SAINT AUNAIRE, BISHOP OF AUXERRE

HE was descended from a distinguished family of the Orleanois, and lived in his youth at the court of Gontran, king of Burgundy. But, having renounced the world, he submitted himself to the direction of Syagrius, bishop of Autun, then celebrated for learning and virtue. He was placed in the see of Auxerre about the year 570. He assisted at the fourth council of Paris in 573, as well as at two other councils which were held some years after at Macon. Zealous to restore discipline in his diocess, he assembled a synod, where forty-five statutes were framed, the first of which condemned superstitious observances on New Year’s day. He was indefatigable in his vigilance and care over the purity of manners, and constantly instructed his people in all the duties that regard the Christian dispensation. For their and his own edification he caused to be written the lives of St. Amatus and St. Germanus, two of the most illustrious of his predecessors. He augmented also the revenue of his church, that the sacred ceremonies of religion might be performed with greater decency. He had a brother named Austrein, who was bishop of Orleans, distinguished also for his virtues, though it does not appear that he was canonized. Aida, his sister, was mother to St. Leu of Sens. She lived in the perfect practice of Christian duties; and her feast is kept a Orleans in the church of Saint Aignan. Saint Aunaire died the 25th of September, about the year 605. He is mentioned on this day in the Roman Martyrology. See his anonymous life published by Labbe, Bibl. MSS. t. 1, and the history of the bishops of Auxerre, in Chron. Monachi Antissiod Baillet, &c.