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LIVES
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WITH
<^pccial JciStivab', luul the Commcmovatiou^' of lolij ^cvsiou?',
COMPILED FROM
lalpiiap. JaijIgiiDiDjip, ani lapns ^aniiijis,
RELATING TO
€i)t 9nnent CI)urd) M^iov^ oi ^relanti.
BY THE
REV, JOHN O'HANLON, M.R.I. A,
Vol. V. ^q,V\\'
Dublin: James Duffy and Sons, 15 Wellington-quay, and
la Paternoster-row, London.
London: Burns, Gates, and Co., 17 & 18 Portman-street, and
63 Paternoster-row, E.G.
New York : The Gatholic Publishing Society,
9 Warren-street.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]
I'RINTliD UY BOLLARD, DUBLIN'.
CONTENTS
JirstlBas ofJHas,
Page
Article I.— St. Ceallach, or Kellach, Bishop of Killala, and Martyr.
[Sixi/i Cetitury.']
Chap. I. — Introduction — Irish Life of St. Cellach — His Family
and Race — His Period — His early Instruction re-
ceived from St. Kieran — Cellach withdraws from
Clonmacnoise, and he is nominated King of Con-
naught, by the Tribe of Hy-Fiachrach ... I
Chap. II. — Kellach lives a holy Life at Clonmacnoise — He is
ordained Priest, and afterwards he becomes Bishop
of Killala — His Virtues — Guaire, King of Connaught,
is wickedly advised to take away his Life — Keallach
retires to an Island in Lough Conn — Four of his
Students are invited to Durluss, where they are per-
suaded to murder their holy Preceptor ... 6
Chap. III. — The Students return to Oilean Etgair — They seize
upon Kellach, and bring him to the Mainland, where
he is barbarously murdered — His Interment — His
Death is discovered and avenged by his Brother
Muredach — Commemoration of the Saint — Conclu-
sion .. ... ... lO
Article II. — St. Brieuc, or Brioc, First Bishop and Patron of the Diocese
OF Brieux, France. [SixthiCentujy.]
Chap. I — Introduction — Various Accounts of St. Brioc — His
Birthplace and Parentage — Instructed by St. Ger-
manus — His early Labours among the People of his
own Country — He passes over to Armorica ... 15
Chap. II. — Acts of St. Brieuc while under the Direction of St.
Germanus — His Miracles — Ordained Priest^St.
Brieuc visits Great Britain — He returns to France —
Idolatry there practised — His Parents and other Inha-
bitants of Brittany are converted to Christianity —
He builds a Church at Grandelande — Former close
Relations between Great and Lesser Britain — St.
Brieuc founds a Monastery at Landebaeron — He
afterwards settled at the Place, since known as Saint
Brieuc-des-Vaux — Count Reguel bestowed the House
and Lands of Champ-du-Rouvre, with all their Depen-
dencies, as an Endowment ... ... 22
Chap. III. — Penitential Exercises of St. Brieuc — He heals a
Paralytic — Speculations regarding his Episcopacy —
He assists Count Riguel during his last Illness — St.
Brieuc's happy Departure — Places assigned for his
Death — Remarkable Visions at the Time — Buried in
the Cathedral Church, at St. Brieux — Translation of
his Relics to the Church of St. Sergius and St. Bac-
chus, at Angers— Subsequent Removal of his Relics
to St. Brieux — Memorials and Festivals of the holy
Man — Conclusion ... ... ... 3 1
Article III.— St. Ultan, Abbot of Fosse, in Belgium. [Sevettih Centtiry.] ... 38
Article IV. — St. Nathchaoimhe, or Machoemi, Abbot of Terryglass, County of
Tipperary. [Sixth Century. '\ ... ... ... 43
Article V. — St. Brecan, or Bracan, Bishop of Ardbraccan, County of Meath, or of
Arran Island, County of Galway, or of Kilbreckan, County of
Clare ... ... ... ... 46
CONTENTS.
Page
Article VI. — St. Ossen, or Oissene Fota, Abbot of Clonard, County of Meath.
ySeiienlh Century^ ... ... ... 47
Article VII. — St. Luaithrenn, Virgin or Widow .. ... ... 48
Article VIII. — St. Aedhgein, or Aedgein, Bi>liop and Abbot of Fore, County of
Westmeaih. [Elg/Uh CetUury.'l ... ... 49
Article IX. — St. Goibnen, or Gobnenus ... ... ... 49
Article X. — St. Duicholl. of Cluain-Braoin ... ... ... 50
Article XI. — St. Cairbre, Bishop of Magh Bile, or Moville ... ... 51
Article XII. — St. Mainchein, or Monchenus ... ... ... 51
Article XIII. — St. Asaph, Bishop of St. Asaph, Wales. [Sixth Cetituiy.'\ ... 51
Article XIV. — St. Banban, Bishop ... ... ... 53
Article XV. — Feast of St. Walburgis, or Walburge, Virgin and Abbess. {Eighth.
Century.] ... ... ... ... 53
Article XVI. — St. Suitbertus ... ... ... ... 54
Article XVII. — St. Ronan, or Roman ... ... ... 54
Article XVIII. — Feast of St. Philip, the Apostle ... ... 54
Article XIX. — Festival of the Beginning of the Preaching our Lord Jesus
Christ ... ... ... ... 55
Secontf ©as of iHag.
Article I. — St. Neachtain, of Cill-Uinche, County of Louth, and of
Fennor, on the River Boyne, County of Meath. [Fifth
Centiny.] ... ... ... ... 55
Article II. — St. Germanus, Bishop and Martyr, in the Country of the Ambiani,
France. [Fi/th Century.] ... ... ... 57
Article III. — St. Fiachra, Abbot, of Ullard, County of Kilkenny ... 65
Article IV. — St. Piran, of Padstow and Piran-Sanz, Cornwall, England ... 66
Article V. — St. Aedan Mac Cuamsie ... ... ... 67
Article VI. — St. Enan ... ... ... ... 68
Article VII.- -St. Colman, the Holy ... ... ... 68
Article VIII. — Feast of St. Brieux, First Bishop and Patron of the Diocese of
Brieux .. ... ... ... 68
Article IX.— St. Ultan, Abbot of Fosse ... ... ... 68
Article X. — Festival of St. Saturninus ... ... ... 68
Article XI. — Candidus, an Irish Monk. [Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries.] ... 69
Article XII. — St. Columbanus, Bishop ... ... ... 69
Article XIII. — Reputed Elevation of St. Bertin's Relics ... ... 69
Efjirti ©as of JHas.
Article I.— St. Conleth, or Conlaip, Bishop and Patron of Kildare
Diocese. [Fifth and Sixth Centuries.]
Chap. I. — Introductoiy Remarks- Various Names of St. Con-
leth — His Parentage and Pedigree — Eremitical Life
at Old Connell — Antique Remains there — St. Con-
leth's Interview with St. Biigid, Abbess of Kidare —
Remarkable Preservation while returning from this
Visit — He baptizes St. Tighcrnach — St. Conleth,
First Bishop of Kildare— He secures St. Brigid's
Friendship and Esteem — Early Commencement of
Religious Establisliments in the City of Kildare —
Consecration and I'^mclions of St. Conleth after his
Election — -Recorded Incident of his being mira-
culously furnislied with Vestments to celebrate the
Holy Sacrifice of Mass ... ... 69
Chap. II. — The Family Pedigrees of St. Brigid and of St. Con-
laeth — Artisan Proficiency of this holy Man — Old
Connell supposed to be his usual Place for Residence
— Inquiry regarding the Nature of Ecclesiastical
Society at Kildare during the Time of St. Brigid and
CONTENTS.
Page
of St. Conleth — Description of an ancient Church
at Kildare — Supernatural Incident — Adornment of
ancient Shrines ... ... ... 7^
Chap. III. — Various Names for this Saint — Nature of his episco-
pal Jurisdiction — Recorded Incidents relating to St.
Conlath's violent Death — The Locality where it is
said to have occurred, while on his way to Rome —
Enquiry regarding the Sites of Sechai Condlad, and
Liamain — Preservation of St. Conlath's Relics —
Calendar Notices of this holy Bishop — Parochial
Church of St. Conleth erected at Newbridge — Other
Memorials — Conclusion. ... ... 86
Article II. — St. Daircheall, Bishop of Glendalough, County of Wicklovv. [Seventh
Century.'] ... ... ... ... 95
Article III. — St. Mochonna, of Derry ... ... ... 96
Article IV. — St. Nem, or Nehemias, Bishop of Druim DalLin, or Tullagh, County
of Antrim ... ... ... 96
Article V. — St. Neccan ... ... ... ... 97
Article VI. — St. Cairpre, or Corpreus, Bishop of Moville, County of Meath ... 98
Article VII. — St. Scannal, of Cill-Cobrainne. ... ... ... 98
Article VIII. — St. Aedan, or Aidanus ... ... ... 99
Article IX. — St. Sarnat, Daughter of Maelan, Abbess ... ... 99
Article X. — St. Clothach, Bishop ... ... ... 99
Article XI. — The Daughters of Oissen. of Rath-eich ... ... 99
Article XII. — St. Barrinn, of Droma Cula ... ... ... 100
Article XIII. — St. Athgen, or Corbmac, of Badony, County of Tyrone ... loo
Article XIV. — St. Juvenalis .. ... ... ... 100
Article XV. — Festival of the Blessed Alexander, a Cistercian Monk, of Foigni, in
France. [Thirteenth Century.] ... ... ... loi
Article XVI. — The Festival of Finding the Holy Cross ,. ... loi
Article XVII. — Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin ... 102
Article XVIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Donnan ... ... ... 102
Article XIX. — Reputed Feast of St. Concraid ... .. ... 102
Article XX. — Reputed Feast of St. Fergusa .. ... ... 102
Article XXI. — St. Fumac, in Scotland ... ... ... 102
Article XXII. — Feast of the Translation of St. Patrick's Arm ... ... 103
iFourtjj ©ag of lEag,
Article I. — St. Mochua, or Cronan, Son of Cuimine, of Sliabh Eibhlinne.
NOW Slieve Phelim Mountains, County of Limerick ... 103
Article II. — St. Siollan, the Deacon ... ... ... 105
Article III. — St. Aedh, Son of Brec, or Bricc ... ... ... 106
Article IV. — Festival of the Blessed Alexander, Cistercian Monk, at Foigni, in
France. [Thirteenth Century.] ... ... ... 106
Article V. — St. Colmoc, Bishop of Banff, Scotland. [Tenth' and Eleventh
Centuries.] ... ... ... ... 106
Article VI. — Festival assigned for a reputed St. Haymarus, Bishop and Martyr, at
Toul, in France. [Eighth Century.] ... ... 107
Article VIL— Feast of St. Antherius ... ... ... 108
S'\iX\ ©ag of iBas.
Article I. — St. Faelan Finn, of Kilcolumb, County of Kilkenny ... 108
Article II.— St. Scandalseus, or Scandalus ... ... ... 108
Article III.— St. Senan ... ... ... ... no
Article IV.— Reputed Feast of St. Maura and of St. Brigid, Virgins and Martyrs ... no
Article v.— Reputed Feast of St. Ectbrict, or Eadbert, the Saxon, or of Saxonland,
Bishop of Lindisfarne, England ... , ... ... 110
Article VI.— Festival of the Deacon Justinus ... ... ... iii
CONTENTS.
Page
Chap. II. — St. Cataldus raises a young Man to Life — He incurs
the Enmity of a Chief and of a King — He succeeds
to a Chieftancy — He is appointed Bishop — His
Church — Cataldus sets out on a Pilgrimage to Jerusa-
lem — Admonition for another Destination — He
arrives in Italy — The Miracles he wrought there caused
him to be nominated Bishop of Tarentum ... 192
Chap. III. — Missionary Labours of St. Cataldus in Italy —
Writings attributed to him — Last Admonitions to the
Clergy and Chief Men of Tarentum — His Death and
Interment — Various Miracles then and afterwards
wrought through his Intercession — Finding and Trans-
lation of his Relics — Honours paid to his Memory in
Tarentum — His reputed Prophecies — Veneration
throughout Italy and France — His Commemora-
tion in Offices, Calendars and Martyrologies — Conclu-
sion ... ... ... 199
Article III. — Cormac or Connachtach, Abbot of lona. \Eigkth and Ninth Cen-
turiesJ\ ... ... ... 207
Article IV. — Barban the Wise ... ... ... ... 207
Article V. — Reputed Festival of Hildebert, Archbishop of the Scots ... 207
Article VI — Aedh;orAedus ... ... ... ... 208
Article VII. — St. Connla ... ... ... ... 209
Article VIII. — Mac Lemruin, or Mac Leninn ... ... ... 209
Article IX. — St. Finntan ... ... ... ... 209
ArticleX. — St. Mohsionoc, of Cluain Caoinchne ... ... 209
Article XI. — Feast of St. Florentius, Bishop of Strasburg ... ... 210
Article XII. — Festival of St. Wiro, and of St. Plechelm, Bishops and Confessors,
and of St. Olger, at Ruremond, in Holland ... ... 210
Article XIII. — St. Saranus ... ... ... ... 210
Article XIV. — Translation of the Relics of St. Laurence O'Toole, Archbishop of
Dublin ... ... ... .. 210
ISkbtntfj ©as of iHau,
Article I. — St. Criotan, or Cridanus, Credan or Credanus, of Aghavan-
NAGH, or MACREDDIN, COUNTY OF WiCKLOW. {^Sixth or
Seventh Ceiitttry.'\ ... ... ...211
ArticleIT.— St. Laeghair Lobhar, or Lughaire, theLeper .. ... 213
Article III.- — St. Fintan, or Fionntain, of Cluain Caoin, probably Clonkeen, Queen's
County ... ... ... ... 214
Article IV.— St. Cormac, Priest, of Achadh Finnigh, on the Dodder, County of
Dublin ... ... ... ... 214
Article V.— Reputed Fea.st of St. Mac Tail, of Cill Cuilinn. or Kilcullen, County of
Kildare ... ... ... ... 217
Article VI. — St. Senach, the Smith, of Derrybrusk, County of Fermanagh. ^Sup-
posed to have lived in the Sixth Century^ ... ... 217
ArticleVIL— St. Caoimhghin. Abbot ... .. ... 220
Article VIIL— Feast of the Finding of the Relics of St. Gildas, Abbot of Rhuys,
Bretagne. [Sixth Cent/ay.] ... ... ... 220
Article IX. — St. Lasrca, or Lassar, Virgin ... ... ... 220
Article X.— St. Fionnlugh, or Findloga ... ... ... 220
Article XI. — Reputed Fca.st of .St. Ampudan, or Anpadan, Bishop of Glenn-da-
Locha, or Glendalough, County of Wicklow ... ... 221
AkticleXIL— St. Columcain ... ... ... .. 221
AkticleXHI.— St. Maoldoid ... ... ... ... 221
Article XIV.— St. /Elgnei, or Aelgnoeus ... ... ... 221
Article XV.— Reputed Festivalof St. Cataldus, Bishop of Tarentum, Italy. [Sarnth
Century.] ... ... ... ... 221
Article XIV.— Reputed Festival of Virgnoi, or Virgneus, Hermit. Scotland.
[.S'ivt/i and SeT'enth Centuries.] ... ... ... 221
Article XVII.— Festivalof Holy Job ... ... ... 222
CO JS TENTS.
Eiwelftfi ©as of JHag.
Page
Article I. — Ailitir, or Elitir, of Mqic-Inis. Lough Derg, and of Clon-
MACNOiSE, King's County. {^Sixth Century.] ... ... 223
Article II. — Ere, or Ercus, Nasca, of Tullylish. County of Down ... ... 224
Article III. — Reputed Festival of St. Erca, a Viry;in ... ... 225
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. Bearnosga, of Tullylish, County of Down ... 225
Article V. — St. Lugid, or Lughaedh, of Drumiskin, County of Louth, and said to
have been Priest, of Tigh Luta, in Fothartamora. {Supposed to have
lived in the Fifth Century.] ... ... ... 225
Article VI.— St. Diomma, of Kildimo, County of Limerick ... ... 228
Article VII. — The Festival of St. Cyriacus, with Three Hundred Companions,
Martyrs ... ... ... ... 229
Article VIII. — St. Hernen, or Ernin .. ... ... 229
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Congal, or Comgall, in Derconigal, or Holy wood,
Scotland. [Sixth and Sevefith Centicries.] ... ... 230
Article X. — Reputed Feast of another St. Congallus, in Scotland... ... 231
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Antonina and Six Companion Virgins and
Martyrs of St. Ursula, Cologne ... ... ... 231
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Merenus, Abbot of Bangor ... ... 232
EijirteentJj liag of fEatJ*
Article I. — St. Tighernach, of Boirche, or Mourne, County of Down.
[Eleventh Century.] ... ... ... 232
Article II. — St. Moeldod, or Moeldodius, Abbot of Mucnaimh, or Mucknoe,
County of Monaghan ... ... ... 234
Article III. — St. A bben, Hermit, of Abingdon, England ... ... 236
Article IV. — St. Mochonna, of Derry ... ... ... 237
Article V. — Reputed Festival of St. Moling Luachra. [Seventh Century.] ... 238
Article VI. — Reputed Feast of St. Servan, or St. Serasanus, Apostle of the
Orkneys, at Pomona. [Fifth Century.] ... ... 238
Article VII. — Reputed Feast of Dubliterius Fiond or Candidus ... ... 238
Article Vill. — Reputed Feast of St. Dympna, Virgin, and of St. Gerebern, Bel-
gium ... ... ... ... 239
Article IX. — St. or the Blessed Michomeris ... ... ... 239
Article X. — St. Carthagius, or Carthacus ... ... ... 239
Article XI. — Feast of Saints Teracus and Probus ... ... 239
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Motomagus ... ... ... 240
JFoiuteent!) ©as of JHag.
Article I. — St. Carthage, or Mochudda, Bishop, Abbot, and Patron of
Lismore. [Sixth and Seventh Centziries.]
Chap. I. — Introduction — Acts of St. Mochudda or Carthage —
Prognostication regarding him — His Parentage and
Birth — His Youth and early Vocation to the Clerical
State — Educated by St. Carthage the Elder — St.
Mochudda becomes a Priest — He settles down at a
Place called Kelltulach, but soon he leaves it — He
visits St. Comgall at Bangor ... ... 240
Chap. II. — Several holy Men are visited by St. Mochuda — At
last he is induced to select Rathain for his Religious
Foundation — Antiquities there— His Manner of Life
and Rule — Legends related about St. Carthage —
Virtues of his Monks — Miracles. ... ... 246
Chap. III. — Miracles wrought by St. Mochuda while at Rahen —
His chief Disciples there — He visits Kerry — Visited
CONTENTS,
Page
at Rahan by St. Columkille — His Prophecy— the Old
Church at Rahan — Conspiracy there to take away his
Life — Monastic Anecdotes — Envious Proceedings in-
stituted to drive him from Rahan — King Blaithmach,
his Brother Diarmaid, with the Chiefs of Meath, con-
cerned in this Course of Action — Mochuda and his
Monks are expelled from Rahan ... ... 254
Chap. IV. — Departure of St. Carthage and his Monks from Rahin
— They travel southwards by Way of Drumcullen,
Saigir, Roscrea, Cashel, Muscraighe, and Ardfinnan,
towards Lismore— St. Carthage receives a Grant of
this Place, from the territorial Chief, Maeloctrich —
Year of his Arrival at Lismore — Establislrment ofSt.
Carthage, in this Place — His subsequent Proceedings
and Manner of Living — His Departure from Life —
His Festival and Memorials — Conclusion ... 266
Article IL — St. Maolcethair, Son of Ronan, of Kilmelchedor, County of Kerry.
[Probably in the Sixth Ce?ilwy.'\ ... ... 276
Article HI. — St. Carthach the Elder, of Manister Thuama. [Sixth Century '\ ... 281
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of Silvanus, Archbishop of Dumblane, in Scotland ... 281
Article V. — St. Lassar, or Laisre ... ... ... 282
Article VL — St. Garbhan, or Garban ... ... ... 282
Article Vn. — St. Mousedon, or Moncodon ... ... ... 283
Article VHL— St. Maldodus ... ... ... ... 283
Article IX. — Festival of St. Victor and of St. Corona, Martyrs in Egypt. [Second
Centttry.] ... ... ... ... 283
JFiftrcnttJ ©as of JHag,
Article I. — St. Dympna. Virgin and Martyr, and Patroness of Gheel,
Belgium. [Sixth or Seventh Century.]
Chap. I. — Introduction — St. Dympna's Biographers — Conjec-
tures of Father Henschenius — Inquiry as to the Age
in which St. Dympna flourished— Her Family and
natal Place — Her Parentage, Birth, and early Dis-
positions. ... ... ... 284
Chap. II. — Death of Dympna's Mother — The- Saint's Vocation
to the true Faith — Her Father's Proposal of Marriage
— Dympna's Virtues and Constancy — She seeks the
Advice of Gerebern — Is counselled to fly from her
native Country — St. Dympna, Gerebern, and two
Companions, leave Ireland — They arrive at Antwerp
— Proceed to Ghele — Take up their Residence in the
Neighbourhood of St. Martin's Oratory — Their
pious Manner of Living — Grief of the King on his
Daughter's Departure — Orders Messengers to seek her
— Proceeds on a like Search himself — Arrives at
Antwerp — His Servants bring him Intelligence of
Dympna's Discovery — He visits the Place of her
Retreat — Urges her to consent— Gerebern's noble
Reprimand — the King's Attendants desire the Death
of Gerebern — Their Reproaches against the holy
Priest — His just Reproofs — The Servants of the King
behead Gerebern, whose Life and Death bear a
strikin'^ Resemblance to the Acts and Passion of St.
John the Baptist. ... ... ... 295
Chap. III. — The King orders Dympna to appear before him — His
Threats and Promises — They areindijjnantly rejected
by the holy Virgin — In a Fit of Frenzy, the King
draws his Sword and cuts off the Head of his Daugh-
ter — St. Dympna and St. Gerebern are decently
interred by the Inhabitants of that Place — Disentomb-
ment of their venerable Relics — The People of San-
tcn steal the Relics of St. Dympna and of St. Gere-
CONTENTS.
Page
bern — The former Remains recovered by the People
of Gheel — Miracles wrought whilst removing them to
that City — the People of Gheel build a new Church
and prepare a golden Shrine to honour their glorious
Patroness — Translation of her Relics — St. Dympna's
Miracles in behalf of the afflicted ... ... 310
Chap. IV. — Subsequent Memorials of St. Dympna — Excursion to
Gheel — Historical Notices of this City — Ancient
Registers and MSS. — Former Celebrity of Gheel — Its
general Appearance — Religious Foundations — Parish
Church of St. Amand — Architectural Description of
St. Dympna's Church — Chapels and Altars — The
Calvinists destroy Objects of Art in our Saint's
Church — The High Altar and its Accessories — The
Cofter behind this Altar — A Description of St.
Dympna's Altar within the little Choir — Curious
wooden Sculptures — Mar.yrdom of St. Dympna and
of St. Gerebern represented in the Blessed Virgin's
Chapel — Chapel of St. Dympna — Relics of St.
Dympna and of St. Gerebern — The great silver
Shiine of St. Dympna — Other artistic Objects within
her Church — Consecration of six Altars in 1531 —
Foundation of the College of Vicars — Erection of
the Chapter of Canons— Losses sustained by their
Church — Visit by the Bishop of Bois-le-Duc to Gheel
— Sale and Purchase of St. Dympna's Church after
the French Revolution — The Hadscot Hospital and
Augustinian Convent, at Gheel — Various miraculous
Cures.
Chap. V. — Local Memorials of St. Dympna in and near Gheel
— General Character and Disposition of the Gheelois
— Foundation of the Government Hospital — Usual
Mode of treating the Insane — Influences of Religion
on their State and Condition — Examination of the
sacred Relics in 1847, by the Cardinal- Archbishop of
Malines — Memorials and Festivals of the Saint —
Reference to our Saint in the Calendars — Emblems
of St. Dympna on the Continent and in Ireland —
Conclusion
Article II. — St. Gerebern, or Genebrand, Priest, Martyr, and Patron of Sonsbeck.
\_Sixth or Seventh Century^ ... ... _ 355
Article III.— St. Dubhlitir, Abbot of Finglas, County of Dublin. [Eighth Ccn-
^wy-] ... •■■ ... ... 374
Article IV. — St. Colman, or St. Columban, Mac Ua Laoighse, of Ou^haval.
Queen's County. [Sixth Cefitnry.] ... .__ -yyy
Article V. — St. Saran, of Inis-Mor, or the "Great Island," in Ui-Mac-Caille, or
Imokilly, in Ui-Liathain, County of Cork ... ... 383
Article VI. — St. Coluim, or Colum, of Loch-Inis-Cre, now Monahincha, County of
Tipperary ... ... ... ... 384
Article VII. — St. Dachonna, Bishop of Connor, County of Antrim ... 385
Article VIII. — St. Columba, Son of Faelghus ... ... ... 386
Article IX. — St. Comman, Son of Dioma, of Aricul ... ... 386
Article X. — St. Muiredhach Ua Dubhthaigh ... ... ... 388
Article XL — St. Muredach, Son cf Nessan ... ... ... 388
Article XII. — St. Timothy, Martyr at Sirmium, Pannonia ... ... 388
Article XIII. — Reputed Festival of Caineoc, Virgin ... ... 388
Article XIV. — St. Chromanus, or Chronanus, Priest and Confessor, of Mernia,
Scotland. [Tenth Century.'] ... ... .. 388
Article XV. — Reputed Festival of St. Brenaind ... ... ... 389
^txteent!j IBag of JHag*
Article I. — St. Brendan, Brandon, or Brenainn, Bishop and Patron of
Ardfert, County of Kerry, and of Clonfert, County of
Galway. [Fifth and Sixth Cenittries.']
320
S3
C0N2ENTS.
Page
Chap. 1. — Introduction — Manuscript Acts of St. Brendan —
Materi:ils for his Bi(jgraphy — Predictions regarding
him — His Place of Nativity and Parentage — His early
Training by Bishop Ere and by St. Ita — He visits the
great Saints of Ireland — Education by St. Finian of
Cloiiard — St. Brendan writes a Rule dictated by an
Angel — He begins to found Cells and Monasteries —
His Connexion with Brandon Mountain ... 389
Chap. II. — Irish and other Traditions about a great Western
Continent — St. Barind and the Story of his Voyage
— He Visits .St. Brendan — This holy Abbot resolves
on setting out with some of his Mon^s to seek the
Land of Promise — Preparations for tlieir Departure —
Tliey at first sail with favouring Winds, and then
a Calm succeeds — They land on an Island, where one
of his Monks is buried — They visit -Sheep Island —
They celebrate Easter on the Jascon's Back — The Para-
dise of Birds— The Island of St. Ailbe — St. Brendan
and his Monks visit other Islands — They are saved
from Dangers of the Ocean — The Three Choirs of
Saints — The Griffon threatens them — Wonders found
in the Ocean — An Island of Fire — Judas Iscariot —
The Hermit St. Paul and his Island — The Land
of Promise of the Saints — The Island of De-
lights — Return to Ireland of St. Brendan and his
Monks .. ... ... 407
Chap. III. — Irish and European Traditions regarding St. Bren-
dan's Voyage — The Holy Man visits St. Ita — He
founds a Monastery at Insula Detrumma — Other
Foundations in Kerry — Miracles wrought in Bi-yuys
Fort, and at Insula Detrumma — St. Brendan sails for
Ikitain and becomes a Disciple of .St. Gildas — His
Return to Ireland — He founds a Nunnery for his
Sister Briga, at Annaghdown — He builds a Monas-
tery, at Inis Mac Hua Cuin — St. Fursey becomes his
Disciple — Recorded Miracles — Foundation of Clon-
fert — Residence of St. Brendan in that Place ... 441
Chap. IV. — Religious Erections of St. Brendan in Ireland — His
Monastic Rule — Miracles of St. Brendan — His Places
at Inish-Glora and Brandon Mountain — Writmgs
attributed to St. Brendan — His closing Days and De-
parture from Life — His Burial at Clonfert — His
Memorials in Kalendars, and Places dedicated to
him — Pilgrimages to Brandon Mountain — Conclu-
sion ... ... ..- 453
Article II. — Another supposed St. Brendan, Patron of Clonfert, County of
Galway ... ... ... ... 472
Article III. — St. Fiodhmuine, Anchoret of Raithin, King's County, and of Ennis-
boyne, County of Wicklow. ^Eighth Century.^ ... ... 472
Article IV. — St. Cairnech, Cairnigh, Crantock, Carantac, or Carantoc, Con-
fessor, of Wales, and of Tuilin, now Dulane, or Duleene, County
Meath, Ireland. \FiJlhoi- Sixth Century, '\ ... ... 475
Article V. — St. Odhran, Priest ... ... ... ... 484
Article VI. — St. Eman, Son of Aedh ... ... ... 484
Article VII. — St. Duthracht, of Liath Droma ... ... ... 484
Article VIII. — St. Maclaisre, Abbot of Bangor, County of Down ... 487
Article IX. — St. Boetius, also called Breg-boesach, Son of Brondius ... 4vS7
Article X. — St. Mochamail ... ... ... ... 487
Article XI — .St. Finntan, of Cluana Cruaich ... ... ... 488
Article XII. — .St. Fionnchadh, Bishop ... ... ... 488
Article XIII.— Feast of the Translation or Elevation of the Relics of Saints
Columban, Eustasius and Waldebert ... ... 488
Article XIV. — St. Tricius, Bishop and Confessor, in Scotia ... ... 488
Article XV, — Reputed Feast of St. Bertin, Abbot and Apostle, Belgium ... 488
Article XVI. — Reputed Festival of St. Benthus, Confessor ... ... 489
CONTENTS.
Scbenteentfi ©ag of i$laij«
Page
Article I.— St. Fionnchan, Bishop of Druim-Eanaigh and of Druim-
Fess. [Sixth Centurj/.] ... ... ... 489
Article II. — St. SioUan, Bishop of Daimhinis, or Devenish Island, County of
Fermanagh, [Sevenf/i Century.'] ... ... 490
Article III. — Supposed Feast of St. Silave or Silan, Bishop and Confessor ... 492
Article IV. — The Sons of Ua Slainge, of Cluain-airbh . ... 492
Article V. — St. Finnen ... ... ... ... 493
Article VI. — Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Malachy O'Morgair,
Archbishop of Armagh, &c., to Avignon, in France ... 493
Article VII. — The Daughter or Daughters of Garbhan ... ... 493
Article VIII. — St. Maolan, of Snamh-Luthair ... ... ... 493
Article IX. — Feast assigned to St. Moling Luachra, of Timolin ... ... 493
Article X. — St. Criotan, Bishop at Mahee Island, Coimty of Down ... 494
Article XI. — St. Cathan, Bishop and Confe.ssor, Isle of Bute, Scotland ... 494
Article XII. — St. Maw, or Mauditus, Hermit and Confessor, St. Mawes, Corn-
wall .. ... ... ... 495
Article XIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Connallus, Archdeacon of Glasgow ... 496
Article XIV. — Reputed Feast of St. Carantoc ... ... ... 496
Article XV. — Feast of Saints Adrion, Victor and Basilla, Martyrs at Alexandria ... 496
Article XVI. — Three Ursuline Virgins and Martyrs, at St. Amand, Flanders ... 496
lEtgfjteentij Bag of JHa^.
Article I.— St. Convallus, Confessor, Patron of Glasgow, Inchennen,
Eastwood, and Pollockshaws, Scotland. [Sixth mid Seventh
Centuries.] ... ... ... ... 497
Article II. — Merolilanus, a Scottish Priest and Martyr, at Rheims, France.
[Eighth Century.] ... ... .■• 5°°
Article III. — St. Bran Beg, of Clane, County of Kildare. [Sixth or Seventh
Century.] ... ... ... ... 503
Article IV. — St. Mo-Maedoc, of Fidown, County of Kilkenny ... ... 504
Article V. —St. Modomnoc, of Tiprat Fachtna ... ... ... 505
Article VI. — Feast of St. Mark, Bishop and Martyr ... ... 506
Article VII. — St. Bresal, of Derthach, thought to have been Abbot of lona ... 506
Article VIII.— St. Saran ... ... ... ... 507
Article IX. — Feast of St. Mommolin, Bishop of Noyon and Tournay, France.
[Seventh Century.] ... ... ... 5^7
Article X.— Translation of the Relics of St. Malachy O'Morgair, to Avignon .. 507
Article XI. — St. Miodhguss, Son of Ere, of Tigh-Taillten, or Teltown Church,
County of Meath ... ... ... 507
Article XII. — St. Feradacius, or St. Ferdachrichus ... .. 508
Article XIII.— St. Colman, Bishop ... ... ... 5°^
Article XIV.— St. Aghna, Virgin .... - ... ... 508
i^tneteentf} ©au of Jilag,
Article I. — St. Richella, Virgin ... ... ••• 5"^^
Article II. — St. Ciaran, Son of Colga ... ... ■•■ 5'°
Article III. — St. Cuimmein, or Cuminus, of Baetan ... ••• 5'°
Article IV. — St. Caradic, or Caradoc ... ... ••• S^'
Article V. — St. Brittan, of Rath ... ... ■•• 512
Article VI. — St. Mochonnae, of CillComhartha ... ... — S'S
Article VII.— St. Ceir ... ... ... ••• S'S
Article VIII.— St. Dinir, of Eanach-Eir ... ... ••■ 5i3
Article IX. — The Three Sons of Eoghan, or Eugene ... .•• 5^3
Article X. — The Feast of Urban's Clergy, Martyrs, at Rome. ... ... 5^3
CONTENTS.
Page
Article XI. — The Deposition of Blessed Raban Maur, Abbot of Fulda ... 514
Article XII. — The Blessed Patrick and Malachy, Cistercians and Martyrs, in
Ireland ... ... ... ... 514
S:b3entirt|) ©ao of fHau»
Article I. — St. Colman, of Doire Mor, or Kilcolman, King's County.
[Sixth and Seventh Centuries.'\ ... ... ■■■ S^S
Article II. — St. Conall, Abbot of Iniscaoil, County of Donegal ... ... 518
Article III. — St. Daniel, of Tulach ... ... ' ... 519
Article IV. — St. Laidhgenn, or Laidcind ... ... ... 519
Article V. — St. Cromdithruibh, of Inis-crainn ... ... ... 519
Article VI. — Festival of S'. Marcellosa, with Companions, Martyrs in Africa ... 520
Article VII. — St. Mac Laithbhe, of Donoughmore .. ... 520
Article VIII. — Festival of St. Columbanus of Luxeu, Disciple of St. Columbanus,
Abbot ... ... ... ... 521
Article IX. — Reputed Festival for St. Dympna and St. Gerebern, Belgium .. 521
Article X. — Feasts of Saints Gervasius and Frotassius, Martyrs ... ... 521
Article XL — St. Ronanus ... ... ... ... 521
Eixjtnti3;:Krst ©au of JHag.
Article I.— St. Bairrfhionn, Patron of Druim-Cuilinn, orDruim-Cullen,
King's County, and of Cill-Bairrfhinn, now Kilb.arron,
County of Donegal. [Si:x.th Century. '\
Chap. I. — Introduction — St. Bairrfhionn's Family and Period
— A Disciple of St. Columba — His Connexion with
Drumcullen — Description of the Place ... 522
Chap. II. — The probable Migration of St. Barrfoinn from Drum-
cullen, towards the Northern Part of Ireland — His
Settlement at Kilbarrind — Its Location and Descrip-
tion — Visited there by St. Columba — St. Barrind is
supposed to have been the first European Discoverer
of the American Continent — His Place in our Calen-
dars — Conclusion ... ... ... 525
Article II. — St. Silaus, Bishop and Patron at Lucca, in Hetruria, Italy ... 528
Article III. — St. Fionnbharr, of Cork, County of Cork ... ... 537
Article IV. — St. Moinne, or Moennenus. ... ... .. 538
Article V. — St. Cuimmin, Son of Lughaidh, of Inis-mac-Ua-Darthada, or
Dartagha ... ... ... ... 538
Article VI. — St. Polan, said to be of Cill-Mona, said to have been Kilbarrack,
County of Dublin ... ... ... 538
Article VII. — St. Colman, Lohhar, or the Leper, of Magh-n-Ec, or Moyne,
County of Clare ... ... ... 539
Article VIII. — St. Brigid, daughter of Dima, or Diomman ... ... 540
Article IX. — St. Colman Cron ... ... ... ... 540
Article X. — St. Maeldcid, of Lismore, County of Waterford ... ... 540
Article XL — Translation of the Relics of St. Paternus, Bishop of Venues,
France ... ... ... ... 54°
Article XII.— St. Ronan ... ... ... ... 541
Article XIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Chroniacus. [Seventh Century.] ... 541
Article XIV. — Reputed Festival of St. Sidonius, or Saens _ ... ... 541
Article XV. — Festival of St. Timothy and of his Companions, Martyrs ... 541
EbJfnt2=srconti ©ag of fHau.
Article L— St. Conall, or Conald Coel, Abbot of Iniscoel, County of
Donegal. [Seventh Century.] ... ... ... 542
CONTENTS.
Article II. — St. Baoithin, of Ennisboyne, County of Wicklow. \Sczenth Centmy.'\ 545
Article III. — St. Ronan Finn, of Lann Ronain, County of Down ... 547
Article IV. — St. Brecan, the Pilgrim, of TeampuU Breccain, Island of Aranmore,
County of Galway ... ... ... 549
Article V. — Saints Aghna, Luighsech, Caissin, Virgins, of Druim-da-Dhart ... 549
Article VI. — The Seven Sons of Ednius of Maighin, or Moyne, County of
Mayo ... ... ... ... 550'
Article VII. — Reputed Feast of Nortyla, or Nortilas, Bishop of Verden, Lower
Saxony ... ... .. ... 55°
Article VIII. — St. Cassinus of Sexhumka ... ... ... 550
Article IX. — The Sons of Eochaidh ... ... ... 550
Ebjentij^ljirtr ©ag of iHag.
Article I. — St. Goban of Mairge, or Goibhnenn, of Tigh Scuithin, now
Tascoffin, County of Kilkenny. \_Probably Sixth and Seventh
Centuries.'\ ... ... ... ... 55^
Article II. — St. Comman ... ... ... ... 551
Article III. — St. Faolchon, or Faelchu ... ... ... 553
Article IV. — St. Cremlithann, or Cremtand, of Magh Dumha ... ... 553
Article V. — St. Strofan or Straffan, of Cluan-Mor, probably Clonmore, County
of Carlow ... ... ... ... 553
Article VI. — Festival of St. Epectinus and Companions, Martyrs... ... 554
Article VII. — St. Nechtlaice, or Nechtlic, Bishop ... ... 554
Article VIII. — Reputed Feast of Fidelis, a Scottish Hermit ... ... 555
®:b3ient2^fourtfj JBag of Pag,
Article I. — St. Segineus, or Segin, Archbishop of Armagh. [Seventh
Century.] ... ... ... ... 555
Article II. — St. Berchan, of Cluain Caoi ... ... ... 556
Article III. — St. Aidhbe, Bishop and Abbot of Tir-da-Glass, now Terryglass,
County of Tipperary ... ... ... 557
Article IV. — St. Stellan of Inis Celtra, now Innis-cealtra, County of Galway ... 559
Article V. — The Seven Daughters of Fergus, of Tigninghin Ferghusa, or of
Inis-cealtra, County of Galway ... ... ... 560
Article VI. — St. Colman ... ... ... ... 560
Article VII.— St. Siollan, or Sillan ... ... ... 560
Article VIII. — St. Ultan, Son of Aedhghen ... ... ... 561
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of Ferranus, or Ferianus, a Culdee Bishop, in
Scotland ... ... .. ... 561
Article X. — Festival of Ermes, or Hermes ... . ... ... 561
Article XI. — Festival of St. Rudbertus, or Rupert, Bishop of Saltzburgh ... 561
Article XII. — Feast of St. Augustine, Bishop and Apostle of the Southern English.
[Sixth and Seventh Centuries.] ... ... ... 561
Eiwents^fiftb ©ag of JHas*
Article I. — St. Dunchadh, Abbot of Iona, in Scotland. [Seventh and
Eighth Centuries.] .. ... ... c62
Article II. — St. Criumther Cael, of Kilmore, probably in the County of
Cavan .. ... ... ... 565
Article III.— St. Mocholla, Daughter of Diomma ... ... 565
Article IV. — Festival of St. Aldelmus, or Adelinus. [Seventh and Eighth
Centuries.] ... ... ... ... c66
Article V.— St. Modomnoc ... ... ... ... 566
CONTENTS.
Page
Article VI. — Festival of St. Dionysius ... ... ... 566
Article VII. — Festival of St. John the Baptist ... ... ... 567
Eixitntg^sixtf) Dap of iHay,
Article I. — St. Began of Cluain-aird-Mobecog, in Muscraige Breoghain,
County of Tipperary, or of Tigh-chonaill, now
Stagonnell, in Ui-briun Cualann, County of Wicklow.
\^Sixth Century.]... ... ... ' ... 5^7
Article II. — St. Colman Steallan, of Terryglass, County of Tipperary. [Six//i and
Seventh Centuries.] ... ... ... 574
Article III. — St. Colman ... ... ... ... 575
Article IV. — Festival of St. Augustine, Bishop of Canterbury, England. [Sixth and
Seventh Centuries.] ... ... — 575
Etoent2=sebentij ©ag of jEag.
Article I.— St. Cillin, or Killin, Bishop of Tigh Talain, now Tehallan,
County of Monaghan. [Fifth Century.] ... ... 576
Article II. — St. Commaigh Comagia, or Comaigh, Virgin, of Snawlooher, or
Slanore, County of Cavan. [Sixth or Seventh Century.] ... 579
Article III. — St. Maelan, of Slanore, County of Cavan ... ... 581
Article IV. — St. Cuintoc, of Snawlooher, County of Cavan ... ... 581
Article V. — St. Ethian or Ethern, Bishop of Donoughmore mic Laithbhe, in
Mughdorna ... ... ... ... 582
Article VI. — Reputed Feast of a St. Echbritan, Ecbriotan, or Echfriotan, Sonof
Oisu, or Ossa ... ... ... ... 582
Article VII. — Festival of St. Aculius and his Companions, Martyrs ... 583
Article VIII. — St. Moduin, Abbot of Saul, County of Down ... ... 584
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Wigbrordus, Apostle of Bavaria ... 584
Article X. — Reputed Feast of St. Fintana, Virgin, in Scotland ... ... 584
Article XI. — Feast of St. Fontana ... ... ... 584
Articlk XII. — Reputed Festival of St. Becan, Abbot ... ... 585
Article XIII. — Festival of St. Gennanus, Bishop of Paris ... ... 5^5
Etocntg^eig'^tJ) Dag of fHag.
Article I. — St. Mael-Odhran, supposed to have been a Monk of Iona,
Scotland. [Seventh Century.] ... ... ... 585
Article II. — The Seven Bishops, of Tigh-na-Commairce ... ... 586
Article III. — St. Faelan, or Foillan, a Confessor ... ... 586
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. German, Tutor of St. Patrick... ... 587
Article V. — St. Furadhran, of Lann-Turu ... ... ... 587
Article VI. — St. Eoghan, the .Sage ... ... ... 587
Article VII. — Reputed Festival of St. Jonas, said to have been Abbot of
Luxeu, in Burgundy ... ... ... 587
Article VIII.— Reputed Feast of St. Winin, Priest, in Cantire, Scotland ... 588
Article IX.— St. Sillan ... ... ... ... 5S8
Article X.— St. Dairius ... ... ... ... 5S8
EiMcntginint!) ©ag of iHag,
Article I.— St. Brunsecha, Virgin, of Magh-Trea, and of Killyon Parish,
King's County. [Fifth and Si.\th Century.] ... ... 5S9
CONTENTS.
