Tours in the 16th century

Brice was an orphan rescued by Saint Martin of Tours, and raised by Martin's clerics in the monastery that had been founded by Martin at Marmoûtier, just outside Tours. (His cell is to be seen there today). But he became so wild, wicked, proud, ungrateful, and disorderly that some thought him possessed by a demon! He became a priest, but was a vain, ambitious one with contempt for Martin. Martin's, whose enemies reproached him for his excessive poverty and for what Gaston Boissier has called his 'rather democratic' outlook, was worried about the way the young deacon was behaving and remonstrated him like a father.

Brice characteristically answered the bishop with biting sarcasm. "What makes you think you can tell me anything? You are nothing more than a barbarian from the wilds of Hungary, I was born on the banks of the Loire. I was educated properly, so don't expect me to take advice from an improperly educated old legionary."

But Martin listened calmly to the bristling Brice and replied gently.

Martin predicted that one day Brice would become bishop, but his time as bishop would not be an easy one. His prediction met with some resistance, The vicars-general and the canons of Tours, who didn't relish the idea of one day being ruled by this spitfire, urged Martin to send him packing. But Martin replied, "If Christ put up with Judas, then surely I can put up with Brice." Brice continued to hold Martin in contempt, but despite his attitude, Martin dealt patiently with him. Eventually, Brice repented with great remorse and begged Martin's forgiveness.

Brice medal