Saint Gildas of Rhuys was a sixth-century monk and writer, known for his role in the early Christian church in Britain. He is often associated with the founding of several monasteries, particularly on the Brittany peninsula in France. Gildas is recognized for his contributions to Christian literature, including his work "De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae," which discusses the state of Britain after the Roman withdrawal. Gildas is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on January 29. He is often depicted in art as a wise figure, reflecting his influence on early Christian thought and his efforts to promote monasticism in the region.