Page
Article II.— St. Commain, Virgin, of Dal-Buinne, and of Derry, Parish of Bally-
phillip, County of Down ... ... ••• 594
Article III. — St. Buriena, Virgin, of Cornwall, England ... ... 596
Article IV. -St. Modune, or Duonius. ... ••■ ••• 597
Article V. — St. Maeltuile, probably of Dysart, County of Westmeath ... 597
Article VI.— St. Mobecce, of Trilick, County of Tyrone ... ... 598
Article VII.— St. Dairius ... ... ... ••■ 599
Article VIII.— Reputed Feast of St. Uaganus, Bishop of Galloway, Scotland ... 599
Article IX.— Festival of St. Pollio ... ... ■■■ 600
Article X.— Reputed Feast of St. Gumbert, or Gundibert. [Seventh or Eighth
Century.^ ... ... ... ... 600
El)trtict!) JBatj of Jlag.
Article I.— St. Madelgisilus, or Mauguille, Solitary, in Picardy,
France. [Sezvnth Ccntniy.']
Chap. I. — Introduction — Writers of the Ads of St. Madelgisilus
— His early Birth and Education — He accompanies
St. Fursey to France — Their united Labours — After
St. Fursey's Death, St. Madelgisilus seeks Admission,
and he is received as a Religious, in the Monastery at
Centule ... ... ... 601
Chap. II. — The Virtues and Manner of Life adopted by St.
Madelgisilus, at Centule — Angelic Vision — He
becomes a Hermit at Monstrelet — His devotional Life
there — His Illness — St. Vulgan and Himself after-
wards live together — Death of St. Vulgan, and sub-
sequent Departure of our Saint — His Relics and the
Miracles he wrought — Translation of his Relics —
Conclusion ... ... ... 605
Article II. — St. Goban, orGobban, of Airdne Dairinse .. ... 611
Article III.— St. Fergussius, of Druim-bile, otherwise, St. Saergusa bile or
Saerghos, of Druim ... ... ... 613
Article IV. — St. Ernine, orErninus ... ... ... 614
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Silay, or Silaus, Bishop at Lucca ... 614
Article VI.— St. Heyna or Hieu. {Seventh Century.] ... ... 614
Article VII. — Festival of St. Caidoc and Frechor or Adrian, Centule,
Picardy, and Apostles of the Morini, in France. [Sixth and
Seventh Centuries.] ... ... ...615
Article VIII. — Festival of the Nativity of St. Thomas ... ... 616
Article IX. — Festival of Eutychius, Martyr ... ... ... 617
Article X.- — Reputed Feast for the Translation of the Relics of St. Dympna and of
St. Gerebern, at Gheel, in Brabrant ... ... 617
Article XL— Reputed Feast of St. Totuanus, Martyr ... ... 617
^i)trt2'-tot ©as of iilag.
Article I. — St. Feradacius, Abbot of Iona, Scotland. [Ninth
Century.] ... ... ... ... 617
Article II.— St. Fer-da-crioch ... ... .. ... 618
Article III.— St. Eoghan, Bishop of Cremhcaille, or Abbot of Moville,
County of Down ... ... ... 619
Article IV.— St. Maelodhrain, of Slane, County of Meath ... ... 619
Article v.— St. Ernin, of Cranfield Parish, County of Antrim ... ... 621
Article VI.— St. Coirpre, Abbot of Moville. County of Down ... ... 621
Article VII.— Feast of St. Chrysogenus, Martyr, at Aquileia ... ... 621
Article VIII.— St. Petronilla, Virgin ... ... ... 621
Article IX.— The Blessed John Meagh, S.J., Martyr, near Prague, Bohemia.
[Seventeenth Century.] ... ... ... 622
Article X.— Reputed Feast of St. Silanus, a Pilgrim and Bishop ... ... 623
Article XL— Reputed Feast of Findocha, Virgin, in Scotland ... ... 623
Article XII.— Reputed Feast of St. Frudocha, Virgin ... ... 623
SUPPLEMENTAL LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Abbot, Right Rev. Father, of La Trappe
Monastery, Gethsemani, Nelson County, _
State of Kentucky, U.S.A.
Byrne, Very Rev. P. J. Byrne, Dean, V.G.,
P.P.. Dungannon, County of Tyrone.
Franciscan Convent, Very Rev. Guardian of,
West Gorton, Manchester, England.
Slattery, Rev. J., St. Patrick's Catholic
Church, Bradford, England.
Walshaw, Very Rev. Canon Samuel, St.
Mary's Church, Sheffield, England.
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NOTED IN
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RELATING TO
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LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
jfirsJt 2Baj) of iWap*
ARTICLE I.— ST. CEALLACH, OR KELLACH, BISHOP OF KILLALA,
AND MARTYR.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — IRISH LIFE OF ST. CELLACH — HIS FAMILY AND RACE — HIS PERIOD —
HIS EARLY INSTRUCTION RECEIVED FROM ST. KIERAN — CELLACH WITHDRAWS
FROM CLONMACNOISE, AND HE IS NOMINATED KING OF CONNAUGHT, BY THE
TRIBE OF HY-FIACHRACH.
WHILE popular traditions have locally preserved the memorials of our
saints, they have frequently added statements and embellishments
of a questionable character. In many instances, it may well be supposed,
the writers of Irish Saints' Lives drew from such sources, and were only partially
acquainted with the factsof contemporaneous history; oftentimes too, theywere
ignorant in respect to the period, persons, and circumstances, that transpired
coeval with them, and a knowledge of which might help to give more accuracy
and consistency to the narratives, which have descended to us. In a general way,
most of the detailed prose Lives are mediseval, and apparently not grounded
on the accounts of authors, who had personal knowledge of their subjects.
Again, the rhythmic statements of various provincial bards seem to have the
flavour of romance, more to recomm.end them for popular admiration, than a
sound historic basis for the exercise of sober judgment, and to sustain the
local traditions, from which those compositions emanated. Yet, sometimes,
we are not to regard them as largely the product of imagination and pure in-
vention. It is, occasionally, with very great diffidence, we are obliged to follow
those guides, and yet to present such information as they afford, in a reserved
measure, and frequently in a mood of doubt or dissent. Were it attempted
to describe minutely the miracles, fortunes, and characteristics of saints, as
recorded in their old Acts, too often might we wander into narratives, wholly
irrelevant to those objects sought to be attained. It is more than probable,
edification given to the reader could hardly prove the result for such an exact
reproduction of stories manifestly fabulous. However pleasant in perform-
ance and choice to the writer, to record even harmless legends regarding our
saints, this might be deemed even prolix and misplaced by the critical reader.
Moreover, as embracing the later popular accounts of times, long subsequent
Vol. v.— No. i. ' a
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i
to the age of those holy persons, besides displacing incongruity, our narrative
must require space, more than could be available with romantic narratives. Our
])lan demands, in most cases, very brief biographical notices, and these we
labour to render consistent, so fiir as may be attempted, with the probabilities
of history, or with the fair deductions, resulting from a study of our old national
traditions and modes of thought. In the present ojiening narrative, most pro-
bably we have both history and romance blended in ])roportions, that now
cannot well be known or distinguished, and that still require additional re-
flected lights, to place them in a more satisfactory point of view.
The earliest copy of St. Cellach's Life we possess at present is probably in
that collection of prose and verse tracts, contained in the Leabhar Breac, or
Si)eckled Book, otlierwise styled Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre, or the Great
Bookof Diin Doighre. The following narrative, based ui)on it, does not conflict,
except apparently in chronology, with what occurs in our general Irish annals.
We find, also, among the Messrs. Hodges' and Smith's collection of Manu-
scripts, in the Royal Irish Academy, a Tract on the Life of St. Cellach.' This is
only a copy, taken from an original. A somewhat similar Life was in
possession of the Irish Franciscans, at Louvain.* It resembles that contained
in the Irish Manuscript Codex, called by some Leabhar Mor Duna Doighrd,3
but now better known as the Leabhar Breac. The biographical tract in
question was translated, from Irish into Latin, by Father Thomas O'Sheerin, to
serve the purpose of Father Gotlefrid Henschenn, who has edited it.'' How-
ever, distrusting much some poetic or irrelevant rhapsodies which he rejects,
Father Henschenn has adopted a rescission he deems better suited, to eluci-
date the present Saint's liistory.s The full text of this piece is now accessible
to the Irish student, as the Leabhar Breac has been published f and. it is
interpolated with poetic effusions, in reference to the subject matter. Among
these are lines, attributed to St.Cellach himself, but, most probably, they are
only the production of a later period, than when he flourished. Some notices,
in reference to him, have been entered in a work, compiled by Duald Mac
Firbis ;7 and, in the Book of Lecan, there is also allusion to him. In Rev.
Jeoffrey Keating's General History of Ireland, this account is also found
abridged.* From these various sources, the following narrative has been
derived.
The holy man, whose biography we are about to treat, descended from a
race of royal ancestors, whose actions have been chronicled, in the general
annals of Ireland. Thus, St. Ceallach 9 was son to Eugenius Belus — in Irish
Article i. — Chaptf.r i. — ' It is a vel- Their names render it extremely difficult,
lum folio, and classed No. 224. liowevcr, to reconcile its narrative with
' This was a tran>icri]it, from an older exact chronology,
copy, in the " Leabhar l.reac." * See "Leabhar Breac. the Speckled
3 Anglicized, "the Great Book of Dun- Book, otherwise styled Leabhnr Mor Duna
Doighre," which was a place on the Con- Doighre, the Great Book of Diin Doighre ;
naught side of the Shannon, and some miles a collection of Pieces in Irish and Latin,
below the town of Athlone. See Professor compiled from ancient sources about the
O'Curry's "Lectures on the Manuscript close of the Fourteenth Century; now for
Materials of Ancient Irish History," Lect.ii., the first time published from the original
PP- 3I' 32- Manuscript in the Libraiyolthe Royarirish
* See the Bollandists"' Acta Sanctorum," Academy," pp.272 to 276. Dublin. Royal
tomus i., Maii i. De Sancto Kellaco Epis- IrishAcademyHouse,i9l)a\vsou-stieet,i876.
copo in Hibernia. A commentary, in live ' .See "The Goueaiogies, Tribes and Cus-
paragraphs preceding it, and a few notes, toms of Hy-Fiachrach, commonly called
follow. See pp. 104 to 107. O'Dowda's Country," edited by John
5 As will afterwards be shown, in text and O' Donovan, pp. 32 to 35.
notes, various personage^, well designated in ''See Dermod O'Connor's second folio
our Annals, are introduced in the Irish Life. edition, Book ii., pp. 351, 352. Westmin-
May I.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Eoglian Beul — King of Connaught ; and, he had another brother, who was
called Cuchoingelt, orMuireadhach.'° Among the bravest and most ambitious,
vigilant and capable of administrators, in his age and country, Eoghan Beul
ruled over the province of Connaught, with popular applause and good for-
tune, which he hoped might be secured for his sons." These named Ceallach
and Muireadhach were lineal descendants of Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin,"
who flourished as supreme monarch of Ireland, about two centuries previous
to their birth. At first, he was King over Connaught, when he married Mong-
finn, sometimes called Munig, with Finn superadded, and by her he was
fath.er of four sons, Brian, '3 Fiachra,'4 Fergus and Olioll.'s He also married
Carrina '* — said to have been a Saxon '? — and by her, he had a son, the re-
nowned Niall of the Nine Hostages. According to the Irish pedigrees,
Eogan Beul was the son of Ceallach,'^ son to OillioU Molt,'9 son of Dathi,^°
sometimes called David, son to Fiachra Follsi.athach,^'' son. to Eochaidh
Muighmeadhoin. His castle ^^ was built on an Island, lying in Lough Mask,
and from him, it has since been called Inis Eoghain.^3 it lies on the east
side of the Lough, and the denomination is now written Inish Owen.^'t It
comprises over twenty-nine acres in extent of surface.'^s
The date of our saint's birth must been referred to about the year 520,
according to the most probable opinion. He was the eldest son of his father,
who selected for him a renowned and holy teacher. The young j)rince Ceal-
lach was placed at an early age, under the tutelage of St. Kieran, Abbot of
Clonmacnoise.^^ Charmed with the exercises of religious life, Ceallach re-
solved to embrace the monastic profession, and there he lived as a monk.
ster, 1726, fol
5 Not ad verting to the identity of name, in
hisedition of Ware, Walter Harris calls him
"the son of Doghan, or as some say, of Owen
Bel, King of Connaught." — Vol. i., " Bis-
hops of Killala," p. 650.
'° In the valuable Genealogical Table,
narrating the principal descendants of
Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin, which is found
in Mr. O'Donovan's translation of the
" Genealogies, Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Fiachrach," p. 476, St. Ceallach and his
brother Cuchoingeltare placed in the seventh
generation from their famed ancestor.
" -See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i., Vita S. Kellaci, sect, i., p. 104.
'^ He reigned from A.D. 358 to A. D. 365.
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. i., pp. 124, 125.
'5 From him, are descended the Hy-
Brien of Connaught.
"• From him, descend the Hy-Fiachra of
Connaught.
'5 From him, the territory of Tirolioll, in
Sligo, had its denomination. See Roderick
O'Flaherty's " Ogygia," pars, iii., cap.
Ixxix., p. 374.
'* Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran calls her a
princess of the Saxon nation ; but, the
Saxons at that period had no settlement in
England. See "General History of Ire-
land," vol. i., Book vi., chap, v., p. 288.
'' Roderick O'Flaherty remarks, that the
Saxons, in conjunction with the Scots, Picts
and Attacots, had frequently invaded Bri-
tain, before the period of the Anglo-Saxon
Conquest. See "Ogygia," pars, iii., cap.
Ixxix., pp. 376 to 378.
'^ Called Kellan, in that pedigree, given
by Culgan, in " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
Februarii iii., Appendix ad Acta S. Col-
mani, vulgo Macduach, cap. ii., p. 248.
'9 He ruled for twenty years over Ireland,
and, by Dr. Svlvester O'Halloran, he is said
to have been the first Irish sovereign to es-
tablish Christianity by decree in Ireland.
Sec "General History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
Bookvii., chap, v., pp. 33, 34.
*° For tvventy-threeyeais, he was sovereign
over Ireland, and he was struck dead by
lightning, in the Alps, A.D. 428. See
Thomas D'Arcy M 'Gee's " Popular History
of Ireland," vol. i., Book i., chap, ii., p,
19.
" He had two sons, Dathi, King of Ire-
land, and Amalgaidh, King over Connaught.
See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
Februarii iii., Appendix ad Acta S. Colmani,
vulgo Macduach, cap. i.. p. 248.
^- There is a curious little poem, quoted by
Duald Mac Firbis in his large genealogical
work, describing the residence of King
Eoghan Beul.
^3 On it. Dr. John O'Donovan "saw dis-
tinct traces of its earthen ramparts, in the
year 183S.''— Addenda Q to " Genealogies,
Tribes and Customs of Hy-Fiachrach," p,
473- - .
^* See thd. Explanatory Index to the
Map, p. 492.
^5 It is in the p.irish of Ballinchalla, and
in the barony of Kilmaine, as shown, on the
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
Meantime, during the stormy period of his father's reign,=7 Eoghan Beul was
obliged to defend his principaHty by force of arms, from the attacks of turbu-
lent and powerful tribes surrounding him. His principahty was often invaded,
but he usually repelled the invaders and scored a victory. However, a great
confederacy of the people belonging to Tyrone and Tyrconnell, with other
Ulster tribes, under the leadership of Ferguss and Donald,^^ made an irrup-
tion into Connaught, and penetrated so far as the River Moy, carrying devas-
tation along their course. This obliged Eoghan Beul to collect the forces of
his province, and soon the rival armies came to blows. About the year of
our Lord 537, "' a battle was fought at Sligo, and it was fiercely contested. 3°
The Northern army, however, gained a victory over the Connacians, who
were obliged to yield, after an obstinate engagement. In it, Eoghan Beul
received his death-wound, and he was borne from the field by his soldiers,
who crossed their spears and lances, to support his body, and to serve the pur-
pose of a litter. However, our saint's father survived the battle of Sligo — in
which he was mortally wounded — for three days ^3' or, according to other
accounts, for a week. Soon, afterwards, Guaire asserted his pretentions to
rule over Connaught. 3' At Clonmacnoise, Ceallach remained, until the disas-
trous issue of that battle 33 had called him forth from his retirement on the
Shannon. The Connaught chiefs, and especially these belonging to Hy-
Fyachrach, deprecating the calamities which were likely to ensue for their
province, held frequent interviews with their dying king, to ascertain his wishes
in reference to a successor, and most likely to avert the crisis now approaching.
During that interval which elapsed, after receiving his wound, and before his
death took place, it is said, that Eoghan persuaded the tribe of Hy-Fiachrach,
to elect his elder son as King of Connaught. 3+ His other son, Cuchoingelt,
or Muireadhach, had not yet attained his majority. 35 In accordance with this
request of the dying monarch, messengers were despatched to Clonmacnoise,
and to announce the result of that Sligo battle, with Ceallach's consequent
promotion. These delegates were instructed, to represent the desperate state
of their affairs to St. Kieran. The latter received them very hospitably, but
he refused acceding to their wishes, as he deemed the monastic rules could
not be dispensed with, in the case of Ceallach. However, the delegates re-
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the 3 1 According to the Life of our Saint, a
County of Mayo," sheet 117. copy of wliich remained in posses-ion of
"^ He founded Clonmacnoise, it is said, Messrs. Hodges and Smith, the publishers to
A.D. 548, and died A.D. 549, according to the University 01 Dublin,
the chronolo<^y of Ussher, in "Britannicaium 3=TheAnnalsofInnisfallenrecord thedeath
Ecclesiarum Atitiquitates." Inde.x. See his of Guaire Ai'ihne, at653. Aijain, the " An-
Life, at the 9th of September. nalesUitonienses" place hisde.ith, attheyear
=7 He is said to have lived for thirty-six 662, which does not well accord with the
years, according to the Vita S. Kellaci, statements in St. Kellach's Lite. See Rev.
sect. i. Dr. OConor's " Rerum Hilieinicarum
** These reigned one year over Ireland, Scriptores," tomus ii., p. 15 ; also, tomus
according to the Ulster Annals, A.D. 565. iv., p. 55.
See Archbishop Ussher's '• Britannicarum 33 'fhis statement appears to conflict, with
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. the date assigned for the battle, and with
947. that given f.>r the death of St. Kieran.
"9 The Annals of Innisfallen place this 3* See Major Wood- Martin's " History of
event, at A.I). 536 ; the Annals of Tigernach Sligo, County and Town," &c., Book ii.,
have it, A.D. 543; while the Annals of chap, iv., p. 135.
Ulster have it, at A.D. 542, and they again '5 The king had also ordered, that he
enter it, at A.D. 546. See Rev. Dr. should be interred in an upright position,
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- with his red javelin in his hand, and with his
tores," tomus ii., pp. 6, 137, and tomus i v., face turned towards Ulster, as if fighting
pp. 17, 18. with his enemies. See John O'Donovan's
30 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of" the " Gencalo^^ies, Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 178 to 181. Fiachrach," Addenda Q, p. 472.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
mained tlierefor two days, and on the last night, they urged upon Keallach those
arguments, which caused him to resolve on leaving Clonmacnoise. He was
told, that lie had been chosen unanimously by chiefs and people, to succeed his
father on the throne of Connaught, and accordingly, the young prince accepted
their nomination. Without communicating his intention to the saint, under
whose guardianship he was placed, Kellach prepared to depart. For this
apparent insubordination, St. Kieran is said to have pronounced a maledic-
tion, which was thought to have been prophetic of his future fate.^^
With the usual ceremonies of inauguration,37 Kellach was elected King of
the Hy-Fiachrach.3^ After some time, however, the King of Hy-Fiachrach
Aidhne 39 revolted, as probably, feeling desirous to obtain the first distinction
in that province. The isolated position of his district 4° it would seem afforded
him means and opportunity for insurrection. A public convention was held
by the subordinate chiefs and people, in order to effect some terms of agree-
ment. Great numbers of partisans on both sides were present. A treaty of
reconciliation was arranged ; and to this Keallach adhered in good faith, but
his opponent was more wily and insincere. He invited Keallach to his for-
tress, and the latter accepted this invitation. He went thither, accompanied
by a train of guards and followers. Notwithstanding, treachery seems to have
been practised, for some of these were killed, while Keallach and twenty-
seven of his followers saved themselves by flight. While revolving in vexation
of mmd a mode to be revenged on the perfidious king, a better thought at
last presented itself to Kellach ; for, recollecting the judgment denounced
against him by St. Kieran, he resolved to quit once more the ambitious views
and high station to which he had been drawn. 4' Soon, therefore, lie retired to
a desert place, in the midst of woods, and then like another Peter, he wept
tears of sorrow for deserting his Divine INlaster.^^ Here, too, he remained for
a year: and then, taking with him the twenty-seven companions, who were
saved from death, Kellach resolved on returning to Clonmacnoise. Yet, he
remained without this city, for a time ; because, he felt a diffidence and
reproach of conscience, at the presence of St. Kieran. There he waited ad-
mission, until some of the monks met and recognised him. They exchanged
with him the kiss of peace, and promised to prepare the Abbot for an inter-
view with his prodigal son, who had been dead to them, but who came to
life again, who was lost and yet who had been found.''3 He appears to have
conciliated the favour of his former instructor, however, and the Abbot felt
3* These foregoing and subsequent parti- Connaught, in the seventh century. See
culars, in reference to our saint, are briefly "The Genealogies, Tribes and Customs of
and elegantly narrated in Mrs. M. C. Fergu- Hy-Fiachrach," edited by John O'Donovan,
son's " Story of the Irish before the Con- pp. 2, 3, and nn. (f, g). Ibid.
quest," chap, v., pp. 161 to 163. ^^ Seethe position of this principality, as
37 For a poetic inspiration on this subject, defined on John O'Donovan's Map, prefixed
the reader is referred to Thomas Davis' to " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many,
"National and Historical Ballads, Songs, commonly called U'Kelly's Country."
and Poems," part iii. The True Irish King, *' Six quatrains, attributed to St. Ceal-
pp. 103 to 106. lach, regretting that at the instigation of
3^ There is an excellent and interesting friends, he had been induced to abandon the
Map of Hy-Fiachrach, with some of the ad- clerical profession, in oider to assume the
jacent districts in the counties of Mayo and Kingship of Connaught, are to be found in
Sligo, compiled by John O'Donovan, and the published " Le.Jjhar Breac," at p. 273,
setting forth, in the Irish character and Ian- col. i., line 41.
guage, the names of those districts, with ^.^ t^t. Mattliew xxvi., 75.
their historical places. ■♦s .St. Luke xv., 32.
39 This territory was commensurate M'ith ^"^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail
the present diocese of Kilmr.ctiuagh. and its i., De ."^-ancto Kellaco Kpiscopoin Hibernia,
inhabitants were called Cineal Guaire, or Vita, sect. 3, 4, p. I05.
the descendants of Guaire Aidhne, King of "
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
greatly rejoiced, that his spiritual son had returned to assume the yoke which he
had borne in youth. Kellach fell on his knees before the Abl)Ot. St. Kieran
affectionately raising him said : " My son, I regret exceedingly I pronounced
that malediction, when you deserted us, yet it is now irrevocable ; still you shall
not be deprived of reward and glory, if you only persevere and advance in your
first vocation ; bear then cheerfully the light and sweet yoke of Christ, than
whose love nothing else can be so delightful, than whose company nothing
can be more full of solace, while no kingly state or pleasure can be at all so
glorious. '4^ These words gc^ve great consolation to Ceallach, and prepared
him once more for the sweets of a religious life.
CHAPTER II.
KELLACH LIVES A HOLY LIFE AT CLONMACNOISE — HE IS ORDAINED PRIEST, AND
AFTERWARDS HE BECOMES BISHOP OF KILLALA — HIS VIRTUES — GUAIRE, KING OF
CONNAUGHT, IS WICKEDLY ADVISED TO TAKE AWAY HIS LIFE — KEALLACH RETIRES
TO AN ISLAND IN LOUGH CONN — FOUR OF HIS STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO
DURLUSS, WHERE THEY ARE PERSUADED TO MURDER THEIR HOLY PRECEPTOR.
Having thus placed himself again under the direction of St. Kieran, Ceallach
became thoroughly devoted to his mastf^r, and profited by his precepts.' The
Holy Spirit then poured on him the choicest graces. He sent away the band
of seculars, who seem to have been his guards, to wait upon his young brother
Muredach, who found refuge with his fosterer the dynast of Lugnia.^ With
renewed ardour, Cellach followed the course of monastic studies and rules,
so that he gave the greatest possible satisfaction to St. Kieran. At length,
he was deemed worthy of being promoted to the sacerdotal grade. In due
course, a vacancy occurring in the See of Killala, the clergy of that diocese,
hearing about the merits and virtues of Ceallach, united their suffrages, to
promote him as their chief Pastor. During the reign of Tuathal Melgarb,^
King of Ireland, who ruled from a.d. 533 + to a.d. 544, ^ Ceallach was elevated,
it is tiiought, to the episcopal chair, as Uishop of Killala.^ Here, there is a
remarkable round tower, standing quite perfect, and even retaining its original
stone roof, of conical shape. 7 Near it is the Protestant cathedral, rather a
poor structure, and presenting no special feature of interest.^ The bishop's
house was formerly in this town,9 celebrated for having been captured by the
Chapter 11. — ' It is curious to notice, * According to the Annals of Ulster. See
thnt the Annals of Innisfallen refer llie Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibermcarum
foundation of Clonmacnoise, to a.d. 573; Scriptores," tomus iv., p. 15.
and, they state, that it was called Cluain, s See Roderick O'Flalierty's "Ogygia,"
because it became the scholastic reireat of pars, iii., cap. xciii., p. 430.
the sons of the King of Connaugiit. See Dr. 'In Harris' Ware, he "is said to have
O'Conor's " Reruin Hibernicarum Scrip- been Bisho|) of Killala." See vol. i., " Bis-
torc^," tomus ii., p. 6. hops of Killala," y. 650.
^ This was a region of Connaught, where ' 1 he accompanying illustration wasdrawn
the present county olSligo lies, and in which on the spot and transferred to the wood, by
the dioce!^e of Aclionry is situated. See William K. Wakeman. It was engraved, by
Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum," Januarii xx. Mrs. Mdl.nrd.
Vita Secunda S. F\chini. n. 2, p. 140. ^ See W. F. Wakeman's " Touri>ts'
3 He mounted tlie throne, A.D. 528, and he Guide to Ireland," p. 270.
was slain, a.d. 538, after reigning eleven 'Sre Rev. G. Ilansbrow's "Improved
years, according to I>r. O'Donovan's Topographical and Historical Hibernian
" Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. Ga/etteir." &c., p. 276.
176 to iSl, "^ See Mr. and Mrs. Hall's "Ireland, its
May I.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
French, in August, 1798.'° No vestige of the ancient church remains."
To about the year 540, his acceptance ol this dignity has been referred. But
for the authority of this Life,'* we should look in vain to the authentic cata-
logue, for his place among the Bishops of Killala.'3 Nevertheless, there can
hardly be a doubt, that at least for a short time, he had assumed the office.
Although Ceallach, as we are told, anxiously watched over the See of Killala ;
yet, he found time to visit Clonmacnoise most frequently, thus wishing to
unite the fruitful cares of Martha, with the pious retirement of Mary. The
revenues ot his bishopric were spent, in providing for the wants of the poor,
and in aiding those addicted to literary pursuits.' Students flocked to him
Killala, County of Mayo.
from all parts of Ireland, through which the fame of his holiness and liberality
had spread.'* It appears that Guaire '5 — from the period indicated he might
be regarded as a distinct person from another Guaire surnamed Aidhne '^ —
became a successful usurper of the Connaught throne. He feared, however,
the more rightful claims of the Bishop to that station he then usurped.
Accordingly, Guaire conceived a mort:al hatred towards Ceallach. At
Scenery, Character," &c., vol. iii., p. 379.
" See Nicliolas Carlisle's "Topogiapliical
Dictionary of Ireland," siih voce Killala.
" See Walter Harris' Ware, vol. i., " Bis-
hops of Killala, ' p. 650.
'5 Archdeacon Henry Cotton has placed
him in this rank, only as a conjecture, be-
tween 534 to 544. See " Fasti Ecclesise
Hibernicse," vol. iv., p. 61.
'* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i. De Sancto Kellaco Episcopo in Hiber-
nia, Vita, &c., sect. 5. p. 105.
'5 In the account of the Life and Death of
St. Cellach, as lound in the " LeaMiar
Breac," he is called Guaire. son of Colnian,
and also Guaire Aidlme. Here, he is made
a contemporary with St. Kieran oi Clon-
macnoise, who IS said to have founded it A.D.
548, and to have died in 549. See Rev. Dr.
Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[T^lAY
one lime, tlie holy bishop had been engaged making a visitation of his dio-
cese, and accompanied by a great number of his clerics being on his way to
Kilmore,'7 which was near the River Muad or Moy ; Guaire, the son of
Colman, happened to be residing at Duilus,'^ with his son Narus, and with
Neniedius, son to Fercogha. 'When Nemedius discovered, that the pious pre-
late had passed their house, without paying them a visit, he said to Guaire,
"Unceremoniously and with little friendliness hath Bishop Kellach passed us
by, as if he were hostile to us." " It matters not," replied Guaire, " that he has
gone on his way, for I shall despatch a messenger to invite him, in my name,
to return, and to hold a conference with us." Accordingly, selecting one of
his confidants, the latter reached Kellach, at the end of that day's journey. He
then told the Bishop, that Guaire felt displeased, because he had passed by,
but still he requested, that Ceallach might return. It happened to be on the
Sabbath eve, and the Bishop replied, that as the Sunday was approaching, he
should be engaged all the day, either in celebrating the holy Sacrifice of the
Mass, or in other sacred duties, at which Guaire who was near might assist,'
and even have an opportunity for an interview with him. The bishop de-
clared, also, that if Guaire should come to him, on the Monday following, he
would willingly return the visit. But, that messenger distorted the words of
the holy bishop. Being a person of depraved mind and hostile to him, the en-
voy declared, that Kellach would not go to the king, nor did he show a friendly
feeling towards the latter. Then, in a transport of rage, Guaire cried out :
" Return to him again, and tell him, that unless he hurry away from these
parts, on this very night, I shall burn down the church on himself and on his
people." This threatening message was conveyed to Kellach, who relying
nevertheless on Divine Providence remained there, until the Monday follow-
ing. Then, he went to a village, on the borders of Lough Conn, '9 where he
spent that night. Afterwards, his course was extended towards Claon-loch."°
Here was an Island called Etgair,*' or Oilen Edghair, and over it in the air was
witnessed a vision, representingagreat numberofHoly Angels. Movedbysucha
land," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., nn. iSo,
182, pp. 52, 58 59.
** We read, that Guaire Aidline was de-
feated in the battle of Carn-Feradaig, in the
territory of Clia, and he fled from it, Failbe
Flann Femhin being the victor, A.D. 627.
At 621, the Annals of Innistallen have en-
tered the battle of Cath-Cairn Feradaig —
Latinized Prceaggeris sacri lapidum Fera-
dagi — and which was fought between the
people of Mun^ter and of Connaught. In it,
Failbe-Fland was conqueror, while Guaire
Aidne fled. Failbhe Flann did not long
survive, as his death is recorded, at a.d.
631, in the Annals of Innisfallen. The
death of Guaire Aidhne, King of Connaught,
is placed at A.D. 663, and he was buried
at Clonmacnoise, according to the Annals
of Tighernach. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
*' Reruni Hiberniiarum .Scriptores," tomus
ii.,pp. 12, 13, and 1S9. 203.
'? Now known as Kihnoremoy, ntar Bal-
lina, and now a vicarage in tiie Diocese of
Killala. " It is reported to have been the
See of a Bishop in the sixth century ; but we
hear of only one prelate." — Archdeacon
Henry Cotton's " Fasti EcclesiseHiberuica;,"
vol. iv., p. 96.
'^ This fortress was situated near Kinvara,
in the south-west of the county of Galway.
It was the name of the residence of Guaire
Aidhne, King of Connaught. It is now
called Dun-Guaire. See John O'Donovan's
" Genealogies, Tribes, and Customs of Hy-
Fiachrach," pp. 2S4, 285, n. (b), and- pp.
290, 291, n. (t). However, there was
another Durlus Muaidhe, near the River
Moy. See ibid. Addenda I., p. 416. It
seems likely enough, this latter was the place,
mentioned in our text.
'' Very exquisite steel plate engravings of
Lough Conn and Mount Neph.n, the Pon-
toon Bridge and Islands there, will be
found, in W. H. Bartlett's " Scenery and
Antiquities of Ireland," vol. i., sect, x.,
PP- 72, 11-
" The Bollandist editor of St. Kellach'.*
Life thinks this must be sought for, in the
county of Siigo, and not far from the River
Moy. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Mail i. Vita S. Kellaci, n. (d), p. 107.
However, it does not seem to be different
from Lough Conn.
•' By tliis name, it does not appear now to
be recognisable.
" ' ' The banks in many places are hand-
May I.] LIVES OF TBU IRISH SAINTS.
spectacle, the Bishop with his followers passed over the lake towards it. There,
he discovered no sacred foundations had yet been established, nor was there any
monument or memorial of a hermit known. Deeming the angelic apparition
to denote this island, a^ the place for his future habitation, he resolved not to
leave it. His clerics, who were with him, at first treated this resolve as one
lightly made. However, they found it impossible to change their holy
superior's purpose. Then, they received his instructions regarding the church
of Killala, and learned the administrator's name, to whose care it was to be
committed.
Dreading the consequences of Guaire's anger, the Bishop thought it pru-
dent to retire from his bishopric, that he might find a more secure retreat in
solitude. He fled for concealment to Lough Conn.^^ This is a very hand-
some sheet of water, in the barony of Tyrawly.^3 Jt is about nine miles long,
by four broad ; in some views, it is prettily interspersed with islands, castles
or abbeys. Hither Ceallach betook himself, resolving to live in complete
seclusion. '+ However, the fame of his holiness, and of his retirement from
Killala, soon extended over the rest of Ireland. On that insulated spot, called
Etgair, he built a hermitage. Meantime, his brother Muredach ^s frequently
paid him visits, to receive his advice, and to comply with his instructions.
In this retreat, four ecclesiastical students had placed themselves, uixier the
training and discipline of Cellach, and these are even called clerics. In the
Latin I>ife of our Saint, these young men are named Moelcronius, Moeldal-
vanus, Moelsenachus, and Mac-Deoradius, or the son of Deoradius. There,
they lived a whole Lent, engaged in pious exercises and offices, and under the
direction of their holy instructor. However, the retreat of Ceallach was soon
discovered by Guaire. This unhappy prince, on the whole anxious to do what
he deemed to be just, was led astray by evil-minded sycophants. Probably
instigated by jealousy and suspicion, when he heard of the frequent inter-
views between Kellach and his brother Muredach, Guaire conceived an idea,
that the latter aspired to the kingdom of Connaught, while the bishop lent
him counsel and encouragement to effect such a purpose. Naturally was
Guaire averse to entertain any feeling, save that of respect and benevolence
towards the holy Bishop ; but, his evil counsellors, Narus and Nemedius,
laboured by day and night to persuade him, that Kellach should be assassina-
ted. To effect this dread purpose, many and false were the insinuations and
charges concocted against him. However, Guaire would not enter into such
a measure, for its sacrilegious and criminal intent caused him to receive it
only with horror. His counsellors, Narus and Nemedius, then persuaded
the king, to invite the Bishop to a public banquet, for the purpose of procur-
ing a family and dynastic reconciliation. Their real purpose was to gain an
opportunity, for taking Kellach's life, by administering pofson.
Accordingly, messengers were sent to the holy eremite entreating him to
accept the king's invitation for a banquet, on a day appointed ; but, he de-
clined, on the pretext, that his present mode of living and his rule did
not permit him association with worldly men and pleasures. Failing in
somely decorated with gentlemen's seats and ^'> See Major Wood-Martin's " History of
some woods," — M'Parlan's "Statistical Sligo," &c.. Book ii., chap, iv., p. 136.
Survey of the County of Mayo," p. 22. "^ It is stated, that he lived a year under
^3 A road and bridge — called the Pontoon the coiitairce, or protection, of Marcan, King
— now pass between Lough Conn and Lough of Ua Maine and Meadiuighe. The latter
CuUen. The narrow channel connecting is stated to have addressed three quatrians
these lakes, is often swept by a tremendous to him, on his departure. These are given
current. See Mr. and Mrs. Hall's " Le- in the " Leabhar Breac," at p. 275, col. ii.,
land, its Scenery, Character," &c., vol. iii., line 5.
P- 382. "^ Tliis, perhaps, was the fortress, known as
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May
this object, the messengers then entreated the bishop, to allow his clerical
companions to visit Diirliis,^'^ where Guaire lived. The bishop told them,
that his students were free to go or stay, as they thought fit. Wherefore, these,
havin'^ accepted the invitation of Guaire, set out for his fort, with the mes-
sen<^'ers. Tliere, they were honourably received. After the royal banquet, when
the clerics were placed on the ri-ht and left of Guaire, they were highly feasted,
and tliey became intoxicated. Then, drawn aside to a secret chamber, the
seducers approached them, and, while urging, that the peace of their country
depended on Kellach's death, they bribed those four students, to murder their
professor and spiritual guide. Their Irish names are given, as Mac Deoraidh,
Maelcroin, Maeldalua, and Maelseanaigh. Not only promises of horses and
herds, with other seductions held out, but even the whole territory of Tir-Amal-
gaid,^7 were offered to them, as the reward for their crime.^^ Forgetting their
sacred calling, and their intimate relations with Kellach, the unhappy young
men agreed to execute the deed suggested to them, under the influence of
drink." They retired to bed for the night, and the following morning, while
sober, their purpose was not changed.^s
CHAPTER III.
THE STUDENTS RETURN TO OILEAN ETGAIR — THEY SEIZE UPON KELLACH, AND BRING
HIM TO THE MAINLAND, WHERE HE IS BARBAROUSLY MURDERED — HIS INTER-
MENT—HIS DEATH IS DISCOVERED AND AVENGED BY HIS BROTHER MUREDACH —
COMMEMORATION OF THE SAINT — CONCLUSION.
All matters having been arranged for their departure from Durlus,' the per-
fidious young men left Guaire, and confirmed in their resolution, to perpetrate
a most revolting murder. Hiding arms under their clerical garments, those sacri-
legious students returned to the boats, v/hich were left on the shore of Claon-
loch, and they sailed in them over to the Island. There was found their holy
Bishop, intent on reciting his Psaltery ; nor did he notice them, until his office
had been finished. Then, he approached, and detected, in the changing
countenances, eyes, and nervous motions of the young men, a presage of their
wicked designs. He cried out : " O youths, you return to me with different
looks, from those which possessed you on parting from me, and you have
treacherously entered into Guaire's plots to murder me. Behold, my sons, you
have assumed a base engagement, by following wicked counsel, and there-
fore set it aside ; if you adopt this my advice, you will gain a greater reward,
tiian any Guaire could offer." The students were somewhat moved, on hear-
ing these exhortations;^ but, recognising the dire plot, which had been forced
Dulrus Guaire, about five miles from Boirin, " History of Irelani : Critical and Philoso-
to which allusion is made in Dermod pliical," vol. i., part xii., chap, vi., viii., pp.
O'Connor's Keating's " Gciieral History of 411,422. London and Dublin, 1881.
Ireland," Book ii., p. 361. Duffy's edition. =• 'I'his is said to h;ive been the Flease
'7 This territory, now commensurate with /jw^a or patrimonial inheritance of Cucoin-
the Barony of Tyrawly. is said to have been gelt.
so called irom Amalgad, son of King Dathi, '* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
who brought back the ashes of his sire from tomus i., Mali i. 'Vita S. Kellaci, sect. 6,
Gaul, fighting ten battles on the way, at 7, 8. 9. lo. pp. 105, 106.
Lundum, probably London, Corper Cinge Chapter iii. — ' This fort seems to have
or Cime, Colon, Faile, Miscall, Coirte, been the cue alluded to, m Colgan's " Acta
Moile, Grenius, and Fermia. Without Sanctorum HibirniK," Februarii iii. De S.
comment or explanation, these battles and Colmano, vulgo Mac Duach, chap, viii., x.,
places are found, in the oldest Irish nianu- p. 245.
script extant. Sec Standish O'Grady's Y^ '^'^y ^'c P''^sented, in the shape of six
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. n
on them, they now urged, there could be no withdrawal from such a promise,
and tl)ey objected, too, that by falsi tying it, they could not find in all Hibernia
a place of security, against the power and vengeance of Guaire.
All their holy master's expostulations and arguments were vainly
urged upon minds, so strongly possessed by satanic promptings. They
seized upon him, and dragged him to the edge of the island, by
force and violence. Then, they placed him in a boat, which was
steered for the mainland. ^rhere, he was led into a thick wood,
near the shore. Keallach still continued to protest against their treacherous
designs, and he endeavoured once more to dissuade them, by stating,
they could find refuge from Guaire, at Clonmacnoise, or elsewhere, and
under the protection of some, among the Irish kings. Finding those
wicked young men would not desist, he entreated a respite for one day more.
This request was reluctantly granted. When night came, they placed him
within the hollow of an oak tree, and kept a watch at its opening. However,
the youths were oppressed with fatigue, and they fell into a deep slumber. A
thought came into the mind of Kellach, that he might now escape. However,
recollecting the prophecy of St. Kieran, in his regard ; the holy man deemed,
that the Divine decree should be there awaited, both as to death and judg-
ment. " It is better for me," he mused, " here tranquilly and courageously
to meet my death, than to fly and to be slain, as a coward, when weakness and
hunger should cause me to fall into the hands of my oppressors. "3 Accord-
ingly, he remained there tranquilly until daybreak, while engaged in prayer and
holy contemplation. This was to be his last day upon earth; and, at dawn, for a
moment, Keallach withdrew from the light, into his hollow cave. Yet,
ashamed of his pusillanimity, he soon came forth again, to hear the birds
sweetly singing, and the woods resounding their notes, as the morning began
to brighten. On the night of Wednesday, the Bishop had a remarkable
vision, during his sleep. He dreamed, that four mastiff dogs had attacked and
torn him violently, through ferny ground, and next had dragged him into a
whirlpool, whence he could not escape. This Ceallach considered, as indi-
cating the sort of fate, he was now destined to experience. The holy man
then burst into accents of praise to the great Creator. He sang a hymn in
Irish, the text of which has been preserved in a metrical form. Afterwards,
Kellach was drawn forth, from the hollow of the tree, by his perfidious dis-
ciples ; and, he was struck repeatedly, until life became extinct. While the
blood flowed from his body, the wild beasts and birds congregating there
tore it in pieces. Before leaving, Mac Ueoraidh, Maelcroin, Maeldalua and
Maelseanaigh, appear to have left the bleeding remains in the hollow tree, as
if for concealment. The persons, who committed this barbarous murder,
are called foster-brothers * to the saint. When he had been slain, they has-
tened to the fort of Guaire, and there he is said to have received them, with
joy and favours. 5
These base murderers had thus beset the man of God. His assassination
is said to have occurred, in the southern part of Tyrawly. The murder was
perpetrated, according to a popular tradition, between Lough Conn and
Lough Cuillinn. The particular place is stated ° to have been Addergool.'
quatrians, in the published " Leabhar * Probably, because they had been cared
Breac," at p. 274, col. i., line 32. Their for by him, on the Island, and while they
authorship is attributed to St. Ceallach. were Kellach 's pupils.
3 In the "Leabhar Breac," at p. 274, col. 5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
ii., line I, are to he found twenty quatrians, Mail i., Vita S. Kellaci, sect. II, 12, 13,
supposed to have been composed by Cel- p. 106.
lach. after the manner of his death had been * See Harris' Wgre, vol. i., "Bishops of
revealed to him in a vision, Killala," p. 650.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May I.
