Arnold of Soissons | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Bishop | |
| Born | 1040 Tiegem,Flanders |
| Died | 1087 |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Canonized | 6 January 1120 byCallixtus II |
| Feast | 14 August |
| Attributes | As a bishop, with amash rake |
| Patronage | hop-pickers, beer brewing |
Arnold (Arnoul) ofSoissons orArnold orArnulf ofOudenburg[1] (c. 1040–1087) is a saint of theCatholic Church, thepatron saint ofhop-pickers, Belgianbrewers.[2]
Arnold, born inBrabant, the son of a certain Fulbertus[3][4] was first a career soldier before settling at theBenedictineSt. Medard's Abbey, Soissons,France. He spent his first three years as ahermit, but later rose to beabbot of the monastery. Hishagiography states that he tried to refuse this honor and flee, but was forced by awolf[5] to return. He then became apriest and in 1080,bishop of Soissons, another honor that he sought to avoid. When hissee was occupied by another bishop, rather than fighting, he took the opportunity to retire from public life, founding theAbbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg.[6]
As abbot in Oudenburg, Arnoldbrewed beer, as essential in medieval life as water. He encouraged local peasants to drink beer, instead of water, due to its "gift of health". During the process of brewing the water was boiled and thus freed of pathogens, making the beer safer to drink. The beer normally consumed at breakfast and during the day at this time in Europe was calledsmall beer, having a very low alcohol content, and containing spent yeast. It is likely that people in the local area normally consumed small beer from the monastery, or made their own small beer at the instructions of Arnold and his fellow monks. During one outbreak of sickness, Arnold advised the local people to avoid consuming water, in favor of beer, which advice effectively saved lives.[7]
One miracle tale says, at the time of an epidemic, rather than stand by while the local people fell ill from drinking water, Arnold had them consume his monastery brews. Because of this, many people in his church survived the plague.[8] This same story is also told ofArnulf or Arnold of Metz, another patron of brewers.[9]
There are many depictions of St. Arnold with amashing rake in his hand, to identify him.[9] For example, the label on "Steenbrugge Abbey" beers has a picture of St Arnold holding a mash rake.[10]
Arnold is honoured in July with a parade in Brussels on the "Day of Beer."[9]
Miracles that were reported at his tomb were investigated and approved by a council atBeauvais in 1121; in 1131 Arnold's relics were transferred to theChurch of St. Peter [de] inAldenburg.[11] St. Arnold's feast day is 14 August.[11]
s.v. Arnulph (St.)
s.v. "Arnoul, or Arnuphus, C."
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