Saint Malo: Life, Episcopate, and Prayer

Saint Malo—also known as Maclou or Maclovius—is one of the seven founding saints of Brittany. He was the first bishop of Aleth, now known as Saint-Servan, a former municipality that was annexed to Saint-Malo. The city is thus part of the pilgrimage route dedicated to the seven saints of Brittany, known as Tro Breizh. The holy bishop is celebrated on November 15.

Updated on 30/06/2026|Reading time : 4 min

Biography of Saint Malo

Saint Malo is believed to have been born in the 6th century, around 510, in the Kingdom of Gwent, in Wales. He became a disciple of Saint Brendan, abbot of Llancarfan, with whom he went to study (in a Welsh monastic community) and accompanied him on his travels.

One day, Malo felt that the Lord was sending him across the English Channel. He then went into exile on the island of Cézembre, a coastal island in what is now the Bay of Saint-Malo, after seven years at sea. Later, he settled as a hermit, alongside Saint Aaron, at the site of the future city that would bear his name, across from the city of Aleth, now Saint-Servan. The small town was virtually deserted, so Malo was almost immediately appointed head of the diocese. He converted the local population and organized the life of the towns with the help of his disciples. He also had a monastery built.

Unfortunately, certain conflicts forced him to seek refuge in Charente-Maritime, with the Bishop of Saintes, Leontius. Eventually, Malo returned to Aleth to lift the excommunication with which he had threatened them.

In 621, he then retired to Saintonge, where he died on November 15, sometime between the date of his return and 627 (sources are highly divided on this point).

The dispersal of his relics, due to the Norman invasions during the Middle Ages—especially in the 10th century—contributed to the spread of his cult. Some of his relics are therefore found in Paris, first in the Church of Saint-Barthélémy and later in the Abbey of Saint-Victor, having been transported between 963 and 965 by his successor as Bishop of Aleth.

Hymn of the Seven Saints – Kantik ar seiz sant

Composed by Abbot Jacques Le Maréchal, this hymn was first sung to a traditional tune in Erdeven, where the seven saints are honored.

“Chorus: Malo, Brioc, Tudwal, Paul, Samson, Padarn, Corentin.

1. You sought the face of your Savior without pretense,

You followed Him ceaselessly with quiet faith. For Him, you left everything behind.

2. You bore the sorrows of others with a good heart, without losing hope. You were devoted to hope, which sustains the path that leads to the Father.

3. You lived out mercy for every person in a chaotic world. Share with us the love that enriches both humanity and the entire world.

4. For you are still like beacons for your brothers and sisters on the path to peace, when the burden of misfortune suddenly falls,

We sing of you in the depths of our sorrows.

5. You have never ceased to pray fervently for the people of this land. Teach us—pilgrims following in your footsteps—the path to your true homeland.”