As a reward for their treachery, the territory of Tyrawly was given to the
assassins, by Guaire,whirli seems to mark, not only his comphcitywith, but even
his high approval of, their crime. They erected a stronghold, at a place called
Dun Fine,^ which lay within that territory, and ihere they took up an abode.9
This barbarous deed was afterwards revenged by Cucoingelt. On
the very day of its occurrence, he had come on a visit to his brother; but, not
finding him at Oilen Edghair, and having had some intimation of designs en-
tertained by Guaire, at once, Cucoingelt began to suspect that his brother had
fallen a victim to his enemy's wiles. Having instituted the necessary enquiries,
regarding the time of Ceallach's departure from the hermitage, and his pro-
bable route ;'° after some search, Cucoingelt discovered the mangled remains
of his deceased brother, concealed in the hollow trunk of an oak." These
were disfigured and scarcely recognisable, as wolves and birds of prey had
been attracted to this place, by the effluvia proceeding from the dead body.'*
Turlogh Round Tower, County of Mayo.
Cucoingelt performed the last sad oflSces, towards those lacerated remains
of his sainted brother. At first, he applied to the clergy, at Dunmore — after-
wards called Turloch church '3 — for permission to bury the body there ; but,
dreading Guaire's resentment, they refused this request. The place is now
' The parish of Acklergoole — Iving west of
Loui^li Conn — in the barony of Tiraw ley, is
de>cril)ed, on the " • 'rdnance Survey Town-
lanil Maps for the County of Mavo," slicets
38. 46, 47, 48. 58, 59, 60, 6S. A(lder;^oole
townland, also called Knock Maria, is on
sheet 47.
* Now DnnTeeny, in the north of the
barony of 'I'irawley. It is marked, on tlie
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the
County of Mayo,'' sheet 6.
9 Here there was an old church, the head
of a palish called Dunfeeny or Dunfinny,
about nine miles west from Killala. The
p'.acc received name from this fort, and within
it> enclosure, the old cluirch was after-
wards budt. See John O'Donovan's "Genea-
logies. 'Iril'es, and Customs ol Hy Fiach-
rach,'" pp. 6, 7, n. (z).
'° The Latin Life says " iter carpsit inter
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 13
known, in connexion with a ruined churoh, and a well-preserved round
tower.^+ Afterwards, Muiredach besought the priests in charge of Lis Cail-
lain church, ^5 to grant the same favour, but he was again denied the privilege
sought. This refusal sorely grieved him, and he retired from this place with
an aching heart, when suddenly fire was seen to descend from Heaven, while,
in his presence and in that of his companions, the church was entirely con-
smned. It was never afterwards restored, to that time, when St. Kellach's
Liie had been written. Another remarkable miracle followed close on the
foregoing incident. The crowd of noble mourners stood around the coffin,
not yet resolved what to do. Two stags then appeared, and drew his body
to its last resting-place ;'^ nor was there a mortal to guide them. The
funeral cortege followed the direction they took, and the mourners
were even consoled, because of this extraordinary manifestation by Divine
Providence. At length, the deer drawing the coffin, to which they had been
harnessed, stopped before the door of a certain oratory. Then, suddenly rang
out the church bell of its own accord, as if to welcome there the sacred re-
mains. These were deposited in Eiscreach church, '7 with becoming solemnity,
psalms, canticles and sacred rites being employed. Angels in great numbers
were seen above the grave, and the people of that place felt greatly rejoiced,
to have such a precious deposit committed to them. Then is furnished a
sequel, to the foregoing beautiful legend. The stags, when unyoked from the
saint's coffin, would not stir from the place ; but, like beasts of burden, they
became domesticated, and they served the inhabitants while ploughing, and
during other rustic operations. Each evening, when loosed from the yoke,
they sought holy Kellach's grave, and licked it with token of affection. Thus,
did those mute animals teach the people there to venerate the saint, and to
pay constant honours to his memory.'^
While standing over those mangled remains, as they were con-
signed to the tomb, Cucoingelt's outraged feelings found vent, in a
vow of vengeance, against the perpetrators of this barbarous murder.
He is related, to have chanted a dirge, or caoin, over the body of Ceal-
lach, as it was lowered into the grave. '9 Cugoingelt then put in train of action
his designs for revenge, and in a manner, as singularly conceived, as it was
fatal and effective in execution. Time was required, for the maturing of his
object ; and, then, having assembled about three hundred of his retainers and
relatives, this chief retired with them into Hy- Many territory, where helivedwith
duo stagna Loch-Con et Loch-Cuilinn." by William F. Wakemaii, and engraved by
" In vasti roboris caudicem, ad cavese Mrs. Millard,
similitudinem vacuatum, compingunt." — '^ This place has not been identified.
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mali i. Vita '* See, Le Comte de Montalembert's
S. Kellaci, sect. 12, 14, pp. 106, 107. " Les Moines de I'OcGident," tome ii., liv.
" In the " Leabhar Breac,'' at p. 275, col. viii., chap. ii. , p. 426.
i., line 17, are nine quatrains, supposed to '^ It has not been identified; but, possibly,
have been spoken, by Muredach, son of it may have been Eiscir-Abhan, now Inish-
Eogan Bel, over the mutilated body of his crone, near the River Moy, in Tireragh
brother Cellach, on discoveiing where it had barony, and county of Sligo. See Dr.
been hidden by his murderers. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
■3 This is a parish in the barony of Carra. vol. v., p. 1315, and n. (d^.
It is shown, on the "Ordnance Survey '^ See the Bullandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
Townland Maps for the County of M^yo," tomus i., Maii i. Vita S. Kellaci, sect. 15,
sheets 48, 59, 60, 69, 70, 79. The town- 16, 17, p. 107.
land is on sheet 70. '5 In the " Leabhar Breac," at p. 275, col.
'* They are near Castlebar. Under the i., line 60, are three quatrains, supposed to
shadow of the round tower lie the remains of have been spoken, by Cucoingelt, son of
the once famous George Robert Fitzgerald. Eogan Bel, over the grave of his brother.
The accompanying illustration is Irom a Cellach.
photograph taken on the spot, by T. J. ^'^ He died of the great plague in Ireland,
Wynne, Castlebar, transferred to the wood A.D.664, afterajointniignwithKingDiarmaid
14
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May
that armed band of followers, during one year. He afterwards spent some
time in Meath, where he married Aife, daughter to Blathniac,='° King of Ire-
land. But, at length, he returned to Tyrawly."' Having procured the
friendly assistance of a swine-herd, to whom he discovered his intention ;
this man entered warmly into his plot, and procured its successful accomplish-
ment. The prince, having disguised himself as a swine-herd, was admitted
to the fort of Dun-Fine, and as a companion of that menial. Cuct»ingelt had
previously posted his armed bands, in the neighbourhood of Dun-Fine castle,
that they might be ready to surprise it, wiien a signal should be given. During
a banquet, Cellach's murderers, with their guests and vassals, became stupidly
intoxicated ; and, this being an opportunity the prince so c'-gerly desired, he
despatched his friend the swine-herd, to give notice to his men, that their
time for action had arrived. Immediately, they rushed forward and surprised
the castle. Having slain its guards and vassals, they spa ed the guests. The
four murderers of holy Bishop Cellach were seized, and bound with chains ;
while the guests, who were made aware of those circuristances, and the dis-
guise assumed by Cucoingelt, felt rather pleased than otherwise, at the success
of his plot. They even drank to the avenger's fortunes. On the day follow-
ing, the murderers were brought in chains, to a place r.alled Durlus Muaidhe,^^
and across Lee Durluis.-^ until they arrived at Ardnarea,*^ or Ardnaree, on
the River Moy.^5 Here, they were executed, ir a manner characterizing
Cucoingelt's barbarity, even allowing for the di-e provocation he had re-
ceived. ^^ One account has it, that the assassins were torn to pieces, by wild
horses ;^7 while, according to others, they were tianged.^^ The Hill of Ard
na Riagh is in the parish of Kilmore Moy, -md barony of Tirawly, a short
distance to the south of Ballina. It is a rem^irkable cromlech, supported by
three pillar-stones, and fixed as level as a h'^rizontal dial.'? Situated on a hill
to the west side of the River Moy, and nearly opposite to Ard-na-Ree, is
shown Ard-na-Maol, or the height or hill of the Afaols, i.e., where the four
youths, whose names began with the wcrd Maol, were interred. 3° The monu-
ment raised over them is yet in existence. Afterwards, Cucoingelt received
the submission of the Tir Fiachrach and Tir Amhalgaidh tribes, with hos-
tages ; and, he banished Guaire to Me southern part of the province. Here,
of eight years. See Dr. O'Dono'an's
" Annals of the Four Masters," vol. -•, pp.
276, 277.
^' There are five quatrains, addressed by
Aife to her husband Cvigoini^eh, vhen he
was about pioceeding to L'onnaug'it, to re-
venge the death of his brothc Celhich.
These are to be found, in the published
"Leabhar Breac," p. 275, col. !'., b'le 44.
" This place has not been id^ntilled.
^3 This place has not been ir'entititd.
"* See Harri>' Ware, vol. i. " Bishops of
Killala," p. 650.
*5This village is but a su'mrb of Ballina,
on the east side of the Rive- Moy. It is in
the barony of Tireragh, an! shown, on the
" Ordnance Survey Town'^nd M.ips for the
County of Sligo," sheet 2)-
=' See Major Wood-Mirtin's "History of
Sligo," &c., buokii., ci>'P- i^'-. P- U^-
'^ There are three qu:'rains, on the fate of
those, who murdered St. Cellach, in the
"Leabhar Breac." p. 276, col. i., line 59.
"^ " At the river c* Sal Srotha Dert,' (an
ancient name of th( Kiver Moy), which is
called the Muaidh, and it was from them the
hill over the Muaidh was called Ard na
Kiogh ; .ontl, Ard na Maol is the name of
the hill on the other side of the stream,
where they were interred." — John O Dono-
van's translation of " Genealogies, Tribes
and Customs of Hy Fiachrach." p. 35.
'' ''It is now po[niIariy called the Table of
the Giants by the natives when speaking
English, and C/och an togbhdla, i.e., the
raised stone, in Irish. This is the only Crom-
lech in Ireland, which can be satisfactorily
connected with history. In the Dinnsean-
chus this moMument is called Leaf^ht na
Afaol, and said to occupy a loftv situation,
which coupled with the description of its
situation on the other side of the Moy, op]io-
site Ard na riagh, leaves no doubt of its
identity." Ibid., pp. 34, 35, note x.
3° For a more circumstantial account of
the execution and interment of the four
Maols, the reader is leferrcd to the Diii-
seanchus, in the Book of Lecan, at fol.
246.
■*' It would seem, however, that at some
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 15
he drove the usurper, within the territories of Tir Fiachrach Aidhne ; and, his
previous extent of sway over Connaught was now confined, to a very small
district of that province. 3' Thus was a foul murder avenged, by a retribution,
barbarous and revolting, it is true ; yet, who shall say, the sufferers in this life
had atoned for a deep crime committed against God's holy law ?
In the DunkeUl Litany 3^ occurs the name of a Bishop Kellach ;33 but,
it does not follow, that he was identical with the present holy man, so named
and distinguished in ecclesiastical rank. 34 In the published Martyrology of
Tallagh,^5 at the ist of May. we find the entry of Celhnn h Fiachrach ; and,
this also very nearly corresponds, with what is given in the Franciscan copy,36
at the Kalends of May. On this day was celebrated the festival of Ceallan
Ua Fiachrach, as we read in the Martyrology of Donegal. 37
In the foregoing tragic and afflicting narrative of St. Ceallach's Life, we
have several useful lessons presented. In the first phce, his own inconstancy
of resolution to persevere in the religious state, on which he had entered, and
his disobedience, marked with the denunciation of his holy master, St. Kieran;
next, the fatal suspicions excited, jealousy and envy creating the plot laid to
repress his apprehended worldly ambition ; then, his death resolved on, and
attended with circumstances of such atrocity and perfidy, although the holy
man was not unprepared, for his departure from life. Again, it may be
seen, that when murder has been perpetrated, and with imagined secrecy, im-
punity seldom attends the murderer, detested by his fellowmen ; discovery of
the deed and the perpetrators is usually followed by condign punishment ;
while, worldly interest or satisfaction soon ceases to hold out advantages, for
the wretched miscreant. Vengeance is the Lord's, and he will repay — fre-
quently in this life, but assuredly in the next, where grievous crimes unre-
pented of are never to be expiated, for the tortures of the damned shall there
last, for ever and ever.
ARTICLE II.— ST. BRIEUC, OR BRIOC, FIRST BISHOP AND PATRON OF
THE DIOCESE OF BRIEUX, FRANCE.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I.
INTROnuCTION — VARIOUS ACCOUNTS OF ST. BRIOC — HIS BIRTHPLACE AND PARENTAGE
— INSTRUCTED BY ST. GERMANUS — HIS EARLY LABOURS AMONG THE PEOPLE OF
HIS OWN COUNTRY — HE PASSES OVER TO ARMORICA.
THE great missionary saints of the early Church, with sublime heroism, pre-
pared themselves to accomplish the regeneration of human society. The
lowest species of servility springs from superstition, and from being subject to
time subsequent, Cucoingelt went to the Cucoingelt, bv Guaire, son of Colman, and
house of Guaire, while there are three qua- his emissaries. See the published " Leabhar
trains extant, and supposed to have been Breac," at p. 276, col. ii., lines 30, 38,
spoken by the former, in consequence of a 67.
vision he had, that he should there be mur- 32 According to William F. Skene, he was
dered. Emissaries of Guaire Aidne are said probably that Bishop Kellach, who emanci-
to have assassinated the two sons of Eogan pated the church on the Collis Credulitatis at
Bel, King of Connaught, Cellach and Cu- Scone, in the reign of Constantine III.
coingelt ; and fourteen quatrains are preser- See "Chronicle of the Picts and Scots,"
ved on the subsequent desertion of Eogan p. 9.
Bel's residence. Again, there are twelve 33 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
quatrains, on the murder of Cellach and Scottish Saints, " p. 361.
i6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May
persons' opinions, when, at the same time,reason persuades us, that theseare en-
tirely false. Christianity has always infused a nobler spirit into its converts from
paganism ; and, it has often made them great reformers of corrupt practices.
Among the benefactors of a country, glorious and renowned on the Continent
of Europe, the present holy man is distinguished ; while his fame and influ-
ence have impressed their abiding record, in a part of France, where religion
has been cherished, as essential for the spiritual and prosperous life of her
people.
From various sources are we obliged to glean particulars of this biogra-
phy. An ancient Breviary contains the Legend of St. Brioc's life.' We find,
also, that an old Memorial of St. Brioc^ is cited, by Archbishop Ussher. The
Acts of St. Brieuc, or Brioc, have been edited in French, by Albert le Grand, in
his Lives of the Saints belonginL^to Armoric Britain. 3 The Life of this saint
has been Avritten, also in French,* by L. G. de la Devison, a canon of Brieux
church. 5 This iDook was published in the year 1637,^ and it is held in high
esteem. 7 The BoUandists have also published this saint's Acts, at the xst of
May ; and, these consist of his Life, taken from his Proper Office for the
church of St. Brioc, in nine para'::,raphs, with annotations.^ There are three
additional paragraphs, containing an account of the Translation of this saint's
relics, the whole being preceded by seven paragraphs, forming an introduc-
tory Dissertation. 9 These Acts are edited by Father Godefrid Henschenn.
In Baillet's work,'° at the ist of May, we have a Life of St. Brieu, or Briocus.
In the First Volume of I^obineau's Saints of Bretagne," we find an account
of St. Brieuc, the first Bishop and Patron of Brieux." The Rev. Alban
Butler,'3 and Godescard,''* have notices regarding him. Lately, Lobineau's
Lives of the Saints of Bretagne, has been edited, 's with many corrections and
additions, by L'Abbe Tresvaux, Canon, Vicar-General and Official of Paris. '^
3* Dempster has a St. Celiach who is
venerated, according to him, at the 14th of
February ; but. from the account, he differs
from the pre.-;ent venerable bishop. See
•' llistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
tomus i., lil). iii., num. 272, pp. 160, 161.
35 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii.
3* It is written there CellAin Vi pAcVi-
|\ACV|.
37 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves. See
Appendix to the Introduction, n. xlvii., and
pp. 116, 117.
Article ii. — Chapter i. — ' The Bol-
landists and Baillet had no knowledge con-
cerning this legend, which was discovered
at a time later than that at which they wrote.
Hence, they have not been able to speak
about our saint, in an exact manner ; and
they should not be too scrupulously fol-
lowed, in all their statements regarding St.
Brieuc.
' See, also, John Leland's Itinerary, vol.
iii., p. 15.
3 This work is intituled, " De Vitis Sanc-
torum Britannia Armoricoe."
* It is intituled : " Vie et Miracles de
Saint Brieuc et de Sunt Cjuillaume," (en-
semble la Translation de Rellques dudit
Saint Brieuc et la canonization dudit Saint
Guillaume, &c.) Tliis little work was pub-
lished in one volume, i2mo. at Saint Brieuc.
5 We regret our not being able to procure
a copy of his Life.
* See " Les Annales Briochines," par
I'Abbe Ruffelct, chanoine de la cathedrale,
in one volume, iSm.o, published at Saint
Brieuc, a.d. 1771.
7 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre-
tagne," par ^L L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i,,
p. 70. _
* This is printed, from an ancient Manu-
script, found in the public Library at Rotho-
mag. No. 70.
9 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.. Mail i.
De Sancto Brioco, Episcopo in Britannia
Armorica, pp. 91 to 94.
'° See " Les Vies des Saints," tome ii.,
pp. 24, 25.
" It was pubhshed, at Rennes, A.D. 1724,
in folio. " Ce livre a d'exactitude, mais il
manque d'onction." — Feller's Dictionnaire
Ilisiorique. Art. Lobineau.
"See "LTIistoire des Saints de Bre-
tagne," tome i. , at May 1st, pp. 70 to 87. His
period is referred to A.n. 502.
'3 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other principal Saints," vol. v., May i.
'* See " Les Vies des Peres et des Mar-
tyrs," at the 1st of May.
'5 This work was printed at Paris, in five
volumes, A.D. 1836, 8vo.
'* It is entitled, " Les Vies des
Saints De Bretagne et des Per-
sonnes d'une eminente picte qui ont
May I.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
17
The Life of St. Brioc/^ is said to have been drawn, from the original Legend
of this saint, discovered in part, by Father Lobineau ; as also, from the
ancient Breviary, containing a Legend of St. Brioc's Life. The Petits Bol-
landistes have their notices regarding him.'^ Li nearly all the great French
Biographical Dictionaries, the name of St. Brieux, Brioc, or Brieuc, is to be
found. Thus, in the early part of this century, it was produced in a volumin-
ous work. ^9 The Life of St. Brieux also appears, in the " Biographie Univer-
selle, Ancienne et Moderne,=° edited by M. Michaud ; in the Dictionnaire
Universel, Historique, Critique et Bibliographique ;^' as likewise, in the "Nou-
velle Biographie Generale,"^^ the most extended of such works. Also, St.
Briocus ''3 is noticed, in a recent English collection of Biographies, very care-
fully compiled, '''^ as likewise, in the Rev. S. Baring-Gould's work.^s Monta-
lembert has classed this holy man, with the seven chief missionary bishops of
Bretagne ;^^ and, the same writer has notices of S:. Brieux's works, after he
had chosen that country for his monastic establishment. ^7
This saint appears to have been variously named, Broc, Brieuc, Brio-
magle or Vriomacle, and Latinized as Briocus, Briocius and Briomaclus. In the
Breton dialect, he is called Briec. There are several authors, who make him
a native of Ireland. ^^ A certain writer, while treating this Life, calls St.
Briocus a Briton : it is admitted, he states, that Briton apparently sometimes
included Hibernia or Ireland. ^9 Among those, who make St. Briea a native
of Ireland, are William Camden,3° and Archbishop Ussher.3' Hennschenius
vecu dans cette Province," par Dom. Guy
Alexis Lobineau, Pretre, religieux Benedic-
Un de la congregation de Saint Maur, Nou-
velle edition, revue coirigee et considera-
blement augmentee, &c., &c.
'^ See tome i., pp. 70 to 87 of this edi-
tion.
'^ See "Vies des Saints," &c., tome v.,
Premier Jour de Mai, pp. 194 to 196.
'9 See " Biographie Universelle, Ancienne
et Moderne, ou Histoire, par ordre Alpha-
betique, de la Vie publique et privee de tous
les Hommes qui se sont fait remarquer par
leurs ecrits, leurs actions, leurs talents, leurs
vertus ou leurs crimes, ouvrage entierement
neuf, redige par une societe des gens de
lettres et de savants," tome v., pp. 597, 598.
This, the first edition, was issued at Paris,
A.D. 181 1, et seq., 8vo.
^° See " Biographie Universelle Ancienne
et Moderne ou Histoire, par ordre Alphabe-
tique, de la Vie publique et privee de tous
les Plommes qui se sont fait remarquer par
leurs ecrits, leurs actions, leur talents, leurs
vertus ou leurs crimes." Nouvelle Edition,
publiee sous la direction de M. Michaud ;
revue, corrigee, et considerablement aug-
mentee d'Articles omis ou nouveaux : ouv-
rage redige par une Societe de gens de
Lettres et de Savants. Paris, 1843, et seq.,
Imp. 4to.
'^ Neuvieme Edition, d'apres la Huitieme
Edition publiee par MM. Chaudon et De-
landine, tomeiii., Art. Brieuc (saint), p. 292,
Paris, 8vo.
" Edited by M. le Dr. Hoefer, tome vii..
Art. Brieuc, Brioc or Briock (saint), col.
390» 391.
^3 See "Dictionary of Christian Biogra-
phy, Literature, Sects and Doctrines, being a
continuation of the Dictionary of the Bible,"
edited by William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.,
and Henry Wace, M.A., &c., vol. i., p.
338.
^^ It was published in London, a.d. 1877,
et seq., in Roy. 8vo shape.
*5 See " Lives ofthe Saints," vol. v., May
I, pp. 20, 21.
^'^ See "Les Moines d'Occident," tome ii.,
liv. vii., chap, iv., p. 314.
^^ See ibid., liv. viii. , chap. iii. , p. 433.
^^ See "Dictionnaire Universel, Histori-
que, Critique et Bibliographique," tome iii.,
where it is entered, at Art. Brieuc (saint).
There we read, "Briocus natif d'Irlande,"
&c., p. 292.
=9 See the Tractarian " Lives of the Eng-
lish Saints," vol. ix., chap, x., p. 96.
3° See " Britannia, i' in that part which
treats of Hibernia, and especially on the
county of Cork, p. 739.
3' After giving au extract from Saussaius'
Galilean Martyrology, referring to our saint,
Ussher adds : " Hffic Saussaius de S. Brioco
urbis Briocensis (vulgo S. Brieu) ab ejus
nomine nuncupatse in Britannia Armorica
primo Episcopo '• quern alii non Bi-iianniam
(id enim Saussaius voluit quum patria Ang-
lumfmsse scripsit) sed Hibo-num, e territorio
Corcagiensi oriundum ; neque German!
Aiitissiodorensis sed Germani Parisieiisis, in
schola ipsius Episcopali, discipulum fuisse
tradiilerunt : qua in re, quid fuerit causae cur
ab aliorum sententia discesserit, in Commen-
tariis quos pollicetur Apodictitis ut ostendat
expectamus." — " Btitannicarum Ecclesiarum
i8
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May
says,3' that " Corriticiana gens " is incorrectly located, by some writers, in Ire-
land ; while, it should be taken for theCeretici, orCoretani,ofBritain.33 Certain
writers have alleged, this country of the Coriticians was identical with the pre-
sent county of Cork, in Ireland. There, at the present time, is the second city
of Ireland, near a spacious harbour.34 Some state, that St. Brieuc had perhaps
a master named St. Gormain, as his instructor, who might have been incor-
rectly called St. Germain. It is known, that there were many saints in Ireland
bearing the former name.^s Where the country, thus denominated Corititaina,
was situated, has occasioned no little difference of opinion.3^ Many writers
General View of the City of Cork.
state, that St. Brieuc was a native of insular Britain. 37 According to some ac-
counts, the "Cereticagens3^ had been located, in that particularpartof it,which
was opposite to the Irish coast, and which, having once received the Chris-
Antiquitates," cap. xi., pp. 184, 185.
3' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i., n. (a), p. 94.
33 See Vita ex officio proprio Ecclesiae S.
Brioci.
3* The accompanying illustration of the
City of Cork is taken from a photograph,
and it has been drawn by William F. Wakc-
nian, on the wood, which was engraved, by
Mrs. Millard.
35 The Abbe Tresvaux would not under-
take to pronounce definitively on this matter,
only so far as Ireland was concerned. He
supposed our Island as having no claim
whatever to the birth of St. Brieuc.
3^ L'Abb^ Tresvaux remarks, that while
it has been universally acknowledged, that
this saint was a native of the " Coriticiana
regio," the position of such territory is not
known with certainty.
37 See M. le Dr. Hoefer's " Nouvelle Bio-
graphic Generale," tomevii., col. 390.
3^ The Rev. Alban Butler assigns different
opinions, respecting the province of Coriti-
ciana, " which some take for Cerctica, now
Cardigansliiie ; others for the Coretans,
situated on the Trent, now in Staffordshire
and Derbyshire ; others will have it to be
Cornwall." — "Lives of the Fathers, Mar-
tyrs and other principal Saints," vol. v.,
May I.
39 Nennius, speaking of the Island of Bri-
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
19
tian faith, always retained it, even when their fellow-countrymen, the Britons,39
were oppressed by the Saxon, and driven for refuge, towards inaccessible and
remote parts of Wales. According to Andrew Saussayj^o St. Brioc is said to
have been an Englishman by birth — for he places that province of the Cori-
ticiana in England — but, for this remark, he has been corrected by Dean
Cressy, who notes, "he should have said a Brittain."^' Henschennius seems
to entertain an opinion, that this saint was a native of that part of England,
known as Coretana. The same writer also remarks, that the Coretani were
known to have been a people of the Britons, subject to the Romans, and to
have held that part, in which the large Mercian kingdom extended, from
ocean to the bounds of the Ceretici. At the year of Christ 586, we read in
Matthew of Westminster, that the Archbishops, Theonus of London and Tha-
diocus of York, seeing all the churches hitherto subject to their jurisdiction
destroyed, fled into Cambria, of which Ceretica forraed a part.^" Many of the
clergy and people imitated their example ; while, these are supposed to have
been subjects of Thadiocus, known as Coretani or Coritani. Hence, the birth
and age ofSt. Brioc are thought to bereferable to that time.^3 The "Coriticiana
regio"'*^ is said to be the country of theCeretes,to the west of ancient Cambria,
or modern Wales, and it was opposite the coast of Ireland, according to some
writers. In Latin, this tract was named " Ceretica " or the " Cereticana
regio," being shown at present as Cardigan-shire. Such an opinion, so far as
the birth of this saint is concerned, seems to rest for a foundation, on the
similarity of these names, Coriticiana, and Ceretica, or Cereticana, as also on
the circumstance, that Brioc had been the son of a Breton nobleman, the
term Breton usually referring to the inhabitants of Wales. Others derive the
origin of our saint from that country, belonging to the ancient Coritans or
Coritaves, who were situated on the River Trent, and who inhabited the pre-
sent counties of Stafford and Derby.ts Having found in the geographer
Ptolemy's works a Corinium, near the Severn, and about the source of the
Thames, where the present county of Gloucester lies, and as there appears to be
no great difference between the Coriticiana regio and the Coriniana regio^ M.
Abbe Tresvaux is inclined to believe, this might be the part of the country,
where St. Brieuc was born. Besides, this situation was sufficiently near to
Cambria ; whence, it would seem, were derived those parents, of whom St.
Brieux was bonL-^^ There are other writers, such as le P. Albert and Bertrand
tain, says, that its inhabitants consist of four ^ In the Life of our saint, as published in
different people, the Scots, the Picts, the L'Abbe Tresvaux's edition of Lobineau's
Saxons, and the Ancient Britons. See the " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," we are told,
curious version in Irish of the Historia Bri- that our saint's father lived in that part of
tonum, or History of the Britons, which has Great Britain, " cortnue alors sous le nom
for its title LeAbhA^ 'bt^eAchnAcli Amifo de Coriticiana regio."
pf, for an account of these early colonists of ^s Their supposition has been founded on
our Islands. This work has been edited, the circumstance, that St. German of Aux-
with a Translation and Notes, by James erre had not been known to the Ceretes, but
Henthorn Todd, D.D., M.R.I.A., and by the only to the Coritans.
Hon. Algernon Herbert ; it was published by ■** Nor was it very distant from those
the Irish Arch^ological Society, at Dublin, places, where St. Germain of Auxerre
in 1848. preached, so that St. Brieuc could easily
*° In his " Martyrologium Gallicanum," at have gone to hear and see him. This same
the 30th of April. writer states, that he consulted the truly
"*' See his "Church History of Brittany," learned Dr. John Lingard, in 1834, regard-
Book ix., chap, xiv., pp. 189, 190. ing this matter. He replied, that according
*^ See " Flores Historiarum," pp. 198 to his opinion, the Coritician tribe inhabited
to 200. that part of the country, known as the
*3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., i. Maii. county of Cardigan, at the present time. He
Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Prjevius, said, also, that in any case, it ought to be
sect. 4, p. 92, held as certain, that St. Brieuc had been a
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May I.
d'Argentre, who have wished to make our saint a native ofCornwall. However,
this latter district was formerly called Cornubia or Kerno.v.
Brioc was of a distinguished line/7 and son to a nobleman of great distinc-
tion, called Cerpus, or Cerpo.*^ He lived in a province, named Corrititiana.*?
Others call it Carticiana ;S° and, while some persons take it to have been the
country of Cornouailles, others will have it to be Ceretica, now Cardigan-
shire. The supposition most generally entertained is, that this territory
formed a portion of the British Isles.s' His mother is called Eldruda; and,
this name is thought to have been derived, from a Breton word, composed
of f//, and of driid., said to mean " illustrious," or " well-beloved,"52 by Albert
le Grand, who most probably took the ancient Acts of St. Brioc, as authority.
The name Eldrude is supposed undoubtedly to have been a Saxon one ; and,
Henschenn pretends, from this clue, we may derive the conclusion, that our
saint was not born, until some time had elapsed after the Saxons' arrival in
England. This conjecture should favour the opinion of those, who place his
birth, at the time when St. Germain of Paris S3 lived, about the year 550,5* or
a little latter. But, we are not obliged to suppose, that Eldruda was solely a
Saxon name ; for, it was also a Breton one ; being compounded from the re-
duplicative preposition ^//and Drud.^^ According to some authorities, Brioc
was born, early in the year 409, s^ or 410.57 This chronology supposes, that
he was a disciple of St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre,58 to whom his parents
had committed him, and who brought him to Gaul, This is thought,59 to
strengthen the opinion of St. Brioc having been a Coretan.^° Hennschen deems
it scarcely probable, that St, German's labours and fame reached the Ceretici
of Wales, as they were more rude and uncultivated than other Britons.^'
Breton. See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints
de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux,
tome i., n. i., p. 71.
*' Saussay says "nobili editus stirpe." —
" Martyrologium Galiicanum," at Apiilis
XXX.
^ Thus he is named, by Albert le
Grand.
*9 In the Proper Office of our saint, we
read, in the first Lesson : " Briocus nobilis
genere, ex gente Corriiiciana, non sine alto
Numinis concilo editus est."
5° See M. Michaud's " Biographic Univer-
selle Ancienne et Modeme," tome v., p.
528.
5' Dr. Lanigan has only a passing allu-
sion to St. Briocus, without hazarding any
statement of his own, as to the country of
his birth. Yet, he gives references to Ussher
and Camden. See " Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. i., chap, i., sect, ix., and
nn. 78, 79, 80, p. 21.
5= See M. Michaud's " Biographie Univer-
selle, Ancienne et Modeme," tome v., p.
528.
53 His feast occurs, at the 28th of May.
His Life has been written, by Fortunatus of
Poitiers. St. Germain died, a. D. 576.
5^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Praevius,
sect. 2, p. 92.
55 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome
i., n, 2, p. 71.
5* See Baillet's " Vies des Saints," tome ii.,
p. 24.
5? See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par ]NL L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i.,
pp. 71, 72.
5* St. Geraian of Auxerre is said to have
travelled and preached in Britain, about
the year 429, and to have prolonged his
life until the year 520. An account of
St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerie, will be
found in "Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome ii., Cinquieme Siecle, sect, i., ii., pp.
256 to 261.
5' By Father Hennschenn.
^° Cressy in his " Church History of Brit-
tany," Book ix., chap, xiv., p. 190, and at
the year 439, observes, that " Certain Irish
Historians would challenge S. Briocus to
their countiy, as having been born in the
territory of Cork. But his having been a
disciple of St. Germanus, who had nothing
to do with Ireland, proves him a Brittain. And
whereas, Bishop Usher conjectures that the
master of St. Briocus might have been ano-
ther St. Germanus, Bi>hop of Paris, who
lived in the following age : His living with
Conanus and relation of kindred to him de-
monstrate him both a Brittain, and more
ancient than the youni^er St. Germanus."
^' Yet, the BoUandist writer observes, as
Briocus flourished towards the close of the
sixth century, it might be possible, that he
had been born among the Ceretci, in Cam-
bria or Wales, or among the Coretani, who
had been banished thither. Or, might not
the mother of our saint, supj.osed to have
been a Saxon by birth, and perhaps also a
pagan, have married a Briton, Cerpo, when
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 21
Neither had the Pelagian heresy reached them, nor were the Saxons desirous of
carrying their conquests, into those remote regions, which they inhabited.^*
Following the account of Andrew Saussay, who makes St. Germain of Aux-
erre ^3 to be a contemporary and master of St. Brioc, the birth of this latter
holy man should be referred to the fifth century. However, it is thought,
that the original Acts ^4 of St. Brioc had only mentioned a St. Germanus,
simply as having been his instructor; and that, subsequently, conjectures
were added to distinguish this St. Germanus, as having been of Auxerre,
according to some writers, or as having been of Paris,^5 according to others.
In the time of the former, the Corritician province had been converted
entirely to the Christian faith, although Pelagianism had spread among the
Britons, subdued and formed into a tributary Roman province ;^^ while, in the
time of St. Germain of Paris, a vast horde of Pagan Saxons had invaded the
Island of Great Britain. ^7 However, the Britons continued to preserve the
Christian faith, during this time, and therefore, it is thought, that both the
parents of St. Brioc had been Christians. ^^ St'll, it has been asserted, his
father and mother had been pagans, previous to the time of his birth.°9
That Brioc was destined foran exalted degree of sanctity, in the inscrutable
decrees of Divine Providence, appeared, from miraculous revelations made to
his mother, while she was asleep. These happened in the middle of the night,
and when she was not less involved in a natural darkness, than in the shadow
of idolatrous errors. An angel then appeared and told her, she should give
birth to a son, who would be dear to the Almighty, who should be crowned
with Divine gifts, as likewise become an athlete and a propagator of the Chris-
tian Religion. She was also warned to admonish her husband, that he should
avoid the foolish worship of idols. Our saint's mother was astonished, but
according to the Holy Angel's command, she related to her husband what
had occurred, and delivered to him that message, thus divinely transmitted.
But, the husband would not believe, what his wife had told him regarding
this matter, even when more than once related. His infidelity continued,
until the third night, after this vision already described. Then, the angel
appeared to him, while asleep, and repeated what had been already told to
Eldruda. When this angel had departed, and morning began to dawn, Cer-
pus informed his friends, about all he had heard and seen. Immediately, he
broke into pieces those idols, which he had heretofore worshipped. After-
that Cerpo followed his bishop, retiring into ters were so old and so obliterated, with the
Cambria, and might not our saint have been exception of a few words here and there,
the issue of their marriage in this latter that no person could read them, or draw any
country ? Such is Henschennius' other con- meaning from them.
jecture, but, he says, if we admit his supposi- ^^ A History of the Life and Writings of
tion, our saint must have been coniempo- St. Germanus, Bishop of Paris, is given by
raneous with St. German of Paris. tlie Benedictines, in their " Histoire Lite-
*^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail raire de la France," tome iii., Sixieme
i. Acta S. Brioci., Commentarius Prsevius, Siecle, sect, i., ii., pp. 310 to 317.
sect. 5, p. 92. *' According to Fatlier Godefrid Hen-
^3 His feast occurs, at the i6th of July. schenn.
^'' These are said to have been preserved ^^ To these, St. Augustine and his com-
at Auvergne, in the Discalced Carmelite panions were sent as missionaries, by Pope
House of Claremont, as Lewis Jacob, a Car- St. Gregory the Great, in the year 596. See
melite — who had published some books at Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of England,"
Paris — informed Hennschenn. The latter vol. i., chap, ii., p. 75-
was anxious to preserve this Tract, or a '^ See *' Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
transcript, when dealmg with the Life of St. i. Acta S. Brioci. Commentarius Prsevius,
Brioc, and he applied for that purpose to the sects. 2, 3, pp. 91, 92.
Rev. Father Josephus Ignatius a S. Amonio, °^ From the account of our saint, as con-
a Discalced Carmelite "ex Toparchis de tained in the Proper Office of Brieux
Robec." However, he learned, the charac- church.
2 2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
wards, he began to distribute the half of those goods he possessed, for the
support and nourishment of poor persons. '°
A due course of time being completed, the mother of our saint gave birth
to her son. By Divine monition, the infant was named Brioc. From his
most tender years, he led an angelic and a pure life. While of immature age,
his morals were those of a sage, whose sagacious mental powers appeared
directing the physical organization of a mere youth. He was observed to
advance daily towards perfection, neither spending his youthful years in those
trifles, that usually engage children's attention, nor in the idle sports of those,
who were of an age to become his play-fellows. When Brioc had attained
years, at which his tender age might be formed to useful pursuits ; mindful
of that command she had first received from the Angel, his mother delivered
him, 7' to the care of St, Germain, 7^ to receive suitable instruction. But, it
is said, that his father wished him to be kept at home, as not intending he
should be initiated into Holy Orders, because he destined Brieuc to become
heir of his possessions. However, the Angel of God warned his father, that
he ^should not oppose his own to the Divine will. He was admonished to
commit his son to St. Germain's care.73 As St. Germain of Paris was not
known to have held any peculiar connection with the Britons, Henschen-
nius is inclined to disbelieve, that our saint had been committed to his care.
He rather thinks, that St. Brioc was sent for his instruction to the neighbour-
ing Island of Hibernia, which, after it had received the faith from St. Patrick,
became a common school for the Britons and Gauls. Here, he says, that
many Germans, or rather Gormans, are known to have flourished, to one of
whom, perhaps, our saint had been entrusted for instruction. At a more
adult age, it has been conjectured, that Brioc returned into his own country
of Britain. In this place, it is thought, that he laboured usefully among his
kinsfolk. It is said, also, that he built a monastery there. Then, he passed
over to Armorica, also known as Lesser Brittany.?'* At the time of this voy-
age, a certain Count Rigual is stated to have ruled over a part of that country.
The era of his government, could it only be discovered, should tlirow addi-
tional light on St. Brioc's precise period. 's
CHAPTER II.
ACTS OF ST. BRIEUC WHILE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ST. GERMANUS — HIS MIRACLES
— ORDAINED PRIEST— ST. BRIEUC VISITS GREAT BRITAIN — HE RETURNS TO FRANCE
— IDOLATRY THERE PRACTISED — HIS PARENTS AND OTHER INHABITANTS OF
BRITTANY ARE CONVERTED TO CHRISTIANITY — HE BUILDS A CHURCH AT GRANDE-
LANDE — FORMER CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN GREAT AND LESSER BRITAIN — ST.
BRIEUC FOUNDS A MONASTERY AT LANDEBAERON — HE AFTERWARDS SETTLED AT
THE PLACE, SINCE KNOWN AS SAINT BRIEUC-DES-VAUX — COUNT RIGUEL BESTOWED
THE HOUSE AND LANDS OF CHAMP-DU-ROUVRE, WITH ALL THEIR DEPENDENCIES,
AS AN ENDOWMENT.
At an early age, Brieuc's father had resolved on committing his son to the
charge of St. German, and he sent some persons with him as companions.*
'" The editor adds, in a note, that he does '' Supposed to have been bishop of Paris,
not believe St. Brioc's nation or father had He ruled from the year 555, or the following
been addicted to the worship of idols. See year, until a.d. 576, when he died, on the
ibid. Acta S. Brioci, sect, i., p. 93, and n. 28th of May. See an account of this holy
(])), p. 94. bishop, in Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
'■ Such is a statement, contained in the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal
Proper Office, read in Brieux church. Saints," vol. v., May xxviii.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 23
When they had visited that pious Bishop, full of God's holy spirit, Germanus
was enabled to declare the boy's name, his country, and his race, as also to
predict, that like a sunbeam, he should enlighten the Christian world, and
that he should prove an eloquent gospel preacher. While Brioc saluted the
holy Bishop, and humbly knelt at his feet, a white dove flew downwards, and
settled on our saint's head. Then, Brioc's master and host congratulated
the youthful stranger, on his arrival. In a short time, the boy made great
proficiency in all kinds of learning, while he showed the excellence of his
disposition, and his studious habits. Nor did he less advance in piety than
in learning. When he had not exceeded the tenth year of his age, Brioc distri-
buted to the needy, not alone many of his effects, but even those garments,
with which he was clothed. Among other charitable acts related, on a cer-
tain occasion, he was met by a leper, who asked him for an alms. Beino-
sent for water, Brioc held a vessel in his hand, and this he gave to the mendi-
cant, as he had nothing else to bestow ; for, his compassionate disposition
did not suffer him to unheed any supplication. The boy was then accused
to St. German, as a thoughtless waster of monastic effects. But, at this junc-
ture, he fell on his knees before the altar, and poured forth prayers and tears."
A brazen vessel of admirable beauty was miraculously sent him. This he
presented to his master, who was enabled to judge of the wonderful manner,
in which his disciple was favoured by God.3 In another account concerning
Brioc, thatSt. German, in whose-.presence the miracle was wrought, and who had
been our saint's teacher, is said to have been St. German, ■♦ Bishop of Auxerre.5
This latter holy man, and St. Loup,^ Bishop of Troyes, passed over to Great
Britain, a.d. 429 or 430, when their reputation quickly spread throughout that
whole Island. 7 Men, women, and children, flocked in crowds from all quarters,
especially when it had been announced to them, that these holy and learned
men had come to hold a public disputation with the Pelagians, in Verulam.^
Among the number, St. Brieuc, who was then about twenty years of age, felt
desirous of hearing these venerable men. He was presented by his parents
to St. German, or rather he offered himself to this holy Bishop. The latter
observed the young man's excellent natural qualities, his admirable sweet-
ness of disposition, modesty of deportment, agreeable manners, a mind capa-
ble of receiving instruction, a docile spirit, a happy training, combined with
a variety of other talents and gifts. Therefore, Germanus received him with
great joy. At the same time, the bishop told those clerics, who accompanied
him, that he had already formed the highest expectations, regarding Brioc's
future career. Afterwards, St. German returned from the Island of Britain to
" See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii * His feast occurs, at the 29th of July.
i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 2, p. 93. s See " Biographic Universclle Ancienne
7* It is stated, that the people of this pro- et Moderne," &c., sous la direction de M.
vince were called Bretons, because they came Michaud, tome v., p. 528.
at an early period from Great Britain, flying * The Benedictines have set forth the par-
from the barbarians who ravaged it. See ticulars of his Life and Writings, in " His-
" Histoire Literaire de !a France," tome ii., toire Literaire de la France," tome ii., Cin-
Cinquieme Siecle, p. 366. quieme Siecle, sect, i., ii., pp. 486 to 494.
