Calminius
Calminius was a French saint who founded three abbeys in the 6th or 7th centuries: Mozac Abbey, Laguenne Abbey, and the abbey of Monastier-Saint-Chaffre. He is remembered for his transition from a man of war to a religious founder and for the relics preserved in his honor.
- Feast Day
- August 19
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Calminius founded three French abbeys in the 6th or 7th centuries AD.
- ›The abbeys founded were Mozac Abbey, Laguenne Abbey, and the abbey of Monastier-Saint-Chaffre.
- ›His saint's day is August 19.
- ›His widow, Namadie, became a nun at Marsat.
- ›Their remains were conserved in the 12th-century Saint Calminius Reliquary at Mozac Abbey.
- ›The 'Life of Saint Calmin' is considered more a literary document than an historical record.
Calmin
About Calminius
Calminius, also known by the name Calmin, is revered as a foundational figure in French monastic history, credited with establishing three significant abbeys during the 6th or 7th centuries AD. His most notable foundations include Mozac Abbey in the Puy-de-Dôme region, Laguenne Abbey near Tulle in Corrèze, and the abbey of Monastier-Saint-Chaffre. His feast day is observed on August 19.
Life and Historical Context
The biographical accounts of Saint Calminius are largely a product of hagiography, intended to bolster the prestige of the Abbey of Mozac, which he founded. While historical records suggest he held titles such as Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Auvergne, these designations were likely applied retrospectively by his biographers, as the duchy of Aquitaine was constituted later and the title of Count of Auvergne appeared around the 10th century. Calminius's heritage is traced to a Roman family that settled in Clermont. He transitioned from a military career to a life of religious austerity.
Foundation of Monasteries
Calminius's path to monasticism involved establishing several religious sites. He began by founding an oratory at Le Villars in the Velay mountains, which evolved into the monastery of Saint-Chaffre du Monastier. Subsequently, he moved to the bishopric of Limoges, embracing a hermit's existence before founding his second monastery, Laguenne, near Tulle. He completed his monastic foundations by establishing Mozac Abbey in Auvergne, a location chosen for its tranquility and abundance of water. During the construction of Mozac Abbey, Calminius traveled to Rome to secure the consecration of his first monastery, Carmery en Velay. He also visited Lérins Abbey, where he learned the Rule of Saint Benedict and received permission to bring monks to assist in founding Mozac. His subsequent journey to Rome resulted in his last foundation, Mozac Abbey, receiving a relic of Saint Peter's skull, contributing to its reputation.
Veneration and Legacy
Calminius died in what was described as 'odour of sanctity' and was buried in the crypt of Mozac Abbey. His veneration grew significantly, with a country chapel named Saint-Calmin existing on the road between Riom and Mozac during the Middle Ages. The Saint Calminius Reliquary, a 12th-century chasse-form reliquary, houses his remains and those of his wife, Namadie, who became a nun at Marsat. This reliquary, decorated with Limoges champlevé enamel depicting scenes from his life, is a significant artifact of Mozac Abbey's treasury and is now displayed at the Musée Dobrée. The enduring memory of Calminius is tied to his role as a founder and his association with the prominent abbeys he established.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Calminius live?
Calminius lived in the 6th or 7th centuries AD. The exact year of his death is unknown.
What abbeys did Saint Calminius found?
He founded three French abbeys: Mozac Abbey in Puy-de-Dôme, Laguenne Abbey near Tulle in Corrèze, and the abbey of Monastier-Saint-Chaffre.
Where are Saint Calminius's remains kept?
The remains of Calminius and his wife Namadie were conserved in the 12th-century Saint Calminius Reliquary, which was housed in the abbey church at Mozac.
What is known about Saint Calminius's early life?
Calminius was descended from a Roman family and held the titles of Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Auvergne. He was initially a man of war before dedicating himself to religious life.
When is Saint Calminius's feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on August 19.
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