Arnolfo, Saint

ARNOLFO, santo. - Bishop of Metz, born probably at Lay-Saint-Christophe near Nancy, c. 582, died at Habend (Remiremont) in 640 or 41. Of

illustrious family, he was educated by Gundulf, counselor of Childebert II, and by him introduced into the service of Theodebert, king of Austrasia. Arnulf, in agreement with Pippin, actively contributed to the movement that upon the death of Theodoric II of Austrasia placed the entire Frankish empire into the hands of Clothair II, king of Neustria (613). The episcopal see of Metz having fallen vacant, Arnulf, although a layman and married, was elected to it by acclamation of the clergy and people. Nevertheless, alongside the care of the diocese, he continued to exercise his effective political influence. Indeed, he was commissioned by Clothair II to train his son Dagoberto in the duties of government (623), thus becoming the foremost among the magnates of Austrasia; he sought to convert the noble yet tyrannical Chrodowald from a life of robbery practiced to the detriment of others (624-25); he restored peace between Clothair and Dagoberto, who demanded an enlargement of the territory entrusted to him by his father; he attended the Council of Clichy in 626-27 and that of Reims in 627-29. Having retired to the company of Romaric on Mount Habend (630), he died there in the odor of sanctity. His feast falls on July 18.