Saint Allyre
Illidius
A 4th-century Auvergnat nobleman, Allyre became the fourth bishop of Clermont. Famous for healing the daughter of Emperor Maximus in Trier, he obtained tax relief for his people as a reward. He died around 385, and his tomb was the site of numerous miracles reported by Gregory of Tours.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
4 reading sections
SAINT ALLYRE, FOURTH BISHOP OF CLERMONT (385).
Election and miracle at Trier
A nobleman from Auvergne elected bishop of Clermont, Allyre is called to Trier by Emperor Maximus to exorcise his daughter.
Allyre or Illide , born in Auvergne to a noble family, under the reign of Constantine, was elected bis hop of C lermont by the inspiration of God and at the request of the clergy and the people of that Church. The renown of his holiness having re ached the ears of Clement Maxi mus, w ho reigned at Trier, as his daughter was tormented by an unclean spirit, this prince sent deputies to the holy bishop to invite him to come and see him. Allyre was received at court with great veneration, and, after a night spent in prayer, he placed his fingers in the young girl's mouth and cast out the demon.
Fiscal negotiation and passing
Refusing imperial gold, he obtained a reform of the tribute for Clermont before passing away around 385 during his return journey.
The emperor wished to pay for this service with heaps of gold and silver; but the holy bishop , refusing these riches, asked for and obtained only that the Arverne cit y pay in gold the tribute it had been paying in wheat and wine. The holy pontiff, who was no less burdened with years than filled with merits, ended his career on this journey; he went to enjoy the sight of Our Lord, around the year 385. He was brought back to his city and laid to rest in the church of Saint Mary.
Cult and posthumous miracles
Gregory of Tours testifies to his own healing and other miracles that occurred at the saint's tomb in Clermont.
Saint Gregory of Tours reports several miracles that took place at the tomb of Saint Allyre. "At the time," he says, "when Gallus , of h appy memory, governed the Church, I, Gregory, who trace these lines, being still young, suffered from a high fever and an ailment until I had obtained from my mother that I be carried to the tomb of Saint Allyre. I was carried there, and I recovered my health." A thread, which had served to bind the relics of Saint Allyre, having been in the fire, was found intact long after. A count, who was blind, recovered his sight at the same tomb.
Liturgical sources
Mention of the proper offices for the dioceses of Saint-Flour and Clermont.
Propers of Saint-Flour and Clermont.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Allyre (Illidius)
Frequently asked questions about Saint Allyre (Illidius)
Who was Saint Allyre (Illidius)?
A 4th-century Auvergnat nobleman, Allyre became the fourth bishop of Clermont. Famous for healing the daughter of Emperor Maximus in Trier, he obtained tax relief for his people as a reward. He died around 385, and his tomb was the site of numerous miracles reported by Gregory of Tours.
What is Saint Allyre (Illidius) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Allyre (Illidius): Clermont and Saint-Flour.
What is Saint Allyre (Illidius) invoked for?
Saint Allyre (Illidius) is invoked for: fever, blindness and demonic possession.
How is Saint Allyre (Illidius) depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Allyre (Illidius) is recognizable by: fingers in mouth (exorcism) and episcopal vestments.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Allyre (Illidius)?
4 miracles are attributed to this saint, notably: Healing, Exorcism, Sign / wonder and Mastery of the elements.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Allyre (Illidius)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Blaise, Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Saint Basil the Great (Archbishop of Caesarea) and Saint Baudilus.
When did Saint Allyre (Illidius) die?
Saint Allyre (Illidius) died around 400.
What are the other names of Saint Allyre (Illidius)?
Other forms of the name: Illide.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in Auvergne under Constantine
- Election as Bishop of Clermont
- Journey to Trier to the court of Emperor Magnus Maximus
- Exorcism of the emperor's daughter
- Negotiation of tax relief for the Arverni city
- Died during the return journey