Saint Clair of Epte

Biography

Saint Clair of Epte, also known as Clair of Beauvais or Clare, was born into a noble family in Rochester, Kent, England in 845. From a young age, Clair felt a deep calling to religious life, desiring to dedicate himself fully to God. He lived a life of solitude and prayer within his own home, adopting a lifestyle similar to that of a monk. However, Clair's father arranged a marriage for him to a nearby wealthy heiress. When Clair expressed his desire to follow his religious calling instead, the woman, enraged at his refusal, attempted to seduce him in order to join their families together. Unwavering in his commitment to God, Clair rejected her advances, causing her to swear vengeance against him. To escape the wrath of his spurned would-be wife, Clair fled to the region of Normandy, France around 866. He sought refuge and solitude, living the life of a hermit in the woods around Nacqueville. Word of his wisdom and remarkable ability to heal through prayer quickly spread, prompting Clair to continuously move from place to place in search of the solitude necessary for his spiritual practice. In 870, Clair was ordained as a priest, further affirming his commitment to serving God and the Church. He continued his life as a hermit, eventually settling at a hermitage on the banks of the river Epte. Here, he lived in companionship with another hermit and his spiritual student named Cyrin, dedicating himself to a life of prayer, meditation, and teaching. Despite his efforts to remain hidden, agents sent by his enraged would-be wife finally located Clair. On her orders, he was martyred through beheading on November 4, 884, at Vulcassum (modern Saint-Clair-sur-Epte), France while he was fervently praying. As the severed head hit the ground, a spring of fresh water miraculously sprang up, washing away the scene of his death. The water from this spring was believed to possess healing properties. In honor of Clair's martyrdom, his hermit's hut was converted into a chapel. Later, a church was constructed on the very spot. The village of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, France gradually grew around this church, becoming a tangible testimony to the enduring faith and devotion inspired by Saint Clair of Epte. Though Saint Clair of Epte was never formally canonized by the Catholic Church, he is venerated as a martyr and saint. He is celebrated on July 18, while some calendars also observe his feast day on July 16. Additionally, November 4 is recognized as his feast day on certain calendars. Today, Saint Clair of Epte is revered as the patron saint of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, France, the village that arose around the church built in his memory. The spring, the chapel, and the church all serve as reminders of his virtuous life and ultimate sacrifice for his faith.