Saint Romaric

Saint Romaric, also known as Romaricus in some old records, lived in the early 7th century. He came from a noble family and held a high position in the court of the Frankish kings. His life started with power, wealth, and honor. People knew him as a man of influence, close to rulers and leaders.

But Romaric’s story did not stay on the path of comfort. Something in him began to change. The world around him offered many pleasures, but they did not bring peace. His heart grew restless, and he began to look for something deeper. He wanted more than a life of riches and praise.

He lost his parents at a young age. That sorrow stayed with him. Over time, he began to question what mattered most. Even with a high place in the kingdom, his soul was not at rest. He longed for a new life.

Romaric’s story is not about sudden success. It is about quiet turning. It is about walking away from ease and toward a life of meaning. He gave up what many people want, so he could follow Christ more fully.

His path would lead him far from the royal court. It would take him into the mountains, into silence, and into prayer. But before he could go there, he had to meet someone who would help him find the way.

Romaric lived at the court of King Theodebert II in Austrasia, a part of the Frankish kingdom. He had great honor, but that honor did not fill the empty space in his soul. He kept his duties, but he started to wonder what his life was really for.

Losing his family made this even harder. His parents died when he was still young, and that left a wound in his heart. Though he had wealth and power, he carried sorrow with him. He began to feel that something was missing from the life he knew.

Even though he was close to the king, Romaric started to pull away from court life. He watched others chase after comfort and pleasure, but he felt drawn to something more simple and quiet. He wanted to be free, not just in body, but in soul.

People around him may not have understood at first. Why would someone with so much want to leave it all? But Romaric knew that what the world offered was not enough. He was waiting for a sign, for a voice to call him to a new way.

That voice came through a man of God. A monk named Amatus entered Romaric’s life. Their meeting changed everything.

Romaric met Saint Amatus, also called Amé, during this time of searching. Amatus was a monk from Luxeuil Abbey, a place known for deep prayer and strong faith. He had left the world to live simply and serve God. When Romaric heard him speak, something inside him woke up.

The two men spoke often. Amatus helped Romaric see that the peace he was looking for could be found in Christ. It was not in court life or titles, but in silence, prayer, and service. Romaric listened closely. He was not quick to rush, but his heart was ready.

The more they spoke, the clearer the path became. Romaric knew what he needed to do. He left his place in the court and gave up his wealth. He chose to follow the same path as Amatus, even though it was not easy.

He began his new life with simple steps. He prayed more. He fasted. He gave his money to the poor. He turned from power and turned toward God. In time, he asked to join Amatus and the monks at Luxeuil.

Romaric’s friendship with Amatus was not just helpful. It was life-changing. Through that bond, Romaric found the courage to leave behind the world he knew and walk toward a new one.

Romaric did not stop with his own conversion. He wanted to create a place where others could also seek God in peace. Together with Amatus, he founded a monastery in the Vosges mountains. This place became known as Remiremont Abbey.

The land was high and quiet, far from the noise of cities. It was a good place for prayer and work. Romaric gave the land he owned for the monastery. He helped build it with his own hands and heart.

Remiremont became a home for many. It welcomed monks who wanted to live simply and follow the rule of Saint Columbanus, which was strict but full of peace. In time, it also welcomed women who wished to live holy lives. It became both a monastery and a place for consecrated virgins.

Romaric did not build this place to be famous. He built it so people could find God. He helped shape the daily life of the monks, teaching them by example. He prayed with them, worked beside them, and guided them with kindness.

The monastery stood on the side of a hill, quiet and strong. It was a place where people could find peace, and where the love of God could grow without distraction.

Romaric became the abbot of Remiremont. He did not rule with force. He led with care. He taught the monks to pray, to serve one another, and to love the quiet life. He had once been a nobleman, but now he was a servant of all.

He lived simply. He did not keep any wealth for himself. He wore plain clothes, ate simple food, and gave much time to silence and prayer. He helped others do the same. His joy came not from power, but from living close to God.

As abbot, Romaric also welcomed guests. People came to the monastery looking for help, peace, and wisdom. He listened to them, prayed with them, and helped them find direction. Many people trusted him.

Romaric also helped guide the women who joined the religious community nearby. He supported them as they formed their own way of life. He believed that both men and women could live holy lives in their own way.

He stayed strong in faith, even when times were hard. He showed that it is possible to leave behind the world and find joy in serving others.

Romaric lived the rest of his life in this way. He was faithful until the end.

Romaric died around the year 653. He had lived many years in the monastery he helped to build. His life had moved from the halls of kings to the quiet of the hills. He was not buried with gold or honor, but with the peace he had always wanted.

The Church remembered him as a saint. His life showed that it is never too late to change. He left power behind and found joy in silence and service. People looked to him as an example of true conversion.

His feast day is December 8. On this day, the Church honors his memory and gives thanks for his witness. He is not widely known across the world, but in the places where he lived and served, his name is still spoken with love.

The monastery of Remiremont continued for many years. It became a place of strength for the Church in France. Though many things have changed since then, the spirit of Saint Romaric still lives on.

He is remembered as a man who traded glory for grace, and who found his home in the quiet hills, walking with God.

Romaric started out rich. Really rich. He was a nobleman with a fancy estate and lots of land.

He worked for the king of the Franks. That meant fancy clothes, parties, and politics.

But then he got tired of it all. He gave it up, like someone quitting their job to live in a tent—forever.

He became a monk. Not a part-time one. A full-time, serious one.

He didn’t just join a monastery—he built one! He founded Remiremont Abbey in the Vosges mountains.

He named it after himself, kind of. Romaric… Remiremont. See what he did there?

The abbey was high up in the mountains. Great for prayer, bad for quick grocery runs.

He convinced his daughters to become nuns. Family life turned into monastery life.

He wasn’t the only noble to become a monk at that time. It was kind of a holy trend.

He was buddies with Saint Amatus, who helped guide him into monastic life.

He lived with monks and nuns, but they were in separate houses. No co-ed monastery parties.

He wasn’t afraid of hard work. He went from royal robes to plain robes and farm chores.

People respected him, but he stayed humble. Not easy for a guy who used to own castles.

He became abbot of the monastery, which is like being the spiritual boss. But he didn’t act like a king.

He prayed a lot. Like, most of the day. And night too.

He once welcomed a bunch of nobles into the abbey who gave up everything just like he did. It became kind of a trend.

He’s the patron saint of former politicians who try to live holy lives. Okay, that’s unofficial—but fitting.

His symbol is a monastery on a hill, since that’s what he built with his new life.

He didn’t miss his old life. Not even the parties or gold.

He died in peace, surrounded by monks and the quiet hills.

If Saint Romaric lived today, he’d sell his mansion, move to the mountains, and probably grow his own vegetables.