Saint of the Day – 17 June – Saint Fulk (Died 900) Archbishop of Rheims in 883, Chancellor of Frankish Kingdom, protector and defender of the Church’s rights and assets for which position he was murdered on 17 June 900. Some sources name him a Martyr for the Church of Christ. Also known as – Foulques the Venerable, Coots the Venerable … Folco…Foulque…Fulco…Foulques of Reims… Fulko…Fulque…Fulquerio…Venerável…
Fulk was born into a noble Frankish family with close ties to the Carolingian dynasty. His brother, Anscarius I, became the first Marquis of Ivrea, giving rise to the Anscarici dynasty.
Fulk undertook an Ecclesiastical career from a young age, becoming a Palace Cleric at the Court of Charles II the Bald. In 877 his dedication and ability led to his appointment as the Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of St Bertinus.
On 7 March 883, Fulk reached the pinnacle of his Ecclesiastical career with his appointment as the Archbishop of Rheims, one of the most prestigious Episcopal Sees of the West Frankish Kingdom. During his tenure, he fervently devoted himself to the restoration of the Diocesan Cathedral, the symbol of his spiritual authority.
In 898, Fulk assumed the role of the Chancellor of the Kingdom, taking a leading role in the political sphere. He became noticeable for his tenacious defence of Ecclesiastical assets from the expansionist aims of the nobles, countering secular interference in the properties of the Church.
Fulk’s strenuous defence of the rights of the Church led him to clash with Baldwin II, the powerful Count of Flanders. According to the chronicler Floardus, the King granted Fulk the Abbey of St Vaast in Arras, previously controlled by Baldwin. This act fuelled tensions between the two, leaders culminating in the assassination of Fulk on 17 June 900 at the hands of men in the service of the Flemish Count.
AnaStpaul 