St. Marculf

St. Marculf was born in the Bayeux region of Normandy around 500. Around age 30 he became a priest and missionary around Normandy and Jersey. But he desired to live as a hermit and was granted land to build a monastery in Nanteuil. He was known as a pious leader and miracle-worker.

St. Marculf died on May 1, 558 one of two small islands off the coast of Normandy, now named the Îles Saint-Marcouf.

After his death, he became known as an intercessor for those with skin diseases. His relics were transferred to Corbeny, near Reims, where they were used in the coronation of kings. It was said that kings, with use of his relics, could heal “the king’s evil” (the skin condition scrofula) by touch. Pilgrims would bathe in the natural springs near his shrine.

St. Marculf is a patron of those suffering with skin disease. His feast day is May 1.