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Feast Day: September 6
Saint Findan of Rheinau, also known as Findanus or Fintan, was born in Leinster, Ireland. He lived during the 9th century and his life was marked by immense tragedy and remarkable faith. As a young man, Findan's life took a devastating turn when Norse raiders attacked his village and murdered his entire family. He himself was captured and taken as a slave to the Orkney Islands. Despite the dire circumstances, Findan never lost hope and retained a steadfast faith in God. In a courageous act of sheer determination, Findan managed to escape his captors in Orkney and made his way to Scotland. He embarked on a journey of pilgrimage, setting his sights on the holy city of Rome, Italy. His pilgrimage was marked by numerous trials and challenges, but his unwavering devotion propelled him forward. Upon arriving in Rome, Findan decided to dedicate his life to God and embraced the monastic lifestyle. He became a monk at Farfa Abbey in Farfa Sabina, Italy. Known for his strong spirituality and commitment to prayer, Findan quickly earned a reputation as a devout and humble servant of God. After some time, Findan felt a calling to live a more solitary and contemplative life. He left Farfa Abbey and became a hermit in Rheinau Abbey, located in Rheinau, Switzerland. For an astounding 22 years, Findan lived as a hermit, dedicating himself entirely to prayer, penance, and seeking a deeper union with God. During the last 17 years of his life, Findan chose to live as a walled-in recluse. He built a small dwelling within the abbey grounds, where he remained secluded from the outside world. Despite his isolation, Findan's holiness and wisdom attracted many pilgrims who sought his counsel and intercession. Saint Findan was known for his deep love of nature and his gentle demeanor. He had a profound sense of peace within himself and radiated joy to those who encountered him. His representation as a dove symbolizes his purity and spiritual freedom, while the pilgrim's staff represents his arduous journey of faith. Saint Findan passed away in the year 879 at the Rheinau Abbey, dying of natural causes. His relics were enshrined in the Fintansaltar, a place of veneration within the abbey church. In recognition of his extraordinary holiness and cultus confirmation, Pope Paschal II canonized Saint Findan in the year 1114. Although Saint Findan does not have a specific patronage associated with him, many turn to him in times of personal struggle, seeking his intercession for strength and guidance. His feast day is celebrated on November 15th, a day dedicated to honoring his memory and recalling his inspiring journey of faith. Saint Findan of Rheinau serves as a reminder that even amidst extreme adversity, faith can remain unwavering. His story is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the resilience of the human spirit when united with divine love.