St. Giles

St. Giles Biography

St. Giles is a Christian saint who is venerated as a patron of the sick and of beggars, as well as the patron of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. He is also known as the patron saint of breastfeeding mothers, and is sometimes referred to as the “”father of the disabled.”” According to tradition, he lived in the 7th century AD, although the exact details of his life are somewhat shrouded in legend.

St. Giles was born in Athens, Greece and became a monk in Provence, France. He lived as a hermit in a cave in the forests of the Gard region, where he lived a life of solitude, prayer and contemplation. He would help the poor, the sick, and the hunted animals, by providing them with food and shelter.

One version of his legend says that the king hunting deer near Giles’ hermitage, the saint protected a hind (female deer) which was wounded, from the king and his hunting party. The King was impressed by Giles’ kindness and asked him to become the court’s bishop. He refused, and the king decided to force him, but when they tried to move him he became immovable, and the king understood that it was a sign that he should let him be.

The story of St. Giles also describes him as a miracle worker, capable of healing people with various diseases and disabilities. His reputation as a healer spread, and many people came to him seeking help. It is said that he was able to heal people with leprosy, and that he also had the power to heal animals, which made him a patron of the hunted animals.

St. Giles’ cult spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and many churches and monasteries were dedicated to him. His feast day is celebrated on September 1st, and he is often depicted in art as a bearded hermit with an arrow wound, or with a hind or deer nearby. He is also commonly depicted holding a book or a church, or with an arrow or an arrow wound, as symbolizing his miracles.

Many places in Europe are dedicated to St. Giles, as well as Scotland, he has been particularly celebrated in France, where there are many churches, abbeys, and chapels that bear his name. In France, he was considered a protector of those who were exiled, and in Scotland he is considered the patron saint of the city of Edinburgh.

The devotion to St. Giles is present in many forms of art, such as sculptures, frescoes, and paintings, in which he is represented in different ways, often with animals, and in many cases as a hermit. His name is used in hymns, prayers and litanies, also his relics are venerated in different churches and abbeys.

His popularity led to a number of legends, stories and plays were made about him in the Middle Ages. This, in addition to the connection to the hunting and the protection of the wild animals make him also an important figure in the Middle Age’s hunting culture and tradition.

The Life of St. Giles

St. Giles has been venerated for many ages in France and England. It is claimed that he was born in Athene of noble extraction. As he found it impossible to enjoy the obscurity and retirement in his native country because his extraordinary piety and learning had attracted the world to himself, he sailed to Gaul (now France). At first he established himself in the wilderness near the mouth of the Rhone; then near the river Gard, and, finally, in a forest in the diocese of Nimes.

Saint Giles spent many years in solitude contemplating God. His only companion was a deer. The Saint’s retreat was found by the King’s hunters, who had pursued the animal to its place of refuge. In time St. Giles consented to receive some disciples. St. Giles built a monastery for them in his valley, which he placed under the Rule of St. Benedict. The numerous miracles he wrought increased his reputation for sanctity throughout Gaul, and many churches have been erected in his honor. St. Giles died in the 8th century.

Prayers to St. Giles

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Giles

Lord, we beseech Thee to let us find grace through the intercession of thy blessed confessor Giles; that what we cannot obtain through our merits be given us through his intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Giles

O God, we beseech Thee to grant us through the merits and intercession of St. Giles to flee from the vanity and praise of this world, to avoid carefully all occasions of sin, to cleanse our hearts from all wickedness by a sincere confession, to leave this world in Thy love and rich in good works, and to find Thee gracious on the day of judgment. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer of Intercession to Saint Giles

Zealous follower of Christ, St. Giles, you took to heart from your early youth the words of our Savior: “Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart.” Because of this, you fled from the praise and honors of the world, and were rewarded with the grace of preserving your heart from all sin and persevering in a holy life until old age. On my part, I have through pride, self-confidence, and negligence, yielded to my evil inclinations, and through this sinned grievously and often, offending my God and Lord, my Creator and Redeemer, my most loving Father. Therefore I implore you to help me through your mighty intercession to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, that I may know the malice, grievousness, and multitude of my sins. Grant that I may confess them humbly, fully, and contritely, and receive pardon, tranquility of heart, and peace of conscience from God. Amen.

