Saint Gildas the Wise
Confessor, born possibly Dumbarton, Scotland, c.516; died Houat, Brittany, c.570.
He studied in Wales and Ireland, where he was ordained.
He retired to the isle of Houat, and subsequently founded a monastery at Rhuys on the mainland.
He is the earliest British historian; "De excidio Britannire liber querulus" is his chief work.
Patron of several churches and monasteries in Brittany and elsewhere; invoked against rabies.
Relics in cathedral of Vannes.
Feast, 29 January.
New Catholic Dictionary
