Feast Day September 1
St. Giles was born of noble parents in Athens, Greece. The fame of his knowledge and piety prevented him from leading the hidden life he desired in his native land, so he retired to live as a hermit in a forest near Nismes, France. Efforts to induce him yo leave his solitude were in vain, but he did allow several youths to share his hermitage, and with them, formed a community according to the rule of St. Benedict. He died in the year 725. St. Giles’s place is unique as he alone of the Fourteen Holy Helpers did not die as a martyr.
St. Giles is represented as an abbot or a hermit with a deer at his side. his intercession is asked for the grace to make a good confession and, for married couples who desire the blessing of children.
