(A.D. 580.)
[Roman and Gallican Martyrologies. Authority:--His contemporary,
Gregory of Tours.]
S. Agricola was born of a senatorial family. In stature he was
diminutive, but the greatness of his soul redeemed him from that
disrespect which his short stature might have brought upon him.
He was eloquent, of refined manners, prudent in judgment. In his
youth he formed a warm attachment for S. Venantius Fortunatus, the
Christian poet, and author of the magnificent hymn, _Vexilla regis_,
"The royal banners forward go." In 532, he was appointed bishop of
Châlons-sur-Saône. He died at the age of eighty-three, in the year 580,
and was buried in the Church of S. Marcellus, near Châlons, where his
relics are preserved over the high altar.