ood of
Nismes, where many disciples placed themselves under his guidance,
and where he died and was laid to rest. His _cultus_ extended from
France into other countries. St. Giles was honoured in Edinburgh as
early as 11 50, when a monastery existed under his invocation. He
became the {128} recognised patron saint of the city, and his figure
appeared in the armorial bearings of Edinburgh, accompanied by the
hind which is said in his legend to have attached herself to the
saint. Since the Reformation the figure of the saint has disappeared,
though that of the animal remains.
The beautiful Church of St. Giles was re built in the 15th century,
and was erected into a collegiate church by Pope Paul II. It still
continues to be the glory of the Scottish capital. This church
possessed an arm-bone of the saint, for which a rich reliquary was
provided by the city. Fairs were formerly held in honour of St. Giles
at Moffat and also at Elgin, where the parish church bore his name.
2--St. Murdoch, Bishop.
No very reliable particulars can be ascertained as to the life of
this saint. Traces of the honour shown to him are to be found in
Forfarshire, the district which seems to have been the scene of his
missionary labours. At Ethie, in the parish of Inverkeilor, in that
county, are the remains of an ancient church and burial-ground {129}
which bear his name. Near Ethiebeaton, in the parish of Monifieth,
are traces of an old church which goes by the name of "Chapel
Dockie." This is believed to be another dedication in honour of St.
Murdoch.
9--St. Queran or Kieran, Abbot, A.D. 548.
This saint was born in Ireland and became abbot of the monastery
known as Clonmacnois. He passed over to Cornwall, and there laboured
as a missionary for some years. Many churches in that district are
known by his name, which appears there under the form of Piran.
The saint afterwards journeyed to Scotland, where he preached the
Gospel in the western districts. He settled at Dalruadhain, near
Campbeltown, and the cave to which he was accustomed to retire for
prayer is still to be seen there. He died in A.D. 548. St. Kieran
came to be regarded eventually as the patron saint of the whole of
Kintyre. He became very popular in Scotland, on account of the great
affection with which St. Columba regarded him. Every year his
hermitage and {130} holy well were the resort of pilgrims who came to
honour his memory. A rock near the sea shore is said to have
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