1. Saint Arey, Bishop of Gap
2. Priesthood and Episcopate
3. Founding of the Cathedral School
4. Roman Journey and Papal Recognition
5. Diocesan Administration
6. The Legend of the Bear
7. Variations and Interpretations

Saint Arey, Bishop of Gap

Early Life and Education

Born into a noble Gallo-Roman family in Chalon-sur-Saône in the mid-6th century, Saint Arey was the eldest son of Aprocasius and Sempronia. He served as an altar boy for two years at the local church of Saint Vincent.

Priesthood and Episcopate

Ordained to the priesthood by Siagrius, Bishop of Grenoble, Arey served for 14 years at Martres-sur-Morge, Puy-de-Dôme, or Morges-en-Trièves. In 579, he became the fourth Bishop of Gap.

Founding of the Cathedral School

In Gap, Arey established a school that taught classical subjects. He attended the Second Council of Valence (584/585) and the Second Synod of Mâcon (585).

Roman Journey and Papal Recognition

In 598, Arey visited Rome with Archdeacon Valtonius, where he met with Pope Gregory the Great. As a testament to his efforts in reforming the Church, he was gifted a dalmatic. From 599 to 601, he corresponded with the Pope on the issue of eradicating simony.

Diocesan Administration

Arey reorganized parish life in his diocese, and a village named after him bears witness to his impact. He also studied the computation of Easter with Saint Columbanus.

The Legend of the Bear

Encounter on Montgenèvre

One of the most famous legends associated with Saint Arey recounts his encounter with a bear on Montgenèvre while returning from Rome in 605. When a bear killed one of his oxen, Arey commanded it to replace the animal. The bear complied, and Arey returned to Gap with the astonished crowd. Grateful for the bear's assistance, he released it. The bear remained in the nearby forest, emerging only on the day of Saint Arey's death.

Variations and Interpretations

Various versions of this legend exist, placing the event on the slopes of Montgenèvre, near Orcières, or on the col de la Cayolle. The location of the bear's forest is also disputed, with some suggesting Boscodon or Champsaur on the slopes of the col de Manse.

Sacred