Petroc is a British saint from the early sixth century, who was a foundational figure in British monasticism. Petroc was born the son of a Welsh king. Petroc was sent to Ireland for his education, where he studied with the monastic communities there.

Once he had finished his studies, Petroc did not return to his princely life in Wales but went on pilgrimage to Rome.
Petroc’s humility was legendary. A famous legend of Petroc tells the story of his eventful return to England from Rome. As he and his companions landed on the beach, torrents of rain began to fall. Petroc assured his companions that the rain would soon cease. The rain continued for several more days, without abating in ferocity. In penance, Petroc set off on another pilgrimage. According to legend, he traveled as far as India.

After his return, he shut himself up in a monastery and chose the life of a hermit. Monks clamored for Petroc to found monastic communities throughout England, and so Petroc began his career of founding monastic communities throughout Wales, Britain, and his work in the south of England earned him the patronage of the region.

Petroc’s humility and kindness were manifest in his relations with animals as well as people. He is often shown with either a stag or a wolf, as various legends credit him with taming both animals. Petroc is also a patron saint of Devon and Cornwall.

St. Petroc, builder of the Church and builder of churches in Britain—pray for us!

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Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Petroc is in the public domain. Last accessed March 18, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.