Pergat

Saint Pergat (also Pergad, Pergobat or Bergat) was a Breton bishop of the sixth century, a contemporary of Saint Ruelin. The local calendars of Brittany commemorate him on 1 or 3 August.

According to tradition he was born around 548 into a noble and wealthy family and was a disciple of the monk Tugdual, who had founded a hermitage on an island off the coast of north Wales. When Tugdual returned to Brittany, Pergat went with him, probably settling at Yaudet near Lannion. A good speaker, he became canon and archdeacon of Tréguier. At Tugdual's death he contested the election of Bishop Ruelin and, supported by part of the people and clergy, was elected too. To end the schism a synod was called at Lexobia; Saint Tugdual appeared and threatened him with swift punishment if he did not withdraw. Pergat knelt, begged pardon and retired to Pouldouran, of which he remained the patron and where a fountain bears his name. He ended his days in penitence as a hermit at Ty-⁠Bergat, around 620. The church of Saint-⁠Bergat at Pouldouran was built between 1859 and 1867. He is a saint of the undivided Church, honoured locally.