|
St. Kilian
St. Kilian was born in 640 A.D. in Ireland or Scotland,
although in medieval times, much of Scotland was the
same as Ireland. Historical accounts vary as to the
whereabouts of his birth. His name is spelled in various
forms:
* Kilian
* Killion
* Killian
* Kilian
* Cellan
* Cillene
* Chilianus
St. Kilian Became a Missionary
St. Kilian became a missionary, leaving Ireland with
eleven other missionaries and traveled to Europe. The
missionaries went through Gaul and sailed to Wurzburg,
Germany. This is where St. Kilian decided to teach the
Gospels; however, he went to Rome to receive permission
from the pope first. St. Kilian and the other missionaries
were granted permission by Pope Conon.
St. Kilian Returned to Wurzburg
St. Killian, St. Colman, and St. Totnan returned to
Wurzburg while the other missionaries left for other
regions. St. Kilian converted Duke Gosbert and chastised
him for violating certain Catholic laws. One of the
violations was that the duke was married to his brother's
widow. The Duchess was enraged by what St. Kilian was
declaring about their marriage and ultimately had him
beheaded along with his companions. It is said that
the Duchess Geilana became possessed by a demon and
went insane after St. Kilian's martyrdom.
Kilianfest Established
After St. Kilian's death, German Catholics established
St. Kilian's Day which became popular in Vienna, Austria,
and Ireland. St. Kilian's feast day is also celebrated
by German-Americans in the United States. Those Catholics
who celebrate Kilianfest wear a St. Kilian medal, St.
Kilian charm, or a St. Kilian pendant in his honor.
They offer prayers, attend Mass, and gather for the
parade which carries relics of the three slain martyrs
through the streets of Wurzburg.
The name Kilian or Killian is becoming very popular
for baby boys today. The name is especially popular
for German and Irish boys. Many times a St. Kilian medal
is given as a Baptism or Confirmation gift for a boy
taking the name of St. Kilian as a reminder of this
great saint who united Ireland and Germany through his
faith.
|
 |
|
|
 |
St. Kilian Pendants are available
in 14k gold, sterling silver and gold filled.
Click on image.
|
 |
St. Kilian Necklace. Have the
jewelry store engrave the recipient's name on
the back of the pendant along with a short message
or date if appropriate.
|
| |
Large Gold St. Kilian Medallions are available in 14k gold, gold filled and sterling
silver. All sterling silver items come with a
18 inch or 24 inch chain. |
 |
St. Kilian Charm is the perfect
size for a charm bracelet or a necklace for a
child. All gold filled and sterling silver pendants
come with a chain.
Click on image.
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
