Ia of Cornwall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintIa |
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1914 stained glass window depicting Ia of Cornwall in St Olaf's Church, Poughill
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| Martyr | |
| Born | Ireland |
| Died | 5th century River Hayle, Cornwall |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church, Anglican Communion |
| Feast | 3 February |
| Patronage | St Ives, Cornwall |
Saint Ia of Cornwall (also called Eia, Hia, or Hya) was an important early Christian saint. She lived in the 400s or 500s. Ia was an Irish princess who traveled to Cornwall to share Christian teachings. She is known as a martyr, meaning she died for her faith.
The Amazing Journey of Saint Ia
The story of Saint Ia's journey is quite special. Ia wanted to travel from her home in Ireland to Cornwall with other saints. But when she arrived at the seashore, the others had already left. They thought she was too young for such a dangerous trip.
Ia was very sad and began to pray. As she prayed, she saw a small leaf floating on the water. She touched it with a stick to see if it would sink. To her surprise, the leaf began to grow bigger and bigger! Trusting in God, she stepped onto the giant leaf. It carried her safely across the Irish Sea.
She arrived in Cornwall even before the other saints. There, she met Gwinear and Felec of Cornwall. Legend says they had as many as 777 friends with them.
Saint Ia's Legacy in Cornwall
Saint Ia is believed to have started a small church, called an oratory. This was in a clearing in a wood. Today, the main church in St Ives stands on this very spot.
Sadly, Ia became a martyr. She was killed under a ruler known as "King Teudar" (who was likely Tewdwr Mawr of Penwith). This happened near the River Hayle. She was buried in what is now the town of St Ives.
The church of St Ia's Church was built over her grave. The town of St Ives grew up around this church. Saint Ia is now the patron saint of St Ives.
Honoring Saint Ia
People mostly honor Saint Ia in the area around St Ives. There are two churches in St Ives named after her. One is St Ia's Church, which belongs to the Church of England. The other is a Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Saint Ia.
There was also a chapel near Troon that was dedicated to her, but it is now in ruins. A church in Brittany, France, called Plouyé, was probably also named after her long ago.
John Leland, a famous historian, wrote about Ia's life. He used an old Latin story about her that no longer exists today. You can see pictures of Saint Ia in stained glass windows. These are in St Olaf's Church, Poughill and St Uny's Church, Lelant. Her special day, called a feast day, is celebrated on February 3rd.
See also
- List of Cornish saints
- Christianity in Cornwall
