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Portrait of St. Giles
St. Giles

St. Giles

c. 650 – c. 710
Feast
September 1 · VIII c.
Patron of
Beggars · Disabled people · Forests · Cancer patients
Order
Hermit / Abbot

Hermit-abbot in Provence (c. 650-c. 710), traditionally an Athenian Greek who lived as a hermit near the mouth of the Rhône, fed by a hind that took refuge with him from royal hunters. Founded the abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, a major medieval pilgrimage stop on the route to Santiago. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers; pre-Congregation.

Life & Times

Born: c. 650 · Died: c. 710 · From: Greece / France, tradition.

Patronage

St. Giles is invoked as the patron of beggars, disabled people, forests, cancer patients. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.

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Devotional items honoring St. Giles, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.

About Catholic Saints

Catholic saints, including St. Giles, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.