Name: Saint Aaron of Aleth, Abbot, Monk & Hermit
When: 6th century
Feast Day (pre-1962 liturgy): June 22nd
Feast Day (post-1962 liturgy): June 22nd
Relics: Cathedral of Saint-Malo, Brittany.
Biography:
Saint Aaron of Aleth, also known as Saint Aaron of Alethius, was a hermit, monk and abbot of a monastery on the little island of Cezembre off the city of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, who is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and Anglican Communion. He is recognized for his holiness, piety, and devotion to a life of prayer and solitude. The city of Aleth is also known as the city of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France.
Saint Aaron’s early life is shrouded in mystery, and little is known about his background and upbringing. According to tradition, he was born in the 6th century in Armorica, which is now modern-day Brittany, France, but may have migrated from Celtic Britain. He was said to have been a monk and hermit who lived a solitary life of prayer and penance in the wilderness, seeking communion with God through asceticism and contemplation.
Saint Aaron’s reputation for holiness and wisdom grew, and he eventually became known as a spiritual guide and advisor to the people of the region. His teachings on the Christian faith and his example of living a life of virtue and detachment from worldly distractions attracted many followers, and he soon gained a reputation as a holy man.
As his fame spread, a young man named Malo visited him and a community of monks were established near him. Malo eventually became the monastery’s Abbot and later the 1st bishop of Aleth, a town on the northern coast of Brittany. Despite his initial reluctance, Malo accepted the position and continued to live a life of exemplary holiness, dedicating himself to the spiritual welfare of his flock and the advancement of the Christian faith. Malo, the student of Aaron, eventually became St Malo and the city of Aleth was renamed to Saint-Malo after its first bishop.
As a holy hermit, Saint Aaron was known for his simple life, his prayerful wisdom, and his charitable works. He worked tirelessly to promote the Gospel message, to convert pagans to Christianity, and to promote Christian morality and values among the people. He was also known for his deep devotion to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and for his love of the liturgy and the liturgical traditions of the Church.
One of the most well-known stories about Saint Aaron is his legendary encounter with a dragon that was terrorizing the people of Aleth. According to the legend, the dragon demanded a daily offering of sheep from the townspeople, and when the supply of sheep ran out, it began to demand human sacrifices. Saint Aaron, filled with compassion for his flock, confronted the dragon, made the sign of the cross, and subdued it with his prayers. He then bound the dragon with his stole and led it to the sea, where he cast it into the waves, banishing it forever from the town.
Saint Aaron’s miracles, preaching, and exemplary life as a bishop and hermit earned him a widespread reputation for holiness and sanctity. He was revered as a spiritual father and guide, and many sought his counsel and intercession in their spiritual and personal matters. He was known for his wisdom, humility, and compassion, and he was greatly loved by the people of Aleth and the surrounding regions.
Saint Aaron’s earthly life came to an end, and he passed away in peace, surrounded by his devoted followers and fellow monks. His death was mourned by the people, who considered him a saint and a model of Christian virtue. His tomb in Aleth became a place of pilgrimage, and many miracles were attributed to his intercession. The town of Saint-Aaron in Lambelle, France is named after him.
