Saint of the Day – 11 June – Saint Blitharius (7th Century) Priest, Hermit , Missionary in Ireland and France, as a disciple of St Fursey (Died c648) He became a renowned and fervent Preacher and Evangeliser. Born in Scotland and died in the late 7th century in Sézanne, France, Also known as – Blitarius, Blitario, Blier. Additional Memorial – 17 June in the Diocese of Troyes.
Born in Scotland, Blitharius embarked on a spiritual journey following in the footsteps of St Fursey, an Irish Monk revered for his sanctity and wisdom. Under his guidance, Blitharius was Ordained a Priest and began a journey through Ireland and France, spreading the message of the Gospel and inspiring the faithful with his preaching.
Between 640 and 644, Blitharius’ life took a decisive turn. Attracted by quiet and solitude, he settled in Verzeracus, France, where he built a small shelter which became his hermitage. In this ascetic refuge, Blitharius dedicated his whole life to prayer, fasting and mortification of the body, offering himself to God as a “victim” as a sign of absolute devotion.
Blitharius’ ermitic life was characterised by rigid discipline and profound austerity. He deprived himself of all material comforts, eating only herbs and roots and spending his days in prayer and meditation.
His fame for sanctity spread rapidly, attracting pilgrims from all over the region who sought his spiritual counsel and blessing.
After a life devoted to prayer and mortification, Blitharius left this world to jo enter his eternal home. His body was buried in Sézanne, where his tomb became a place of pilgrimage for the faithful who venerated his memory.
In 1568, Saint Blitharius’ Relics were translated to the Collegiate Church of Broyes in the Marne. However, during the Wars of Religion in France in 1568, Calvinists burned the Relics, destroying this precious tangible link to the Saint.
The Feast of Saint Blitharius was always celebrated on J11une 11. However, in the Proper of Troyes, his Feast was moved to 17 June, a date which is still commemorated there today.
St Fursey (Died c648) HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/16/saint-of-the-day-16-january-saint-fursey-died-c-650/
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