Saint Remigius

Life story

Remigius was born around 437, traditionally at Cerny-en-Laonnois near Laon, into Gallo-Roman society. He was elected bishop of Reims in his early twenties.

He baptised King Clovis I, traditionally on Christmas Day 496 (the date is debated); according to Gregory of Tours about 3,000 Franks were baptised with him. He was bishop of Reims from 459 to 533. His Declamations are lost, and four letters survive in the Epistulae Austrasicae. The Testament under his name is doubtful, and the Commentary on the Pauline Epistles is by Remigius of Auxerre, not by him. If the dates given are right, his episcopate lasted about seventy-four years, an exceptionally long span that follows from his election at so young an age. Gregory of Tours is the main early witness for the baptism of Clovis.

The legend of the holy ampulla, used to anoint kings at Reims, arose after his time and is linked with Hincmar; it is not history. The Life once attributed to Venantius Fortunatus is regarded as strictly legendary. He died on 13 January 533. His feast was long kept on 1 October, which marks the translation of his relics; 13 January is the day of his death.

Works and witness

• Elected bishop of Reims in his early twenties
• Baptised Clovis I, traditionally in 496
• Four of his letters survive in the Epistulae Austrasicae
• Died on 13 January 533

Saints from the same country

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Francis de Sales

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Saint Remigius" (newadvent.org/cathen/12763b.htm)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.