Deep in the heart of England, within the county of Cornwall near a village called St Neot, a delightful legend persists, linked to the saint after whom the village is named, St. Neot who dwelt here in the 9th century AD. He was a man of strong faith and spirituality, yet his story is most vivacious because of a unique companion – A cat named Howard.
The legend tells that St. Neot, a Christian hermit, lived by a sacred spring. Every day a fish from the spring would offer itself for him to eat. Despite the plenty, he only ever took one, adhering to his vow of asceticism. His faithful cat Howard dutifully followed the same diet.
Then came a day when St. Neot fell gravely sick. Weak and unable to fetch his food, he asked Howard to bring it for him. Every day the dutiful cat would fish from the sacred spring and bring it back to his master. Howard ensured his master survived, but in effect, painted himself as a well-fed, rather fat cat! This led the local villagers to believe the cat was feasting while its master starved.
The villagers, ignorant of their real shared sacrifice, decided to punish Howard by plucking all his hair. Upon learning this, St. Neot was deeply grieved. He prayed for the cat’s consolation, and miraculously, Howard’s fur grew back overnight, softer and sleeker than before. The villagers were amazed and realised their error.
In the years since, Howard has held a revered place in local lore. Even today, villagers in St Neot speak fondly of the cat that shared his master’s asceticism, suffered in silence and ultimately triumphed through faith and miracle. It’s a folklore tale that binds the community together, a testament to the value of understanding and appreciating subtle acts of loyalty and sacrifice.