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St. Gobnait
Deborah, or Abigail

Patron of
Honeybees and Beekeepers
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Feast Day: February 11

Gobnait (Gobnet, Gobhnet, Gobnaid, Gobnata, or Gobnatae), was born in County Clare, Ireland, sometime in the 5th or 6th century. Gobnait is Irish for Abigail (“Brings Joy”). As the patron saint of beekeepers, her name also has been anglicized as Deborah, meaning "Honey Bee."

Actual size: 5½" x 7½" x ¾" thick (also available in larger sizes)

The symbolism and inspiration:

For nearly a decade, I've been wanting to portray a patron saint of bees. I knew about Ambrose, but wasn't really inspired by his "honey tongue" as a reason for his patronage.

I grew up with an appreciation for the healing properties of honey and the "wonderfulness" of bees. My grandfather, Dr. Jacob Hutzelman developed a cure for foul brood, and my beloved Aunt Alice, an RN, was also a beekeeper. (With thick glasses and a plaid shirt, Gobnait would look a lot like her.)

Then, as often happens, someone "connected" with me and sent the inspiration I needed. A beekeeper (named Deborah!) emailed an inquiry about considering St. Gobnait. I did, and here it is...

PB

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 Also see our Saints Preserved^TM site for interesting facts, legends and more...