ST KILLIAN, (640-689) THE APOSTOLE OF FRANCONIA - 08th July

 An Irish monk, St. Killian was consecrated Bishop, went to Rome with eleven companions in 686, and received permission from Pope Conon to evangelize Franconia (Baden and Bavaria). 

    He was successful in his missionary endeavors until he converted Gosbert, Duke of Wurzburg, who had married Geilana, his brother's widow. 

    While Gosbert was away on a military expedition, Geilana was reputed to have had the three missionaries beheaded when she found that Gosbert was going to leave her after Killian 

    had told him the marriage was forbidden by the Church. St. Killian is one of the patron saints for sufferers of rheumatism. Kilian is the patron saint of the parish of Tuosist, 

    near Kenmare in County Kerry, where he is believed to have resided before travelling to Germany. A Church and holy well are named after him and his feast day, July 8, 

    is traditionally celebrated with a pattern when crowds visit the well for prayers, followed by evening social events. He is also the patron saint of Paderborn, Germany.




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