Elzéar of Sabran
Elzéar of Sabran was a 13th-century Provençal noble who served as a ruler, diplomat, and military leader. He is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church and is chiefly remembered for his devout life, his respectful marriage, and his service to the Kingdom of Naples.
- Feast Day
- September 26
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Born in 1285 in Provence, southern France, Elzéar was a tertiary of the Franciscan Order.
- ›He married Delphine of Glandèves at a young age, and together they vowed chastity, living as brother and sister.
- ›Elzéar became Count of Ariano in Italy in 1309 and gained the trust of his subjects.
- ›He served as a military leader for King Robert of Naples, assisting in expelling Emperor Henry VII from Rome.
- ›He later tutored Duke Charles, son of King Robert, and became his castellan.
- ›Elzéar died in Paris in 1323 while serving as an ambassador to the King of France.
Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano
About Elzéar of Sabran
Elzéar of Sabran, TOSF, was a nobleman from Provence, southern France, born in 1285. He was a tertiary of the Franciscan Order, as well as a ruler, diplomat, and military leader. He is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Life and Historical Context
Elzéar received a thorough education in Christian faith and sciences under his uncle, William of Sabran, at the Abbey of St. Victor in Marseille. At the age of ten, he was betrothed to Delphine of Glandèves, and they married three years later. Upon their wedding night, Delphine revealed a vow of chastity, which Elzéar respected, choosing to also take the same vow. They lived at a castle in Ansouis, dedicating themselves to prayer, mortification, and charity, and later moved to Puimichel for greater solitude. Elzéar also formulated rules of conduct for his servants, making his household a model of Christian virtue.
Upon his father's death in 1309, Elzéar became Count of Ariano in Italy, where he earned the trust of his subjects. In 1312, he led an army for King Robert of Naples to aid in expelling Emperor Henry VII from Rome. After the war, he re-established a household emphasizing piety and faithful practice of the Catholic faith.
In 1317, Elzéar moved to Naples to tutor Duke Charles, son of King Robert, and later served as Charles' castellan. In 1323, he was sent as an ambassador to the King of France to arrange a marriage for Charles. He died in Paris shortly after accomplishing this mission on September 27, 1323.
Veneration and Legacy
Elzéar of Sabran was buried in the Franciscan habit in the church of the Friars Minor at Apt, Vaucluse. His tomb was destroyed during the French Revolution. His canonization decree was signed by his godson, Pope Urban V, and carried out by his successor, Pope Gregory XI, around 1371. Countess Delphine was also beatified by Pope Urban V. Their shared liturgical feast day is celebrated by the Franciscan Third Order on September 26.
Elzéar and Delphine are remembered for their virtuous lives, their commitment to chastity within marriage, and their devotion to the Third Order of Saint Francis. Elzéar's service as a military leader and diplomat also marked his earthly life.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Elzéar of Sabran born?
Elzéar of Sabran was born in 1285 in the castle of Saint-Jean-de-Robians, near Cabrières-d'Aigues in Provence, southern France.
Who was Elzéar of Sabran married to?
Elzéar of Sabran was married to Delphine of Glandèves. Upon their wedding night, Delphine revealed a vow of chastity, which Elzéar chose to respect and also adopted.
What was Elzéar of Sabran's role in the Kingdom of Naples?
Elzéar of Sabran became Count of Ariano in Italy in 1309. Later, he served as the tutor for Duke Charles, son of King Robert of Naples, and became Charles' castellan.
What military service did Elzéar of Sabran perform?
In 1312, Elzéar marched to Rome at the head of the army of King Robert of Naples, which was mobilized to help expel Emperor Henry VII from the city.
When and where did Elzéar of Sabran die?
Elzéar of Sabran died in Paris, France, on September 27, 1323, while serving as an ambassador to the King of France.
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