August 30, 2024

Feast of St. Fiacre

San Fiacrio, ora pro nobis

August 30th is the Feast of St. Fiacre (607-668), Priest, abbot, hermit, and wonderworker. Invoked against hemorrhoids and venereal diseases, St. Fiacre is the patron saint of gardeners, horticulturists, florists, greengrocers, herbalists, coachmen and taxi drivers. Traveling from Kilkenny, Ireland to Meaux, France, the holy anchorite founded a Benedictine hermitage and hospice for the poor in the Forest of Brodilium, now called Breuil. Many healing miracles are attributed to his intercession. 


In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Fiacre. The accompanying photo of a 13th century silver reliquary of St. Fiacre was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva San Fiacrio!


Prayer to St. Fiacre


Dear God our Father, Giver of all good, we lift up our hearts to You in thanksgiving for who You are and for the power and majesty You manifest in the earth. We thank You for the sun, the rain, and the abundant fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs You cause to spring forth in our gardens, fields, and flowerpots, all signs of Your never-ending love. Through the intercession of Saint Fiacre, patron of gardeners, please bless our fields and gardens with Your verdant blessings. Give us the strength and wisdom to tend our plants and all living things with care, diligence, and joy. May we bring forth a good harvest in due season. In Jesus' name. Amen.