Saint Theoffroy of Orange
THIRD ABBOT OF SAINT-CHAFFRE, IN THE DIOCESE OF LE PUY (728).
Third abbot of Saint-Chaffre
Born in Orange and son of the governor Leufroy, Theoffroy became the third abbot of Saint-Chaffre in Velay. During a Saracen invasion in 728, he remained alone at the monastery to protect his church and was mortally wounded by the invaders. Honored as a martyr, he gave his name to the town of Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille.
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SAINT THEOFFROY OF ORANGE,
THIRD ABBOT OF SAINT-CHAFFRE, IN THE DIOCESE OF LE PUY (728).
Origins and education
Theoffroy was born in Orange in the 8th century, the son of the governor Leufroy who carefully oversaw his education.
Theoffroy Théoffroy Abbot of Saint-Chaffre and 8th-century martyr. , who should not be confused with one of his namesakes, a monk of Lerins and martyr (645), who gave his name to the Abbey of Saint-Chaffre after having been its second abbot, was bo rn in Orange Birthplace of the saint. Orange (Vaucluse), and was the son of Leufroy Governor and father of Saint Theofroy. Leufroy, governor of the region, who took particular care of his education.
Monastic Vocation
Despite his father's initial opposition, he entered the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Chaffre in Velay.
From childhood, Theoffroy felt a very keen taste for the meditation of heavenly things, and he resolved early on to trample underfoot the delights of the world for the love of Jesus Christ. His father at first opposed his son's design; but, overcome by Theoffroy's entreaties, he finally yielded, and the latter took the monastic habit in the Benedictine abbey of Sain t-Chaffre, bénédictine Religious order occupying the monastery of Honnecourt. in Velay.
Abbotship and governance
Elected abbot by his brothers, he became a model of virtue and ensured the religious instruction of the faithful, including women.
His progress was rapid, and he soon became an accomplished religious; thus, upon the death of their abbot, the brothers chose him to succeed him. The conduct of Theoffroy justified the high opinion that had been formed of his virtue. He was the father and the model of his religious. As women could not enter the church of his monastery, he allowed them to come near the door, and there they received instructions on the merits of salvation.
Invasion and martyrdom
During the Saracen invasion, he remained alone at the monastery, suffered abuse, and died from his wounds in 728.
The Saracens having invaded the Velay , Theoffr Théoffroy Abbot of Saint-Chaffre and 8th-century martyr. oy wished for his religious brothers to go and hide in a nearby forest; as for him, he did not leave the monastery, and prostrating himself on the floor of his church, he waited, prepared for any eventuality. Furious to find him alone, the barbarians beat him cruelly and left him half-dead. The next day, which was the great feast of their sect, they prepared everything to celebrate it. Then the Saint revived his strength and his zeal, and he had enough courage to go and rebuke them for their impiety. The barbarians, astonished to see him again, subjected him to unworthy treatment and wounded him mortally. A storm that arose put them to flight, and they had no time to set fire to the monastery as they had intended. Theoffroy died a few days later (October 19, 728), and he has since been honored as a martyr of truth and charity. A small town formed near his monastery, which took the name of Monastier-Saint-Chaffre Monastier-Saint-Chaffre Town formed around the saint's monastery. (Haute-Loire, arrondissement of Le Puy).
Iconography and sources
The saint is traditionally depicted being attacked by the Saracens; his life is documented by several famous hagiographers.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in Orange
- Entered the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Chaffre in Velay
- Election as third abbot of Saint-Chaffre
- Invasion of the Velay by the Saracens
- Assault and fatal wounds inflicted by the Saracens
- Died from his wounds a few days after the attack
Miracles
- A thunderstorm occurs opportunely to put the Saracens to flight and prevent the burning of the monastery