75 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mali ^ See Constantius, Vita S. Germani, lib.
i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Prsevius, i., cap. 23.
sect. 5, p. 92. s Now St. Alban's, in the hundred of
Chapter ii. — "According to the Pro- Cashio. According to the Roman historians,
per Office of this saint. it was founded by the Britons, at an earlier
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- period than London. It was surrounded by
tagne," par M. LAbbe Tresvaux, tome pre- a rampart and fosse, at the time of Csesar's
mier, pp. 73, 74. invasion. It is situated, in the county of
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii Hertford. For a fuller description, see
i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 3, p. 93. Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary ofEng-
24 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
France, towards the end of a.d. 430, or about the commencement of 431,
taking with him, as stated, his new disciple, as also a St. Iltut. This com-
panionship formed a reciprocal advantage for both, while they had an addi-
tional pleasure, it is said, to find St. Patrick,? the future Apostle of Ireland,
at Auxerre, where all of these holy persons spent some time in company.^**
From what has been already observed, it may be seen, that these conflicting
accounts regarding our saint's acts must have been sufficiently perplexing, to
divide the opinions of learned men, concerning that person to whom St.
Brieuc had been confided in his youth. A Legend of St. Serge," and an
ancient Breviary of the diocese of St. Brieuc, state positively, that St. Ger-
main of Paris was his master, and that the parents of our saint sent him to
Paris, at the age of ten years. This account might be supposed to bring
greater weight with it, than all contrary reasons, that could be advanced ; and,
it should necessarily oblige us to defer the period, at which St. Brieuc lived,
to 120 or 140 years later, than in the other case. However, this Legend
contains an apparent contradiction. For, it supposes, that St. German, the
master of our saint, had been more than twenty-five years a Bishop ; but,
this computation cannot agree with St. German of Paris, as his episcopate did
not extend beyond twenty or twenty-one years, that is from a.d. 555 to
576.'= In a simple and in an indeterminate manner, it has been stated, ^3
that St. Brieuc was instructed by St. Germain, without further specification, and
that he had the happiness of finding, in the same school, St. Patrick and St.
Iltut. '•♦ That opinion, which makes St. Brieuc a disciple of St. German of
Auxerre, has been adopted, in St. Brieuc's Proper Office, printed in 1782, and
in the Proper Office of St. Treguier ; it is also an opinion of the Abbes Deric,
Rufifelet '5 and Tresvaux.'° To the latter, it seems the one best sustained by
argument, and most consonant with the facts of history.
Under his master, this young and valiant soldier of Christ began to contend
against the assaults of Satan, by rigorous fasts, that he might the better over-
come carnal temptations, which are usually the most dangerous and fatal to a
novice, in the ways of a spiritual life. By these means, he was able to contend
against the enemy of man's salvation, even when his approaches were directed
against other persons. On a certain occasion, the wicked spirit had terrified an
land," vol. i., pp. 20 to 22. '3 i^i the abridgment of a manuscript col-
" See his Life, in vol. iii. of this work, at lection, mentioned by Abbe Tresvaux.
17th of March. '•' This latter circumstance shows, there-
'"See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de fore, that St. German of Auxerre must have
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome been the person designated,
i., p. 72. '5 We are referred lo note 15, of the Abbe
" In Manuscript. Rufifelet, in support of those assertions.
'- Again, it has been said, that St. Patrick. '* This writer adds: "Nous regrettons
and St. Iltut were disciples of St. German, que INI. Brice, Lazariste et directeur du
with St. Brieuc. But, St. Patrick and St. Seminaire de Saint-Bricuc, editeur du Pro-
Iltut could not have been disciples to St. pre du diocese public en 1813, ait cru devoir
German of Paris, at a period long subse- I'abandonner dans les lesons du saint pairon.
quent to that when they lived ; while, at the Si Ton objecte que la Vie de S. Germain
same time, it is well known, that both these d'Auxerre ne dit rien de S. Brieuc, nous
former snints were disciples to St. German repondions que celle de S. German de Paris
of Auxerre. Wherefore, it appears probable, n'en parle pas davantage : les BoUandistes
that the legend of our saint wislied to speak seuls en font mention dans la Vie de ce der-
of the latter ; although, through mistake or nicr, mais sur I'autorite de Du Saussay, et
a want of judgment, the writer inserted the Ton sait que cette autorite n'est pas dun
name of St. German, Bishop of Paris. Or, grand poids. On ne neut done rien con-
perhaps, there may have been an unautho- dure du silence garde par lesauieurs de
rized addition of that particular See to a I'une et I'antre \'ie." — Lobineau's " Vies des
single name, as found entered in the original Saints de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tres-
text. vaux, tome i., n. 7, pp. 72, 73.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 25
honourable and excellent young man, by a horrible spectre or image, which
had been presented to his view ; this demon had also possessed his intended
victim, when Brieuc succeeded in dispelling the spectre, and in liberating
that young man. About this same time, a thorn had entered tlie foot of a
youth, who in consequence endured great pain, until the assistance of our
saint was invoked. Pouring forth a short prayer, and by the aspersion of holy
water, St. Brioc happily obtained the recovery of that afflicted person.^?
Meantime, our saint had attained an age, to qualify him for reception of the
priestly dignity, and the miracles which he wrought induced St. Germanus to
procure his elevation. On a day when the holy Bishop was about to ordain
two priests, whose qualifications were approved by him, he asked St. Brieuc,
if he were in a disposition to receive Holy Orders with them. Our saint felt
persuaded, that to obey St. German proved obedience to God himself, and
that he could not be deceived, in trusting to the counsels of so perfect a man.
He answered, therefore, with the simplicity of a child, he was ready to do
whatever should be required of him. St. German'knew this answer proceeded
from humility, perfect as that, which should have caused him to refuse priest-
hood. He therefore ordained our saint, with the two other candidates. The
Divine pleasure was manifested, and in a miraculous manner, on this occa-
sion. For, while the holy Bishop was engaged in the function of ordination,
having imposed his hands on Brieuc's head, a column of fire reached from
the head of our saint to the very roof of the church, and it continued during
the whole ceremony. A remarkable fervour, that appeared in the conduct
of this newly-ordained priest, was a proof he had received the graces of the
Holy Spirit in plenitude. In a wonderful manner, it pleased Almighty God
to communicate his wishes, that our saint should undertake a mission to the
country where his parents dwelt, so that he might convey thither that mental
illumination and ardour, with which his soul was penetrated. In a dream,
an Angel of the Lord ordered him to depart immediately for Britain, where
he should draw his parents, relations, and countrymen, from the errors of
gentiles ; which phrases may be considered, either as referring to complete
paganism, or only to superstitious actions, which were often mingled with
Christian practices, among the inhabitants of that country. Thus might we
understand, in two different ways, that paganism attributed to Brieuc's parents
and country. At this time, it is supposed, that in Cambria and about
the county at Gloucester, the Gospel light had not yet effectively penetrated.
Nor will this appear surprising, when we reflect upon the situation of these
particular districts. The erection of Sees at Landaff, St. David's, Kaer-
leon, St. Asaph, Bangor, in Wales, and at Wigorn, now Worcester, took place,
after the period of St. Brieuc's birth and education, as generally supposed.
It is said, also, in the Life of St. Samson, ^^ that even in his time, there were
many pagans living on the east borders of the Severn, as likewise in Somerset
and Devonshire, to the north of which counties, lay Gloucester and Wales.
Another manner, in which the errors of St. Brieuc's parents may be explained,
is, by supposing the whole Island of Britain had become Christian, even
although it retained many customs, which savoured of idolatry, and especially
that pagan festival, held on the ist of January.^9 In the time of St. German
of Auxerre, this great feast was profaned in Italy, by debauchery and mas-
querades. ^° These shameful customs might have furnished occasion, for the
'7 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii before Christianity had been established on
Acta S. Brioci, sect. 4, p. 93. a firm basis.
'^ His feast occurs, at the 2Sth of July. "" This appears, from a sermon of St. Peter
'9 This was suppressed with much difficulty, Chrysologus.
26 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
author of the Legend, containing our saint's Acts, to speak about the idolatry
of his parents ; thus, not taking care to distinguish between the act of cele-
brating^ a pagan festival, and a formal profession of paganism. The first
manner of understanding the legendary text appears more conformable to
probability. Indeed, if there were idolatry in Italy, during St. Benedict's
time, there can be no reason to suppose, it did not exist in the country about
Worcester, and in Wales, at that period indicated for our saint's return from
France.^^
After his vision, St. Brieuc went to see St. German, and told him
with great ingenuousness regarding that dream, which he had during the
night ; for, he was accustomed to submit whatever happened to his master's
knowledge, with a view of being governed by his counsels. Immediately, St.
German knew that it was a true revelation. Embracing our saint with much
tenderness, he said, " Go, my son, where God invites you, and answer by
your zeal, in honour of your vocation." He told our saint instantly to procure
everything necessary for his voyage, and the Bishop even furnished him with a
companion, bestowing his blessing on both of them. When St. Brioc arrived at
the sea-shore, he found a vessel had been there delayed, for seven continuous
days, owing to an accidentally adverse tempest." The sailors were disturbed
in mind, on account of their delay ; but, our saint re-assured their hopes with
a promise, that the Almighty would be pleased, on the morrow, to send them
a favourable conjuncture of weather and sea, when they should all embark.'3
According to such prediction, on the day named, St. Brioc went on board
the vessel, and cleared out of port, with a favourable wind and a smooth sea.
We are told, dolphins and sea monsters were seen tossing about the ship, and
leaping, as if anxious to devour the sailors. This caused them great alarm.
St. Brioc alone seemed composed in mind, and, by his prayers, he is said to
have driven those monsters from the vessel. At length, the voyagers reached
the wished-for shore; and, then St. Brioc, with his companions, joyfully sought
the paternal mansion. Having arrived there, on the ist day of January, he
found, according to a usual custom, that his father and mother had prepared
a banquet for all their friends, whom they ordinarily entertained for threedays.
This was a festival, entirely of a pagan character, in which, if we credit the
legend of our saint's Life, after impious sacrifices had been offered to Janus,'*
they besought him, as chief of their family, and of all their gods, to become
propitious towards those persons, who invoked him. Afterwards, disguised
as false divinities, as old persons, as beasts, and in a variety of other shapes,
men ran through the fields, shouted, sang, danced, and then passed a con-
siderable part of the day and night, in eating and drinking to excess.^s Such
practices were condemned in France, by Canons of the Second Council of
Tours, in the year 566,='^ and, in decrees of Auxerre, about the year 586.^7
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de dum insolentius quidam exultaret perfringit
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome sibi femur, et luctuosis clamoribus vocifera-
i., n. I, p. 75- tur."
'"See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. Vita =' According to Cabassutius, the Council
S. Brioci, sect. 5, p. 93. of Tours occurred, a.d. 570.
^3 See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de "' In regulating exemptions from fasting
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome on festival days, for monks about this time,
i., pp. 74 to 76. we are thus admonished : " Excipitur tri-
'='■• Supposed, in Heathen Mythology, to duum quod .id calcandam gentilium consue-
have been the most ancient King of Italy. tudinem Patres nostri statuerunt privatas in
See an account of him, in Lempricre's Calendisjanuarii fieri Litanias : ut in Eccle-
" Classical Dictionarj'," jMiJ r^jr^ Janus. siis psallatur et hora octava in Calendis
'5 Describing these pagan customs, the ijisius Circumcisionis Missa Deo propiiio
Proper Office of our saint says : " Ageban- celebretur." See Cabassutius' " Notitia
tur per multos dies ludi profani, personabant Ecclesiastica Historiarum, Conciliorum, et
aedes canticis, ducebantur chorea; ; in quibus Canonum," &c., p. 269.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 27
Traces of these customs are found to have existed, in many places, a long
time after the sixth century. When the old forms of Druidism were
almost extinct in other parts of France, they continued still in Armorica,'''
and these were alHed with pagan officialism, to repel the Christian reli-
gion.^9
The gaiety of the guests increased, so soon as they had recognised Brioc ;
while, his father and mother were almost beside themselves, with those trans-
ports of joy they experienced. 3° But, all were greatly surprised, when being
invited to take part in their festival, and to seat himself at table with them,
our saint answered them with much determination, and at the same time with
great affability and modesty, that he could not participate in this feast of
demons, without renouncing the true God, whom he adored, and that Christian
baptism, which he had received. Faith could not permit him to become defiled,
by their impious superstitions. Thence, taking occasion to dilate on the purity
of the Christian religion, and on the holiness of its practices, he contrasted
these with the grossness and folly of their idolatr/, the ridiculous ceremonies
of which had reduced them to caricature the very beasts. In a short time, he
persuaded them, how foolish were all such errors. Convinced by his reason-
ing, they abandoned their previous absurdities, in order to embrace the light
of Christianity. Yet, that spirit of dissoluteness and of debauchery, with which
they were filled, prevented our saint from obtaining a complete triumph over
the prevalence of evil customs, by the sole energy and arguments of his dis-
course. Miracles were necessary, to procure this victory ; and, it is said,
that God furnished him with the opportunity and grace to perform them, at
this juncture. We are assured, he healed, in miraculous manner, a young
man of condition, who had fallen heavily, while sporting with the most wanton
persons in the crowd. Thatperson remained almost lifeless on the spot, his thigh
having been broken, and his right hand having become dislocated. The
sight of such a prodigy caused intense admiration among those present, and
obliged them to protest, they would not worship any other God, but that
adorable Deity, about whom St. Brieuc preached. They promised for ever
to renounce their false divinities, who possessed no power to effect any cure,
like to that performed. At the same time, it happened, a certain boy, who
had been bitten by a rabid dog, became excited to such acts of frenzy, that
he bit his own tongue, and he seemed inclined to do further mischief u'Don
himself and others. IBut, St. Brioc's fame as a wonder-worker had spread
through that part of the country. When brought to our saint, the latter
placed his finger in the boy's mouth, and instantly his madness ceased. Pro-
fiting by favourable dispositions, manifested among the principal inhabitants
of his country, whose convictions were strengthened by such miracles, the
saint carefully instructed them, publicly and privately, until they had been
sufficiently catechised and prepared. Then, he conferred on them the sacra-
ment of baptism. Having instituted a fast of seven days, St. Brioc induced
his parents and others in the Corritician country, to renounce idolatrous
errors, to embrace the faith, to receive the first sacrament of initiation, and to
devote themselves wholly to Christ's service. Having succeeded in estab-
lishing the Christian faith throughout that entire province, St. Brioc was care-
""^ However, the origin of Druidism is ii., chap, iv., sect. 6, p. 518.
traceable to Great Britain and Ireland: ''^ See Amedee Thierry's " Histoire de la
" C'est en Bretagne que le drudisme etait Gaulc, sous rAdministration Romaine "
ne : c'est en Bretagne et en Irlande qu'il se tome ii., chap, vii., p. 306.
retira au jour de la persecution."— Ernest ^o According to the Legend of St. Brioc's
Desjardins' "Geographie Historique et Life.
Administrative de la Gaule Romaine," tome 31 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
ful to erect temples in lionour of the living God, and of his saints, in suitable
localities. Not being able, however, to attend personally to the wants of his
different missions, Brioc procured priests for their service.
Although the legend of his Life does not mention the matter ;
doubtless, at this time, he had received the episcopal character. For,
he is represented, as performing all functions of a pastor and a bishop,
in the new mission which he had established, and of which he became
the true apostle. He applied in particular, to the instruction of his
parents, who became spiritual children of their own son ; and, unques-
tionably, to them, he was chiefly indebted for means necessary to build
a church, in a desert place, called Grande-Lande. Here, a great number of
disciples were assembled, for whose guidance he established a rule, which he
had received from his master Germanus, and which, under direction of the
latter, he had followed. Many miracles of St. Brieuc are recorded, while he
was engaged on the building of this church. Among others, it is said, that
the devil felt enraged, at the progress of his work, and endeavoured to deter
those immediately engaged in its construction. One of the carpenters, while
cutting wood, had the misfortune off lop of his thumb. By Divine favour, St.
Brioc again set it in proper position. Many horrible spectres, who made use of
threats towards the saint and his labourers, were disregarded by him, and finally
they were expelled. A great famine, also, oppressed the people in that province,
who fled to our saint's monastery for support. There, Brioc was enabled to
feed them, as likewise his religious, in an abundant manner, until the
approaching harvest, which proved an abundant one.3^ By these and like
miracles, St. Brioc acquired a great reputation for his charity and hospitality,
and he constantly afforded refuge to the afflicted. 3^ Having remained for a
considerable length of time in this monastery, where he became more sancti-
fied each day, and having adopted the most perfect practices of a religious
life, exercising all the works of zeal and charity his station permitted ; during
night, on a festival of Pentecost, having lightly slumbered in choir, after reci-
ting the Divine Ofiice, an angel visited the Abbot, Having passed the previous
time in prayer, and in singing with his community matins for the day, the
heavenly messenger commanded St. Brieuc to go without delay into Armorica,
whither God had sent him, to procure the salvation of great numbers. Imme-
diately, he prepared to obey this Divine mandate, and he hastened to embark,
with about one hundred and sixty 33 companions. Towards the year 480, it is
said, this voyage took place. We are told, when these set sail, the devil
stayed their ship, in the midst of her course, until St. Brioc's mastery over-
came impediment. Then, with a swift passage over, their vessel reached the
Armoric coast. They disembarked at a port, named Achm, according to the
Abridgment of our saint's Life. This place is supposed to have been situated
in the Achk country, within the ancient diocese of Leon, where it extends
landward, or towards Jundy river, in the country of Treguier. It is said, our
saint here converted to the Christian! faith a chieftain of the country, who
was named Conon.3-»
i.. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 6, p. 93. perfection of a Religious life, he built a
3' See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de monastery, and there by the liberality of the
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome snid Count, he layd the foundation of an
i., pp. 76 to 78. EpiscopallSec, and being consecr.\ted Bishop
3^ The Proper Office of St. Brioc's church Ijy the Archbishop ofTouis, Metropolitan of
makes the number 168. that country, he with an admirable splendour
^ Saussaius calls this Conon, Count of Tri- of vertue and piety governed the said Diocese
guier, and says, that he was a kinsman of our for the sp.ice of thirty ye.irs." — Dean
saint, who baptized him. "Then assem- Cres^y's "Church History of Brittany,"
bling severall devout persons aspiring to the Book ix., chap, xiv., p. 189.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 29
There can be no doubt, but that a continuous intercourse had been estab-
lished from times remote, between the people of Great Britain and those of
Armorica, or Lesser Britain. The legions of Great Britain had been engaged, in
elevating Maximus to be the Roman Emperor, a.d. 383, and these settled in
Armorica under theirConan,3S or chief, who was called Meriadec,orrather Mur-
doch, who is thought to have been the first Comte de Bretagne.s^ But, it is said
to have been under the conduct of Rivalon, or Rioval, about a.d. 460, that
the Britons came over in great numbers. 37 Through the aid of Conan, and
that of people living in the district, St. Brieuc was enabled to erect a monas-
tery, 3^ at a place called Landebaeron. This, he governed, until the Coriti-
cians, whom he had left, were afflicted with a grievous pestilence. At the
juncture, St. Brioc's presence was earnestly requested, so that he might
deliver his people from their distemper. It is added, he returned immedi-
ately to them. Having, by his prayers, and by his presence, purified the air,
dissipated those malignant influences corrupting it, and established health and
security throughout that region, he returned to his monastery of Landebaeron,
where he dwelt for some time. Finding, however, 'hat his presence there had
been a cause of reproach to some imperfect disciples, who were dazzled by
the lustre of his virtues, St. Brioc left one of his religious as president over
this house, and he came by sea, with eighty religious,39 who wished to follow
him. Coasting from the west, and in an easterly direction, he arrived at a port,
which forms the embouchure of Gouet River,4° where, having embarked, he
was favourably received by Count Kigual. By some writers, it is thought,
that the Rigual, who received St. Brieuc, was a son to Hoel L, and that he
flourished in the sixth century.^^ Others deem it more probable, that he was
a Count Rivelen, who possessed some property in that part of the country.
Here, St. Brioc established a residence in a valley, branching out on either
hand, and the sides of which were covered with fresh foliage. From him, it has
since been named St. Brieuc-des-Vaux.+^ It lies in Upper Brittany, and not
far from the sea, which is hidden from it, however, owing to the enclosure of
surrounding hills. The streets and churches there are tolerably handsome ;
but, St. Michael's church, in the suburb so named, is the largest at the place. '•3
St. Brieux was situated in that part of Armoric Britain, which bordered on the
British Ocean, between St. Malo '»'♦ and Land-Triguier.'<5 In that city, he
founded a monastery. There, according to a local tradition, the holy man is
said to have lived, with the members of his religious community. The church
of the monastery, which he founded, was soon erected into a cathedral ; and,
it is stated, that our saint was appointed as the first Bishop over that place.-*^
33 See "Histoire de Bretagne," &c., par Murray's "Handbook for Travellers in
Pierre le Bavd, chap, i., p. 2. France," sect. ii. , route 36, p. 125.
3"^ See M. Michelet's " Histoire de ■*' It has not been at all proved, however,
France," tomei., liv., ii., cap. i., p. 176, and that the Rigual in question was the son of
n. 2, ibid. Paris, 1835, et suiv, 8vo. Hoel I., who ruled from A.D. 509 to 545
37 See Le SieurF. deMezeray's "Histoire See M. Daru's "Histoire de Bretagne,"
de France depuis Faramond jusqu'au Regne tome i., liv. ii., pp. 146 to 150.
de Louis le Juste. Enrichie de plusilurs belles '•'^ According to an abridged Legend of St.
et rares Antiquitez^et de la vie de Reynes," Brioc's Life, and the Manuscript Memoirs of
&c., tome i., liv. iv., sect, xvi., p. 243. A P. du Paz.
Paris, A.D. 1685, fol. ''3 The accompanying engraving, by Mrs.
38 The Bollandist editor says : " Traditio Millard, was drawn on the wood by William
tst appulisse ad portum Trecorium, tibi dein F. Wakeman, from an original French
urbs episcopalis Trecora sen Trecorium con- etching.
slructatsi." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., "•* Formerly called Maclovius. or Maclo-
Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, n. (d), p. 94. viopolis. a city of Celtic Gaul. It was called
39 The Proper Office of St. Brieuc's church Aletha, and Alethum. St. Malo arose from
makes this number 84. the ruins of this latter place. It has a good
■*° On it, St. Brieuc is now situated. See port, and it is favourably situated for com-
3°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May I.
Like the soldiers of Caesar, St. Brieuc and his companions proceeded into
forests devoted to druidic rites, and examined them with great curiosity. Hav-
ing recognised the holy man as a relative, Riguel gave him the house and lands
of Champ-du-Rouvre,'*7 with all their dependencies. St. Brieuc choose for him-
self a site, in a place called the " double valley." This was divided by a
transparent stream. He had the great trees and copsewood cut down ; then,
he had recourse to the spade and hoe, to dig and weed the soil.'*^ Here, he
City and Cathedral of St. Brieux, France.
built a monastery and church, which were immediately dedicated to St.
Stephen. We are told, that he restored Count Rigual to health, on the occa-
sion of his visit.'^? This nobleman manifested his gratitude, by his liberality
towards our saint.5° It is then said, that a pleasant fountain flowed by our
saint's monastery, which was very near a river, that emptied itself into the
Cessonian port, now better known as the Bay of St. Brieux.s^
merce ; having been built on the small island
of St. Aaron, now joined by abridge to the
mainland. See Bavdrand's " Novum Lexi-
con Geograpliicuni," tomus i., p. 442.
^s This place was also known as Treco-
rium. See ;/'/(/., tomus ii., ]•>. 279.
^' See Lcs Petits Bollandistes' "Vies des
Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai,
p. 196.
^' In Latin, " Aulam Campi Roboris."
*' See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les
Moines de rOccidcnt," tome ii., livre viii.,
chap, iii., p. 433.
« In the Proper Office of St. Brieuc's
church.
5° "Le Grand scribit hunc comitem Rigua-
lem primo obfuisse, verum morbo occupatum
destitisse, et dein sanatum pisestitisse favo*
rem." — " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i.jActaS. Brioci, n. (e), p. 94.
5' See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. Abb(? Tresvaux, tome
premier, pp. 78, 79, and " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 8,
p. 93.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 31
CHAPTER III.
PENITENTIAL EXERCISBS OF ST. BRIEUC — HE HEALS A PARALYTIC — SPECULATIONS
REGARDING HIS EPISCOPACY — HE ASSISTS COUNT RIGUEL DURING HIS LAST ILL-
NESS — ST. BRIEUC'S HAPPY DEPARTURE — PLACES ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEATH —
REMARKABLE VISIONS AT THE TIME — BURIED IN THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH, AT
ST. BRIEUX — TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS TO THE CHURCH OF ST. SERGIUS AND
ST. BACCHUS, AT ANGERS — SUBSEQUENT REMOVAL OF HIS RELICS TO ST. BRIEUX—
MEMORIALS AND FESTIVALS OF THE HOLY MAN— CONCLUSION.
St. Brieuc lived within his new house, in an admirable manner, and he be-
stowed every care on the instruction of all its neighbouring people, until, as
stated, about the year 500. Although, at this time, it is said, he was over ninety
years of age ; yet, such an unusual term of life did not diminish his zeal and
austerities ; on the contrary, the more he advanced in years, the more his
fervour seemed increasing, as manifested by his great fasts and other peniten-
tial exercises. We are assured, he wrought many miracles, in that country,
which he inhabited. Among other favours, he procured the healing of a poor
paralytic, whom his friends were obliged to bring on a litter, or hand-barrow.
This man, owing to the wise designs of Providence, had been conducted towards
his house, having been borne by two men. These wandered from their course,
in the midst of a wood ; but, towards the commencement of night, they for-
tunately arrived at the monastery gate, where they demanded hospitality. In
order to appease that inquietude, which their families naturally experienced
on their account, St. Brioc sent them back to their homes, having first directed
them on their way. He retained, however, the infirm man with himself. To
procure his restoration, the saint spent a whole night in prayer. Next morn-
ing, those two men, having come to seek the paralytic, had the great satisfac-
tion of finding him perfectly restored. This miracle increased St. Brieuc's
fame throughout that whole district of country ; and, people flocked to
him from all parts, to consult him, on a variety of matters, but more especially
to receive his advice on those affairs, that concerned their immortal souls.
The strange silence of St. Brieuc's Legend, and of its Abridgment,
which do not mention his episcopacy, and which reveal nothing, that should
lead us to infer it, coupled with the circumstance, that he had not a known
successor as such to the time of Nomino^, who is said to have erected the
monastery of St. Brieuc into a bishopric, should almost induce a belief, of our
saint not having been a bishop. However, a marble tomb, found in the year
I2IO, gave him such a title. This is confirmed, likewise, by popular tradi-
tion, and in a legend, cited by Pierre Le Bavd.^ There is reason to believe,
Brieuc had been consecrated bishop, in his own country, and by those pre-
lates, from whom he demanded priests for new churches he had founded,
and, at a time, when he converted many of his own country people. Perhaps,
also, he was only consecrated a regionary bishop, without his having any par-
ticular see, or local title." Among the number of those, who entertained the
highest idea concerning the virtue and wisdom of God's holy servant, was
Riguel himself. This nobleman, after having ceded his house of Champ-du-
Rouvre to St. Brieuc, retired to the house of Helion or Hilion.3 Heretofore,
this chateau bore the name of Vieille Stable, or Coz-Crau. As our saint had
CHAPTER III. — ' In his " Histoire de pp. 79, 80.
Bretagne," chap, xxix., p. 214. 3 According to the Archives of the Church
' See Lobineau's " Viesdes Saints de Bre- of Nantes.
tagne," par M. Abb^ Tresvaux, tome i., '♦See Les Petits Bollandistes "Vies
32 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a singular devotion towards the Holy Mother of God, he caused an oratory
to be built, sufficiently near his cathedral, and on the borders of a stream.
This was known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Fontaine, and thither he often retired
to offer his prayers.* For him, this formed a sort of hermitage.s Having
attained a very advanced age, and finding himself in a dangerous state of ill-
ness, the Castellan declared, that he would receive Holy Viaticum fromBrieuc's
hands. He said to those, who entreated him to partake of the last sacra-
ments, he trusted in the mercy of Jesus Christ, that he should not die, until
he had received absolution and holy communion, through tlie ministry of our
saint. To Brieuc, the Count sent a pressing message, to come and see him,
in this extremity. St. Brieuc got ready his chariot, to visit the sick nobleman ;
for, his extreme old age did not allow him to travel, in any other manner.
During his journey, St. Brioc was surrounded by a crowd of his religious, who
followed, and who sang psalms and canticles of praise to God, whilst on
their way. We are even told, that the Almighty caused our saint to hear a
heavenly harmony, which re-echoed to his own hymns, and in commemoration
of this miracle, that Brieuc stopped on his way, to plant a cross, destined to
be a memorial of this signal favour. Having reached Rigual's house, by his
prayers, exhortations and good counsels, the saint contributed to procure for
that nobleman, the inestimable happiness of departing life, in a truly Christian
manner. In recompense for such service, Rigual the Count presented him
with his castle, with the land cultivated by his dependents, and with the
lordship of the whole parish.^
The saintly old Bishop did not long survive the death of Riguel.
Having an intimation, that the time for his heavenly birth approached,
Brioc called together all his brethren. To their prayers he particularly
recommended himself, while he exhorted them, with words of piety and
wisdom. A fever, which seized upon the saint, warned him that dissolution
might shortly be expected. A fast of six days having been enjoined on all
his brethren, and performed by them, St. Brioc received Holy Viaticum, and
imparted his last benediction to the monks. He then sweetly breathed his
last, it is thought by some, about a.d. 502 ^ — others will have it about 614 ^ —
being more than ninety years of age. The legend adds, that at the time of
his death, a chamber in which he expired was filled with an aromatic odour,
which continued until the moment appointed for his interment. According
to the general concurrence of writers, 9 he died at Brieuc ; and, in the reli-
gious house he had there founded. However, Saussay '° places his death at
Angers, probably deceived by the fact, that the greater par^ of his relics had
been preserved in that city, as shall be subsequently related." A great num-
ber of miracles rendered testimony to his glorious heritage in heaven, and to
his love of God, while upon earth. It is added, that at the moment of his
des Saints," tome v., Premier Jour de Mai, death. It is said, that "having gone to
p. 196. Angers on ecclesiastical business, he there
s See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of breathed his last." — " Lives of the Engli>h
the Saints," vol. v., May i, p. 21. Saints," No. ix., part i., cap. xvi , p. 169.
* See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- "° In his Gallic Martyrology, at the 50th
tagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i., of April.
pp. 80, 81. " Cressy, who translates Saussay's ac-
1 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the count, thus continues : " From thence
Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal (Angers) iiis Body was carried back, and
Saints," vol. v., May I. with great honour buried in the Church,
* See Les Petits Bollandistes " Vies which himself had built, where frequent
des Saints," tome v., Premier Jour de Mai, miracles were wrought at his Relicks. Tlius
p. 196. as he gave his name to the Monastery, Town,
9 However, the Life of St. German, com- and ^Iother-Clulrch of that Dioce>e. so he
piled by Puseyite wriiers, gives a different likewise afforded continual jirotcction to
account, regarding the place of St. Briocus' them." See *' Church History of Brittany,"
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 33
departure, visions announced this happy event for two disciples, who then
dwelt in Grande-Lande monastery. One of these, named Marcan, a good
and religious man, who is venerated as the patron of a parish in Dol's ancient
diocese, is said to have seen his soul carried away, in the shape of a dove, by
Angels. T\\t\x flamboyante wings were emblematic of our saint's great charity.
Another, named Sivian or Sieu,'^ saw our saint, in a dream, and all brilliant
with light, mounting by a ladder, which reached towards heaven, while it was
surrounded by mutitudes of angels. On the morning after this vision, being
much excited, he hastened to the monastery of Vaux,'3 to be the better
informed, regarding what had occurred. While sailing from Great towards
Lesser Brittany, the devil appeared to him, when sleeping on the ship's poop,
during the middle of the night, and that evil spirit endeavoured to suffocate
the voyager. Having invoked tlie name of St. Brieuc, and implored his suc-
cour, Sivian was rescued from every danger. Arriving at the monastery for
which he was bound, Sivian heard,'concerning the death of their common father,
from his religious. In turn, the disciple related th.it vision he had experienced,
and that subsequent danger, from which he had been delivered. This account
filled all with great joy, and caused them to return the Almighty thanks for
testimonies afforded, regarding the undoubted beatification of their dear
deceased patron. It is probable, that Lan-Sieu parish church '+ has derived
its name, from the person, who had this extraordinary vision.
The body of St. Brieuc is said to have been buried in the cathedral church, ^5
attached to his monastery. Many and famous are those miracles on record,
whereby the Almighty distinguished St. Brioc's merits, either when his name
had been invoked, or when his tomb had been visited, by children of the faith.
In paintings, he is represented, as treading on a dragon, or with a column of
fire, which designated him for ordination, according to popular tradition.'^ The
Sannmarthani suppose, that about a.d. 846, the monastery of St. Brieuc was
constituted an episcopal See, by Nomengius or Nominoe, a ruler over this
part of Brittany. To him succeeded a son Herispogius, also called Ylispo-
dius.'7 He ruled from 862, until the year 866, when he was slain. Between
the years 862 and 866, whilst Ylispodius ruled over Brittany, a translation of
our saint's relics took place. Then they were brought to the church of St.
Sergius and Bacchus,'^ near Angers, owing to an irruption of the Northmen
invaders. There they were afterwards honourably kept, and holy Brioc's body
was preserved in the monastic church of those venerable patrons, '9 almost in its
entirety, and for a long lapse of ages. At aperiod when St. Brieuc's relics were
removed from St.Stephen'schurch — which had been founded by the holy Bishop
— in order to be transferred to the abbey of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus, at
Book ix., chap, xiv., pp. 189, 190. Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome
'^ In the Bollandist account^ this person is i., pp. 81, 82.
name Simanus. He is said to have lived, "^ The monastery of St. Sergius and of St.
in the Coiritician country, at this time. He Bacchus, had been erected during the
was a religious man, likewise, and x disciple seventh century, and it existed at a time Hen-
of St. Brioc. schennius edited the Acts of our saint. See
'3 St. Brieux was so called, because it is at "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail i. Acta
the junction of several valleys. See l^ev. S. S. Brioci, Commentarius Previus, sect. 7, p.
Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. 92, and Vita ex Proprio Officio Ecclesi^ S.
v., May I., p. 21. Brioci, sect. 9, and n. (f), p. 94. Ibid.
"t It is situated near St. Malo. '' According to Mabillon, although the
'5 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies origin of this monastery is buried in obscu-
des Saints," tome v., Premier Jour de Mai, rity, a charter issued during the reign of
p. 196. Chlodoveus Junior shows, that it was then
'* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of in existence. See "Annates Ordinis S.
the Saints," vol. v., May i, p. 21. Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xiii., sect, xxvii.,
'7 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de p. 389.
C
34 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
Angers, they were placed in a sack,^" formed of deer-skin, when Erispoe was
Duke over Bretagne. In the year 965, Salvator, bishop of Aleth, had carried
a part of these precious remains to Paris, where they were deposited, in St.
Barthelemi's church.^' In 988, another portion of those rehcs had been placed
in a new church, built at Crepy in Valois, whitlier they had been brouglit
from Cliartres. The church of St. Benoit-sur- Loire possessed likewise asmall
fragment of St. Brieuc's relics. That Sunday, which fell on the last day of
July, A.D. 1 166 — although the body of our saint was not entire, at this period
— a translation of his relics took place. It was conducted in a solemn and
public manner, in presence of Henry II., King of England. Most probably,
at this time, the relics of St. Brieuc were deposed in that shrine, where Peter,
Bishop of Brieuc, afterwards discovered tliem, and from which they could
not be removed, without a goldsmith's assistance. Besides Henry II.,
King of England, Conon, Count of Bretagne, William, Bishop of Angers,
William, Abbot of St. Serge, William, Abbot of St. Aubin, Hugh, Abbot of
St. Nicholas, William, Abbot of St. Maur-sur-Loire, and William, Abbot of
All Saints, at Angers, were assembled on this interesting occasion. ^^
In the year 12 10, while Philip was king over France, and Peter
was bishop at St. Brieuc, this latter had been apprized by his clergy,
from the time of his appointment to the See, that the diocesan Patron's
holy relics had been preserved, in the church of St. Sergius and St.
Bacchus. The bishop resolved, by labouring effectually, to procure, at
least, a part of these precious remains. He was informed, that no other
relic belonging to holy Brieuc had been preserved in the church to
which he was collated, and which had its name from our saint, except-
ing a bell and a band, or fillet, that formerly belonged to or had some connec-
tion with the venerated patron. On hearing this. Bishop Peter went to
Angers, in order to accomplish the object of his most earnest desires. He
prudently resolved, to request the presence of the bishop and leading clergy
of that city, at an interview, together with the abbot and brothers of the
monastery of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. To this assembly also were in-
vited persons of distinction, in that part of the country. He greatly desired to
secure a unanimous expression of assent, for his pious request. Accordingly, all
were assembled in the church of Angers, at an appointed day and hour. There,
Bishop Peter preached a most eloquent sermon from the holy Scriptures, to
the great delight and edification of his audience. So persuasive were his
words, we are told, that if this bishop had sought the greater part of their
monastery, its monks would have yielded to his demand, so powerfully were
their hearts moved by his impressive eloquence. But, temporal gifts were
not an object of ambition for the Bishop of Brieuc. This prelate declared, he
'° Regarding that portion of them, once corpus S. Brioci Confessoris Episcopi in
preserved at Angers, nothing now re- ecclesiaB. Sergii.qureest Andegavis, ethono-
mains. rifice repositum in eadem Eccltsia, officium
^' That cliurch has no present existence, prasbente Guilelmo Andegavensium Epis-
but within it had been erected a chapel, for- copo, assistentibus Guillelmo ejusdem Ec-
mcrly dedicated to our saint. desire Abbate, Guillelmo B. Albini, Hu-
^' The account of this solemn translation gone S. Nicolai, Guillelmo B. Manri Abba-
is thus described, in a charter, beloni;iiig to ti bus, cum multo Cleri populique tripudio,
the same monastery, and edited by Mabillon. Guillclmus Omnium Sanctorum Abbas huic
It runs in the following terms :" Hcnricus, Translationi inteifuit, et Conanus Comes
Rex Anglorum, et Dux Normannorum et Biitaiinia.' See I.obineau's Vies des
Aquitnnorum, et Come; Andcgavorum, om- Saints de Bretagne," par M. 1 Abbe Tres-
niluis Sanctre Eccle>ia; Dei tiliis salutem. vaux, pp. 85, 86, and n. (l) ibid. Also,
Noverit universitas vestra, quod anno ab " Acta Sanctorum," tomus L Maii i. Acta
Incarnationc Domini MCLXVi et regni nos- S. Brioci. Commentarius PoEvius., sect. 7,
trix.,pridie Kalendas Augusti, Luna xxx., p. 92.
die Dominica, me presente translatum est "^ It is most likely, thi? rscription was in
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35
only desired a part of the holy patron's remains, such object being the sole mo-
tive of his present visit to Angers. If the venerable abbot of the place would
graciously hear his petition, he engaged, that the church of St. Brieuc should
feel for ever indebted to that of his abbey. As St. Brieuc's chief pastor, the
bishop ottered with grateful thanks, the advantages of an inseparable alliance,
which should continue through ages yet to come, between both religious
establishments. The abbot then retired to hold a conference with his reli-
gious. At first, he feared to comply with the bishop's request, lest he might
incur the saint's displeasure. However, on matured deliberation, he con-
sidered it inexpedient, to refuse the reasonable request of his pious supplicant.
This latter resolution obtained, in fine, the unanimous concurrence of all his
brethren. In order that he might avoid opposition from any recusant or wounded
feeling, which might be manifested in or out of the monastery, on account of
this partition[of our saint's remains, the abbot selected a time, for accomplish-
ment of his resolution, when all the inmates of his house had retired to rest,
and after a recital of the midnight office. When they had retired, the abbot
received anew assurances given to him by Bishop Peter. He caused these
promises to be repeated in presence of chosen witnesses, who had already
heard the first guarantees offered. After Matins had been concluded, and
while the monks sought retirement and rest in their dormitories, the Abbot
and Fathers, who were conscious regarding what must succeed, repaired to the
church, being clothed with white garments. They removed that silver shrine,
containing our saint's relics, from the top of their altar, and in presence of the
Bishop. By aid of a goldsmith, the reliquary was soon opened. Then, St.
Brioc's remains were found enclosed, and within a covering made of deer-skin.
A marble tablet was discovered, and on it was found engraved an inscription
to this effect : " Here lies the body of the most holy Confessor Brioc, Bishop
of Brittan}^, which had been brought by Ylispodius, King of the Bretons, to
this church, which, at that time, was his chapel."^3 On reading this inscrip-
tion, all who were present — not being sufficiently instructed regarding past
history — were surprised to hear the name of a king, hitherto little known to
them. His kingdom, nevertheless, extended as far as Vendomois, according
to ancient and authentic records. When the shrine had been opened, a most
agreeable odour was diffused around the jolace, in which these assistants
officiated. The abbot then presented the Breton Bishop with an arm, two
ribs, and a joint of St. Brieuc's neck.^4 These remains were received, as an
incomparable treasure. They were placed in a precious vase, and committed
to the care of the treasurer of Angers church. This man was a particular
friend to Bishop Peter. Being now ready to take his departure, as the chief
object of his desire had thus been happily effected, on the following morning,
the prelate assisted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and then began to think of
returning to his episcopal See. He hastened to resume the homeward jour-
ney, as a vigilant guardian of his precious treasure. The bishop and clergy
of Angers accompanied him in solemn procession towards the city gates,
while they sang hymns and canticles in praise of that illustrious saint, whose
relics were then being removed, and to that city which bore his name. We
cannot feel surprised, that full of joy on account of having such a treasure,
Bishop Peter had a dream, while asleep on that very night, and regarding
Latin, the original of which may be found pella sua, Yh'spodius Rex Britannorum."
thus rendered, in the Bollandists' collection, Lobineau has rendered it into French.
at the 1st of May. It runs as follows: -■'See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies
"Hie jacet corpus Beatissimi Confessoris des Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai.
Brioci Episcopi Britannia;, quod detulit ad p. 196.
basilicam istam, quae tunc temporis erat ca- 'S Mabillon relates, that the monastery of
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a matter, which had afforded him such agreeable occupation during the pre-
vious day. He imagined, that surrounded by an astonishing hght, St. Brioc
had appeared to liim and said : "Take care, my son, that those rehcsbe pre-
served with due honour in my church." On receiving this admonition, the
bishop sent innnediately word to the St. Brieux clergy and people, to warn
them about his happy return, and requesting them to be ready for reception
of their holy patron's remains, on the i8th of October, the festival day of St
Luke. In obedience to their pious bishop's command, a vast multitude of
persons on the day appointed came to meet him, with all the religious solem-
nity and joy, that could be desired or imagined. Among the rest, Alain I.,
Count of Pentiiievre, of Gonello, Guingamp, Avaugour, &c., son to Henry,
Count of Penthievre and to Matilda of Vendome, assisted at this grand cere-
mony. The Count prostrated himself on earth, to venerate the holy relics of St.
Bricuc, He even received them, and bore them within his own arms, to the
cathedral church. ^5 it is said, that at the moment of entrance into this edifice,
the sacred relics were heard to emit sounds, as if they had been animated,
and as if they had made an effort to issue from that vase, in which they had
been carried. Such strange prodigy was regarded as an indication of joy,
manifested by St. Brieuc, when a portion of his remains entered a place,
that formerly had been so dear to him, where he had received so many graces
from Heaven, and where God's power had been manifested by wonderful
miracles accorded to the people's faith, and to their holy patron's prayers.^^
The monument dedicated to this saint, in St. Sergius' and St.
