Saint of the day May 28: Saint Germain of Paris. Catholic Saints

Every May 28, the Church remembers Saint German of Parisbishop of the so-called “City of Light” between the years 555 and 576, remembered for his love of the poor and for the role he played in the pacification of the France of his time.

Saint Germanus, before becoming bishop, was abbot of the monastery of Saint Symphorianus, where he fostered the spirit of poverty among the monks. It is said that his detachment was such that it aroused discomfort among those monks more attached to material security.

The story goes that on one occasion he had to confront a group of monks who had rebelled against his authority, since they had been carried away by certain rumors that the saint would give away everything, even his things.

And San Germán lived in times when his country was in clear decline. Those were times when ostentation and disorderly living had become the norm, where no one showed solidarity with those who had less.

The abandoned boy who became a monk

Saint German was born in 496, near the city of Autun, southeast of Paris. His parents abandoned him when he was a child, but by the grace of God a relative named Scapilion took care of him. Scapilion, who was a priest, provided the little boy with the necessary education and care.

Later, when he became an adult, Germán entered the monastery of San Sinforiano de Autun. His spiritual inclination had encouraged him to try himself as a monk according to the Rule of Saint Basil.

His dedication and commitment to monastic life was so great that his brothers elected him abbot. According to the testimony of one of his friends, Bishop San Venancio Fortunato de Poitiers, it is known that Germán was an abbot of great simplicity and fervent prayer. Many miracles would be wrought through his intercession.

“You received it freely, give it freely” (Mt 10, 8)

Saint German is credited with the conversion of the Frankish king Childebert I to Catholicism, whom he asked to put order over the customs of his subjects. Many pagan practices were maintained in France at the time, particularly among those who called themselves Christians. Excesses abounded equally, at any time of the year, even on religious holidays.

By the year 555, Germán would be presented with an unexpected challenge. The bishop of Paris, Eusebius, died. At that time the monk was in the city and given his prestige as a noble and holy man, the clergy and the people demanded that the king call Germán to occupy the vacant seat. Childebert I, king of Gaul, acceded to the popular request and retained him in the city.

As a pastor, Saint Germán strengthened the evangelizing message to pagan peoples, defended the doctrine and extended the practice of Christian customs in social life, especially almsgiving. He also participated in the third and fourth Councils of Paris, as well as the second Council of Tours (566).

It was Germán who, upon the death of Childeric, interposed his good offices to conciliate the heirs who were disputing the king’s legacy. Unfortunately in that undertaking he was not successful and he died without seeing peace restored.

The protector of Paris and alms

A theme that must be highlighted when talking about Saint Germain of Paris is that of generosity, and its practical embodiment in almsgiving.

The so-called “communion of goods” has been a tradition since apostolic times. This is sharing what God provides, whether material or not, for the good of each person and the Church.

In this the Lord Jesus was the first example: he gave everything, he kept nothing for himself; While he walked through this world he did not even have “where to lay his head” (Mt 8:20). The Master praised the poor widow and set her as an example for everyone: through that woman’s gesture, Jesus taught that love is consistent with detachment and detachment.

Saint Germán wanted to echo that holy generosity and mobilized all of Paris to contribute to the support of the Church and those most in need. That earned him Parisians calling him the “father of the poor.” Saint German showed how it is not necessary to be rich to share, and that solidarity beautifies the political and ecclesial community.

This saint reminds every Christian that almsgiving is an expression of love, of dedication; a reliable and simple proof that “things” are not the most important thing, and that if they have value it is because they can be a means to do good.

Treasures in heaven

After an austere and penitent life, Saint Germain died at the age of 80, on May 28, 576. Today, French Catholics venerate him as the patron saint of the great Parisian metropolis.

The saint was buried in the chapel of San Sinforiano, ordered to be built by Childebert I, and which is located in the temple of San Vicente. In 754, his relics were relocated to the main nave, in the presence of Pepin the Short, king of the Franks, and his son Charlemagne, who was a boy of seven at the time.

That temple would become, some time later, the church of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, built in honor of the holy bishop. This temple is the oldest in the city of Paris.

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If you want to know more about Saint Germain of Paris, we recommend the following article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/San_Germán_de_París.

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