Today, June 8, is the memorial of Saint Medard.
Medard was born in 456 in Picardy, France. His parents were Nectardus and Protagia, both from the nobility. His brother was St. Gildardus.
It is said that he was a pious youth and an outstanding student who studied at Saint-Quentin. He was devoted to Nectardus, accompanying him on business trips to France and Belgium.
By age 33, he was ordained priest. When Bishop Alomer of Vermand died, Medrad reluctantly accepted the role. He proved to be a wise, peace-loving bishop when he was made to take responsibility for his see and the people’s best interests. Medard was one of the most honored bishops of his time, his memory has always been venerated in northern France.
When he was a child, it was said that Medard was protected from the rain by a mysterious flying eagle. This incident became his common image in art, and he thus became the saint called upon for good weather.
It has been held that if it rains on his feast day, the next 40 days will be wet; if the weather is good, the next 40 will be fine as well. He was also depicted as laughing aloud with his mouth wide open; this led to his patronage against toothache.
He died of natural cause in 545.