Bertram of Le Mans

Saint Bertram of Le Mans, hierarch (Bertichramnus, Bertrand), was born around 540 (according to one source, in 553) and died on 30 June 623. He was bishop of Le Mans from 586 or 587. He is venerated as a saint in the Western Church and remembered on 30 June, the day of his death, in the Western calendar. The Roman Martyrology calls him a shepherd of peace, caring for the poor.

He was a wealthy aristocrat from a family closely tied to the Merovingian Church, nephew of Bishop Bertrand of Bordeaux. He lived at the court of the kings Clothar I and Charibert I, then began an ecclesiastical career at Tours. He was ordained priest at Paris, perhaps by Bishop Saint Germanus, and became archdeacon of Paris. With the support of King Guntram he was elected bishop of Le Mans. He restored the property of his Church, squandered by his predecessor, and founded a monastery, a hospital and a church. He was also known as an excellent vine grower. He was forced into exile twice by the followers of Queen Brunhilda (592-596 and 600-605) because of his loyalty to Clothar II, who rewarded him with grants of land and restored him to his see. He was among the seventy-⁠five prelates at the council of Paris in 614. He died a natural death. His will shows an enormous fortune; at the end of his episcopate there were eighteen churches in Le Mans.