Adelelmus of Burgos

Saint Adelelmus, also known as Aléaume or San Lesmes, was born in Loudun in Poitou, France, and as a young man entered military life. A pilgrimage to Rome became the turning point of his vocation: there he met Robert de Turlande, founder of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu, and Adelelmus left soldiering behind to embrace the Benedictine way. His fidelity and wisdom eventually led him to serve as abbot of La Chaise-Dieu, where his reputation for holiness spread. Queen Constance of Burgundy, moved by what she heard of him, invited him to Burgos in Spain. With King Alfonso VI she founded a monastery there in 1079, asking Adelelmus to be its abbot. In Burgos he joined prayer to practical charity, adding a hospital and a church to serve the poor and the pilgrim. When needed, he even drew on his earlier military training to aid the king in defending the realm. Venerated as the patron saint of Burgos, his relics rest in the Church of San Lesmes Abad. His feast day is January 30.