Severus of Avranches was born to a poor peasant family in France. According to historian Georges Goyau, Severus was a sixth century shepherd, "...who was perhaps Bishop of Avranches"Goyau, Georges. "Coutances." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 12 December 2021
He was a shepherd in his youth. After joining the priesthood, he rose through the ranks of monk, priest and later abbot. He eventually became bishop of Avranches. It appears that he was dragged by the local clergy from his forest cell to undergo consecration.Walther, Matthew. "Severus of Avranches", Catholic Herald, January 28, 2018 In his later years, he resigned his bishopric and returned to monastic life.
References
External links Catholic Forum: Severus of Avranches