Prayer to St. Giles

Dear St. Giles, you were known for your compassion and kindness, even to animals. Your love and care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized is an inspiration to us all. Help us to imitate your example and to love those in need as you did.

Intercede for us, St. Giles, and pray that we may grow in holiness, humility, and charity. May your example encourage us to live a life of faith and to seek always the will of God.

Grant us the grace to be mindful of the poor and to use our resources wisely to help those in need. Teach us to be kind and patient, even in the face of adversity, and to trust in the Lord in all things.

St. Giles, pray for us and help us to follow in your footsteps, that we may one day share in the joy of heaven with you.

Prayer to St. Giles for Healing

Dear St. Giles, you were known for your miracles of healing. Your compassion and love for those in need was evident in all you did, and you continue to be a source of comfort and strength to those who call upon you.

I come to you today with a heavy heart, seeking your intercession and the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for me, St. Giles, and ask the Lord to grant me the healing I so desperately need.

I trust in your powerful intercession and I know that the Lord hears your prayers. Please help me to have faith, even in the face of trials and suffering, and to trust in the Lord’s loving mercy and grace.

St. Giles, pray for me and intercede on my behalf, that I may receive the healing I need and that I may one day share in the fullness of life with you in heaven.

 

St. Giles: Patron Saint of the Physically Challenged

St. Giles, also known as St. Aegidius, is the patron saint of the physically challenged, beggars, and outcasts. He lived as a hermit in the 8th century in what is now France, and was known for his devotion to God and his compassion for the marginalized.

According to legend, St. Giles was visited by the king of the Franks, who was seeking his advice. During the meeting, a hind (female deer) came to drink from a nearby stream. The king raised his hunting bow to shoot the hind, but Giles threw himself in front of the hind to protect it. The king was so moved by Giles’ act of kindness and compassion that he spared the hind and became a convert to Christianity.

In addition to his role as a protector of animals, St. Giles is also considered the patron saint of the physically challenged. This is because he was said to have suffered from a physical disability himself, and he was known for his kindness and compassion towards those who were marginalized and shunned by society.

In the Middle Ages, St. Giles was widely venerated in Europe, and many churches, monasteries, and shrines were dedicated to him. His feast day is celebrated on September 1st, and he remains an important figure in the Christian tradition to this day.

In conclusion, St. Giles is the patron saint of the physically challenged and other marginalized groups due to his life of devotion, compassion, and service to those in need. Through his example, he continues to inspire us to care for the marginalized and to show kindness and compassion to all.” “

Reflection on the feast day of St. Giles

The feast day of St. Giles is celebrated on September 1st in the Catholic Church.

St. Giles is known as a patron saint of beggars, travelers, and the disabled. He is also considered the patron saint of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. According to legend, St. Giles was a hermit who lived in a cave in the woods and was visited by a deer who would bring him food. He is also believed to have performed many miracles during his lifetime.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Giles, we are reminded of the importance of caring for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. St. Giles, through his own life of simplicity and service, teaches us that the love of God is not confined to any one class of society. He reminds us that the poor and marginalized have a special place in the heart of God and that we are called to serve them as if we were serving Christ himself.

St. Giles is also a patron saint of travelers and the disabled, reminding us that our journey through life is not always easy. We may face many obstacles and difficulties, but just as St. Giles was sustained by the deer, we too can be sustained by the love and grace of God. He reminds us that we are not alone, and that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments of our lives.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Giles, let us call on his powerful intercession, and ask him to guide and protect us on our journey through life. Let us also remember that just like St. Giles, we too have the opportunity to be a light in the darkness, spreading the love and compassion of God to all those around us. May God bless us all.

Finally, let us remember that the journey through life is not just about us, but about others. As we celebrate the feast day of St. Giles, let us take time to reflect on how we can serve others, especially those who are marginalized and in need, in a way that is compassionate and dignifying. Let us also pray for the grace to recognize the needs of others and respond with love and charity. May this feast day of St. Giles inspire us to live lives of selfless service, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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