St. Remigius, the great apostle of the French nation was one of the brightest lights of the Gaulish church, illustrious for his learning, eloquence, sanctity and miracles. An episcopacy of seventy years and many great actions have rendered his name famous. His father Emilius and mother Cilinia, both descended of noble Gaulish families, lived to their rank at the castle of Laon and devoted themselves to the exercise of all Christian virtues. His nurse Balsamia is reckoned among the saints and is honored at Rheims in a collegiate church that bears her name. He baptized King Clovis on Christmas day, 496, and became a founder of Christian civilization in Western Europe. He died on January 13, 533. October 1 is the anniversary of the solemn translation of his relics.