Daily Saint

St. Guntram experienced a deep conversion prompted by profound, heartfelt remorse for the sinful, violent behavior that characterized his early reign. He felt immense guilt for his past actions, specifically ordering the murder of a physician who failed to cure his second wife, who was stricken with illness. King Guntram was enraged at the doctor for his wife’s death and had him murdered. The king had four sons by three women, and all his sons died. One was poisoned, one died soon after birth, and two fell ill and passed away. Thus, he was left with no heirs. St. Guntram felt his previous actions had provoked Divine Justice in the death of his four sons.

Upon his conversion, he sought to make reparation for his past sins through severe penance, including fasting, prayer, and weeping. St. Guntram’s life was utterly transformed. He became renowned for his generosity toward the poor, sick, and suffering. He used royal resources to provide food for the poor, offer care for the sick, and support monasteries and churches. He often personally intervened to protect the vulnerable and ensure fair treatment, seeing acts of mercy as essential to his role as a Christian ruler.

Gregory of Tours knew St. Guntram through a close, trusted relationship as bishop and king. St. Guntram often sought counsel from St. Gregory and valued his advice. St. Gregory knew and trusted the king. As Bishop of Tours, he was in direct contact with St. Guntram, who ruled the region of Tours for a time, leading to a period of peace. He observed St. Guntram’s deep piety, noting his attendance at services, fasting, and charity. The bishop recorded stories and observed miraculous healing he attributed to the king, which led him to consider St. Guntram a saintly figure during his lifetime. St. Gregory’s writings, especially in the History of the Franks, detail St. Guntram’s virtuous rule, justice, and acts of forgiveness, often based on his personal knowledge or accounts from those close to the king.