Gil of Santo Ireno

Gil Of Santo Ireno (Lat. ,Egidius Lusitanus), one of the propagators of the Dominican order, was horn in the diocese of Visco in 1184. He was the son of don Rodrigo Pelago, governor of Coimbra, and one of the grand officials of the crown. He completed his studies at Coimbra, and while still young possessed two priories and three canonships in the chapters of Braga, of Coimbra, and of Ydanha. He neglected theology, and devoted himself to physics and medicine; went to Paris to perfect himself in these sciences, and there received the degree of doctor. In 1224 or 1225 he resigned all, entered the Dominican order, became a model of Christian virtue, and rapidly reached the highest honors of his order. In 1249, at a convocation of his order at Treves, he resigned his provincialship of Spain. He used his influence in re- establishing harmony between the king, don Sancho II, and his brother, the young Alfonso. He died at Santarem, May 14, 1265. Some churches of Portugal honor him as a saint, and the bishops of Visen have fixed his festival on the Sabbath after the Ascension. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.