The Saints: St. Vedast

Died 539

Feast – Feb. 6

Born in western France, Vedast moved east to live as a hermit. Hearing of his goodness, the bishop of Toul ordained him a priest. In 496 the bishop asked Vedast to accompany King Clovis I to Reims and prepare him to be baptized by Bishop Remigius. On the journey, Vedast restored the sight of a blind beggar, confirming the king’s new faith. Vedast helped Remigius evangelize the Franks and became bishop of Arras in 49. Vandals had left the city in ruins, but over the next 40 years Vedast built up a flourishing church. This French saint had a large following in England.