# Giles > Christian hermit **Wikidata**: [Q149727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q149727) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Giles) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/giles ## Summary Giles was a Christian hermit known for his ascetic lifestyle and spiritual devotion. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, with numerous churches dedicated to him across Europe. His feast day is celebrated on September 1st. ## Biography - Born: Unknown - Nationality: Unknown - Education: Unknown - Known for: Christian hermitage and sainthood - Employer(s): None (lived as a hermit) - Field(s): Christian spirituality and asceticism ## Contributions Giles lived as a hermit in the forests of southern France during the 7th century, dedicating his life to prayer and contemplation. He is credited with performing miracles, including healing the sick and lame. His reputation for holiness led to the establishment of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, which became an important pilgrimage site. Giles is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated for their intercessory powers. ## FAQs What is Giles known for? Giles is known for his life as a Christian hermit in 7th century France, his reputation for performing miracles, and his veneration as a saint in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Where did Giles live? Giles lived as a hermit in the forests of southern France, particularly in the area that would later become the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard. When is Giles' feast day? The feast day of Saint Giles is celebrated on September 1st in the Catholic Church and on September 1st or September 2nd in the Orthodox Church. ## Why They Matter Giles' life as a hermit and his reputation for holiness had a lasting impact on Christian spirituality and pilgrimage traditions. The Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, founded in his honor, became an important center of worship and pilgrimage in medieval Europe. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Giles continues to be venerated by Christians seeking intercession for various ailments and difficulties. ## Notable For - Living as a hermit in 7th century France - Performing miracles, including healing the sick and lame - Founding the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard - Being one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers - Having numerous churches dedicated to him across Europe ## Body ### Early Life and Call to Hermitism Very little is known about Giles' early life. He was born in Greece, but the exact date of his birth is unknown. Giles felt called to a life of solitude and prayer, leading him to leave his homeland and travel to southern France. ### Life as a Hermit Giles settled in the forests near the mouth of the Rhône River, where he lived as a hermit for many years. He dedicated his life to prayer, contemplation, and ascetic practices. According to tradition, Giles lived with a hind (female deer) as his only companion, surviving on herbs and the milk of the deer. ### Miracles and Reputation for Holiness During his time as a hermit, Giles gained a reputation for holiness and the ability to perform miracles. One of the most famous miracles attributed to him involved the healing of a crippled king. The king, while hunting, accidentally shot Giles with an arrow intended for the hind. Giles miraculously healed the wound, which led to the king's conversion and the establishment of a monastery in Giles' honor. ### The Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard The monastery founded by King Wamba of the Visigoths eventually grew into the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, which became an important pilgrimage site in medieval Europe. The abbey was located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and was known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture and the relics of Saint Giles. ### Veneration as a Saint Giles was venerated as a saint soon after his death, which is believed to have occurred in the early 8th century. He is recognized as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Giles is the patron saint of lepers, nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities. He is also invoked against plague, epilepsy, mental illness, and nightmares. ### The Fourteen Holy Helpers Giles is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated together in medieval Germany. This group of saints was believed to be particularly effective in interceding for various needs and ailments. The devotion to the Fourteen Holy Helpers spread throughout Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. ### Legacy and Influence The legacy of Saint Giles extends far beyond his lifetime. Numerous churches across Europe are dedicated to him, including the Basilica of St. Giles in Bardejov, Slovakia, and St. Giles-without-Cripplegate in London, England. The town of Saint-Gilles in southern France, which grew up around the abbey, is named after him. Giles' life of solitude and devotion continues to inspire those seeking a deeper spiritual life, and his example of compassion for the sick and disabled remains relevant today. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. CERL Thesaurus 5. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php) 6. [Source](https://mix-n-match.toolforge.org/#/entry/63769485) 7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 8. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands