St. Nicasius of Reims: Bishop and Martyr at His Cathedral Door
Quick answer
St. Nicasius was bishop of Reims in northern France in the early fifth century. He built the first cathedral of Reims, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. When invaders attacked the city, probably the Vandals around 407 (some accounts say the Huns in 451), he met them at the door of his church and was killed while praying a psalm. His sister, St. Eutropia, and others died with him. His feast is December 14.
Key takeaways
- He is honored as the builder of the first cathedral of Reims.
- Tradition says he foresaw the attack and urged his people to pray.
- He was struck down at the cathedral door while reciting Psalm 118 (119).
- His sister Eutropia chose to die with him rather than be taken captive.
On the great west front of the cathedral of Reims, among the statues of saints, stands a bishop holding the top of his own head. He is St. Nicasius, a shepherd who stood at the door of his church to meet the invaders.
Bishop of Reims
Nicasius, called Nicaise in French, was bishop of Reims in the early fifth century. The city was then part of the crumbling Western Roman Empire. Tradition remembers him as the builder of the first cathedral of Reims, which he dedicated to the Virgin Mary, on roughly the site of the present Gothic cathedral.
The Invasion
Early in the fifth century, Germanic peoples crossed the Rhine and swept through Gaul. Most historians link the attack on Reims to the Vandals around 407. Some later accounts place it during the invasion of the Huns under Attila in 451.
According to tradition, Nicasius had foreseen the danger and urged his people to repent and pray. When the invaders broke into the city, he did not flee. With his deacon, his lector and his sister Eutropia, a consecrated virgin, he went to the door of his cathedral to meet them, hoping to protect his people.
Martyrdom at the Door
As the attackers approached, Nicasius was praying the long Psalm 118 (119). Tradition says he had just spoken the words “My soul hath cleaved to the pavement” when he was struck with a sword and killed. Eutropia, rather than be taken captive, struck the soldier who had killed her brother, and was killed herself. Others died with them. The legend adds that the invaders, seized with fear, fled the city.
A Shepherd Who Stayed
Nicasius is remembered as a pastor who did not abandon his flock in danger. His relics were enshrined in the abbey church of Saint-Nicaise in Reims, which was destroyed after the French Revolution. His statue still stands on the cathedral, near the famous smiling angel.
A Prayer for Pastors (Original Prayer)
St. Nicasius, you stood at the door of your church to protect your people. Pray for our bishops and priests, that they may be faithful shepherds in every danger. And give me courage to protect those in my care. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about St. Remigius, a later bishop of Reims, St. Denis, or St. Genevieve, who protected Paris from the Huns.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. Nicasius?
December 14.
Why is St. Nicasius shown holding part of his head?
Tradition says he was struck on the head with a sword while praying, so he is often shown carrying the crown of his skull. The famous "smiling angel" of Reims cathedral stands near his statue.
Is St. Nicasius a patron against smallpox?
In parts of France he was invoked against smallpox, according to a later tradition that he had recovered from it himself.
Sources
- Flodoard of Reims, History of the Church of Reims (tenth century)
- Roman Martyrology, December 14
- Butler's Lives of the Saints, December 14
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