Guillem de Combret was a legendary hermit from the Vallespir region of France who lived in a Romanesque hermitage founded in the ninth century. He is remembered for providing free shelter to pilgrims traveling toward Santiago de Compostela. Although he was never formally beatified, his reputation for holiness led the chapel he dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene to eventually be known by his name. He lived a simple life, sustaining himself on berries, herbs, and milk provided by local dairymaids.
Legends and miracles
Folklore attributes several miraculous feats to the saint, including defeating a dragon in the Canigó massif using only the sign of the cross. Another legend claims he shaped a bell from molten metal using only his bare hands. He was also said to have rejected a cursed stone brought by a laborer, insisting that his chapel remain free from ill fortune.
Veneration
The hermitage became associated with his name over time, and by the thirteenth century, he was considered a secondary patron of the site. While historical traditions once associated his feast day with June 19, the current liturgical celebration at the hermitage occurs on May 28 to honor Saint Guillem of Gellona.