Guy of Anderlecht

Saint Guy of Anderlecht, also called Guidon, was born around 950 to poor parents in the region of Brabant, and from his youth embraced a humble, hardworking life. At fourteen he became assistant sacristan at the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Laeken, quietly serving God by caring for the church, preparing the altars, and ringing the bells for Mass and Vespers. Though his wages were small, he shared them generously with the needy, earning the name “the Poor Man of Anderlecht.” Hoping to give even more, Guy tried his hand at trade along the river Senne. When a boat carrying his cargo sank, he took the loss as a call to repentance and set out as a pilgrim—first to Rome, then to Jerusalem, where he spent seven years visiting the holy places. Later, he guided a second pilgrimage, but returned alone, weakened by illness. He died in Anderlecht on September 12, 1012. Venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, he is patron of Anderlecht and of draft horses. His feast day is September 12.