Romphaire of Coutances

Romphaire of Coutances (in Latin Romacharius, Romachaire) was bishop of Coutances in Normandy in the second half of the 6th century and is venerated as a saint in the Western Church. The name Romphaire appeared only around the 10th century, after his death.

The French source says he was ordained priest by Saint Lô, whom he succeeded in the see in 566, serving until 600 after being parish priest at Barfleur. His contemporary Venantius Fortunatus praised him for greatly honoring the priesthood of God. According to Venantius, he took part in the consecration of the cathedral of Nantes before 573. Gregory of Tours reports that he went as far as the island of Jersey, then part of his diocese, to visit Archbishop Praetextatus of Rouen, who was exiled there, and that he came to bury him when the archbishop was killed in his cathedral in 586 or 587 on the order of Queen Fredegund.

A text of the 15th century, legendary and without historical value, says he came from England, was shipwrecked on the way and was saved by Saint Lô. He is commemorated on 18 November.