Germain of Paris

Saint Germain (born near Autun c. 496; died in Paris, May 28, 576), was a bishop of Paris, who was canonized in 754.

Related Topics:
Autun - 496 - May 28 - 576 - Bishop of Paris - Canonized - 754

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He studied at Avalon and also at Luzy under the guidance of his cousin Scapilion, a priest. At the age of thirty-four he was ordained by St. Agrippinus of Autun and became Abbot of Saint-Symphorien near that town. He was hard-working and austere, and his alms-giving was so generous that his monks, fearing he would give away everything, rebelled. As he happened to be in Paris, in 555, when Eusebius, bishop of Paris, died, King Childebert detained him and he was consecrated bishop of Paris.

Related Topics:
Avalon - Luzy - Priest - St. Agrippinus - Autun - Abbot - Saint-Symphorien - Paris - 555 - Eusebius - King Childebert

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Under his influence Childebert is said to have led a reformed life. In his new state the bishop continued to practise the virtues and austerities of his monastic life and laboured hard to diminish the evils caused by the incessant wars and the licence of the nobles. He attended the Third and Fourth Councils of Paris (557, 573) and also the Second Council of Tours (566). He persuaded the king to stamp out the pagan practices still existing in Gaul and to forbid the excess that accompanied the celebration of most Christian festivals.

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