Bishop
Saint Herman of Auxerre was born in 448 in Auxerre into a Christian family. After school, he went to Rome, became a lawyer, married, and returned to his homeland, receiving an appointment as 'dux' (later 'duke') of Armorica.
In 418, after the death of Bishop Amator of Auxerre, he was elected to take his place. He became known for his care for the poor, feeding them with meals, building churches and monasteries, and for obtaining a reduction in taxes for Armorica from the prefect of Gaul.
In 429, Herman, along with Bishop Lucius of Troyes, was sent to the British Isles to combat the Pelagian heresy. He helped achieve victory over the enemies by suggesting to position the army in a narrow mountain valley and, upon the appearance of the enemy, to shout 'Hallelujah,' which misled the attackers. In 440, he had to go to Britain again to dispute with the Pelagians.
In 432, the saint ordained Patrick as a bishop, who became the enlightener of Ireland.
Saint Herman departed to the Lord on July 31, 448, in Ravenna. His relics rest in the crypt of the Abbey of Saint-Germain in Auxerre, one of the most picturesque places in Burgundy.
