Saint Remigius

Saint Remigius was born around 437, traditionally at Cerny-en-Laonnois near Laon in Picardy, into a distinguished Gallo-Roman Christian family. Gifted in learning and marked by holiness, he studied at Reims and, while still a layman, was chosen as Bishop of Reims at only twenty-one. In a time when many Germanic peoples followed Arian beliefs, Remigius became a steadfast shepherd of Nicene faith and a patient evangelist. His greatest moment came on Christmas Day, 496, when he baptized Clovis I, King of the Franks, at Reims. With the king, thousands entered the Church, and the Christianization of the Frankish realm advanced swiftly through new churches and newly founded bishoprics. Remigius also guided clergy and corrected error, even converting an Arian-leaning bishop at a synod he held in 517. Venerated as the “Apostle of the Franks,” he is honored as patron of Cavasso Nuovo, Colleverde, Fosdinovo, Pecetto di Valenza, Sedriano, Villadeati, and Vimodrone. His feast day is celebrated on January 15.