Saint Samson of Dol
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
Breiz is the Breton name for Brittany, and Bretagne is the French name for the territory. Brittany is a region and a former duchy in the northwestern part of France. It is a peninsula that is located between the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. In the fifth to seventh centuries, during the period that is commonly referred to as "the Age of the Celtic saints," it was populated by the Celtic tribe of Britons from Wales and Cornwall. They were escaping the invading Angles and Saxons from the east and the Irish from the west. Until the year 1364, it remained a contentious issue between England and France, and it was not until 1532 that it was eventually absorbed into France. Brittany is quite similar to Wales and Cornwall in terms of its spirituality, and the spirit of the holiness and heritage of early Celtic saints has been retained there.
"Throughout its early Christian history, Brittany produced dozens of saints, including ordinary people, ascetics, abbots, missionaries, bishops, martyrs, kings, and queens who lived on mainland Brittany as well as small offshore islands. Many of its saints came from other places (mostly the British Isles and Ireland), but once evangelized, this region generated a plethora of its own saints. Throughout history, Brittany has seen the establishment of great number of churches and monasteries, some of which still exist today. The lives of the majority of Breton saints were either lost or rewritten to meet the low standards of the Catholic church life in the late mediaeval period, so we now only have rudimentary information about them, in addition to historic traditions, folklore, and recent archaeological data."
There are numerous churches dedicated to Breton saints throughout the Celtic world, hundreds of statues to these holy men and women in this Catholic region of Brittany, large number of towns and villages, and other geographical sites bear their names, and in some occasions we can still find intact holy relics, wells, and original small chapels.
"The ancient Celtic name of Brittany is Armorica, but the British colonisers gave it the name Brittany, which means "Lesser Britain," whereas they termed the island from which they had sailed "Great" (in the sense of "greater"). Britain". Britons had a significant impact on the culture and development of Brittany, particularly its western region, giving it its own language - Breton."
British settlers from the now-English district of Devon (the early Celtic kingdom of Dumnonia) established the Celtic kingdom (later region) of Domnonia on the north coast of Brittany (current French name: Domnonee). Similarly, a place in southwestern Brittany near Quimper was named Cornouaille after the Celtic region of Cornwall. St. Samson, a Welsh native, is regarded as one of Brittany's most prominent enlighteners. Let us recall his life.
St. Samson (sometimes spelt Sampson), one of the most effective Celtic missionaries, was born around 486/490 and died in about 565. This saint was instrumental in establishing the Church of British Settlers in Brittany. Unlike nearly all of the Lives of Celtic saints, the early Life of St. Samson, written shortly after his death in about 610 or 625, survived intact. This lengthy and detailed biography provides numerous interesting details about the Celtic Church of the time.
St. Samson, who, like St. David, Wales' patron saint, and several other Welsh saints, had an Old Testament name, was born into a noble and affluent family in southeast Wales. His father, Amon, was from Dyfed, while his mother, Anna, came from Gwent. They had been childless for many years and believed Samson was sent to them as a special gift from the Lord. The parents sent their five-year-old boy to
live and study at Llanilltud Fawr, the most famous monastery and school built by St. Illtyd. According to the saint's Life, the moment Illtyd saw Samson, he predicted a bright destiny for him. The future ascetic was taught the foundations of monastic life by the revered holy father. He studied diligently and grew deeper in his love for Christ and pure monastic life. There he developed, among other divine qualities, prudence, kindness, benevolence to all, and wisdom.
