Saint Brice of Tours

Biography

Saint Brice of Tours, also known as Briccius, Brictius, Britius, Brixius, Brizio, and Brizo, was an orphan who was rescued by Saint Martin of Tours and raised by Martin's clerics. Born in the 4th century, Brice initially showed promise as a spiritual student under Saint Martin's guidance. However, over time, he became wild, wicked, proud, ungrateful, and disorderly, leading some to believe that he was possessed by a demon. Despite his wayward behavior, Brice was ordained as a priest. However, he harbored contempt for Saint Martin and displayed vanity and ambition in his priestly role. Many people advised Saint Martin to expel Brice from the community. However, Martin, recognizing that even Jesus dealt with Judas, believed that Brice could still undergo a transformation. Upon the death of Saint Martin in 397, Brice was designated to succeed him as the bishop of Tours, France. However, the people of the diocese revolted against this decision and instead installed a priest named Justinian as their bishop. Faced with the threat of stoning, Brice left the town and went into exile. Over the course of more than 30 years, Justinian held the bishopric. During this time, Brice experienced a change of heart and began leading a pious and admirable life. Formal ecclesiastical investigations later cleared him of any wrongdoing, and he even gained the support of Pope Saint Zosimus. In around 430, upon the death of Justinian, Brice returned to Tours, hoping to claim his rightful seat as bishop. Unfortunately, the locals still held memories of his past behavior and expelled him from the town once again. They then installed a priest named Armentius as their bishop. Undeterred, Brice continued to live a righteous life during his 40 years of exile. When Armentius died in 437, Brice once again returned to Tours, this time with news of his reformed character and devotion. The people accepted him back, and he was allowed to govern his diocese until his death. Saint Brice of Tours passed away in 444 in Tours, France, from natural causes. His conversion had been so sincere and readily apparent to his parishioners that they immediately proclaimed him a saint. Although there are no specific artistic representations of Saint Brice, he is remembered in the Catholic tradition as a powerful intercessor against stomach diseases. Saint Brice of Tours, through his life journey from waywardness to holiness, teaches us the profound message of redemption and the possibility for transformation in every soul. His feast day is celebrated on November 13th, and he was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era of the Catholic Church. Additionally, he is regarded as the patron saint against stomach diseases and is venerated in the town of Calimera, Italy.