Saint Remigius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintRemigius |
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Saint Remigius baptizes Clovis I, by the Master of Saint Gilles, c. 1500 (National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.)
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| Bishop and Confessor | |
| Born | c. 437 Cerny-en-Laonnois, Picardy, Roman Empire |
| Died | 13 January 533 (aged 95–96) Rheims, Champagne, Kingdom of the Franks |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Anglican Communion Eastern Orthodoxy |
| Feast | 13 January 1 October (translation of relics) |
| Attributes | dove, book, lamp |
| Patronage | France |
Remigius (also known as Remi or Rémi in French) was an important Bishop of Reims who lived a long time ago, from around 437 to 533 AD. He is often called the "Apostle of the Franks" because of his big role in bringing Christianity to the Frankish people.
One of his most famous actions was baptizing Clovis I, who was the King of the Franks, on December 25, 496. This event was a huge step in making the Franks a Christian nation. After Clovis became Christian, many churches were built in lands that used to follow pagan religions. This helped establish Catholic Christianity in areas where other forms of Christianity, like Arian Christianity, were more common.
Contents
Early Life and Becoming a Bishop
Remigius was born around 437 in a place called Cerny-en-Laonnois, near Laon, in what is now France. His family was very important and well-respected in the Gallo-Roman society of that time.
He studied in Reims and quickly became known for being very smart and holy. Because of his knowledge and good character, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Reims when he was only 21 years old. This was quite unusual because he wasn't even a priest yet!
Baptizing King Clovis
Remigius had a good relationship with Clovis I, the King of the Franks. One famous story tells how Remigius helped Clovis return some sacred items that had been stolen from a church. This showed the friendly bond between them.
Remigius, along with Vedast and Clotilde (Clovis's wife, who was a princess from Burgundy), helped convince King Clovis to become a Christian. Even before Clovis converted, he was kind to Remigius and the Christians in Reims.
After Clovis won an important battle against the Alamanni people around 497 AD, he asked Remigius to baptize him. This special event happened on December 25, 496, in Reims. According to historical records, about 3,000 Frankish people were baptized along with King Clovis that day.
Spreading Christianity
King Clovis gave Remigius large areas of land. Remigius used these gifts to build and support many new churches. He also helped set up new bishoprics (areas led by a bishop) in cities like Tournai, Cambrai, and Thérouanne.
He personally appointed the first bishop in Thérouanne in 499. He also placed St. Vedast as bishop in Arras and gave the bishopric of Laon to his niece's husband. In 530, he consecrated Medardus as the Bishop of Noyon.
Remigius's brother, Principius, was also a bishop in Soissons. They were both known for their educated and refined style of writing.
Church Councils and Influence
Even though Remigius never went to any big church councils, he held his own meeting in Reims in 517. During this meeting, he had a strong discussion with a bishop who followed Arianism (a different belief about Jesus). Remigius successfully convinced this bishop to change his views.
Remigius had a lot of influence over people and other bishops. His writings, though many are now lost, were admired by others at the time. A few of his letters still exist today, including some written to King Clovis.
Legacy and Recognition
Remigius's remains were originally kept in the Cathedral of Reims. Later, they were moved to keep them safe during Viking attacks and then to the Abbey of Saint-Rémy.
Sadly, his tomb in Reims was damaged on October 7, 1793, during the French Revolution. This happened because of the historical connection between his tomb and the French kings.
Today, Saint Remigius is honored in the Church of England and the Episcopal Church on October 1st. In France, his feast day is also celebrated on October 1st.
Churches Dedicated to Saint Remigius
Many churches around the world are named after Saint Remigius, showing his lasting importance. Here are a few examples:
- Saint Remigius Church - a Roman Catholic church in Simpelveld, Netherlands.
- Long Clawson - an Anglican church in the village of Long Clawson, Leicestershire, England.
- Stoke Holy Cross - an Anglican church in the village of Stoke Holy Cross in South Norfolk, England.
- Seething Norfolk - a Church of England church dedicated to St Margaret and St Remigius.
- Saint Remigius Church - a Roman Catholic church in Haacht, Belgium.
- Saint Remigius Church of England - in the village of Hethersett, Norfolk, England.
See also
In Spanish: Remigio de Reims para niños
| Preceded by Bennage |
Archbishop of Reims 459–533 |
Succeeded by Romanus |
