Amator

Amator of Auxerre

Amator, also known by the French variations Amadour or Amatre, was a significant figure in the early history of the Church in Gaul, serving as the bishop of Auxerre from 388 until his death on May 1, 418. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day observed annually on May 1.

Life and Ministry

Born into a wealthy, upper-class family in Auxerre, France, Amator initially studied theology under Bishop Valerian of Auxerre. Despite his clerical path, he married a devout woman from Langres, known locally as Saint Martha, to satisfy his parents. A pivotal moment occurred during their wedding ceremony when Bishop Valerian, either by error or divine intervention, pronounced the office of consecration to God's service over them instead of the usual nuptial benediction. Following this, Amator and his bride mutually agreed to live as brother and sister. Martha later became a nun, and Amator received the clerical tonsure.

Amator succeeded Eladius as Bishop of Auxerre in 388, a role he held for thirty years. His episcopacy was marked by substantial contributions to his diocese. He oversaw the construction of two churches and played a crucial role in the conversion of the remaining pagan populations within his jurisdiction. A notable act of his ministry was the introduction of the relics of Saint Cyricus into France, thereby fostering the veneration of this saint.

Conflict and Succession

A notable episode in Amator's life involved Germanus, one of the dukes governing the Gallic provinces who resided in Auxerre. Their relationship soured when Germanus hung hunting trophies on a tree that had previously been a site of pagan worship. Amator's remonstrations were in vain, leading him to order the tree felled and trophies burned during Germanus's absence. Fearing the duke's wrath, Amator fled and sought the prefect Julius's permission to tonsure Germanus. Upon receiving this, and feeling his own life nearing its end, Amator returned. He then had the church doors barred and tonsured Germanus against his will, ordaining him a deacon and designating him as his successor. Shortly after, Amator died, and Germanus was unanimously chosen as his successor. Germanus later authored a biography of Amator, and in the Middle Ages, Stephen composed another life, though it is considered fictional.

Legacy and Veneration

Amator died in 418 and was buried in a church he had built in honor of the Martyr Saint Symphorian, a church that subsequently bore his own name. He is credited with the gift of miracles both before and after his death. Iconographically, he is depicted as a bishop with an axe and tree. There is also a tradition that Amator ordained Saint Patrick to the diaconate at Auxerre, though this is debated among historians.

Confusion exists regarding Amator, as a hermit with a feast day on August 20 is sometimes conflated with him. Furthermore, a tradition in Autun designates him as its first bishop from around 250 AD. The commune of Rocamadour is believed to be named after Amator, who is thought to be the founder of its ancient sanctuary, with a crypt dedicated to Saint Amadour and a Black Madonna reputed to have been carved by him. The legend of Amadour, identified with the biblical Zacheus, and his journey with Veronica, is considered untrustworthy by modern scholars, leading some to suggest this Amadour was either an unknown hermit or the actual bishop of Auxerre of the same name.

An additional layer of confusion arises from a Portuguese figure named Amador of Portugal, whose feast day is March 27, and who was a hermit. He is venerated in Portugal, and a "San Amador" is the patron saint of Martos, Spain.