Germerius of Toulouse

Saint Germerius of Toulouse was bishop of Toulouse for fifty years, from 510 until about 560. Some scholars doubt that he really existed. He is the patron of the abbey of Lézat and is commemorated on 16 May.

He was born at Angoulême or perhaps at Jerusalem. After coming to Gaul and being ordained deacon, an angel told him to go to Paris, where he would be made bishop at the age of thirty; so he became bishop of Toulouse. In one version of the story, on his way to Toulouse he was summoned by King Clovis to the palace, where he gave the Eucharist to the king and his sons and heard their confessions. Clovis asked for his prayers and offered whatever he asked; Germerius asked for as much land in the Toulouse region, at Ducorum, as the shadow of his cloak could cover. Clovis gave him an area six miles around and issued a written charter of liberty.

On his arrival he founded two churches, one dedicated to Saint Martin and the other to Saint Saturninus, and the monastery of Saint-⁠Germier, which took possession of all these properties. Clovis also gave him vestments and the articles required for the services. He died at Ducorum, and his memory is kept on 16 May.