St. Cadroe of Metz was an international saint—born in Scotland, educated in Ireland, and founder of monasteries in France.

He was born in Scotland about the year 900, and sent to live with an uncle, who had him educated at a monastery in Armagh, Ireland. There, he learned both Latin and Greek, and was known as a bright student. It is said that he read everything that had ever been written at the time.

He returned to Scotland to foster vocations to the priesthood. Later, he felt a call to leave Scotland and to follow God’s promptings as a pilgrim.

He visited shrines in England and landed in London, where he was received by an elderly man. One night, the man woke Cadroe, telling him that the city was burning. Cadroe went outside and raised his arms in prayer. The fire died down, and he became famous when people thanked him for saving the city.

He later took 12 companions to France, where they established a monastery. Cadroe moved between several monasteries after that, restoring faltering communities and building the Church.

St. Cadroe, you saved London from fire—pray for us!