Saint Amatus

Biography

Saint Amatus, also known as Aimé, Aimee, Amad, Amat, Amé, and Amato, was born to the nobility around 567 in Grenoble, France. Despite being born into a privileged family, Amatus showed a strong inclination towards spirituality from a young age. He had a deep desire to dedicate his life to God and found his calling in joining the abbey of Saint Maurice of Agaune in Switzerland. As a young boy, Amatus entered the abbey of Saint Maurice and spent thirty years there, immersing himself in the teachings of the church and acquiring knowledge as a schoolboy. During this time, he embraced the monastic life and eventually became a Benedictine monk. However, his spiritual journey did not end there. In 614, Saint Eustace, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, invited Amatus to accompany him to Luxeuil Abbey. Amatus readily accepted the invitation and joined Saint Eustace, continuing his path of devotion and service. At Luxeuil Abbey, Amatus further deepened his understanding of the monastic life and continued his studies. It was during his time at Luxeuil Abbey that Amatus had a profound impact on the life of Saint Romaric, a Merovingian nobleman. Amatus introduced Romaric to the Christian faith, leading him to convert and embrace a life dedicated to God. Inspired by their shared devotion, Romaric founded the Benedictine double monastery of Remiremont Abbey at Habendum in 620. As the spiritual mentor of Romaric, Amatus was appointed as the first abbot of Remiremont Abbey. He guided the community, which consisted of both male and female monks, in their journey of faith and encouraged their commitment to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service. Throughout his life, Saint Amatus was known for his charitable works and acts of kindness. He dedicated himself to helping those in need, providing for the poor and destitute, and supporting various other charitable causes. His devotion to God and his unwavering commitment to serving others earned him a reputation as a compassionate and selfless individual. Saint Amatus passed away on 13th September 629 in Remiremont, France, having lived a life dedicated to God and service to others. He died peacefully and was believed to have succumbed to natural causes. In recognition of his exemplary life, Amatus was canonized as a saint on 3rd December 1049 by Pope Leo IX. Although there is no specific patronage associated with Saint Amatus, his life serves as an inspiration to all those seeking a life of profound faith, humility, and service. His memory is celebrated by the Catholic Church on 13th September each year, reminding believers of his remarkable journey and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christ.