Born in Ireland; died at Arbon, Switzerland, c. 640. Saint Gall studied
at Bangor under Saints Comgall (f.d. May 11) and
Columban (f.d. November 21)
became versed in Scripture, and was
ordained. He was one of the 12 who accompanied Saint Columban to Gaul
(France) and helped him found the abbey of Luxeuil. He continued to
follow Columban into exile in 610 and then to Austrasia, where he
preached with little success in the region around Lake Zurich, and for
two years in the area near Bregenz.
When Columban went to Italy in 612, Gall remained behind because of ill
health and on his recovery became a hermit on the Steinach River,
attracting numerous disciples. In time, Saint Gall Monastery occupied
this site and during the Middle Ages was a leading centre of literature,
the arts, and music.
According to one story Columban and Gall parted ways because the leader
suspected Gall of malingering, and imposed on him a penance, which Gall
faithfully observed, of not offering the Holy Sacrifice during the
continuance of Columban's life.
Reputedly he was twice offered bishoprics by King Sigebert, whose
betrothed he had freed of a demon. He is also reported to have been
offered the abbacy of Luxeuil on the death of Saint Eustace (f.d. March
29) but declined, to remain a hermit. He died sometime between 627 and
645 at Arbon, Switzerland, and is considered the apostle of that country
(Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopaedia).
In later times many legends grew up about him which had little basis in
fact. He was not, for instance, the founder of the
renowned monastery which bore his name; this was inaugurated about a
century after his death, on the site of his settlement, and is now
represented by the cathedral at Sankt Gallen and the very famous
monastic library there (Attwater, Encyclopaedia, Joynt).
In art, Saint Gall is portrayed as an abbot blessing a bear that brings
him a log of wood. He may be shown holding a hermit's tau staff with
the bear or carrying a loaf and a pilgrim's staff (Roeder). Gall is
venerated as an apostle of Switzerland and as
the patron of geese and poultry (Roeder).
Troparion of St Gall tone 8
As a companion of the great Columban,/ thou didst travel throughout the
lands of the Franks, O Father Gall,/ thy ascetic life contrasting with
that of the worldly prelates whom thou didst encounter./ Open to us, we
pray thee, the treasures of sacrifice and struggle,/ that we too may
attain the joy of eternal salvation.
Icons of Saint Gall