"It was there that Samson was consecrated as a deacon and later a priest by St. Dubricius, another prominent Welsh saint. During the sacrament, a white dove descended onto the saint's right shoulder. "
At Llanilltud Fawr, the young Samson led a strict ascetic life, refraining from all alcoholic beverages. According to Holy Tradition, one day, a brother was bitten by a snake while working in the fields. Samson made the sign of the cross over the bite and applied holy water mixed with oil, and the brother was miraculously healed. As his reputation grew, Samson was compelled to leave the holy monastery due to envy from Illtyd's two nephews, who lived in the community. They attempted to slander and assassinate him on the devil's orders, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and the poison they offered him had no effect
Consequently, St Samson relocated to the great Welsh monastery on Caldey Island in Dyfed (now in the county of Pembrokeshire). Pyro, who was under St Illtyd's supervision, founded this monastery, which was destined to become a well-known monastic center that will generate a great number of Saints.
Samson laboured during the day and studied the Holy Scriptures at night in Caldey, where the discipline was tougher.
On the island, his first duty was to look after the cellar and in very short time became the monastery's abbot for three and a half years. The holy abbot elevated the spiritual level of the community, wisely instructing the monks and providing a fine example of humility and self-discipline.
"When the saint heard that his father, Amon, had grown dangerously ill to the point of imminent death, the saint decided to go and see him and convinced him to become a monk. Amon accepted and was immediately healed. Many of Samson's relatives quickly followed in his father's footsteps, devoting the remainder of their life to the service of the Almighty and the people, establishing numerous churches and monasteries. The saint's uncle was assigned as a priest to Ireland."
After some time, Samson accepted an invitation from Irish scholars who traveled as pilgrims and went to Ireland with them for a brief period. Records indicate that he created or repaired a monastery and, according to his hagiographers, "cured lepers, restored sight to the blind, cast out demons, and guided many to the path of salvation."
Upon returning to Britain, the holy man relinquished his abbacy and moved to a remote location along the banks of the River Severn, possibly in Wales or western England. Soon, his father and two other monks joined him. Despite his efforts to retreat from the world, the fame of the great wonderworker and spiritual mentor Samson spread throughout Wales and beyond. Consequently, the humble ascetic chose to abandon his companions and isolate himself in a very remote cave with a nearby spring, where he devoted all his time to prayer.
"His biographer wrote that the saint had direct conversations with angels in his cave, and eventually, a shrine was built at the entrance to commemorate his remarkable ascetic labors. "
However, the Lord foretold that he would spend many years preaching and educating others. A few years later, the holy man was named abbot of another monastery, and around the year 521, Samson was consecrated bishop of Lanniltud Fawr in Wales. The consecration was most likely performed by St. Dubricius. Llanilltud Monastery has a tradition of consecrating a new bishop every year on the feast of the Apostle Peter. Shortly before the feast, an angel appeared to St. Dubricius in a vision, instructing him to make Samson bishop.
On the same day, an angel—or, according to another account, St. Peter himself—appeared to Samson and revealed God's will: that he would soon become a bishop. Soon after Samson's consecration, St. Dubricius and other monks observed a stream of fire emanating from his mouth and also saw an angel accompanying him during the Liturgy.
Samson, already a bishop, decided to travel to Brittany to bring the Light of the Gospel to the hearts of those still living in the darkness of paganism. According to historical accounts, he made this decision after experiencing a supernatural appearance of an angel while praying alone in church. His journey to Brittany took him through Cornwall, where he paused for a time. The man of God travelled from north to south, from Padstow to Falmouth, proclaiming the Gospel with fiery zeal. It is said that Samson fasted so strictly, praying and begging for the Lord's mercy for all the lost souls in the area, that his health was endangered.
"In Cornwall, the holy missionary established a monastery at Golant (meaning "holy enclosure") and at South Hill, erected a Christian cross atop a pagan Celtic "standing stone" that overlooked the area. During his time in Cornwall, Samson performed incredible miracles in the name of the Lord, including healing a lad who had fallen from a horse and broken his neck. He admonished the locals who continued to practise magic, urging them to embrace Christ's faith and worship the One true God, the God of Love and Mercy."
