Saint Arnoul, Bishop of Metz

Arnulf (or Arnoul), Bishop of Metz. Venerated in Roman Catholic Church Feast July 18, Patron Saint of beer brewing, Stammvater und Hausheiliger der Karolinger.

ARNOUL[Arnulf], son of [ARNOLD & his wife ---] ([580/85]-Remiremont 18 Jul [640], bur Remiremont, later transferred to Metz, basilique de Saint-Arnoul).The origins of Arnulf are unknown.The Vita Sancti Arnulfi names "Arnulfus episcopus prosapia genitus Francorum" but gives no further details of his ancestry[51]. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names "Arnulfus…ex nobilissimo fortissimoque Francorum stemmate ortus", with no further information on his parentage, as ninth bishop of Metz and "palatii moderator"[52]. A 9th century genealogy names "beatum Arnulfum episcopum" as the son of Arnold[53]. Settipani points out that this genealogy forms part of a series compiled at Metz, from the late 8th century onwards, which glorify the ancestry of the Carolingian dynasty by establishing descent from the early Merovingians as well as from a family of Roman senatorial origin[54]. Further confusion is added by the Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis which names "Agiulfus" as sixth bishop of Metz, stating that "patre ex nobili senatorum familia orto, ex Chlodovei regis Francorum filia procreatus", and that "nepos ipsius…Arnoaldus" succeeded him as bishop[55], the alleged senatorial and Merovingian ancestry appearing to provide the basis for the 9th century genealogy although the latter assigns the descent to what appears to be a different Arnold. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis makes no family connection between Arnulf and his predecessor bishops. Another genealogy from the 8th/9th century names "Buotgisus" as father of "Arnulfum…episcopum urbis Metensium", although the editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ in which this is published cites another source which names "Burtgisus, qui a multis cognominatur Arnoaldus" although the dating of the latter is unclear[56]. Arnulf entered the service of Theodebert King of Austrasia, becoming intendant of the royal domains. Together with Warnachar, maior domus of the palace of Burgundy, he helped King Clotaire II defeat King Sigebert II and the latter's great-grandmother Queen Brunechildis in 613[57]. Sigeberto's Vita Landiberto episcopi Traiectensis names "Pippinus…principes Francorum…paterni avi eius Arnulfi", specifying that he was "primo maior domus regis post Mettensis episcopus"[58], although no other document has yet been identified which indicates that Arnulf held the position of maior domus in Austrasia. He was elected Bishop of Metz, dated to [613]: the Vita Sancti Arnulfi records that "Arnulfum domesticum adque consiliarium regis" was appointed as bishop of Metz[59]. Arnulf retired to the monastery of Remiremont, Vosges, dated to [629]. A charter dated 20 Feb 691 of "Pippinus filius Ansegisili quondam necnon…matrone mea Plectrudis" donating property to the church of St Arnulf at Metz specifies that "domnus et avus noster Arnulphus" was buried in the church[60]. A list of bishops of Metz records "Arnulfus" as 29th bishop, that he held the position for 10 years, and that he died "XVII Kal Sep"[61]. Sigebert's late 11th century Chronica records the death of "Sanctus Arnulfus ex maiore domus Mettensium episcopus, et ex episcopo solitarius" in 640[62].

m DODA?, daughter of --- (-after [640]). The Vita Sancti Arnulfi records that Arnulf married "inclitam et nobilissimam...puellam" but gives no further details about her[63]. The 11th century Vita Chlodulfi Episcopi names “mater…Chlodulfi Doda”[64]. Settipani suggests that this source is “de médiocre valeur”[65]. Sigebert's late 11th century Chronica records that "Doda mater...Clodulfi" retired to Trier as a nun, based on the same source[66].

