St. Eloi is patron to more than numismatics

Patron Saint

I have written several pieces on Saint Eloi (Saint Eligius) as the Patron Saint of Numismatics. Saint Eloi is also revered as the patron of several other groups and professions. Today’s piece explores some of those.

NewmanMinistry records St Eligius as Patron Saint of:

• Clock/Watch Makers
• Coin Collectors
• Craftsmen
• Gilders
• Goldsmiths
• Harness Makers
• Horses
• Jewelers
• Jockeys
• Knife Makers
• Laborers
• Locksmiths
• Metal Workers
• Miners
• Minters
• Mechanical Engineers
• Tool Makers
• Veterinarians

That is quite a list!

Obverse

The medallion features St. Eloi, wearing Bishops robes and mitre (hat), holding a goldsmith’s hammer, and a sheperd’s crook and standing in front of an anvil, with arched windows behind.

This is a classic view of St. Eloi, depicting both his earlier career as a goldsmith, and his calling to serve God.

The text around the edge reads “St. Eloi – Patron du Materiel”. As far as I can tell that translates as “St. Eloi – Patron of material”, which I gather as referring to his patronage of those who work with various mateirals such as metalworkers and goldsmiths.

Reverse

The only text on the reverse is the name of the maker, Drago (of Paris). In the center is a cog behind crossed tools? Scrolls? I must admit I’m not sure – if you know, please do comment below! There is also a crucible with fire coming out of the top. Around the edge is what appears to be an army, with cannons, a tank, a plane, paratrooper, and numerous horses and riders. These depict some of the areas in the army for whom St. Eloi is patron.

St Eloi in song

Arquus-Defence.com, in an article on St Eloi, as Patron of French air force mechanical engineers, notes that St Eloi is mentioned in the (French) song “The Good King Dagobert”. The English versions of the nursery rhyme I can find switch St Eloi for “The Lord Chamberlain”, likely to make it rhyme better when changing languages. Here is a French version with (interesting) English subtitles. Here is another French version, no subtitles, but I do quite like this arrangement.

Meanwhile, while I was browsing YouTube, I came across this 9-day novena to pray to St Eligius. While not known as a patron of business, it is interesting that is one of the first group the novena asks for guidance for.