The Liturgical Calendar: The Church Remembers

Today the church remembers Remigius, Bishop of Rheims, c. 530.

We know very little of Remigius (sometimes "Remi"). He lived in an age of relative obscurity. However, two startling events punctuate his biography and have assured his lasting fame. First, he was consecrated Bishop of Rheims at age twenty-two. In some times and places the consecration of one so young might be simply a reflection of the decadent politics of the church. In Remigius's case he seems to have been elected because of the genuine esteem in which he was held. Second, he converted and baptized Clovis, the first Christian king of France. Remigius was a tireless missionary among the pagan Franks, and this event, which probably took place in 496, was the crowning achievement of his life.

Remigius was credited with a number of miracles and was perhaps the greatest preacher in France in his day. Through Remigius the light of the gospel shone forth in a dark and savage land and a new age and civilization was born: Christian France.

O God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who did call your servant Remigius to feed your sheep by his word, and guide them by his example: Grant us, we pray you, to keep the faith which he taught, and to follow in his footsteps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

O God, by the teaching of your faithful servant and bishop Remigius you turned the nation of the Franks from vain idolatry to the worship of you, the true and living God, in the fullness of the catholic faith: Grant that we who glory in the name of Christian may show forth our faith in worthy deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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