Remigius was born about 438 and made Bishop
at the ripe old age of 22. He served as Bishop of Rheims during the time
of the Barbarian invasions and the Arian conflict. In fact it is indeed possible that Remigius
changed the history of Europe as he witnessed to Clovis, King of the Franks, who became
Catholic Christian as opposed to becoming Arian as did the Goths and the Vandals. Clovis was
baptised Christmas day 496 with about three thousand of his followers, and as
the Franks were to make big changes in Europe. In fact the Franks prevented the Muslims from
taking over France
under Charles Martel, and under Charlemagne consolidated power. The Franks also converted the Visigoths so
that the Arians no longer had military hegemony over the area. I t should also be noted that Clovis’s descendents
helped lead to the conversion of some English royal families during the time of
the heptarchy.
I particularly like Remigious’ words to Clovis, “Burn what you
worshipped, and worship what you burned.
Once, Clovis
was baptised, Remigius was free to proclaim the Gospel to the Franks, which he
did, founding may churches and dioceses. Remigius, like several other saints was known
to have a way with animals, sparrows would eat out of his hands as he ate. Chiefly though we remember Remigius for his
fine work converting Clovis
and the Franks.
Collect:
Heavenly Father, as you empowered
your Bishop Remigius, to witness the Gospel of our Lord Yeshuah to Clovis, King
of the Franks, and to convert him and
the Frankish nation, empower us to reach out to the leadership of the nations
that they may acknowledge you to be the true sovereign of this world, through
our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach
haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.
Amen. (white)
No comments:
Post a Comment