Saints Austell (sixth century; feast: June 28; founded a monastery in what is now the town of St. Austell in south Cornwall) and Mewan (+ c. 617; feast: June 21; founded the Monastery of Saint-Méon in Brittany) were among Samson's faithful associates and disciples in Cornwall. Samson is also related to Padstow (where he had a cell) and St. Kew in Cornwall. During his visit to Cornwall, our saint most probably came across Petroc, a co-missionary and patron in the area. It is probable that during his extended stay in Cornwall, Samson organised a missionary expedition to the Isles of Scilly, a series of approximately 140 small islands off the extreme southwest coast of Britain, only five of which are inhabited. One of these isles (the largest deserted) is still known as Samson today, in honour of his missionary sacrifice.
Finally, the saint set out for Brittany. In the spirit of all Celtic ascetics, Samson made another stop on his journey to Armorica, this time at the Channel Islands, located off the northwest coast of France (now known as the Crown Dependencies). St. Samson is acknowledged as the patron saint of the Channel Islands, including Guernsey. According to tradition, he arrived here as a great Light and, like a sweeping wave, converted the locals to Christianity. Even today, a parish in Guernsey, along with a small harbor and a church on the island, bears his name. The church of St. Samson is the oldest in Guernsey, dating back to the early 12th century.
After settling in Brittany, the saint of God established his most famous and significant monastery in Dol (which was formerly an island) in what is now the Ille-et-Vilaine department, along with several other monasteries and churches. As Abbot of Dol, Samson made it the focal point of his ministry in Brittany. According to one account, he served as both abbot and bishop of Dol, which became the spiritual capital of all Brittany.
At that time, the people of Brittany were enduring a very difficult period. Their rightful prince had been assassinated by a brutal tyrant, and his son was held captive.
"Consequently, Samson journeyed from Brittany to the Frankish King Childebert I (who ruled from 511 to 558) and persuaded him to rescue the Breton Prince Judual, who had been captured by the Franks. During his visit, Samson performed many miracles, such as healing a demoniac count at the palace by anointing his face and chest with oil. In gratitude, King Childebert generously bestowed estates and privileges upon him. "
Additionally, the saint excommunicated the invader of Brittany for his sins. Records indicate that Samson engaged with rulers and participated in political matters as necessary to further his divine mission. He attended the Third Church Council in Paris in 557, signing his name as "Samson, a sinner" among the bishops, which reflects his humble disposition. The saint was so modest that he declined the luxurious accommodation offered by Childebert during the Council, opting instead to stay at a local monastery. Samson founded the Pental Monastery in Normandy, which subsequently retained his name. Given the numerous churches dedicated to him, it is clear that Samson had a profound impact throughout Brittany and beyond. He was assisted in his efforts by his companion and relative, St. Mewan. Among Samson's close disciples and followers were several saints, including St. Maglorius (+ c. 575; feast day: October 15), who was likely his cousin. St. Maglorius moved to Brittany with Samson and later became the Abbot of the Lammeur Monastery, ultimately succeeding St. Samson as the Bishop of Dol. Among the remarkable wonders attributed to Samson in Brittany, one notable event includes the healing of a mother
suffering from leprosy and her daughter, who was afflicted by madness. After Samson made a final visit to all the churches and monasteries he had established, he rested peacefully in the Lord at an advanced age.
After Samson’s repose, his relics were enshrined in Dol Cathedral. In the first half of the ninth century, the devout King Athelstan of England (who ruled from 925 to 939) collected some of these relics and placed them in the newly constructed Milton Abbas Monastery in Dorset. The name St. Samson appears in numerous early English calendars. In England, six ancient churches honour this saint. Samson is still venerated in Wales, Brittany (along with other regions of France), Cornwall, and England. In art, he is typically depicted with a cross and a staff, as well as a book and a dove. He is regarded as one of the most influential and revered Celtic missionaries of his time.
