Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]

6th century.

Bishop Gwinear, an Irish prelate made an expedition to Cornwall he had news of heathenism among the people. This expedition ended in disaster for St Gwinear and his followers were massacred possibly on the spot where Gwinear parish church now stands. By the heathen chieftain Teudar. The chief stronghold of Teudar was at Riviere, and now lies buried under the sands at Hayle Towens. The disciples of St Patrick do not seem to have been greatly discouraged by the massacre of Gwinear and his companions. A fresh band of missionaries was formed to go to Cornwall. St Germoe was chosen among many others (inc St Breaca ) to take part in this expedition. A landing was effected at St Ives but no sooner had this intrepid band reached land than it was violently assailed by the heathen Teudar, and many missionaries were slain at Conetconia, now buried under the Hayle Towens. St Germoe escaped, and eventually found safety in the distraction the south side of Tregonning, possibly amongst a Cornish clan which had successfully resisted Teudar's power. There in the course of time he founded and consecrated after the Brito-Celtic manner, during a period of Forty days fasting and prayer, the site upon which the ancient Church of St Germoe stands.

http://homepages.tesco.net/~k.wasley/CH_Germoe.htm

St Germoe is a near relative, possibly brother, of St Breaca.

We have found this information in the Celtic Year By Shirley Toulson but at present are unable to know the wall painting to which she is referring to. Quote In a wall painting in the church in Breage he is shown wearing a Crown and Sceptre no doubt because he appears as a monarch in the legends connected with Breaca.



Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]