Brice of Tours

Saint Brice of Tours was born around 370, in Gaul, during the final centuries of the Roman Empire. Tradition says he was orphaned and taken in by the great Saint Martin, who raised him at the monastery of Marmoutier. Though Brice’s temperament was ambitious and volatile—so unlike his gentle master—Martin still formed him as a monk and later entrusted him with service as archdeacon, even foretelling that Brice would succeed him and endure many trials. When Martin died in 397, Brice became the fourth Bishop of Tours. His episcopate was marked by controversy and accusations of worldliness, yet official inquiries repeatedly cleared him. In later years, a scandalous rumor linked him to a child born in his household. Brice protested his innocence and, in a dramatic act of faith, carried burning coals to Martin’s tomb without harm—yet the people drove him into exile. After seven years in Rome, he returned absolved and humbled, resumed his ministry, and built a chapel to Saints Peter and Paul to guard Martin’s resting place. He died in 444, revered for repentance and perseverance. Saint Brice is honored as patron of Avise, Calimera, Cossogno, and Saone. His feast day is November 13.