Saint Ultan of Péronne

Biography

Saint Foillan of Fosses, also known as Faelan, Faillan, Faolan, Feuillien, Foalan, Foelan, and Foillano, was a 7th-century Irish saint and missionary. He was the brother of Saint Fursey of Peronne and Saint Ultan of Péronne, and together they embarked on a journey from Ireland to East Anglia, England around 630 to work as missionaries. Once in England, Foillan and his brothers established the monastery of Burgh Castle near Yarmouth. Foillan later became the abbot of the community at Cnoberesburg, a house founded by his brother Fursey in Suffolk, England in the 640s. Sadly, during a war between the Mercians and Anglo-Saxons around 650, the monastery was destroyed, and Foillan, along with his brothers, was either killed, captured, or dispersed. Foillan demonstrated great courage and resilience during this difficult time. He managed to ransom back his brothers and collected the surviving relics, books, and liturgical equipment from the destroyed monastery. He then set out on a journey to France carrying these precious items. In France, Foillan and his brothers were warmly received and encouraged in their evangelization efforts by King Clovis II. Foillan, guided by the providence of God, founded a monastery at Fosses in the diocese of Liege, Belgium around 653. The land for this monastery was generously donated by two well-known saints, Saint Itta of Nivelles and Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. Foillan served as the abbot of the monastery in Fosses, and under his leadership, the area around the monastery grew into the modern town of Le Roeulx, Belgium. He also worked as a chaplain and spiritual director at the house founded by Saint Gertrude. A dedicated pastor and popular preacher, Foillan devoted himself to spreading the Gospel and evangelizing the Brabants in the region. He was known for his compassionate care of his people and his unwavering commitment to the faith. Tragically, Foillan's life was cut short when he was violently murdered on the road by bandits on October 31, 655. As he was travelling on Church business, many consider him to be a martyr. Three companions who were with him also lost their lives in this attack. Saint Foillan's remaining brother, Saint Ultan, assumed the role of abbot of the monastery in Fosses after his death. Foillan's body, along with those of his companions, was found three months after their murder and buried at the Abbey of Fosses in Belgium. Throughout his life, Saint Foillan displayed great faith, courage, and dedication to the Catholic Church. He is often represented in art as an Irish bishop with a palm of martyrdom or carrying hot coals in his vestments for incense. His image may also depict him kneeling with a spear piercing him, praying before a burning church, refusing the cup at the table of Pepin to symbolize his rejection of worldly things, or with a sword and palm of martyrdom. Saint Foillan was proclaimed a saint before the formal canonization process began, making him a pre-congregation saint. His feast day is celebrated on January 16 in Fosses, on October 31 in Namur, and on November 5 in the dioceses of Mechlin and Tournai. He is invoked as the patron saint of children's nurses, dentists, Fosses in Belgium, surgeons, and truss makers. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire and serve as an example for Catholics worldwide.