A portrait of St. Melangell
St. Melangell
b. c. 7th century
Feast
May 27 · VII c.
Patron of
Hares · Small animals · Refugees · Pennant Melangell
Order
Hermitess / Virgin
Welsh hermitess (c. 7th century), Irish princess who fled an unwelcome marriage to live as a hermitess at Pennant Melangell in the Berwyns; tradition says she sheltered a hare from Prince Brochwel's hunt under her cloak, after which the prince granted her the valley as a sanctuary. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 7th century · From: Wales / Ireland, tradition.
Patronage
St. Melangell is invoked as the patron of hares, small animals, refugees, pennant melangell. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
Shop St. Melangell Products
Devotional items honoring St. Melangell, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Melangell, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.