Bacchus' church, which had been erected into a parish, was destroyed
some years previous to the revolution of 1789. It is said, this Vandalic
act was intended to prevent certain superstitious practices. At present,
St. Brioc's ring is preserved in Brieuc. The mayor and his corporate
civic companions proceeded with certain public ceremonies to kiss his
ring, on the annual return of each May-day. =7 Before the French revolution,
the sacred relics of this saint were enclosed in a silver shrine, and they
were saved from profanation, at that iconoclastic period. In the year
1820, Monseigneur Hyacinthe de Qu^len — afterwards Bishop of Paris, and
at that time. Coadjutor of the same See ^^ — presented a beautiful reliquary of
gilt bronze, for the reception of our saint's relics. That prelate had been a
priest of St. Brieux diocese, and an honorary canon of the same church. In
the reliquary presented, the saint's remains are now preserved. ^9
He was venerated, as the principal patron of that diocese and city, which
bore his name. In works of art, he was often represented with a purse or
aumoniire; and, he was regarded as the special patron of purse-makers, pro-
bably because this branch of industry had flourished formerly in the city of
St. Brieuc.3° The festival of St. Brieux had been formerly celebrated, on the
ist of May, as found in ancient Manuscripts. 3^ Molanus and other writers 3*
have fixed his chief festival, at the ist of May. Still, the name of St. Brieuc is
not found in the Roman Martyrology. However, it occurs in the Martyrologies
St. Brioc, founded in the sixth century, be- ^9 See Lobineau's "Viesdes Saints de
came converted into an episcopal seat and Bretagne," par M.L' Abbe Tresvaux, tome i.,
city. See " AnnalesOrdinis S. Benedicti," pp. 82 to 85, and n. (i). Ibid.
tomus i., lib. vi., sect, xxv., p. 152. 3° See Les Petits Bollandists' "Vies des
^* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.. Mail Saints," tome v.. Premier Jour de Mai, p.
i., Acta S. Brioci. Historia Translationis, 196. •
sect. I, 2, 3, p. 94. 3' In Manuscriptis Cassinensi, S. Bene-
''^ See Lot)ine.iu's "Vies des Saints de dicti, et in Romano Ducis Altempsii.
Bretap;ne," par M. L'Abbe TresY.iux, tome ^- See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
i., p. 82, and n. (2), p. 85. Ibid. i., Acta S. Brioci, Comnientarius Prxvius,
'* He then bore for title Archbishop of sect. 2, p. 91.
Trajanopolis. 33 According to Albert de Grand, who
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 37
of France, as also in Anglo-Saxon Litanies of the seventh century. St. Brioc's
festival was celebrated, likewise, on the 29th of April. 33 It has probably-
happened, that Sausiajus has transferred his feast to the 30th of April. 3+ His
office is recited, in the dioceses of Tours, Rennes, Nantes and Quimper.
Heretofore, St. Brioc was equally honoured in those of Dol, Treguier, Saint-
Pol de Leon and Saint-Malo. St. Brioc's whole ecclesiastical office,35 having
a proper Prayer,3^ had been recited, and continued during the octave, in the
diocese of St. Brieuc;37 while, the feast of St. Philip and St. James, Apostles
— occurring also on the ist of May — was transferred to the first festival day,
not pre-occupied by the recital of a Nine Lesson Office. But, since the year
1804, St. Brioc's feast has been assigned to the second Sunday after Easter.
The chief Celtic nations seem to have specially honoured this holy man.
The anonymous calendar, and Henry Fitzsimon's List of Irish Saints,3S have
classed the present holy bishop among them.39 There are two parish churches
in St. Malo's ancient diocese, and these acknowledge our saint, as their
patron, viz., that of St. Brieuc, near Montmuran, and that of St. Brieuc, at
Mauron. The parish of St. Breock in Cornwall and on the River Camel,
was dedicated to St. Brioc, and its fair was held, on the first day of May,-*"
. said to have been the date for the translation of his relics.'*^ St. Brioc was
venerated as a patron, in many places of Scotland.'^^ Thus, he was patron of
Rothesay, where his name is preserved in St. Brock's Fair, on the first Wednes-
day in May. 'IS At the i6th of November is Bryak — ? Brioc — fair, but it is
assigned to no particular place.'*'^ The same dedication occurs in Inchbrayoch,
an island in the South Esk, just below Montrosc^s Dunrod, in Kircud-
brightshire, was dedicated to St. Mary and St. Brioc*^ A cliapel was dedica-
ted to a St. Breagh,t7 in the barony of Forth, and county of Wexford, towards
the close of the seventeenth century. No date is assigned for his feast. The
church was pulled down, not very long ago, and a schoolhouse was erected on
its site. Some time about 1680, or probably before it, certain miraculous
accidents are said to have happened. The Almighty demonstrated his indig-
nation with signal severity, against the contemners and scoffers of his beatified
servants, to the confusion and immediate chastisement of the impious blas-
phemers at this place. The incident is not mentioned, although in the neigh-
bourhood, it seems to have been well known. The violators of things and
cites the Breviary of Laon, a diocese in Ar- Anglia, Echard i., RTaii Mol.
moric Britain. 39 See O'SulIevan Beare's Historic Catho-
3-* According to Henschenn. licas Ibernise Compendium," tomus i., lib.
35 It was published at St. Brieux, a.d. iv., cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 53.
MDCXXi., by authority of Andrew le Pore, '•° See Smith's and Wace's *' Dictionary of
Bishop of St. Brieuc. Christian Biography," vol. i., p. 338.
3^ The following is the prayer: "Bea- ■♦'See Haddan's and Stubbs' "Councils
tissimi Confessoris tui atque Pontificis and Ecclesiastical Documents relating to
Brioci, quaesumus Domine, precibus adjuve- Great Britain and Ireland," Appendix B,
mur in cujus meritis semper es gloriosus et vol. i., p. 31, and cf. ii., 'j'i,, 86.
vehementer glorificandus." — " Acta Sancto- ''- See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
rum," tomus i., Mail i., Acta S. Brioci, Com- tish Saints," p. 291.
mentarius Preevius, sect, i., p. 91. ■'3 See " Origines Parochiales Scotias," vol.
37 It is stated, that the Lessons were to be ii., pp. 223, 239.
found in very old Breviaries. " Sed quo- "♦* The Aberdeen Ahnanack of 1665, in
niam non ea sermonis erat puritas, quse the list of Faires of Fayre Scotland,
legentes non offenderet, recitantibus que "•= See Preface to "Regisirum Vetus de
fastidium non ingeneraret, quod erat inso- Aberbrothock," pp. 28, 339.
lens et barbarum, germane Latinitati sic ''* See "Liber Sanctas Crucis, " p. 20.
restituere conati sumus, ut et humilior non "^ Herbert F. Here asks, whether the pre-
esset oratio, et ab Ecclesias lenitate non sent saint's name is meant for St. Brioc or St.
abesset." Bridget?
3* Thelatter notes, Briocus a quo S. Brieve in *^ See ' ' A Brief Description of the barony
38 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
places dedicated to Divine service are specially rebuked/^ Moreover, Arnold
Wion, Dorganius, Menard, and Bucelinus, in their Martyrologies, as also An-
tonius Yepez, in his Benedictine Chronicle, at the year 556, state, that our saint
and those monasteries he founded might be claimed by the Benedictines. If,
as has been supposed, St. Brioc was initiated to the reHgious life, and had
received his early education in Ireland ; or, if he founded monasteries in
Ceretica, the same pious rule established by St. David of Menevia must have
been followed, by this holy patron of Brieuc city. The Britons of Armorica and
of Cambria seem to have followed the same religious order of life, in the time
of Germanus of Auxerre, who is said to have been the master of St. Brioc.
This being admitted, the latter must have been St. Benedict's senior by many
years.43 The founder of the Benedictine order, first saw the light, in the year
480. Wherefore, at the first Benedictine age, the learned Father John Mabillon5°
prefers placing our saint, among those pretermitted ; because, as he had
already observed, the monasteries in Armoric Britain were not subject univer-
sally to his order, in the time of St. Brioc. Nor could he find anything cer-
tain, from ancient documents, about his religious foundation, except the
statement, that it was built in the sixth century.51
Article III. — St. Ultan, Abbot of Fosse, in Belgium. [^Seventh
Century.'] Already in a previous volume, we have given the Life of St.
Fursey,' Abbot of Lagny, at some length ; and, as having a close relation
with that remarkable saint's career, we must associate his brothers. Saints
Foillan and Ultan. A distinct feast for the latter holy man belongs to this
date. An ancient Manuscript copy * of St. Ado's Martyrology, preserved in
the monastery of St. Laurence, at Liege, has this statement, with a lengthened
eulogy of St. Ultan, embracing the particulars of his Life. This is found,
also, transcribed into a Manuscript copy of Florarius, relating to the saints.
It agrees with the generally received accounts. Allusion is made to St. Ultan,
at an early period, in the work of Venerable Bede.3 Constantine Ghinius ^
notices St. Ultan, among the holy Canons. At the istof May, the Benedic-
tines and Bollandists s have the Acts of St. Ultan, ^ Abbot at Fosse and Per-
rone. While the former claim him, as a Benedictine Saint, Father Godefrid
Henschen denies it, and asserts, that those celebrated brothers only followed
the monastic rule,? which prevailed in Ireland, during th.eir period. Mirseus
has a notice of him at this date.^ It would seem, that Colgan had prepared
of Fort, in the county of Wexford, togetlier later writers.
with a Relation of the Disposition and some ^ ,See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis An-
peculiar Customs of the Ancient and Present glorum," lib. iii., cap. xix.
Native Inhabitants thereof." — "Journal of ^ " In Natalibus Sanctorum Canonico-
the Kilkenny and .South-ea.-t of Ireland rum."
ArchKological Society." New Series, vol. s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
iv., part i., p. 69, and n. (6). Mali i. De S. Ultano Abbate Fossis et Pe-
*9 See Father Hennschenn's remarks, in ronre, pp. 1 18, 119.
" Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mali i. De S. *" Legend urn ejus Elogium historicum
Brioco. Commenlarius Praevius, sect. 6, sreculosecuiulo Benedictino, et in Actis SS.
p. 92. Boliandianis ad diem primam Mail." — Cri-
5° In " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene- tices pagii apud Baronius, " Annates Ecclesi-
dicti." astici," tome xi., A. i). 654, sect. viii.
s' See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S. ' Ilensciien sup["Osed this to be the rule
Benedicti," tomus i., lib. vi., sect, xxv., established by St. Columbanus — we pre-
p. 152. sunie to say, he meant St. Columba, Abbot
Article III. — ' See his Life, in vol. i., of lona.
of this work, at January xvi. * See " Festi Belgici et Burgundici," pp.
' It has been interpolated, however, by 223, 224.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
39
materials to give the Life of this saint, for the ist of May ;9 and, at this date,
Bishop Challenor '° has placed St. Uitan. He is also known by the name of
Outain," the French rendering for Ultanus. The ancient Lives of St. Fursey
throw most light on his history. The later Life of St. Fursey, written by John
Desmay, has also allusion to this holy man. It may be observed, that Saints
Foillan and Ultan were brothers to St. Fursey, and the name of the father
was Fintan, dynast over one of the small principalities in Munster. Else-
where, we have seen, that they were said to be sons to the King of Lein-
ster," but this is incorrect. However, we are told, they were children to
Hugh Bannin, King of Munster, according to the History of the Saints of
Ireland.'3 Ultan was the eldest of the three brothers; and all received the
benefit of a most excellent education. The brothers Ultan and Foillan
remained with their parents, while St. Fursey was absent on the western isles
of Ireland ; and, both continued to lead religious lives, notwithstanding the
many dissipations of society, and the temptations, to which they were exposed.
On the return of their brother, however, he persuaded them to embrace the
monastic profession. Under his direction, they passed some time at Cno-
bersburg,^4 now Burgh Castle,'^ in the shire of Suffolk, in England. Here, a
religious establishment was formed, owing to the munificence of King Sige-
frid, their patron and protector. St. Fullen was set over this house, while
both his brothers sought a penitential retirement, in a neighbouring desert.
There, for a whole year,'^ St. Fursey and St. Ultan lived as anchorites. This
happened, during the reign of Sigebert over East Anglia.'? Afterwards, St.
Fursey resolved on leaving England for France, in consequence of the dis-
orders created by Penda, King of the Mercians. Taking with him Saints Ultan
and Foillan, with other companions, according to some accounts, St. Fursey
went over to Gaul, in the year 640, or perhaps somewhat later. There, he
founded a monastery at Lagny. Other statements arrange it, that having been
charged to look after the religious establishment in Britain,'^ his brothers did
not accompany him to Gaul ; but, that they arrived there, only after his death.
It is even said, that St. Fursey, after his arrival in Gaul, resolved to go back,
in order to visit them in England, but his death occurred, before he could
accomplish that purpose. After the demise of St. Fursey, in France, about
the year 650, his brothers. Saints Ultan and Foillan, arc thought to have left
England for the Continent. According to one account, St. Foillan, excited
by the desire and intentions of his brother Fursey, went to Rome, in order to
receive the Pontifical Benediction from Pope Martin I., who then sat in the
Chair of Peter.^9 He is said to have been accompanied there, by his brother
5 According to his " Catalogus Actuum '= gee an account of this place in Lewis'
Sanctorum qu£e MS. habenter, ordine Men- "Topographical Dictionary of England,"
slum etDierum." vol. i., p. 436.
'° See "Britannia Sancta," part i., p. '° The date has been variously ascribed to
275. years, between 63340 639.
'' See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des '^ According to Matthew of Westminster,
Saints," tome v., Premier Jour de Mai, he ascended the throne of the East Angles,
p. 144. A.D. 636. See " Flores Historiarum," p.
" Such is Hanmer's account. See "Chro- 221.
nicle of Ireland," p. 152. '^ See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
'^ See the Preface to Haliday's Transla- rum," tomus i.. Mail i. l)e S. Ultano Abbate
tion of K eating's "History of Ireland," Fossis et Peronce, sect. 3, p. 118.
vol. i. , p. Ixix. '9 " Foillianus Romam ivit, petiturus a
'■• Here there had been a celebrated Roman Martino Pontifice Episcopalem benediction-
encampment, and within its bounds, St. em ad infidelium conversionem ; quaaccepta,
Fursey built his monastery. The place is ad Gallias venit." — Molanus, in " Natalibus
supposed to have been the Roman Gariano- Sanctorum Belgii," die xxxi. Octobris.
num. '■"' See " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
40 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
St. Ultan. However, Dr. Lanigan, seems to think, that Foillan in the interval
between that period and his own death was so much occupied in
Brabant, that he had no time to visit Rome.^° The Sovereign Pontiff is
related to have consecrated St. Foillan as a Regionary Bishop, and to have
given him permission to preach, on account of his great zeal and fervour.
This journey to Rome and his consecration are denied by others ; yet, as we
are assured, without good proof.^' Yet, if this journey to Rome took place, it
must have been, as supposed, after St. Fursey's death. ^^ Having received
power to preach the Gospel among the infidels, St. Foillan is said to have left
Rome, and to have directed his journey towards Gaul, accompanied by his
brother St. Ultan. They first went to Lagny, where St. Fursey had lived, and
thence, they passed to Perrone, where his remains were deposed. ^^ On St.
Foillan's return from Rome, he is stated to have rejoined his brother Ultan,
who then lived in the diocese of Cambray. In company, they traversed the
whole country around, spreading a knowledge of the Gospel, wherever they
came.^+ As the Acts of St. Foillan often style him Praesul, we are led to con-
clude, that he received episcopal consecration, at some period of his life. The
Mayor of King Clovis, who is also called the Patrician Erchinoald, had
erected two great religious establishments ; one of these was near his castle of
Perrone, on the mountain of Cignes, and the other was at a place, called
Mount St. Quintin. According to Desmay, St. Fursey ordered St. Ultan with
some religious to occupy Perrone ; where, it is said, both of the brothers met ;
while this statement is discredited, by most writers. St. Fursey was buried
in the new church, which had been built at Perrone. St. Foillan was present
at the translation of his brother Fursey's remains, in the year 654, according
to some accounts. ^5 About this time, Ituberga, widow of Pepin de Landen,
Mayor over the Palace of Austrasie, with her daughter, St. Gertrude,^^ Abbess,
lived at Nivelle, between Mons and Brussels, in Brabant. A religious com-
munity of men, as of women, had been established here; and, the two
brothers, directing their steps towards this city, applied for admission among
the brothers, and were received. Their virtues and talents so far recom-
mended them to tlie notice of St. Gertrude, that they were appointed to in-
struct the religious under her rule, in psalmody and in religious practices.
Even those villages and hamlets, where the monastic tenants resided, received
the benefit of their preaching, through her means. The charge of Pen-one
monastery was confided to St. Foillan. St. Gertrude Avas a truly religious
and munificent patroness of the saints, and she took care to provide every-
thing necessary for them. It is said, that she founded a monastery at Fosse,
or Fossas, where St. Foillan built a church, and established separate cells for
the monks, who belonged to it. The direction of this Avas committed to St.
Ultan.^7 She retained St. Foillan at Nivelles, to act as spiritual director over
her nuns — to whom he expounded the Holy Scri])tures, and gave instruction
land," vol. ii., chap, xvi., sect, xi., n. 107, the " Martyrologium Benedictinum," at
p. 466. Vita Sancli Foillani, p. 900.
^' .See Baillet's " Vies des Saints," tome "= in the church of St. John, at Perrone,
vii., Oct. xxxi., sect, i . there is an old pictuie representing Louis XI.
^^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- assisting at the translation of St. Fursey's re-
nin;," Februarii ix., Vita S. Furscei, Epis- mains. See Murray's Handbook for Tra-
copi et Conftssoris, n. 23, p. 300. vellers in France," sect, x., Route 184,
^'^ This is related, in an old "Vita S. Foil- p. 655.
lani." -* Her feast occurs at the 17th of March,
'*" Tempore Siegeberti Regis, Grimoaldi and she departed this life, a.d. 659. See
maioris domus et Erchenaldi I'atricii cum Guillaume Descceuvres' " La Vie de S. Ger-
senioreeorumfratre Ultanoin Galliam venit, trude, Abbesse de Nivelles," published at
et una divcrsa loca peragranda (crat autem Paris. A.n. 1612, i2mo.
Episcopus) ChristiEvangeliumlongo latcque ''.Such is a statement found, in an old
divulgavit." — Menardus, in his Additions to Life of St. Foillan.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 41
and advice. In his chronicle,'^^ at a.d. 648, Sigebert places the gift of St. Ger-
trude to the Irishman St. Foillan, According to some, St. Gertrude made a
donation, in favour of St. Ultan, in the year 652, after the death of her
mother.^9 She assigned him a tract of country, called Fosse, or rossas,3° west
of Namur, between the Rivers Meuse and Sambre, then in the diocese of
Maestricht, but now in that of Liege. She also furnished him with means,
to build a hospital and a monastery. Of the latter, he became first abbot.
With the means furnished by St. Gertrude, St. Ultan built a church, 3' which
was dedicated to St. Agatha. Fosse — about three leagues from Namur —
is called a Monastery of the Scots,3' by Eginhart ;33 and formerly many such
houses were occupied by the Scots or Irish, throughout France and Germany.
Peirone was regarded, also, as a monastery for Irishmen. About the year
655,34 St. Foillan set out, with three of his companions, on a visit to the
Monastery of Fosse. On their way, whilst passing through the forest of Sonef,3S
or Charboniere — better known at present as Soigne or Soignies — in Hainaut,
they were attacked by robbers 3^ and barbarously murdered, while they were
engaged singing God's praises.37 From the account given, regarding the
murder of St. Foillan, it would appear, that he was put to death, merely for
the sake of plunder, and probably because he had in his possession rich
vessels or other articles, which he was then bearing with him to the Monas-
tery of Fosse. As all his companions were put to death, with St. Foillan him-
self, no news of their fate reached their friends. 3^ When the bodies had been
stripped of their garments, and dragged to a retired part of the wood for imme-
diate concealment, the murderers, clothed with their dress, escaped, also, with
their horses. Hearing no account of St. Foillan, at the time of his expected
return, Gertrude sent a messenger to Ultan, that she might learn from him the
cause for his brother's delay. As yet, unapprized of Foillan's departure from
Nivelles, Ultan could give no information, regarding his missing brother.
However, on the following night, he dreamed of having seen a white dove,
with its wings dripping blood. He began to fear the death of his brother,
from such information as he received, and from all other indications. Sending
to St. Gertrude a relation of his dream and surmises, she was filled with the
most gloomy apprehension. Immediately, she sent messengers in all direc-
tions, to seek intelligence about the missing director and his companions ;
but, although their martyrdom took place, on the 31st day of October, as was
afterwards discovered, their remains were not found, until the i6th day of
January, in the year following, and seventy-seven days, after this murder had
been committed. The oratory of Rceux was built on the spot, where St. Foil-
lan had suffered martyrdom ; and, this afterwards gave rise to the Abbey of
** " Fossense monasterium S. Foillanus, Mirreus' "Codex Donationum Pianim,"
Hibernus, dono S. Gertiudis virginis Nivel- p. 89.
lensis, fundavit, ubi et quiescit." '^^ In " Historia Translationis SS. Marcel-
°9 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the lini et Petri."
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," 34 gee Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
vol. X., October xxxi. Fathers, Martyrs, and otherprincipal Saints,"
3° There is an excellent historical account vol. x., October xxxi.
of Fosses, with charters, edicts, &c., relating 35 This forest was also called Sinesia.
thereto, contained in a work, edited by M. 36 jjy some writers, these are called idola-
Jules Borgnet, and intituled, " Documents, ters.
inedits relatifs a I'Histoire de la Province de 37 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Namur." This work has been published, at Saints," tome v., Mai i., p. 144.
Namur, in 1867. 38 gge an account in the Manuscript Flora-
3' See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des rius Sanctorum. The Bollandists' "Acta
Saints," tome v., Mai i., p. 144. Sanctorum," toraus i., Mali i. De S. Ultano
3' Thus do we read : " monasterium Scot- Abbate, sect. i. , p. 1 18.
torum : qualia olim multa Scotti sive Hiber- 39 The religious of this place used to pay
ni per Germaniam habuerunt." — Autbeatus each year to the Chapter of Canons at Fosse
42 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
St. Foillan, called Feuillan-aux-Roeux.39 The bodies were removed to Nivel-
les, where they were buried with much honour. The remains of St. Foillan
were shortly after removed to Fosse, at the instance of the Abbot. Those of
his martyred companions were preserved at Nivelles, and here, as at Fosse,
the memory of all four is invoked. ■♦° The monks had charge of those relics,
and the Secular Canons then succeeding in their place kept them with great
care. After the death of his brother, St. Ultan was charged with the adminis-
tration of Perrone Abbey. Ultan was thought, also, to have been Abbot over
Mount Saint Quentin ; but, Mabillon could not find an earlier date than the
tenth century, for a monastery, at that place.''' When St. Gertrude perceived
her end about to close, she sent one of her nuns to St. Ultan, to learn from
him the e.xact day of her death. The saint prophetically replied : " This day
is the i6th of March ; Gertrude, the servant of the Lord, shall die to-morrow,
during the celebration of tlie Holy Mass. Tell her not to fear the result ;
St. Patrick and the angels are ready to receive her into glory."-'^ The
event corresponded with his prediction.'*3 She is said to have departed happily
from this life, on the 17th of March, a.d. 659. When St. Amatus,'** called
in French Ame, had been banished from his See of Sion in the Valais, by
Theodoric III. ,45 he fled for protection to St. Ultan, at Peronne, where the
holy Abbot received him with every token of respect and veneration. Under
the influence of Ebroiuj^^ the IMayor of his palace, and other evil counsellers,
Thierry or Theodoric was abandoned to cruelty, irreligion and other vices,
being a persecutor of the bishops and clergy, especially when not subservient
to his unjust mode of ruling. The exact year of our saint's departure from
this life has been disputed. Dr. Lanigan seems to think, that Ultan died in
the year 676, or thereabouts, from the circumstance of Mabillon speaking
about him, as living in the year 674, yet, as if he departed not long after such
date.''^ About the year 680, the death of St. Ultan is said to have occurred,
according to Pagius.'*^ This date is followed by Rev. S. Baring-Gould. '*9
According to Le Cointe, St. Ultan survived his brother Foillan nearly thirty
years, having departed this life, on the ist day of May, in the year 686.=° He
was buried at Fosse or Fosses, s' in the church of St. Agatha. During the
Norman inroads, this place suffered greatly from their devastions ; but, Not-
a piece of gold, or twelve deniers of silver; ^4 His feast is kept at the 13th of Sep-
and after his benediction, they were obliged tember.
to present their Abbot, to take the abbatial ■'S He was son to Clovis II., King of
cross, from the aUar of St. Foillan. Sec Austrasia, at first, and afterwards of all
Les Petits Bollandisles, " Vies des Saints," France,
tome v., Mai i., p. 144, n. 3. ■** He was assassinated in Neustrie. See
'■° " On a bati depuis un monastere dans la L.-P. Anquetii's " Histoire de France," Pre-
foret de Charbonicre au lieu de leur martyre, miere Race dite des Merovingiens, sect, v.,
ou plutot sur la place ou leurs corps furcnt p. 54.
trouves, etjl'on en a fait dans la suite une *' See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
Abb.iye de Premontre pres de la petite ville land," vol. ii., chap, xvi., sect, xi., p. 465,
de Reux a I'entree du Haynaut." — Baillct's and n. Ill, p. 666.
"Vies des Saints," tome vii., Oct. xx.xi., *' Hesays : " Colitur Ultanus inrecentiori-
sect. 2. busMartyrologiis IrelandisMaii, mortuus cir-
^' See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," ca annum scxcentessinium octogessimum,'' —
tomus iii., lib. xlviii., sect, xlviii., p. 642. Baronius' "Annales Eccle^iaslici," tomus
*" Longueval adds : " L'Auteur qui rap- xi., a.d. 654, sect, viii., Criiices.
porte les circonstances de ceUe sainte niort, '"See "Lives of the Saints," vol. iv.,
est bien digne de foi, puisqu'il y etoit pre- May i., p. I.
sent." — "liistoire de I'Englise Gallicane," 5° See, also, Les Petits Bollandistes,
tome iv., liv. x., pp. 59, 60. "Vies des Saints," tome v., Mai i., p. 144.
43 Seethe Bollandisis' " Acta Sanctorum," S" See Bishop Challoner's Britannia Sanc-
tomus ii., Martii xvii., Vita Sanctte Ger- ta," part i., p. 275.
trudis. 53 'I'hese Canons were the first, in 1246, to
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 43
ger, Bishop of Liege, caused it to be surrounded by Avails, in 974, Then its
ruined monastery was converted into a Chapter of Canons. s^ Towards the
end of the last century, the relics of St. Ultan had been preserved, in the
church of Fosse. 53 Under the name Altanus, Joannes Trithemius has noticed
this saint, and his actions, in England, while classing him among the Bene-
dictines. 54 So in like manner does Arnold Wion, Dorgan, Menard and
Bucelin. The name of Ultan, without any further designauon, occurs in the
published Martyrology of Tallagh,s5 at the ist of May. According to the
Martyrology of Donegal, 5^ Ultan, son of Maolsneachta,57had veneration paid
him, on this day. If — as seems to have been thought — he was brother to St.
Faoillan and St. Fursey, their father's name was Fintan, and some error must
have occurred, when calling him Maolsneachta, in the present instance. The
name of St. Ultan is entered at this same date, in the anonymous Catalogue of
Irish Saints, published by O'SuUevan Beare. This name and designation of his
being abbot appear in Henry Fitzsimon's List of our National Saints, as belong-
ing to May-day, the festival set apart for his commemoration. 5^ The general
account of his conduct and example is the grand criterion, by which
the world, unto the very end of time, should easily recognise the true Chris-
tian man.
Article IV. — St. Nathchaoimhe, or Machoemi, Abbot of Terry-
glass, County of Tipperary. \_Sixth Ceniury.'] Authentic particulars
of this holy person's Acts have not reached us ; but, popular traditions in Ire-
land, especially when derived from time immemorial, and not drawn from the
conjectural reveries of modern writers, often lead by some indirect and mys-
terious clue to the elucidation of historic facts. In the Martyrology of Tallagh,'
the feast of St. Mochoemi of Tir-da-glas is assigned to the ist of May. In the
Feilire of St. ^ngus,^ at the ist of May, the festival of this holy man is cele-
brated. The commentator identifies him, likewise, as Abbot of Tir-da-glas,
and Caemgen's brother.3 In the Martyrology of Alarianus O'Gorman, he is
also noticed. We deem it quite probable, that Nath, or Mo, are only prefixes
to the original name of Choem, Chaoimhe, or Choemius, The Bollandists ^
have some remarks, in reference to Mochoemius of Tyrdeglass, at this date.
This saint, as we have already seen, was brother to the illustrious St. Kevin,5
celebrate the Fete Dieu, at the request of lib. iv., cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 57.
Robert, Bishop of Liege. Article iv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
53 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des p. xxii. The Franciscan copy has mochoemi
Saints," torne v., Mali., p. 144, and n. 3. CiiM'oogLA]'.
s-t See " De Viris lUustribus Ordinis S. "^ In the " Leabhar Breac" copy we find
Benedicti," lib. iii. the following entry : —
55 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii In j.^_ ^^^ mochoemi
the Franciscan copy we have snaiply entered ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^
cft"^*^'.. 11 T~v T- jj J -D AtTO ciiTorcj,n iruAirbu
5° Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. p^ocepc l^U11l^ ihv,.
116, 117. '^' '
57 Dr. Todd says, in a note, at this word, It is thus translated into English by Dr.
Maoltsneachta. The more recent hand adds : Whitley Stokes : — " On May's Kalends my
"OAi^iem A\Q •oeYvb]\AicAiYV -pAoiAin Acuf Coemi. (The) birth of Philip who is noblest.
1pii|\1"A, <^ui ecoeni 'oie coLictiT\— perhaps Then began what is highest, Jesu's delight-
weshould read colunter — VorrT' ®^ cece]\A. ful preaching."
" I think he is tlie brother of Faelan and ^ See "Transactions of the Royal Irish
Fursa, who are venerated on the same day Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
at Fossae, &c." The man here set down for part i., pp. Ixxviii., Ixxxiii.
his father is manifestly erroneous. * See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.. Mail
s^See O'Sullevan Beare's " Historice Ca- i. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 5.
tholicse Iberniee Compendium," tomus i., s See his Life, at the 3rd of June..
44 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
founder of Glendalough f as also to St. Coeman ? of Annatrim. Caeniell,^
daughter to Cennfhionnan, son of Ceis, was mother to both of these holy
personages f while their father was known as Coemlog.'° It is related, that
they had a sister, variedly called Caemh, Coine, or Coemoca. Even yet, there
is a local and very generally received belief," that Kevin, Keen (? Keem) "
and Kine '3 were brothers. This opinion is perfectly accordant with our
saint's memorials, as also with the genealogies and calendars. We may assume,
as they belonged to a Dal-messincorb family,'-* that they were born in ancient
Lagenia. It appears possible, that under his brother, St. Kevin, Abbot of
Glendalough, Mochoem had been initiated to the profession of a religious
life. Certain local traditions seem to have some such origin. This saint —
the brother of St. Kevin — perhaps effected some foundation near the roman-
tic " Meeting of the Waters," in the county of Wicklow, before he removed to
Tir-da-glas. This may have been at Kilkine,'5 in the parish of Ballykine,'^ and
it seems probable enough, both these places had been named from Mochoem ;
although, we have already stated, that a sister, called Caemh, or Coine,'? may
have lived there, and possibly may have given denomination to that place.
The parish of Ballykine '^ is ecclesiastically treated as one of four denomina-
tions, which constitute the parish of Rathdrum.'s What we are about to
record is a story told by the Wicklow peasants, living in the valleys of the
Avonmore and Avonbeg. Being placed by his brother St. Kevin at Glenda-
lough to attend solely the sheep, St. Kine had scarcely begun his charge, when
he was diverted from the care of the sheep by observing a deer, suckling a babe
at the Deer Stone, now hollowed in the centre, and still to be seen at Glen-
dalouc^h. Recollecting himself, and finding he had been disobedient, he ran
back to crave the pardon of St. Kevin. This saint, as a penance, ordered him
to march backwards with his face to Glendalough, and along the current of the
Avonmore, holding a withered holly in his hand, and to continue his route,
until the withered holly should grow green again. He came to a place, now
called the May Hole, on the ist of May.^° It is situated, under the finely
wooded banks on the river,'' and within a few yards of the " Meeting of the
^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Kevin's brother — probably, he says, St.
nise," xii. Martii. Vita S. Dagani, nn. 4, 5, Dagan — founded an abbey liere, where
6 7 p. 586. Whaley Abbey has been erected on the for-
'7 His feast occurs, at the 3rd of Novem- mer site. See " Monasticon Hibernicum,"
l)ef_ p. 760. However, St. Dagan was not the
^ Others call her Coemgel. brother, but the nephew, of St. Kevin.
9 See Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves' '^Allusion has been made to her already, at
" Martyrology of Donegal," pp. 116, 117. the4th of April, and in a conjectural way,
'° See " 1 ransactions of the Royal Irish as a sister to St. Kevin, founder of Glenda-
Academy," Iiish Manuscript Series, vol. i., lough,
part i., p. clxviii. '" Some curiously inscribed stones, at
" In the southern part of the county of Ballykeen, with illustrations and descriii-
Wicklow. tions, have been given by G. H. Kinahan,
" See what is said, at notices of St. Caem- in " The Journal of ihe Royal and Archaeo-
hog, for the 22nd of July, where in the logical Association of Ireland," vol. vi., part
Martyrology of the O'Clerys, he is called ii., Fourth Series, No. 57, pp. 224 to 228,
brother to Caoimhghin or Kevin, and to and p, 236.
Naicaoimh, of Tir-da-glas. '5 See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
's It is just possible, that the local tradi- land," vol. i., p. 175.
tion may have been confused, and that this " The scenery is here illustrated, in a
had been the name for a sister. drawing on the wood, by William F. Wake-
'^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- man, and engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
niiE " xii. Martii. De S. Dagano Abbateet ^' This locality is described as embracing
Episcopo, cnp. i., p. 584. tlie
'S It is in the barony of Ballinacor south, "loved domains of peace,
and county of Wicklow. The chosen haunt, of music's feathered
'* Archdall has a statement, that St. throng."
May I.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
45
Waters," in the celebrated Vale of Ovoca. Then and there, the holly
revived. To the present time, on May-day morning, many bathe in
this deep part of the river, and hoping ro be cured from every kind
of malady. Men and beasts wash or are washed in it. St. Kine's
well is in tlie townland of Ballynacarrig Upper, a mile from Rathdrum, on
the old mail-coach road. Near it is a remarkably-shaped stone, and about this
a curious legend is told, connecting it with St. Kine.^^ The place, however,
to which Nathchoemhe chiefly belonged is now known as Terryglass, a
parish in the barony of Lower Ormond, county of Tipperary. The ruins of
Meeting of the Waters, County of Wicklow.
the former religious establishments here remain ; but, probably, few portions
of the more early erection. The present holy man was born, as seems pro-
bable, in the sixth century. At Tir-da-glas, near the Shannon, he is said to
have been a disciple to St. Columba,^3 the son of Crimthann, and who was
the founder of that monastery. Our saint is called Mochumin or Mochuma,^^
in the Life of St. Fintan,^5 Abbot of Clonenagh, who lived contemporaneously
— " Original Poems and Lyrics," by Stephen
Nolan Elrington. The Vale of Ovoca,
p. III.
^- On a certain occasion, near this well, St.
Kine accosted a Hacketstown man, who was
bathing his feet. He was wearied after his
journey, in pursuit of a thief, who had stolen
his cow. St. Kine intimated to the man, that
he was on the right track after the thief, and
that he should find the cow had calved on
the stone quite near. The marks of the cow's
feet, of the calfs feet, of the man's feet, and
the feet of a boy he had with him, are to be
seen on this stone, as also the staffs point.
This was the tradition of a respectable and
intelligent old woman over eighty, then
living near the place, in June, 187 1.
"^3 His feast occurs, at the 13th of De-
cember.
'"' Colgan states, that this name differs not
from Nathcaeme. See " Acta Sanctorum
Hibernise," Febriiarii xvii. Vita S. Fintani,
Abbatis Cluain-Ednech, cap. iii., p. 350,
and No. 7, 8, pp. 353, 354.
^5 See his Life, at the 17th of February, in
vol. ii., of this work, chap. i.
^^ See Ussher's " Index Chronologicus,"
at A.D., DL., p. 531.
46 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
with him. St. Mocumin flourished in the year 550.'^ He is said so have
succeeded St. Columba,^'' his master — whether immediately or otherwise — as
Abbot over Tir-da-glas. The date for St. Nathcliaoimlie's death has been
placed, at the ist of May, a.d. 584.^^ It is stated, that he was there interred.^9
The festival of Nathcliaoimhe, was celebrated on this day, as we read in the
Martyrology of Donegal. 3°
Article V. — St. Brecan, or Bracan, Bishop of Ardbraccan,
County of IvIeath, or of Arran Island, County of Galway, or of
KiLBRECKAN, CouNTY OF Clare. On the I St of May, the Martyrology of
Tallagh ' registers the name of Braccan, designated Bishop. A conjecture of
Duald Mac Firbis makes him descend from the race of Corbmac Cas, son to
Oilill Olum. We read, that veneration was given, on this day, according to
the Martyrology of Donegal,^ to Brecan, Bishop. Some think, remarks the
calendarist, that this A\as Brecan of Ara, and of Cill Brecain, in Thomond.
This latter place is now known as Kilbreckan,^ barony of Upper Bunratty,
and county of Clare. Such is William M. Hennessy's identification.* This
holy man is said to have been son to Eochu Balderg,5 or " Eochy of the red
spot."^ This latter deformity of his birth was removed by St. Patrick, 7 who
baptized his father, Cairthend Blat, or Carthenn Blod, chief of the Ui-Toird-
helbaigh, in the parish of Killaloe, county of Clare. It is stated, that he pre-
sided at first over Ardbraccan, in the county of Meath.^ There is a Kill-
brickan5 near Mountrath, Queen's County ; a Killbrickan,'°also, in the parish
of Earlstown, county of Kilkenny ; there are two places so called, in the
county of Carlow;" there is a Kilbrickan, also, in the county of Galway."
At St. Brecan's village, Arranmore, beyond the Bay of Galway, the remains
of two churches arc to be found. '3 There are nine ruined ones scattered
through that island, and three more ancient churches are known to have
=7 His death has been referred, by Arch- ^ See his Life, at the 17th of March, vol.
dall, to a.d. 548, or rather to 552. See iii., chap, xix., of this work.
"Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 676. ^See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of Meath,
^* See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap, %-ii..
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 210, 211. pp. 48, 49.
*9 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Eccksia- ' It is in the parish of Offerlane, barony
rum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 498. of Upperwoods, and it is noticed, on the
3° Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the
116, 117. Queen's County," sheets 17, 23.
Article v. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. '" It is in the barony of Shi'llelogher, and
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy enters it is noted, on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
bi\Acc<iin epi. land Maps for the County of Kilkenny,"
^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. sheets 26, 27.
116, 117. " One in the parish of Fennagh, the other
3 In the parish of Doora. It is noted, on is in the parish of Templepeler, both are in
the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the barony of Forth, and they are marked,
the County of Clare," sheet 34. on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
■i See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish for the County of Carlow,'" sheet 13.
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part '' In the parish of Kilcummin, and barony
i., pp. 86, 87, and n. 6. of Moycullen. It is shown,*onfthe "Ord-
5 Tiie brother of this Eochy was Aengus, nance Survey Townland Maps for the
the son of Caii thenn Finn, and he is said to County of Galway," sheet 65.
have been father to St. Dimma Dabh, Bis- '^ See Mr. Hills' Article, in the "Gentle-
hop of Connor, whose Life will be found, at man's Magazine," part i., for 1S64. It is
the 6th of January. intituled, " Notes on the Architecture of Ire-
* In the Irish Tripartite Life, this is stated land."
to have been a clot of gore, formed on his '* The writer was shown, on the occasion
body. of a visit there, a gori, or small garden, by a
May I.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
47
existed. It may have happened, that the St. Brecan, there venerated, had a fes-
tival for tliis date. Aran, now having its simple, industrious, and fine race of peo-
ple living on a soil, actually procured from the ocean, '•» in many cases, was once
no better than a wild rock. It is strewed over with those ruins — which may
still be seen — of the old hermitages; and, at their best, these could have been
but such places as sheep would huddle under, in a storm, and shiver in the
cold and wet.'s It seems probable, however, that more than one St. Brecan,
or Braccan, must have been connected with the various localities already
specified. An old church stood on a hill, to the south of Drumcondra, or
Drumconrath/^ in the Deanery of Kells, and county of Meath, at a place
called Loughbraccan.'? This old church has been demolished, audits ruins
are now inconsiderable.'^ Whether the lake here mentioned took name from
the present saint or not, is a matter for conjecture; wliile his time and exact
place are yet involved in great obscurity.
Article VI. — St. Ossen, or Oissene Fota, Abbot of Clonard,
County of Meath. \SrcefUh Cejitury.^ On the ist of May, the Martyr-
ology of Tallagh ' registers, Ossen Mac Maillsnechta. The Bollandists quote
the same authority, at this date, for Ossenus filius Moelsneachte ; and they
remark, that nothing more occurs to distinguish him from various Irish saints,
bearing the same name.^ St. Ossenius, surnamed the Long,3 probably on
account of his uncommon stature, was Abbot of Clonard. We find the name of
Oissen, likewise, occurring in the Martyrology of Donegal,"* on this day. The
compiler adds, how the Cain Adhamnuain states, of the holy sureties, whom
Adamnan s found to free the women from every captivity, and from every
distress that fell upon them, was Oisin, son to Glas, Abbot of Cluain-ferta
Molua.^ Yet, as the present Abbot of Clonard is called son to Maillsnechta,
by the Tallagh Martyrology, it seems clear, that the O'Clerys fell into a mis-
take, in their conjecture, regarding his father's name. Authorities unite in
making this saint preside over the Abbey of Clonard. Yet, it could only have
been duringavery brief term; for, his predecessor, St. Colman, bishop and abbot
here, died on the 8th of February.? He was the son of Aiteldubh, and his
peasant, who informed him, that his grand-
father brought sea-sand and sea-weed in bas-
kets from the sea-shore, which he laid on the
naked rocks to form a soil of considerable
depth. A good stone house was built by the
tenant on that spot, and a wall enclosed the
small tenement. For that poor homestead
and plot — where not only were the improve-
ments, but even the very soil created Ijy the
peasant's unaided toil — one pound annually
was exacted as a rent. No human ingenuity
could procure much more than such a return,
from the culture of that got; and, yet, this
was only a solitary instance of similar hard
cases, which fell under the writer's observa^
tion.
'S See Fronde's "Short Studies," vol. ii.,
p. 216.
^^ As specified on William Larkin's " Map
of the County of Meath," published in
1812.
'7 There is a townland and parish so
named, in the barony of Lower Slane. They
are described, on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Meath,"
sheets 3, 6.
'^ See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., chap,
xvi., p. 294.
Article vi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Fransciscan copy has
it 0|'eiti niAc rUAeLfnechcAi.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," toraus i. Maii i.
Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
3 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nice," xxiii. Februarii, Vita S. Finniani, Ap-
pendix, cap. v., p. 406.
■* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
116, 117.
5 See his Life, at the 23rd of September.
* He continues, " I do not find any other
Oissene, who is not named from some church,
except this, and the Oissene, who is on the
22nd of July."
' See some notices regarding him, at that
day.
'^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 264, 265.
