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St. Germanus of Paris
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Saints and feasts
St. Germanus of Paris
Bishop of Paris, Confessor
Germanus was an abbot at Autun before becoming bishop of Paris. He welcomed the poor, encouraged royal almsgiving, and sought peace amid the rivalries of Frankish rulers.
The reading
ⓘ Butler source
Alban Butler, The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints, Volume V (May), Richardson and Son, Derby, for the Catholic Book Society, 1843; May 28, “St Germanus, Bishop of Paris, Confessor,” pp. 453-461.
Germanus was formed in the Church near Autun and became abbot of St. Symphorian's before being called to the bishopric of Paris. Butler draws on the life written by Fortunatus and on St. Gregory of Tours. His appointment brought new responsibilities without ending his habits of prayer, fasting and personal simplicity.
Poor and afflicted people crowded his house, and he welcomed them at his table. He encouraged King Childebert to give generously, becoming the distributor of the king's assistance to those in need. He also helped establish the worship and religious community at the church of the Holy Cross and St. Vincent, later known as Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
His pastoral work placed him among rulers whose quarrels repeatedly endangered the city. He rebuked grave wrongdoing and sought peace when royal rivalries threatened war. He continued preaching and caring for his people into old age, dying on May 28, 576. The church in which he was buried became closely linked with his name and with the continuing remembrance of his charity.
Historical note
An original Novena Regina reading adapted and summarized from the cited pre-1962 source. This is not a transcription of Butler’s words.
Germanus of Paris is distinct from Germanus of Auxerre and Germanus of Capua. The edition’s inconsistent birth date and age, and its later political digressions, are not adopted here.
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