a hind
came daily to be milked by him, thus furnishing him additional
sustenance. Here he lived, disengaged from earthly cares, conversing
only with God, and engaged in the contemplation of heavenly things.

One day the king instituted a great hunt in the forest where Giles
lived, and encountered the hind. Giving chase, the royal hunter was led
to the saint's hut, where the panting animal had sought refuge. The king
inquired who he was, and was greatly edified at the holiness of his
life. The fame of the saintly hermit now spread far and wide, and was
much increased by the many miracles wrought through his intercession.
The king tried to persuade him to leave his solitude, but prevailed upon
him only in so far, that Giles accepted several disciples and founded a
monastery in which the rule of St. Benedict was observed, and of which
he was chosen the abbot. He governed his community wisely and well, and
at the earnest solicitation of his monks was ordained priest.

The fame of St. Giles' sanctity induced the Frankish King, Charles
Martel to call him to his court to relieve him of a great trouble of
conscience. The saint made the journey, and told the king that he would
find relief and comfort only by the sincere confession of a sin which he
had hitherto concealed. The king followed his advice, found interior
peace and dismissed Giles with many tokens of gratitude. On his homeward
journey the saint raised the recently deceased son of a nobleman to
life.

After a short stay in his monastery St. Giles went to Rome, to obtain
from the Pope the confirmation of some privileges and the apostolic
blessing for his community. The Pope granted his wishes, and presented
him, besides, with two grand and beautifully carved doors of cedar wood
for his church.

St. Giles died at a ripe old age on September 1, 725. Many miracles were
wrought at his tomb.

LESSON

ST. GILES left his native country and retired into solitude to escape
the notice and applause of the world, and served God as a recluse. To
lead such a life, there must be a special call from God. It is not
suited to all, and even inconsistent with the duties of most men. But
all are capable of disengaging their affections from the inordinate
attachment to creatures, and of attaining to a pure and holy love of
God. By making the service of God the motive of their thoughts and
actions, they will sanctify their whole life.

In whatever conditions of life we may be placed