His life
+ Evan (who is also known as Inan) was born in the 9th century in Scotland. Few details of his life have come down to us.
+ Evan lived as a hermit near Beith, Scotland.
+ According to local traditions, Evan would preach to the people from a cleft in the rocks near Lochlands Hills, which is still known as “Saint Inan’s pulpit.”
+ Several wells and churches are named for him, including one, now dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, that is believed to have been build on the site of his hermit’s cell.
+ After traveling as a pilgrim to Rome and Jerusalem, Saint Evan settled in Irvine, Scotland, where he died. Modern scholars think that Evan/Inan could be the same person as the famed Scottish saint Ninian.
For reflection
“Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”—Matthew 16:24
Prayer
O God, who in your Saints have given an example and brought us protection in our weakness to help us tread the path of salvation, mercifully grant that we, who honor the heavenly birthday of blessed Evan, may, through his example, make our way to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For One Saint)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...