Giles

Saint Giles was born in Athens around the middle of the seventh century, and in time left his homeland to seek God in solitude in southern Gaul near the lower Rhône. Remembered as a hermit of deep prayer and simplicity, he withdrew into the forests near Nîmes, living in quiet penance and trusting Providence. Tradition tells of his close companionship with a hind that sheltered and sustained him, and of the day hunters found his hidden refuge: an arrow meant for the deer struck Giles instead. From this wound grew a lasting devotion to him as a compassionate intercessor, especially for those who suffer in body or spirit. When his holiness could no longer remain concealed, disciples gathered, and a monastery arose in the valley that would bear his name, Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, becoming a great pilgrimage stop, even on the Way of Saint James. In the Middle Ages his cult spread widely across Europe, and he was honored among the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Saint Giles is invoked particularly for people with disabilities, and is patron of places including Avigliano Umbro and others. His feast day is September 1.