St. Giles, Abbot
Patron of beggars; blacksmiths; breast cancer; breast feeding; cancer patients; disabled people; Edinburgh (Scotland); epilepsy; fear of night; noctiphobics; forests; hermits; horses; lepers; mental illness; outcasts; poor peoples; rams; spur makers; sterility
650 - 710
St. Giles, Abbot (Patron of Physically Disabled) Feast day - September 1
St. Giles is said to have been a seventh century Athenian of noble birth. His piety and learning made him so conspicuous and an object of such admiration in his own country that, dreading praise and longing for a hidden life, he left his home and sailed for France. At first he took up his abode in a wilderness near the mouth of the Rhone river, afterward near the river Gard, and, finally, in the diocese of Nimes.
He spend many years in solitude conversing only with God. The fame of his miracles became so great that his reputation spread throughout France. He was highly esteemed by the French king, but he could not be prevailed upon to forsake his solitude. He admitted several disciples, however, to share it with him. He founded a monastery, and established an excellent discipline therein. In succeeding ages it embraced the rule of St. Benedict. St. Giles died probably in the beginning of the eighth century, about the year 724.
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Thank you for the daily inspiration that I receive while learning about "Saints of the Day". With all of the unwanted emails each morning, it's a wonderful feeling to read about and contemplate the lives of so many men and women that have come before and realize that the presence of God has been so consistent and serves as a daily affirmation for me.
I am physically disabled and have been since I was a child. At 56 years old, this is the first I have known about the life of St. Giles. I wil be looking now for more information about his life and seek to know when his life became such an example for all of people such as myself. I wish to trust in God and we know we will truly be taken into His arms; not only to survive, but to become someone with the power to help others. Often the forgotten or maligned people for being considered lesser in our lives here on Earth, we may understand that that we are, in the eyes of God; very special people.
My prayers go out to all who are suffering and ask God to help us to know our own place in this world. God Bless Us All.
St. Giles, the patron saint of beggars and disabled, please continue to pray for me to show more concern to the disabled and downtroden people whom I come across daily, by recogninising the prescence of Jesus among them.
I'd just like to suggest that anyone can,with biro and paper,answer: 'what harm has Christ ever done you', and also experience: fear knocked the door, faith answered--no one was there...what's on paper becomes a lifeline to humility,that curious source of 'strength to
love'--until which I very recently(aged 65) knew little beyond a 4 letter word...now I know it
is greater than shame,and never stops growing--just tested!
may St Maximilian Kolbe always look after You...
Dear St.Giles the Abbot!,I pray you that your life is an inspiration, especially to the crippled and handicapped, to lead a life of love,reverence and dedication.I am happy to found now that you are my patron saint ,because I am physically handicapped.Dear patron Saint! please pray for me to lead a life of dedication for the right cause and make me to serve the people for getting Salvation.I am adding you in my daily prayers.Thanks a lot to the Catholic on Line site,who are providing wonderful contributions to the faithful for strengthening their riches.Amen.
It said that St. Giles is patron saint to crippled people because the saint was crippled by an arrow received in his leg, which had been intended to strike St. Giles' deer friend ("the hind").
Why is he the patron saint of the physically disabled?
I would like to know more about St Giles as I was in an accident 2 years ago that left me a paraplegic. I had lost almost everything but to my amazement God has opened so many doors for me. From being a over the road trucker owning my own truck to not being out on the road anymore was quite the adjustment. But now I have gotten involved with the church, Teach 5th grade ccd and on the church couincil as well as do the Blessing Cup ministry. God has been with me at my side this whole time or I don't know how I could of gotten through it. Somedays are tough but tomorrow will be a better day. St Giles pray for me to continue as paraplegic to do God's will for me. Greg
Thank you Christie for your comments which are spot on. Your observations remind me where I am supposed to be in my life. Some things said, here on the feast day of St. Giles were a little questionable. Thank you again.
Dear St. Giles, Please pray for me to show more concern to the disabled. Thank You!
St. Giles was an Athenian by birth, but to escape fame he fled to France. Instead of the obscurity he sought, he was made even more renown for his piety and devotion to God. It is noteworthy that he was admired for his holiness. People flocked to him for spiritual and physical healing. It is surprising that at this day and age the qualities of holiness, piety, austere, frugal and disciplined lifestyles for the sake of God are not only looked down upon, but often ridiculed. Strangely, this happens in family circles, among siblings and even children who think that this in not acceptable in the modern day. But why may I ask? Is dining, drinking and fashions better? St. Giles your led a life of outstanding virtue. I think you are simply marvelous. I pray that you become our role model. On your feast day, please implore God for physical and mental healing of all children who have bee born with afflictions. Amen.
St. Giles was an Athenian by birth, but to escape fame he fled to France. Instead of the obscurity he sought, he was made even more renown for his piety and devotion to God. It is noteworthy that he was admired for his holiness. People flocked to him for spiritual and physical healing. It is surprising that at this day and age the qualities of holiness, piety, austere, frugal and disciplined lifestyles for the sake of God are not only looked down upon, but often ridiculed. Strangely, this happens in family circles, among siblings and even children who think that this in not acceptable in the modern day. But why may I ask? Is dining, drinking and fashions better? St. Giles your led a life of outstanding virtue. I think you are simply marvelous. I pray that you become our role model. On your feast day, please implore God for physical and mental healing of all children who have bee born with afflictions. Amen.
I have spina bifida as well and would like more info on this saint. Can anyone help?
I am very involved with the disabled and I would like to know if there are any novineas of St Giles. I have a sports program for the diabled and my son also has spina bifida. I would also like to know the story behind St. Giles being the patron saint of the disabled.
Thanks
Sandra Spence
what an amazing story. where can i learn more about st. giles? why was he patron saint of the disabled? how do we know these details about his life, so long ago? thank you for the daily inspirations that you email to me.
The saints of yester years lived in solititude and praying .But the present day clergy live in affulence with no prayerful life. They are complacent with the Holy Mass and certain sacrements. The laity shoud be empowered to run the show. The sacrement of marriage is as equal as that of the priesthood. They are the same nothing superior nor inferior. Before total collapse, it is our earnest duty to protect and foster the church.
What a great inspiration?