St. Bobo

Saint Bobo of Provence, also known as Beuvon or Bobon, was born in Noyers in the Frankish lands, and lived as a warrior in a troubled age. From his youth he was formed by the hardships of frontier life, and he later built a castle on a hill facing the Muslim stronghold of Fraxinet, standing as a defender of Christian Provence. In a decisive battle against the invaders, Bobo received a mystical grace that pierced his heart: he vowed that if God granted victory, he would lay down the sword and devote himself to a life of pilgrimage and mercy. After the conflict—and especially after the sorrowful death of his brother—he fulfilled his promise, renouncing warfare and setting his strength to the care of widows and orphans. He journeyed as a pilgrim to Rome and, nearing the end of his travels, died in Voghera in Lombardy in 986. Venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, he is honored as patron of Caltignaga and Voghera, and is also invoked as a patron of cattle. His feast day is May 22.