Saint of the Day – 19 September – St Eustochius (Died c461) Bishop of Tours, a zealous shepherd and defender of the Church and his flock against secular interference, a Reformer of the discipling amongst the Clerics. He formed new Parishes and built new Churches. Born in Auvergne, France and died in c461 in Tours, France. Also known as – Eustachius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tours, St Eustochius, Bishop, a man of great virtue.”
Eustochius was descended from an illustrious family of Auvergne and, according to St Gregory of Tours, was a man of eminent virtue.
Being raised to the See of Tours after the death of St Brice in 444, Eustochius, at the Council of Angers, strenuously defended the privileges of the Church which were threatened by a law imposed by Emperor Valentinian III.
Eustochius, thereafter, had a principal share in composing the Decrees reached at that Council concerning discipline.
Eustochius also increased the number of Parishes in his Diocess and built in the City of Tours, a Church, wherein he translated the Relics of Saints Gervasius and Protasius which St Martin had received from Rome.
He died in c461 and was buried in the Church built by St Brice over the Tomb of St Martin.
AnaStpaul 