Saint Florinus of Remüs

Biography

Saint Florinus, also known as Florinus of Chur, Florinus of Finsgowe, Florinus of Matsch, and by various other names, was a Catholic saint who lived in the late 8th century in the Val Venosta region of Italy. Legend states that his father was a Saxon and his mother was a Jew who had converted to Christianity. The two met during their pilgrimage to Rome and later married, settling in Val Venosta in the Italian Tyrol region. Florinus received his education from Father Alexander at the parish of Saint Peter in Remüs, which is now known as Ramosch, Switzerland. This parish had previously been ministered by Saint Othmar of Saint Gall. After completing his studies, Florinus was ordained in Unterengadin, Switzerland. Following his ordination, Florinus dedicated himself to the service of God as the parish priest at Saint Peter's in Remüs. In this role, he lived a solitary life, resembling a hermit, and displayed great compassion towards the poor. It is said that Saint Florinus possessed the ability to perform miracles, the most famous of which was his ability to turn water into wine. He would then generously distribute the wine to the poor, ensuring that their needs were met. Saint Florinus is often depicted with a book, symbolizing his education and knowledge. Additionally, representations of him may include a chunk of limestone, as it is believed that he used this material to build the church in Saint Peter's. Furthermore, images of Saint Florinus may feature a wine jug, pitcher, bottle, or pot, symbolizing the miracle of turning water into wine. Saint Florinus died around the year 856 in Remüs, his place of service. He passed away from natural causes and was buried in the graveyard of the parish of Saint Peter. After his death, some of his relics were enshrined in Koblenz and Regensburg, Germany. Saint Florinus is venerated as a pre-congregation saint, as his canonization occurred before the establishment of the formal canonization process. He is celebrated on November 17th, which is his primary feast day. Other dates commemorating important events in the veneration of his relics include August 7th (the translation of relics to Chur, Switzerland) and December 18th (the translation of relics to Trier, Germany). Saint Florinus is considered the patron saint of the Chur diocese in Switzerland, as well as the diocese of Vaduz in Liechtenstein. He is also acknowledged as the patron saint of the Lower Engadine region in Switzerland and Val Venosta in Italy. Faithful followers have sought his intercession for various intentions, particularly in matters related to these regions and their inhabitants. In summary, Saint Florinus of Remüs was a dedicated priest who lived a solitary life of service in Remüs, Switzerland. Known for his compassion towards the poor and his ability to perform miraculous acts such as turning water into wine, Saint Florinus continues to be revered and remembered as a saint of great faith and generosity.