Saint Ninnoc

I was speaking with someone today about one of my Saint posts. He said, "I had never heard of him before." I told him that that was really the point. Our Communion of Saints is so vast and varied and most Catholics know relatively few of the Saints. I enjoy writing these posts because I learn so much and make new friends among the Saints. If one of these posts helps you find a member of the Church Triumphant whose story can help you on your walk toward eternity - or someone whose prayers will help you grow closer to Christ, I am happy to have helped you on your journey.

So, today I will continue the journey with another Saint that I'm willing to bet most of you have not heard of before.

St. Ninnoc (or Ninnog) of Breton was born around the year 414 in Wales. Her father was King Brychan, and her mother was Meneduc. The couple had had fourteen sons who had all left their parents' home to follow the call to be missionaries. The King and Queen prayed, promising a tenth of all their possessions to the church, that they would have a child that could inherit. That child was Ninnoc.

When Ninnoc was 15, a Scottish prince asked for her hand in marriage. Ninnoc, who had recently heard the preaching of Germanus (a disciple of St. Patrick), wanted instead to devote herself to God. After Germanus' intervention, her father agreed and sent her to Brittany with a "Ship, money and attendants." In Brittany, she founded a religious house and became its abbess. The establishment became known as Lanennoc after its foundress. She reportedly taught new agricultural techniques to the local community and encouraged tree planting so that they could better support themselves. Abused women found shelter at Lanennoc and Ninnoc became known as a protector of women. 

Ninnoc lived at her monastery for approximately 38 years until her death. It is believed that the structure was destroyed by Vikings in the 9th or 10th century. 

St. Ninnoc is a patron of agriculture, forestry and women. Her feast day is June 4. St. Ninnoc, pray for us.