Gummarus

Saint Gummarus was born in Emblehem in Brabant, in the region near present-day Lier, Belgium, the son of the local lord. Related to Pepin of Herstal, he was called to court and entrusted with important responsibilities, and he also served for years on military campaigns in places such as Saxony and Aquitaine. Pepin arranged his marriage to a wealthy noblewoman, Guinmarie; yet their home life proved painful, marked by discord and by the harsh treatment of servants during Gummarus’s long absences. Returning from service, he sought peace and justice, working to repair wrongs and to reconcile what he could. Longing for a life centered on prayer, he built a small chapel and eventually withdrew to live as a hermit at Nivesdunc. There, in quiet devotion and humble charity, he became a spiritual father to the surrounding countryside, and the town of Lier grew up around his hermitage. Many miracles were later attributed to his intercession, and he is venerated as the patron saint of Lier. His feast day is October 11.