Saint Euphronius
Eufroy
Coming from a senatorial family, Euphronius was Archbishop of Tours in the 6th century. A devoted pastor, he rebuilt his city after a fire, defended his flock against royal taxes, and presided over important councils before dying as a septuagenarian in 573.
Contemporaries
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Guided reading
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SAINT EUPHRONIUS OR EUFROY,
ARCHBISHOP OF TOURS AND CONFESSOR (573)
Origins and accession to the episcopate
Coming from a senatorial family and nephew of the bishop of Langres, Euphronius became bishop of Tours, succeeding Gonthaire.
Euphroni us, of senatorial race, and nephew of Saint Gregory, bishop of Langres (541), embraced the clerical state from his youth and gave the example of all virtues and all good works. He succeeded Gonthaire in the government of the Church of Tours. His humili ty, h is gentleness, and his affability made him well-regarded by everyone.
Councils and the reconstruction of Tours
Euphronius participated in important councils and financed the reconstruction of Tours and its churches after a devastating fire.
He attended the third Council of Paris, and himself convened the second Council of Tours (566), which was attended by Saint Pretextatus of Rouen and Saint Germanus of Paris, along with many other bishops from these three provinces. After a fire had consumed the greater part of t he city of Tou rs and all its churches, Euphronius comforted his unfortunate flock with the heart of a good Shepherd, and his charity was their principal refuge. Two basilicas were rebuilt at his expense. He covered the church of Saint Martin with tin plates, in which he was aided by the munificence of King Clotaire I (497 -501). He used his influence with King Chariber t (561-567) to defend the city of Tours against the exactions of tax collectors and to have the city's immunities confirmed by royal authority. He blessed the oratory erected in honor of Saint Maura and Saint Britta, and was chosen with other bishops by the King of Austrasia, Sigebert I (561-575 ), to solemnly carry a piece of the True Cross to the monastery of Saint Radegund in Poitiers .
Royal relations and translation of relics
He collaborated with the Merovingian kings to protect his city and participated in the transfer of a fragment of the True Cross to Poitiers.
After having shone through the gift of miracles and that of prophecy, he rendered his soul to God, being seventy years of age, and after seventeen years of episcopate. His successor was the illustrious Sai nt Gregory of Tours (539-593) whom the Church honors on November 17.
Death and succession
After seventeen years of episcopate marked by miracles, he died at the age of seventy and left his place to Gregory of Tours.
His body was buried with honor in the church of Saint-Martin.
Proper of Tours.
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)
Frequently asked questions about Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)
Who was Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)?
Coming from a senatorial family, Euphronius was Archbishop of Tours in the 6th century. A devoted pastor, he rebuilt his city after a fire, defended his flock against royal taxes, and presided over important councils before dying as a septuagenarian in 573.
What is Saint Euphronius (Eufroy) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy): Tours.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)?
2 miracles are attributed to this saint, notably: Sign / wonder and Prophecy / infused knowledge.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Remigius (Apostle of the Franks), Saint Antide of Besançon, Saint Eugene of Carthage and Saint Nicaise of Reims.
When did Saint Euphronius (Eufroy) die?
Saint Euphronius (Eufroy) died around 600.
What are the other names of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)?
Other forms of the name: Eufroy.
Who are the relatives of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy)?
Relatives of Saint Euphronius (Eufroy): Saint Grégoire de Langres (uncle).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Embraced the clerical life from his youth
- Succeeded Gonthaire as Bishop of Tours
- Attended the Third Council of Paris
- Convoked the Second Council of Tours in 566
- Reconstruction of two basilicas after the fire in Tours
- Roofing of Saint-Martin church with tin sheets
- Defense of the city against tax collectors before King Charibert
- Translation of a relic of the True Cross to the Sainte-Radegonde monastery in Poitiers