St. Medard

St. Medard was born around 456 into a noble Frankish family in northern France. His mother was from a Roman family that had settled in Gaul. At age 33 Medard became a priest. He was known for his knowledge and his piety. In 530, he was made bishop of Vermand. In 532, he was also made the bishop over Tornacum. He moved the see of Vermand to Noyon and then combined the two dioceses.

He was a well-loved bishop, known throughout what is now eastern France, western Germany, and Belgium. He was known for his good disposition, often depicted with his mouth wide open, laughing (this depiction would lead to him being evoked for toothaches).

It was a period of turmoil following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476. King Clovis I had formed France, yet the Burgundians and Merovingians battled for power. Medard served as a councilor to the Merovingian king Clotaire.

Lots of local legends arose around him. It was said that as a child an eagle spread its wings and sheltered him from the rain and that whatever the weather is on his feast day will continue for the next 40 days. It is also said that St. Gildard was his twin brother and that they were born, ordained, and died on the same day.

St. Medard died on June 8, 545. His feast day is June 8. He is a patron against toothaches and bad weather.