St Arnulf of Metz [Parents] was born 13 Aug 582. He died 16 Aug 640 and was buried in Basilica of Holy Apostles in Metz. St married Lady Dode of Heristal.
St was ordained in Bishop of Metz. His feast day is July 18th. The following excerpt is taken from The Catholic Encyclopedia:
Statesman, bishop under the Merovingians, born c. 580; died c. 640.
His parents belonged to a distinguished Frankish family, and lived
in Austrasia, the eastern section of the kingdom founded by Clovis.
In the school in which he was placed during his boyhood he excelled
through his talent and his good behaviour. According to the custom
of the age, he was sent in due time to the court of Theodebert II,
King of Austrasia (595-612), to be initiated in the various branches
of the government. Under the guidance of Gundulf, the Mayor of
the Palace, he soon became so proficient that he was placed on the
regular list of royal officers, and among the first of the kings
ministers. He distinguished himself both as a military commander
and in the civil administration; at one time he had under his care
six distinct provinces. In due course Arnulf was married to a
Frankish woman of noble lineage, by whom he had two sons, Anseghisel
and Clodulf. While Arnulf was enjoying worldly emoluments and
honours he did not forget higher and spiritual things. His thoughts
dwelled often on monasteries, and with his friend Romaricus,
likewise an officer of the court, he planned to make a pilgrimage to
the Abbey of Lérins,
evidently for the purpose of devoting his life to God. But in the
meantime the Episcopal See of Metz became vacant. Arnulf was
universally designated as a worthy candidate for the office, and he
was consecrated bishop of that see about 611. In his new position
he set the example of a virtuous life to his subjects, and attended
to matters of ecclesiastical government. In 625 he took part in a
council held by the Frankish bishops
at Reims. With all this Arnulf retained his station at the court of
the
king, and took a prominent part in the national life of his people.
In 613, after the death of Theodebert, he, with Pepin of Landen and
other nobles, called to Austrasia Clothaire II, King of Neustria.
When, in 625, the realm of Austrasia was entrusted to the kings son
Dagobert, Arnulf became not only the tutor, but also the chief
minister, of the young king.
At the time of the estrangement between the two kings, and 625,
Arnulf with other bishops and nobles tried to effect a
reconciliation. But Arnulf dreaded the responsibilities of the
episcopal office and grew weary of court life. About the year 626
he obtained the appointment of a successor to the Episcopal See of
Metz; he himself and his friend Romaricus withdrew to a solitary
place in the mountains of the Vosges. There he lived in communion
with God until his death. His remains, interred by Romaricus, were
transferred about a year afterwards, by Bishop Goeric, to the
basilica of the Holy Apostles in Metz.
Of the two sons of Arnulf, Clodulf became his third successor in
the See of Metz. Anseghisel remained in the service of the State;
from his union with Begga, a daughter of Pepin of Landen, was born
Pepin of Heristal, the founder of the Carlovingian dynasty. In this
manner Arnulf was the ancestor of the mighty rulers of that house.
The life or Arnulf exhibits to a certain extent the episcopal office
and career in the Merovingian
State. The bishops were much considered at court; their advice was
listened to; they took part in the dispensation of justice by the
courts; they had a voice in the appointment of royal officers; they
were often used as the king's ambassadors, and held high
administrative positions. For the people under their care, they
were the protectors of their rights, their spokesmen before the king
and the link uniting royalty with its subjects. The opportunities
for good were thus unlimited; and Arnulf used them
to good advantage.
FRANCIS J. SCHAEFER
Transcribed by Patrick Tobin
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