Patron Saint for tgl, buzzorhowl and pchippy
AMAND
Also known as
Amandus; Amand of Maastricht; Amand of France
Memorial
6 February; formerly 1 February
Profile
Monk at age 20. Hermit. When he took the cowl, his family tried to kidnap him to bring him home for "deprogramming", but failed. Bishop of Maestricht. Given a commission to wander and preach. Evangelized in France, Flanders, Carinthia, Gascony, and Germany, sometimes getting beaten by the locals for his trouble. Founded several monasteries and convents. Abbot of Elnone. Friend and spiritual director of Saint Humbert of Pelagius, and was assisted in his work by Saint Acharius. His association with brewers and vintners and related field comes from spending so much time preaching and teaching in beer and wine making regions.
Born
c.584 at Poitou
Died
c.679 at Elnone
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning
lovable
Patronage
bar staff; barkeepers; bartenders; Boy Scouts; brewers; hotel keepers; innkeepers; merchants; vine growers; vintners; wine-makers; wine merchants
Representation
chair; church; flag
Any one got plans for two weeks from yesterday?
<img src="http://www.stainless-steel-world.net/images/ssw2005/maastricht.jpg"></src>
It's in the Brabant region, which is technically Dutch (cannabis is legal), but culturally more Belgian (best "french fries" - which are actually Belgian) and French (finest wines, savories, and sweets). The landscape is beautiful, and the people are both gorgeous and very friendly (in an almost Midwestern US way).
Why not celebrate St Amand Day in THE NETHERLANDS? :-)
<img src="http://utopia.ision.nl/users/dikkenm/dutch-flag.gif"></src>