Arbogast
Arbogast of Strasbourg was a 7th-century missionary and bishop credited with bringing Christianity to the Alsace region. He is chiefly remembered for his sanctity, miracles, and a legendary resurrection of King Dagobert's son.
- Feast Day
- 21 July
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Arbogast was a 7th-century missionary in the Frankish Empire and an early Bishop of Strasbourg.
- ›His origin is variously stated as Scotland, Ireland, Aquitania, or Francia.
- ›According to a 10th-century vita, he was a friend of the Merovingian King Dagobert.
- ›He is famed for sanctity and miracles, including the resurrection of King Dagobert's son, Siegebert.
- ›He declined monetary reward from Dagobert, requesting land for a cathedral instead.
- ›Arbogast built a hermitage on the banks of the River ILL.
Arbogast of Strassburg, Arbogast von Straßburg, Arbogast de Strasbourg, Arbogastus
About Arbogast
Arbogast of Strasbourg
Arbogast, also known by his Latin name Arbogastus, was a significant figure in the 7th century, serving as a missionary in the Frankish Empire and as an early Bishop of Strasbourg. While historical details of his life are scarce, he is primarily venerated for his role in bringing Christianity to the Alsace region, a contribution that led to the widespread popularity of the given name Arbogast in that area.
Life and Ministry
Only a few historical facts about Arbogast can be stated with certainty. He arrived in Francia, was appointed Bishop of Strasbourg, and was revered from the early medieval period as the saint responsible for Christianizing the Alsace. His precise origin remains a subject of varying accounts, with traditions suggesting he hailed from Scotland, Ireland, Aquitania, or Francia itself.
A 10th-century hagiographical account, known as the vita, describes Arbogast as a close friend of the Merovingian King Dagobert. Upon Dagobert's accession, Arbogast was appointed to the bishopric of Strasbourg and gained renown for his sanctity and miracles. The vita recounts a notable miracle where Arbogast revived Siegebert, King Dagobert's son, who had been mortally injured after falling from his horse during a boar hunt. Despite the king's offer of monetary reward, Arbogast declined, requesting instead that land be donated for the construction of a cathedral in Strasbourg.
Arbogast also established a small hermitage on the banks of the River Ill outside the city, to which he frequently retreated. His burial site is also uncertain, with traditions placing it either in the old Roman necropolis or on Hangman's Hill, an area traditionally reserved for malefactors. Subsequently, the site of his burial was deemed suitable for a church, and a chapel was built in honor of Saint Michael.
Legacy and Veneration
Arbogast is commemorated liturgically on July 21st. He appears on the coat of arms of Batzendorf, indicating a lasting regional connection. His veneration as a confessor, rather than a martyr, highlights his significant missionary and pastoral work in establishing Christianity within the Frankish Empire, particularly in the Alsace.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Arbogast of Strasbourg?
Arbogast of Strasbourg was a 7th-century missionary and an early Bishop of Strasbourg. He is venerated as a saint who brought Christianity to the Alsace region.
What is Arbogast of Strasbourg remembered for?
He is remembered for his sanctity and miracles, most notably the resurrection of King Dagobert's son, Siegebert. He is also credited with bringing Christianity to the Alsace.
Where did Arbogast of Strasbourg come from?
His exact origin is not definitively known. The hagiographical account suggests his origin could be Scotland, Ireland, Aquitania, or Francia.
What is Arbogast's feast day?
Arbogast is commemorated on 21 July.
Related Saints
Arnulf of Metz
Arnulf of Metz was a Frankish bishop and advisor to the Merovingian court of Austrasia. He later retired to the Abbey of Remiremont and is venerated as a saint. Arnulf is traditionally considered the earliest named ancestor of Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty, though this connection is debated by scholars.
Kilian
Kilian was an Irish missionary bishop and the Apostle of Franconia, who began his missionary work in the latter half of the 7th century. He is chiefly remembered for converting Duke Gozbert and a large part of his subjects to Christianity in Würzburg, before being martyred by soldiers acting on behalf of the Duke's sister-in-law. His feast day is July 8th.
Amatus
Saint Amatus was a Frankish monk and hermit who co-founded Remiremont Abbey with Saint Romaric. Remembered for his life of penance, prayer, and miracle-working, he served as the first abbot of the abbey and established the practice of Perpetual Praise. He is particularly honored in Grenoble and was canonized by Pope Leo IX.