Hospitius

Venerable Hospitius, called in French Hospice and anciently Sospis, was a recluse of Gaul, who died on 21 May 581. Tradition says that he had been a monk in his native Egypt toward the beginning of the sixth century.

He came to Gaul and withdrew into a dilapidated tower on the peninsula of Cap Ferrat, a few miles east of Nice. The people of the neighbourhood often sought him for counsel. About the year 575 he warned them of an impending incursion of the Lombards. He was seized by the invaders, but his life was spared. He worked a miracle in favour of one of the warriors, who turned to the faith, embraced monastic life and came to know Gregory of Tours personally. From him Gregory learned of the recluse's severe austerities and many miracles. Gregory of Tours is the source of the few details preserved of his life.

Hospitius foretold his death and was buried by his friend Austadius, bishop of Cimiez. He died at Cap Ferrat, sometimes called Cap Saint-⁠Sospis or Cap Saint-⁠Hospice, near Villefranche-⁠sur-⁠Mer, in the department of Alpes-⁠Maritimes. He is still venerated in the diocese of Nice, at the cathedral of Saint Reparata, which holds a small bone of his hand; other relics are kept in the churches of Villefranche-⁠sur-⁠Mer, La Turbie and San-⁠Sospis.