Audomar. Does the name ring a bell? St. Audomar stands as a testament to faith. It also embodies the rich history of this region. Today we will delve into the story of St. Audomar and the man behind its name.
St. Audomar, also known as Omer, was a significant figure in the 7th century. He was born into a distinguished family in Neustria. This area was under Frankish rule.
After his mother’s death, Audomar and his father entered the abbey of Luxeuil. There, he dedicated himself to studying the Scriptures. Audomar became remarkably proficient in religious texts.
King Dagobert recognized Audomar’s potential. He appointed him bishop of Thérouanne in 637. This was an important city in Neustria. The territory was ancient Morini.
Christianity in Morini had largely disappeared despite earlier efforts. Audomar received twelve estates in 649 or 651. One of them was Sithiu. He established three missionaries there. They came from Austrasia. They also spoke the local language. The Abbot of Luxeuil sent monks to assist him including Bertin and Mommolin.
Audomar founded the Abbey of Saint Peter in Sithiu. Later it was known as the Abbey of Saint Bertin. It soon rivaled Luxeuil for its educated and zealous men. In 649, he erected the Church of Our Lady of Sithiu. He built a small monastery next to it. He gave it to the monks of Saint Bertin. He requested that he be buried there. He also wanted the church to serve as a burial place for the monks.
St. Audomar is believed to have died around the year 670. The exact date remains unknown. His burial place is also uncertain. Most likely, he was laid to rest in the Church of Our Lady. It later became Saint-Omer Cathedral. A 13th-century cenotaph stands there. It is dedicated to him.
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches venerate Audomar as a saint. His feast is celebrated on September 9th. The town of Saint-Omer in northern France was named after him.
While we stand here at St. Audomar, remember the legacy of Bishop Audomar. He dedicated his life to spreading Christianity. His efforts left a lasting impact. His story reminds us of faith and devotion. It echoes through the centuries. It connects us to the early days of Christianity in this region. Let’s carry his story with us. Let us be inspired by his commitment.