Gaugericus

He was born to Roman parents, Gaudentius and Austadiola, at Eposium (present Carignan).[2] Tradition states that Bishop Magnerich, successor of Saint Nicetas as Bishopr of Trier was so impressed with the piety of the young man that he ordained him deacon, but not before Gaugericus had memorized the entire psalter.[3] Magnerich entrusted Gaugericus with the pastoral care of the city of Cambrai. Gaugericus founded churches and abbeys, including a monastery dedicated to St. Medard, to host relics, which contributed powerfully to giving Cambrai both the appearance and functions of a city.

Around the year 580, Gaugericus built a chapel on the largest island in the Senne near Brussels.[4] Saint-Géry Island is named after him.

When the see of Cambrai-Arras fell vacant around 585, Gaugericus was elected bishop with the consent of Childebert II.[1] Gaugericus was consecrated by Egidius, bishop of Reims. Bishop Géry devoted himself to fighting paganism, ransoming captives and visiting rural districts and villae.[2] He paid his respects to King Chlothar II, the new lord of Cambrai after the death of Childebert, and assisted at the Council of Paris in 614.

St. Géry church at Cambrai

After serving as bishop for thirty-nine years, he died August 11, 619 and was buried in the church of Saint Médard, which he had founded at Cambrai. Veneration commenced immediately after his death.

When the church of Saint Medard was demolished by the emperor Charles V for the building of the citadel, the canons were removed, and took with them the relics of the saint, to the old church of Saint Vedast, which from that time has borne the name of Saint Gery. The Church of Saint-Géry is one of the oldest in Cambrai, and a listed historical monument since 1919.[5]

His feast day is mentioned in the martyrology of Rabanus Maurus for August 11.[2]

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "St. Géry". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.