St. Eligius Medal – Patron Saint of Taxi Drivers

St. Eligius Biography

Learn more about St. Eligius and why so many Cathoics wear a St. Eligius Medal for the patron saint of professional drivers.

St. Eligius was a Christian bishop and saint who lived in the 7th century. He is known for his work as a bishop and for his skill as a metalworker. He is the patron saint of goldsmiths, other metalworkers, and coin collectors.

Eligius was born in the Kingdom of the Visigoths, which was located in present-day France. He was raised in a Christian family and received a good education. He became a skilled metalworker and eventually worked for the king, Chilperic I. He was so highly respected for his skills that he was appointed as the chief counselor to the king and treasurer.

In his position, he used his wealth and influence to help the poor and to build churches and monasteries. He also used his skills as a metalworker to create beautiful works of art for the Church.

Eligius was eventually ordained as a priest and later became the bishop of Noyon-Tournai, in present-day Belgium. As a bishop, he continued his work among the poor, and he also preached and converted many to Christianity.

One of his notable works as a bishop is founding and building the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, one of the oldest Christian church still standing in France. He also built the Basilica of Saint-Eloi, which was considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the region.

Eligius’s feast day is celebrated on December 1st by the Roman Catholic and some other branches of Christianity. He is the patron saint of goldsmiths, other metalworkers, and coin collectors.

In the Middle Ages, Eligius was highly venerated as a saint and his cult spread throughout Europe. He was particularly popular among the metalworkers and goldsmiths, who would invoke his name for protection and good luck. Many churches and chapels were dedicated to him.

St. Eligius’s legacy continues to be felt today, as his work as a bishop, metalworker and his reputation for helping the poor have made him an enduring symbol of Christian charity, skill and devotion. Even today, many metalworkers and jewelers still consider him as a patron saint, and his feast day continues to be celebrated by Catholics and other Christians.

The Life of St. Eligius

St. Eligius, was born around the year 588. His virtuous parents brought him up in the fear of God. As the child was industrious, they placed him with a renowned goldsmith, and he became very skillful in his profession. The tombs of St. Martin of Tours, and of St. Dionysius near Paris, were sumptuously and uniquely adorned by him. The shrines of St. Germanus, St. Genevieve, and other Saints were made by St. Eligius.

Establishing the Abbey of Solignac

King Clotaire died in 628. His son and successor, Dagobert, entertained such a high opinion of St. Eligius’ virtue and wisdom that he frequently consulted him regarding public affairs, and followed his directions for his own personal conduct. Through the generosity of King Dagobert, Eligius was able to build the Abbey of Solignac, near Limoges.

Soon one hundred and fifty persons inhabited the abbey, working at several trades. A house in Paris, which Dagobert also gave to our Saint, he converted into a convent and placed three hundred religious women in it under the direction of St. Aurea. St. Eligius, while a layman, was instrumental in having procured a Council held at Orleans against certain heretics, drove a number of impious persons out of Paris, and, with St. Owen, employed his efforts to effectually root out simony.

The Bishops were greatly edified by the sanctity of these two zealous men and resolved to raise them to the episcopacy. After two years’ preparation both were consecrated at Rouen, about 640. St. Eligius was chosen Bishop of Upper Picardy, while St. Owen, of Rouen. He preached in the territories of Antwerp, Ghent and Courtray. Many blind, lame and sick persons were restored to health by the prayers of St. Eligius.

St. Eligius: A Great Prophet

Among other prophecies, he foretold the division of the French monarchy among the three sons of Clovis II, and its reunion under Theodoric, the youngest of them. St. Eligius having governed his flock fourteen years and a half, was favored with a foresight of his death, and a short time before he was seized with his last sickness, foretold it to his disciples.

On the sixth day after he fell ill of a fever, as he fervently commended his soul into the hands of his Redeemer, he happily expired on December 1, 665 or 669. St. Owen relates many miracles which followed his death. The greatest part of his remains are kept at Noyon.