Presently, the main center of Samson's veneration is the Breton town of Dol-de-Bretagne, where his relics are housed in the Cathedral devoted to him. This is where he founded his main monastery. This Cathedral has survived many centuries of the site's turbulent history, including terrible floods, Viking raids, King Henry II of England's capture of the town in 1164, destruction by King John Lackland, the French Revolution, during which the church was temporarily used as stables and a storehouse, and the diocese's suppression in 1801. However, this location has remained holy throughout the centuries, attracting a steady influx of pilgrims seeking St. Samson's relics.
The parish church in Golant, South Cornwall, on the River Fowey, where Samson founded a monastery and temporarily ruled as abbot, is dedicated to him. The current structure was built in 1509. The saint is represented on several of its stained glass windows, one of which incorporates incidents from his life. The mediaeval church pulpit features a carving of our saint. To the left of the church doorway, there is an ancient holy well named after Samson. According to legend, the saint himself constructed this well by hitting his staff on the earth. The water is still utilised for church baptisms. A statue behind the well-house appears to depict the saint. In the area near this church, there is an ancient cave that is difficult to approach. It is often referred to as "St. Samson's" cave.
"According to legend, a local ruler ordered Samson to expel a serpent that supposedly lived in the cave and terrorised the locals. Samson defeated the serpent and lived in this cave as a hermit for a while. Notably, the "Saints' Way" - a famed old Cornwal pathway - passes near this settlement of Golant. According to legend, numerous Celtic saints and pilgrims who went by water from Ireland or Cornwall to Brittany stopped near Golant along this route. Surprisingly, the parish in which Golant Village is located is named St. Samson after our saint."
The Cornish area is renowned for producing numerous saints, with St Samson being one of the most well-known and cherished, even though much of his life's work occurred outside the region. In Wales, Samson is honoured as the heavenly patron of Caldey Island. Although the island's still-functioning Cistercian Abbey and two other churches are not dedicated to him, a statue of Samson stands alone on the island. This statue, which once stood above the entry door of the monastery church, was relocated to its current position in the mid-1950s. Yet, his spirit is believed to linger there, longing, waiting for the return of Heavenly Christianity to the islands.
A century-old church dedicated to Sts. Dyfrig (Dubricius) and Samson is in the Grangetown neighbourhood of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. In England, a magnificent twelfth-century parish church in the picturesque town of Cricklade, Wiltshire, is also dedicated to St Samson and is regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in the county. It features some minor Saxon architecture, and its churchyard contains two ancient crosses: a mediaeval Christian cross and a 14th-century town cross.
Samson of Dol leads the company of saints known as "the Seven Heavenly Enlighteners of Brittany," which include Sts Paul Aurelian (c. 575; feast: March 12; became bishop of Saint-Pol-de-Leon), Tudwal (c. 564; feast: November 30; became Bishop of Tréguier where his relics are enshrined), Briocus (c. 510; feast: May 1; founder of St Brieuc Monastery), Malo (c. 640; feast: November 15; first bishop of St Malo), Paternus (c. 500; feast: April 15; Bishop of Vannes), and Corentinus (c. 490; feast: December 12; first Bishop of Quimper). Most of these saints are honoured not only in Brittany but also in regions of Wales and Cornwall.
Modern Irish composer Shaun Davey (b. 1948) celebrates Sts. Samson and Columba in his live Celtic suite album, *The Pilgrim*, released in 1983, which is dedicated to the wanderings of Celtic saints.
Holy Father Samson of Dol, pray to God for us!
Saint Samson | Missionary Bishop and Healer | Feast Day July 28 | Catechism for Kids
Commemorated: July 28 NC /August 10 OC
Troparion — Tone 8
"Thy resplendent life, O holy Samson, enlightened all thy kindred. They followed thee in the monastic life and themselves became shining lights. When consecrated Hierarch thou didst obey the heavenly vision and build monasteries to God's glory in Brittany. Pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy."
Sources: orthochristian.com , artcornwall.org ,
Comments