Principius

The Lives Of The Saints: Volume 10, September · S. PRINCIPIUS, B. OF SOISSONS.

S. PRINCIPIUS, B. OF SOISSONS.

(5TH CENT.)

[Roman and Gallican Martyrologies. Authority : — Two letters of Sidonius Apollinaris to S. Principius, and mention in the Life of S. Re- migius.]

S. Principius was the son of Emilius, Count of Laon, and of S. Cselinia, belonging to a senatorial family in that city. He was born in the first year of their married life, in their old age they became parents of S. Remigius, afterwards Archbishop of Rheims. Principius was married and had a son named Lupus. On the death of S. Edibius, Bishop of Soissons. he was elected in his room. Although not personally acquainted with S. Sidonius Apollinaris, that eminent and accomplished author wrote to him, as “ Papa Principius.*' Of the nine letters of Sidonius that survive, two are addressed to S. Principius. He speaks of the eloquent letters of Principius, and says, “ I entreat thee, instantly, thee and

*-

Sept 25.]

■5*. Finbar.

3 77

*-

thy brother, but especially thee, to quench the thirst I have for your admirable letters. If the difficulty of the roads and the distance oppose the accomplishment of my desires, at least pray sometimes for those who ask your prayers.''

Martyrologium Romanum · Latin witness

Eodem die sancti Principii, qui fuit Episcopus Suessionensis et frater beati Remigii Episcopi.