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Feast Day: May 21
Saint Hospitius of Cap-Saint-Hospice, also known as Hospitus, Ospicio, Ospizio, and Sospis, was a renowned hermit and ascetic who lived in the ruins of an old tower in a place now named Cap-Saint-Hospice in his honor. He was born in Gaul, but little is known about his early life and upbringing. Saint Hospitius led an incredibly austere and penitential life. He wore heavy iron chains as a constant reminder of his sins and to mortify his flesh. His diet mainly consisted of bread and dates, even refraining from these during the solemn season of Lent. Through his extreme penances and constant prayer, Hospitius sought to unite with God and attain spiritual perfection. One of the remarkable aspects of Saint Hospitius's life was his prophetic gift. He foretold the invasion of Gaul by the Lombards, a Germanic tribe, at a time when there were no apparent signs of such an event. His prophetic ability astounded many and brought him a reputation as a holy seer. In the year 575, a Lombard patrol came across Hospitius, laden with heavy chains and leading a solitary life in isolation. Mistaking him for a criminal, the soldiers approached him cautiously. However, Saint Hospitius willingly admitted his sinful nature, confessing a long list of offenses, which only further convinced the Lombard soldiers that he was indeed a dangerous man. Suspecting that the hermit posed a threat, one of the soldiers raised his sword to end Hospitius's life. Miraculously, as soon as the soldier attempted to strike, his sword arm became paralyzed. The soldier was frozen in place, unable to move or harm Hospitius. At that moment, Hospitius made the sign of the cross over the immobilized arm, and instantly it regained its function. The soldier was both converted to Christianity and deeply moved by the intercession of Saint Hospitius. From that moment forward, he dedicated his life to the service of God. As his humble existence continued, Saint Hospitius prophesied the hour of his own death. True to his prediction, he spent his final hours in deep prayer, communing with God. Sensing that his earthly sojourn was about to come to an end, he removed the heavy chains that had been his constant companions for so many years. Saint Hospitius passed away on 21st May 581, surrounded by the presence of God. His body was buried by his close companion and friend, Austadius, the Bishop of Cimiez. As a venerated saint, his remains were preserved and distributed to various French towns, including Lerins, Nice, Villefranche, La Turbie, and San-Sospis. Though Saint Hospitius did not receive an official patronage, his life serves as an inspiration for those seeking a path of profound penitence and devotion. His remarkable prophetic insights and the conversion of the Lombard soldier attest to his sanctity and intercessory power. Saint Hospitius's feast day is celebrated on 21st May, honoring his memory and commemorating his holy life dedicated to prayer, penance, and closeness to God.