Saint of the Day – 24 August – Saint Eptadius of Autun (c490-525) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 24 August – Saint Eptadius of Autun (c490-525) Priest, Hermit, Abbot and Founder of the Abbey of Saint-Eptade de Cervon. Born in c490 near Autun, France and died on 25 August 525 in Montelon, France of natural causes. Patronage – of Blacksmiths, against storms and lightening. Also known as – Eptadius of Cervon, Aptas, Eptade, Eptare, Heptade.

He was a serious boy at 12, a learned scholar at 15, receiving a holy and pious education and a handsome young man who was about to be a bridegroom at 20. Shortly before his marriage, he was seized by a stubborn and severe fever. After a visit by three holy women, his faith and religion were ignited and he prayed to God for recovery and dedicating the rest of his life to Him alone.

Eptadius immediately recovered and then led a life of austerity and penance. Impressed by his virtue, King Clovis tried to persuade him to accept the charge of the Episcopate of Auxerre, as did Saint Flavien (Died 614), the Bishop of Autun but Eptadius not wanting honours and went into exile in the forest at a place called Cervon. However before leaving Eptadius accepted the desire of Bishop Flavian and was Ordained to the Priesthood.

It was in this solitude that Eptadius lived his desire to unite himself to God in prayer, fasting and penance and to redeem the captives of warring Lords in the neighbouring towns. The reputation of his virtues and austerities spread throughout the region and attracted a growing number of disciples, which led him to build a Monastery. The King made him responsible for his good works and entrusted his Monastery with great wealth to be used by our Saint, as the first Abbot, for the glory of God.

Eptadius returned to his hometown of Autun every year for the Feast of Saint-Symphorien a local Martyr who died in c179 and whose Feast day is 22 August.