Of modest origins in Périgueux, Eumache was an exemplary shepherd in the service of the lady Boëze before retiring into solitude. Having become a priest, he lived a life of charity marked by divine signs such as the protection of an eagle. He gave his name to the village of Saint-Chamassy where he died.
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SAINT EUMACHE OR CHAMASSY, OF PÉRIGORD (6th century).
Youth and service in Périgueux
Eumache was born in Périgueux into a modest family and became the devoted servant of the lady Boëze, distinguishing himself by his exemplary charity as a shepherd.
Eumache Eumache 6th-century saint, shepherd and later priest in Périgord. was born in Périgueux, in a very modest condition, but he had the good fortune to be raised in a very Christian manner. Upon reaching adolescence, he became the servant of a lady named Boëze, whose esteem he quickly acquired. As he surpassed all the other servants in his charity, his good offices, his zeal, and his fidelity, the care of the flocks was entrusted to him. When he grazed them on the banks of the Isle, he occupied himself constantly with the meditation of the law of God, and he took care to distribute to the poor not only the food that was given to him, but also his own clothing. The works of his charity did not take long to become known, and his mistress, having been informed of them, summoned him before her and reproached him severely, even threatening to put him out of the house. The Sain t withdr Le Saint 6th-century saint, shepherd and later priest in Périgord. ew to a small solitude, near a fountain called the Font-Chande, ne ighboring the la Font-Chande The saint's eremitic retreat. Isle, and there he rejoiced to have had to suffer for Jesus Christ. One day during the harsh season, while he was occupied in praying for the clergy and the people of Périgueux, snow fell from the sky in great abundance, but, while it covered all the surrounding places, it did not touch his little house, and it is added that an eagle, spreading its wings above him, protected him. The other actions of his life are little known: it is only known that he attained the priesthood. In the ancient breviary of Périgueux, his feast was celebrated on January 3rd. He died in the place th at bears his name today and which is ne l'endroit qui porte aujourd'hui son nom Place of the saint's death, located at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers. ar the confluence of the Vézère and the Dord la Vézère River marking the place of the saint's death. ogne. After his d la Dordogne River marking the place of the saint's death. eath, the reputation of his holiness spread far and wide, and a great number of miracles were performed at his tomb. The people took him as their patron and dedicated to him the parish church that still exists today.
Spiritual retreat and divine signs
After being reprimanded for his excessive charity, he retired near the spring of Font-Chande where he was miraculously protected from the snow by an eagle.
Father Dup Père Dupuy Historical source cited for the life of the saint. uy. — *Propre de Sarlat* of 1677. — This notice was written by the R ev. Fr. Carl R. P. Carles Author of the biographical notice. es, missionary at the Calvary of Toulo Calvaire de Toulouse Religious institution to which the Rev. Fr. Carles belongs. use.
Priesthood, death, and posterity
Having become a priest, he died at the confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne; his tomb became a place of miracles and he was chosen as the patron of the local parish.
Eumache was born in Périgueux, in a very modest condition, but he had the good fortune to be raised in a very Christian manner. Upon reaching adolescence, he became the servant of a lady named Boëze, whose esteem he quickly acquired. As he surpassed all the other servants in his charity, his good offices, his zeal, and his fidelity, the care of the flocks was entrusted to him. When he grazed them on the banks of the Isle, he occupied himself constantly with the meditation of the law of God, and he took care to distribute to the poor not only the food that was given to him, but also his own clothes. The works of his charity did not take long to become known, and his mistress, having been informed of them, summoned him before her and reproached him severely, even threatening to put him out of the house. The Saint withdrew into a small solitude, near a fountain called Font-Chande, neighboring the Isle, and there he rejoiced to have had to suffer for Jesus Christ. One day during the harsh season, while he was occupied in praying for the clergy and the people of Périgueux, snow fell from the sky in great abundance, but, while it covered all the surrounding places, it did not touch his small house, and it is added that an eagle, spreading its wings above him, protected him. The other actions of his life are little known: it is only known that he attained the priesthood. In the ancient breviary of Périgueux, his feast was celebrated on January 3rd. He died in the place that today bears his name and which is near the confluence of the Vézère into the Dordogne. After his death, the reputation of his holiness spread far and wide, and a great number of miracles were performed at his tomb. The people took him as their patron and dedicated to him the parish church that still exists today.
Sources of the entry
The biography is based on the works of Father Dupuy, the 1677 Proper of Sarlat, and a draft by the Rev. Fr. Carles of Toulouse.
Father Dupuy. — 1677 Proper of Sarlat. — This entry was written by the Rev. Fr. Carles, missionary at the Calvary of Toulouse.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in Périgueux into a modest family
- Servant and shepherd for the lady Boëze
- Retirement in solitude near the Font-Chande fountain
- Miraculous protection against snow and by an eagle
- Ordination to the priesthood
- Died at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers
Miracles
- Snow falls in abundance but does not touch his small house
- An eagle spreads its wings above him to protect him
- Numerous miracles performed at his tomb after his death