Principius of Soissons

Saint Principius of Soissons (Prince) was the twelfth bishop of Soissons, from about 474 until his repose on 25 September 505. He was the elder brother of Saint Remigius of Reims and the father or uncle of Saint Lupus of Soissons.

His episcopate coincided with the end of Roman rule in Gaul and the rise of Frankish power: he saw the defeat of Syagrius by Clovis in 486, and Soissons became the seat of the Frankish kingdom. His qualities brought him close to Clovis and strengthened his influence on Queen Clotilda, who sought to lead her husband to the faith. Principius took part in the baptism of Clovis by Remigius and afterwards helped the newly baptized to live by the faith. With the king's gifts he built churches and increased the number of altars and parishes, to make teaching more accessible. Together with Remigius he corresponded with Sidonius Apollinaris.

He was buried by Remigius in the chapel of Saint Thecla. His relics were later moved to Soissons Cathedral and burned by heretics in 1567; his arm was venerated at the church of Saint-⁠Amé. He is commemorated on 25 September, as a saint of the undivided Church, by the New Calendar.