Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: July 8
When did Saint Kilian live: 7th century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Kilian, born around 640 in Ireland, was an Irish-Scottish monk and missionary. Together with his companions Colman and Totnan, he traveled to Franconia to spread the Christian faith. They reached Würzburg around the year 686 and began their missionary work there. St. Kilian succeeded in converting Duke Gozbert to Christianity. However, when he criticized the duke's marriage to his brother's widow, he faced opposition from Duchess Geilana. She had Saint Kilian and his companions secretly murdered around the year 689. Their relics were later buried in the Church of St. Mary in Würzburg, and Saint Kilian has since been venerated as the patron saint of the Diocese of Würzburg.
PATRONAGE:
St. Kilian is the patron saint of the Diocese of Würzburg and the city of Würzburg. He is also invoked as the patron of vintners and against gout.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of Saint Kilian are an abbot's staff that emphasizes his spiritual leadership, a book, representing his role as a missionary and teacher, a sword, signifying his martyrdom, and the martyr's palm as a sign of his sacrifice.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Kilian, Killian, Kilianus, Killy, Kilo, Kilianer, Kiliane, Kille, Killi, Ciliano, Ciliana, Cilio, Chiliano.