Lupus of Troyes

Saint Lupus of Troyes was born around 383 in Toul, in Gaul, to a noble family. Orphaned as an infant, he was raised by his uncle and trained as a lawyer, living amid comfort and responsibility. After six years of marriage, he and his wife, by mutual agreement, embraced a life of separation for God’s sake. Lupus sold his estates, gave the proceeds to the poor, and entered the monastery of Lérins, where his desire for holiness deepened in prayer and discipline. Though he longed for hiddenness, he was called to serve the Church. Appointed bishop of Troyes, he accepted the burden with reluctance and then with steadfast love, shepherding his people for more than five decades. In 429 he traveled with Saint Germanus of Auxerre to Britain to help defend the faith against Pelagianism, and he is remembered in Welsh tradition as Bleiddian. Tradition also credits his prayerful courage with Troyes being spared during Attila’s invasion, a deliverance his people received as God’s mercy through their bishop’s intercession. His feast day is July 29.