Saint Amand of Maastricht
Also known as: Apostle of Belgium; Apostle of Flanders; Amand of Belgium; Amand of Elnone; Amand of France; Amandus of….; Amantius of….; Amatius of….
Feast Day: 6 February; formerly 1 February
Born: C.584 at Poitou, France
Died: C.679 in the monastery at Elnone-en-Pevele (modern Saint-Amand-les-Eaux), France
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Biography
Saint Amand of Maastricht, also known as Amandus, was born around the year 584 in Poitou, France. From our understanding of historical documents, he lived as a hermit for some time before feeling a calling to dedicate his life to God. At the age of 20, he entered the abbey of Saint Martin at Tours, France, becoming a monk.
When Saint Amand took the cowl, his family attempted to kidnap him in an effort to bring him back home for "deprogramming." However, their plans were unsuccessful, and he remained steadfast in his commitment to the monastic life.
In recognition of his devotion and his gifts as a speaker, Saint Amand was given a commission to wander and preach. He traveled extensively throughout France, Flanders, Carinthia, Gascony, and Germany, tirelessly spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church.
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