Saint of the Day – 16 October – St Eliphius (Died 362) Bishop (?) or Deacon (?) Martyr, Missionary. Eliphius was the child of a King of Scotia (Ireland) and preached in Toul, modern France, where he converted hundreds to Christianity. He was accompanied by his siblings – St Eucharius, and three sisters, Menna, Libaria and Susanna. Born in Ireland and died by beheading in 362 in Toul, France. Also known as – Elifio, Eloff, Elophe, Éliphe, … of Toul.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Cologne, St Eliphiuis, Martyr, under Julian the Apostate.”
We have various conflicting reports and opinions of our Saint, some say he became the Bishop of Toul and others that he remained a Deacon. Even his birthplace is doubted, in the 12th Century, Abbot Rupert of Deutz (c1075- c1130), author of the Acts of the Saint, was of the opinion that Eliphius and his siblings were natives of Toul.
All of Eliphius’ siblings, except Menna, were beheaded at or near Toul, at the order of Julian the Apostate although it seems at different times.
Eliphius were buried at Mount Eliph, named after our Saint. The Lorsch Codex mentions the donation of the Relics of St. Eliphius to the Great St. Martin Church, in Cologne and thus became the second named Patron of that Church. These Relics were later translated back to Toul. There is a Town near Toul in France, names St Eloff.
AnaStpaul 