St. Gregory of Tours

Gregory, whose fuller name was George Florentius Gregory, came from Auvergne and received his education under bishops connected with his family. A journey to the shrine of St. Martin brought him to Tours. After the death of its bishop, Euphronius, the clergy and people chose Gregory as their pastor, and he was consecrated in 573.

His episcopate required courage in dealing with the Frankish rulers. Butler recalls his defence of Bishop Praetextatus of Rouen and the accusations Gregory himself faced. He also tells of Gregory interceding for thieves who had robbed the church of St. Martin, fearing that the king would otherwise put them to death. His ministry included rebuilding churches, teaching the faith and seeking mercy for those in danger.

Gregory’s writings preserve much of what is known about the Church and society of his time. Butler names his history of the Franks alongside collections concerning saints and miracles. He also cautions that Gregory sometimes accepted popular reports in those collections. The value of the historian’s testimony does not require every reported wonder to have the same authority as the events he witnessed himself.