Saint Ninnoc

Saint Ninnoc or Ninnog of Breton (c. 414 – c. 4 June 467), also known as Nenooc, Nennoca, Nennocha, Ninnoc, Ninnocha, and Gwengustle, was an early medieval abbess born in Wales who died in Brittany. The text of Vita Sanctae Ninnocae (The Life of Saint Ninnoc), preserved in the Cartulary of Quimperlé, provides knowledge of her life and work. According to the Vita Sanctae Ninnocae, which was written c. 1130 and is preserved in the Cartulaire de l'abbaye de Sainte-Croix de Quimperlé (fr), St Ninnoc was born in Wales and her father was King Brychan and her mother Meneduc. They had 14 sons, all of whom left their parents' home after they were inspired to become missionaries. Brychan and Meneduc prayed, promising a tenth of all their possessions to the church if they were granted a child who could inherit. This child was Ninnoc, who was sent to live with her godparents soon after her birth. When Ninnoc was 15, a Scottish prince asked to marry her. Ninnoc, who had recently met and heard the preaching of Germanus, a disciple of St Patrick, instead wanted to devote herself to God, and after Germanus's intervention, her father granted her wish and sent her to Brittany with a "ship, money and attendants". In Brittany she was welcomed by King Gueric of the Bretons and was granted a settlement on the southern coast of Brittany, where she founded a religious house and became its abbess. The house was a double monastery for men and women. The establishment became known as Lannennoc after her: the suffix "-nennoc" is said to derive from Ninnoc. She taught new agricultural techniques to the local Breton communities, as well as encouraging tree planting so they could better support themselves. Abused women found shelter at Lanennoc and Ninnoc became known as a protector of women. Ninnoc lived at her monastery for approximately 38 years until her death.