Arnulf & his wife had [three] children:

1. CHLODULF ([610]-8 May [697], bur Metz, basilique de Saint-Arnoul). The Vita Sancti Arnulfi records that Arnulf and his wife had two sons but gives no further details[67]. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names (in order) "duos filios Anschisum et Chlodolfum" as sons of Arnulf "iuventutis suæ tempore ex legitimi matrimonii copula" but does not name their mother[68]. A 9th century genealogy names "Flodolfum et Anschisum" as the children of "domnus Arnulfus"[69]. The Vita Chrodegangi Episcopi Mettensis names "primogenitus…Clodulfus" as one of the two sons of "Arnulfum sanctum"[70]. The Annales Xantenses names "Clodulfus" as son of "Arnulfus" when recording that he became bishop after his father died[71]. Chlodulf’s birth date is estimated from his being born before his father’s appointment as bishop in [613], but bearing in mind his own date of death which is estimated to [697]. Desiderius of Cahors wrote to “Chlodulfo...vir inluster” by letter dated to [630/55][72], which Settipani dates more precisely to [643/47][73]. Domesticus at the royal palace: “…necnon et domesticorum Flodulfi, Ansigisili, Bettelini, Gariberti” consented to a donation to the monastery of Stabulo and Malmédy by King Sigebert III in a charter dated to [648][74]. He was elected Bishop of Metz, dated to 657. "Childericus rex Francorum, Emnehildis et Bilihildis…reginæ…Gundoino duce et Hodone domestico" confirmed the property of the monastery of Stablo and Malmedy on the advice of "Grimoaldo, Fulcoaldo, Adregisilo, Bobone ducibus, Chlodulfo, Ansegisilo, Gariberto domesticis" by charter dated 6 Sep 667[75]. The document is presumably misdated: not only "Grimoaldo" is named ten years after the attested death of the only known Duke Grimoald, but also Chlodulf is not named as bishop although his election to the bishopric of Metz is dated to 657. Sigeberto's Vita Landiberto episcopi Traiectensis names "Pippinus…principes Francorum…Clodulfi Mettensis episcopi…patruus ipsius"[76]. A list of bishops of Metz records "Chlodulfus" as 32nd bishop, holding the position for 40 years and 20 days, and his death "VIII Id Mai"[77]. m ---. The name of Chlodulf’s wife is not known. Two sources suggest that she may have been CHILDA [Hilda], daughter of ---. Firstly, the necrology of Munsterbilsen records on 28 Aug that the body of Saint-Amour was transferred to Munsterbilsen by “co. venerabilis comitisse Hilde uxoris comitis Clodulfi”, and on 19 Sep “co. Clodulfi comitis” who “simul cum Hilda uxore sua” transferred Saint-Amour to Munsterbilsen[78]. Secondly, the Vita S. Amoris Confessoris names “quandam matronam Huldam...viri nobilis Clodolphi coniugem”[79]. Settipani refers to these reports as “la tradition de Los”[80]. Both sources seem to have been compiled long after the bishop’s death, so are presumably of uncertain accuracy. It appears impossible to date the transfer of the saint’s body in order to test whether these entries could refer to Chlodulf Bishop of Metz and his wife. The necrology entry on 19 Sep contradicts the bishop’s date of death recorded elsewhere (see above), although the date could refer to the anniversary of an important donation not to his death (in the text “co.” appears to indicate “commemoratio”, as opposed to “obiit”). The reference to “comitis” is also suprising if the necrology entries relates to the bishop of Metz. In conclusion, the question of the identity of Bishop Chlodulf’s wife remains open. Chlodulf & his wife had [two] children:

a) [AUNULF (-before 16 Dec 714)
b) [MARTIN]

