St. Paul the Hermit, Patron Saint of Weavers

Did you know there are more than a dozen patron saints of weaving? There are, and today happens to be the feast day St. Paul the Hermit, patron saint of weavers and the clothing industry.

Born about 230 at Lower Thebes, Egypt, he grew up in a Christian family. His parents died when he was 15, and a few years later, he fled into the desert to escape money-seeking relatives. He lived as a hermit in the desert for the rest of his long life (tradition has that he lived to the age of 113). He lived on bread (supplied by a raven), fruit, and water. He wore leaves or nothing at all. His biography was written by St. Jerome.

Considering his apparel (when he wore any) was leaves, I'm really not sure how he became the patron saint of weavers and the clothing industry....