St. Ives of Kermartin

Ives, also known as Yves or Ivo, was born near Tréguier in Brittany. Study at Paris and Orléans prepared him for work in civil and canon law. Butler remembers his concern for the sick even during his student years, when he visited hospitals in the time left free from study and prayer.

As an ecclesiastical judge at Rennes and later at Tréguier, he sought justice for rich and poor alike. He defended widows and orphans, pleaded the causes of poor people without taking fees, and visited prisoners. He also tried to reconcile opponents before their disputes hardened into lasting enmity. His learning became a means of service to people who could not easily defend themselves.

Ordained a priest, he served the parishes of Trédrez and Louannec. Preaching, the celebration of Mass and care for the sick filled his days. He provided a house for poor and ill people near his own dwelling, served them himself, and shared his harvest rather than keeping it in hope of a better price.

He died on May 19, 1303, after receiving the last sacraments. Clement VI canonized him in 1347. The May 19 commemoration follows the date that Butler explicitly records in the Roman Martyrology, although this edition prints the life under May 22.