Saint Tugdual: Life, Evangelization, and Prayers
Saint Tudwal, also known as Tual, was a 6th-century monk from Wales. He evangelized Armorica along with seventy-two other monks. He is one of the seven founding saints of Brittany. Tréguier is thus part of the pilgrimage route of the Seven Saints of Brittany, known as Tro Breizh. Saint Tudwal is celebrated on November 30 and is the patron saint of the city of Laval.
Biography of Saint Tudwal
Saint Tudwal was born in the late 5th or early 6th century, in Wales or possibly in the British Domnonée (present-day Devon in England). His father is said to have been the legendary King of Armorica, Hoel I. As for his mother, she is said to have been Saint Pompeia, sister of Riwal, leader of the great Breton emigration around 515. Saint Tudwal is said to have had two brothers, King Hoel II and Saint Leonorus, and one sister, Saint Sève. In his youth, Saint Tudwal is said to have studied at Lan-Illtud-Fawr under the guidance of Saint Illtud.
One day, however , he decided, along with seventy-two other monks, to cross the English Channel to settle in Armorica and evangelize the region. He is said to have landed on the Kermorvan Peninsula, near Le Conquet, in Finistère. Another source states that he actually landed at Port d’Ac’h, in Léon, to found a monastery there at Lan Pabu, now known as Trébabu. Finally, a third source places his landing in southern Cornouaille, describing him as a disciple of Saint Corentin and, for a time, a hermit on the island of Groix.
What is certain is that, around 535, Tudwal founded the monastery of Traon-Trécor, at the confluence of the Jaudy and Guindy rivers, later known as Lann Treguer. Around 550, he was appointed bishop of Tréguier. It is also said that the Frankish king, Childebert I, entrusted him with the bishopric of Lexovie (present-day Lisieux) through the intercession of Saint Germain. However, the sources do not all agree on this point.
Saint Tudwal gave his soul to the Lord on November 30, 564, in Tréguier, where he is said to have been buried. During the Viking raids, his body is said to have been transported to Laval and Château-Landon, but his head is said to be in Chartres.
Hymn of the Seven Saints – Kantik ar seiz sant
Composed by Father 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 way to your true homeland.”
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Pray with Saint Tudwal and the other Breton saints, especially Saint Anne, through this beautiful .
with the founder of the episcopal city of Tréguier!
