SAINT GERMANUS OF TALLOIRES - 1 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 1st of November

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SAINT GERMANUS OF TALLOIRES

Saint Germanus [German, Germain] was the first prior of the Benedictine monastery of Talloires (mon. Talluerense) near Geneva. This institute had been newly founded around 1029 and was dependent on the Savigny monastery (Sabiniacum). 

According to legend, St Germanus made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem later in his life, After his return he is said to have taken to a spot in the wilderness where he ended his days many years later. Thus he completed his exemplary Christian and monastic life.

His holy body rests in a church consecrated to him. Mabillon* reckons that his death probably occurred in the year 1050; but he adds that we can say with absolute certainty only that he lived during the 11th century, and that his memorial day is November 1. 

St Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, in whose diocese the monastery of Talloires is situated raised the relics of St Germanus on November 28, 1621. On the occasion of this solemn ceremony he delivered a most inspiring speech about the merits of the same, in which he also praised the unshakable faith of the faithful in the surrounding area, who for 600 years had never tired of venerating the saint and visiting his grave. This devotion did not disappear, says Mabillon, even when heresy was rampant in the Geneva diocese. (Mab., Mg.)

Some writers commemorate St Germanus on December 31.

(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 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.