The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons with De Contemptu Mundi

Saint Eucherius (380 - 449) was the bishop of Lyon in the important Christian Church of Gaul.

After the death of his wife Gallia (born c. 390), he withdrew for a time to a monastery on and island his sons to live a severely simple life of study and to devote himself to the education of his sons. Soon he withdrew further, to a neighboring island. Though imitating the ascetic lifestyle of the hermits in Egypt, Eucherius kept in touch with men renowned for learning and piety: John Cassian, Hilary of Arles, Saint Honoratus, later bishop of Arles and others.

The fame of Eucherius was soon so widespread in southeastern Gaul that he was chosen bishop of Lyon, an office he retained until his death.

Although a famous writer of his day very little of his works have been translated into English.

In this book he lays out his Formulae, a method for acquiring spiritual knowledge through hermeneutics, the study of the Holy Scripture. He suggests ways to interpret the meanings behind the names of God, the places mentioned by the biblical authors, the symbolism used in biblical poetry, and the history of the Israelite nation. After each statement, St. Eucherius cites at least one supporting passage of scripture.

Also included in this work is his letter to his kinsman, Valerianus, in which St. Eucherius entreats Valerianus to give up his wealth, titles, and future in order to dedicate himself fully to God. The Saint argues that these worldly pleasures only work to distract the soul from its heavenly purpose.

These works are linked to the Bible.