St. Foillan

Foillan was the brother of St. Fursey and St. Ultan. He joined the religious life associated with Fursey and later followed him to East Anglia. When Fursey left the monastery of Cnobheresburg, Foillan was entrusted with its care. The brothers’ work formed part of the movement of Irish churchmen between Ireland, Britain, and the Continent.

After Fursey’s death, Foillan and Ultan went to Gaul. They were received at Nivelles, where St. Gertrude governed a religious community. A foundation at Fosses provided a further place for monastic life and hospitality. Foillan remained for a time at Nivelles, instructing the community and preaching in the surrounding country.

While travelling to visit Ultan at Fosses, Foillan and three companions were killed in a forest in Hainaut. Butler places their deaths on October 31 in 655 and records the veneration of Foillan’s relics at Fosses. He mentions a report that Foillan had received episcopal consecration but does not treat it as certain. The secure outline of his account is that of a monk, superior, and teacher whose ministry crossed several countries before his violent death.