Saint Elegius

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Eligius, known as Eloi, was born around 590 near Limoges in France. As a master metalsmith, he quickly gained fame for his exceptional skills and was appointed head of the mint under King Clotaire II of Paris. Eligius developed a close friendship with the King, whose reputation as an outstanding metalsmith spread far and wide. With his growing influence came great wealth, which he used to help the poor, free many slaves, and build several churches and a monastery at Solignac. He also constructed a major convent in Paris using property gifted by Clotaire's son, King Dagobert I. In 629, Eligius was appointed Dagobert's top advisor, leveraging his position to persuade Breton King Judicael to accept Dagobert's authority. On another mission for Dagobert, he successfully convinced the Breton King to submit to his rule. After being ordained as a priest in 640, Eligius went on to become bishop of Noyon and Tournai, driven by an apostolic zeal that led him to preach throughout Flanders, especially in Antwerp, Ghent, and Courtai, where he converted many people. Eligius passed away on December 1 around 660 at Noyon. He is revered as the patron saint of metalworkers, and his feast day is celebrated on December 1. St. Eligius's life serves as a testament to the importance of using one's talents and wealth for the betterment of humanity, reflecting the image of God. His remarkable example should inspire us to be generous in spirit, kind, and joyful in demeanor. This artwork was created by Nanni di Banco, an Italian sculptor from Florence, who lived around 1384-1421. He was a contemporary of Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti, renowned for his sculpture group 'Four Crowned Martyrs' (Quattro Santi Coronati) between 1412 and 1415. This piece is one of many tabernacle sculptures that once adorned the exterior of Orsanmichele in Florence but are now housed in its museum crypt. Other notable works from this collection include several pieces by Donatello, Giambologna, Ghiberti, and Baccio da Montelupo.