48 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
death is stated to have occurred, in 65 2. ^ The present saint followed him to
the tomb, within less than three months, as he died on the ist of May suc-
ceeding.9 The Annals of Clonmacnoise state the year was 651 ; those of the
Four Masters, a.d. 652 ; while, those of Ulster place his death under the
year 653.'° Colgan conjectures, that the present St. Ossen might be con-
founded with St. Ascicus, Bishop;" but, this is manifestly erroneous. From
the Irish calendar, preserved in the Royal Irish Academy, we only find, at this
date, the simple entry of Ossein,'^ without patronymic or place designated.
Article VII. — St. Luaithrenn, Virgin or Widow. According to
the Martyrology of Donegal,' there was veneration given on this day to
Luaithrenn. In the table appended to tliis record, our saint is said to have
been a Virgin, or a Widow.^ Again, in the Introduction to that work, it is
stated, there can be no question of a Cill Luaithrenn having been in Lein-
ster.3 Perhaps, we should connect the present saint, with such a locality ;
for, she has a festival disiinct from that of her namesake, the Virgin Luaith-
renn, who was venerated, on the 8th of June, and at a place, similarly de-
nominated, in Corann, of Connaught. There is a townland and parish called
Killurin,* in the barony of Shelmaliere West, county of Wexford, 5 and it pro-
bably derived its denomination from a saint, bearing such a name. Yet, we
only find two saints, called Luaithrenn, in our Irish calendars. There is also
a place, formerly called Cill lurin, and now known as Killurin,^ a townland
in the west of the parish of Geshill, in the King's County. Here stood a
castle, which was taken by O'Carroll, and by the Earl of Kildare, in 1532.
Nothing but the entrenchments around it now remain. 7 According to popu-
lar tradition, three saints, who were sisters, lived near Millstreet,* in the
county of Cork. One named Latierna is still venerated in the parish of Drom-
tarriff 9 There is a holy well and " pattern," on some day in the month of
May. The people suppose, that unless they make their rounds, on that
occasion, no good luck will attend them during the rest of the year. Another of
those sisters is venerated at Cullen,'° or as pronounced by the Irish-speaking
population. Culling. There is a holy well, near tlie site of that old church,
to which people come from great distances, to be cured of diseases. There
is also an old whitethorn, growing outside the churchyard, and which, tradi-
tion says, covers her grave." Nothing seems to be known, regarding the
third sister ; nor does it appear, that the names Latierna and Luaithrenn may
be assimilated.
9 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath, of Ireland," vol. ii., p. 157.
Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap, ii., * It is noted, on the "Ordnance Survey
p. 14- Townland Maps for the King's County,"
"See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the sheets 24, 25.
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 264, 265, and n. ' This castle is shown on the old map of
(u). Ibid. Leix and Ophaly, made in the reign of
"See '"Trias Thaumaturga," Vita Sexta Philip and Maiy. See Dr. O'Donovan's
S. Patricii, n. 122, p. 114. "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. v., pp.
" Thus Offein, in Common Place Book 1410, 141 1, and n. (o). Ibid.
F, at p. 43. * In the parish of Drishane, and barony of
Article vii. — ' Edited by Drs. Todd and West Muskerry, shown on the " Ordnance
Reeves, pp. 116, 117. Survey Townland Maps for the County of
' See ii'id., pp. 434, 435. Cork," sheet 39.
3 See tbid., p. xxxix. ' It is situated in the barony of Duhallow,
*• Marked on the "Ordnance Survey Town- and it is described, on sheets 23, 30, 31, 39,
land Maps for the County of Wexford," 40. Ibid.
sheets 31, 32, 36, 37. "^ This is not far from Millstreet, county
5 See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary of Cork.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 49
Article VIII. — St. Aedhgein, or Aedgein, Bishop and Abbot of
Fore, County of Westmeath. [Eii^/ith Cenlu/y.'] In the Martyrology
of Tallagli,' at the ist of May, we have the simple entry Aedgein, Fobhair,
without any other distinction. The Bohandists, aUuding to the same autho-
rity, at this date, enter Aidgenus Fovariensis.^ The town of Fore is called
Bailie Fob/iar, "the town of the books," by Ussher.3 But, Dr, O'Donovan
says, the name is derived from the many springs, which flow from the hill
into a mill-pond, at the village of Fore.* Except that St. Aidghenius is num-
bered among the Abbots and Prelates of Fore, in the eighth century, 5 little
more is known regarding him. Under the head of Fabhar, Duald Mac Firbis
enters, Aedgin, bishop and abbot of Fabhar, and that he rested a.d, 766, on
May ist.^ This, too, agrees with a statement, found in the Annals of the
Four Masters. 7 It is quite likely, the present saint may have been one of
those anchorites, who lived at Fore, from the earlier pait of the eighth cen-
tury, and a representative of whom continued to reside ^ there in a cell, so
late even as the last century. 9 The anchorite's cell has been used for
years back, as a cemetery for the Nugent f.imily.'° This day, the Martyr-
ology of Donegal " registers the name of Aedhgein, Bishop and Abbot of
Fobhar.
Article IX. — St. Goibnen, or Gobnenus. At the ist of May, the
BoUandists' quote the Martyrology of I'allagh, for Colmanus, id est, Gobne-
nus f but, no light is thrown on his history. In the published copy,3 there
seems to be a transcriber's mistake, in the entry, Colman i Gaibnedhi. At
Cranfield parish, in the county of Antrim, there is a well, long famed for its
healing efficacy. A spring is said to have been produced by St. Patrick, in a
miraculous manner, and at a locality, called Domhnacli Combuir. This place
the saint received from one Colladius, or CoUa. As the fountain sprung up
after the Irish Apostle's prayers, it was afterwards called in the native tongue
Slaji, on account of its sanitary properties ; for many when afflicted with
grievous distempers were restored to health, after drinking from its waters. ■♦
" The name of this saint is not known, but nite," xx. Januarii, Appendix ad Acta S.
a popular legend states, that she went to Fechini, cap. iii., p. 143.
fetch some fire from a smithy. The smith * See " Proceedings of tlie Royal Irish
is said to have made some rude remark, re- Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i.,
garding the beauty of her feet. The saint is pp. 108, 109.
said to have grown vain thereat ; but, soon ' See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
feehng sorrow for her fault, she prayed, that pp. 368, 369.
no smith should ever live again at Cullen. '^ See Sir Henry Piers' " Chonographical
According to another version, in conse- Description of Westmeath," p. 65.
quence of her bann, it is said, no fire can be ' See Harris' Ware, vol. ii., "Antiquities
lighted there, for a smith's purpose. The of Ireland," chap, xvii., sect, i , p. 135.
foregoing information was given to the '° See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath,
writer, in a letter from Father Denis Murphy, Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., chap. Ixxiv.,
S.J., and headed, Presentation Convent, pp. 565, 556.
Douglas-street, Cork, August the 15th, " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
1878. 116, 117.
Article viii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Article ix. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum,"
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy tomus i., Maiii. Among the pretermitted
has ^Xe'Djein ITobhAi^x. saints, p. 3.
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii " In the Franciscan copy, we read Cob-
i. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3. niAni, and over this name the comment .1.
3 See •' Primordin," cap. xvii., p. 966. Jobnmi.
* See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the ^ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxii.
Four Masters," vol. iii., n. (s), pp. 22, 23. ■♦ It was likewise called St. Patrick's Well,
5 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- and Colgan says it appears to have been
D
50 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
Whetlier tliis saint and locality can be connected with Cranfield parish, we
have no means for discovering ; but, in the latter place, on May Eve, pil-
grims were accustomed to resort, in 1727, to a running spring, said to have
been consecrated by St. Colman, a famous Irish saint. These persons
emptied and cleaned this well, in the twilight, and prayed around it during
the night. The following May morning, small transparent amber stones were
found, at the bottom. These were taken out, and carried by the people as
preservatives from accidents by fire or water. They were in reality crystals
of gypsum, or sulphate of lime, a salt sparingly soluble in water. They were
chiefly sought, by those intending to emigrate. Stations were held here,
also, on the 29th and 30th of June, and these were attended by a large num-
ber of persons. Since 1828, the visitations have been discontinued. s As
the stations were designed to honour a St. Colman, and as they were com-
pleted on the 1st of May, there is no other saint of this name then venerated,
although there are very many Colmans, in our calendars. It is also very remark-
able, that in Ireland, the holy wells were frequented by the peasantry, on May
Day, and that patterns were held, at various places, at the same date. Not far
from tiie foot of the Paps' Mountains, and about a mile from Killarney, there
is a large stone fort or Caher, called Caher Crubhdarrig.^ Near it, there is
a holy well, at which a great pattern used to be held, on May ist. This pattern
has been suppressed by the local clergy, for many years back. Rounds are
still made at the Avell, on May ist.7 Goibnen was venerated on this day, as
we find recorded, in the Martyrology of Donegal.^ Little do we know con-
cerning this saint, his age. or his exact locality ; yet, we may rest assured, his
thoughts were often employed on sacred subjects, like so many of the holy
persons, who lived contemporaneously with him. These were accustomed
to pious and penitential exercises, while they were always careful to attend
morning and evening to special devotions.
Article X. — St. Duicholl, of Cluain-Braoin. The name of this
saint occurs, in the Martyrology ofTallagh,^ at the 1st of IMay, as Dicholla
Cluana-brain. The BoUandists, quoting the same authority, have notices of
St. Dichullus of Cluain-Brain, for the present day.^ There was a place, for-
merly known as Cluain Bhriain, meaning Brian's Lawn or I^Ieadow,3 and now
Anglicized Cloonbrien. This is now a townland, in the parish of Athlacca,
near Bruff, in the county of Limerick. 4 But, whether or not it can be identified
with the present locality is questionable. The ancient name for Castletown, in
the county of Louth, is said to have been Cluain Braoin; and, with the
that miraculous fountain, which in his time ' The foregoing information was commu-
was near the church of Creamchoill, or near nicated by Mr. Michael Warren of Killarney,
the church of Schire, as both lay within Dal- to Rev. James Graves, M.A., Rector of
aradin, in the diocese and territory of Connor. Stoneyford, in May, 1884, wliile we were
See " Trias Thaumalurga." Jocelyn's Vita S. at the meeting there of the Kilkenny Arch-
Patricii, cap. cxxxvi., p. 183. And " Acta seol'ogical Society.
Sanctorum Hiberni?e," xx. Februarii, Vita " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
S. Olcani, p. 376, and nn. 14, 15, 16, p. 116, 117.
378. Article x.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
5 See Rev. Dr. William Reeves' " Ecclesi- p. xxiii. The Frnnciscan copy has it
astical Antiquities of Down, Connor and TOicollo cUiAin bpAin.
Dromore,"n. (i), p. 88. ' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii i.
' Not far from this Caher, there is another Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
but a smaller stone fort, called Cahereen. 3 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
This is said to have been a Royal [resi- Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (c), p. 1035.
dence. ^ See ' ' Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 51
saints of this localit)', we find the present holy man classed. 5 Colgan alhides
to various holy persons bearing this name ; but, he does not furnish, a clue
for identification of the age, when the present saint flourished.^ The Tripar-
tite Life of St. Patrick has a prophecy of the Apostle, concerning a certain
Dichul. It calls him " abbas Ernatiensis,"? and he was afterwards abbot of
Louth. ^ Who he was, otherwise, or at what time he lived, is not known ; at
any rate, he lived long after St. Patrick's days, as Jocelyn relates. 9 Colgan
conjectures, that he was the Dichul, revered in the church of Chuainbraoin,
near Louth, and that this might have been, what the Tripartite Life calls
Ernatiensis. But, he says nothing, as to the time of its erection, or by whom
it had been founded, and whether or not, it had been an abbey. '° The place
is thought to be unknown, byArchdall; and, yet, in his account of the abbey
at Louth, that writer affords the proper clue to where Ernaidhe was, by printing
the Inquisitions referring to Orney, alias Nurney, or le Urney." It seems pro-
bable, that on Dichul's translation to Louth, the church at Urney had been
annexed to that monastery. Uiucholl of Cluiin Braoin is entered, in the
Martyrology of Donegal, ^^ as having a festival, ai the ist day of May.
Article XI. — St. Cairbre, Bishop of Magh Bile, or Moville,
Under the head of Magh-Bile, Duald Mac Firbis enters, Cairbre, Bishop of
Magh Bile, at May ist.' His festival is entered, at the 3rd of this month, in
other Martyrologies.^
Article XII. — St. Mainchein, or Monchenus. His record is found,
in the Martyrology of Tallagh,^ for the ist of May. At this same date, and
citing the same authority, the BoUandists have Monchenus.^ It is thought,
he was a descendant of Conall Gulban.3 On this day, veneration was given
to Mainchein, as we read it set down, in the Martyrology of Donegal. ■» But,
his Acts do not appear to have been preserved.
Article XIII. — St. Asaph, Bishop of St. Asaph, Wales. [Sixth
Century.'] In the Roman Martyrology, at the ist of I\Iay, St. Asaph, bishop,
for the County of Limerick," sheet 39. broain, near the town of Louth." — " Monas-
s See " Louth Extracts for the Irish Ord- ticon tlibernicum, " p. 452.
nance Survey," voL i., p. 142, now preserved " See ibid., pp. 476, 478.
in the Royal Irish Academy. '- Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
* See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," 116, 117.
Januarii xvi. Vita S. Eurssei Confessoris, n. Article xi. — ' See " Proceedings of the
6, p. 92. Royal Irish Academy," Irish MSS. Series,
7 The Irish word Ernaidhe, which signifies vol. i., part i., pp. 120, 121.
"an oratory," is usually rendered Nurney or ° See the Martyrologies of Tallagh and of
Urney, in our topographical designations. Donegal.
See Rev. Dr. Reeves' "Acts of Archbishop Article xil. — ' Edited by the Rev. Dr.
Colton in his Metropolitan Visitation of the Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy has
Diocese of Derry, A.D. MCCCXCVll," &c., n. mAiicheni.
(o), pp. 16, 17. ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail
* See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," i. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap. xciv., ^ If so, he was distantly related to the
xcv., p. 166. great St. Columkille. See Colgan's "Trias
9 See ibid. Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. Thaumaturga." Quarta Appendix ad Acta
cxl., p. 96, and n. 148, p. 115. S. Columbre, cap. iii., p. 481.
'° From these premises Archdall deduces "• Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
this notable statement: " We are told, that Il6, 117.
St. Patrick founded an abbey at Cluaim- Article xill. — ' See "Apologia pro
52 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
is commemorated. By Father Stephen White, he seems to be classed among
the Irish Saints.' However this may be, the holy Bishop Asaph was com-
memorated with special veneration in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
At this date, the Bollandists have set together some few notices, referring to
him.' Johnof Tinmouth's Life of St. Kentigern seems to be the chief authority
known, to elucidate his Acts ;3 together with the Lections in the Breviary of
Aberdeen, wiiich are chiefly legendary. He flourished in the sixth century ;■♦
but when or where he was born has not been ascertained. By some writers, it
has been stated, that he was a native of North Wales. 5 It is supposed, that
St. Kentigern,^ or Cyndeyrn,? was the founder of Llanelwy, or St. Asaph,^
when he had fled away from Scotland. In his place of refuge, it is stated,
that he collected a community, consisting of nine hundred and sixty-five
monks, who lived a life of great self-denial, under his rule ; of these, three
hundred illiterate ones were employed in agriculture, three hundred more
worked in the monastery, while three hundred and sixty-five kept up the
Divine psalmody, day and night. 9 According to Camerarius, St. Asaph came
from Scotland to Wales, in company with St. Kentigern. The latter settled,
in that part of the present Flintshire, which was removed some few miles in-
land from the town of Rhyl, on the shore of the Irish Sea. Caswallon, uncle
of Maelgwyn Gwynedd, was then ruler over that district of North Wales. He
assigned to St. Kentigern that pleasant tract of country, between the Rivers
Elwy and Clwyd.'° To the year 543 " has been assigned the establish-
ment of a See at that place, known at first as Llanelwy. Among St. Kenti-
gern's disciples, St. Asaph, distinguished for his noble birth, was still more
admirable for the virtues and miracles, which adorned his early years. About
the year 560, it is thought, St. Asaph was consecrated bishop. On St. Ken-
tigern's return to Glasgow and Strathclwyd, he left that place to his disciple
St. Asaph, where so flourishing a community had been established. He then
ruled with great sanctity, both the bishopric and monastery; and, so greatly
was he venerated, both as bishop and abbot, that the former title of Llan-Elwy
was exchanged for that of St. Asaph, which it retains to this day." The See of
St. Asaph was intended for the principality of Powys.'^ To St. Asaph has been
attributed a Life of St. Kentigern, his master ; but, for this statement, there is
no great authority. '4 If we are to credit Dempster, he wrote, also, " Ordina-
tiones Ecclesise Suae." It is said by some, that he died a. D. 596 ;'5 while
Hibernia," cap. ii., p. 15, cap. iv., p. },•]. 9 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii tish Saints," p. 272.
i. De Sancto Asapho Episcopo in Wallia '° See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
Boreali, pp. 82. 83. of Wales," vol. iv., p. 48.
3 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the "See Father Michael Alford's "Fides
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," RegiaAnglo-Saxonicasive Annales Ecclesiae
vol. v., May i. Anglo-Saxonicae ubi ipotissimum Anglo-
*• See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- Saxonum Catholica, Romana et Orthodoxa
tish Saints," p. 271. Fides ah Anno Domini 500 ad 800," &c.,
s See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary tomus ii., sect, viii., p. 57.
of Wales," vol. i., p. 48. '= See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
' See some notices of St. Kentigern, or St. Sancta," part i., p. 274.
Mungo, Bishop of Glasgow, at the 13th of '3 See ILidden's (.Arthur West), B.D., and
January, vol. i., Art., ii., of tliis woik ; but, Stubbs' (William), M.A., "Councils and
a more detailed account will be found, at the ICcclesiastical Documents relating to Great
13th of November, which is considered to Britain and Ireland," vol. i., Appendix C.
be his chief festival. p. 144.
7 lie died A.D. 612, according to the '* See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
" Annales Cambria:." Sancta," part i., p. 274.
* According to Jocelyn's "Vita S. Kenli- 's According to Father Michael Alford, in
gemi." his learned work already quoted.
May I.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 53
others prolong his existence, to the commencement of the seventh century.
Thus, Adam King has recorded his demise, at a.d. 608, while Dempster im-
putes to Baronius the date 615 ; however, Father Godefrid Henschenn could
not find the latter statement in the work of Baronius.'^ The chief traces of his
cultus in Scotland are in Asheg,^? in the parish of Strath,'^ in the Island of Skye ;
in the Island of Berneray is the church of St. Asaph ;'9 also, in Killasaph ;^°
and in Kilassie, or Kilhassie, an old burial place near Loch Rannoch.^^ In
the Martyrology of the Church of Aberdeen, ^= St. Asaph is commemorated, at
the ist of May. ^3 Also, John Molanus notes,^+ in his annotations to Usuard,
that in Scotia, St. Asaph the bishop, from whose name the See of St. Asaph
is derived, had veneration given to him on this day.
Article XIV. — St. Banban, Bishop. The Martyrology of Tallagh '
merely enters the name Banban, at the ist of I\Iay. From the postfix to this
proper name, the calendarist seems to regard him, as having been invested
with episcopal prerogatives. Referring to the same authority, the Bollandists "
notice Banbanus bishop, at this date. There is a Banbhan, or Banan, son of
Donnghal, son of Donngalbach, son to Urclosac, son of Tersen, son to Cor-
ban, son of Ende, son to Dubdunad, son of Angan or Eugene, son of Fiacha
Suighdhe, son to Feidhlimidh Reachtmhar. He was therefore a saint of the
Desies race,3 if this be the person. This day, the Martyrology of Donegal ^
registers the festival of Banban, priest. Such account agrees with the
statement of Colgan, when enumerating many saints, called Bamban or
Banban. 5
Article XV. — Feast of St. Walburgis, or Walburge, Virgin and
Abbess. \_Eighth Century.'] This holy Virgin is said to have been born among
tlie West Saxons, in England, to have been daughter to the holy King, St.
Richard, also a sister to Saints Willibald and Winebald, and to have been
educated in Winburn monastery, in Dorsetshire, where she took the religious
veil. At the request of her cousin, St. Boniface, she went with others into
Germany. There she lived at Heidenheim, and passed away into everlast-
'* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i,, Maii i. -■' In his first edition, printed A.D. 1568,
De Sancto Asapho Episcopo in Wallia there is nothing stated regarding St. Asaph ;
Boreah, num. 5, p. 83. but, his feast is inserted, in the second edi-
'7 It is said to have been primarily dedi- tion, printed A.D. 15S3.
Gated to St. Asaph. See " New Staiistical Article xiv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Account of Scotland," vol. xxxi., p. 305. Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy has
'* In it is Tobar Asheg, or St. Asaph's bAnbAn Cpf.
Well, considered superior to all the other ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
springs. Ibid. i. Among the pretermitted saints," p. 3.
'9 It isrenderedCill Aisaim, in the "Origi- 3 See Colgan's "'Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nes Parochiales Scutice,"vol.ii., parti.,p. 377. nije," xii. Januarii. Appendix ad Acta S.
°° Otherwise Kilasine. Iti^, cap. ii., p. 73.
^' See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of ■» Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Scottish Saints," pp. 271, 272. 116, 117. In the table postfixed to this
"Edited by David Laing, Esq., F.S.A. Martyrology C/'^;rif///«) within brackets and
Scot. See "Proceedings of the Society of Italicized thus occurs after his name. See
Antiquaries of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 263. ibid., pp. 362, 363.
^3Thus: "Kl. Maij. In Vallia Sancti s See "Trias Thaumaturga," Septima
Aseph discipuli Sancti Kentigerni de quo Vita S.Patricii, num. 67. See, also, Colgan's
ecclesia catliedralis in eadem prouincia cuins speculations, on a person named Barban, in
pacientia et vite sanctitudo illius regionis " Acta Sanctorum Hibernite," Februarii vi.
incolis viuendi normam egregiam et fidei De S. Mele, Episcopo Ardachadensi, cap.
constanciam admonuit." iii., p. 259, and n. 8, p. 262.
54 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May
ing rest, on the 25th day of February, a.d. 779.^ This saint, who is named
Walburges, has been set down, at the ist of May, among the saints connected
with Ireland, in the anonymous calendar, published by O'Sullevan Beare.'
The Bollandists make tiie present date a festival for the Elevation and Trans-
lation of the body of St. Walburgis, at Eystad or Aichstadt,^ while they assign
her Natalis, to the 25th of February.* Her relics were distributed to several
places in Germany, Holland, France and England, where various churches
were dedicated in her honour.s It may be, that Ireland had some share, in
the possession of those sacred remains.
Article XVI. — St. Suitbertus. Molanus and Henry Fitzsimon, at
the I St of May, enter the festival of St. Suitbertus.' On this day, how^ever,
the Bollandists do not notice him.
Article XVII. — St. Ronan, or Roman. The name of this saint is
found recorded, in the Mart) rology of Tallagh,' at the ist of May ; although,
through an evident error, it is written Roman. Referring to the same autho-
rity, the Bollandists ^ merely notice Romanus ; but, they afterwards observe,
there are six different Ronans, in the Irish calendars, while, among them no
attempt is made to distinguish the present holy man. There is a festival in
honour of Ronan celebrated on this day, as is mentioned, in the Martyrology
of Donegal.3
Article XVIII. — Feast of St. Philip, the Apostle. In the Feilire
of St. iEngus,' we find the festival of the Apostle Philip entered, at the ist
of May. Although called the Feast of his Nativity, a commentator on this
statement, in the " Leabhar Breac," takes care to observe, that it was not his
birth in the flesh, which is here meant, but rather the day for his death, as
read in the Passions of the Apostles.^ From another comment, it is stated,
that for twenty years after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, he
preached to the nations, and in the seventieth year of his age, he passed
away to our Lord, in the city of Hieropolis.3 This Apostle had three daugh-
ters, who were virgins,* one of these were buried with him, in the aforesaid
city, on his right hand, and another on his left.^ The Acts of St. Philip,
Apostle, are given by the Bollandists,^ with a previous learned commentary,
at the ist day of May.
Article xv. — ' See Rev. Alban Butler's flonAni.
"Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other 'See " Acta Sanctoi-um," tomus i., Maii
principal Saints," vol. v., May i. i. Among t!ie pretermitted saints, p. 3.
* See "Hisloiiae Catholicse Ibernise ^Edited by Dri. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., Il6, 117.
p. 50. Article xviii. — ' See " Transactions of
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii tlie Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
i. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 2. Series, vol. i., part i., p. Ixxviii.
* At this date, Father Godefrid Ilenschena - See ibid., p. Ixxxiii.
has published six different Lives of this ^The Commentator adds, "in regione
Saint. Scitarum."
sSee Rader's "Bavaria Sancta," tomus ■• 'I'he Commentator remarks : " Philipus
iii., p. 4. hautem diaconus. uii. filias profetanles
Ar 1 icLE XVI. — • See O'Sullevan Beare's habuit non Philipus Apostolus."
"IIi^torice CatholiccelberniaiCompendium," ^'\'\\q Scholiast states, also, at this date :
tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xii., \\ 57. " lacobus frater Domini et Mathias Aposto-
Article xvii. — ' Ld;led by Rev. Dr. lus hie,"
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy enters 'See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
May 2.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
55
Article XIX. — Festival of the beginning of the Preaching of
OUR Lord Jesus Christ. Such is the record we find, in the FeiUre ' of St.
^ngus, at the ist of May. The BoUandists ^ also have entered tliis festival,
at the same date, and on the authority of several ancient Martyrologies.3
They refer the reader to Florentinius' notes on the Martyrology of St. Jerome,
for a curious disquisition relating to this topic.
^tronlj JBay of iWap,
ARTICLE I.— ST. NEACHTAIN, OF CILL-UINCHE, COUNTY OF LOUTH,
AND OF FENNOR, ON THE RIVER BOYNE, COUNTY OF MEATH.
[FIFTH CENTURY.]
THIS holy pupil and near relation of St. Patrick had an early commemo-
ration; for, his festival has been assigned to the 2nd of May, in the
Feilire' of St. JEngus the Culdee. In the Martyrology of Tallagh,^ at this date,
is also recorded, Neachtan of Cill Unchi, or Cell Funchi,3 in Conailibh, or
Conaill,'* sometimes called Fidh Conaille. This latter place must have been
situated, within the county of Louth ; over the greater part of which the terri-
tory of Conaille Muirtheimhne extended. The BoUandists notice this holy
man, at the present date.s St. Nechtain, or Nectan, was the son ofLiam-
hain,^ or Liamain,7 sister to St. Patrick.^ For this reason, he was called Mac
Leamhua, or Mac Lemnai, His father was probably Restitutus, the Lombard.
He was consequently a nephew to the great Irish Apostle, on the mother's
side. It would seem, that the latter had charge of his early education and
ecclesiastical training ; for, it has been very generally stated, that St. Nectan,
i. De S. Philippo Apostolo, Martyre, Hiera-
poli in Phrygia, pp. 7 to 18.
Article xix. — • ' See "Leabhar Breac "
copy, in " Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
parti., p. Ixxviii.
* See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mali
i. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
3 Among them are those of St. Jerome, of
Corbie, ot Lucca, of Blumian, of Notlcer, of
Wandelbert, of Tallagh, of Manuscripts,
called the Barberinian, Augustan, and those
belonging to the Monastery of St. Cyriacus
and to the Queen of Sweden.
Article i.— ' In the "Leabhar Breac
copy we read : —
efcomLAT) Sacu^mii
Co CiM-pc iniAi\Anic
LA'hec]'echu iAi\i'i]\c'hnCTo
tleclicAin ■daLca Paci\aic
eic
It is thus rendered by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
"Saturninus' departure, unto Christ nigh
whom he went, with (the) death, after a
long sigh, of Nechtan Patrick's pupil." —
" On tiie Calendar of Oengus," " Transac-
tions of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i.,
part i., p. Ixxviii.
^ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. In
the Franciscan copy we find UeAchcAin o
CibL imci 1 CotiAiLub.
3 Tiie " Leabhar Breac " gloss.
^ Tlie " Leabhar Breac " gloss.
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Maii ii. Among the pretermitted saints,
P- ^^T-
* This name is found Latinized as Liema-
nia ; but, it seems not to have been dis-
covered, that she had a feast in our Calen-
dars.
7 She is so called, by the glossographer on
the " Feilire," in tlie Lealjhar Breac copy,
where lie asserts, that she was the daughter
of Calpurn.
^ See his Life, at the 17th of March, in
vol. iii. of this work, cliap. iii., n. 64.
9 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix
5^
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May
the Bishop, was a disciple of St. Patrick .9 According to the accounts about St.
Nectain, he belonged to a place, known as Cill-Uinche, in Conaille-Muir-
theimlme. Also, Fioneabhair-Abba was a locality associated with his memory.
Here, it seems probable, was the chief place of his residence, when he had
embraced a religious life. According to a gloss on the Feilire-Aenguis,
Fionuabhair-Abba, or Findabair,'° was on the margin of the River Boyne, in
Bregia. It may be Anglicized " the bright field of the river." At present, it
is known as Fennor," in a small parish," bearing the same name, in the
barony of Lower Duleek.'3 Here, there is an ancient church, surrounded by
^^>Wl
Fennor Old Church, near Slane, County of Meath.
a cemeter}','* which is still greatly frequented. Some massive blocks of a fine
description of limestone have been inserted in the gable-wall best preserved, and
over them is spread a luxurious growth of ivy. In passing along the Dublin
road towards Slane,'5 the grey and ivied walls of Fennor cannot fail to impress
Quinta ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. iv., num. 6,
p. 266.
"The " Leabhar Breac " copy.
" In the Folio Volumes of G. V. Du
Noyer's Sketches, vol. viii., R.I. A., there
are drawings of this old church, with various
details.
" Containing 1,127 acres. See " Parlia-
mentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. ii., p.
201.
'3 See the " Ordnance Survey Townland
Maps for the County of Meath," sheets 19,
26. The townland proper is shown, on the
former sheet.
"■ These are shown in a sketch, taken by
the writer on the spot, in August, 1883,
drawn afterwards on the wood by William
F. Wakeman, and engraved by Mrs. Md-
lard.
'5 At the age of seven years, Dagobert,
King of Austrasia, was seized by Grimoald,
Mayor of the Palace. He was shorn as a
monk and banished to Ireland. Here his
education was received in the Abbey of
Slane. See "The Illustrated Dublin Jour-
nal,'' vol. i.. No. 20, p. 312.
''•' See Rev. .X. Ci gan's " Eccle>iastical
History of the Diocese of Meatli, Ancient
May 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 57
the beholder, and to awaken Catholic reminiscences.'^ The situation of the
old church is one of great picturesqueness. This building measures fifty-five
feet, by nineteen, and it had a chancel arch, twenty-two feet, from the east
end. How long Nechtain lived here is not known. The Irish Apostle is
stated to have been present, however, while he was dying. Nechtain then
made his testament, it is said. '7 He called likewise for a drink. St. Patrick
had a vision, manifesting his glory in Heaven, before he died.'^ If this account
is to be received, St. Nechtain could not have reached a very advanced age,
and he must have departed this life, about the middle of the fifth century.
When his demise took place, his remains were deposited in Fennor. During
the ninth and tenth centuries, some references to it are found in our Annals. 'y
After the Anglo-Norman invasion, we find this place to have been converted
into a parish church."'"^ The present saint is patron, where his festival had
been kept, on the 2nd of May •^'^ and here, too, we are told, his remains
lie.^^ On this day was venerated Neachtain, as we find set down, in the
Martyrology of Donegal.^3
Article II. — St. Germanus, Bishop and Martyr, in the Country
OF the Ambiani, France. \_Fifth Century^ It is the fate of most subject
countries — and Ireland forms no exception to the rule — to have not alone
their material products appropriated by the dominant country, but even to
have their men of sanctity and fair renown absorbed among the rank and file
of the conquerors, although having a distinctive national existence. Thus it
happens, that the present holy man has been set down as an Anglus, by
comparatively modern writers ;' although his father is stated to have been a
prince of the nation of the Scots, in his more ancient Acts. These the BoUan-
and Modern," vol. i., chap, xxiii., pp. 136, tivitas consignata in lihro qui Fasti Sancto-
137. mm inscribitur." In the second edition of
'? By a Commentator on tlie Feilire of St. his Martyrology, Wilson somewhat variedly
^ngus. inserts liis commemoration: " Eodem die
'^ See " Transactions of the Royal Irish in inferior! Germania depositio S. Germani
Academy," vol. i., part i. Dr. Whitley Episcopi et Martyris, natione Angli, qui cum
Stokes' version, p. Ixxxiii. in Brabantiam trajecisset ; inde in Frisiam,
'9 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Chrisii tidem prxdicaturus, in mercedem
Four Masters," at A.D. 804, 827, 833, 837, gloriam martyrii adeptus est circiter annum
843, 847, 882, 902, 1024. Christi DCCL." This account, Philip Alex-
^° See Rev. Anthony Cogan's "Ecclesias- ander Ferrari seems to have copied, in his
tical History of the Diocese of Meath, "Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum ;" and,
Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap, xxiii., he adds another mistake, at this date, " In
p. 137. Anglia S. Germani Episcopi et Martyris ;"
^' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the as if, indeed, St. Germanus either had been
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (a), p. 414. Bishop in England, or had there died. He
=^ Such is a statement of a commentator also cites Heribert Rosweyde for his autho-
on the Feilire, in the " Leabhar Breac." rity, when writing' about the British Saints.
=3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. However, Rosweyde treated in general on
118, 119. all those saints, whose Manuscript Lives
Article 11. — 'Thus, John Wilson has were to be found in the Belgian Libraries. It
it in the first edition of his "Martyrologium is true, at the 2nd of May, he enters, " Ger-
Anglicanum," at the 2nd of May: " In in- manus Anglus Episcopus et Martyr ;" not-
feriore Germania Festivitas S. Germani withstanding. Father John Bolland declares,
Episcopi et Martyris : hie Anglus natione, by the expression Anglus, Rosweyde only
in inferiores illas provincias trajecit, Christi meant, one of the different nations, that were
fidem prasdicaturus, ulsi tandem suam mer- then subject to the English monarchy,
cedem, martyrii scilicet coronam, adeptus est. ^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Ejus Vita copiose manu exarata in quopiam Mail ii. De S. Germano Episcopo Mart.
Belgii monasterio extat, ut e Societate vene- apud Anibianos in Gallia, pp. 259 to 270.
rabilis Sacerdos testatur, atque hoc die Fes- ^ A Prorogue introduces the Life of St.
58
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 2.
dists have published,^ at the 2nd of May, from various Manuscripts,? with
annotations, and having a commentary * by Fatlier John BoUand prefixed.'
The Benedictines barely notice this Tract — supposed to have been written
after the tenth century — and, as a tissue of prodigies, which have no other
warrant than popular tradition.^ It was printed, at first, by Pere Jean Cau-
chie.7 At the end of twenty years, in 1665, it was re-issued, with some
changes.^ Colgan appears to have prepared a Life of St. Germanus for pub-
lication, at the 2nd of May ; and, the name is so entered, in his list of unpub-
lished Manuscripts. 9 His Life is pubHshed, likewise, in thePetits BoUandistes'
collection. '° In the lately published English " Dictionary of Christian Biogra-
phy,"" there are some notices of this saint. In the times of the Emperor Jovian
or Jovinian,'^ who became a protector of the Church, when he succeeded the
impious Julian the apostate, '^ it is stated, in the Acts of our saint, that Ger-
manusi'-^ who was bishop of Auxerre lived ; however, it may well be ques-
tioned, if the latter were even born, at that early period. On more than one
occasion, we have alluded to the mission of this holy bishop to Britain, 'S
whither he went in order to combat the Pelagian heresy, which there began
to spread, as also to confirm the British Christians in the faith. We seem to
have no means left for discovering the original name of the present saint. All
we learn from his Acts is, that he was the son of a noble father of the Scots' na-
tion, while this man was named Audin'^ — probably Aedan '7 — andofamother,
called Aquila. Tiieir son was distinguished for his beautiful features and mein.
He was yet very young, at that time, when St. Germanus of Auxcne visited
Britain.'^ This latter holy bishop was about to leave for his own country,'?
Germanus, given in seven chapters, com-
prising twenty-five paragraphs.
^ Tliis is given, in thirleeii paragraphs.
5 The Acts proper are ended with Historia
Translationuii), aactore D. Joanne Cauchio
nupcr composita, ut in Officio Ecclesiastico
recitaretur.
* See " Ilistoire Literaire de la France,"
&c., tomevii., Siecle xi., p. 191.
7 Premonstrant and Cure of St, Germain,
at Amiens.
* See ibid.
9 According to " Catalogus Actuum Sanc-
torum quK MS. habenlur, ordine Mensium
et Dierum.
•"See "Vies des Saints," tome v., Se-
conde Jour de Mai, pp. 259 to 264.
" Edited by William Smilii, D.C.L.,
LL.D., and Henry Wace, M.A. See vol. ii.,
p. 656.
'^ He was a commander in the Imperial
Guaid, and he was proclaimed Emperor on
the fifth of the July Kalends, A.D. 363. He
only retained the dignity for eight months,
and he died on the eleventh of the March
Kalends, A.D. 364, while journeying to Con-
stantinople. The most common opinion is,
that he inhaled the fumes of charcoal in his
room, \vhere the body was found lifeless. See
the Christian Brothers' "Historical Class-
Book," Roman Empire from Coiistaiilinc to
Theodosius, A.D. 337-379, sect. 12, p. 223.
'^ He began to lule A.D. 361, but he was
mortally wounded in a battle fought against
the Persians, on the 27th of June, A.D. 363,
and he expired in great agony on the follow-
ing night, in the thirty-first year of his age.
See Berti's " Ecclesiastics Histori.e Brevia-
rium," soec. iv., cap. v., p. 124.
'^ His Life is given, among the " Lives of
the English Saiuts," by the Tractarian
writers, and there, it is stated, that he was
born, probably about the year 378. See p.
15. He departed this life, on the 31st of
July, A.D. 448, having been a bishop for
thirty years and twenty-five days. About
forty years after his death, his Acts were
written by Constantius, a presbyter of
Lyons. See " Gallia Christiana," tonius xii.,
p. 262.
'5 His first mission thither is usually as-
signed to A.D. 429, in company with St.
Loup, Bishop of Troyes. See his Acts, in
L'Abbe Rohrbacher's '"Vies des Saints, pour
tous les jours de I'Annee," tome iv., p.
285.
"Latinized Audinus, called "Anglus na-
tione," by Rosweyd, on the authority of Bel-
gian Manuscripts, while "other accounts
make him Scotch (i.e. Irish) by birth." —
"Dictionary of Christian Biography,"
edited by William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.,
and Henry Wace, M.A., vol. ii., p. 656.
'? 'I'his was a very common name, among
the ancient Irish.
'*It must be remarked, that in company
with St. .Severus, bishop of Treves, he
visited Britain a second time, A.D. 446, See
Dr. John Lingard's "History of England,"
vol. i., chap, i., p. 58.
May 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 59
when he happened to make the acquaintance of that Scotian family, yet buried
in the darkness of Gentile error. His charitable sympathies were deeply
moved, and he prayed most earnestly to God for their conversion. These
prayers were found to be effective ; while, the strangers were supernaturally
moved to visit St. Gerraanus, and to invite him to their house. This invitation
he graciously accepted. When he arrived there, he expounded to them, at
great length, the principles and practices of Christianity. Audin and Aquila,
with their whole family, believed, and they were accordingly baptized. So
greatly interested was St. Germanus with their angelic and beautiful son, that
he insisted on becoming godfather, and on giving his own name to tlie youth,
at the sacred font.^° After the holy bishop's departure for France, the
parents took care, that their son should be trained in the practice of every
virtue, while no pains were spared, in giving him a most finished education.
Soon, he excelled most other students in learning and wisdom ; while giving
himself entirely to the Almighty's service, he became remarkable for the elo-
quence and unction, with which he gained over other souls to love the great
Creator. So distinguished was he for works of cuarity, that in every poor
person he seemed to recognise the Father of the poor, Christ our Redeemer.
He bestowed meat and drink — even what was necessary for his own support —
on all necessitous persons. Every class, that came in contact with him,
received religious instruction, and became convinced of Christian obligations,
which they joyfully laboured to discharge. The persuasiveness of his dis-
course and the sweetness of his disposition were incentives to imitate his
glorious example. To guard against evil temptations, the saint was constantly
engaged, in watching and prayer ; but, his patience, meekness and charity were
specially admired. His holy conversation charmed all, who were privileged
to hear him. Modesty and reservegave him a mastery, overhis actions and over
his spiritual enemies. It seemed evident to all, that he was destined for a high
sphere of usefulness, in the Church. Guided by Divine Grace, heresolvedto
abandon a worldly course of living, and to embrace the clerical state. Where
his ordination took place is not recorded. But, he had no sooner been called
to labour in the ministry, than he possessed the gift of miracles, giving sight
to the blind, and hearing to the deaf, restoring the lame, and cleansing lepers ;
he healed the paralysed and sick, he dispossessed demons, while he even raised
the dead to life. His miracles in converting souls to God were still more
admirable, while preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus, the fame of blessed
Germanus was happily diffused, in his own country. There, the Angel of the
Lord appeared to hun, after he had become a priest, urging him to leave
his parents and natal soil, and to seek Gaul, as the scene for his future labours.'^'
His chief object was to rejoin his godflither, Germanus, whose wisdom and
piety he had so greatly reverenced. When, like another Abraham, he had
resolved on taking this course, coming to the sea-shore, he found no vessel,
or crew, to bear him over the deep ocean. Then he prayed, that God might
furnish him with some means, to visit St. Germanus, and immediately a
chariot was seen, into which the pilgrim of great fliith entered. He poured
'9 About this time, the Romans, under the rum," tomus i., Maii ii. Vita S. Germani,
Patrician Aetiiis, were engaged in an effort ex variis Codicibus MSS., cap. i., with notes,
to subdue the people of Armorica. St. Ger- pp. 261 to 263.
manus laboured to procure peace for Gaul ; -' While Rosweyd believes our saint, to
but, at the time of his death, a great part of have been identical with Eloquius, others
Armorica remained independent. See Henri suppose him, to have been a companion of
Martin's "Historic de France," tome i., St. Bouiiace, in the eighth century. See
liv. vii. Gaule Roniaine, pp. 363, 364. " Dictionary of Christian Biography," edited
="> See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- by William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D., and
6o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Mat 2.
forth this aspiration : " Thy way, O Lord, is in the sea, and thy paths in many
waters. Lead me, O Lord, as tliou hast led thy people, the children of Israel,
through the Red Seaj^"^ with thy faithful servants, Moyses and Aaron ; for, it
is thine to will, and to be able to help me, thou, who alone reignest world
without end." Having said these words, a great miracle was wrought ; for,
the chariot began to sail like a well-appointed ship, over the waves. ^3 On the
shore to which the saint was wafted, it happened, that a great number of
people were in company with a judge, at a place, called Flammenville,^+ near
Dieppe, and all were astonished on seemg Germanus approach, in that manner,
through the waves. They were greatly divided in opinion ; some thought
him to be Neptune, the pagan deity of the seas, while others pronounced him
to be a magician. ^5 The holy servant of God assured them, that he had been
brought among them, in that miraculous manner, through tlie Almighty power,
and he exhorted the multitude to believe in God. The judge alone obstin-
ately entreated the people, to distrust the advice given by a magician, but in
vain. All declared their willingness, to accept the doctrine which Germanus
taught, and they promised him obedience. The incredulous judge was
punislied for his impiety. Having suffered great agony, soon afterwards he
died.''^ There can hardly by any question, but that many legendary accounts
have been introduced, while stating the Acts of Germanus ; and among these
may be reckoned his encounter with a dragon or great serpent, which he
destroyed in that part of the country he visited. "^7 It is said, he also brought
to life a boy, that had been killed by the monster. The prefect of that pro-
vince, wlio was called Maximinian, became a convert to the faith, with more
than six hundred otlier pagans, who were baptized by St. Germanus, as a con-
sequence of those miracles. There he remained, for three months and some
days, performing various miracles, in favour of afflicted persons, while in-
structing his neophytes in the principles of the Cliristian religion. Then,
greatly to their regret, he signified to his converts, that the work of the Lord
must be prosecuted in other regions. He yet ])romised to return, when he saw
how they bewailed his departure. Frequently, he travelled by sea, to gain
souls to Christ. His exalted virtues and great labours soon caused his ele-
vation to the episcopal state ; and, especially, did he resolve to employ his
talents, and to devote himself, in spreading among the people of Gaul a
knowledge of the true God, while withdrawing them from the blighting influ-
ences of paganism. Engaging on such labours, the zealous servant ot Christ
met with great opposition and persecution, while visiting various towns and
villages. He resolutely went among a ferocious people, then living on the
Henry Wace, M.A., vol. ii., p. 656. Gauloise, p. 90.
