St. Remigius of Reims

Remigius of Rheims was born around 434 in Gaul (France). He was the son of noble parents, Saint Celina and Emilius, count of Laon. Because of his eloquence he was chosen to be bishop of Rheims, France although he was yet a layman and only twenty-one. He is known as the Apostle of the Franks for he preached throughout Gaul and baptized Clovis the king of Franks on December 24, 496. The conversion of the king led to the conversion of all the Franks. Remigius lived to an advanced age and he was blind at the time of his death on January 13, 533. His feast is October 1, but it is kept on January 13 in Rheims and January 15 throughout France. He was canonized in 1049. Remigius is sometimes called St. Remy. He is invoked against snake bites, throat pain, epidemics, fever, and religious indifference and he is the patron of Rheims.