Judoc

Saint Judoc, Saint Josse, Saint Jost or Saint Joyce (traditionally 600–668) was a seventh-century Breton noble and Catholic saint, who sought the protection of Aymon, a predecessor of the counts of Ponthieu, to live as a hermit and renounce the crown of Brittany, in a place then called either Sidraga or Schaderias or Runiacum, located in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Canche. He travelled to Rome along the via Francigena, returning safely shortly before his death.

Etymology

The name Judoc is the 14th century Breton version of Iudocus in Latin, Josse in French, Jost, Joost or Joos in Dutch and Joyce in English. Meaning "lord", the name became rare after the 14th century.

Biography

According to tradition, Judoc was the son of Saint Judicael, King of Brittany. His brothers were Alain II Hir and Saint Winnoc. In about 636, Judoc renounced his inheritance and wealth, and went on a pilgrimage to Rome. Whilst there, he was ordained a priest, and became hermit in Ponthieu, in a place called Saint-Josse-sur-Mer. Judoc died here, and it was maintained that his body was incorruptible. Apparently his followers would cut his beard and hair as it continued to grow.