Aldric of Le Mans

Saint Aldric of Le Mans was bishop of the city of Le Mans in Gaul from 832 until his repose on 7 January 856, in the time of Emperor Louis the Pious.

He was born around 800 into a noble family, partly Saxon and partly Bavarian. At twelve he was placed at the court of Charlemagne, in the household of his son Louis. At twenty-⁠one he withdrew to Metz, where he received the priesthood, and Louis then recalled him as his confessor and chaplain. Nine years after his ordination he was consecrated bishop of Le Mans, on 22 December, and the emperor kept Christmas with him.

He was a learned and devout shepherd, caring for the poor and for the ecclesiastical affairs of his diocese. He built aqueducts, ransomed captives, raised new churches and restored monasteries. For his loyalty to Charles the Bald he was driven from his see in the civil wars that followed the death of Louis, and he withdrew to Rome, but Pope Gregory IV reinstated him. He took part in the councils of Paris in 846 and Tours in 849. In the last two years of his life he was confined to his bed by palsy. He was buried in the church of Saint Vincent. Some of his writings survive.

He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 7 January (new style).