Imagine Mathurin de Larchant arriving in Paris. He was summoned from his village in the 3rd century. Emperor Maximian needed him to heal his daughter.
Today we stand near where Mathurin’s legacy once stood tall. This is the Croix Mathurine.
Saint Mathurin’s story is quite extraordinary. Legend says he was born in Larchant. His father was tasked with persecuting Christians. But Mathurin was taught about Christ by Bishop Polycarp. At twenty, Mathurin became a priest.
Word spread that Mathurin had miraculous powers. The emperor’s daughter was tormented by a demon. Magical arts failed to free her. The demon himself cried out for Mathurin of Gaul.
Mathurin arrived in Rome and healed many. He saved the emperor’s daughter, Theodora. He stayed in Rome for three years performing miracles. Mathurin died on November 1st. He asked for his body to be returned to his village.
The request was forgotten. But Mathurin’s body rose from the earth. The emperor sent an escort to Larchant. Many miracles occurred at his tomb. This led to a major pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.
The chapel of Saint Mathurin became the headquarters of the University of Paris. They had no buildings of their own. Plenary congregations were held here. Important documents were stored in a chest.
Johannes de Sacrobosco was buried in Saint-Mathurin. He was a famous astronomer. His tomb was decorated with an astronomical instrument. It was visible until the French Revolution.
The church of Saint Mathurin now exists only in ruins. It’s located on 7 rue de Cluny. The relics of Saint Mathurin were moved to Larchant. His cult was popular. People invoked his name against infertility and mental illness.
Saint Mathurin is the patron saint of the mentally ill. He is also the patron of those with neurological disorders. Some say he is a saint for those with bone or joint diseases. Even clowns claim him as their patron.
So as we stand here near Croix Mathurine remember Saint Mathurin. Remember his journey from Larchant to Rome. Remember his miracles. Remember his lasting impact.