Athens, in Greece, was the native city of St. Giles. He was born of noble parents, and since his early childhood he was both very pious and devoted himself to learning. After the death of his parents, Giles distributed his rich inheritance to the poor. He was applauded for his charity, but those who praised him failed to recognize the work of God through Giles. No one can perform any good work without the grace of God, and to give credit to the person alone, without giving due honor to God, is a temptation of pride. To escape this dangerous temptation, St. Giles left his country to make himself unknown.

He sailed for France. On his arrival, he retired to a deserted country near the mouth of the river Rhone. Later on, he left that place and settled near the river Gard. Finally, he secluded himself in a forest in the diocese of Nimes. In this solitude, he passed many years, living on wild herbs and roots, with water for his drink. The providence of God for His Saint was especially shown in the sweet behavior of a gentle doe. This female deer would came to Giles every day, so that the hermit could drink its milk, thus providing additional nourishment for him.

So the Saint lived, detached from earthly cares, conversing only with God, and contemplating heavenly things. One day, the king planned a great hunt in the forest where Giles lived. In his hunt, the royal hunter found the doe. In chasing it, he was led to the Saint's hut, where the panting animal sought refuge. The king inquired who he was, and was greatly edified at the holiness of his life.

The fame of the saintly hermit now spread far and wide, and was much increased by the many miracles wrought through his intercession. The king tried to persuade him to leave his solitude, but Giles was determined to remain a hermit. In the end, however, Giles accepted several disciples and founded a monastery in which the rule of St. Benedict was observed, and in this monestary he was made abbot. He governed his community wisely and well, and at the earnest request of his monks Giles was ordained a priest.

The fame of St. Giles' sanctity won the attention of the French King, Charles Martel. This king summoned the holy man to his court inorder to seek his advice over a great trouble of conscience. The Saint made the journey, and told the king that he would find relief and comfort only by the sincere confession of a sin which he had concealed. The king followed his advice, found interior peace and dismissed the Saint with many tokens of gratitude.

On his homeward journey, Giles raised the recently deceased son of a nobleman back to life. After a short stay in his monastery, Giles went to Rome to obtain from the Pope the confirmation of some privileges, as well as the apostolic blessing for his community. The Pope not only granted his wishes but presented him with two grand and beautifully carved doors of cedar wood for his church. St. Giles’ long and holy life ended on September 1, 725. Many miracles were wrought and obtained at the old Saint’s tomb.