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Saint Praetexatus of Rouen

detail of a painting of Saint Praetexatus of Rouen on his death bed, 19th century, Pushkin Museum, Moscow Russia; taken by Lawrence Alma Tadema; swiped off Wikipedia Also known as

Pretextat
Pretextatus
Prix

Memorial

24 February
14 April on some calendars

Profile

Bishop of Rouen, France from 549, a position he held for 35 years. Because of his involvement in political intrigue, the French king had him brought before a court of bishops on a charge of fomenting rebellion. Praetextatus denied the charges, but agreed to exile for several years instead of execution. He was formally reinstalled as bishop by the Council of Macon. Praetextatus continued correcting the queen and preaching against the evil practices of her regime, encouraging the monarch to set a holy example. Instead, she had him assassinated.