Eucherius of Lyons, St. (d. c. 449)

Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 5: Diocese-Fathers of Mercy -- from Herbermann, Charles George (1840-1916)

St. Eucherius of Lyons -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century -- from Wace, Henry (1836-1924)

De Contemptu Mundi

Description: In the early fifth century, St. Eucherius became famous across southeastern Gaul for his piety and asceticism. In this letter to his kinsman, Valerianus, Eucherius entreats Valerianus to give up his wealth, titles, and future in order to dedicate himself to God. The Saint argues that these worldly pleasures only work to distract the soul from its heavenly purpose. Instead, the faithful heed the words of Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff

Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Description: In the early fifth century, St. Eucherius became famous across southeastern Gaul for his piety and asceticism. In his Formulae, he lays out a method for acquiring spiritual knowledge through the study of the Holy Scripture. He suggests ways to interpret the meanings behind the names of God, the places mentioned by the biblical authors, the symbolism used in biblical poetry, and the history of the Israelite nation. After each statement, St. Eucherius cites at least one supporting passage of scripture. The Formulae provide a fascinating insight into the biblical hermeneutics of the early medieval period of Christianity.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff