Turiaf of Dol

Saint Turiaf of Dol (also called Turiav, Thuriau, Thurien, Turianus or Thivisiau) was an abbot, priest and bishop of Dol in Brittany in the eighth century, successor of Saint Samson, and he reposed on 13 July 749 or around 750. An English martyrology calls him an energetic and courageous pastor. He is one of about a dozen Breton saints venerated throughout Brittany, though he is not among the seven founding saints.

His semi-⁠legendary Life says that he was born of noble and wealthy parents near the monastery of Lanvollon, dependent on Dol. Travelling toward Dol he lost his way, and a charitable man took him in and gave him his flocks to keep. Wishing to prepare for a more important service, he asked to learn letters and soon learned them, then grammar and the elements of Latin and singing; he had a clear and melodious voice. The bishop of Dol, Armael, was impressed, adopted him as a son, took him to Dol, taught him the sacred letters and ordained him priest, placing him at the head of the clergy to succeed him as bishop.

It is told that a lord, Rivallon, set fire to a monastery dependent on the see; Turiaf went on foot to him with twelve monks, and Rivallon, repentant, threw himself at his feet and repaired the damage sevenfold, over the seven years of penance imposed by the bishop. Miraculous healings are told of him, and that he raised the only daughter of a local lord. He died at a very advanced age, and his body was buried in his cathedral. Later, in the time of the Norman ravages, it was taken to Paris, to the church of Saint-⁠Germain-⁠des-⁠Prés, where it was kept until 1793. Three parish churches in the diocese of Quimper are dedicated to him. He is commemorated on 13 July, as a saint of the West before the Great Schism (a saint of the undivided Church), by the New Calendar.