Saint Vedast
Saint Vedast (also known as Vaast or Foster; born c. 450 AD in Toul, Lorraine, France; died February 6, 539 AD in Arras, France) was the first Bishop of Arras and one of the apostles of the Franks. He accompanied Saint Remigius in instructing Clovis I, King of the Franks, in preparation for his baptism on Christmas Day 496 AD. He then became the first Bishop of Arras and Cambrai, administering a vast and previously non-Christian territory for approximately 40 years. He is patron of Arras and of the Diocese of Arras. His feast day is February 6.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Vedast
| Saint Vedast | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | February 06 |
| Profession | Priest; first Bishop of Arras and Cambrai (c. 499–539 AD); companion of Saint Remigius; apostle to the Franks; confessor |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Frankish church; Diocese of Arras (historical); Diocese of Arras-Lens (modern); 5th–6th-century Gaulish Christianity; companion of Clovis's conversion |
| Patronage | Arras; Diocese of Arras; northern France; those with eye diseases (from the healing of the blind man); children who are learning to walk (from a legend); the Carolingian monastic tradition |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; a wolf (a legend in which a wolf guarded his food or property during his ministry); eyes (healing of the blind); the city of Arras; Saint Remigius and Clovis in the background |
| Birthplace | Toul, Lorraine, France (traditional) |
| Death Place | Arras, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; died February 6, 539 AD, in Arras; he had been the first Bishop of Arras and Cambrai for approximately 40 years; he died at a very old age, having witnessed the Frankish conversion and the transformation of northern Gaul from paganism to Christianity; he was buried in the cathedral church he had built in Arras; his tomb became a pilgrimage site; his remains were translated to different locations during the various invasions of Arras in the medieval period |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Arras (rebuilt after WWI) — principal shrine; his relics translated through several medieval locations; Abbey of Saint-Vaast (now the Museum of Fine Arts) — historical center of his cult; February 6 observed in Arras |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); February 6; Feast in Arras and northern France |
| Historic Class | Double (February 6) in 1962 calendar |
Biography
Vedast was a learned clergyman from the region of Toul in Lorraine. He encountered Clovis I, King of the Franks, as Clovis was traveling to Reims for baptism in 496 AD. According to tradition, he traveled with the royal party and began instructing Clovis and his retinue in the faith, having healed a blind man on the way.
After Clovis's baptism by Saint Remigius on Christmas Day 496 AD, Remigius organized the Frankish church and appointed Vedast the first Bishop of Arras and Cambrai c. 499 AD.
He served for approximately 40 years, rebuilding the ravaged diocese, catechizing Frankish settlers, restoring churches, and establishing Christian community life across a large territory.
He died February 6, 539 AD, in Arras, at a very old age. His tomb at Arras became a pilgrimage site and the Abbey of Saint-Vaast was later established in his honor.
He is venerated in England as "Foster" — the English corruption of his name — and the Wren church of Saint Vedast Foster Lane in London preserves this English form.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Toul, Lorraine, France (traditional)
Death location: Arras, France
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Cathedral of Arras — principal shrine; rebuilt after WWI.
- Saint Vedast Foster Lane, London — Wren church preserving his English name.
Feast day
February 6
Veneration
Saint Vedast was the first Bishop of Arras, a companion of Saint Remigius in the baptism of Clovis I. He served as bishop for approximately 40 years, rebuilding Christian life in northern Gaul. Venerated in England as "Foster." Feast February 6.
Prayers
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