Saint Gall (Callo, Chelleh, Gilianus)
Confessor, Apostle of Switzerland, born Ireland, c.550; died Arbon, Switzerland, 627.
He was a monk, one of the 12 disciples who followed Saint Columbanus to Luxeuil, and later to Bregenz, where he led a hermit's life, near the river Steinach.
He declined the abbacy of Luxeuil and the episcopacy of Constance.
After his death a church was erected in his honor which later grew into a monastery, c.613.
Represented in art with a bear, as there is a legend that a bear once brought wood to feed his fire; also holding a cross, and book.
Feast, 16 October.
New Catholic Dictionary
