Miliau

Saint Miliau, also called Miliav, is a beloved Breton saint closely associated with the village of Guimiliau in Brittany, where his memory has long been cherished. Though the details of his life come to us chiefly through legend, he is remembered as a good and just prince of Armorica who ruled with generosity and care for the poor. Tradition places his residence near Plonévez-Porzay, not far from Quimper, and tells of years in which the land remained fruitful even without rain or snow, a sign of God’s providence upon his people. Miliau is especially honored for his charity, often depicted dividing his cloak with a beggar in the spirit of Saint Martin. His holiness is crowned by martyrdom: he was betrayed and beheaded by his brother Rivod, and is sometimes portrayed as a cephalophore, carrying his own severed head. Many invoke him with trust in ailments such as rheumatism. He is patron of Plonévez-Porzay and Ploumilliau. His feast day is October 27.