17 Facts About Leudwinus

Leudwinus was the son of Saint Warinus, the paternal grandson of Saint Sigrada, and nephew of Saint Leodegarius.

Leudwinus was born a Frankish nobleman and was a member of one of the most powerful clans in Austrasia.

Leudwinus's parents were Warinus, Count of Poitiers and Gunza of Metz.

Leudwinus spent his early life at the royal court of Austrasia and was styled Count of Treves.

Leudwinus received his education from his maternal uncle, Saint Basinus, Archbishop of Treves.

In 697, Leudwinus signed the Deed of Echternach with his uncle.

Leudwinus grew tired and fell asleep under the shade of a tree.

When Leudwinus woke up, his servant told him how the eagle had protected him from being burnt by the sun.

Coincidentally, Leudwinus happened to be napping at the site of the Miracle Eagle near the chapel of St Denis of Paris.

Leudwinus saw this as a God-sent sign to establish a Benedictine monastery at that site, and it soon developed into a Christian missionary center.

When Leudwinus became a widower, he joined the monastery he founded at Mettlach as a simple monk.

In 697, Leudwinus was appointed coadjutor of his uncle Basinus von Trier.

Leudwinus was succeeded as Archbishop of Treve by his son, Milo, who brought his father's remains to Treve for burial.

However, local customs prevented this, so Leudwinus' family decided to let the dead saint choose his own place of burial.

Leudwinus's coffin was placed on a ship without a crew.

Leudwinus was buried in St Mary's Church at the Abbey at Mettlach.

In 1247, Leudwinus' relics were transferred to the newly constructed Leudwinus Chapel.