Draft:Shrine of Saint Remi

The content of this article is translated from the existing French Wikipedia article at fr:Châsse de saint Remi; see its history for attribution.

Shrine of Saint Remi
Type	Châsse, reliquaire

The shrine of Saint Remi of Reims is a monumental reliquary made of gilded and enameled bronze, created in 1896 for the 14th centenary of Clovis's baptism. It houses the relics of Saint Remi, the Bishop of Reims who baptized Clovis in 496. The current shrine is the fifth known.

Significance of the Shrine of Saint Remi

The shrine of Saint Remi is an object of great religious and historical importance. It is a symbol of the veneration of Saint Remi and the significant role he played in the history of France. It was regularly used in religious processions to ward off epidemics and was depicted on medals for various guilds. It also serves as a testament to the art and goldsmithing techniques of the 19th century.

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Procession of the Shrine of Saint Remi

The procession of the shrine of Saint Remi within the basilica is a religious tradition that takes place every year in Reims, on the first Sunday of October, after it has been displayed in the Basilica of Saint-Remi for nine days.

Historically, the procession started from the basilica and went to the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral.

History

First Shrine (852)

In 852, the first shrine was crafted in gilded silver under the direction of Archbishop Hincmar of Reims. It was used to house the relics of Saint Remi from 852 to 1650.

Second Shrine (1654)

The second shrine was crafted in silver by Reims goldsmith Antoine Lespicier (1643-1793), funded by Dom Oudard Bourgeois, Grand Prior of Saint-Remi, in 1654. It incorporated some elements from the first shrine. It was melted down during the French Revolution in 1793.

Third Shrine (1795)

In 1795, a new shrine was crafted in gilded wood.

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Fourth Reliquary (1811)

In 1811, a silver-plated copper reliquary was created thanks to the donations of a generous Reims resident, Ludinard de Vauxelles.

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  Médaille commémorative de la procession des reliques de saint Rémi avec quatrième châsse.
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  Quatrième châsse (1811).

Fifth and current reliquary (1896)

The current reliquary was crafted by goldsmith Charles Wéry-Mennesson. The enamel plaques adorning it are attributed to Théophile Soyer. The preparatory drawings for the plaques were painted by Émile Auguste Wéry..

The reliquary is made of gilded bronze. It measures approximately 2 meters in length and 1 meter in height. It is constructed with two levels and a gabled roof:

• The first level features statues representing Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, and the twelve apostles, with Peter and Paul on the front face visible from the gate. The second level includes a series of twelve enameled plaques illustrating the life of Saint Remi, with a scene on the front face depicting the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi.

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  Châsse

Gallery

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  Chasse du XVIIe siècle contenant les reliques de saint Remy de 1803 à 1824
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  Châsse actuelle.

Bibliography and Sources

• Prosper Tarbé, Les sépultures de l'église Saint-Remi de Reims, 1842

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