Why we celebrate November 8th.

November 8 is the feast day celebrated in honour of St. Godfrey of Amiens. Born in 1066 in the town of Molincourt, France. Seems he was a prickly priest and although had a knack for getting things done was mainly remembered for his fierce conservatism.

He banned people wearing rich clothes to his church, had a deep dislike of drinking and was crazy about celibacy and clean, simple living. He was known throughout his life though as someone who cared deeply and worked hard for the sick and infirm. Kind of balanced it out a bit. He also consistently turned down gigs because he felt he wasn't worthy. He relented and his first post found him at the abbey of Our Lady of Nogent, a broken down place with an equally sad looking staff. His talent for order got the shop in order and he bagan to earn his reputation. When a local drought threatened crops and soon the lives of his countryfolk, he recommended people fast, and for good measure the animals too. Well it worked. The clouds gathered and rain fell. He was on his way.

He was offered a bishopric and turned it down, again feeling unworthy. King Phillip and the Council of Troyes both got pissed off and forced him to take it. He longed for the monastic life and tried repeatedly to give up his title. No one would have it. He died in 1115.