Saint Gregory of Tours

Background

Frankish ecclesiastic and historian, whose real name was Georgius Florentius, was born in Augustonemetum, now known as Clermont-Ferrand, Nov. 30, 538, and was educated by his uncle, St. Gallus. Having become seriously ill, he made a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Martin at Tours in 563.

He had already been ordained a deacon. He stayed with his cousin Euphronius, Bishop of Tours, whom he succeeded in office when Euphronius died in 573, his election being confirmed by Sigebert I, King of Austrasia. Sigebert was assassinated two years later, and Gregory strongly opposed his successor, the Frankish King Chilperic, because of the attacks made by the latter on the Church.

Gregory's hostility led to his trial in 580 on charges of slandering Queen Fredegund, but he was able not only to clear himself before a council at Berny but to win the confidence of the king, to whom he became an adviser. In 585 the city of Tours again became Austrasian under the rule of Sigebert's son Childebert II. Gregory became influential at court, and lived to see Childebert take possession of the Kingdom of Burgundy in 593.

Career

Gregory, sometimes referred to as the father of French history, was a prolific writer. His most important work is the ten-book History of the Franks, the last five books of which describe the times through which he himself lived. Gregory tried to be objective, but his narrative indicts those kings, especially Chilperic, who attacked the Church, and palliates offenses and even crimes committed by other rulers. However, his facts are generally accurate. His other writings include a history of the theology of the Franks; a book on the lives of the bishops, hermits, and abbots of Gaul; and a number of treatises on miracles.

Achievements

• was canonized by acclamation shortly after his death

• His feast day is November 17