St. Medard or Medardus is a popular saint from northern France. Medard was born around the year 456 to a Frankish noble. His ancient legend describes him as having a twin brother, St. Gilard, who also became a bishop.

At the age of 33, Medard succeeded the previous bishop as Bishop of Vermand. As befits a saintly man, Medard protested the elevated rank of bishop, but the people insisted, so he accepted the responsibilities.

Medard moved his diocese's seat to Noyon, a stronger city, as there were conflicts between the Burgundians and Merovingian kingdoms near his region of France. Medard was purportedly the advisor to the King Clotaire.

Medard is famously the patron saint to be called upon when needing protection from bad weather. His legend tells that, as a child, he was sheltered from a rainstorm by an eagle, which the drawing to the left incorporates.

After Medard's death in 545, the people of France venerated his memory with great fervor and began relying on his heavenly generosity for many different cases. Medard is a patron saint invoked for protection against weather and of toothaches, two common annoyances; and sterility and imprisonment.

If that weren't enough for one saint to handle, Medard is also the patron saint of vineyards, brewers, those suffering from mental illness, and peasants. Medard is often depicted with his mouth open, laughing, as on the coat of arms of the German city of Lüdenscheid, to the right.

St. Medardus, joyful and beloved bishop—pray for us!