SAINT GERMER, BISHOP OF TOULOUSE - 16 MAY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 16th of May

SAINT GERMER, BISHOP OF TOULOUSE

Saint Germer (Germerius), also called Geremerius and Geremarus, St-Germier in French, lived in the stormy times of the 6th century. Born at Angouleme in Aquitaine (Guienne), he was ordained deacon by Bishop Gregory of Saintes (Santonica urbs). 

He had done his studies in Toulouse and, even as a boy, had acquired an extraordinary erudition, and was thoroughly familiar with the Holy Scriptures. In A.D. 511 he was chosen to succeed Bishop Heraclian of Toulouse. Placidus and Pretiosus were his main assistants in his apostolic work. 

He built the Church of St Saturnin, and by his wonderful works he remained in constant memory with his flock. The year of his death is undetermined. According to the Bollandists*, he cannot have died earlier than around the year 560. According to Butler* (VI. 495) he died at the beginning of the year 560. His relics rest in Muret, a town at the confluence of the Longe and Garonne, a few hours south of Toulouse. 

He is also commemorated on May 12.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Germer 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.