Romaric
Saint Romaric was a Frankish nobleman and former Count Palatine who lived in Austrasia from the late 6th to the mid-7th century. He is chiefly remembered for co-founding Remiremont Abbey with Amatus of Grenoble after experiencing a religious conversion. He was later canonized by Pope Leo IX.
- Feast Day
- December 10 or December 8
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Romaric was a Frankish nobleman who lived in Austrasia.
- ›He served as a Count Palatine in the court of the Merovingian King Theodebert II.
- ›He co-founded Remiremont Abbey with Amatus of Grenoble.
- ›Romaric entered Luxeuil Abbey and trained as a monk.
- ›He succeeded Amatus as abbot around 625.
- ›He died in 653 AD and was canonized in 1049.
About Romaric
Saint Romaric
Saint Romaric was a Frankish nobleman who lived in Austrasia from the late 6th century until the middle of the 7th century. He is recognized as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church and is primarily remembered for his role in founding Remiremont Abbey.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a noble Frankish family, Romaric experienced significant personal tragedy early in life. His parents were killed by Queen Brunhilda, leading to a period of exile and wandering due to his family's enmity with the queen. Following the downfall of Queen Brunhilda, Romaric was received at the court of Chlothar II, and his ancestral lands were restored.
Disillusioned with courtly life, Romaric underwent a profound religious conversion, influenced by the missionary efforts of Amatus of Grenoble, a monk from Luxeuil Abbey. Romaric then entered Luxeuil Abbey himself to train as a monk. With the approval of Abbot Eustace, Romaric and Amatus established a double monastery for both men and women on land that had belonged to Romaric during his time as a count palatine. This institution later became known as Remiremont Abbey (Romariki Mons).
Leadership and Family
Around 625 AD, Romaric succeeded Amatus as the abbot of the newly founded monastery. During his tenure, he guided several members of his own family who also embraced religious life at Remiremont. Among them were his two daughters, Ozeltruda and Zeberga, his granddaughter Gebetruda, and his grandson Adelphus. One of the early monks at Remiremont was his friend, Saint Arnulf.
Death and Veneration
Romaric died in 653 AD. He was formally canonized on December 3, 1049, by Pope Leo IX. His feast day is observed on December 10 or December 8.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Romaric?
Saint Romaric was a Frankish nobleman who lived in Austrasia from the late 6th to the mid-7th century. He was a former Count Palatine in the court of King Theodebert II before embracing a religious life.
What is Saint Romaric known for founding?
Saint Romaric, along with Amatus of Grenoble, founded Remiremont Abbey. This was a double monastery established for both men and women on land that Romaric owned when he was a count palatine.
What was Romaric's religious conversion like?
Romaric experienced a religious conversion through the missionary efforts of Amatus of Grenoble. Disenchanted with court life, he entered Luxeuil Abbey to train as a monk.
When did Saint Romaric live and die?
Romaric lived from the late 6th century until his death in 653 AD. He was canonized on December 3, 1049.
What are Saint Romaric's feast days?
Saint Romaric is recognized with a feast day on December 10 or December 8.
Related Saints
Birinus
Birinus was a Frankish Benedictine monk who became the first Bishop of Dorchester and is venerated as the "Apostle to the West Saxons" for his conversion of the Kingdom of Wessex to Christianity. He is honored by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. His ministry in Wessex led to the baptism of King Cynegils and the establishment of churches.
Begga
Saint Begga was a Frankish noblewoman of the 7th century, daughter of Pepin of Landen and mother of Charles Martel. She is remembered for her pilgrimage to Rome and subsequent religious life, during which she founded churches and served as an abbess. Some traditions also associate her with the founding of the Beguine movement.
Aileran
Aileran, also known as Aileran the Wise, was a distinguished Irish scholar and saint of the 7th century. He was a prominent figure at the School of Clonard and is well-remembered for his deep knowledge of patristic literature and his significant theological writings, particularly his "Mystical Interpretation of the Ancestry of Our Lord Jesus Christ."
