Feast of Sant’Egidio Abate

Sant'Edidio, ora pro nobis

September 1st is the Feast of Sant’Egidio (St. Giles), Hermit and Abbot. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, he is the patron saint of outcasts, lepers, beggars, cripples, the handicapped and nursing mothers. He is also the patron of Latronico, a small hilltop town in Basilicata, and Altavilla Silentina in Provincia di Salerno. 

According to tradition, Sant’Egidio travelled to Gaul from Athens in the middle of the seventh century. Of royal stock, he voluntarily relinquished his titles and wealth and chose the solitary life of a hermit in the forests of Septimania, an ancient territory in southern France. His reputation for holiness and miracles attracted many unwanted followers, which caused the recluse to withdraw deeper and deeper into the remote wilderness. Settling in a cave near the banks of the River Gard, his only companion was a hind, who provided him with milk. 

During a stag hunt, the Visigoth King Wamba (672-680) and his men spotted the deer and in pursuit let lose an arrow. While trying to comfort and protect the frightened doe, Sant’Egidio was accidentally wounded in the leg (alternate versions say it was his hand). Remorseful, the King had his doctors try and help nurse the holy man back to health and offered him great wealth and land. At first Sant’Egidio refused all assistance, but eventually he acquiesced because he could no longer elude his many admirers.

Uninterested in personal gain, Sant’Egidio proposed building an abby with the treasure and the King agreed. Originally dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, the Benedictine monastery was rededicated in the ninth century in honor of the Holy Abbot. Home to the Saint's miraculous relics, the Abbey de Saint-Gilles is still a popular pilgrim destination today.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Giles. The accompanying photo of Saint Giles with Christ Triumphant over Satan and the Mission of the Apostles (ca. 1408) by Miguel Alcañiz comes courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva Sant’Egidio!

Prayer to St. Giles

My Lord and my God! I offer up to You my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Your Son, together with the merits of His Immaculate and Blessed Mother, Mary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, particularly with those of the Holy Helper, St. Giles, in whose honor I make this prayer. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Your Grace and Your Love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.