The Basics: Born in the sixth century in Ireland; died in the sixth century in England; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, May 1. Evangelist, hermit, and healer.
The Story: Imagine being so on fire for God that you are willing to move away from the comforts of life to an area about which you know little or nothing. It appears that’s what Burianna, the daughter of a king, did. While details of her life are scant, we know she was part of a mass of missionaries who left Ireland with St. Piran to bring Christianity to what is now the Cornwall area of England. It’s said that her work in Cornwall included healing a king’s son, and that she died when that
ruler kidnapped her a second time. She was buried in the village that bears her name; a couple of hundred years after her death, another king, Athelstan (pictured) came through and prayed for her to intercede and assist him in battle; when he was victorious, he built a chapel next to her hermitage. The parish church stands in the same place today.
What We Can Learn: Where is God calling you to go and evangelize outside your comfort zone? Maybe it’s another country, state, or town… or maybe it’s a familiar place, such as the playground or work, where you typically don’t talk about your faith. Ask St. Buriana to intercede and smooth your path.
To Learn More About St. Buriana: The Saints of Great Britain and Ireland site has images of the remnants of some of the early church at St. Buryan in Cornwall.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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