Saint Eryfrid of Auxerre

Biography

Saint Eryfrid of Auxerre, also known as Erifrido, Herifridus, Herfroy, or Herifrid, was born in the 9th century in Chartres, France. He was born into a noble Breton family to parents Erifrifo and Iseberga. From a young age, Eryfrid showed a strong devotion to his faith and a deep love for God. Eryfrid dedicated himself to a life of service to the Church and the poor. He was ordained a priest and soon gained a reputation for his piety and kindness. His devotion and leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, and he was chosen to be the bishop of Auxerre, France, by none other than King Charles the Simple. Eryfrid was consecrated as bishop on August 29, 887. One of Eryfrid's first great achievements as bishop was the rebuilding of the cathedral in Auxerre, which had been destroyed by fire. His commitment to this project showed his dedication to the spiritual well-being of his flock and the importance he placed on providing a worthy place for worship. Throughout his episcopate, Saint Eryfrid was known for his personal kindness and his special care for the poor. He saw it as his duty to not only administer the sacraments but to actively reach out to those in need. Eryfrid's generosity and compassion endeared him to the people of Auxerre, who regarded him as their spiritual father. Legend has it that Saint Eryfrid was blessed with a miraculous healing. He suffered from gout and was confined to his bed due to a late-in-life paralysis. However, through divine intervention, a crow brought him a piece of metal that miraculously cured him of his gout. This event further solidified his reputation as a saintly figure. Sadly, on October 23, 909, Saint Eryfrid passed away due to natural causes. His death was mourned by the community he had served faithfully for many years. Recognizing his holiness and the impact of his work, the Church later canonized him as a saint, although it is important to note that this occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the process of formal canonization as we understand it today. Saint Eryfrid of Auxerre is remembered as a holy bishop and a devoted servant of God. His life serves as an example of humble service, personal kindness, and dedication to the well-being of both the spiritual and physical needs of the Church and the poor. Although not widely known outside of his local community, his memory continues to be honored by those who recognize his sanctity and his profound impact on the people of Auxerre.