Brieuc, one of the founding saints of Brittany
Saint Brioc was not originally from Gaul. Wales is this saint’s birthplace. His arrival in Brittany with other monks led the locals to convert and turn to Christ. His legacy is still visible today, as he is venerated as a saint throughout the diocese that bears his name.
Who is Saint Brioc?
Historians do not agree on the year of Brieuc’s birth, but what is certain is that he was from Wales in the early 400s. His parents were not believers, particularly his father. However, his mother, Eldruda, allowed Saint Germain of Auxerre—who had come to evangelize the pagan land—to baptize the young Brioc.
Over time, a friendship grew between the two. Germain recognized Brioc’s piety and devotion and decided to take charge of his education. Thus, around the year 430, Saint Germain of Auxerre ordained him a priest.
He then began to establish the Christian faith in Wales. But after completing this first work of evangelization, he sensed in a dream that he must cross the sea and go to Brittany.
After a life of self-sacrifice and charity toward the poorest, Brioc died at the age of over 90 on May 1 or 2, 502, in Brittany.
The Evangelization of Armorica
After braving the storms of the English Channel, Brioc arrived with 80 other monks in the Gouët Valley in Armorica. An 11th-century Latin manuscript recounts this arrival. Brioc was attentive to the poorest; he evangelized and founded a monastery in the town that still bears his name today. He had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary and established a dedicated oratory called Notre-Dame de la Fontaine. In the 15th century, a chapel was built on this site.
It is not known how Brioc became a bishop, but it is certain that he founded the diocese that bears his name. In the Middle Ages, he was venerated as one of the founding saints of Brittany—along with Saint Malo, Saint Tudwal, Saint Paul, Saint Samson, Saint Padarn, and Saint Corentin—and his site is an important stop on the Tro Breizh, a pilgrimage route that can still be followed today.
Celebrating and Praying to Saint Brioc Today
Lord, you called our forefathers to the light of the Gospel through the preaching of Saint Brioc; following his example and through his intercession, grant that we may grow in your love,
and to come to know ever more deeply your Son, who came into this world to enlighten all people. (Opening prayer of the Mass in honor of Saint Brioc)
Saint Brioc is celebrated locally in the diocese on May 1. A Mass brings together the faithful of the city of Saint-Brieuc around the bishop. Throughout the diocese, he is particularly venerated through statues in various churches.
Pray to the saints with Hozana
With Hozana, you can join various prayer communities that allow you to pray to the saints. You can entrust , patroness of Brittany. Following the example of Saint Brioc, the Gospel must have a place in our lives; a prayer community allows you to
