Saint Anacharius of Auxerre

Biography

Saint Anacharius of Auxerre, also known by various names such as Aunacharius, Aunachaire, Aunaire, Aunarius, Aunacary, Anacario, and Aunacario, was a 6th-century Catholic Bishop. He was born in the year 573 near Orleans, France, into a noble family. As a young man, he received a comprehensive education at the court of King Guntram of Burgundy. It was during this time that Anacharius developed a deep spiritual inclination and became a student of Saint Syagrius of Autun, whose teachings greatly shaped his religious understanding. Anacharius dedicated his life to serving God and his community, and eventually, he was appointed as the Bishop of Auxerre in France in the year 572. As the bishop, he worked diligently to shepherd and guide his flock, providing them with spiritual nourishment and guidance. He was known for his deep spirituality, humility, and devotion to his pastoral duties. Throughout his episcopacy, Anacharius actively participated in various important church councils of his time. In 573, he attended the Council of Paris, where important matters regarding church doctrine and administration were discussed. Ten years later, in 583, he also participated in the Council of Macon, which dealt with matters of ecclesiastical discipline. Anacharius was known for his wise and level-headed contributions to these councils, offering guidance and support to the overall decisions made. Anacharius was a fervent supporter of the praying of the Breviary, which is a liturgical book containing prayers, psalms, and readings that priests and religious are bound to recite daily. He also advocated for the Litany of the Saints, which is a liturgical prayer invoking the intercession of various saints, asking them to pray for the needs of the Church and humanity. Saint Anacharius was a man of deep faith, known for his holiness and devotion to prayer. However, there is no specific representation or iconography associated with him. He lived a life of simplicity and focused on his spiritual duties rather than seeking worldly recognition or fame. He passed away peacefully in the year 603 of natural causes. Saint Anacharius was buried at Auxerre, France, and his relics were enshrined in a precious gold chest. Unfortunately, during the religious conflicts of the 16th century, many of his relics were destroyed by Huguenots in 1567. Only a small portion of his remains were saved, as they had been hidden in the hollow pillar of a crypt. Saint Anacharius of Auxerre was canonized as a saint by a process known as Pre-Congregation. While he does not have a specific patronage associated with him, he remains an inspirational figure for his deep spirituality, diligent pastoral work, and devotion to prayer. His life serves as an example of piety and humble service to others. Saint Anacharius continues to be venerated on his feast day, which is celebrated on September 25th each year.