Saint Remigius of Rheims was born in 437 AD, in Cerny-en-Laonnois, Picardy, France and lived as a Bishop of Rheims. He died at the age of 96, in Rheims, Champagne, France, on January 13 533 AD and his feast day is celebrated on January 13.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Life History
Remigius was born in Picardy, France, in 437 AD, from Emilius, Count of Laon and Celina, daughter of Bishop of Soissons. He recieved his studies in Rheims and was acknowledged for his learning capabilities and sanctity. He was held in high esteem and as a result of his family status and this together with his intellect, meade him become elected Bishop Rheims, when he was just 21 years old.
He was said to have an outstanding relationship with Clovis I, king of the Franks, who were a Germanic population. Remigius brought about the return of the vase of Soissons, a sacred vessel said to have been stolen from the church in Soissons. he converted the King to Christianity with the assistance of Saint Vedast and Saint Clotilde, wife to Clovis I. He baptized him on December 25 496 AD, in the presence of the multitude of the Franks of which 3000 were baptized on that same day, with the King.
Remigius was granted territories where he could establish churches and so he established bishoprics in Toornai, Combrai and Therouanne. he consecrated Medardus, Bishop of Noyon in 530 AD and it is also believed that his brother, Principius, was Bishop of Soissons.
He was held a synod in 517 AD, at Rheims, where he converted an Arian Bishop after a long and heated debate.
Remigius, according to a legend, was asked by a dying Moriband pagan for baptism. It was realised that there was no supply of the Oil of the Catechumens needed for baptism and so he ordered two vials, placed them on an altar and as he prayed, they were miraculously filled with the Oil of the Catechumens. Later after his death, his coffin was found with two ampullas, vials, from them emanating pleasant smells, described to be other-worldly. He lived as a bishop of Rheims for 70 years, one of the longest episcopates in the history of Bishops, living a fulfilling holy life and fighting idolatry tooth and nail.
He died on January 13 533 AD, aged 96, due to natural causes.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Birth
Saint Remigius of Rheims was born in 437 AD, in Cerny-en-Laonnois, Picardy, France.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Death
He died on January 13 533 AD, aged 96, due to natural causes.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Family Background
His parents were; Emilius, Count of Laon and Celina, daughter of Bishop of Soissons.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Nationality
He was french in nationality.
Profession
Remigius lived as bishop of Rheims.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Canonization
He was canonized pre-congregation.
Venerated in
He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion and the Eastern Orthodox.
Saint Remigius of Rheims’ Feast Day
His feast day is celebrated on January 13 and October 1(the translation of his relics).
Relics
His relics were first kept in the Cathedral of Rheims, then translated to Epernay during the Viking invasions and in 1099 AD to the abbey of Saint-Remy.
Major Shrine
The major shrine attributed to Saint Remigius is the abbey of Saint-Remy where his relics are kept.
Atrributes
He is attributed as a dove, a book and a lamp.
Saint Remigius of Rheims is the Patron Saint of
He is the patron saint of France.
Follow @ReadingCatholic
