Feastday: June 17
Birth: 521
Death: 556
Welsh bard who was is a popular patron in Brittany, France. Herve, sometimes called Harvey or Hervues, was the son of the bard Hyvarnion, and was born blind. Raised by his uncles because his mother was a hermitess, he was taken to Brittany. There he built an abbey at Lanhourneau, and he was venerated as a miracle worker and bard. He is invoked against eye trouble, and he is depicted with a wolf. Tales and legends associated Herve with a wolf.
For the commune, see Saint-Hervé. | This article does not cite any sources. (July 2015) |
Saint Hervé (c. 521 – 556 AD), also known as Harvey, Herveus, Houarniaule, or Huva, was a sixth-century Breton saint. Along with Saint Ives, he is one of the most popular of the Breton saints. He was born in Guimiliau (Gwimilio).
Legend
He was the son of a bard named Hyvarnion, a former member of the court of Childebert I. His mother was Rivanone.
Hervé was born blind. With his disciple Guiharan, Hervé lived near Plouvien as a hermit and bard. He had the power to cure animals and was accompanied by a domesticated wolf. His wolf devoured the ox or donkey Hervé used in plowing. Hervé then preached a sermon that was so eloquent that the wolf begged to be allowed to serve in the ox's stead. Hervé's wolf pulled the plow from that day on.
He was joined by disciples and refused any ordination or earthly honour, accepting only to be ordained as an exorcist. He died in 556 AD and was buried at Lanhouarneau.
Veneration
Saint Hervé is venerated throughout Brittany. His feast day is June the 17th
