Ivo of Kermartin
A medieval priest who became a saint by living as a fierce legal defender of the destitute and a father to forgotten children.
1253–1303 (age 50)·Breton Catholic saint·Birthday: October 17
Biography
Ivo of Kermartin studied civil and canon law in Paris and Orléans before returning to rural Brittany as a parish priest. He represented peasants in court free of charge, often winning against powerful landlords. He turned his home into a shelter for orphans and the needy. Canonized in 1347, he became the patron saint of lawyers and abandoned children. His canonization was rare for a simple priest. Ivo used the legal system's own tools to subvert its injustices, making him a practical activist and a folk hero in Brittany.
#1 When Ivo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1253
Ivo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1253Born
1258Started school
1266Became a teenager
1269Could drive
1271Could vote
1274Turned 21
1283Turned 30
1293Turned 40
1303Turned 50
Key Achievements
- Canonized as a saint in 1347, an exceptional honor for a parish priest in the Middle Ages.
- Officially named the patron saint of lawyers, a testament to his celebrated work as a legal advocate for the poor.
- Recognized as the patron saint of Brittany, becoming a central cultural and religious symbol for the region.
- His life and works were formally examined and validated by Pope Clement VI, leading to his sainthood.
Did You Know?
He is sometimes depicted in art with a purse in his hand, symbolizing the money he gave to the poor.
His feast day, May 19, is celebrated with particular fervor in Brittany, often involving parades and legal ceremonies.
Poetic tradition in Brittany refers to him as 'an avocat ar beorien,' which translates to 'advocate of the poor.'
Despite being a priest, he is the patron saint of lawyers, creating an unusual bridge between the clergy and the legal profession.
“I would rather defend a poor man than a rich one in court.”
