Sidonius

Saint Sidonius was a monk born in Ireland, founder of the monastery of Saint-⁠Saëns in Normandy, who reposed around 690. His Irish name is Séadna; in French he is called Saëns or Sidoine.

He entered the monastery of Jumièges, where he was a disciple of Saint Philibert, around 664, and was the spiritual teacher of Leufroy. According to one source, he spent ten years in Rome in the company of Bishop Ouen. He then headed a small monastery founded near Rouen, called Saint-⁠Saëns after him, which lasted until the ninth century. He also founded other monasteries in the region and in old age withdrew to a life of prayer.

He is a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 14 November (New Calendar).