Gal I

Who was Gal I?

Saint Gal of Clermont was the sixteenth Bishop of Clermont, holding that see from 527 to 551. This bishop of Clermont shares a name with a later bishop of the diocese, who, though less illustrious than the first Gal, is also revered as a saint. Gal played important role in the politics of the Church, as the Council of Clermont was hosted under his episcopate. He was the uncle and teacher of Gregory of Tours.

Gal was the scion of a senatorial family, born in Clermont, Auvergne circa 489. His mother was descended from the family of Vettius Apagatus, a revered martyr from Lyon. While his parents proposed to have him married to a daughter of a respectable senator, Gal had other plans, and privately withdrew to a monastery at Cournon. Once he received the consent of his parents, he joyfully embraced a life of religious poverty. Gal's intelligence and piety caused his recommendation as councilor to Quintianus, the bishop of Clermont, who ordained him a priest.

Theuderic I, the king of Austrasia, invaded Auvergne and took Gal prisoner. He was afterwards attached to the oratory in the palace of the king. Gal regained liberty after a few years, and returned to Clermont.