Patron of Blacksmiths and CripplesSt. Giles is said to have been a 6th/7th century Athenian of noble birth. His piety and learning made him so conspicuous and an object of such admiration in his own country that, dreading praise and long for a hidden life, he left his home and sailed for France. At first he took up his abode in a wilderness near the mouth of the Rhone, afterward near the river Gard, and, finally, in the diocese of Nimes.
The Saint spent many years in solitude, conversing only with God. The fame of his miracles became so great that his reputation spread throughout France. He was highly esteemed by the French King, but he could not be prevailed upon to forsake his solitude. He admitted several disciples, however, to share it with him, founded a monastery, and established and excellent discipline therein. In succeeding ages it embraced the rule of St. Benedict.
St. Giles is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers invoked for emergencies and afflictions.
PRAYER: Lord, admit the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of evangelical perfection You have given us in St. Giles the Abbot. Amen.