Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Scientists
Saint Eligius
Bishop († 660) Feast: December 1
[God] has filled him with a divine spirit of skill and understanding and knowledge in every craft: in the production of embroidery, in making things of gold, silver, or bronze, in cutting and mounting precious stones, in carving wood, and in every other craft (Ex 35:31-33). Born in France, Eligius was a bright, affable boy, and very skilled with his hands. He was apprenticed to a goldsmith, a profession requiring scientific knowledge as well as technical ability.
Eligius soon excelled. But, as a historian notes, “his piety and virtues recommended him still more highly than his talents; his frankness, prudence, gentleness and charity were admired by all.” When King Clotaire II commissioned a throne, Eligius was able to craft two lovely thrones from the gold he received. His resourcefulness and honesty won him a position as royal goldsmith and advisor to Clotaire and his successors.
Though surrounded by wealth, Eligius lived in a spirit of great poverty. His house was known for the crowds of the poor who lined up to be served by him. He built beautiful tombs and reliquaries to honor the saints. Eventually Eligius was ordained a priest and then bishop, becoming known as a wonderworker, who, among other things, was able to find the bodies of saints whose burial places were unknown. He died in 660 and is honored as the patron of metalworkers, and also of Britain’s corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Heavenly Father, bless all who use their science
and skill to make your Church beautiful.