2. ANSEGISEL ([612]-killed [655/65]). The Vita Sancti Arnulfi records that Arnulf and his wife had two sons but gives no further details[84]. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names (in order) "duos filios Anschisum et Chlodolfum" as sons of Arnulf "iuventutis suæ tempore ex legitimi matrimonii copula" but does not name their mother[85]. A 9th century genealogy names "Flodolfum et Anschisum" as the children of "domnus Arnulfus"[86]. The Vita Chrodegangi Episcopi Mettensis names "Anchisæ" as second son of "Arnulfum sanctum"[87]. His birth date is estimated on the basis that Ansegisel was younger than his brother Chrodulf, but also born before his father’s nomination as bishop in [613]. Domesticus at the royal palace: “…necnon et domesticorum Flodulfi, Ansigisili, Bettelini, Gariberti” consented to a donation to the monastery of Stabulo and Malmédy by King Sigebert III in a charter dated to [648][88]. "Childericus rex Francorum, Emnehildis et Bilihildis…reginæ…Gundoino duce et Hodone domestico" confirmed the property of the monastery of Stablo and Malmedy on the advice of "Grimoaldo, Fulcoaldo, Adregisilo, Bobone ducibus, Chlodulfo, Ansegisilo, Gariberto domesticis" by charter dated 6 Sep 667[89]. The document is presumably misdated as explained above under Ansegisel’s brother Chlodulf. The Vita Beggæ (dated to [1080/90]%29 records that “Duci magno Ansegiso” adopted “Gonduinum” like his own child, but that “Gonduinus” killed “Ducem”[90]. Settipani dates Ansegisel’s death to [655/65][91]. More specifically, he suggests that Gundoen was related to Otto, who had challenged the succession of Ansegisel’s brother-in-law Grimoald as maior domus and had been killed as a result, and concludes that Ansegisel’s murder was part of a wider vendetta led by a rival family. If that is correct, according to Settipani, the death can be dated more precisely to [662], following the overthrow of King Childebert (III) who was Grimoald’s son and Ansegisel’s nephew[92]. m ([643/44]) BEGGA, daughter of PEPIN [I] "l'Ancien" or "de Landen", maior domus of King Clotaire II & his wife Itta --- (-[693, 698 or 709]). The Vita Beggæ (dated to [1080/90]) names “duarum filiarum...unam...Beggam, alteram...Gertrudem” as the children of “Dux Pipinus Regni Francorum” and his wife “Yduberga”[93]. Sigebert's late 11th century Chronica records in 649 that "Ansigisus filius sancti Arnulfi" had married “Begga soror Grimoaldi”[94]. Settipani highlights that other events in the same paragraph of Sigebert can be dated to [643/44], but also that Werner has dated the marriage to [630/40] (Settipani adds “sans bonne raison à notre sens”)[95]. Both estimates appear to be little more than guesswork. Sigeberto's Vita Landiberto episcopi Traiectensis names "Pippinus…principes Francorum…sanctæ Beggæ matris eius"[96]. The Vita Beggæ (dated to [1080/90]) records that Begga retired to “monasterio germanæ suæ Gertrudis”[97]. This event can be dated to [689/97] if it is correct, as reported by Ghesquière, that a biography of St Gertrude records that Begga retired to her monastery 33 years after her sister died (her death is recorded variously between [656/64])[98]. The Annales Xantenses record the death in 698 of "Sancta Begga mater Pippini ducis"[99]. The Annales Laubienses record the death in 709 of “Begga sanctæ Gertrudis germana”[100]. Ansegisel & his wife had [two] children:

a) PEPIN [II] "le Gros" or "d'Herstal" ([645/50]-Jupille, near Liège 16 Dec 714, bur Metz, basilique de Saint-Arnoul).
b) [DODA [Chrothechildis/Rotilde] (-692 or after).

3. [Walchisus . The Domus Carolingiæ Genealogia names (in order) "Flodulfum, Walchisum et Anschisum" as sons of "Arnulfum episcopum", specifying that Walchisus was father of "Wandregisilum confessorem Domini"[107]. The Vita S. Wandregisili records that “Walchisus” was “consobrinus…Pippini…Principis Francorum”[108]. Monlezun suggests that Walacho and Walchisus were the same person. The primary source which confirms that this is correct has not yet been identified. In any case, the chronology appears to be too extended, particularly in light of the death of his supposed son-in-law Eudes Duke of Aquitaine, for Walacho to have been the son of Arnoul. Until further information comes to light, this connection should be viewed with caution.] m ---. The name of Walacho/Walchisus’s wife is not known. Walacho/Walchisus & his wife had [two] children:

a) WANDREGISEL [Wandrille] (-21 Apr 665)
b) [WALTRUDE

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/FRANKSMaiordomi.htm#_ftn65

• Wikipedia English: Arnulf of Metz==
• Wikipedia Français: Arnoul de Metz==
• Wikipedia Nederlands: Arnulf van Metz==

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• See the line of his descendants to Sweden and Finland in this article (in Swedish):

Small Resume ; Spanish http://www.genealogia.fi/genos/34/34_9.htm

• For a cautionary discussion about the ancestry of St. Arnulf, see http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/gen-medieval/1996-08/...

