Saint Emeri de Banyoles

Saint Emerius or Saint Mer (Narbonne, 800 – Sant Esteve de Guialbes, 827), abbot of Banyoles, is one of the most famous members of the Benedictine Order. He abandoned a military career and retired to the wilderness with a companion named Patricius. However, due to the Muslim invasion and at the request of King Charles, he entered Catalonia, where, according to legend, upon arriving at the town of Banyoles (Girona), he was moved by the considerable damage and countless ravages caused in the region by a dragon of frightful ferocity. He went to the place where the beast lived, and it became as a tame lamb in the saint's presence; he led it to the town and had it put to death. Finding the beast's lair very suitable for the foundation of a monastery, he built it with the help and assistance of Charles, remaining there as abbot. With the gift of miracles, the special grace of healing, and a reputation for holiness, people came to him from all over Spain. Out of humility and for greater perfection, he later retired ten leagues away and erected a chapel near the river called Fragat, in the territory of Sant Esteve de Guialbes, where he died and in whose parish church his relics are preserved. His feast day is celebrated on January 27.