Traditionally, he is believed to have been a hermit, born in Monsanto on the edge of the Diocese of Guarda, who withdrew to the hermitage of São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça, where he lived for many years.
In the vicinity lived a woman of very bad temper who was reputed to fight with everyone who nevertheless was known to visit Amador, bringing him bread and fresh water.
Amador asked her to allow him to baptize the child, but the woman objected, shouting at the boy saying that he was a crybaby and would never have any friends - if only the demons would take him.
At some point soon after, Amador received a revelation that the prayers had been answered and the father's soul had been admitted to paradise.
The chapel became a place of pilgrimage and miracles were attributed to the intercession of the saint, as well as protection against plagues of aphids and lizards in the fields.