Saint Eligius of Noyon

Biography

Saint Eligius of Noyon, also known as Alar, Elaere, Elar, Elard, Eler, Eloi, Eloy, Eloye, Iler, Loie, Loije, and Loy, was born in 588 in Catelat, near Limoges, France. He was the son of Eucherius and Terrigia. From a young age, Eligius displayed exceptional talent as a metalsmith and was apprenticed to the master of the mint in Limoges. After completing his apprenticeship, Eligius served as the treasurer in Marseilles, France. His reputation for integrity, piety, and hard work led to his appointment as the master of the mint under King Clotaire II in Paris, France. Eligius was not only a trusted advisor to the king but also his close friend. Despite holding a prestigious position, Eligius remained humble and dedicated to serving others. He was known for his generosity towards the poor, often providing for their needs and caring for them. It was said that one could easily find his house by the number of poor people he took care of. He also actively worked towards freeing slaves, including Saint Tillo of Solignac. Driven by his deep faith, Eligius undertook numerous charitable projects. He built churches, a monastery in Solignac, France, and a major convent in Paris. In his role as counselor and diplomat, he played a crucial role in persuading Breton King Judicael to accept the authority of King Dagobert I. Eligius was also a close friend and spiritual companion of Saint Ouen of Rouen, with whom he formed a small religious society. In 640, Eligius was ordained as a clergyman and was appointed as the Bishop of Noyon, France, and Tournai, Belgium. As a bishop, he constructed the famous Basilica of Saint Paul. He also preached in Antwerp, Ghent, and Courtai in Belgium, where he converted many to Christianity through his example of charity and care for the poor and sick. Saint Godeberta, in particular, was one of his friends and spiritual disciples. Eligius was known for his devotion to the saints and their relics. He discovered and collected the relics of Saint Quentin, Saint Piaton, and Saint Lucian of Beauvais, making many reliquaries himself. His gifts of clairvoyance and prophecy also made him renowned as a miracle worker. Due to his background as a skilled metalsmith, Eligius became the patron saint of all smiths, metalworkers, and craftsmen. He is often represented by symbols such as an anvil, bishop with a crosier or hammer, miniature church of chased gold on his palm, and various depictions of him working as a goldsmith. Saint Eligius died on December 1, 660, in Noyon, France, after suffering from a high fever. He was interred in the cathedral of Noyon. He had the remarkable ability to foresaw the date of his own death. His feast days are celebrated on December 1, June 24 (translation of relics and blessing of horses), and November 8 as one of the Saints of the Diocese of Evry. Throughout the centuries, Saint Eligius has been invoked as a patron against boils, epidemics, equine diseases, poverty, ulcers, and other ailments. He is also revered as the patron saint of agricultural workers, blacksmiths, craftsmen, electricians, farmers, farriers, garage workers, goldsmiths, laborers, mechanics, metal workers, minters, numismatists, and many others. Several towns and places are named after him, including Eloois-Vijve and Sint-Eloois-Winkel in Belgium, Carrozzieri in Italy, and Schinveld in the Netherlands. His legacy as a kind and compassionate saint, dedicated to helping those less fortunate, continues to inspire and guide people in their daily lives.