Gerard, Saint

GERARDO, saint. - Bishop of Toul, b. at Colonia in 935, d. at Toul on 23 Apr. 994. He was a young cleric of the Chapter of S. Pietro when Archbishop Brunone, brother of Emperor Ottone I, appointed him to the see of Toul. He was consecrated at Treviri in 963. He distinguished himself by his charity toward the poor and pilgrims, building the hospital of Toul. A defender of the Church against lay interference, and of the poor against the rapacity of the lords, he narrowly escaped falling victim to an attack by the latter at Manoncourt-en-Vermois. He drew up regulations concerning the administration of justice and commerce. In 981 he rebuilt the Cathedral and founded the monastery of St. Gengoult. He endowed his city with eminent relics. He was canonized by Leone IX (2 May 1050). Feast on 23 Apr. (at Toul on the 24th).