Germanus

Family: Roman Church · Role: Bishop of Auxerre · First appears: Book I · Chap. XVII

Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre in the Catholic Church, was chosen with Lupus around c. 449 to confirm Britain’s faith. During the voyage, Lupus awakened him in a storm, and Germanus quelled the waves by invoking Christ; in Britain they preached, converted many from Pelagian error, and defeated the heretics in debate. “With ready zeal they complied with the request and commands of the Holy Church, and put to sea.”

In Britain, Germanus restored sight to a tribune’s blind daughter with relics, then placed relics of the Apostles and martyrs in Alban’s tomb, after which an innumerable multitude converted. On the return, he injured his foot and was detained by sickness; a fire surrounded his dwelling without touching it, and a vision later restored him. During Lent he instructed the army, leading many soldiers to baptism, then commanded them in battle and routed the enemy without bloodshed by having the bishops cry, “Hallelujah.” Their passage home was made calm through their merits and Alban’s intercession, while his affliction was described in relation to Job.

Afterward, Germanus healed the withered limb of Elafius’s son, who had come to meet the holy men without visible messenger or tidings. He also took with him Severus and went to Ravenna to intercede for the tranquillity of the Armoricans; there he was honourably received by Valentinian and Placidia, and departed this life.