Adalgis of Thiérache

Adalgis of Thiérache (died 670 or 686) also known as Adelgis, French: Algis, Algise, Adalgisius, Adalgisus, or Aldegisus, was a 7th-century Irish saint who was a monk, priest, and missionary active in Arras and Laon France, founding parishes in the Diocese of Laon, Picardy,^[1] and is traditionally believed to be a follower of Saint Fursey.

Adalgis died on June 2nd, either in 670 or 686. His feast day is June 2nd, with some places celebrating him on July 10th.^[1]

Adalgis was born in Ireland to distinguished and pious parents.^[2][1] From a young age, he was dedicated to God, and his parents ensured he received an education in both worldly and spiritual matters. It is believed through divine grace, he decided to dedicate himself wholly to the Lord's service.^[2] According to those who compiled his biography, it is traditionally believed his brothers were Saints Goban of Picardy and Etto of Fescau.^[2][1]

Adalgis is often traditionally associated with Saint Fursey, sometimes described as his disciple or companion.^[3][2] Accounts state that Adalgis, along with his brothers Goban and Etto, and a holy man named Eloquius, placed themselves under Fursey's guidance, serving God with one heart and mind.^[1][2] It is said they were encouraged by Fursey to prepare for Holy Orders and were subsequently ordained priests by him.^[1][2] Following a shared dream, Adalgis and his companions sought Fursey's permission to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. Fursey reportedly intended to accompany them, also calling his brothers Saint Ultan and Saint Foillan. Adalgis himself gathered his brothers Goban and Etto, Eloquius, his godson Corbican, and his servant Rodalgus, to follow Christ. They then embarked on a ship to landing somewhere on the French shore. Eventually reaching the Abbey of Corbie.^[1][2]

Upon his arrival in France, Adalgis began his missionary efforts by preaching around Arras and Laon.^[3][4] It is said that during this period, Adalgis and his companions were warmly received by King Clovis II at Laon., and is believed that the king provided them with a place to serve the Lord, granting him land in the area of Thiérache.^[1]

After separating from his companions and peaching in the Arras and Laon area, Adalgis settled in the forest of Thiérache in Picardy with three companions.^[3] He built simple cabins, and also built a small church in honor of the apostles Peter and Paul, and a monastic cell surrounded by a simple wooden fence. This place was later known as Cellula, meaning "little cell," and a village grew up around it, which eventually took the name Saint-Algis. This location is near the Oise River.^[1]

From this base he evangelized the surrounding area, and became a prominent evangelizer in the then the historical region of Hainaut, which is roughly between the Oise River and the Helpe River, which includes parts of modern-day northern France (Avesnois region) and southern Belgium (Hainaut province).^[2]

It is said that in fulfillment of a vow, Adalgis later journeyed to Rome. He visited the Basilica of St. Peter, offering prayers with devotion, and desire to receive sacred relics to bring back to his monastery. In response to his wishes, a he was favored with a vision of the Apostle Peter in the form of divine light shining upon his face, appeared and granted him the requested relics. After visiting other holy oratories, Adalgis returned to his cell, where he for the remainder of his life, he devoted himself to prayer, solitude, and contemplation.^[1][2]

Adalgis is believed to have died peacefully.^[2] His death is on June 2nd, however the exact year is disputed, with some sources claiming 670,^[3][4] while others claim 686.^[1] It occurred likely some time after the middle of the seventh century^[2] or toward the end of the 600s.^[1]

He was initially buried at the chapel he had built, in the territory of Laon. His tomb became renowned for the many miracles said to have occurred there, even after his death.^[2]

His remains were later transferred and buried in the Abbey of Saint-Michel in Thiérache. This transfer was reportedly done by Eilbert, castellan of Péronne, in 960 or around 970.^[2] An arm of St. Adalgis was preserved as a relic in the Monastery of Maroilles, although this claim has been called into question.^[2]

Several miracles are attributed to Adalgis. Upon settling in Thiérache, he is said to have planted his staff in the ground, and a clear spring of water immediately sprang up, which later cured many infirmities.^[2]

• He is also said to have healed two demon-possessed individuals by kneeling, praying, imposing hands, and signing them with the cross, the two people healed to "their perfect restoration."^[2]
• A significant legend involves Adalgis' godson, Corbican. Adalgis sent Corbican to Ireland to inform his parents of his affairs and to sell his remaining inheritance, bringing the proceeds back to Cellula.^[2] Adalgis instructed Corbican that if he died on the journey, his body should be wrapped in waxed cloth, the treasure placed by his side, sewn into animal hides, and then let to the sea, trusting in divine guidance for it to be brought to Cellula. Corbican died in Ireland after delivering the message and selling the property.^[2]Following Adalgis's instructions, Corbican's parents placed his body wrapped in waxed cloth and the treasure inside two hides and set it out to the sea.^[2] The legend states that angels guided Corbican's remains across the sea, floating against the current of the Oise River directly to where Adalgis lived at Cellula. Adalgis, having received a vision of what happened, came to the riverbank, and the body floated directly to him. Corbican was then religiously buried near the church, with hymns and psalms sung to God for the miracle.^[2]

Adalgis' feast day is June 2nd in both the Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox Church.

In memory of the saint, on the eve of the Feast of the Ascension, a rogation procession would pause briefly before the blessed spring fountain, while mothers would dip their children into it to bring them health and strength. The water, is said to have miraculous properties, reportedly healng many sick people such as lepers, paralytics, and possessed individuals.^[5]

There is debate over scholarly analysis of the Acts of Saint Algise which raises doubts regarding traditional narratives of Saint Adalgis' life and connections with Saint Fursey:

• The Acts of Saint Etton, which state Adalgis was Fursey's brother, are considered untrustworthy due to many errors, as shown by the Bollandists.^[3] Anonymous 7th-century authors and Arnould of Lagny (an 11th century monk) mention only Foillan and Ultan as Fursey's brothers.^[3]
• Adalgis' name, "Adalgisus," suggests Frankish rather than Irish origins, casting doubt on him being Irish-born. However, it's possible he joined Fursey in France even if not Irish.^[3]
• The claim that Fursey ordained Adalgis as a priest before Fursey went to Rome is deemed apocryphal, as Fursey, if he was a bishop, would have been consecrated by Pope Martin I after his pilgrimage to Rome.^[3][2] Sources note that Fursey being a bishop is a likely false, as this is not found in his own Acts or in notices by Bede the Venerable.^[2] Some believe he might have been ordained a bishop before leaving Ireland, others that he was consecrated by Pope Martin I after visiting Rome.^[2]
• None of Fursey's three ancient biographers mention the names of those who accompanied him across the English Channel, making it difficult to distinguish early disciples from those who would join at a later date.^[3]
• Sources dispute that Fursey ever fulfilled his plan to go to Rome.Therefore, Adalgis could not have accompanied him on that specific pilgrimage.^[3][2]
• It is considered impossible that Saint Fursey and his companions could have visited the Abbey of Corbie. Fursey died in 650, while the abbey was built around 657 and not populated until 662.^[3][2] If Irish saints did reach Corbie, it must have been after 661, and they should not be called Fursey's companions. This presents chronological issues and shortens their time they are believed to of been in France.^[3]

Despite these historical inconsistencies, Adalgis is described as one of many Irish missionaries who preached the Gospel in northern France during the 6th and 7th centuries.