Saint Ildefonso, bishop

Saint Ildefonso was born on December 8, 606, in Toledo, Spain. He received help from Saint Isidore in his studies and learned to despise the spirit of the world. Belonging to a family of royal blood, he was orphaned and used all the assets he had in building a monastery for religious people.

Consecration to God

The bishop of Toledo, Heládio, elevated Ildefonso to the diaconate and, after the death of Adeodato, abbot of Agália, he was chosen to succeed him. As abbot, he participated in the councils of Toledo in 653 and 655. In the year 657, the bishop of his locality had died and the people elected Saint Ildefonso to the position. Although he hid in a convent, he was discovered and accepted the great service for the people of God.

Veneration of the Virgin Mary

Saint Ildefonso was a man of discernment, but that does not mean without fear, without difficulties. He was a great devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary and propagated the Feast of the Expectation of Our Lady , on December 18th. As a result of this love, he received the grace of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, calling him “my chaplain” and presenting him with a chasuble from heaven. In memory of this fact, the feast of “Descent of the Holy Virgin and the apparition of Saint Ildefonso” was established for January 21st, by the 10th council of Toledo, in 656.

Eligible Life

Saint Ildefonso had a heart open to God's will and was a great instrument of God. He was clothed with humility, life and prayer in the sacramental life, therefore, he was a great pastor for his people. Saint Ildefonso died on January 23, 667 and was buried in the church of Santa Leocádia, but had to be transferred to Zamora, where he was venerated until 888. In 1440, his remains were removed from the ruins and once again exposed to the veneration of the faithful.

References

– “Saint Ildefonso of Toledo”. CatholicSaints.info. Available at: <https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ildefonsus-of-toledo/>. Accessed on: July 20, 2020.

– “Santo Ildefonso”. Encounter with Christ. Available at: <https://encontrocomcristo.com/santo-ildefonso/>. Accessed on: July 20, 2020.