Saint Bénézet  1163–1184. Feast Day: April 14.
Patron of: Avignon. Bachelors.

A shepherd watching his mother’s sheep, Bénézet had a vision during an eclipse. A voice told him to build a bridge overa dangerous part of the Rhone River at Avignon. Thinking it impossible, the church and civil officials ridiculed him and refused to help. He lifted a huge stone in place and announced this would be the foundation. The citizens of Avignon were so inspired by this act, they rushed to help him. The bridge was easily constructed. Bénézet died upon its completion and was buried in the bridge. His incorrupt body was removed in 1669 and reinterred in a church. He is shown in shepherd’s robes with the bridge at the bottom of the card.