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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 2, 5. Of Bishop Aravatius and the Huns

Now there was a rumour that the Huns intended to overrun Gaul. At that time there lived in the town of Tongres Aravatius, a bishop of the most excellent holiness, who devoted himself to fasting and vigil, and often, bathed with a rain of tears, besought God’s mercy that He would not suffer this unbelieving race, ever unworthy of His grace, to penetrate into Gaul. But feeling in his heart that his prayer had not been granted through the sins of the people, he formed the design of visiting Rome, that he might be strengthened by the miraculous power of the apostle, and thereby better deserve to obtain that for which he made humble supplication to God. He went therefore to the apostle’s tomb, and besought the aid of his loving-kindness, wearing himself out in such great abstinence and extremity of fasting, that he would remain two or three days without food or drink, nor for a moment intermit his prayers. And after he had continued for the space of many days in this mortification, he is said to have received from the blessed apostle the following reply: ‘Wherefore, most holy man, dost thou harass me? The Lord hath considered, and it is decreed that the Huns shall enter Gaul, which must be laid waste as by a mighty tempest. Now therefore hearken to my counsel; haste with speed, set in order thy house, prepare thy burial, provide a pure white shroud. For behold thou shalt depart from the body, nor shall thine eyes behold the evil to be wrought in Gaul by this people, as the Lord our God hath spoken.’ Having received this answer from the holy apostle, the bishop hastened his journey, and returned with all speed into Gaul. And coming to the city of Tongres, he quickly provided himself with all that was necessary for his burial. Then, bidding farewell to the clergy and the other citizens, he announced to them with tears and lamentations that they should see his face no more. They conducted him upon his way with weeping and loud cries, humbly entreating him, and saying: ‘Forsake us not, holy father; be not forgetful of us, O good shepherd.’ But when their tears availed not to bring him back, receiving his benediction and kiss of peace, they returned home. The bishop journeyed to Maestricht, and being attacked by a light fever, departed from the flesh; and the faithful washed his body, and buried him beside the public way. How after a space of many years his blessed remains were translated, I have described in my book of Miracles.¹

Notes

G. C., ch. 72.