Elzéar of Sabran

Elzéar of Sabran was born in 1285 in the castle of Saint-Jean-de-Robians near Cabrières-d’Aigues in Provence, southern France. Formed in faith and learning under his uncle, the abbot of Saint Victor in Marseille, he grew into a nobleman whose heart was set on Christ. Betrothed as a child to Delphine of Glandèves, he married her at fifteen; on their wedding night she revealed a private vow of chastity, and Elzéar, honoring her consecration, embraced the same vow. Together they entered the Third Order of Saint Francis and made their household at Ansouis a school of prayer, penance, and generous care for the poor. As Count of Ariano in Italy, a soldier and diplomat in the service of the kings of Naples, he governed with kindness and won the trust of his people. In 1323 he was sent to the French court as ambassador, where his humility and virtue shone amid worldly splendor. He died in Paris on September 27, 1323, and is venerated as a model of holy leadership and faithful chastity. His feast day is September 27.