Saint Gwenhael

Who is Saint Gwenhael?

Saint Gwenhael was a Breton saint of the 6th century, born at Ergué-Gabéric, the second abbot of Landévennec Abbey, successor in 532 to the founder, Saint Winwaloe. 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. The feast of Saint Gwenaël is 3 November. His Vita was written in the 9th century.

Gwenaël is said to have restored several monasteries in Ireland, but his cult is mostly found in the west of Brittany, as can be established after some deciphering of the various forms his name has taken. The church of Ergué-Gabéric is dedicated to him, under the name of "Saint Guinal", and this, together with its proximity to Quimper, has given rise to the suggestion that he may have been born there..

He is also said to have founded a monastery at Caudan, where there is a chapel of Saint Guénaël, and to have died there in about 590. His relics were translated to Corbeil.

The parish churches of Bolazec, Lescouët-Gouarec and Tréguidel are also dedicated to him.