Vedast (Waast or Vaast)

Saint Vaast, also known as Waast or Vedast (and sometimes Gaston in French), was an influential bishop of the 6th century, originating from Périgord. Ordained a priest at Toul, he was sent into the region by Saint Remigius, the bishop of Reims. His primary renown comes from his role as the spiritual tutor and catechist of the Frankish king, Clovis I, preparing him for his historic baptism around 496 AD. Following Clovis's conversion, Vaast was established around 499 as the first bishop of Arras, and around 510 he also received charge of Cambrai. He dedicated himself to restoring churches damaged by barbarian invasions and to evangelizing populations still pagan or adhering to Arianism. Tradition recounts that he performed miracles, notably driving a bear out of Arras, a scene frequently depicted in his iconography. His life stands as a testament to apostolic zeal and pastoral dedication during a foundational period of French history.