Posted by Sigismund on May 14, 2008, at 21:40:37
A Christian by faith, Sigismund had a hot temper, and was still close to his pagan roots. When his son opposed and insulted his second wife during a political dispute in 517, he ordered the young man strangled to death. Consumed with remorse, Sigismund retired to the monastery of Saint-Maurice to live for years in penance, surrounded by the singing of praise to God, giving largely to the poor, and praying for a way to atone of his act.
Called to lead his troops against invading Franks, the king lost in the field, and Burgundy was overrun. Sigismund put on a monk's habit, and hid in a cell near the abbey of Agaunum. He was eventually found, captured, taken to Orléans, and murdered. Honoured by his people as a martyr.
Whereas St Declan's history is too uneventful to copy and paste.
poster:Sigismund
thread:829151
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080428/msgs/829151.html