Popular St. Eligius Medal and St. Eligius Rosary

A St. Eligius medal or a St. Eligius rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. Eligius as their confirmation name or to any individual who professionally transports others such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, limo drivers, or mass transit operators. As the patron saint of taxi drivers and transportation professionals, wearing a St. Eligius medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Eligius to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Eligius Medal pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you drive others and live our your vocation. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Eligius and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our St. Eligius medal pendant is carefully crafted by local artists here in the United States. The medal features an iconic image of St. Eligius standing tall with his Bishop robes and miter. Surrounding the image are the words “St. Eligius Pray for Us”

Prayers to St. Eligius

St. Eligius, with your hands you wrought beauty and with your heart you won friends and through both you glorified God. Befriend us, dear saint, and pray that we will use our God-given talents to serve Him. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Eligius

O glorious Saint Eligius, you were renowned for your sanctity, your wisdom, and your skill as a metalworker. You used your talents to spread the Gospel, to care for the sick, and to defend the poor.

In your life on earth, you worked wonders and performed many miracles. You had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and you were gifted with the power to heal the sick and to cast out demons.

Now that you are in heaven, I ask you to pray for me. Help me to grow in holiness, to be wise in the ways of God, and to use my talents to serve others.

Grant me the grace to love the Eucharist as you did, and to receive it with reverence and devotion. Strengthen me in my faith, and give me the courage to defend the poor and the oppressed.

With your intercession, may I be able to work wonders for God, and to bring comfort and hope to those in need. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Eligius

O Saint Eligius, you were a true servant of God, who dedicated your life to the service of others. You used your talents and your wisdom to bring comfort and hope to the poor, the sick, and the oppressed.

I turn to you today, asking for your intercession. I need your help, your guidance, and your strength, as I seek to live a life of faith and service.

In your life on earth, you performed many miracles, and you brought healing and peace to those in need. I ask you to pray for me now, that I too may be a channel of God’s love and grace to others.

Help me to grow in wisdom and holiness, so that I may be a true witness to the Gospel. Strengthen my faith, and give me the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.

With your intercession, may I be able to bring hope and comfort to those who are suffering, and to work wonders for God in the world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

St. Eligius: Patron Saint of Metalworkers and Horsemen

St. Eligius is a saint from the 7th century who is remembered today as the patron saint of metalworkers and horsemen. He is known for his strong devotion to God, his compassion for the poor, and his remarkable skill as a metalworker.

Patron Saint of Metalworkers

St. Eligius is the patron saint of metalworkers, and he is invoked by those who work with metal and those who are seeking guidance and protection in their work. He is remembered for his remarkable skill as a metalworker, and his legacy continues to inspire metalworkers around the world.

Patron Saint of Horsemen

St. Eligius is also the patron saint of horsemen, and he is invoked by those who work with horses and those who are seeking guidance and protection in their work. He is remembered for his compassion for horses and his commitment to treating all animals with kindness and respect.

St. Eligius is remembered for his strong devotion to God, his compassion for the poor, and his remarkable skill as a metalworker. He continues to be a source of inspiration for metalworkers and horsemen around the world, and his legacy reminds us of the importance of compassion, skill, and devotion in all aspects of our lives.

Reflection on the feast day of St. Eligius

The feast day of St. Eligius is December 1st.

As we gather to celebrate the feast day of St. Eligius, we are reminded of the powerful impact this French bishop had on the Church in the 7th century. Born in Chaptelat, France, St. Eligius served as the bishop of Noyon-Tournai, known for his kindness and compassion, as well as his skill as a metalworker and his dedication to the poor. He was known for his ability to convert the Merovingian kings and nobles who were hostile to the Church, and for his work in establishing monasteries and convents throughout the region.

St. Eligius’s life is a testament to the power of holiness in action, he showed that we can serve God in the most ordinary of jobs and that we can be holy in the most ordinary of lives. He was a metalworker, a bishop, and an advisor to the king, but he never let his positions or his talents go to his head. He always put the needs of others before his own, and his life was a reflection of the love of Christ.

As we reflect on the life and teachings of St. Eligius, we are reminded that holiness is not a matter of position or prestige, but of humility and service to others. He teaches us that we can serve God in any job or profession, and that we can be a light in the world and a reflection of the love of Christ in the most ordinary of lives. He encourages us to use our talents and abilities for the greater good, and to always put the needs of others before our own.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Eligius, let us give thanks for the powerful example he has set for us and commit ourselves to following in his footsteps by living lives of humility, service and compassion. May his example inspire us to be a light in the world and a reflection of the love of Christ in all we do.

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Also check out our handmade St. Eligius Medal and St. Eligius Rosary and St. Eligius Rosary Bracelet .