Fulrad

Who was Fulrad?

Saint Fulrad was abbot of St. Denis' Abbey. He was born at Saint-Hippolyte, Haut-Rhin in Alsace. He served as a counselor to three Frankish rulers: Pepin, Carloman, and Charlemagne. He also served as court chaplain, grand-almoner, and ambassador.

In 750, Fulrad, along with Saint Burchard, was instrumental in securing Pope Zachary's approval for the accession of Pepin as king of the Franks.

Another important process of which Fulrad was an integral part was the turning over of the Exarchate of Ravenna to the Holy See in 756, which he negotiated. He also made the Frankish kings supporters of Rome rather than Constantinople.

He founded monasteries at Lièpvre, Saint-Hippolyte, Haut-Rhin, and Salonnes.

Fulrad brought the relics of Saint Vitalis to Esslingen am Neckar, making it a destination for pilgrimage. He also brought the relics of Saint Vitus and Saint Cucuphas to Saint-Denis, where the relics of Cucuphas occupy a place of honor in the apse to the right of those of Saint Denis to this day.

His feast day is celebrated on July 16.