Arnold of Soissons

Saint Arnold of Soissons was born around 1040 in Brabant, the son of Fulbertus. In his early years he lived as a soldier, but the Lord drew him to a deeper service, and he entered the Benedictine Abbey of St. Medard at Soissons in France. Seeking humility and solitude, Arnold spent three years as a hermit before being chosen abbot—an honor he tried to refuse, yet accepted in obedience. Ordained a priest, he was later appointed bishop of Soissons in 1080, but when his see was contested he chose peace over conflict and withdrew from public life. In retirement he founded the Abbey of St. Peter at Oudenburg, where his pastoral charity took a practical form: brewing beer for the people. In an age when water often carried disease, Arnold urged the poor to drink the monastery’s brew, and tradition holds that this counsel helped save many during an epidemic. He is venerated as patron of hop-pickers, Belgian brewers, and the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Paddle. His feast day is August 14.