Evermarus was a Frisian nobleman living during the late 7th century. He is primarily remembered as a pilgrim who traveled to Santiago de Compostela in Spain alongside seven companions. During their return journey, the group was ambushed and killed by a band of robbers near Herstappe, in what is now Rutten, Belgium. According to legend, the nobleman's remains were discovered by Pippin of Herstal during a hunt, leading to his eventual recognition as a saint.
Life and death
After his death near Tongeren, Evermarus was canonized in 968. His remains were placed in the Church of St. Martin in Rutten. In the 11th century, a chapel was built at the site where he and his companions were found. During periods of conflict in the late 15th century, his relics were moved to the Burtscheid Abbey for safety before eventually being returned to Rutten.
Veneration and legacy
The saint is honored through a mystery play held annually on May 1 at the chapel in Rutten, where local actors reenact his martyrdom. While his skull cap remains in the treasury of St. Johann in Aachen-Burtscheid, other relics have been distributed. A parish in Rheinberg-Borth also bears his name and holds bone fragments attributed to him.