March 2nd: St. Jaoua

Jaoua's life is only known through the work of Albert the Great: 'Lives of the saints of the Armorica Brittany'.

Also known as Joavan, Joevin, and Jouvin, Jaoua was born in the British Isles, or possibly Ireland, around the year 500, studied in England, rejected marriage in favour of a religious life, and came to Armorica in around 520, either in the company of his uncle, Pol Aurelien (one of the seven founding saints of Britanny) or in order to join him at the monastery Pol had founded on the island of Ouessant. Prevented by a storm from landing there, Jaoua finally landed at Landevennac, where the abbot, Judulus, allowed him to stay as a novice. He was received into priesthood by his uncle Pol, now the Bishop of Leon, and became parish priest at Brasparts, where the population was mainly pagan, and reluctant to convert. Jaoua escaped being killed in an attack by the pagan Lord of le Faou, which killed Tadec and Abbot Judulus. A great legend tells how Jaoua's uncle Pol, moved by pity, saved the pagans from a dragon, sent by God to punish them. They converted to Christianity, founded the Abbey of Daoulas, and Jaoua was appointed its first Abbot. He is said to have subsequently founded two monasteries, at Ac'h and at Plouyen Koz, where there remains a chapel in his name.

In 554 Jaoua interceded on behalf of the people of Brasparts, who were suffering from famine. The sky, we are told, then 'brought back plenty' but Jaoua fell ill and died. Before his death he had ordered that his body be placed on a cart hitched to horses, and that he be buried wherever the horses stopped - which was Porz-ar-Chraz. He was buried there and the Church of Plouvien erected at the site. His tomb was opened in 1897, when fragments of his relics was transported to the Cathedral of Saint Pol-de-Leon, to Brasparts and to Quimper.

Lord, you are our Father,
a loving parent who cares for us, your children.
Here today we are just a few
of your many million precious, loved and valued children.
Help us to recognise the needs of our brothers and sisters -
all made in your image.

Hallowed be your name,
not my name or any other.
May your justice and truth reign on this planet
which is stricken with poverty.
When we ask for your kingdom to come,
we do so laying all our resources at your feet.

Help us, as part of your church,
to be obedient to your call
to look after people in need in your name.
Give us your daily bread,
and help us to share abundantly
the plenty that we have been blessed with.
Amen.

from Peter Shaw, Editor Tear Times and Prayer Diary
www.tearfund.org