SAINT ACHERICUS, ABBOT OF BELMONT - 3 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 3rd of November

SAINT ACHERICUS, ABBOT

Saint Achericus (Acherius, Echericus), abbot at Belmont (in the Vosges), lived about the middle of the 9th century,  Although he came from a very noble family, he left the world and placed himself under the tutelage of a hermit named Blidulphus, who lived in the hermitage of Belmont in the valley of Lièvre. 

After his death, Blidulphus left behind a small community, which was led by one of his disciples, St William. Achericus, in turn, succeeded William in the management of the community, the number of members of which grew so much under him that he felt compelled to add extra buildings to the monastery. 

Achericus was buried in the monastery church at the altar of the Blessed Virgin and glorified by many miracles. Several hagiographers count him among the "saints" and set his festival on November 3 (Bucelin Suppl.* mentions him on December 28); but there is no proof from which his public veneration could be inferred. The monastery of Belmont was named in honour of this saint "Convent of St Achericus (or Echericus)". Several centuries later it became a priory dependent on the Abbey of Moyenmontino. (Mg., Buc.)

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 1, Augsburg, 1858)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Achericus may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.