="= See Exodus xiv. ''^ See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
'3 This may be regarded as one of the idle rum," tomus i., Maii ii. Vita S. Germani,
Legends, handed down by popular tradi- ex variis Codicibus MSS., cap. ii., iii., with
tion. Even the c^irly Breton writers of his- notes, pp. 163 to 165.
tory "ont tour-a-tour mis a contribution la "7 It seems most probable, that this legend
fable, les livres sacres, I'histoire, et, dans les gave rise to his representation in works of
temps plus modernes, les romans de la table art, as clothed in episcopal dress, while
ronde, et les legendes, autre espece de ro- holding his stole as a leash over a hydra,
mans." — M. Dam's " Ilistoire de Bretagne," having seven heads.
tome i., liv. i., pp. 19, 20. Paris, 1826, =^ this River rises on the western face of
8vo. the Vosges, and passing Treves or Trier, it
^•i See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des joins the Rhine at Coblenz. See William
Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, p. Smith's "Dictionary of Greek and Roman
260. Geography," vol. ii., pp. 373, 374.
'5 Armorica and Bretagne were remark- '' During the domination of the Roman=; in
able for being addicted to magic. See Gaul, this city was the chief seat of their Pre-
Amedce Thierry's " ili.sioire des Gaulois, " feet, and it became very celebrated for its
&c,, tome ii., Partic ii., chap. i. Famille schools and civilization. During the fourth
May 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 6i
Mosella, or Moselle f^ and, he travelled on to Treves,^'? where already so
vast a number of Christian Martyrs had been slain, that the river had been
made red with their blood. Passing through those parts, it is stated, that St.
Severinus,3° Arclibishop of Cologne — having already heard of his wonderful
labours and fortitude — received him with open arms, and insisted on his con-
secration as bishop, to share in spreading the Gospel, in building cluirches,
and in superintending the efforts of other ]uiests. However, it is thought,3'
that the real consecrator of our saint was the St. Severius, Bishop of Treves,
who was in Britain, with St. Germanus of Auxerre.3^ Severinus is said to have
obliged Germanus to remain with him, for some days, and then to have pro-
moted him to the episcopal dignity. Afterwards, this holy man applied him-
self most sedulously to Apostolic labours of every kind. Healing afflictions
of mind and of body, ordaining priests and founding congregations, he gained
all hearts to Christ. Germanus is said to have preached the Gospel in Frisia,
and in the provinces of Lower Germany, while he wrought many miracles. 33
The holy man felt a great desire, according to his legend, to visit the tomb of
the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, at Rome.34 There, he prayed with intense
fervour, and he was favoured with a vision. Those holy Apostles appeared
to him and said : " Courage, Germanus, brother in our Apostolate, labour and
be comforted, nor cease to spread the seed of the Divine Word and of the Faith
among the people, that you may be a partaker of the eternal reward. A grand
return for your works is reserved ; but, for your confirmation in the Faith, a
great trial awaits you, while the point of the hostile sword shall be turned
against you to draw your blood." For a time, Germanus remained in Rome,
and during several days spent there, he visited the churches. One night, he
returned to the Church of St. Peter, and with warm devotion, he saw and kissed
it? sacred places. He then prepared to leave Rome. He sought Spain as
that country, where he expected the crown of martyrdom. There, paganism
and Arianism were both at work, to ravage the fold; but, the holy bishop
preached the Gospel, in season and out of season, with superabounding fruit.
He wrought numberless miracles ; he baptized many persons ; he built vari-
ous churches ; he overturned idols and their temples. Especially in Tolosa,3S
he is said to have left behind him a distinguished fame. Finding the Faith
to be greatly increased among the people of Spain, owing to his own and the
preaching of other pious men, he resolved on departure. He passed by ship,
to the British seas. Wishing to conceal his great actions and merits from the
knowledge of the inhabitants, who had already received him, he found this,
however, to be impossible. Among his countrymen, he spent a year and
century, its Bishops occupied a distinguished This latter is supposed to have lived too late,
station in the Church. It is situated on the after the time of St. Germain, to have con-
River Moselle, and under the name of secrated him bishop.
Augusta Trevirorum, it became the Roman ^i gy the Bollandists.
capital of Gallia Belgica. See "Gazetteer s^ £)ui-ing the time of his second visit. This
of the World," vol. xiii., pp. i6i, 162. St. Germanus was a disciple to St. Loup,
3° The feast of a holy man, bearing this Bishop of Troyes. See " Histoire Literaire
name, has been assigned to the 23rd of Octo- de la France," tome ii. Siecle v., sect, i.,
ber. He died about the beginning of the fifth p. 490.
century — as the Bollandists remark, be- 33 gee " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des
fore the present St. Germanus of Auxerre had Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, pp.
been baptized, or probably had been born. 260, 261.
There was another St. Severinus, a bishop of 34 See " Dictionary of Christian Biogra-
Treves, who was martyred in the beginning phy," edited by William Smith, D.C.L.,
of the fourth century, venerated on the 24th LL.D., and Henry Wace, M.A., vol. ii.,
of October ; while, about A.D. 600, there p. 656.
was another bishop of Treves, so called, and ^s 'f he Bollandists are unable to fix upon
who is venerated, on the 21st of December. its exact locality.
62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May
a-half, while he converted numbers of tliem from Gentile errors. He ordained
priests to second those efforts made for the reign of Christ in all hearts.s^
Poinding the period destined for his martyrdom to be deferred, and knowing
that France was still addicted to idolatry, he resolved to embark for that
country, the scene of his former labours. During his voyage by sea, his
vessel with the crew was miraculously saved from shipwreck. After a prayer
poured fortli to the Almighty, Germanus and his companions landed safely
at the port of La Hougue,37 between Barfleur 3^ and Carentan,39in Cotentin,''°
a part of Lower Normandy.'*' At this time, the daughter of a nobleman, who
was a native of Montebourg, lived near ; she happened to be blind from her
birth, and a paralytic. Yet, seven years before his arrival she had an appa-
rition during sleep, that Germanus should arrive and deliver her from afflic-
tion. Anxiously she besought her domestics, to bring her in presence of the
long-expected visitor. Having professed the true faith, she was conducted
to the sacred font ot Baptism, and when there immersed, in the name of the
Most Holy Trinity, she obtained the use of her hmbs and of her sight.
According to certain accounts, she was named Petronilla,''^ in honour of St.
Peter.43 She became a most pure virgin. The fame of this wonderful mi-
racle was soon diffused among the people ; and, as a consequence, they
renounced idolatry, and built churches, in honour of the true and living God.
Germanus spread the Gospel greatly throughout Normandyj-'-^and the people
there very generally believed. He travelled on one occasion towards the
city of Bayeux,45 where a certain avaricious Count refused hospitality to him,
and to those in his company ; but, it was otherwise with a noble, named
Gantius, who was both generous and courteous. A blessing fell on his family.
On entering Bayeux, Germanus sought the release of certain captives. At
first, his request was refused ; but, a miracle which he wrought there caused
the magistrate to relent. Afterwards, to the number of twenty-four, the incar-
cerated were released from their prison.*^ Leaving Normandy, St. Germanus
had a great desire to visit a certain village, inhabited by the Ambiani.'*?
These Ambiani or Ambienes, mentioned by Julius Caesar,-*^ were inhabitants
of that country, about Amiens. St. Germanus travelled along the coast, so
3* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," ^^ AccorJing to many of the ancient
tomus i., Maii ii. Vita S. Germani, ex variis Kalendars, he had a daughter so named.
Codicibus MSS., with notes, cap. v., pp. ■♦■♦ Normandia was formerly a province of
226, 227. Celtic Gaul. When brought over to the
3'" " Pres du cap de la Hougue, se trou- Cliristian Faith, it had seven principal cities
vent la pointe^'i fansede Saint-Germain. II over which bisliops presided, and the Arch-
est probable que c'est la quele Saint Eveque bishop of Rheims was the metropolitan pre-
debarqua pour la seconde fois dans les Gau- late. See Bavdrand's " Novum Le.\icon
les." — "Les Petits Bollandistes' Vies des Geographicon," tomus i., pp. 526, 527.
Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, *^ Its Latin name is Baioca. See ibid.,
p. 263. p. 526.
3^ In 1346, it was ruined, and its harbour ** See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
was filled up by the English. See " Ency- rum," tomus i., Maii ii. Vita S. Germani, ex
clopedia Britannica," vol. iii., p. 12. Dublin variis Codicibus MSS., cap. vi., with notes,
ediiion. pp. 267, 268.
39 In thearrondissementof St. L6, and the ^^'phe Ambiani are classed with the
chief city of La Manche. See Elisee Rectus' Amiennois, Vimeux, Ponthieu and Santerre
" Nouvelle Geographie Universelle," tome people, in Ernest Desjardin's " Geographic
ii., chap. X., p. 661. Historique et Administrative de la Gaule
*° See/i'/i/., p. 652. Romaine," tome ii., chap, iv., sect. 3, p.
*' See "Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des 436. Their position is marked, also, on the
Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, p. Map, intituled Gallia Comata, plate VI., at
261 . P- 369. Ibid.
^^ There are various female saints of *^ See " De Bello Gallico," lib. ii.,
France, bearing the name of Petronille, or cap. xv.
Petronilla. ■♦' See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des
May 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 67,
far as Mortemar, a village on the River Eaulne, in the district of Caux.'t9
There, while near Dieppe,5° he had a revelation during sleep, that the day
following should be that for his martyrdom. The holy bisliop was well
pleased to learn, that the time for his happy translation had come. At an
early hour, he arose, and waking up his companions, they recited Lauds
together ; he then set out, to continue his journey, by the Commune of
Essarts. There he baptized neophytes, in a pond, bearing still the name
Mare-Saint-Germain. He then continued his journey, and he passed the
River Auda, now called the Bresle.s' near the town of Eu.s^ That stream
formed the boundary line, between Normandy and France, in former times.
A wicked pagan, named Hebald, or Hubald, lived in a castle, afterwards
called by tradition the House of Hebald. This wretch collected a number
of his satellites, to follow the holy propagandist of Christianity, and to take
away his life. Towards the close of day, St. Germanus had reached the decli-
vity of a high hill, known as Vieux Rouen, between Aumale S3 and Senarpont.
Near it was a chapel, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. Here, the cruel
Hebald and his gang lay in wait for the bishop. No sooner did the latter
perceive these preparations for his destruction, than he cried out : " Holy,
holy, holy, invisible, incomprehensible, Trinity, complex and simple, now the
time approaches : if it please thee, take from me this earthly form of body,
nor suffer me to remain longer, in this life of sorrow. I commend to thee
those whom I have gained to God, and I pray that whosoever shall remember
me, or shall supplicate thee in my name, shall obtain thy assistance, in all his
affairs." Scarcely had he ended these words, when the barbarous tyrant thrust
his sword into the throat of St. Germanus. Through fear of meeting a similar
fate, wiiich was threatened to them, the people assembled there fled away in
fear, before that chief and his band of satellites. The head of Germanus
was severed from his body,5+ as we are told, on the sixth of the May
Nones. At the same moment, a dove of snowy whiteness seemed to ascend
from that place, and poised on light wings, to direct its course towards
Heaven. The exact year when his martyrdom occurred is not known ; but,
as he had been baptized by St. Germain of Auxerre, and had died towards the
close of the fifth century, the date 480 is thought nearly to indicate that
event.s5 The people of the place, through fear of the tyrant, allowed his body
to remain in the open air, until the day following. It was preserved from
desecration, however, until next morning, when a young girl, about to offer
her prayers at the Blessed Virgin's chapel, heard a voice miraculously direct-
ing her to notify the chief of Senarpont, 5^ to take measures for a decent inter-
ment of the remains. This nobleman, named Senard, assembled a considerable
number of the clergy, religious and people, to assist at the obsequies. Mean-
time, the remains were not to be found at the spot, where his martyrdom
occurred ; for. Angels had removed them to some distance. Aromatic em-
balment of the body took place, and Senard 57 had it deposited, in a new
Saints," tome V, Seconde Jour de Mai, p. 53 Anciently called Albemarle. See
262. Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle Geographic Uni-
5° See an engraved plan and a description verselle," tome ii., chap, xi., p. 764.
of this maritime port, in Elisee Reclus' 54 ^ slight mistake has been made, by M.
"Nouvelle Geographie Universelle," tome Semichoii, that the tyrant llebault cut off
ii., chap, xi., pp. 762 to 764. our saint's head " au lieu meme ou s'eleve
S' As the Bollandists incorrectly spell it adjourd' hui I'eglise de Sainf-Germain-sur-
Gresle ; we may presume this must be a Brelse." — " Histoire d'Aumale," tome i.,
typographical error. p. 239.
5^ See an account of this place, in Murray's 55 See " Les Petits Eollandistes, Vies des
"Hand-book for Travellers in France," sect. Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, p.
i., Route 18, pp. 74, 75. 262.
64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May
sarcophagus. It was buried, on that spot, where it had been found. Over
his tomb, a chapel, and then a church,58 had been built.59 This gave rise to
the future village, called from the holy martyr Saint-Germain-SLir-Bresle.^°
There, a number of pilgrims resorted, during the middle ages, and great mira-
cles were wrought.^' Over three hundred years had lapsed after his death,
when a religious community of Benedictines, who had been established at
that place, were obliged to fly with his relics, from the ravages of the Danes,
or Northmen. After the middle of the ninth century, two of the religious were
charc^ed, to bring those remains to the Vermandois. Arriving one evening,
on a 13th of November, at Ribemont,^^ the doors of a chapel,^^ in tlie suburbs
of Suzencourt,^-* suddenly opened, and the relics were placed there, for that
night. Nor could they be removed, on the day following. So it was found to
be the Divine will, that there they should remain. Some time afterwards, the
Count of Ribemont built a collegiate church, near his fortified chateau, and
it was dedicated to St. (jermanus.^5 To it, his relics were transferred, in due
course ; and, he became chief patron of Ribemont, ^^ where many miracles
were wrought. When this town was besieged by the army of Turenne, in the
year 1650, the shrine of our saint then in the church was broken by marauding
soldiers. These afterwards were seized with fear, on account of the sacrilege
they had committed, so that they dared not carry any of its treasures away.
The church-warden took care to remove the relics to La Fere. Some years
later, these were brought back to Ribemont. At Amiens, ^7 there was a church,
also dedicated to St. Germanus.^^ Jean Cauchie, who was cure of this
church, in 1659, obtained some portion of his patron's relics,^? from the cure
of Ribemont, while these were still kept in trust at La Fere.7° They were
verified by Frangois Faure, Bishop of Amiens, on the 3rd of April, 1660.
They are yet preserved there, in the parish church of St. Germanus.?' In
s* It is observed, that he was a formerfriend They desired greatly to spread their own
of Germanus. devotion for the holy martyr, in the city of
57 To honour his memory, the clergy of Amiens.
Saint-Germain-sur-Biesle go in procession, *- This town is situated on the River Oise,
each year, and on the Sunday which follows about three French leagues from St. Quin-
the 2nd of Mav, with the relics of their holy tin, and more than six from Laon.
patron. This brings a great number of the '^ It was dedicated to St. Anne.
Senarpont people to the church of St. Ger- ^* This place was afterwards specially de-
main. At the time of the Ofifertoiy, an dicated to our saint.
ofiicial pronounces these words: " S'il y a "s ,See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des
ici quelque habitant de Senarpont, quels que Saints," tome v. Seconde Jour de Mai, p.
soient son age, son sexe et sa condition, qu'il 263.
approche le premier, quand meme le seigneur °^ Here not only is the day of his death
du lieu serait present." commemorated, but also that of his Transla-
58 It was served by Benedictines from the tion.
Abbey of Saint-Fuscien-au-Bois, soon after *? A plan of Amiens and its environs — to-
the foundation of this monastery. When gether with a view of its magnificent cathe-
Enguerrand de Bovcs, Count of Amiens, drals — will be found, in Elisee Reclus'
raised that Abbey from the ruins, he united " Nouvelle Geographic Universelle," tome
the priory of Saint-Germain-sur-BresIe ii., chap, xii., sect, iv., p. 7S8.
^jtjjit, '^ No less than three streets, in this city,
59 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- are called after St. Germanus, as also one of
rum " tomus i., Maii ii. Vita S. Germani, the islands there, on the River Somme.
ex variis Codicibus MSS., cap. vii., with '' These are certified as " os d'une cuisse,
notes, pp. 268, 269. "ne coste, un os des vertebres, un morceau
^ Within this church, there is a statue of de la machoire dans laquelle il y avoit une
the saint, wrought in the fifteenth century. dent." — " Archives de la Paroisse Saint-
" Guy, Count of Amiens, and his wife Germain d'Amiens."
Matilda, had such a veneration for St. Ger- ^° On the River Oise.
main, that they desired to possess the domain, ?' Within it is a statue of the patron, and
on which the Scottish missionary had shed it is the work of M. Duthoit.
his blood. Not far from the ancient chateau, '" Here there was a stained glass window
they erected a church, to replace this chapel. representing the Legend of St. Germanus.
May
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
65
Normandy and in Picardy, he is greatly venerated. Especially in Amiens,?*
in Ribemont, in Abbeville,73 in Argoules, in Carteret, in Flamanville, in
Saint-Germain-sur-Bresle,74 in Senarpont, and in Mesnil-David, the people en-
tertain a great devotion towards this Apostolic man. 75 The Breviaries of
Amiens '^ commemorate hmi. Various relics are yet kept in the places already
mentioned, while several religious foundations, dedicated in honour of St.
Germanus, are still preserved, in the northern parts of France.
Article III. — St. Fiachra, Abbot, of Ullard, County of Kil-
kenny. The Martyrology of Donegal ' registers, on this day, Fiachra, Abbot
of Erard, in Ui-Drona. That place, with which he had been connected, is
now called Ullard,^ in the county of Kilkenny ;3 while, it is the head of a
parish, which extends, likewise, into the adjoining county of Carlow.'* In
the Life of St. Comgall,5 Abbot of Bangor, there is an account of a certain
St. Fiachra, who came to the monastery at Bangor, and who raised from their
place of sepulture, in an honourable manner, the relics of the patron, and brought
them to the bounds of Leinster, which was his own province.^ Whether or
not, that St. Fiachra had been identical with the present holy abbot may be
questioned. The place, where our St. Fiachra's establishment stood, is situated
on the Barrow's western bank.? Its sub-soil is a granite formation.^ Here,
there is a remarkable old church, having a highly ornamented and recessed
doorway of the Irish Romanesque pattern.9 There is an ornamented
cross, besides the odier interesting remains illustrating a past period,
Simon Martin, who wrote " Nouvelles Vies
des Saints," in 1649, states, that it was then
valued at one thousand crowns — about three
thousand francs. Only a single pane now
exists in the Museum, and this represents the
Apostolic man overcoming the monster with
seven heads. Another stained glass window,
representing him, is to be seen in a chapel,
belonging to St. Germanus' convent.
'3 At the porch of St. Wulfran's church is
a statue to our saint.
'■* The old coffin of St. Germanus is yet
preserved, under the altar of this church. It
is covered by a sharply raised roof, and there
are two lateral holes, through which pilgrims
pass their arms, and take earth, which they
apply to persons in fever. Above there is a
large stone, elevated on six pillars, and on it
is represented a figure of St. Germain recum-
bent, and clothed in episcopal dress, with a
dragon writhing beneath the feet. This is
a work of the thirteenth century, and the
tomb is classed among the French historic
monuments. It is lithographed, in Baron
Taylor's "Voyage Pittoiesque."
''S See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Mail ii. Vita S. Germani, ex variis
Codicibus MSS. Historia Translationum,
auctore D. Joanne Cauchio nuper composita,
ut in Officio Ecclesiastico recitaretur, with
notes, pp. 269, 270.
1^ As published in 1746, and 1840. See
Les Petits BoUandistes, '* Vies des Saints,"
tome V. Seconde Jour de Mai, pp. 263,
264.
Vol. v.— No, 2.
Article hi. — ' Edited by Drs. Todd
and Reeves, pp. 118, 119.
^ Among the Irish Ordnance Survey
sketches, preserved in the Royal Irish Aca-
demy, the doorway of the old church, and an
ancient stone cross, will be found pictorially
represented.
3 There are 3,186a. 3r. i8p. of land in the
Barony of Gowran, and in this division of
the parish shown, on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny,"
sheets 25, 29. The townland proper is on
the former sheet.
■* There are 72a. 2r. in the Barony of
Idrone East, and 2,5S8a. or. 5p. in the
Barony of St. MuUin's Lower. These are
marked, on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
land Maps for the County of Carlo vv," sheets
22, 24.
s His Life will befound, at the loth of May.
* See Father Flemming's " Collectanea
Sacra," Vita S. Comgelli, cap. 1., p. 313.
7 "Erard ua n Drona," is a Manuscript
annotation of William M. Hennessey, in his
copy of the Martyrology of Donegal.
** See the Map, prefixed to William
Tighe's "Statistical Observations relative to
the County of Kilkenny, made in the year
1800 and 1801," at p. I.
9 The accompanying illustration, drawn
on the spot by William F. Wakeman, and
transferred to the wood by him, is here pre-
sented, as engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
"See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. ii., p. 670.
66
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May
in the cemetery.'° The Ui Drona, or descendants of Drona, possessed not
only the Idrone baronies, east and west, in the county of Carlow, but also
that portion of Kildare and Leighlin diocese, lying on the west side of the
Doorway of Ullard Old Church, County of Kilkenny.
River Barrow, and near the town of Graiguenamanagh." The church of Erard,
or Urard — now called Ullard — west of the Barrow, likewise, and in the county
of Kilkenny, belonged formerly to that district."
Article IV. — St, Piran, of Padstow and Piran-Sanz, Cornwall,
England. We meet the name of St. Piranus, at the 2nd of May, in the
Anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullevan Beare.' The
Bollandists ^ insert, at this same date, brief notices of St. Piran ; but, they
defer, to the 6th of June,^ any further information that might transpire, in
addition to them. Some have thought, that St. Kyran,< Patron of Ossory,
was not a distinct person from St. Piran. However, this latter holy man is
stated, to have derived his origin, from different parents, 5 called Domuel and
" This parish, in the barony of Gowran,
is shown, on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
land Maps for the County of Kilkenny,"
sheets 25, 29, 33. The town and townland
are on sheet 29.
" See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na
g-Ceart, or Book of Rights," n. (k), p. 212.
Article iv. — ' See " Historic Catho-
licas Iliernire Compendium," tomus i., lib.
iv., cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 56.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Maii ii. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 168.
3 This was a festival day for St. Petroc,
one of the British saints, whose Life has been
written by John of Tynemouih, about the
year 1360.
•• See his Life, at the 5th of March, in vol.
iii. of this work.
s The parents of St. Kyran, Patron of
Ossory, are named Lugneus and Lia-
dain.
May 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 67
Wingella ; while, he was from the province of Ossory, in Ireland.'^ Then, he
is said to have Hved a holy life in Cornubia, a province of Anglia. In the
first edition of John Wilson's English Martyrology, St. Piran is placed at the
2nd of May ; but, in the second, his feast has been assigned to the 5th day
of March. The English antiquary, William Camden, alludes to this Irish
saint and to his chapel, when treating about the Danmonii, and he also
records a local legend of a fabulous character, having reference to the holy
missioner Piran.? Father Henry Fitzsimon's list also commemorates him.
Piran is related to have passed his life in Cornwall, and at Padstow, a con-
traction for Parrockstow. In ancient records, it has been commonly called
Petrocstowe,** or Patrickstowe f and, perhaps, the continued influx of Irish
at the port from earliest times may have had some influence on the change of
name.'° There is also a parish of Piran-sand, in Cornwall, where a singular
ancient monument, known as Piran Round, is to be seen. It is in the shape
of an amphitheatre, having high mounds and ramparts, fossed on the out-
side." Ferrarius and the English Martyrology a-e referred to, for some par-
ticulars of St. Piran's life, said to have been illustrated with many miracles.
After the people of Cornwall had been fully converted to the Christian reli-
gion, they were for a time under the jurisdiction of Bishops, who ruled among
the West Saxons."
Article V. — St. Aedan Mac Cuamsie. At this date, it is recorded
in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,^ that Aedan Mac Cuamsie, had a
festival ; and, this notification is also in the Franciscan copy f but, a little
different, in spelling his name and patronymic. The BoUandists refer,3 at
the 2nd of May, to Aidamus — probably a typographical error for Aidanus —
called the son of Cuamse, or Cuaimse, and they quote the foregoing authority.
In the list of St. Aidans given by Colgan, at the 31st of January, we find the
* See Rev. William Borlase's " Antiqui- wall, sect, xxiii. Edition by Rev. James
ties. Historical and Monumental, of the Nasmith, M.A., Cambridge, a.d. 1787, fol.
County of Cornwall, consisting of several ' According to Rev. William Borlase, St.
Essays on the first Inhabitants, Druid Patrick here established a religious house,
Superstition, Customs, and Remains of the called Laffenack, in the year 432. See
most remote Antiquity in Britain and the " Antiquities, Historical and Monumental,
British Isles," &c., book iv., chap, xi., sect. of the County of Cornwall," book iv., chap.
ix., p. 388. Second edition, London, xi., sect, i., p. 379.
1769, fol. _ '° See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
7 Camden writes: " Hinc utrinque spa- of England," vol. iii., p. 528.
tiosior procurrit in ortum regio,et obliquiore " See "The Natural History of Cornwall,"
flexu Septentriouale littus in Aquilonem &c., by William Borlase, A.M., F.R.S., chap,
tendit ad Fadstozu usque, nee aliud antiquce xxvi., sect, viii., pp. 297, 298, with plate
notas tota via habet, quam in sabulo positum xxix., illustrating the description. Oxford,
S. Pirano sacellum, qui sanctus etiam 1758, fol.
Hibernicus hie requiescit, cujus sanctitati in- " See Godwin's " De Pra;sulibus Anglise
fantia vani scriptoris afifinxit quod decern Commentarius, Omnium Episcoporum nec-
Hibernise reges et eorum exercitus tribus nou et Cardinalium ejusdem Gentis Nomina,
vaccis suis octo diebus akierit, et porcellos Tempora, Seriem, atque Actiones maxime
mortuos, nee non homines suscitaverit." — memorabiles ab ultima Antiquitate repetita
" Britannia," p. 142. See Joannes Jansson's complexus." De Episcopus Exoniensibus,
fine folio edition, published at Amsterdam, p. 395. Rev. Canon William Richardson's
a.d. 1659. edition, Cambridge, A.D. 1743, fol.
^ About the year 520, St. Petrock, coming Article v. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
from Ireland, is said to have founded a Kelly, p. xxiii.
monastery here. See Bishop Tanner's " No- ^ Thus : ^Xetxiin ITlAc CuAnpe.
titia Monastica ; or an Account of all the 3 gee "Acta Sanc*:orum," tomus i., Maii
Abbies, Priories, and Houses of Friers, for ii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 167.
merly in England and Wales," &c. Corn- ■♦See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
68 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 2.
name of a St. Aidan, son to Cuaimsecha, whose feast occurs, on the 2nd of
May.-*
Article VI. — St, Enan. The name of this saint is recorded in the
Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 2nd of May. The Bollandists^ quote the
same authority for his festival, at this same date, but erroneously enter his
name Enarius, for Enanius. Veneration was given, on this day, to Enan, as
we read, in the INIartyrology of Donegal. 3
Article VII. — St. Colman, the Holy. The name Colman, without
any other designation, appears in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 2nd of
May. Quoting the same authority, the Bollandists == notice him, at this same
date, as Colmanus, without attempting to designate him, among the many
Irish saints, who bore a similar name. The INIartyrology of Donegal 3 men-
tions, likewise, as having been venerated, and on this day, Colman, siurnaraed
the Holy.
Article VIII. — Feast of St. Brieux, First Bishop, and Patron
OF the Diocese of Brieux. Albertus le Grand quotes the Cornuaille " Bre-
viary, in which the festival of St. Brioc is set down, at the 2nd of May. His
Life has been given alread)', on the day preceding.
Article IX. — St. Ultan, Abbot of Fosse. Although the istdayof
this month has been generally assigned for the festival of St. Ultan, Con-
fessor,' and brother to St. Fursey f yet, a feast, in honour of that Abbot over
Fosse, was kept at Perrone,3 on the 2nd of May."* At this date, too, the
Bollandists s just notice his festival. It was probably transferred from the
1st, which was observed as a holiday, in commemoration of the Apostles
St. Philip and St. James.
Article X.— Festival of St. Saturninus. In the Feilire of St.
^ngus, this holy man is commemorated, on the 2nd of May, which is termed
nise," xxxi. Januarii. Appendix, cap. i., Article ix. — ' In his calendar, Adam
p. 221. King calls him a " Scotisman vnder done-
Article VI. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr ualde." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Kelly, p.xxiii. The Franciscan copy enters Scottish Saints," p. 151.
eriAiri. = See his Life, at the i6th of January.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii 3 According to Desmay.
ii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. * At this day, also, Dempster enters in his
167. " Menologium Scoticum," the following no-
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. tice, "Dierae Ultani Eremitas." — Bishop
118,119. Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
Article vii. — ■ Edited by Rev. Dr. p. 198.
Kelly, p. xxiii. Tlie Franciscan copy has s gee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
CobniAin. Maii ii. Among the pretermitted saints,
^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., p. 167.
Maii ii. Among the pretermitted saints. Article X. — ' See "Transactions of
p. 167. the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu-
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. script Series, vol. i., part i. Dr. Wliitley
n8, 119. Stokes, "On the Calendar of Oengus,"
Article viii, — « This is a town in p. Ixxviii.
Lower Brittany. "See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 69
the day for his departure to Clirist.' He is also recorded with Zefanus, Quin-
tinus, Transilla, and six others, in the Martyrology of Tallagh. The Bollan-
dists,^ who quote from it the foregoing notices, acknowledge, that they could
find nothing more to add from other sources.
Article XI.— Candidus, an Irish Monk. \_Sixteejith and Seventecjith
Centuries.\ The Bollandists ' refer to various writers for notices, at this date,
regarding Candidus, an Irish monk; those authors are Henriquez,^ Chale-
mot, Bucelin, and Franciscus Bivarius.3 We have no means, however, for
obtaining access, to the works of these writers. Perhaps, we might be allowed,
in the absence of clearer evidence, to conjecture, that Candidus might be
rendered, by White, a well-known Anglicized name in Ireland. With a
popular opinion of his great sanctity,4 the present holy man died, probably
on the 2nd of May, and as we are credibly informed, a.d. 16 16.
Article XII.— St. Columbanus, Bishop. At the 2nd of May, David
Camerarius, in the Scottish entries of his calendar, has notice of St. Colum-
banus, a Bishop, celebrated among the Scots.'
Article XIII. — Reputed Elevation of St, Bertin's Relics. We
have the feast for an elevation of St. Bertin's relics, at Sithiu, set down by
Dempster, >= at this date.^
CI)irlr iBap of JflaLn
ARTICLE I.— ST. CONLETH, OR CONLAID, BISHOP AND PATRON
OF KILDARE DIOCESE.
[FIFTH AND SIXTH CENTURIES.}
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS — VARIOUS NAMES OF ST. CONLETH — HIS PARENTAGE AND
PEDIGREE — EREMITICAL LIFE AT OLD CONNELL — ANTIQUE REMAINS THERE — ST.
CONLETH's INTERVIEW WITH ST. BRIGID, ABBESS OF KILDARE — REMARKABLE
PRESERVATION WHILE RETURNING FROM THIS VISIT— HE BAPTIZES ST. TIGHER-
NACH — ST. CONLETH FIKST BISHOP OF KILDARE — HE SECURES ST. BRIGID'S
FRIENDSHIP AND ESTEEM — EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ESTABLISH-
MENTS IN THE CITY OF KILDARE — CONSECRATION AND FUNCTIONS OF ST.
CONLETH AFTER HIS ELECTION — RECORDED INCIDENT OF HIS BEING MIRACU-
LOUSLY FURNISHED WITH VESTxMENTS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF
MASS.
AS the northern hordes of barbarians were moving onward towards the
gates of Pagan Rome, and were threatening to sweep away, as by the
impulse of successive waves, all landmarks of former civilization, from amid
Maii ii. Among the pretermitted saints, ^ In Fasciculo, lib. ii., Dist. 33.
p. 167. 3 He is said to have written the Life of
Article xi. — ' See "Acta Sancto- this Candidus.
rum,," tomusi., Maii ii. Among the prater- '^ One Stephen Sartal has celebrated this
mitted saints, p. 168. holy man's virtues, and iii metre.
70 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
.the wreck of human hopes, Divine Providence had preserved the Church, to
emerge from her darkest days of persecution, and to enlarge her spiritual con-
quests in distant lands. To Christianity was due our preservation from the
shades and blighting influences of an effete and a degrading heathenism. Ire-
land had her own internal and calamitous storms of anti-social and convulsive
throes, although laws, arts, sciences, and imperfect philosophy, seem to have
received some cultivation and a rude development, even during pre-Cliristian
times. While our glorious Apostle, St. Patrick, aroused our Island from her
torpor, and transmiued the glad tidings of Redemption to her people, every-
where does he seem to have planted fructifying seed, which, during his life-
time, ripened into a harvest of souls. From every quarter of the Island were
its fruits gathered. Soon were heathen superstitions and rites abandoned for
the life and vigour of a spirit, which guided our people into the true fold, and
which gave them peace and security within the Universal Church. Numbers
of holy persons grew up in the strength of wisdom, goodness, and faith, hav-
m^ received from our earlier Missionaries those truths of religion, which could
alone sanctify their works, and make these contribute to the lasting benefit of
their souls.
It had been Father John Colgan's intention, to publish the Acts of St.
Conlaeth, at this day. In nearly all our Irish Ecclesiastical Histories and
Biographies, some space is devoted to this holy man, in connexion with the
early church of Ireland.' At the date for St. Conlaeth's Feast— the 3rd of
I^Iay — he is found included with the Sancti Prcetermissi -^ nor do his Acts
appear, in the great collection of the Bollandist writers. Yet, references are
given to those dissertations on, and to their various lives of, St. Brigid, which
had been published, at the 1st day of February.3 These notices, indeed,
serve partially to illustrate the present holy bishop's incomplete biography.
To such incidental observations are we mainly indebted, for a few particulars
relating to him.-* The exact time of this saint's birth has not been recorded,
nor do we know whether he was born of Christian parents. His first name
is said to have been Roincenn ; in the Acts of St. Brigid, 5 Patroness of Ire-
land, he is variously called Conlath, Conlaeth, Conlaith,^ Conlaid,? and Con-
Article XII. — ' See Bishop Forbes' Vita Secunda S. Brigidce, cap. xxix., xxxv.,
"Kalendarsof Scottish Saints," p. 237. pp. 522, 523.
Article xiii. — ' See " Menologium ' Ibid. Vita Prima S. Brigidae, sect. 41,
Scoticum," at 2nd of May. p. 517- Also, Vita Sexta S. Brigidse, sect.
^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- xliii., p. 591. In a note, affixed to the oc-
tish Saints," p. 198. currence of his name in the latter published
Article i. — Chapter i. — ' See an metrical Acts, Colgan says, that in the ori-
account of him, in Rev. Michael Comer- ginal MS. Conleth's name was written Gel-
ford's " Collections relating to the Diocese lanus, "sod quod Conlaidus sit legendum
of Kildare and Leighlin," Bishops of Kildare, constat, ex vita prima, cap. 40. Secunda,
p. I to 4. cap. 29." Ibid., n. 14, p. 598.
^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. Tertia * Ibid. Vita Teitia S. Brigidn?, cap. li., p.
Dies Mail, p. 359. 532. Also, Vita Quarta S. Biigidre, lil). ii.,
3 See ibid.. Prima Dies Februarii, pp. 99 cap. xix., p. 552. In the " Third Life of
to 185. This renowned Father John Bol- .St. Brigid," it would appear that he had
landus, himself, was the Editor of St. b^'cn also called Coelianus. This appellation
Brigid's Acts. h'ld been corrected by Colgan, who adds in a
*A considerable portion of the present note, "Rectius ergo Conlaidus, velConlrethus
Bio"raphy appeared in the Carlow College legendus, ut alii authores habent." He then
Magazine, in successive Numbers of the Se- refers to the 3rd of May, where he intended
cond Volume. A few emendations — chiefly to treat about St. Conleth, n. 24, p. 543. It
in form — are here introduced. need scarcely be observed, Culgan did not
s See her Life, already published, in live to treat of St. Conleath. at the 3rd of
vol. ii. of this work, at the ist of Feb- May, his "Acts of the Irish Saints" not hav-
ruary. ing I'cen yet published, beyond the close of
'See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," the month of March.
May 3-] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 71
lian.s These names are also Latinized under various forms. The Martyrology
of Donegal 9 informs us, that Roincenn was his first name, and it states, that he
descended from the race of Laeghaire Lore, son to Ugaine Mor. From this
Laeghaire Lore, who was. monarch of Erin, the Leinster men are also
descended.
The earliest notices we can find regarding him gives us to understand,
that St. Conleth lived the life of a recluse, and continued the occupant of a
cell. This was situated, in a southern part of its plain, on the right bank of
the River Liffey.'° We are informed, that besides his distinctive reputation
for extraordinary sanctity, Conleth was also gifted with a prophetic spirit."
From those terms applied to him, in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, it might
seem, that this holy man had been a bishop, before his appointment to the See
of Kildare, or perhaps, even before the time of his first introduction to St.
Brigid. Yet, the text may be understood as conferring such a title on him,
in anticipation of a dignity subsequently assumed, and, as the usual one, by
which he was distinguished, in after times."
Tradition has yet faithfully preserved that exact spot, Avhere St. Conlath
lived.'3 It is known, now, as Old Connell, near the present town of New-
bridge, and it is located in the county of Kildare. His former chantry lay
less than a quarter of a mile from the River Liffey, on its southern and right
bank. It presents every appearance — even in its dismantled and neglected
state — of dating back to the most remote period of our ecclesiastical history.
At present, nothing can be seen there like a church, but we find an overcrowded
graveyard, filled with human remains, and covered with elder trees, nettles and
rank weeds. A rather modern stone enclosure may be observed, just over the
burial-ground surface. This, however, was built only to protect the remains
of some priests and other persons there inhumed.'* Old Connell graveyard
is now surrounded by close fences, and it is covered over with several trees of
large growth. Foundations of the old building are partly disclosed, when in-
terments take place.'5 They lie at some depth, under the present mounds
of earth, formed in a great measure by the dust of many successive human
generations here interred. No very ancient monuments can be seen, after a
long lapse of ages, within this churchyard.'^ It has always been a favourite
place for burial ; yet, history has recorded little regarding its past.'? Old
Connell would seem to have been in a state of total decay, when Great Con-
9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. now far^buried under earth, were obligingly
ri8, 119. traced out for the writer, by the very intelli-
" 111 the "Third Life of St. Brigid" it gent lady ah-eady mentioned.
is said, that he dwelt "in dextra Liffi '* In Great Connell, however, portions of
Campi," &c. See Colgan's "Trias Thau- the east gable are visible, together with some
maturga," Vita Tertia S. Brigidse, cap. li., old sculptures, built into the walls or de-
p. 532. tached in adjoining situations. One of these
" /i^/^., Vita Quarta S. Brigid^e, lib. ii., formed the tomb ol Walter Wellesley, Bishop
cap. xix., p. 552. Also, Vita Tertia S. Bri- of Kildare, and Prior of this house, de-
gidse, cap. li., p. 532, ibid. scribed in Harris' Ware as having died
" See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical His- in 1539. See vol. i., " Bishops of Kildare,"
tory of Irelanii," vol. i., chap, viii., sect. pp. 389, 390.
xi., and nn. 130, 131, 132, pp. 409, 411. '? The accompanying illustration of this
'3 Such was the information conveyed to cemetery, drawn on the spot, by the writer,
the writer, in the month of September, i860, in August, 1S83, has been transferred tothe
by Mrs. Hurley, a lady whose beautiful resi- wood, by William F. Wakeman, and it was
dence immediately adjoins the oldgiaveyard, engraved by Mrs. Millard.
to which an ancient road leads. "^ In Clyn's "Annals," we find the follow-
•*By order of Government Commissioners, ing entry, at A.D. 1202, " Eundatur domus
the cemetery has been lately closed for de Conale per Meylerum filium Henrici."
general interments. See Very Rev. Richard Butler's " Annals of
'5 But the exact lines of these foundations, Ireland," by John Clyn and Thady Dow-
72
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3.
nell — a mile or two higher up and on the same side of the Liffey River — had
been founded, at the commencement of the thirteenth century.'^
It is no easy matter to determine that exact spot, where the first inter-
view between St. Conlaeth and St. Brigid took place. The most minute
account of this meeting, remaining on record, is substantially as follows. A
certain saint, whose proper name was Conlaidus, came to visit St. Brigid,
from among a people, dwelling not far away from her ; as he had a great
ai^^^^^^^Hs.'
.-:5
^HH^Bk:
^
"^^^^
^
_. ^ .
"-■^"^'^^^
->'^««=&i^
^wiyi'/wii///^"""'
Old Connell Graveyard, County Kildare.
desire, to have an interview with this holy and renowned Virgin. Having
such a purpose in view, Conlaid set out in his chariot, and accompanied by
a boy. On his arrival at St. Brigid's nunnery, all her sisters received this
pious recluse, with the greatest possible respect and attention. According
to the custom of those times, a warm bath had been prepared for their guest ;
then a banquet was served up, with all the accessories of a simple, yet hos-
pitable, entertainment. When these offices of charity and courtesy had been
ling, p. 7. The history of this foundation
has been very well set forth in Archdall's
" Monasticon Hibernicum,'' pp. 317-321. In
this work, we find no account whatever re-
specting Old Conncll.
'9 Having narrated the foregoing occur-
rences, the author of St. Brigi^i's Sixth or
Metrical Life concludes tliis account with
these lines : —
" O manifesta Dei virtus, o magna po-
testas !
O benedicta manus, signisque stupen-
da puellae I
Talibus auditis animusque ardescit
aniando,
Pascitur interius cordisque intentio
nostri
Dulcibus in verbis, tendit fere ad alta
volando,
Effugit ad superos, sordent terrestria
visu,
Virginis hrec sanctce dum nunc an-
nuncio facta."
— Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta
Vita S. Brigidx, sect, xliii., p. 591.
*° By these roscht, the writers seem to have
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 73
duly performed, St. Brigid received her pious visitor, and then brought her
nuns, introducing them to their holy guest. All her sisterhood welcomed St.
