Arnolfo, Saint

ARNOLFO, Saint. - Bishop of Metz, b. probably at Lay-Saint-Christophe near Nancy, ca. 582, d. at Habend (Remiremont) in 640 or 41. Of an illustrious family, he was educated by Gondulf, counselor of Childebert II, and was brought by him into the service of Theudebert, king of Austrasia. A., in agreement with Pepin, contributed actively to the movement which, at the death of Theuderic II of Austrasia, placed the entire Frankish empire in the hands of Chlothar II, king of Neustria (613). When the episcopal see of Metz fell vacant, A., although a layman and married, was elected to it by the voice of clergy and people. He continued, nevertheless, besides the care of the diocese, to exercise his effective political influence. He was, in fact, charged by Chlothar II with forming his son Dagobert for the cares of government (623), thus becoming the first among the great men of Austrasia; he sought to convert from the life of plunder carried on to the harm of others the noble but overbearing Chrodoad (624-25); he restored peace between Chlothar and Dagobert, who was demanding an enlargement of the territory entrusted to him by his father; he attended in 626-27 the Council of Clichy and in 627-29 that of Reims. Having retired near Romaric, on Mount Habend (630), he died there in the reputation of sanctity. His feast falls on July 18.

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