Nicasius of Rheims

Saint Nicasius of Reims was born in Gaul, though the place and year of his birth are not known. Chosen as bishop of Reims, he became a devoted shepherd of his flock and is remembered for founding the first cathedral of the city, laying a lasting foundation for Christian worship there. Tradition recounts that, foreseeing a coming invasion, he urged his people to prepare with prayer and trust in God’s mercy. When the attackers reached the city gates—whether Vandals, as some accounts say, or later the Huns—Nicasius offered himself for his people, delaying the violence so that others might escape. He was martyred near the altar of his church, together with Jucundus his lector, Florentius his deacon, and Eutropia, his virgin sister. Legends also remember him as a “head-carrier,” continuing to recite the psalms even after his beheading, a sign of steadfast faith unto death. Because he was believed to have survived smallpox, he is venerated as patron of smallpox victims, and also as patron of Camuñas. His feast day is December 14.