Saint of the Day – 4 April – Saint Guerir (8th Century) Monk and Hermit in Liskeard, Cornwall, England, known for his ascetic life of prayer and mortifications. His sanctity drew great admiration. Upon his death, the King of England, St Alfred the Great, when visiting his grave was miraculously cured of a serious illness, leading to the cult of veneration. Also known as – Guier, Gwerir, … of Liskeard.
Our Saint today emerges from the pages of history thanks to the testimony of Saint Neot (Died 877), a Monk of Glastonbury and a distant relative of King Alfred the Great. Guerir’s life, dedicated to solitude and prayer, is intertwined with that of Saint Neot, giving life to an edifying tale of sanctity and miracles.
Guerir chose the path of solitude, settling in a cell near Liskeard, in Cornwall. His ascetic existence, marked by frugality and mortification, soon earned him a reputation for sanctity among the local people. His reputation as an irreproachable holy man of profound ssanctityy, attracted the attention of Saint Neot, who, while seeking a place suitable to accommodate him in a life of solitude, decided to visit him.
The meeting between the two holy Monks marked a turning point in their lives. Neot, in admiration of Guerir’s sanctity, was deeply impressed by his humility and religious fervour.
When Guerir died in the second half of the 9th Century, Neot decided to occupy his cell, perpetuating the tradition of the eremetical in that place.
Guerir’s fame for sanctity did not die with his death. On the contrary, it increased when King Alfred the Great, visiting Saint Neot, wanted to pay homage to the holy Hermit Guerir, by praying at his Tomb. Afflicted by a serious illness, Alfred devoutly asked for a cure through Guerir’s intercession. His prayers were answered and the King obtained the miraculous cure.
In recognition of the miracle, King Alfred built a Collegiate Church on the site of the cells of the two holy Hermits. Their remains were venerated together and Saint Guerir became the object of popular devotion, especially in the region of Cornwall. His memory is celebrated on 4 April every year.
AnaStpaul 