Saint Uniac, also known as Winiau or Winniau, was a sixth-century Irish saint who settled in Brittany. After arriving in the region in 548 alongside Saint Samson, he became a devoted member of the monastery at Dol. He later collaborated with Saint Méen and established a priory at Saint-Uniac, which was eventually granted to the abbey of Saint-Méen. He is primarily remembered for his religious devotion and his connection to a legendary spring.
Life and work
Following his arrival in Brittany, Uniac served as a dedicated religious figure at the monastery of Dol. He worked closely with Saint Méen and founded a priory that became associated with the abbey of Saint-Méen. Local tradition claims he caused a spring to flow to assist residents suffering from drought, providing a source of water that was said to never run dry.
Veneration
The saint is invoked for the healing of skin infections, a reputation linked to the waters of his legendary spring. In the twelfth century, large processions were held at his site on August 2 to honor his feast day. These traditions continued through the end of the nineteenth century, and a wooden statue of the saint remains above the spring's niche.