. His heart was already turned toward the religious life, and as soon as he could, he left for a monastery to pursue a life of prayer and discipline.

He began his religious life at the monastery of Saint Antony and later moved to the renowned Abbey of Luxeuil, where he became a disciple of Saint Columbanus, one of the key figures in the monastic reform movement in Gaul. At Luxeuil, Valery embraced a stricter monastic rule and deepened his commitment to asceticism and missionary outreach.

Valery was known for his silence, humility, hard work, and love for nature. He became especially noted for his skill in cultivating land and growing gardens, and many regarded his agricultural success as a sign of divine favor. Eventually, he was chosen to accompany another monk, Waldolanus, on a mission to evangelize the region of Neustria. They traveled north and settled near the mouth of the River Somme, where Valery founded a monastery in Leuconay.

There, Valery lived in great simplicity and holiness. He preached the Gospel, worked the land, and ministered to the local people. Many conversions occurred through his gentle witness and powerful prayer. As abbot, he led his monastic community with wisdom and encouraged others in their spiritual journey.

Valery passed away on December 12, 622. He was buried in Leuconay, and his tomb quickly became a site of pilgrimage, with many miracles reported. The town that later formed around the monastery was named Saint-Valery-sur-Somme in his honor. His memory was cherished both in France and abroad, especially in England, where some of his relics were later brought.

Saint Valery is especially remembered for his deep humility, his connection to nature, and his quiet but powerful influence on the Church in Gaul. His monastic foundation became a spiritual center, and his feast is celebrated each year on December 12.

Feast Day

12-12-622

Birth Date

--550

Died Date

12-12-622

Canonised Date

--N/A

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France

O Saint Valery, humble shepherd turned abbot, Guide us in simplicity and devotion. May your life of prayer and service inspire us To seek God in all things. Amen.
ST. VALERY

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