Leander (c. 534–600) was Archbishop of Seville and the elder brother of Saint Isidore of Seville. He worked tirelessly to bring the Arian Visigothic kingdom of Spain to the Catholic faith, guiding the conversion of King Reccared and presiding at the Third Council of Toledo in 589. A friend of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, he also fostered the recitation of the Nicene Creed at Mass in Spain.
Leander shows how patient teaching and family love can change hearts — he formed his own brothers and sisters in holiness, and three of them are also honored as saints. He never gave up on a divided people, trusting that gentle persistence and clear faith would bear fruit in God's time.
Saint Leander, faithful shepherd and brother, pray that our families may grow together in faith, and that we may lead others to Christ with patience and love. Amen.