Saint Odilo of Cluny

Saint Odilo (c. 962–1049) was the fifth Abbot of Cluny, serving for approximately 54 years and transforming Cluny into the most important monastery in western Europe. He is best remembered as the founder of All Souls' Day, establishing the annual commemoration of all the faithful departed on November 2—a practice that spread throughout the universal Church. Born to an illustrious noble family of Auvergne in central France, Odilo entered the monastery of Cluny in 991. Before completing his year of probation, he was made coadjutor to Abbot Mayeul, succeeding him as abbot shortly before Mayeul's death in 994. Odilo actively promoted the Truce of God (*Treuga Dei*), a movement to limit warfare during certain sacred times and days. During the great famines of 1028–1033, he exercised extraordinary charity, saving thousands from death and even selling liturgical objects to feed the poor. He connected care for the living poor with prayers for the dead, decreeing that alms be given to twelve poor people whenever Mass was offered for the faithful departed. According to tradition, Odilo instituted All Souls' Day after a pilgrim reported a vision of souls in purgatory asking for prayers. The feast spread from Cluny's dependent monasteries throughout the Western Church. Odilo died at Souvigny Priory on January 1, 1049, while praying for the souls in purgatory. Miracles were reported at his tomb, and he was soon venerated as a saint. His remains rest with Saint Mayeul in the same sarcophagus at Souvigny. **Feast Day:** January 1, also January 19 (Cluny), May 11, and April 29 (with abbots of Cluny) **Patronage:** Souls in purgatory