Saint Theofrid of Orange | |
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | Orange, Vaucluse, France |
| Died | 728 or 732 AD near Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, France |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | November 18;[1] October 19[2] |
Theofrid (Chaffre, Theofredus, Theofred, Théofroy)of Orange (orof Carmery) (d. 728 or 732 AD) was an abbot of Calmeliac or Carmery-en-Velay (later called Saint-Chaffre, and todayLe Monastier-sur-Gazeille[1]), which is situated nearLe Puy-en-Velay and was founded byCalminius.
A native ofOrange, he joined his uncle Eudon, the first abbot of Calmeliac.[3] Theofrid is venerated as amartyr, asChristian tradition holds that he was killed byMuslim raiders who had crossed into southernFrance.[4]
Tradition states that the circumstances of his death are as follows: when the raiders neared Calmeliac, Theofrid ordered the other monks to hide in the forest.[4] He remained near the monastery and was found in prayer, and was dragged away and mortally wounded in the head with a stone.[5]
The legend further states that after Theofrid fell to the ground, the earth shook and a dark storm cloud unleashed lightning, hail, and winds that dispersed the raiders.[4] Theofrid died seven days later.[4]
His cult spread inSouthern France during the 11th century.[1] InPiedmont, his cult was confused with that of the legendary member of theTheban Legion,Chiaffredo (Theofredus, Teofredo).[1][6]Holweck says Theofrid is "identical with S. Teofredo of Joffredo (Gioffredo), patron of Cervera and Cherasco in Piedmont."[3]