Sunday, December 1, 2013

December 1: Saint Eligius


St. Eligius
Photo by Havang

Special Note: Today is the first day of Advent! Here's a wonderful guide to the season from Our Sunday Visitor. You may want to make our kid-friendly Advent wreath today instead of today's activity (or in addition to it, if you have the time). 

History

Saint Eligius (also called Eloi) was a talented metalsmith in France about 1500 years ago. He was in charge of the King’s mint, where coins were made. Eligius and the King got to be good friends, but even though he was a very important man, he did not forget to help others. He gave generously to the poor and paid for slaves to be set free. He also built several churches and a monastery, and finally, he became a priest, and then a bishop. Many people became Christians because of his powerful teaching.

Activity

Saint Eligius taught people that it was important to use of their talents and wealth to help other people, and he taught this by his good example. Think about what your talent are and how you can use them to help other people while you make this simple Christmas ornament out of thin aluminum sheets and permanent markers. (The instructions say to place the aluminum on a foil sheet for the embossing, a pad of paper or an open spiral-bound notebook works just as well.)

Saint Eligius, pray for us!

More reading for parents:


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