Clodulf of Metz

Saint Chlodulf of Metz was bishop of Metz from about 657 until his death, in 696 or 697, according to others on 8 May 697. He was the son of Saint Arnulf, himself bishop of Metz, and the brother of Ansegisel, mayor of the palace of Austrasia. He is venerated mainly in the West and commemorated on 8 June.

Family

Chlodulf was born about 605, into the family of the Arnulfings. His mother was Doda, daughter of Bishop Arnoald. Before his ordination he had married a woman who remains unknown and had a son, Aunulf.

Bishop of Metz

In 657 (according to one source, on 19 May 656) he became bishop of Metz, the third successor of his father, although, it is said, he had gained in his youth a reputation for impiety. He bore this charge for forty years and richly decorated the cathedral of Saint Stephen. He was in close contact with Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, sister of Begga, the wife of his brother Ansegisel.

Death and veneration

He died at Metz and was buried in the church of Saint Arnulf. At Nivelles he was venerated locally under the name Saint Clou, especially because of his connection with Saint Gertrude. He is commemorated on 8 June.