Eutropius of Orange facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Eutropius of Orange
Saint Eutropius, in Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral, Orange
Bishop
Died	May 27, 475
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Major shrine	St Mary Magdalene's Chapel, London Oratory
Feast	May 27

Eutropius of Orange was a very important religious leader, known as a bishop, in a city called Orange, France. He lived in the 400s and became bishop around the year 463, taking over from another bishop named Justus.

The Story of Saint Eutropius

From Wild Youth to Holy Leader

Eutropius was born into a noble family in Marseille, a city in France. When he was young, he lived a bit wildly and didn't always make the best choices. However, tradition says that his wife helped him change his ways. After she passed away, he became a deacon, which is a church helper, under a man named Eustochius.

Later, Eutropius was chosen to be the Bishop of Orange. This was a huge job, and at first, he felt completely overwhelmed. He even tried to run away! But a wise religious man named Aper convinced him to come back. Eutropius then decided to fully dedicate himself to helping the people in his church. He became well-known for his deep faith and devotion.

A Bishop Who Wasn't Afraid to Work

During his time as bishop, which lasted about twelve years, Eutropius was very hands-on. He wasn't afraid to do hard manual labor. Sometimes, he would work in a field, using a plough to prepare the land. Other times, he would be at a building site, carrying heavy stones. He even did this while other workers were taking their meal breaks!

Eutropius was also friends with other important people of his time. He wrote letters to Pope Hilarius, who was the leader of the Catholic Church. He was also a good friend of Saint Faustus of Riez. People who knew him spoke highly of how smart and religious he was. A famous writer named Sidonius Apollinaris admired him greatly. Eutropius also attended important meetings called councils in Arles in 463 and 475.

Sadly, his church area was badly damaged by a group called the Visigoths. Eutropius passed away on May 27, 475.

His Resting Place and Miracles

Eutropius was buried in a church called the Basilica of St Julien d'Antioch. He had actually helped build this very church himself! Around the year 500, the bishop who took his place, named Verus, wrote a book about Eutropius's life. This book described several amazing things, or miracles, that Eutropius was said to have done. These included helping someone who was very troubled, healing a person who was struck by lightning, and even stopping a fire through prayer.

Honoring Saint Eutropius

Where He is Remembered Today

Today, parts of Saint Eutropius's body, called relics, are kept in a special place. They are in the altar of St Mary Magdalene's Chapel in the London Oratory in England. His special day, or feast day, is celebrated every year on May 27.

You can also see Saint Eutropius in a beautiful stained glass window. This window was made in the 1800s and is located in the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Orange, France. It shows him as a respected and important figure.

Images for kids

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  Saint Eutropius, in Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral, Orange