Catechesis and Spirituality in De uirtutibus sancti Martini episcopi, by Gregory of Tours (6th Century)

Abstract

During the second half of the 6th Century, Bishop Gregory of Tours (573-594) wrote a compilation of four books of miracles performed through the intercession of Saint Martin, a work known as De uirtutibus sancti Martini episcopi. This text is a valuable source for the study of the life of the Church in Antique Merovingian Gaul, as it presents the Patron Saint of the diocese of Tours as the exalted model of a bishop and intercessor for the Christians of the region. By means of an analysis of the portentous stories and of the characteristics proper to the hagiographical literature of Late Antiquity, this work proposes a study of the catechetical and doctrinal sense of the above-mentioned compendium of favours, which are presented to the reader of the time as providential events that make it possible to approach the personal and community dimensions of Christian life. In this way, the pastoral narrative exemplifies in a physical and supernatural way how the faithful who arrived at the sanctuary of the city of the Loire experienced the conversion of the soul and, consequently, the prodigious action of God. Thanks to the intercession of the Patron Saint of Tours, the story illustrates in a pedagogical and moral way the value of private prayer, individual penance and the implementation of ascetic ideals. Thus, the literary and pastoral narrative of the Gallo-Roman prelate Gregory emphasises the divine action of miracles which are the result of an inner process that culminates in the compunction of the soul, which is born of sincere Christian humility. The latter is a fundamental virtue for the spiritual ascension of the baptised who follow the example of St. Martin.