Today March 5

Today is the feast of St. Roger le Fort, d. 1367. He could be the patron saint of jokers, since he owes his appointment to the bishopric of Orleans to a joke. He saw all these canons clamoring for the position without realizing the tremendous duties and responsibilities that went with it, so he ribbed them as they went in. Kind of an Oh, by the WAY, "I hope the electors will think of ME on the present occasion, for I too should like to be a bishop!" (his actual words) Well, they thought he was serious, and proposed him as well. The presiding bishop rose to acclaim him, saying "Brethren, heaven and earth are witnesses that you have made the choice of Monsieur Roger for your bishop. Concurring as I do with your judgment, I declare that he upon whom your votes have fallen is the preordained pontiff [his word] of this city, for he is a man of eminent sanctity and wisdom. Assuredly this is the decision of the Holy Spirit."

In vain did Roger protest he was only joking! The people joined their voices to that of the clergy and he was drafted. (I get the impression that in the raucous old days, "the people" were a lot more involved in the choice of the bishops than they are today.) Anyway, he could hardly withstand the movement. And he did well.

Upon his (double) ordination, he freed all the prisoners and started an education fund for poor boys. When he died in his 90's, his will was found to have left all his possessions to the poor children for their education. He is best known for the raising of the Conception of Mary to a first-class feast in his diocese and encouraging its celebration by all his subjects. He was in turn bishop of Limoges and Bourges and was remembered for his pristine reputation, his piety and the miracles wrought at his tomb. Good St. Roger, pray for us.