SAINT GERMANUS, BISHOP OF AUXERRE - 31 JULY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JULY

Saints celebrated on the 31st of July

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SAINT GERMANUS, BISHOP OF AUXERRE

Germain [Germanus], Bishop of Auxerre, was born at Auxerre circa 380. He died at Ravenna, July 31, 448. 

HE RECEIVED THE VERY BEST EDUCATION

Born wealthy, he received the very best education and became very successful in Rome. He practised there before the tribunal of the prefect for some years, getting to know all influential people. The emperor sent him back to Gaul, appointing him one of the six dukes, entrusted with the government of the Gallic provinces. He resided at Auxerre and gave himself up to all the enjoyments. St Amator, the good bishop, later ordained him deacon and asked Germain to succeed him upon his death. 

HE ACCEPTED EVERYTHING AS THE DIVINE WILL

A wonderful change was instantly wrought in Germain, and he accepted everything as the Divine will. He gave himself up to prayer, study, and works of charity, and, when in a short time Amator died, Germain was unanimously chosen to fill the vacant see, being consecrated July 7, 418. 

HE DISTRIBUTED HIS GOODS AMONG THE POOR

His splendid education now served him in good stead in the government of the diocese, which he administered with great sagacity. He distributed his goods among the poor, and practised great austerities. He built a large monastery dedicated to SS Cosmas and Damian on the banks of the Yonne. 

THE BISHOPS OF BRITAIN SENT AN APPEAL TO THE CONTINENT FOR HELP

In 429 the bishops of Britain sent an appeal to the continent for help against the Pelagian heretics who were corrupting the faith of the island. St Prosper, who was in Rome in 431, tells us in his Chronicle that Pope Celestine commissioned the Church in Gaul to send help, and Germain and Lupus of Troyes were deputed to cross over to Britain. On his way Germain stopped at Nanterre, where he met a young child, Genevieve, destined to become the patroness of Paris. Tradition tells us that the main discussion with the representatives of Pelagianism took place at St Alban's, and resulted in the complete discomfiture of the heretics.

THE MAIN DISCUSSION RESULTED IN THE COMPLETE DISCOMFITURE OF THE HERETICS

Germain remained in Britain for some time preaching, and established several schools for the training of the clergy. On his return he went to Arles to visit the prefect, and obtained the remission of certain taxes that were oppressing the people of Auxerre. He constructed a church in honour of St Alban about this time in his episcopal city.

THE PARDON HE SOUGHT WAS GRANTED

On his return to Gaul, he proceeded to Armorica (Brittany) to intercede for the Armoricans who had been in rebellion. Their punishment was deferred at his entreaty, till he should have laid their case before the emperor. He set out for Italy, and reached Milan on June 17, 448. Then he journeyed to Ravenna, where he interviewed the empress-mother, Galla Placidia, on their behalf. The empress and the bishop of the city, St Peter Chrysologus, gave him a royal welcome, and the pardon he sought was granted. While there he died on July 31, 450. His body, as he requested when dying, was brought back to Auxerre and interred in the Oratory of St Maurice, which he had built. 

From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913 

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Germanus may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.