Saint Saint Gwenhael

Saint Gwenhael (French: Guénaël; Breton: Gwenael; Old Breton: Gwenhael) was a Breton saint of the 6th century, born at Ergué-Gabéric (Finistère), the second abbot of Landévennec Abbey, successor in 532 to the founder, Saint Winwaloe (Gwenole). The feast of Saint Gwenaël is 3 November. His Vita was written in the 9th century. He is said to have been born in Quimper, at the beginning of the 6th century, although the neighboring parish of Ergué-Gabéric claims him. Intelligent and precocious, his parents sent him to school very early. According to tradition, Winwaloe met Gwenaël in a street in Quimper when he was eleven, and was so convinced of his gifts that he at once obtained permission from Gwenaël's parents for him to study under his direction. Gwenhael was raised at the monastery of Landevennec, where he became a monk in 511. Having noticed his extraordinary qualities, Winwaloe chose him as his successor. When Gwennolé died in 532, the monks took Gwenhael as abbot. But, after seven years, he resigned, left, with eleven other monks, first for the Channel Islands, then for Brittany, from there to Ireland to study the monastic life practiced there according to the rule of Columbanus. Throughout this journey, he worked to reawaken monastic fervor where relaxation had been introduced; and he founded new monasteries: he founded two or three large ones and reformed around fifty smaller ones. Gwenhael remained in Ireland for thirty-four years. He then decided to return to Armorica, embarking, alone according to some, with some fifty companions who did not want to leave him, according to other authors. He probably landed in Armorican Cornwall, founded three monasteries, and considered going to Groix to inspect some small monastic establishments. The bells began to ring of their own accord to announce his visit. He stayed there for a few years, then finally landed on the right bank of the Blavet, where the Saint-Guenaël chapel is today, in Lanester.