Saint Eligius (c. 588 – 1 December 660), also known as Saint Eloy, was a Frankish goldsmith, bishop, and saint. He was born in Chappes, near Limoges, France, to a poor family. He was apprenticed to a goldsmith at an early age and quickly became a master craftsman. He was also a skilled musician and poet.

In 633, Eligius was appointed bishop of Noyon by King Dagobert I. He was a popular and effective bishop, and he was known for his charity and his work with the poor. He was also a skilled diplomat, and he helped to negotiate a peace treaty between the Franks and the Lombards.

Eligius died in Noyon on 1 December 660. He was canonized in 1163. His feast day is celebrated on 1 December. Eligius is the patron saint of goldsmiths, metalworkers, coin collectors, veterinarians, and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), a corps of the British Army.

Here are some of the things that Saint Eligius is known for:

  • He was a skilled goldsmith and craftsman.

  • He was a popular and effective bishop.

  • He was a skilled diplomat.

  • He was known for his charity and his work with the poor.

  • He was canonized in 1163.

  • His feast day is celebrated on 1 December.

  • He is the patron saint of goldsmiths, metalworkers, coin collectors, veterinarians, and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).