Bishop Michael G. Duca’s appeal of “no hurricanes” during the recent Hurricane Mass on June 1 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge was met with a resounding “Amen” from people as we warily tread deeper into the season.
While most people want to do anything but talk about cones of error, spaghetti models, La Nina or El Nina, they are getting generators ready, preparing hurricane preparation kits and will stick close to mobile devices, especially during weather breaking developments.
One hurricane prep tip is to be sure to pray to St. Medard, the patron saint of all storms.
Born in Picard, France in 530 to a pious and noble family, legend says when he was a child St. Medard was once sheltered by rain from an eagle who hovered him. He was known for his compassion and it is said that when he met a destitute blind-man he gave him part of his own clothes.
Ordained a priest at the age of 31, the saint’s exemplary piety and knowledge gained him such favor that he was chosen to succeed Bishop Alomer of Vermand. He lived an austere life and being bishop did not stop him from continuing the practices.
St. Medard was originally rejected as bishop, but he devoted himself to his duties and became one of the most honored bishops of his time. He would do anything to advance the honor of God and if he heard of practices of idolatry his zealousness in abolishing them surpassed any major storm.
Even today, St. Medard carries favor with the Acadians. There is the belief among Cajuns that if the weather is good on his feast day June 8, it will remain so for the next 40 days.
If it is rainy, then it will be soggy for the next 40 days. This local belief is similar to the weather forecasting beliefs about St. Swithin’s Day (July 15) in England. This is certainly still known in southwestern Louisiana and all parts eastward.
St. Medard died in 545. He is said to protect those who work in the open air.
Because he is often depicted laughing with his mouth agape, St. Medard is also considered to be a patron saint of toothaches. This is a perfect comparison to hurricane season but say a prayer that he will laugh because no storm can stand up to his intercessory power!
St. Medard pray for us!