Since the 8th century St. Giles` tomb is highly esteemed at St. Giles near Nimes at the mouth of the Rhone. It is also a meeting-point for the pilgrimage of St. James. The abbey-church of the former convent of St. Giles, a magnificent church in the past, is still worth a journey even today. Aegidius, the only non-martyr among the 14 helpers is said to have withdrawn there.
A hind nourished him with her milk. When she was wounded by a hunter she looked for protection at Aegidius and could be cured by him. So this saint also became the patron of nursing mothers. As a monk and the abbot of a convent founded by him he became a helper and brother of many diseased, needy and distressed persons. His influence reached our area. Important churches are named after him: at Brunswick, Heiligenstadt, Hildesheim, Luebeck, Nuremberg, Muenster, Osnabrueck etc. Many places carry his name: St. Aegid, Illgen, Igls, Gilgen, St. Gilgen. He is the patron of Carinthia and Styria.
| Name: | in Greek: Aigidios: shield-bearer or Aigeidis: hind |
| Day of Commemoration: | Sept. 1st |
| Native Place: | Gallia |
| Year of Death: | 720 as an abbot (the only non-martyr among the 14 helpers) |
| Distinguishing Feature: | monk, abbot with a staff, hind with a bow |
| Particular Patronage: | animals, shepherds, helper for those who are in distress, shelter for sinners, patron of nursing mothers |
Prayer:St. Aegidius, you retired into the loneliness to be closer to God. For us loneliness often means great distress. Teach us to understand that in silence and seclusion we can get nearer to God. Give us an open eye for the loneliness of our neighbours and let them realize that, because of us, they never must feel alone and forgotten.
