Austind of Auch was an 11th-century Benedictine monk who served as the abbot of Saint-Orens before becoming the Archbishop of Auch. Born in Bordeaux around 1000, he rose to ecclesiastical prominence during a period of significant ecclesiastical restructuring. He was a key figure in implementing the Gregorian reform within the Gascony region, working to restore church authority and property. His leadership was marked by efforts to reorganize dioceses and rebuild religious structures, including the cathedral in Auch, until his death in 1068.
Ecclesiastical career
After serving as an abbot, Austind was elected archbishop following the death of Raymond Copa. He focused on reclaiming church assets from local nobility and reorganizing the fragmented dioceses of Gascony. To restore proper ecclesiastical order, he traveled to Rome to remove a bishop who had consolidated several dioceses. He also presided over regional councils, including a meeting in Jaca to support Christians in Spain and another in Saint-Sever to revitalize Benedictine observance.
Church building
Austind contributed to the physical landscape of his diocese by founding the town of Nogaro. He also initiated major reconstruction work on the cathedral of Auch, which had fallen into disrepair, starting a new Romanesque building in 1064. Although he faced political opposition from local counts that led to temporary exile, he eventually returned to his see to preside over a final council in 1068.
Veneration
Recognized as a saint, he is commemorated in the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed on July 26, though he is also locally honored on September 25.