Saint Gummarus

Biography

Saint Gummarus, also known as Gomer, Gommaire, Guntmar, Gummar, Gommar, Gummaro, and Gummario, was born in the year 717 in Brabant, Belgium. He was the son of the Lord of Emblem, a court official. Despite belonging to the nobility, Gummarus did not receive a formal education. Instead, he grew up serving in the court of Pepin the Short, the King of the Franks. During his time in the court, Gummarus married a noble woman named Guinmarie. Unfortunately, their marriage was not harmonious, and Guinmarie proved to be a shrewish and difficult spouse. The couple faced the challenge of being childless, which added a strain to their relationship. Additionally, while Gummarus was away serving in the army of Pepin, his wife mistreated the household servants and withheld funds for their support. Gummarus faithfully served in the army for eight years, participating in various military campaigns in Lombardy, Saxony, and the Aquitaine. However, upon his return, he realized that his efforts to convert Guinmarie to an active Christian life had failed. Consequently, in their later years, the couple decided to separate. After separating from his wife, Gummarus sought a life of solitude and dedicated himself to God. He became a hermit at Nivesonck, where he devoted his time to prayer, contemplation, and penance. It was during this period that Gummarus experienced a deep spiritual transformation. Eventually, Gummarus joined forces with another saint, named Rumald, and together they founded an abbey in Lier, Belgium. This abbey would later become renowned for its spiritual and educational contributions to the community. Saint Gummarus lived a life marked by humility, self-discipline, and devotion to God. He exemplified the virtues of a true Christian and became revered by the people around him. Saint Gummarus passed away in the year 774 due to natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of faith and spiritual enlightenment. Following his death, his reputation for holiness grew, and many came to seek his intercession for various needs and intentions. Due to his virtuous life and the miracles attributed to his intercession, Saint Gummarus was later canonized as a saint. However, his canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, thus making him a pre-congregation saint. Throughout history, Saint Gummarus has been recognized as the patron saint against hernia, carpenters, childless people, courtiers, cowherds, difficult marriages, glove makers, separated spouses, turners, and woodcutters. He is also honored as a patron saint of Antwerp, Belgium, and Lier, Belgium. On October 11th of each year, the faithful gather to celebrate the feast day of Saint Gummarus. They reflect upon his exemplary life and seek his intercession for their various needs, placing their trust in his heavenly aid. Saint Gummarus continues to be a spiritual inspiration for all those who face challenges within their marital relationships and for those who long for the gift of children.