Eptadius, St.
EPTADIUS, ST.
B. near Autun, France, c. 490; d. Montelon, France, 550. He was a serious boy at 12, a local scholar at 15, and a handsome young bridegroom at 20. Shortly after his marriage, he was struck by a stubborn fever. After a visit by three holy women, his faith and religion revived; he recovered, and then led a life of austerity and penance. Impressed by his virtue, Bp. Flavian (d. 614) of Autun wished to ordain him, but Eptadius fled. King clovis, after making peace with the Burgundian King Gondobad (d. 516), planned to appoint Eptadius bishop of Auxerre. Although elected, Eptadius refused the dignity, compromised enough to accept the priesthood, and withdrew into the monastic community of Cervon, which he had organized. He was noted for his charity and his efforts to ransom captives. It is conjectured that he died at Montelon. Later his relics were taken to the benedictine monastery at Cervon, which gave rise to the theory that he was a Benedictine himself.
Feast: Aug. 24.
Bibliography: Acta Sanctorum Aug. 4:775–781. v. b. henry, Vie de saint Eptade (Avallon 1863). g. bardy, Catholicisme 4:354–355.
[b. cavanaugh]