(d.c.710-724) Giles was born to a wealthy family in Athens, Greece. He gave away his fortune to the poor and went to France to live as a hermit. So many sought him out for his wisdom and working of miracles that a monastery was built for his many followers, and, eventually, an entire town and a hospital. Saint Giles is one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers.” During the Black Plague, devotion to these fourteen saints who had a strong track record for intercession became very popular.
Saint Giles’ life was fixed on God, and others found his life and the wisdom it was built upon so attractive that they sought him out so they could emulate him. “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion” (Tradition 11). Does our recovery inspire a new way of life for others?
“Saint Giles, despiser of the world, pray for us…O Lord…that through the intercession of Saint Giles Thou grant us a merciful judgment, we beseech Thee, hear us…O God…protect us through [his] intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers).
Reflection by Brad Farmer