Kelley (1947) investigated the connection of Charlemagne to Syagrius in detail. He used a 9th century pedigree of Charlemagne, but rejected its clearly incorrect claim that Arnulf de Metz was the son of Arnoald de Metz. He also drew on various saints' lives. Kelley now concurs with Settipani's revised version of that pedigree. Jarnut has also explored this connection (1986, pp. 14-22).

Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Arnulf of Metz

St. Arnulf of Metz

Statesman, bishop under the Merovingians, born c. 580; died c. 640. His parents belonged to a distinguished Frankish family, and lived in Austrasia, the eastern section of the kingdom founded by Clovis. In the school in which he was placed during his boyhood he excelled through his talent and his good behaviour. According to the custom of the age, he was sent in due time to the court of Theodebert II, King of Austrasia (595-612), to be initiated in the various branches of the government. Under the guidance of Gundulf , the Mayor of the Palace, he soon became so proficient that he was placed on the regular list of royal officers, and among the first of the kings ministers. He distinguished himself both as a military commander and in the civil administration; at one time he had under his care six distinct provinces. In due course Arnulf was married to a Frankish woman of noble lineage, by whom he had two sons, Anseghisel and Clodulf. While Arnulf was enjoying worldly emoluments and honours he did not forget higher and spiritual things. His thoughts dwelled often on monasteries, and with his friend Romaricus, likewise an officer of the court, he planned to make a pilgrimage to the Abbey of Lérins, evidently for the purpose of devoting his life to God. But in the meantime the Episcopal See of Metz became vacant. Arnulf was universally designated as a worthy candidate for the office, and he was consecrated bishop of that see about 611. In his new position he set the example of a virtuous life to his subjects, and attended to matters of ecclesiastical government. In 625 he took part in a council held by the Frankish bishops at Reims. With all this Arnulf retained his station at the court of the king, and took a prominent part in the national life of his people. In 613, after the death of Theodebert, he, with Pepin of Landen and other nobles, called to Austrasia Clothaire II, King of Neustria. When, in 625, the realm of Austrasia was entrusted to the kings son Dagobert, Arnulf became not only the tutor, but also the chief minister, of the young king. At the time of the estrangement between the two kings, and 625, Arnulf with other bishops and nobles tried to effect a reconciliation. But Arnulf dreaded the responsibilities of the episcopal office and grew weary of court life. About the year 626 he obtained the appointment of a successor to the Episcopal See of Metz; he himself and his friend Romaricus withdrew to a solitary place in the mountains of the Vosges. There he lived in communion with God until his death. His remains, interred by Romaricus, were transferred about a year afterwards, by Bishop Goeric, to the basilica of the Holy Apostles in Metz.

Of the two sons of Arnulf, Clodulf became his third successor in the See of Metz. Anseghisel remained in the service of the State; from his union with Begga, a daughter of Pepin of Landen, was born Pepin of Heristal, the founder of the Carlovingian dynasty. In this manner Arnulf was the ancestor of the mighty rulers of that house. The life or Arnulf exhibits to a certain extent the episcopal office and career in the Merovingian State. The bishops were much considered at court; their advice was listened to; they took part in the dispensation of justice by the courts; they had a voice in the appointment of royal officers; they were often used as the king's ambassadors, and held high administrative positions. For the people under their care, they were theprotectors of their rights, their spokesmen before the king and the link uniting royalty with its subjects. The opportunities for good were thus unlimited; and Arnulf used them to good advantage.

Schaefer, F. (1907). St. Arnulf of Metz. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved December 31, 2009 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01752b.htm