He was born in the district of Rheims. His father Marquard was
abandoned to every infamous disorder. An education formed on the best
Christian principles in the house of such a person would more than
probably be blasted by his bad example; but our saint was happily
removed, and educated in learning and piety, under the edifying
example of the holy bishop Remigius.
He married in complaisance to his relations; but easily persuaded his
wife to embrace the virgin state; and becoming himself a monk, he was
made superior of an abbey founded by St. Remigius on Mont-d’Hor, near
Rheims. Some time after he received holy orders, and became famous
by the many extraordinary conversions he wrought through the zeal
and unction wherewith he exhorted sinners to repentance; among these
was his own father, who persevered to his death under the direction
of his son. He succeeded also, in conjunction with St. Remigius,
in converting an infamous house into a nunnery of pious virgins.
According to the most common opinion he died on the 1st of July, 533.
It is said that king Thierri assisted at his funeral, and esteemed
himself honored in being one of his bearers to the grave. His
relics, lest they should be exposed to the impiety of the Normans,
were hidden under ground, but discovered in 976, and are still
preserved in a silver shrine. He is mentioned on this day in the
Roman Martyrology. See Mabillon, Act. t. 1, p. 614. Bulteau, Hist. de
l’Ordre de St. Ben. t. 1, p. 287; Baillet ad l. Jul. and Gal. Christ.
Nov. t. 9, p. 180.