Medard was a real bishop of Noyon in northern France who lived roughly 456 to 545. A charming legend says that as a boy he was caught in a downpour and an eagle spread its wings over him to keep him dry. That’s why he’s invoked for weather, and why he’s sometimes painted with an eagle overhead.
Historical Context
He was also a friend and counsellor of St Radegund, the Frankish queen who left her violent husband and became a nun. Medard consecrated her as a deaconess, despite pressure from the king’s men.
A Prayer to St Medard for Good Weather
St Medard, you were sheltered from the storm as a child.
Pray for us, that God will send the weather we need:
sun for the harvest, rain for the fields,
and calm for those travelling and working outdoors.
Protect our homes and crops from storms and hail.
Amen.
For Rain in a Drought
Lord, the ground is dry and the crops are struggling.
Send gentle, steady rain.
St Medard, pray for us.
Amen.
For the Rain to Stop
Lord, the fields are flooded and the work is stalled.
Let the clouds clear and the sun return.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 8 June, St Medard’s feast.
- Before an outdoor wedding, event or harvest.
- In drought or flood.
Scripture Connection
“He covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” — Psalm 147:8
The psalmist sees God behind every cloud and every blade of grass. Praying about the weather isn’t superstition. It’s admitting who’s really in charge of it.
Related prayers
For weather, see the Weather Prayer, Catholic Prayer for Storms and Prayer for Those in the Path of a Storm.