Saint Gildas

Also known as: Gildas the Wise
Badonicus
Memorial: 29 January
Profile: English nobility. As a child, he was placed under the care of a nearby monastery where he was trained by Saint Illtyd. Friend of Saint Samson and Saint Peter of Leon. Teacher of Saint Finnian, Saint Kenneth of Wales, and Blessed Bieuzy of Brittany. Exceptional student. Monk. Moved to Ireland to study and give his life over to God. Priest. Evangelist in Britain. Founded churches and monasteries in Ireland. Abbot. Miracle worker. Following a pilgrimage to Rome, he became a hermit, living on the tiny island of Rhuys. He attracted followers, and his hermitage became a monastery where he served as its abbot. Wrote several works aimed at monks, encouraging them to holiness. Spiritual advisor. After several years, he returned to England to preach in the north, at which vocation he spent the rest of his life. Earliest British historian; his works were used by Bede.
Born: c.516 at Scotland, possibly at Clydeside
Died: c.570 at Houat, Brittany
Representation: with a nearby bell
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Encyclopedia
For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Infoplease
New Catholic Dictionary
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society
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