Description

Oil Dedicated to St Guy of Anderlecht (Patron for Horned Animals)

St Guy of Anderlecht also, Guido, Guidon, Wye of Láke was a Catholic saint. He known as the Poor Man of Anderlecht. Born to poor parents. He lived a simple agricultural life until at the age of fourteen. He became assistant sacristan at the Sanctuary of Our Lady at Laken. Where his duties included sweeping the church, dressing the altars. Taking care of the vestments and altar linens. Ringing the bell for mass and vespers. And providing flowers and other decorations which used in that church.

He shared his meager wages with the poor, and went to Brussels. Having been persuaded by a merchant that he could earn more to give to the poor. Eventually he became involved in a trading venture. When the ship carrying the cargo in which he had invested sank in the harbour. Guy believed he was being punished for being greedy and went on a pilgrimage, first to Rome as penance. And then to Jerusalem where he spent seven years visiting the holy places. On his return, he met in Rome, Wondulf. Dean of the church of Anderlecht, and although not in robust health himself. Agreed to guide the dean and his party on their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

He died on his return home.

Saint Guy is the patron saint of Anderlecht. Animals with horns, bachelors, people with epilepsy, laborers, protection of outbuildings, protection of sheds. In iconography, he represented as a peasant praying with an angel plowing a nearby field or as a pilgrim. With a book or with a hat, staff, rosary, and an ox at his feet.