Saint of the Day – 24 February – St Praetextatus (Died 586) Bishop and Martyr of Rouen who spent a large part of his long 35 year Espicopate in exile, was murdered by the orders of the Queen of the time whilst he celebrated Holy Mass. Also known as – Pretextat, Pretextatus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rouen, the Passion of St Praetextatus, Bishop and Martyr.”
The 35 years during which he occupied the position of Bishop, were riddled with troubles involving the Frankish Monarchy, a result of which was a time of exile for the Saint.
Among the players of this political drama. was Fredegund, mistress of King Chilperic, a murderous woman responsible for several deaths in the Royal family.
Fredegund despised Praetextatus and opposed his return from exile but a Council in Rouen overruled her interference and reinstated the holy Bishop to his sSe.
“The time is coming when you shall revisit the place of your exile.” She threatened the Saint shortly before his death.
“I was a Bishop always, whether in exile or out of exile and a Bishop I shall remain but as for you, you shall not always enjoy your crown!” he said, as he urged the Queen to convert.
The wicked Queen refused to reform her life,and in 586 as Praetextatus was offering Holy Mass, Fredegund had an assassin stab him under the arm.
The mortally wounded Bishop managed to drag himself to the Altar and receive Holy Communion before he died.
AnaStpaul 