Saint Maurus (†584) was the first disciple of Benedict of Nursia. Around 543, Innocentius, the Bishop of Mans, sent his vicar, Adenard, to Monte Cassino to request Benedict to send some monks to Gaul. Maurus was dispatched and, during the journey, obtained a number of cures for the sick and injured encountered along the way. Through the generosity of King Theudebert, he founded Glanfeuil Abbey, which he governed for many years. He resigned the abbacy in 581 to spend the remainder of his life in solitude and prayer. The Blessing of Saint Maur is customarily bestowed on the sick with a relic of the true Cross, in hopes of assisting in restoring their health. His Feast day is January 15 and he is considered a Patron Saint of cripples, charcoal burners, cobblers, coppersmiths, and shoemakers; invoked against rheumatism, epilepsy, gout, hoarseness, and cold.