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Feast Day: February 1
Death: February 1, 1220
Blessed Réginald of Orléans, also known as Réginald de Saint-Gilles and Reginaldo, was a renowned Priest, Professor of canon law at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and Dean of the collegiate church of Saint-Agnan in Orléans, France. Born in Orléans around 1180, Réginald dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of God.
During a pilgrimage to Rome in 1218, Réginald had the fortune of meeting the future Pope Gregory IX, who introduced him to a charismatic preacher named Saint Dominic de Guzman. Captivated by Dominic's eloquence and inspired by his ideas, Réginald and Dominic struck up a close friendship. It was during this time that Réginald experienced a life-changing vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who presented him wearing the Dominican habit. Miraculously cured from his vision, Réginald embraced this divine sign and joined the Dominican Order, receiving the habit directly from Saint Dominic himself.
Joined by Saint Dominic, Réginald traveled to Bologna, Italy, where his exceptional preaching skills attracted admiration and respect from all who heard him. In addition to his powerful sermons, he also served as the prior of the Dominican community in Bologna while Saint Dominic was away. His dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to spreading the teachings of the Order attracted many individuals to join the Dominican family.
In 1219, Réginald became the Prior of the Dominican convent of Saint-Jacques in Paris. Known for his captivating preaching style, he drew crowds of people eager to hear his spiritually enlightening messages. During his time in Paris, Réginald's charismatic presence and profound spiritual insights led numerous individuals to embrace the Dominican way of life.
Notably, Réginald shared a deep friendship with Blessed Jordan of Saxony, a prominent Dominican friar and writer. Jordan recognized Réginald's exceptional talent for preaching and wrote extensively about his charismatic style and the divine fire that emanated from his words. Réginald's impact as a preacher extended not only to those who directly encountered him but also to those who read Jordan's writings about him.
Blessed Réginald of Orléans breathed his last in early February 1220 in Paris, France, succumbing to natural causes. He was laid to rest in the Benedictine cemetery of Notre-Dame-des-Champs in Paris. Although not explicitly mentioned, Réginald's spiritual influence and virtuous life have undoubtedly led to his veneration among many faithful Catholics. Recognizing his holiness and the impact of his preaching, Pope Pius IX beatified him in 1875, confirming his cultus.
The feast days associated with Blessed Réginald of Orléans are celebrated on 1 February in the Roman Martyrology, 12 February by the Dominicans, and 17 February on some calendars, honoring this devout servant of God who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and inspiring others to embrace the Dominican way of life. In preserving his memory, Catholics remember his commitment to truth, his profound spiritual insights, and his unwavering dedication to proclaiming the Word of God through his powerful sermons.