Saint Evette of Brittany

Biography

Saint Evette of Brittany, also known as Edwette and The Virgin with Three Crowns, was a prominent figure in the early Christian era. Born in the British Isles, her life took an extraordinary turn after surviving a shipwreck alongside her brother, Saint Demet of Plozévet. This incident brought them to the shores of Plozèvet in the bay of Audierne at Penhors, Brittany, France. Following the shipwreck, Evette chose a life of solitude and became a hermitess in Plozèvet. During this time, she devoted herself to prayer, contemplation, and the service of God. Her deep spirituality and devotion radiated from her, inspiring many in the local community. However, Evette's holy life also attracted negativity and animosity from the local pagan population. Accusing her of being a witch, they were filled with fear and tried to intimidate and harm her. The situation escalated, and a group of pagan women planned to attack Evette. They intended to use iron forks, which were typically used on farms to shovel fuel into ovens, as their weapon of choice. Yet, the night before their planned attack, a miraculous event occurred. All the forks mysteriously vanished, and the women were compelled to leave Evette alone. This divine intervention served as a testament to the sanctity and protection surrounding Evette. Evette's reputation as a holy woman and hermitess continued to grow despite the trials she faced. Her unwavering devotion to God and her commitment to a life of solitude inspired many in the community. People sought her guidance, prayerful intercession, and sought solace in her presence. Saint Evette of Brittany died in the year 383 in Brittany, France. Her life, marked by sanctity and the miraculous, left an indelible impact on those who encountered her. Her memory and spiritual influence continued long after her passing, leading to her eventual canonization. Though the exact details of her representation are not available, Saint Evette's feast day is celebrated on July 15th. As a patron, she is venerated by Audierne Bay fishermen, who seek her protection and blessing. Though not much is captured about Saint Evette's life, her story highlights the courage and devotion of a woman who dared to pursue a life of solitude and holiness in the face of adversity. Her unwavering faith and her miraculous protection serve as a testament to the power of God's love and the intercession of the saints.