--- title: "Who was Saint Arnulf of Metz? The Patron Saint of Beer in Catholic Tradition" description: "Saint Arnold is recognized for \"the miracle of the beer,\" which is why both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church consider him the Patron Saint of this beloved drink." url: https://www.thebeertimes.com/en/saint-arnold-of-metz-patron-saint-of-brewers/ date: 2023-07-18 modified: 2026-07-18 author: "Carlos Uhart M." image: https://www.thebeertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/San-Arnulfo.jpg categories: ["Culture"] tags: ["Cultura", "Culture", "História", "History", "Middle Ages", "Saint Arnold"] type: post lang: en --- # Who was Saint Arnulf of Metz? The Patron Saint of Beer in Catholic Tradition Saint Arnold of Metz (August 13, 582 – July 18, 640) was born in Austrasia (present-day southwestern France) into a wealthy family. ![Saint Arnold](https://www.thebeertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/San-Arnulfo.jpg)*Saint Arnold of Metz* His figure stands out as one of the earliest examples of the transition from civil to ecclesiastical power within the Frankish nobility. According to the customs of the time, his family sent him during his adolescence to serve at the court of [King Theudebert II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theudebert_II) to be initiated in the various branches of government. ## Saint Arnold and His Civil Life Under the guidance of Gondulf, the mayor of the palace, he soon became so skilled that he was placed on the regular list of royal officers and was considered one of the king’s chief ministers, distinguishing himself as a military commander and civil administrator. As an adult, Arnold married a noblewoman named Doda, with whom he had two sons, Ansegis and Clodulf, but his frequent thoughts centered on religious matters. It was thus that years later, together with his friend Romaric — a court official like himself — he decided to plan a retreat to the Abbey of Lérins, evidently with the purpose of devoting his life to God. ## Relationship with the Carolingian Dynasty Arnold was not only a significant figure in his own right, but also because of his lineage. His son Ansegis married Begga, daughter of Pepin of Landen. This union founded the Arnulfing dynasty, the precursor to the future Carolingian house. Therefore, Saint Arnold is considered one of the direct ancestors of Charlemagne, linking him to the consolidation of the Carolingian Empire and the subsequent expansion of Christianity throughout western Europe. ## Saint Arnold, Bishop of Metz During that time, the episcopal see of Metz fell vacant and, as a consequence, at the age of 32 — in the year 612 — Arnold was consecrated Bishop of Metz. In his new position, the now-Bishop Arnold set an example of virtuous living for his subjects while attending to the affairs of ecclesiastical government. Even then, Arnold constantly warned the members of his Church about [the danger of drinking water](https://www.thebeertimes.com/es/es-la-mala-calidad-del-agua-en-la-edad-media-solo-un-mito/), which due to the plague was habitually contaminated, asking his congregation to drink only beer. In 627, Arnold retired definitively to a monastery near Remiremont, France, where he died and was buried in 640. ## The Plague and Beer as Medicine During his episcopate, Metz was struck by outbreaks of plague and cholera. Faced with the unsanitary condition of the water, Arnold promoted the consumption of beer — which, being boiled during its production, was considerably safer. In that context, beer was not merely a recreational drink, but a hygienic and medicinal alternative. This pastoral concern for the physical well-being of his people reinforced his popularity and cemented his symbolic relationship with beer. ## Saint Arnold and the Miracle of the Beer It was a year later that the citizens of Metz asked that his body be exhumed and brought back to be buried in the local church — the place where he used to preach the [virtues of beer](https://www.thebeertimes.com/en/10-reasons-why-drinking-beer-in-moderation-can-be-healthy/). ![Champigneulles](https://www.thebeertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Champigneulles-300x182.gif)*Champigneulles, 1832* The request of the parishioners was granted. The journey to bring Arnold’s body back to Metz was hot, long, and exhausting. When the ceremonial procession passed through the town of Champigneulles — home to [the oldest brewery](https://www.thebeertimes.com/cervecerias-mas-antiguas-del-mundo/) in France — the faithful stopped at a local tavern to buy beer. Unfortunately, only about a single jug’s worth remained for them all to share. It was at that moment that one of the parishioners, a man named Duc Notto, exclaimed: > The powerful intercession of the blessed Arnold will provide what is lacking. And from that moment on, the contents of the jug never ran out, and all the people were able to drink their fill. This event is known as the miracle of the beer, and it is the reason why both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church consider Saint Arnold the patron saint of beer. ## Contemporary Devotion Today, Saint Arnold is still celebrated by brewers and enthusiasts around the world, especially on July 18 — the date of his death. In many European festivals he is honored with symbolic processions and collective toasts. In Belgium and France, his name appears on craft beer labels and brotherhoods have been founded in his honor, such as the Confrérie de Saint Arnould. His religious legacy thus lives on not only in altars, but also in the popular traditions tied to beer. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. Why is Saint Arnulf the patron saint of beer? Saint Arnulf is considered the patron saint of beer due to the famous “miracle of the jug.” During the transfer of his relics to Metz, a single jug of beer miraculously multiplied to quench the thirst of all the faithful accompanying the procession under exhausting heat. ### 2. What is Saint Arnulf’s relationship with Charlemagne? Saint Arnulf is a direct ancestor of Charlemagne. His son, Ansegis, married Begga (daughter of Pepin of Landen), founding the Arnulfing dynasty, which are the direct precursors of the Carolingian house and the future Carolingian Empire. ### 3. Why did Saint Arnulf recommend drinking beer instead of water? During his episcopate in Metz, there were outbreaks of plague and cholera. The water was often contaminated and dangerous to health. Arnulf promoted beer consumption because the boiling process during brewing eliminated bacteria, making it a hygienic and safe alternative to hydrate the population. ### 4. What was Saint Arnulf’s professional career before becoming a bishop? Before his religious life, Arnulf served in the court of King Theudebert II. He stood out as a skilled civil administrator and military commander, becoming one of the king’s main ministers under the guidance of Gondulf, the mayor of the palace. ### 5. When is Saint Arnulf’s feast day celebrated? The feast of Saint Arnulf of Metz is celebrated every July 18, a date that coincides with the anniversary of his death in the year 640. It is a date widely celebrated by brewers and enthusiasts, especially in France and Belgium, with toasts and symbolic processions. ## Recommended - [Introduction to beer and cigar pairing](https://www.thebeertimes.com/introduccion-al-maridaje-de-cerveza-y-puros/) - [Gulden Draak Belgian Strong Ale – Tasting Notes](https://www.thebeertimes.com/en/gulden-draak-strong-ale-tasting-notes-and-recommended-pairings-by-a-beer-sommelier/)