Saint Neomoise of Sambin
A shepherdess of great beauty in Sambin, Néomoise obtained from God that her foot be changed into a goose foot to discourage her suitors and preserve her virginity. She also caused a miraculous spring to gush forth to water her flocks. She is still honored in the Blésois region, particularly by shepherdesses in the month of January.
Guided reading
4 reading sections
SAINT NÉOMOISE OF SAMBIN (Unknown era).
Vocation and the miracle of deformity
Neomoise, a shepherdess from Sambin of great beauty, obtains from God a physical deformity (a goose foot) to discourage her suitors and preserve her virginity.
This shepherd ess, of rare beauty, lived in Sam bin (f our leagues south of Bloi s): s everal young men sought her hand in marriage. Desiring at all costs to escape their pursuits, she prayed to God to afflict her in her body: the Lord granted her wishes; for one of her feet was changed into a goose foot, and this deformity delivered her from the obsessions she wished to avoid.
The miracle of the spring
To water her thirsty flocks, the saint causes an inexhaustible spring to gush forth by striking the ground with her staff.
One day, this holy maiden, seeing that her flocks were suffering from thirst, implored heaven on their behalf; then, striking the earth with her staff, she caused an abundant spring to gush forth. This miraculous foun tain, which bears the name of Sainte-Néomoise, exists half a league from the village of Sambin, and it has never been seen to dry up or become clouded; such, at least, is the popular tradition.
Local cult and traditions
The saint is honored in Sambin with a goose-footed statue and an annual votive mass celebrated by shepherdesses in January.
Despite the gradual weakening of these ancient beliefs, Saint N éomoise has rem ained venerated until now in Sambin and the surrounding area; in the p arish church, she is seen represented with her goose foot: every year, the local shepherdesses have a votive mass celebrated in her honor, in order to obtain her protection for themselves and their livestock.
This religious custom is observed during the month of January, shortly after the feast of Saint Genevieve, that other villager who has spread so much glory over France.
Sources of the entry
The text is based on the work of M. Dupré, librarian of Blois, concerning the saints of his diocese.
M. Dupré, librarian of the city of Blois. Not ices on the Saints of this diocese.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Neomoise of Sambin
Frequently asked questions about Saint Neomoise of Sambin
Who was Saint Neomoise of Sambin?
A shepherdess of great beauty in Sambin, Néomoise obtained from God that her foot be changed into a goose foot to discourage her suitors and preserve her virginity. She also caused a miraculous spring to gush forth to water her flocks. She is still honored in the Blésois region, particularly by shepherdesses in the month of January.
What is Saint Neomoise of Sambin the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Neomoise of Sambin: shepherdesses, livestock and Sambin.
What is Saint Neomoise of Sambin invoked for?
Saint Neomoise of Sambin is invoked for: protection of shepherdesses, protection of livestock and preservation of virginity.
How is Saint Neomoise of Sambin depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Neomoise of Sambin is recognizable by: goose-foot, crook, herds and fountain.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Neomoise of Sambin?
2 miracles are attributed to this saint, notably: Sign / wonder and Mastery of the elements.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Sought in marriage by several young men
- Prayer to obtain a physical deformity to preserve her virginity
- Transformation of a foot into a goose foot
- Miraculous gushing of a spring for her herds