13 Facts About Amator

Amator was of a wealthy, upper-class family in Auxerre, France.

Amator studied theology under Valerian, Bishop of Auxerre, but married a holy woman of Langres, venerated locally as Saint Martha, in order to please his parents.

Martha subsequently became a nun and Amator received the clerical tonsure.

Amator later succeeded Eladius as Bishop of Auxerre in 388 and governed the see until his death 30 years later.

Amator introduced the relics of Saint Cyricus into France, thus propagating this saint's cult.

At length he incurred the displeasure of Bishop Amator by hanging hunting trophies on a certain tree, which in earlier times had been the scene of pagan worship.

When in a short time Amator died, Germain was unanimously chosen to succeed him as bishop.

Amator died in 418 and was buried in the church which he had built in honour of the Martyr Saint Symphorian, and which later bore his own name.

Amator is said to have been distinguished by the gift of miracles, both before and after his death.

Amator is depicted as a bishop with an axe and tree.

The commune of Rocamadour is said to have been named after Amator, who is believed to have been the founder of the ancient sanctuary.

Amator is thought to have married Veronica, who wiped Jesus' face on the way to Calvary.

Amator was a hermit of Portugal, and several churches in the diocese of Guarda and elsewhere in Portugal are dedicated to him.