Their story
Romanus came from a noble Frankish family. He served at the court of Clotaire II, who was then master of the whole Frankish kingdom, and became his referendary, or chancellor. In 626, when Hidulphus died, Romanus was chosen archbishop of Rouen and made to accept consecration.
He worked to end the remains of paganism in his diocese, destroying a temple of Venus at Rouen and three others dedicated to Mercury, Jupiter and Apollo. Butler relates that once, when the Seine flooded much of the city, he knelt by the water with a crucifix and the river drew back within its banks.
Butler also describes the 'privilege of St Romain': each Ascension Day the cathedral chapter of Rouen pardoned one condemned prisoner, who then helped carry the saint's shrine in procession.
