Born in Limoges in the 6th century, Saint Arède (or Yriez) was a chancellor at the court of Austrasia before dedicating himself to God under the influence of Saint Nicetius. Founder of the monastery of Atane, he distinguished himself through his miracles, notably the healing of many sick people and the springing forth of a spring. He died in 591 after instituting Saint Martin and Saint Hilary as his spiritual heirs.
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SAINT ARÈDE OR YRIEZ, ABBOT,
FOUNDER OF THE MONASTERY OF ATAINE, IN THE DIOCESE OF LIMOGES (591).
Origins and life at court
Born in Limoges around 511 into a noble family, Arède served at the court of Austrasia under King Theodebert before being called to the clerical life by the bishop of Trier.
Saint Yriez Saint Yriez Abbot of Limoges and founder of the monastery of Atane. was born in Limo Limoges Possible birthplace of the saint and origin of the woman who received the miracle. ges around the year 511; he was the son of Joco nd and Pélagie Mother of Saint Yrieix, financial supporter of the monastery. Pelagia, both commendable for their nobility and virtue. He received a Christian education and made great progress in the sciences. Having been sent to the court of Austrasia, he earned the esteem and affection of King Theodeb ert; and if on roi Théodebert King of Austrasia in whose service Romaric began his career. e is to believe some authors, he became chancellor to this prince. Saint Nicetius, bishop of Trier, who Saint Nicère, évêque de Trèves Bishop of Trier who admitted Aredius into the clergy. had noticed something divine in his countenance, made him leave the world and admitted him into the ranks of his clergy. It was during this time that God showed his holiness through a miraculous sign reported by Saint Gregory of Tours saint Grégoire de Tours Historian and bishop, primary source for the narrative. .
The mystical dove
A divine sign manifests in the form of a white dove landing on him during the office, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
One day, while the clerics were chanting the psalms in the church, a dove of dazzling whiteness was seen descending, which, after fluttering around Arède, land Arède Abbot of Limoges and founder of the monastery of Atane. ed on his head, as if to indicate that he was already entirely filled with the Holy Spirit. As he found himself embarrassed and wished to drive it away, it fluttered a little more, and again landed on his head and on his scapular; it even accompanied him as if playing around him all the way to the bishop's house.
The Monastery of Atane
Upon returning to Limousin, he founded the monastery of Atane, of which he became the abbot, establishing a rule inspired by the Church Fathers with the support of his mother.
His father and brother having died, Arède returned to Limoges to console his mother. But he changed nothing in the plan of life he had laid out for himself. Some time later, he founded the monastery of Atane, in Limousin, and was its first abbot. The religious men he first had under his guidance were from his own family. The rule he gave them was composed of the institutions of Cassian, those of Saint Basil, and the maxims of the ancient Fathers. Pelagi Pélagie, sa mère Mother of Saint Yrieix, financial supporter of the monastery. a, his mother, provided the things necessary for the maintenance of the community.
Miracles and end of life
Renowned for his healings and miracles over the elements, he died in 591 after designating Saint Hilary and Saint Martin as his spiritual heirs.
Saint Gregory of Tours says that he could not count all the sick whom Saint Yriez healed by the sign of the cross. Once he made an abundant spring gush from arid land by planting a rod he held in his hand. Another time, as he was building an oratory in honor of Saint Julian, martyr, he caused a torrential rain that was disturbing the work to cease through his prayers. After having instituted Saint Hilary and Saint Martin as his heirs by testament, he was taken from this world by dysentery, in the year 591, on August 25.
Posterity and Cult
His funeral was marked by miraculous healings, and his relics were the subject of a solemn elevation in the 12th century.
Saint Ferréol, Bishop of Limoges, attended his funeral. Two women possessed by the devil were healed there. The body of Saint Arède was raised from the tom b by Suibrand, Bishop of Li Suibrand, évêque de Limoges Bishop of Limoges in the 12th century who performed the elevation of the relics. moges, on the Sunday after Rogation Days, May 17, in the year 1181.
Proper of Limoges.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in Limoges around 511
- Stay at the court of Austrasia with King Theodebert
- Entered holy orders under Saint Nicetius in Trier
- Foundation of the monastery of Atane in Limousin
- Drafting of a monastic rule based on Cassian and Saint Basil
- Elevation of the relics in 1181
Miracles
- A white dove descended upon his head during the service
- Numerous healings through the sign of the cross
- Spring gushing forth after planting a staff in the ground
- Cessation of a torrential rain through prayer
- Healing of two possessed women during his funeral