Saint Precordius

Biography

Saint Precordius, also known as Precord, Precordio, Precort, or Précore, was a sixth-century man who led a remarkable life of faith and dedication. He was born in the British Isles, but eventually felt a strong calling to live as a hermit and share the Gospel in France. Drawn to the area by the preaching of Saint Remigius of Rheims, Precordius found inspiration and support for his own missionary work. He settled on a hillside in the Valley-sur-Aisne region, where he built a hermitage and dedicated himself to a life of prayer, solitude, and preaching. Precordius quickly gained a reputation as a powerful and charismatic preacher, captivating the hearts and minds of the people in the Soissons region of France. His message of love, repentance, and devotion resonated deeply with the local community, and many were converted through his efforts. His preaching career lasted for many years, during which Precordius traveled extensively, spreading the Gospel and bringing souls to Christ. His dedication and piety earned him a great following and the admiration of many, including Saint Remigius himself. After a fruitful life of evangelization and guiding others in their spiritual journey, Saint Precordius passed away. He was buried on the hill where his hermitage stood in the Valley-sur-Aisne area. Recognizing his sanctity and the spiritual value of his remains, a chapel was built on the site of his death, becoming a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries. In the year 940, a priest named Thiard took some of Saint Precordius' relics to England. However, in 1466, some of the relics were returned to their original resting place in Valley-sur-Aisne. Later, in 1633, Abbot Jean Poncelet transferred additional relics from Valley-sur-Aisne to Corbie Abbey. Some of these relics were also enshrined in the collegiate church of Saint Florent de Roye in 1658. The veneration of Saint Precordius continued throughout the centuries. A fountain of healing waters was built near the church of Our Lady of Vailly-sur-Aisne, where some of his relics were enshrined. Unfortunately, during the persecutions of the French Revolution, the chapel on the hill where he was buried was destroyed. Saint Precordius was honored with feasts on different dates. His feast day is celebrated on 1 February at Corbie Abbey and in the diocese of Soissons, France. Additionally, the translation of his relics is commemorated on 22 July in Vailly-sur-Aisne, France, and on 5 June at Corbie Abbey. Although Saint Precordius is not known to be a patron saint of any particular cause or group, his life and teachings serve as an inspiration for all Christians to live a life of devotion, prayer, and evangelization. His selfless dedication to the Gospel continues to be remembered and celebrated by the faithful to this day.