The emperor appointed Germanus back to Gaul, where he served a duke entrusted with the Gallic provinces. Germanus resided in Auxerre. He hung his hunting trophies in a certain tree which had once been a site of pagan worship. The local bishop, Amator (who would later be canonized) was enraged, as the hanging of trophies in that way and in that spot resembled a pagan practice. He had the tree cut down and burnt Germanus’ trophies. Fearing the duke and Germanus’ response, he fled to Rome.
After seeking permission from the pope, Bishop Amator returned, tonsured Germanus against his will, and told him to live as one destined to be an ecclesiastical successor. That day he also ordained Germanus a deacon.
When Amator died shortly thereafter, Germanus was unanimously chosen to fill his see, becoming bishop of Auxerre on July 7, 418. His law background helped him in being a good administrator of the diocese. Despite being rather forced into a religious life, he was known as a good bishop. He distributed goods to the poor and built a large monastery. He also was known for managing finances well and settling disputes.
Around 429, Germanus was chosen by an assembly of Gallic bishops to visit Britian, which had recently come under Roman administration. Pelagianism was popular among the Christians in the Britian. Germanus publicly debated the Pelagian bishops and brought many of the faithful back to orthodox teachings.
While visiting the tomb of St. Alban, Germanus had a dream in which St. Alban appeared to him and revealed details of his martyrdom. Germanus’ deep devotion to St. Alban became widely known, and he is credited with spreading devotion to the saint and the story of his martyrdom.
St. Germanus died in the 440s in Ravenna while on a delegation to negotiate peace for Armorica. His feast day is July 31. Several churches in northern France and England bear his name.
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