May 28
Germanus of Paris (696–576)
Bishop
Practical advice
During this day, prudently fulfill a responsibility that others have entrusted to you and also take care of the small details.
Biography
He was born near Autún, in France. He studied in Avalon and then lived for a long time in the house of a relative in Burgundy. He was ordained a priest and at the age of forty sent as abbot to the abbey of San Sinforiano de Autun. Childebert, son of Clovis and king of Paris, called him to be bishop of his capital. Germán became one of the most influential prelates of his time. He founded the Parisian abbey of Saint Vincent, which was long known as Saint-Germain des-Prés. Although he was not able to correct the customs of Clovis' children, he at least managed to help the future Saint Radegund to leave the court and build the monastery in Poitiers where she was to end her days.