Brioc (Breton: Brieg; ; ; ; died late sixth century) was a 6th-century Welsh holy man who became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany.
Life
Very little is known about Brioc's early life, as his 9th century Acta is not altogether reliable. It states that he came from Ceredigion where the church at Llandyfriog was originally dedicated to him. He received his education in Ireland and then studied under Germain of Paris. He is believed to have spent time at Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, where a church was dedicated to him and his name was commemorated in the annual St. Bruix Fair.
At some point in the sixth century, he settled in Armorica, and founded a monastery at Landebaeron. He then traveled to Upper Brittany where he established an oratory at St Brieuc-des-Vaux, between St. Malo and Land Triguier, where he eventually became the abbot of a monastery. and a road, Boulevard St Brieuc, is located in the town.
His feast day is 1 May. The festival of Saint Brioc was celebrated on 1 May, but in 1804, the festival has been held on the second Sunday after Easter. Churches in England, Ireland, and Scotland are dedicated to this early Celtic saint,
He is considered the patron saint of pursemakers.
See also
- Julian Maunoir, "Apostle of Brittany"
- Breage, reputed founder of Breage, Cornwall
- Brixham, thought to be named for Brioc, possibly St Brioc
- Chronological list of saints in the 6th century
- List of Breton saints
- List of Catholic saints
- List of Welsh saints
- St Briavels, Gloucestershire, believed to be named for St Brioc
- Tudy of Landevennec