Amatus
Saint Amatus was a Frankish monk and hermit who co-founded Remiremont Abbey with Saint Romaric. Remembered for his life of penance, prayer, and miracle-working, he served as the first abbot of the abbey and established the practice of Perpetual Praise. He is particularly honored in Grenoble and was canonized by Pope Leo IX.
- Feast Day
- September 13
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Amatus was born around 560 AD to a noble family in Grenoble.
- ›He entered the Abbey of St. Maurice at Agaunum around 581 AD.
- ›He co-founded Remiremont Abbey with St. Romaric, following the Rule of St. Columbanus.
- ›Amatus was the first abbot of Remiremont Abbey.
- ›He established the practice of 'Laus perennis' or Perpetual Praise at the abbey.
- ›Saint Amatus died in 627 AD and was canonized on December 3, 1049.
Amatus of Grenoble, Amatus of Remiremont, Saint Amé
About Amatus
Saint Amatus
Saint Amatus, also known as Amatus of Grenoble, Amatus of Remiremont, or Saint Amé, was a prominent Frankish monk and hermit who lived from approximately 560 to 627 AD. His life, detailed in the Vita sancti Amati confessoris written between 670 and 700, reflects a deep commitment to prayer and penance, distinguished by miraculous grace.
Life and Ministry
Born into a noble family in Grenoble around 560, Amatus entered the Abbey of St. Maurice, Agaunum, in 581. At the age of thirty, he withdrew to a hermitage, where his reputation for a life of sanctity attracted the attention of Eustace of Luxeuil. Eustace persuaded Amatus to join his community. During one of his missionary journeys, Amatus visited the court at Metz, where he converted Saint Romaric, a former Count Palatine of King Theodebert II. This encounter led to the co-founding of Remiremont Abbey on land previously owned by Romaric. The abbey was structured as a double monastery, accommodating both men and women, and operated under the Rule of Saint Columbanus, similar to Luxeuil.
Amatus served as the first abbot of Remiremont Abbey, where he implemented the significant religious practice of the “Laus perennis,” or Perpetual Praise. This involved sustaining an unbroken cycle of psalmody and prayer within the church, day and night. Saint Amatus died around 627 AD, and at his own request, was buried just outside the church door. His remains were later enshrined under one of the church's altars.
Veneration
Saint Amatus was formally canonized on December 3, 1049, by Pope Leo IX. His feast day is observed on September 13. He holds particular honor in his birthplace of Grenoble.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Amatus?
Saint Amatus was a Frankish monk and hermit born around 560 AD. He is known for co-founding Remiremont Abbey and for his devout life of prayer and penance.
What is Saint Amatus chiefly remembered for?
He is chiefly remembered for co-founding Remiremont Abbey with Saint Romaric and for establishing the practice of 'Laus perennis' or Perpetual Praise there. He also served as the abbey's first abbot.
When did Saint Amatus live and die?
Amatus was born around 560 AD and died around 625 or 627/630 AD. His primary period of activity and death falls within the 7th century.
Where is Saint Amatus particularly honored?
Saint Amatus is particularly honored in Grenoble, his birthplace. He was canonized by Pope Leo IX on December 3, 1049.
What religious practices did Saint Amatus introduce?
At Remiremont Abbey, Saint Amatus established the difficult pious practice of the 'Laus perennis' or Perpetual Praise. This involved maintaining an uninterrupted service of psalmody and prayer, day and night.
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