(ca. 760–821). Born in Spain of Visigothic parents, Theodulf became a member of the Carolingian court in the latter part of the 8th century. He was abbot of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and then Saint-Aignan before becoming bishop of Orléans. Removed from episcopal office for plotting against Louis the Pious, he was exiled to Angers in 817. Among his theological writings is a defense of the filioque (the procession of the Holy Spirit from both Father and Son) in the Creed, a work on baptism, and possibly expositions of the Creed and the Mass. Theodulf concerned himself with producing a corrected text of the Vulgate Bible, even consulting (or inspiring his disciples to consult) a Hebrew text.
However, his corrected text had little influence; Alcuin’s Bible would be the accepted Vulgate text of the Carolingian period. Theodulf was a poet of note, composing verses for various occasions and purposes: an introduction to his Bible text; a description of a plaque portraying the seven Liberal Arts, virtues, etc.; vivid descriptions of personalities at Charlemagne’s court; and religious poetry, including hymns. While bishop of Orléans, Theodulf ordered priests to establish schools for the instruction of children, gave attention to the liturgy, and showed a deep appreciation of art and its essential role in the church. As author of the Libri Carolini, Theodulf responded to Byzantine icon veneration as sanctioned by the Second Council of Nicaea (787).
