St. Leonard's Day, the Feast of St Leonard, falls on November 6.
Leonard of Noblac was a French nobleman and devout christian convert in the 6th century, who used his position as godson of Clovis I, King of the Franks to minister to prisoners and release those he believed to redeemed. Which is why he is the patron saint of prisoners.
Leonard lead a more austere life than a monk, practicing mortification and fasting, eventually retreating from the world to live as a hermit in the woods of Limousin.
One day (when he still attended court) the Queen joked with Leonard that should ask God to intercede on their behalf in an upcoming battle, Leonard immediately began to pray for Clovis's victory. Clovis returned from the battle victorious, and with a new conviction; Leonard's actions had convinced the pagan King of the power of the Christian God.
Having converted a powerful pagan to Christianity Leonard was offered a bishopric, which he refused, much to everyone's dismay. This offer seems to be the cause of Leonard's retreat.
Leonard began preaching to the locals in the surrounding villages, and others sought him out, so he build a place to preach from (to keep people from visiting him at home, where he wished to be alone with his God).
After miraculously ensuring the Queen's baby was born safely, after a very complicated pregnancy, Leonard was granted a lot of land (as much as he could circle in a day, riding a donkey), part of which he used to build the Monastery of Noblac, around which the town of Saint-Léonard grew. Which is why he is the patron saint of women in labour.
Leonard's devotion to his God and compassion for others earned him the love and respect of all, after his death pilgrims flocked to his shrine, where he his posthumous miracles were performed. It is said that, through his intercession, around 4000 requests were granted.
As silly as the celebrations were, they are a humorous version of the real celebration of the Feast of St Leonard. Festivals and feasting can include any entertainment a good Christian would enjoy.
Leonard is also honoured by doing charity work and attending services.
