SAINT CASTOR OF KOBLENZ - 12 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 12th November

SAINT CASTOR OF KOBLENZ

Saint Castor's name is derived from the Latin, meaning "the beaver." This holy priest is venerated at Coblenz [Koblenz] (Confluentia) on the Rhine, where his relics have been kept since 837, and in the Diocese of Trier [Treves].

Castor left his fatherland and settled in this area under the guidance of Bishop St Maximin, who also ordained him a priest. For of love for solitude and to devote himself entirely to Christian perfection, he withdrew into a desert (solitude) on the Moselle, to the place called Carodon (actually "Carden," not far from Coblenz), and spent his time by fasting, praying and contemplating. But his whereabouts did not remain hidden for long; several disciples gathered around him; he became their guide on the way to perfection. 

St Castor died towards the end of the 4th century and was buried in the church he built. On November 12, 837, his remains were transferred from Carodon (Carden) to Coblenz, and this transfer is still celebrated on this day in the Diocese of Trier. There used to be a monastery of St Castor, which owed its origin to Bishop Hetti von Trier, who translated St Castor's relics from Carden to Coblenz.  

In church paintings our saint is depicted in priestly clothing, rescuing a sinking ship. It is said of him that he once asked a ferryman on the Moselle for salt, but received a negative answer from him; thereupon his ship started sinking and was only saved through the prayer of the saint. He is patron of the city of Coblenz.

St Castor is also venerated on February 13.

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

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Castor 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.