Aurea of Paris was a seventh-century abbess who led the monastery of Saint Martial in Paris. Born in Syria, she migrated to France during the reigns of King Dagobert I and Clovis II. Around 632, Saint Eligius established a nunnery in Paris for three hundred virgins and appointed Aurea to serve as its first leader. She passed away in 666 during a plague, alongside one hundred and sixty of her fellow sisters.
Life and miracles
Historical accounts by writers such as Jonas of Bobbio and Saint Ouen describe her life and various miracles. She was reportedly able to restore life to a woman, produce baked bread from hot ashes, and heal a blind person through the touch of her severed arm. These accounts suggest she held significant spiritual influence during her time in Paris.
Veneration and legacy
Her remains were originally placed at Saint Paul's before being moved to her own monastery. Today, her relics are located at the church of Saint Eloi in Paris, where a mural depicts her receiving her veil from Saint Eligius. While the Orthodox Church observes her feast day on 4 October, the Catholic Church celebrates her on 5 October.