Subj : =?UTF-8?Q?September_9th_=2D_St=2E_Omer_of_Th=C3=A9rouanne=2C_Bishop?= To : All From : rich Date : Sun Sep 08 2019 09:43:42 From: rich September 9th - St. Omer of Th=C3=A9rouanne, Bishop (Also known as Audomarus) Born in Coutances, France, c. 595; died September 9, c. 670. Saint Omer was the only son of wealthy and noble parents, Friulph and Domitilla, whose only thoughts were for the benefit of their son--both secular and spiritual. Upon the death of Domitilla, Friulph sold his estate, and distributed the entire proceeds among the poor. Thereafter, Friulph and Omer were welcomed by Abbot Saint Eustasius to Luxeuil monastery near Besan=C3=A7on, where they were both professed. Omer was distinguished by his humility, obedience, and devotion. Within a short time his reputation for sanctity became widely known. After spending more than 20 years at Luxeuil, Saint Omer was nominated by Bishop Saint Acharius of Noyon-Tournai and appointed by King Dagobert to be bishop of Th=C3=A9rouanne, a diocese sadly in need of evangelization that then encompassed the Pas-de-Calais and Flanders. The choice was applauded by the king, bishops, and nobility, but not by Saint Omer. Upon receiving notification, he cried out: "How great is the difference between the secure harbor in which I now enjoy a sweet calm, and that tempestuous ocean into which I am pushed, against my will, and destitute of experience!" Without listening to his humble objections, the deputies presented him to the bishops, who consecrated him at the end of 637. Omer succeeded in making inroads with the Morini, where others before him had failed or been stopped: Saints Fuscian, Victoricus, and Gentian as well as Quintinus had brought the Gospel to them but were martyred; Saint Victricius of Rouen had worked among them but lacked enough pastors during the incursions of the barbarians to keep the people from falling back into heathenism; and in the 6th century, Saint Remigius sent Antimund and Adelbert to evangelize them. The work of completing the conversion of the Morini was left to Saint Omer. He began this task as always--with prayer--and completed it by dedicating himself totally to the mission. He destroyed pagan idols and temples and patiently instructed the people. His first priority was to bolster the faith of the few Christians that he found. His own zeal, piety, and good works drew others to the faith, as did his eloquent preaching that emphasized disinterested service and reconciliation. He also enlisted the service of other holy monks from Luxeuil, including Saints Mommolinus, Bertrand, and Bertin. They literally covered the district with abbeys that served as centers for their missionary activities. Omer himself was the co-founder of Sithiu (Sithin), around which grew the town now known as Saint-Omer. The author of his life recounts many miracles performed by Omer. In his old age he was blind (from at least 663), but that did not stop him from tending to his flock. When Bishop Saint Aubert of Arras-Cambrai translated the relics of Saint Redact in 667 from the cathedral to the monastery which he had built in his honor, Saint Omer assisted and recovered his sight for a short time on that occasion. His body was buried by Saint Bertin at our Lady's church, which is now the cathedral (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Farmer, Husenbeth). Saint Quote: Prayer ought to be humble, fervent, resigned, persevering, and accompanied with great reverence. One should consider that he stands in the presence of a God, and speaks with a Lord before whom the angels tremble from awe and fear. --St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Bible Quote: Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 )=C2 DRB <><><><> Daily Thought From The Following of Christ He is truly great who hath great charity. He is truly great who is little in his own eyes, and counteth for nothing all the heights of honor. He is truly prudent who esteemeth all earthly things as dung, that he may win Christ. And he is truly most learned who doth the will of God and forsaketh his own will. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .