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Saint Gerard of Toul

detail of a stained and enameled glass window Saint Gérard of Toul; 1529, artist unknown; chapel of the church of the Franciscan convent of the Sœurs Grises in Ormes-et-Ville, Lorraine, France; photographed on 22 May 2014 by Baronnet; swiped from Wikimedia Commons Also known as

Gerhard

Memorial

23 April

Profile

Born to the nobility, he was known as a pious boy, and received a good education in Cologne, Germany. Priest. Following the death of his mother by a lightning strike, Gerard wanted a life of quiet prayer and penance, and became canon of the cathedral in Cologne. His reputation for piety spread, however, and he was chosen bishop of Toul, France on 3 March 963. Fought to prevent secular authority from interfering in Church matters. Rebuilt the cathedral there, and established many religious houses in his diocese. The houses had associated schools taught by Greek and Irish monks. Noted for his active prayer life and endless study of scripture and the saints, and as an effective preacher who did extensive work with the poor.