16 Facts About Medardus

Medardus moved the seat of the diocese from Vermand to Noviomagus Veromanduorum in northern France.

Medardus was one of the most honored bishops of his time, often depicted laughing, with his mouth wide open, and therefore he was invoked against toothache.

Medardus was born around 456 at Salency, Oise, in Picardy.

Medardus's father, Nectaridus, was a noble of Frankish origin, while his mother Protagia was Gallo-Roman.

Medardus lived during the immediate aftermath of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

At the death of Alomer in 530, Medardus was chosen to succeed him as bishop of Vermand.

Medardus is held to have removed the seat of his bishopric from Vermand, a little city with no defences, to Noviomagus Veromanduorum, the strongest place in that region of Neustria, in 531.

Medardus was a councillor to Clotaire, the Merovingian king at Noviodunum.

Medardus refused at first, but being urged by Clotaire himself, he at last accepted.

Medardus was one of the most honored bishops of his time.

Medardus's memory has always been popularly venerated, first in the north of France, then in Cologne and extending to western Germany, and he became the hero of numerous legends.

Medardus's cultus is mentioned by both Venantius Fortunatus and Gregory of Tours.

Medardus was often depicted laughing, with his mouth wide open, therefore he was invoked against toothache.

Medardus is invoked against bad weather, sterility and imprisonment.

Medardus is patron saint of vineyards, brewers, captives and prisoners, the mentally ill, and peasants.

The weather legend concerning Medardus is similar to Swithun in England.