Nicasius of Reims

Saint Nicasius of Reims, hieromartyr, was Bishop of Reims in France and received the crown of martyrdom around 407 (other sources say 451), together with his sister Eutropia and a number of his clergy and faithful. He is said to have founded the first cathedral of Reims.

According to the sources that place him in 407, he foretold the invasion of Gaul by the Vandals and told his people to prepare. Asked whether they should fight, he answered that they would abide the mercy of God and pray for their enemies, and that he was ready to give himself for his people. When the barbarians were at the gates of the city, he tried to delay them so that more people could escape. He was killed either at the altar or in the doorway of his church, with Jucundus, his lector, Florentius, his deacon, and Eutropia, his virgin sister. Tradition tells that he was reciting Psalm 119 when he was beheaded and went on with the next verse after his head had fallen. After their death the Vandals are said to have been frightened and to have left. According to other sources, those that place him in 451, the deeds were done by the Huns.

Because he is said to have survived smallpox, he is the patron of smallpox sufferers. A Benedictine abbey in Reims bears his name. He is a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 14 December (New Calendar).