October 11: Saint Gummarus

Today, October 11, we celebrate the feast of Saint Gummarus (also known as Saint Gommer or Gommaire, died 714), knight of King Pepin, founder of Lier (in modern-day Belgium), and worker of many miracles. The faith and patience of Saint Gummarus are recounted in pious legend, and he is venerated for his virtues.

Gummarus was the son of the Lord of Emblem, born in Lier. He received no formal education, and was unable to read and write. However, he demonstrated a profound holiness and sense of piety, innately grasping theological concepts, and putting them into practice with constant works of charity and mercy. Gummarus served in the court of Pepin the Younger, who raised him to a high post and proposed a marriage between he and a lady of good social standing. Her name was Guinmarie, and the were married.

Gummarus was in for a surprise, however, as upon marriage he discovered that his new wife was extravagantly greedy, cruel, and disinterested in the ways of the faith. Gummarus, however, rather than become disheartened, persisted in patience and virtue, living the life of a saint, enduring constant trials and sufferings at her hands. For years, he encouraged his wife to engage in acts of charity, given their social standing, but she refused, preferring to spend the money on herself. Gummarus was left to minister to those in need on his own.

Life continued in this difficult manner until Gummarus was summoned by King Pepin to serve in the army. He traveled, leading troops in battle with Christian instruction and fortitude for eight years, serving in Lombardy, Saxony, and the Aquitaine. At the end of that time, returning home, Gummarus discovered that his wife had thrown all things into disorder, and that few among his servants, vassals or tenants had escaped her oppression. She was so mean that she even refused beer to the reapers at harvest, quite uncommon in that region of the world! Gummarus made full restitution and satisfaction to every wronged member of the community and the staff, seeking them out, begging forgiveness, and offering penance and prayer. Guinimarie was so far overcome by his patience and kindness as to be ashamed of her past conduct, and for a time appeared penitent. However, this was only temporary, and when she returned to her cruel and capricious ways, Gummarus was forced to leave. With Saint Rumbold, he became a hermit at Nivesdonck, and subsequently founded the abbey at Lier. There he died in 714. His relics, venerated in the abbey today, are processed through the streets of Lier each October in celebration of his feast day.

Many miracles and patronages are attributed to Saint Gummarus. He is, for example, the patron bad marriages, woodworkers, and of all those with “a broken face.” One miracle he is said to have performed occurred one day while sitting with his wife. She was so cruel that the oak tree which they say beneath—an old, sturdy tree—cracked and broke, falling to the ground. Gummarus removed his belt, wrapping it around the fractured tree, which immediately mended itself and bloomed. Saint Gummarus is further known for creating a miraculous spring by tapping the earth with his walking stick. The spring led to the healings of many, including the deaf and mute (some of which regained their voice and found they were able to now speak Latin!) and the crippled.

Saint Gummarus found himself in a difficult situation. He had pledged to the Lord to love his wife, who turned out to be quite difficult to live with. Despite these challenges, Gummarus remained steadfast and patient, turning to the Lord and to works of virtue and charity to sustain himself in the midst of his daily trials. We might be reminded of Saint Gummarus on those days when our lives feel much the same way. How might we persevere in the ways of the Christ by helping others?



Day 284 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Patient Endurance.
Requested Intentions: Successful outcome of court case and employment (L); For guidance and righteous love (K); Restoration of a relationship (H); For successful employment (I); For a daughter’s successful relationship (M); For a relationship sanctified by God (M); For health of father; For canonization of Pope John Paul II (A); For the conversion of a family (L); For the ill (A); For the health of a family (I); For a father’s successful surgery and recovery (G); For those who are ill, and their caretakers (D); For the safety of a sister who is traveling (A); Recovery of mother with cancer (R); Successful acquisition of a visa (T); Restoration of a marriage (A); For employment and health of mother (G); Successful employment (M); Restoration of a family, End to brother's addiction, Successful marriage (R); Employment (I); Successful recovery of a mother; for all stroke victims (D); Successful return to the faith (A); Emotional, physical, and financial healing (D); Diagnosis and recovery (A); For a successful relationship (J); Those suffering from depression (J); Successful adoption (S); Healing of a father battling cancer (S).