Saint Justinian of Ramsey

Biography

Saint Justinian of Ramsey, also known as Gestin, Iestin, Jestin, Stinan, or Stintan, was born to the Breton nobility in the 6th century in Brittany, which is part of modern-day France. He received a thorough education and was ordained as a priest. However, he felt called to leave his homeland and dedicate his life to spreading the Gospel as a travelling evangelist. Justinian eventually settled on the Isle of Ramsey, located near southern Wales. He chose to live as a hermit and found a suitable dwelling with a pious layman named Honorius. However, Honorius agreed to live with Justinian only on the condition that all the women of the household were sent away. This arrangement allowed Justinian to focus entirely on his spiritual pursuits and live a life of austerity and prayer. During his time on Ramsey Island, Saint Justinian had a profound encounter with another famous saint, David of Wales. Saint David was deeply impressed by Justinian's holiness and recognized his spiritual gifts. As a result, Saint David provided Justinian with hermitages both on the mainland and a nearby island. The remarkable holiness of Justinian is evident in the stories that have been passed down about his life. One such tale tells of sailors who arrived at his island hermitage, claiming that Saint David was seriously ill and had sent them to bring Justinian to the mainland. However, Justinian, with his spiritual discernment, realized that the sailors were actually devils in disguise. He recited Psalm 79, and miraculously, the devils transformed into blackbirds and flew away. The boat, now free from their influence, managed to sail safely to shore, where Justinian discovered Saint David in excellent health. Unfortunately, Saint Justinian's life was cut short by a tragic event. While advising his servants to diligently carry out their duties, they became inflamed with anger, instigated and goaded by devils. In their rage, they assaulted Justinian and ultimately beheaded him. The place where his body fell witnessed a miracle, as a spring of healing water emerged from the ground. The perpetrators of this terrible act were struck with leprosy and were compelled to live out their days in the caves and rocks near the hermitage. Justinian had previously indicated a specific location for his burial, and in accordance with his wishes, a church was constructed over his tomb. This church soon became renowned as a place of miracles and devotion. It is important to note that Saint Justinian is considered a martyr due to the demonic nature of his killers and the assumption that their motive was his unwavering faith. Due to his spiritual stature and the numerous miracles associated with his intercession, Saint Justinian of Ramsey is venerated as a saint. Although he is not designated as a patron saint for any specific causes, his life and witness continue to inspire and portray an exemplary model of Christian devotion and holiness. Saint Justinian is commemorated on the 5th of December and the 23rd of August in various ancient Welsh calendars of saints and martyrs. While his life story has been shrouded in legends and obscurities, the memory of this holy hermit remains an important part of the spiritual heritage of Wales.