January 29 + Saint Gildas the Wise

Born in 500 AD, Gildas is considered to be the first British historian quoted by the Venerable Bede and Alcuin. He was born in Scotland of a noble British family and was educated in Wales under Saint Illtud and was the companion of Saint Samson and Saint Peter of Leon.

Gildas embraced the monastic state and went to Ireland where he was ordained. From Armagh in Ireland he went to North Britain where his teaching was confirmed by miracles.

On returning to Ireland at the invitation of King Ainmire, he strengthened the faith of many and built monasteries and churches. After a pilgrimage to Rome, his love of solitude led him to a hermetical life on the Island of Houat off the coast of Brittany.

Discovering his place of retreat, the Bretons convinced him to establish a monastery in Rhuys, on the mainland from whence he wrote his famous rebuke to five petty British kings and also to the clergy accusing them of sloth and simony. His writings indicate a man of no small culture, scriptural knowledge and sanctity.

He is regarded as being one of the most influential figures of the early English Church. The influence of his writing was felt until well into the middle ages, particularly in the Celtic Church. He is also important to us today as the first British writer whose works have survived fairly intact.