(Molly)
Yes, it's true. Our four oldest children all celebrate the feast days of their patron saints in August! Today we celebrated the Feast of Saint Aidan, the patron of our oldest son. While the name Aidan, and variations. are very popular these days, Aidan actually is a very old name! The name Aidan means "Little Fiery One." I have never known a child whose name suited him more!
Saint Aidan, an Irishman, was a monk on the island of Iona in Scotland. He was the founder of the monastery on the island of Lindisfarne in England and is credited with restoring Christianity in the communities in Northumbria. He is known for his ability to relate to people on their own level. He spent much of his time walking from village to village conversing with the pagan people; slowly the people changed their hearts to follow Christ.
Saint Aidan once prayed for a city which had been set ablaze by a pagan army. The winds changed and blew the smoke back towards the enemy who then relented. Saint Aidan is, therefore, the patron saint of firefighters.
Saint Aidan eventually became the bishop of Lindisfarne. He died on August 31, 651.
On your Feast Day, Saint Aidan, pray for us.
2 comments:
I didn't even know there was a St. Aidan! I hope it was a blessed celebration for your family!
I think people think Aidan is just one of those "trendy" names, but we did actually pick it for it's old-Irish heritage, knowing there was a great saint with the name. What a whirlwind of feast days this month! :)
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