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About St. Arnold of Metz

Saint Arnold (Arnulf) of Metz started out as a prominent nobleman and high-ranking advisor at the Merovingian royal court of Austrasia. Recognized for his wisdom and integrity, he was appointed Bishop of Metz in 612, while continuing to serve as the chief minister and tutor to the young King Dagobert I.

Deeply weary of the corruption of court life and desiring a quiet life of prayer, Arnold eventually sought to resign his bishopric. This infuriated King Dagobert, who threatened to execute Arnold's sons if he abandoned his post. However, the queen intervened, talking the king down by warning him that killing a holy man's family would bring down God's wrath, which prompted Dagobert to repent and allow him to leave.

Arnold retired to the wilderness of the Vosges mountains, where he embraced radical humility by personally tending to lepers and cooking for the poor. In his final years, he reunited with his close friend and fellow former courtier, Saint Romaric, living out his days in ascetic peace at the monastic community of Remiremont until his death in 640.