Saint Elaphius of Châlons
SEVENTEENTH BISHOP OF CHALONS-SUR-MARNE AND CONFESSOR (587). — BLESSED GUERRIC OF TOURNAI, ABBOT OF IGNY,
Bishop of Châlons in the 6th century, Elaphius was distinguished by his piety, his charity toward the poor, and his religious buildings. Sent on a mission to Spain by Queen Brunhilda to retrieve relics, he died of fever during the journey in 587. His relics, reputed to be miraculous, are preserved in Châlons.
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Guided reading
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SAINT ELAPHIUS,
SEVENTEENTH BISHOP OF CHALONS-SUR-MARNE AND CONFESSOR (587). — BLESSED GUERRIC OF TOURNAI, ABBOT OF IGNY,
Youth and formation
Born in Limoges, Elaphe distinguished himself from his childhood by an exemplary piety and an early wisdom.
Elaphe was born in Limo ges, and had Leon f or a father. From his childhood he devoted himself entirely to piety. He observed the divine laws with a rare fidelity, and conducted himself with such wisdom, that one never noticed anything in his speech or in his manners that was unbecoming, nor that smacked of youth.
Episcopate at Châlons
Having become bishop of Châlons in 572, he became a model of virtue and learning, appreciated by princes.
When he had ascended the episcopal throne of Châlons (572), he showed himself a perfect model of all virtues, gave the example of all good works, and made himself cherished by princes for his learning and his holiness. His fame spread far and wide.
Generosity and Builder
With his brother Lumier, he endowed the church of Saint-Étienne with lands and undertook the construction of a new cathedral.
His father having died, he had become master of his inheritance. He wished to make a holy use of it. In concert with his b rother Lumier, already a deacon, they endowed the church of Saint-Étie nne of Châlons with fourteen villages with all their rights and appurtenances. Gilles, Arc hbishop of Reims, subscribed to this donation.
Inflamed with zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, Elaphe thought to raise a monument worthy of his episcopal city. He dedicated large sums of money to build a cathedral near the Sibyls, at the place where it is at present. But it was not given to him to crown his work.
The Good Shepherd
For fourteen years, he devoted himself to the poor and the sick, preaching by example and administering the sacraments.
During the approximately fourteen years that Elaphe was bishop of Châlons, he perfectly fulfilled the duties of a good shepherd. He preached by word and example, liberally assisted the poor from his great wealth, even went to seek out the sick to relieve them in their infirmities, consoled them with gentle words, and administered the sacraments to them.
Diplomatic mission and death
Sent to Spain by Queen Brunhilda to seek relics, he died of a fever on the return journey in 587.
Saint Elaphe was honored with a mission of trust, but one which became fatal to him. Queen Brunhil da sent him t o Spain to obtain relics of the virgin Saint Eulalia , and t o bring them back to France. However, a violent fever, caused by the fatigues of the journey and the great heat, overtook him on the way and took him from the love of his people. His body was brought back to his city. His death is recorded on August 19, in the year 587.
Cult and translations
His relics, sources of miracles, were transferred several times between the churches of Châlons for the veneration of the faithful.
He was buried in the nave of the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, on the right side of the crucifix. But as miracles continued to attest to his holiness, his relics were placed in a beautiful reliquary, which was deposited in the church of Saint-Pierre, where he was always revered as a saint. It was Guy II, the fifty-second bishop, who performed the translation in the year 1145. Since the destruction of the abbey of Saint-Pierre, these precious relics were transported to the church of the holy precursor, and it is still there now that they are presented for the veneration of the faithful.
The feast of Saint Elaphe is celebrated on August 19.
Excerpt from Beautés de l'hi stoire de l a Champagne, by Abbé Bellot.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
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Narrative network
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The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Elaphius of Châlons
Frequently asked questions about Saint Elaphius of Châlons
Who was Saint Elaphius of Châlons?
Bishop of Châlons in the 6th century, Elaphius was distinguished by his piety, his charity toward the poor, and his religious buildings. Sent on a mission to Spain by Queen Brunhilda to retrieve relics, he died of fever during the journey in 587. His relics, reputed to be miraculous, are preserved in Châlons.
What is Saint Elaphius of Châlons the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Elaphius of Châlons: Châlons-sur-Marne.
What is Saint Elaphius of Châlons invoked for?
Saint Elaphius of Châlons is invoked for: relief for the sick.
How is Saint Elaphius of Châlons depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Elaphius of Châlons is recognizable by: episcopal vestments and reliquary.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Elaphius of Châlons?
1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Sign / wonder.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Elaphius of Châlons?
Contemporaries include: Saint Remigius (Apostle of the Franks), Saint Antide of Besançon, Saint Eugene of Carthage and Saint Nicaise of Reims.
When did Saint Elaphius of Châlons die?
Saint Elaphius of Châlons died around 587.
What are the other names of Saint Elaphius of Châlons?
Other forms of the name: Elaphe.
Who are the relatives of Saint Elaphius of Châlons?
Relatives of Saint Elaphius of Châlons: Léon (father) and Lumier (brother).
Annexes & related entities
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Key Events
- Accession to the episcopal throne of Châlons in 572
- Donation of fourteen villages to the Church of Saint-Étienne
- Construction of a cathedral near the Sibyls
- Mission to Spain for Queen Brunhilda
- Translation of relics in 1145 by Guy II