Saint Kilian

Saint Kilian was born around 640 to noble parents in Cloughballybeg near Mullagh, in what is now County Cavan, Ireland. Formed by prayer and learning, he is remembered as a monk and missionary bishop, educated in the great Irish schools and, according to tradition, connected with the monastic life associated with Iona. In the summer of 686 he set out with companions across Gaul to Rome, seeking the Church’s blessing for missionary work, and received authority for his mission from Pope Conon. Kilian then traveled to Würzburg in East Franconia, where pagan customs still held sway. With the priest Colmán and the deacon Totnan, he preached Christ with courage and patience, winning Duke Gozbert and many of his people to the faith. His fidelity to the Gospel also led him to denounce the duke’s unlawful marriage to his brother’s widow. For this, Kilian and his two companions were seized and beheaded, sealing their witness with martyrdom. Venerated as the Apostle of Franconia, he is patron of Franconia, Heilbronn, and Würzburg. His feast day is July 8.