Born in Catelat, north of Limoges in the year 588, St. Eligius was a youth of uncommon genius, and by his extraordinary application become an exceptional goldsmith. He was made master of the mint by King Clotaire II after being commissioned by him to make him a magnificent chair of state, adorned with gold and precious stones. St. Eligius produced two exquisite thrones instead of one. The tombs of St. Martin of Tours and St. Dionysius near Paris were sumptuously adorned by him. St. Eligius learned to be a saint living in the world and in a court. For this he studied neither to be of the world nor to be withdrawn but from a constant application to religious duties. To attend to them, he sometimes excused himself even from waiting upon his prince, when called upon by him; nor would he remain in his service upon other conditions.