Saint Samson of York

Saint Samson of York was born to the Welsh nobility, brother of Saint Gwenyth of Cornwall and Saint Veep. At the age of seven, he was sent to the abbey of Llanwit Major in South Glamorgan for instruction under the renowned abbot Saint Illtud. Ordained in 512, Samson withdrew to a small monastery on Caldey Island to deepen his life of prayer, and later served as abbot of the monastery on the island. Seeking greater solitude, he crossed to Ireland and then to Cornwall before settling in Brittany, where he established the great monastery of Dol. He was consecrated bishop and exercised significant influence in the region, attending the Council of Paris in 557. A man of profound prayer and remarkable missionary zeal, Saint Samson played a pivotal role in spreading the faith throughout the Celtic lands and Brittany.