- Medardus of Noyon Son of Nectardus, a Frankish noble, and
Protagia, Gallo-Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Gildardus,
Bishop of Rouen, France. Pious youth and excellent student,
educated at Saint-Quentin. Often accompanied his father on
business to Vermand, France and to Tournai, Belgium, and
frequented the schools there. Ordained at age 33. Reluctant
bishop of Vermand in 530; in 531, he moved his see to Noyon,
France, which was further from border clashes. Bishop of Tournai
in 532; the union of the two dioceses lasted until 1146. Gave
the veil to Queen Saint Radegunde. Medardus was one of the most
honoured bishops of his time, his memory has always been
venerated in northern France, and he soon became the hero of
numerous legends. Each year on his memorial the Rosiere is
awarded to the young girl who has been judged the most virtuous
and exemplary in the region of Salency, France; she is escorted
by 12 boys and 12 girls to the church, where she is crowned with
roses and given a gift of money. This is a con