Saint Gregory of Tours

Saint Gregory of Tours (538-94), Gallic bishop and historian. Born Georgius Florentius in Augustonemetum (now Clermont-Ferrand, France), he received instruction in classic literature and religious principles, but made no special study of theology or the writings of the Fathers of the Church. He was ordained a deacon in 563. Shortly thereafter he journeyed to the tomb of the 4th-century prelate St. Martin in Tours, seeking a cure for a serious illness, and became the protégé of Euphronius, bishop of Tours. On the death of Euphronius, Gregory was elected by the people of Tours to replace him. This time was a period of great political and social unrest in Tours. As an influential bishop, Gregory helped to restore peace and to ease the burden of taxation.

Gregory wrote, edited, and translated a number of books, including accounts of the life and miracles of St. Martin. His most important work, however, is Historia Francorum, a ten-volume history of the Frankish people from the creation to the year 591, of which the last six books are the most valuable source of historical information on Merovingian times. His traditional feast day is November 17.