Emebert
Emebert was an early Bishop of Cambrai, often identified with Bishop Ablebert of Cambrai (early 8th century).
Saint Emebert | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Cambrai | |
| Born | 7th century Brabant, Frankish Empire |
| Died | 710 Cambrai, Frankish Empire |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church |
| Canonized | pre-congregation |
| Major shrine | Maubeuge Abbey |
| Feast | 15 January |
According to the unreliable Vita S. Amalbergae viduae, Emebert was the son of Duke Witger of Lotharingia and Saint Amalberga of Maubeuge. His siblings include four other saints, Ermelinde, Gudula, Pharaildis and the martyred Reineldis, beheaded during an invasion by the Huns.
Emebert was possibly a missionary bishop who evangelized Brabant, his native country.[1] After the death of his sister Gudula in 712, her tomb was desecrated, and Emebert then excommunicated the desecrators.
According to the Gesta Episcoporum Cameracensis (Acts of the Bishops of Cambrai), he was buried in a place called Ham, located in the vicinity of Cambrai. His body was afterwards taken to Maubeuge Abbey, where his mother had become a nun. He is probably identical with Bishop Hildebert of Cambrai-Arras, who died around 700 and is buried at Maubeuge.[2]
His feast day is celebrated on the 15 January. He is particularlary venerated at Arras, Cambrai and Ghent.[3]
References
Sources
- Gesta Ableberti: Bollandus J., Henschenius G., 'De S. Ableberto, sive Emeberto, episcopo Cameracensi et Atrebatensi', Acta Sanctorum Januarii Tomus I (1643) 1077–1080.
- Holweck, F. G., A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints. St. Louis, MO: B. Herder Book Co. 1924.