St. Elzear and Blessed Delphina

Elzear and Delphina belonged to noble families in Provence. Their marriage joined two people who desired to give themselves fully to God. They agreed to live in continence, and their common life was marked by prayer, devotion to the Eucharist and generosity to the poor.

Elzear’s estates and public responsibilities did not excuse neglect of his household or his neighbours. Butler records his insistence that those acting in his name must not oppress the poor or enrich him through injustice. Delphina shared the work of ordering the household, caring for its members and keeping peace within it. Both belonged to the Franciscan Third Order.

Elzear also visited the sick and provided food in times of need. After his death, Delphina continued a life of poverty and charity. Butler places their shared account on September 27; Delphina’s own death and separate Franciscan observance fall in November. She is named Blessed here, rather than being given her husband’s title of Saint. Their example is a particular form of married devotion, not a rule requiring all married couples to follow their choice of continence.