Saint of the Day – 19 September – Saint Goeric of Metz (c570-c643), Bishop

Saint of the Day – 19 September – Saint Goeric of Metz (c570-c643), Bishop of Metz. Goeric was married and a father, Courtier and Soldier of hjgh rank. In the official catalogues of the Diocese, Goeric is listed as the 30th Bishop of Metz, having governed that See from 625 to 642 or 643.
Born in c570 in Aquitaine, Gaul and died in c643 in Metz, in today’s France, of natural causes. Also known as – Abbo I of Medtz, Abbone, Goerico, Goericus, Goëry, Goéry. Additional Memorial 15 April (Translation of Relics). In the Germanic Martyrologies, in that of Metz and other Cities of Gaul, he is remembered on 19 September as “Bishop and Confessor, admirable for holiness, amiable to his subjects.”

The Roman Martyrology rads: “In Metz in Austrasia, still in the territory of today’s France, Saint Goeríco or Abo, Bishop, who succeeded Saint Arnulf, whose body was transported with veneration to this City.”
St Arnulf here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/18/saint-of-the-day-18-july-saint-arnulf-of-metz-c-580-640/

Goeric was born in Aquitaine, between 565 and 575, son, apparently, of Gamard and nephew of his predecessor Bishop, Saint Arnulf, whose remains he recognised in Remiremont in 641 and brought them back to Metz.

Goeric was a Courtier at the Court of King Dagobert I (628-639) and was married. He is said to have had two daughters – Vittorina and Precia (or Aprincia), the latter on whom, he himself imposed the veil of virginity as Bishop and, who later became a Saint.

According to all the documents that tell us about him, Goeric was a valiant warrior, he won numerous victories against the barbarians and thanks to his extraordinary skills as a Captain, he went through all the levels of his military career, reaching the highest dignities.

Being wounded in a clash, he lost his sight and that he bore this unhappiness with Christian patience. In response to what he felt was a supernatural command, he decided to make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St Stephen, the seat of the Bishop in Metz, where his uncle, Saint Arnulf (580-640), was the Bishop (613-628). He set off with his daughters Precia and Victorina. to guide him, and when they reached Metz, he went straight to the Church. There, he regained his sigh while praying. In gratitude, he decided to become a Priest and offer the rest of his life to God. The following year,, 628, when Arnulf resigned as Bishop, Goericus succeeded him in the Bishopric of Metz.

Here he had the Church of St Pieter built. He was greatly honoured by King Dagobert, who named him in his will (636). Goeric enjoyed a vibrant correspondence with St Desiderius, Bishop of Cahors. As Bishop of Metz, Goeric founded a Nunnery at Epinal on the River Moselle, where his daughter St Precia became the first Abbess.

In the 10th Century, in Metz, there was a Church built in honour of St Goeric. A Breviary printed in Paris in 1535 and a Breviary of 1554, have an office composed by him.

In the 10th Century, his Relics were brought from Saint-Symphorien to Epinal. This event is commemorated in the local Calendar of Saints on 15 April.