Saint Chrodegang of Metz

Also known as
Chrodegand of Metz
Godegrand of Metz
Gundigran of Metz
Ratgang of Metz
Rodigang of Metz
Sirigang of Metz
Memorial
6 March
Profile
Relative of Pepin the Short. Brother of Saint Opportuna. Educated at Saint Trond abbey. Secretary to Charles Martel. Chancellor of France. Even while holding such positions, he went about in hair shirts, fasting, praying, and supporting the poor. Bishop of Metz in 742 even though he was still a layman. Chief minister to Pepin the Short. Ambassador to the Vatican. Mayor of the Palace. Involved in the coronation of Pepin as King of the Franks, the first Carolingian king. Defended Rome and the papacy against the Lombards. Worked to reform the Frankish Church, including educating the clergy, and encouraging them to live in communities based largely on the rule of Saint Benedict. Founded and restored churches and monasteries. Introduced the Roman liturgy and Gregorian Chant to his see, from which they spread to other parts of Europe. Participated in several councils.
Born
c.712-717 at Hesbaye, Brabant, near Liege, Belgium
Died
6 March 776 at Metz; relics, in the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Symphorien, were destroyed during the French Revolution
Additional Information
New Catholic Dictionary
Catholic Encyclopedia
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