Conlaeth, with a kindly and cordial greeting. He remained with the reli-
gious community for some days. He piously instructed the nuns, through
his edifying counsels, and he planted in their hearts those germs of Christian
virtues, Avhich were destined to bear fruit in abundance, when the Lord of the
vineyard proposed to gallier His harvest. Then, St. Conlaeth bade them
adieu, and desired his chariot to be prepared, for a return to his own habita-
tion. A boy in attendance was ordered to ])ut their yokes on the necks of
his horses. Before starting on this journey, however, the chariot-wheel became
loose on its axle ; yet, no danger was apprehended, for Conlaeth appears to
have been unaware of this fact, at the time of parting from St. Brigid. This
illustrious abbess came out from her nunnery, to take leave of him, when he
had ascended the vehicle. Conlaeth then asked her to extend her holy hand,
and to bestow her blessing on him, that so he might felicitously prosecute his
journey. The sainted Abbess gave both himself ind companion her blessing,
with a sign of the cross. The pious recluse discovered, afterwards, how for-
tunately he had escaped from accident. Although a wheel was loose on its
axle, the chariot nevertheless bore himself and his attendant safely to the end
of their journey. On alighting from the vehicle, St. Conlaeth gave heartfelt
thanks to God. He likewise extolled the merits of St. Brigid, to whose bles-
sing he attributed this almost miraculous preservation. ^9 These incidents are
briefly related, in the Third and Fourth Lives of St. Brigid. In these Acts,
it is said, that the attendant of Conlaeth, when yoking the chariot, forgot to
place the roset(Z,^° as a security against the movement of the wheels. Thus,
it may be seen, how the holy eremite had been enabled to return home, under
circumstances of more than ordinary difficulty and danger.^^ The route of St.
Conlaeth homewards lay probably across that well-known plain, denominated
the Curragh of Kildare, now deemed the finest common in Europe, and con-
taining three thousand acres of land. Nothing can exceed the softness and
elasticity of its surface, diversified, as it is, by gentle swells or irregularities,
and on which some scattered vestiges of circular entrenchments yet remain.
The soil is a fine loam, resting on a gravelly bottom. ^^
In the Life of St. Tighernach,23 it is related, that a certain nobleman, of
Leinster origin, who was named Corrnoc,^* had adopted him for a foster-son.
Soon afterwards, taking his youthful charge, as the companion of his journey,
that chief prepared for a return towards his home ; but, on their way, both
entered Kildare, the city of St. Brigid. Tliis holy virgin intimated to her
nuns, as distinguished guests were about to visit their house, that they should
cordially and hospitably receive those visitors. St. Brigid met them, and
taking the infant gently into her arms, she called him by the name of Tyger-
nach, at the same time, declaring him to have descended from a royal pedi-
gree. She asked St. Conlaid, or Collaid, the bishop, to baptize him. After
meant certain iron fastenings or bosses, ^^ See "The Traveller's New Guide
attached to the chariot's axle, in order to through Ireland," &c. County of Kildare,
prevent the wheels from falling off. See p. 1 1 7. Published at Dublin, by John Cum-
ibid., Vita Tertia S. Brigidas, cap. ii., p. 532, ming, A.D. 1S15.
and n. 25, p. 543. Also, Vita Quarta ^3 gee his Life, given in vol. iv. of this
S. Brigidaa, lib. ii., cap. xix.. xx., p. 552, work, and at the 4th of April.
ibid. -•• He was a warrior or chief of a king
^' The foregoing incidents are briefly nar- called Echad, and a grandson, likewise, as
rated in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, as pub- the daughter of this prince had been his
lished by Bollandus. See "Acta Sancto- mother.
rum," tomus i., Vita Quarta S. BrigidK, cap. -5 See ' ' Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. Prima
iii., n. 15, p. 162, Dies Februarii. Vita S. Brigid^. Com-
74 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
this event, the foster-father with his adopted son went to his own place,
where he carefully tended the child.'s From the foregoing narrative, Bollan-
dus infers, that as Conlaid had been a bishop, when he baptized St. Tigher-
nach, his elevation to the episcopal rank must have been accomplished
previous to a.d. 480. For, St. Maccarthen ^^ died in the year 506; and, he
was immediately succeeded in the See of Clogher by St. Tighernach.^? Sup-
posing correctness in the foregoing account, it is conjectured, ^'^ his baptism
must have taken place, at least thirty years before the latter date, and during
the younger days of his godmotlier, St. Brigid.^^ The reputation of Conleth,
this pious servant of God, for great sanctity daily increased, and his virtues
were a subject of admiration, to all living within that extent of country imme-
diately surrounding him. We cannot doubt, but he infused the light of a
good example, and impressed a right spirit throughout the district blessed by
his ministrations. We find it difficult to obtain any very correct notions, re-
garding the real state of society, at that remote period ; but, there appears to
have been a new awakening to the dawn of a happier epoch, and a steady
perseverance in the doctrines and teaching of St, Patrick, 3° who had early
visited Naas, the royal city of Leinster, and of Auxilius,3^ who dwelt near the
Liffey's banks.
It is expressly stated, in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, that this
holy virgin selected St. Conlaeth to be the first bishop over her newly-
established city of Kildare. It is probable, this pious man lived in retirement,
not far from the place. This circumstance, connected with his first introduc-
tion to St. Brigid, her influence with other Irish bishops, as likewise his own
great virtues and merits, may have contributed to point him out, as one
eminently suited to fill the position to which he was elevated. There can
hardly be a doubt, regarding St. Conlaeth having been the first prelate over
that See, notwithstanding some statements of certain writers, that other per-
sons had there preceded him, in such an office. 3^ According to these, Lon,
mentarius Prsevius, sect, xiii., n, 102, p. advanced to the episcopacy. See Harris'
116. Ware, vol. i., " Archhisliops of Armagh,"
-^ His feast has been assigned, to the pp. 36, y], and 38 ; also Dr. O'Donovan's
24th of March, and to the 15th of August. " Annal, of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp.
^7 See "Acta Sanctorum," ibid., n. 104, 168, 169, and pp. 184, 185, withn. (p). Ibid.
p. 116. BoUandus considers, that Colgan ^^ By Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
allows him not less than twenty-four years *' See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
in the episcopate, and he argues that Tigher- vol. i., chap, ix., sect, li., p. 434, and n. 16,
nach could not have been baptized after A.D. pp. 436, 437. St. Tighernach, Bishop of
500. Now St. Duach, or Dubtach, Arch- Clones and Cloglier, is said to have died
bishop of Armagh, is said by Colgan to have A.D. 549. See ibid., vol. ii., chap, x., sect,
died A.D. 512 ; or as Ussher states, from an- xiii., p. 70.
cient annals, a.d. 514. Bollandus says, this ^o g^g hjg Life in vol. iii. of this work, and
latter saw Tighernach invested with the at the 17th of March.
episcopal dignity, and afterwards he adds : 3' His festival has been assigned to the
" Ut nondum lumc solveret Colganus, dum l6th of September.
quae de S. Tigernaco narraviuius, ex nostro 3= In Harris' Ware, vol. i., we read : " I
Salmanticensi codice recitat, consulto S. do not know upon what authority it is
Conlaidi nomen dissimulavit ; ab Episcopo, grounded ; but the Red Book of the Earl of
inquiens, baptizaricum fecit. At MS. habet ; Kiidaie saith that one Lonius was the first
ab Episcopo Conlatheo baptizari eum fecit. bishop of Kildare ; Ivorius the next ; and
Nos alio usi exemplari sumus, in quo Collai- thai Conlius or Conlaeth succeeded Ivorius.
dus, pro Coidaido, scriptum erat." Bollan- And out of that book, Richard Stanihurst, in
dus, however, seems to have forgotten, that his English description of Ireland (which is
there might have been a later l3ubtach, as cxt.un in the printed lIoling>hed), gives the
Archbishop of Armagh, tlian he who died same account ; but, in my opinion, they are
A.u. 512, 513, or 514. Dubtach, the second both in error." "Bishops of Kildare," p.
of this name, in the See of Armagh, died 3S1.
A.D. 547 or 548. Now, this latter might have 33 jn commenting on this statement, Col-
been the prelate, who saw St. Tighernach gan declares himself to be completely igno-
May 3.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
75
or Lonius, had been the first bishop there ;33 Ivor,34 or Ibhar,35 was the second
prelate ; and then Conlius or Conlaeth succeeded as the third. Cogitosus
represents the latter as a holy ascetic, who lived in retirement, until he had
attracted the notice of St. Brigid. It is thought, likewise, that he was a skilled
artificer in gold and silver, and that he wrought the ancient crozier, which
afiierwards belonged to St. Finnbharr 36 of Termon Barry in Connaught, and
which is now preserved in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy.37
By most of our early ecclesiastical writers, we are told, that Conlaeth was an
illustrious man, adorned with every virtue, and that the Almighty had been
pleased to effect great wonders through him. He appears to have been called
from his solitude, almost immediately after his first interview with St. Brigid,
to receive episcopal unction and jurisdiction over the newly-established See
of Kildare. A great increase in the number of applicants for admission to
St. Brigid's religious institute, at this venerable spot, as also the increasing
size and population of a rising city, required the presence and ministrations
of a bishop, in the opinion of its renowned AbLess. So long as Conlaeth
lived in Kildare with her, most cordial relations oi'holy friendship and mutual
esteem prevailed between them. Cogitosus also seems to say, that the ap-
pointment of St. Conlaeth to his episcopal dignity was effected by St. Brigid. 3^
But, it cannot be supposed, that the holy and humble Abbess could have
arrogated to herself a privilege opposed to the ecclesiastical canons, nor is it
probable such assumptions, if they were made, should have commanded the
approval of the Irish bishops.39 That her influence to procure Conlaeth's
rant of any grounds on which it may rest, for
in the Irish Marlyrologies there is only one
St. Lonius, surnamed Garadh, known.
Marianus O'Gormau and Charles Magmre
tell us, that on the 24th of June, Lonius was
venerated in the church ot Killgaura, and
they also, together with St. yEngus and the
Calentlar of Cashel, declare that, on the 3rd
of September, he was especially honoured in
the churches of Killagaura, in Slievemarigue,
in Magtuathad, and in Garadh, a desert place
in the northern part of Ossory. This Lonius,
however, lived in the lime of St. Columkille
— that is, about the year 550, or afterwards,
as Charles Maguire and the scholiast of
.(Engus state. Wherefore, he could not have
been a bishop of Kildare before St. Con-
laeth, who died in the year 515, or before
St. Ibar, who is said to have departed this
life A.D. 506. Colgan thinks it probable,
that the supposed affinity of these words,
Garadh, Killgaradh, or Kilguara, with Kil-
dara, gave occasion to Ware and other
writers, for placing Lon over the See of Kil-
dare. Notwithstanding, Colgan seems to
have overlooked Sir James Ware's avowal of
his disbelief, in these statements, made by
previous writers.
■''■• Colgan's own opinion was, that St.
Conlaeth had been first bishop over Kildare,
St. Ivorius or Ibar was bishop, and he
flourished before St. Conlaeth, as will ap-
pear from the Lives of St. Declan, chap. 14,
of St. Albeus, chap. 23, of St. Moninne,
chap. 2. This St. Ibar, as would seem Irom
the latter Acts, chap. 2, and from 21, 23,
and 24 chapters of St. Brigid's Third Life,
was on intimate terms with the holy Abbess
of Kildare. However, in no ancient record
is he called Bishop of Kildare. The fact of
his having lived in the plain of Geashill, in
Kildare diocese, and before the church of
this city had been built by St. Brigid, as ap-
pears from her life, attributed to St. Ultan
(cap. 54), may account for his having been
called a bishop of the diocese, afterwards
known as Kildare. Perhaps, for the same
reason, Lonius was called Bishop of Kildare.
See what is laid down in "Trias Thauma-
tuiga," Vita Quarta S. Brigidae, n. 12,
P- 565-
3= Dr. Lanigan remarks, from the circum-
stances of St. Ibar having had some com-
munications with St. Brigid, and owing to
tlie friendship existing between both saints,
some mistaken writer must have supposed
Ibar to have been St. Brigid's ordinary, and
therefore living at Kildare. See " Ecclesias-
tical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii.,
sect, xi., n. 134, p. 412.
3^ We may qut;stion, if this be not a mis-
take for St. Fintan,' also called St. Berach,
whose Life has been set forth already, at
the I Sth of February, in the Second Volume
of this work. There is some reference to the
Bachal Gearr, in chap, ii., and nn. 2, 3.
37 See Professor Eugene O'Cuiry's "Lec-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient
Irish History," Lect. xv., p. 338.
3^ See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
Vita Secunda S. Brigidae. Prologus, p
518.
■"See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii., sect.
X., n. 129, p. 409.
^° See Rev. Michael Comerford's " Col-
76 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
appointment was zealously exerted, may be assumed, and that her recom-
mendation, coupled with his own deserts and established character, deter-
mined his election to the See of Kildare, are also highly probable. The time
of St. Conlatth's consecration, which must have been nearly contempo-
raneous with the erection of Kildare See, is not recorded. Conlaeth is ex-
pressly called first bishop of Kildare, by Cogitosus ; and, it is evident, from
this same writer's words, there neither was, nor could have been, a bishop in
that place before his time.t° Until the period of Conlaeth's appointment, or
a short interval before, it is probable, there had hardly been a house on the
present site of Kildare; nor was a bishop required, until the formation of a
new town, and the establishment of a local religious institute, required his
supervision and residence. It is probable, the new See had not been erected,
for at least a few years after the foundation of St. Brigid's nunnery, and not
earlier than a.d. 49o.t' The Cathedral of Kildare is said to have been first
founded by St. Coiilian, in the year of Christ 503, and to have been dedicated
to St. Brigid.-t^ Tiiis is an assumption, however, for which no certain data
can be fixed. It is likely enough, St. Brigid exerted herself with a corre-
sponding zeal and energy, in the erection of its first church ; but, this had not
been dedicated to her memory, at least during the lifetime of St. Conleth.
We know, that St. Brigid survived him for a few years. Over the convents
of St. Brigid, which were established throughout Ireland, St. Conleth and his
successors in the See of Kildare, are said to have exercised a special jurisdic-
tion. Yet, regarding this matter, our historians seem to have supplied no
conclusive evidence.43 In the opinion of some writers, before this bishop's
appointment to Kildare, its religious institution had been attended, in mani-
fold capacities, by a priest named Natfroich,''4 also called her charioteer. ^s
This priest remained with St. Brigid all his lifetime, as a spiritual companion
or chaplain to the holy Abbess, which office he is thought to have discharged,
under the episcopacy of St. Conlaeth. Whilst at their meals, it was apart of
Natfroich's duty, to read for St, Brigid and her nuns, in their refectory.''^ He
probably attended her, moreover, on many of those important journeys under-
taken to serve the interests of her religious order. 47
lections relating to the Dioceses of Kildare he was constituted her spiritual director,
and Leighlin," Bishops of Kildare, p. i. when she was very young, Seelib. i.,cap.xliii.
''' See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical ^^ Xhe author of the "Third Life" has
History of Ireland," vol. i., rhap. viii., sect. thoughtlessly changed, at cap. 41, the at-
xi , n. 134, pp. 410, 411, 412. tendant on St. Brigid into that of o^naitri^a,
'•"See "The Complete Irish Traveller,'' and hence the denomination o{ chaiioteer,
vol. i., p. 90, published in London, 1788, 8vo. added to his title of prie-t.
Here we have a copperplate engraving of "t^ Colgan thinks, that Natfroich became a
the round tower at Kildare, with a portion bishop. He is called a " presbyter," as
of the Cathedral nuns, as standing at that likewise a charioteer and reader at the table
time. These, however, were not the oldest of St. Brigid, as may be collected from St.
structures erected at Kildare. Ultan, in his Life of St. Brigid, cap. xli.,
^3 "Fromthestatementswhichtheyadvance, as also from an Irish life of this saint, cap.
this inference can only be deduced, that the xvii. His feast was celebrated at the lith
Bishop of Kildare, in virtue of his dignity of day of December, according to M. Gorman,
Metropolitan, was charged, in a particular who calls him bisliop. Colgan adds :" Fuisse
manner, with the care of tlie Rrigitine Con- ergo videtur Episcopus Killdariensis floruit,
vents, which were established in different anno 520." See " Trias Th.iumaturga."
parts of the Province of Leinster." See Rev. Appendix Quinta ad Acta S. BrigidiE, chap.
P. J. Carew's "Ecclesiastical History of ii., p. 629.
Ireland," chap, vi., p. 240. -t? "Poor Archdall tells us (at Kildare) that
"< The Fourth Life of St. Brigid, prior to Natfroich is said to have been coachman to
the foundation of Kildare, has the appoint- St. Brigid ! Pray, where were coaches to be
ment of Natfroich to the duty of attending found in those days ? When St. Brigid and
St. Brigid which it erroneously attributes to Natfroich happened to travel together, we
St. Patrick, unless we should suppose, that may easily suppose that he drove the curri-
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 77
The pious Conlaeth has been represented, as officiating in the double
capacity both of Abbot and Bishop -f" this is probably to be explained,
by regarding him as having charge — at least for some time — over a
community of monks at Old Connell, after he had been appointed to
preside over the See of Kildare. We are not informed, by whom he
had been consecrated bishop ; but, it is probable, that a sufficiently numer-
ous attendance of bishops honoured the occasion of his investiture by
their presence.49 St. Fiach of Sletty, the principal bishop of Leinster,
with Ibar and Ere, and perhaps Maccalleus — all friends of St, Brigid —
were then living. It is supposed, also, that St. Bronus, of Cassel-Irra,
mentioned in some of her Lives, and who seems to have paid her a visit
while she was in Connaught, might have come to Leinster, at this time. As
he is said to have owed the exculpation of his character, from a charge
brought against him in the presence of many bishops, and before a great
assembly, to the kind interposition and miraculous powers of St. Brigid ; no
doubt, he would have wished to manifest his attention and gratitude towards
her, if time and opportunity allowed him to assist at this consecration of St.
Conlaeth. 5° In the Acts of St. Brigid, it is related, that certain poor persons
came to the holy Abbess asking for alms, at a tune when she had nothing to
bestow, except vestments, used by St. Conlaeth, for celebration of the holy
sacrifice of Mass. 5' These vestments, which were in her custody, she gave
them ; and, when the holy bishop approached to offer up the sacrifice of propi-
tiation at the usual time, he declared it would not be practicable to consecrate
the body and blood of Christ without his vestments, which were missing.s^
St. Brigid prayed to God with great fervour. The Almighty was pleased to
reward her charity, by the performance of a wonderful miracle. As a special
gift of heaven, vestments, exactly resembling those given away, appeared im-
mediately, and these the bishop assumed. All, who were cognizant of the
circumstance, gave thanks to God.S3 We are told, in the two first Lives of
St. Brigid, that those vestments were of various colours, and that they had
been procured from Italy.54 They were generally worn by St. Conlaeth, on
Sundays and on festivals of the Apostles.ss It is also said, that those vest-
cle ; but this is very different from the me- sio ad 3 Maii legitur, ad quern diem fusius
nial office of a charioteer." — Dr. Lanigan's de eo agemus. Fuit Episcopus Kildariensis
"Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i., de quo supra inPrologo." — " Trias Thau-
chap, viii., sect, xi., and n. 135, pp. 410, maturga." Vita Secunda S. Brigidse, n. 14,
412. p. 526.
"•^ See Rev. Michael Comerford's " Col- 5= This incident is also related in the First
lections relating to the Diocese of Kildare Life of St. Brigid, as published by Bollan-
and Leighlin," Bishops of Kildare, p. 2. dus. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.
"•9 See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History Vita Prima S. Brigidce, cap. xvi., n. 104, p.
of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii., sect. xi. p. 133. It is more circumstantially inserted, in
410, and n. 137, p. 412, where he says-- the Second Life of this holy virgin. — Ibid.,
"Perhaps it was to the assemblage of bish- Vita Secunda S. Brigidre, cap. iv., n. 31 p.
ops for the consecration ol' Conlaith, that 139. And again, it is mentioned in her
Cogitosus alluded, when he writes (cap. 6), Fourth Life. — Ibid., Vita QuartaS. Brigidae,
* Advenientibus enim episcopis, et cum ea cap. x., n. 68, p, 170.
hospitantibus,' " &c. s^ggg Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga."
s° See ibid.., sect, xi., p. 410. Vita Quarta S. Brigidse, lib. ii., cap. Ixxx.,
5' In the Second Life of St. Brigid, by p. 561. And Vita Tertia S. Brigidas, cap.
Cogitosus, these vestments are called "ves- cxiv., p. 543, ibid.
timenta transmarina et peregiina Episcopi 54 Conlaeth is called " summus populo-
Conlaith decorati luminis," &c. In a note, rum Pontifex," in the Second Life of St.
postfixed to this passage, Colgan writes : Brigid, cap. xxix., p. 522.
" In MS. Amandi et in libris editis legitur, 55 The words, " mutatoriis vestibus," are
Conleach : sed rectius Conlaidii, ut in MS. applied to his vestments. These terms have
S. Huberti, in Annalibus nostris ad an. 519, reference to changes of colour, necessary for
qua obiit, et aliis Codicibus Hibernicis legi- various festivals.
tur : vel Conlaedh ut in Mariano et .^Engus-
78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3
ments used — after the former ones had been bestowed on the poor — were
brought to Bishop Conlaeth, in a two-wheeled chariot. s^ Such accounts as the
foregoing, taken from the acts of our ancient saints, frequently serve to illustrate
former social usages and habits of life, at least during and before the period
when the biographer wrote. From his allusion to the chariot having two
wheels, perhaps, without any strained inference, we might assert, such a
description implies, that chariots having more than two wheels were then
known, although they may not have been ordinarily used. Indeed, it may be
regarded as probable, our kings and superior chiefs travelled on state occa-
sions, in highly ornate vehicles, with four wheels ; although the harness and
appointments greatly differed from the materials and workmanship exhibited,
at the present day.
CHAPTER II.
THE FAMILY T'EDIGREKS OF ST. BRIGID AND OF ST. CONLAETH — ARTISAN
PROFICIENCY OF THIS HOLY MAN — OLD CONNELL SUPPOSED TO BE HIS USUAL
PLACE FOR RESIDENCE — INQUIRY REGARDING THE NATURE OF ECCLESIASTICAL
SOCIETY AT KILUARE DURING THE TIME OF ST. BRIGID AND OF ST. CONLETH —
DESCRIPTION OF AN ANCIENT CHURCH AT KILDARE —SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT —
ADORNMENT OF ANCIENT SHRINES.
It has been stated by our genealogists, that a remote family affinity existed
between St. Brigid and St. Conleth : for writers on Irish pedigrees trace both of
them, from a common ancestor, called Ugaine Mdr, whose name has been
Latinized, Hugonius Magnus. He was King of Ireland, from a.m. 3619 to
3649.' It must be acknowledged, however, that some serious chronological
and genealogical difficulties seem to interpose, in connecting St. Brigid ^ as
a collateral relation and contemporary of St. Conleth. We find this latter
saint the twenty-fifth in descent from Ugaine Mor, if indeed — according to
Irish Manuscripts quoted — he be not even the thirty-sixth in a line-genera-
tion ; while, St. Brigid's branch of pedigree was the thirty-first, according to
O'Flaherty's reduction, or the thirty-filth, according to Colgan,3 from the
same common ancestor. This uncertainity of calculation is set forth by our
writers, who have specially dealt with the intricacies of old Irish pedigrees.'*
It has been very satisfactorily shown, that the goldsmith's and lapidary's
art had been brought to great perfection, at a very early period, in Ireland.^
Indua, St. Conleth, had probably been a worker in metals before his religious
5* Speaking of St. Brigid, the First Life ^ From the scholiast on the Feihre of St.
says ; — /Engus, the late learned Irisli scholar, J.
O'Beirne Crowe, A. B., has furnished tlie
Quot patravit miracula following translation of his pedigree : " That
Non est qui plene possit referre : is Candla, son of Cormac, son of Aengus,
Benedixit paramenia sacra Conlaido son of Echa, son of Setne, son of Fotha, son
QuK ex Italia attulit. of Echa Lam-Derg, son of Mesincorb."
Quando erant ei necessaria ^ See her family descent in "Trias Thau-
Ejus filius ate earn fecit rem perfaus- maturga." Appendix Quarta ad Acta S.
tam Brigitix," cap. 2, p. 613.
Attulit ilia paramenia varicolari ^ See Very Rev. James Henthorn Todd's
QuK posuit in curru duarum rotarum. " Life of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland."
Appendix A., Tables iv., v., pp. 252, 253.
— Ibid., Vita Prima S. Brigidse, sect. 40, 41, = At the earliest period, St. Patrick is said
p. 517. to have had no less than three artis's, belong-
Chapter II. — ' See O'Flaherty's " Ogy- ing to his household, besides embroiderers
gia," pars, iii., cap. xxxviii., pp. 260, 261. and smiths. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 79
retirement, for he was distinguished as St. Brigid's " chief artificer,"^ accord-
ing to a gloss on the FeiHre-^ngus. The word Indua denotes an artist in gold,
silver, and other metals. In Irish ecclesiastical records, another famous
artist, named Conln, is also mentioned. 7 But he is not to be confounded with
St. Conleth of Kildare. We may probably infer, that the latter lashioned
many useful and ornamental objects for ecclesiastical purposes. Among
these, chalices of gold, or silver, church vessels, and shrines for holy relics,
may probably be included. In fictile as in pictorial art, a high degree of ex-
cellence our early Christian artists must have attained; not alone from
acquaintance with works of art on the Continent, but even from actual recorded
accounts and surviving specimens of iheir proficiency reached at home.*^
Ancient Irish ecclesiastics of the highest rank considered it a suitable occu-
pation, to work as artificers in the manufacture of reliquaries, shrines, pastoral
staffs or croziers, bells, covers for sacred books, and other ornaments, suit-
able for churches and for their minsters. Several beautiful specimens of art are
still preserved, and many of these are the works of ecclesiastics, belonging
to centuries preceding the English invasion of Ireland. Many other speci-
mens appear to have been destroyed, and melted down by the Danes, who re-
morselessly plundered churches and monasteries of their valuables. 9 Especially,
they seized altar ornaments and vessels, formed from the precious metals. '°
It is likely, St. Conlaeth's chief place of residence was at Old Con-
nellj" and thence, his reputation for sanctity became so widely diffused,
that he had not only the approbation of St. Brigid, but even the petitions of
the people, concurring in his election to the episcopal dignity.'^ Were we to
admit his relationship with the holy abbess, it seems probable enough, he
was known to her from early youth. His near residence also warrants the
assumption, that he had visited Brigid, long before the incidental relation to
be met with in her Acts had originated. Still there are vestiges of a very
remote period, near the spot he had selected for a home, which formerly had
been called Condail of the Kings. '3 Not far removed from the site of Old
of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 134 to 141, Great Connell, on which are some interest-
and nn., ibid. ing ruins of the monastery — which had been
* In a table, subjoined to the " Martyr- founded by Lord Meyler Fitz Henry, who
ology of Donegal," he is termed, "brazier died a.d. 1220, and who was there buried,
of Jirigid, first bishop of Cilldara, and See Jacobi Grace, Kilkenniensis, " Annales
archbishop also." See, also, /^/if., pp.388, 389. Hibernice," pp. 28, 29. Edition by Rev.
7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Richard Butler, M.R.I. A.
Prince O'Donnell, in the Vita Quinta S. '- This the Italian " Breviarium Gienen-
Columbre, hb. i., cap. xcix., p. 405. sis" states, in its Second Lection. See
^ The Rev. Dr. C. O'Conor's dissertations Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix
on the mechanical and liberal arts, as prac- Prima ad Acta S. Brigidas, p. 601.
tised in Ireland, are not the least interesting, All of the foregoing townlands are now
among the valuable comments annexed to included within Great Connell parish. Several
his edited works. See " Rerum Hibernica- years ago, while Mr. Flood, ofNewhall, and
rum Scriptores,"voliv. Annales Ultonienses, Mr. Duggan, of Ladytown, were engaged in
Annotationes, ad ssec. viii., i^p. 134 to 172. walling in the cemetery at their own ex-
9 Here there is a mine of information to pense, several fragments of sculptured figures
be developed, and worthy the most accom- were exhumed, and piously re-erected. After-
plished antiquary's serious and fuller inves- wards, brick and stone were taken from it,
ligation. while Colonel Gray was engaged in building
'° See Dr. Todd's "Life of St. Patrick, Conall-More Lodge. These exhibited here
Apostle of Ireland." Introductory Disserta- and there specimens of tesselated tihng,
tion, p. 26. almost unknown in modern architecture.
" On the right bank of the Liffey are See The Leinster Independatt, of Satur-
these various townlands: first, that of Old day, February 24th, 1872.
Connell, on which was the site of the oldest '3 xhus identified, at n. (k), by Dr.
church, near Old Connell house; secondly, O'Donovan, in the "Three Fragments of
Little Connell, in which nothing of antiqua- Annals," p. 44.
rian interest can be met with ; and thirdly,
8o
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3.
Connell burial ground, an ancient artificial mound, and rising to considerable
altitude, may yet be seen ; some large trees grow on its sides and summit.''*
It is rather remarkable, that many similar elevations may still be found, near
the site of our most ancient religious establishments ; nor are instances want-
ing, in that extent of country, not far removed from theplace.'s However,
it seems possible enough, that many, if not most, of those ancient tumuli are
pre-Christian.
In the time, and with the approval of St. Brigid herself, as Colgan
supposes, there v.'ere tlnee distinct ecclesiastical jurisdictions estab-
lished within the city of Kildare — viz., those of Bishop, of Abbot, and of
Moat at Old Connell, County of Kiklaie.
Abbess. He thinks, that this can be proved, from an architectural descrip-
tion,'^ regarding the church of Kildare, pointing out its divisions, and the
uses for which each compartment had been destined. It would seem, that
while there was but one monastery tliere, monks and nuns lived in it, although
effectually separated by a wall or an enclosure, as well in the church, as in the
house. '7 To the former, it is noticed, that thebisliop, with liisbaud of regu-
lars, entered from the east, and through a door at tiie right. The abbess,
with her nuns, approached by another door, at the left side of the cathedral.'^
'♦ The accompanying representation was
sketched on the spot, by the writer, in
August, 1883. It has been transferred to
the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and it
was engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
'5 It is sufficient to mention Clonenagh,
and At^haboe.
'" Wiiich is given by Cogitosus.
'' Colgan imagined that both habitations
were separated merely by a wall ; but the
church — and a very large one it was —
formed a much wider line of separation.
See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. i., chap, xvi., n. 141,
p. 414.
'* Colgan add : " Pr?eterea quia utrumque
sexum ordinis S. Brigidse, seu Biigittse,
Suecic in codem Cxnobio commorari vide-
mus : non est enim vero absimile hanc sanc-
tam feminam ordinem suum instituisse ad
imitationem S. Brigida; noslnr, cujus et no-
men prsetulit et virtutes in multis aliis imi-
May 3 ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
It has been remarked,'? that a question may be raised — if the abbot witli liis
monks Avere subject to the Abbess of Kildare, from the time of St. Brigid's
death, and for many subsequent years ? The affirmative, Colgan deems pro-
bable, because St. Conlaeth, whom he supposes first superior over a com-
munity of monks at Kildare, ^° had been subject to St. Brigid, the first abbess ;
and because, in the order of St. Brigid of Sweden, which he imagines to have
been framed on the rules of St. Brigid of Kildare's religious institute, the
abbess had jurisdiction over the abbot, governing communities of men. Col-
gan adduces various reasons, to establish his supposition, that the Bishop
of Kildare united episcopal and abbatial functions in his own person, during
the primitive times of that See. He says, first, from Cogitosus and from other
writers of St. Brigid's Acts, it can be shown, that St. Conlaeth, first Arch-
bishop of Kildare, presided over a community of monks ; secondly, there
seem to have been both bishops and abbots of Kildare, within the same city
and monastery ; and, thirdly, he states, our ancient writers call the bishops of
the place abbots. These reasons, however, he submits under doubt. In
pursuance of this train of argument, he remarks, that the Abbot of Armagh,
or in other words, the Archbishop of that See, is placed foremost among all
persons,^' whether ecclesiastical or secular, who were exempt from royal exac-
tions, contributions, and other burthens, according to the constitutions of the
kingdom of Ireland. If he were only simply an abbot, there would be no
reason, argues Colgan, why he should have precedence over many kings, all
the bishops and abbots of the kingdom, and, in fine, over the Archbishop of
Armagh himself.^^
Although it is said, that a body of inferior clergy or of regular
canons served the church, and under direction of St. Conlaeth -p there
is no just reason for supposing, that this bishop presided over a com-
munity of monks at Kildare. Nor is there any allusion to a monastic estab-
lishment being at Kildare, until long after the time of St. Brigid and of St.
Conlaeth, when St. Aidus, or Aid Dubh,^4 officiated in the double capacity of
Bishop and of Abbot. ^s Besides, it has been observed, that no monks are
mentioned, as having been there governed by St. Conlaeth. Nor is he called
abbot,=^ nor by any title except one, and that strictly referring to his episcopal
dignity. There is still less reason for admitting the strange assertion of Col-
gan, that Bishop Conlaeth was subject to St. Brigid. Whence, he would con-
clude, moreover, that abbesses, after her time, and for a long period, had
been invested with jurisdiction over the abbots, or what should amount to nearly
tata est." — " Trias Thaumaturga," Appen- Acts, that Conlaeth presided over monks
dix Quinta ad Acta S. Brigid^, cap. i., when Bishop of Kildare. See " Trias Thau-
p. 627. maturga," Quinta Appendix ad Acta S.
'9 By Colgan. Brigidse, cap. i., p. 627. But, he refers to
^° Perhaps, however, this community had no particular passage, for proof of such
been established at Old Connell. statements.
^' Even before the kings of Meath and of '^'- His death is recorded, at a.d. 638. See
Munster. Dr. O' Donovan's " Annals of the Four Mas-
^'^ With regard to those assertions of ters," vol. i., pp. 256, 257.
Colgan, it inay be asked, if the archiepisco- =^5 The college called of monks, over which
pal and abbatial dignities had not been Aidus presided, was in reality the chapter of
united in the same person, in some instances the catliedral, as plainly appears from Cogito-
referred to, or if the Abbot of Armagh did not sus, who, describing the church, tells us,
enjoy some special privilege in those cases that the bishop used to enter the sane-
cited ? In any event, his arguments are tuary by a door, in the right side of the
quite inconclusive to establish an inference, church, together with the collegiate body
that Conlaeth was both bishop and abbot, and clerical assistants. See Colgan's "Trias
while at Kildare. Thaumaturga," Secunda Vita S. Brigidce,
^^ Colgan says, it appears from Cogi- cap. xxxv., pp. 523, 524.
tosus and from other writers of St. Brigid's ^^ Notwithstanding, this term is frequently
F
82
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3.
the same thing, over the bishops of Kildare.^7 There is no just foundation
for such a statement ; while, it is certain, that the bisliops of Kildare differed
not — so far as independent jurisdiction was concerned — from other Irish pre-
lates. It may be admitted, perhaps, that its church expenses had been
defrayed from the monastic funds, while its furniture and ornaments were
probably derived from the same source, in the time of St. Brigid.^^ It is pro-
bable, also, her successors claimed a right to the church at Kildare, in virtue
of that original foundation, by the first abbess of the place ; but, while
abbesses presided over their peculiar institute, bishops certainly governed the
diocese. As a matter of mutual agreement and convenience, the church or
cathedral might have remained under the joint management of both parties. '9
St. Brigid appears to have founded that beautiful church at Kildare, and
which served the uses of her community, as also for die faithful at large. It
existed to the time of Cogitosu?, who flourished before the ninth century, 5°
and who gives a faithful description, regarding its architectural peculiarities in
his day. We are informed, that it covered a considerable area, and that it was
high in proportion. This church was decorated with paintings on wood, of
which material it appears to have been altogether built, in the opinion of
of many,3' while others maintain, it was a stone-built church. It contained
three oratories or chapels, divided by wooden compartments, however,
under the large roof. This covered the whole. One of its walls was deco-
rated and painted with various images, besides being covered with tapestry ;
and along the breadth, in the eastern side of the church, it extended from one
partition wall to the other. There were two doors, at either extremity
of this wall. Through that door on the right hand side, the
bishop, 3^ with his canons, and those who assisted at ecclesiastical rites,
entered the sanctuary, when approaching to offer the Dominical sacrifice 33 on
the altar; while the abbess, with her nuns and postulants, entered through a
door towards the left, whenever they prepared, to receive the Body and
Blood of our Lord and Saviour.34 Another wall divided the ground floor of
the church into two equal parts, and it extended from the eastern 35 side to
employed in Irish histoiy, wherever bishops
had monasteries annexed to their cathe-
drals.
'^ In alluding to " this whimsical and truly
uncanonical position " of Colgan, Rev. Dr.
Lanigan, in continuation, remarks : "Colgan
took it into his head that as there was an
affinity between the names Brigid and Birget,
their monastic institutions were likewise
formed on a similar plan. What has a like-
ness of names to do in this matter ? Besides,
in the institution of St. Brigitta there was
no such thing as jurisdiction over bishops.
Colgan ought to have reflected, that this
Swedish princess, most probably, knew little
or nothing concerning the system of St.
Brigid ; for at the time of her forming her
establishment — viz., not long before A.D.
1370, the nunnery of Kildare was in a state
of great insignificance. Archdall has given
to his readers in a positive manner what
Colgan had proposed as a matter of doubt,
and tells them that the abbots of Kildare
were for several years subject to the abbess."
— " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol.
i., chap, viii., sect, xi., n. 142, pp. 414,
415;
*' These conjectures may receive confirma-
tion, from an anecdote already related, when
St. Brigid, assuming the ownership of some
sacerdotal vestments, undertook their distri-
bution in favour of the poor, having no
other alms to offer.
''See ibid., nn. I43, I44, 145, pp. 411,
415-
3° We are even told, Cogitosus is supposed
to have written his Life of St. Brigid before
A.D. 594. See Wills' " Lives of Illustrious
and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i., part I,
First Period, p. 103.
3' In his usual pleasing style, the late
venerable Archbishop of Calcutta has
furnished us with a description of this church,
from passages in Cogitosus ; while he seems
inclined to believe, that the church itself
had been entirely constructed of wood. See
Carew's " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land," chap, vi., pp. 233, 234.
3- The words of Cogitosus are, that the
bishop entered " eum sua regular! schola, et
his qui sacris sunt deputaii ministerii^."
33 Til e words are "sacra ct Dominica
immolare sacrificia."
3« The words are " ut convivio corporis et
sanguinis fruantur Jesu Chrisli."
35 RicU " western."
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 83
the opposite wall, lying across the breadth. There was one door, highly
ornamented, on the riglit hand side of this church. Through it, the priests and
male portion of the congregation entered ; while another was on the left hand
side, through which the religious of the nunnery and the female contingent
of the congregation passed.3° There were many windows in the walls, to
admit light within the church. Various divisions of the faithful, according to
rank, station, and sex, afforded to all an opportunity for assisting at the
Divine mysteries and various ceremonies carried out in the church, accord-
ing to an established order, and the requireiiients of ecclesiastical discipline. 37
A miracle, which occurred in repairing this church, and which, Cogitosus
thinks should not be passed over in silence, has been placed on record. 3^ When
the old door of the left side passage, through which St. Brigid used to enter
the church, had been altered, repaired, and placed on its former hinges, by
artisans, it could not exactly cover the opening as required. A fourth part
of this space appeared exposed, without anything left to fill it ; and, if a fourth
more were added and joined to the height of ^he gate, then it might fill up
the entire altitude of this reconstructed and lo^ty passage. The workmen
held a consultation, about making another new and larger door to fill up this
entrance, or to prepare a panel for an addition to the old door, so as to
make it the required size. A principal artisan among the Irish then spoke :
" On this night, we should fervently implore the Lord, before St. Brigid, that
before morning she may counsel us what course we ought to pursue, in refer-
ence to this matter," After these words, he passed a whole night in prayer,
beside St. Brigid's tomb. On the morning he arose. He then found, on
forcing and settling the old door on its hinge, the whole passage was filled,
so that a single chink was not left uncovered, nor in its height was any, even
the least, excess discovered. Thus, it happened, as the whole aperture was
filled, that St. Brigid — as was generally believed — had miraculously extended
that door in height. Nor did any part appear open, except when the door
was moved on entering her church. This miracle, accomplished by Divine
omnipotence, was evidently manifested to the eyes of all, who looked upon
the door and the passage. 39
It is but fair to state, moreover, that not only the antiquity of St.
Brigid's Acts, by Cogitosus, has been doubted by some writers, but even
their authenticity has been denied by others, in consequence, chiefly — if not
altogether — of details given in the preceding description, regarding the church
at Kildare.t° A very presumptuous and an exceedingly incompetent writer ■*'
on our country's antiquities asserts, that what evinces the work of Cogitosus to
be suppositious, is his description, concerning the monuments of St. Bridget
and of St. Conlaeth, on the right and left sides of the altar, at Kildare. They
were not only highly finished with gold and silver ornaments, with gems and
3* Thus, the great aisle of it outside the 39 The foregoing description in the text
sanctuary was divided by a partition separa- substantially agrees with the thirty-fifth
ting the males from the females, and chapter of Cogitosus, the Latin of which,
each division had a door peculiar to itself. witli a faithful literal translation, will be
From what has been now observed, we see found in Mr. I'etrie's splendid work, "The
that the nuns had not a separate church for Ecclesiastical Architecture and Round
themselves, although their habitation ad- Towers of Ireland," part ii. subs, i., pp.
joined it on one side, while that of the bis- 197 to 199.
hop and chapter seems to have been close to *° Basnage, the editor of Canisius, thinks
it on the other. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's that Cogitosus' supposed description of the
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i., church of Kildare, "smelt strongly of later
chap, xvi., n. 141, p. 414. ages," than those when he flourished. See
37 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," "Antique Lectiones," tomus v., p. 625.
Secunda Vita S. Brigidas, cap. xxxv., pp. -t' The Rev. Edward Ledwich.
523, 524. *- Therefore, the superficial writer Led-
3* See ibid., p. 524. wich, when treating about Irish Literature
84 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
precious stones, suspended gold and silver crowns, but the wall of the chan-
cel was painted with portraits.'*^ This church architecture, he deems to be
the work of fancy, and that it could not have existence earlier than the twelfth
century. The Irish, in his opinion, had no stone edifices, in the sixth century;
and, this statement, he thinks, had been conclusively proved by himself.
To these groundless assertions, the learned Dr. Petrie replies, that such objec-
tions betray a great want of antiquarian research, and are of very little
weight.'*^ Even Dr. Lanigan — who considered the work of Cogitosus as an-
terior, at least, to the ninth century, while arguing in support of its antiquity
— need not have supposed, that the early church at Kildare was a wooden
structure. This supposition — wholly improbable and gratuitous — the text
will by no means authorize. Various evidences have been adduced, relative
to the antiquity of stone churches in Ireland. Numberless illustrations are avail-
able to prove, that the plan and general form of this church, which consisted
of a nave and chancel, were designs exactly and commonly adopted in the
abbey or cathedral stone churches throughout Ireland.''* Its having two lateral
doorways, instead of a single western portal, is pointed out as a peculiarity
quite necessary, owing to the circumstances of the structure having been de-
signed for the use of two religious communities and belonging to different
sexes. 45 These had distinct and separate places assigned them, according to
an almost universal practice of ancient times.'^^ A necessity for this separa-
tion of the sexes possibly led to a division of the nave, by a wooden partition,
and into two equal portions. These were entered by the lateral doorways, already
mentioned ; and this arrangement led again, perhaps, to a piercing offthe wall,
or partition, which separated the nave from the chancel. A doorway was on
either side of the chancel arch. It was opened there, in order to admit an en-
trance into the chancel for the bishop with his chapter, on the right or south
side, and for the abbess with her nuns, on the left or north side. Another
peculiar feature is noticeable, in the description of this church. It had a
number of windows, although the Irish churches were remarkable for the few-
ness of such apertures ; yet, in the notice of such peculiarity, there is as little
to excite a suspicion, regarding the truth of the general description, as in the
other instance. The very arrangement of the church into a double nave ne-
cessarily required a double number of windows in order to light \\.^^
It does not appear from our records, wiien the use of glass had been intro-
in the Middle Ages, has pronounced the book Conleth. Even, in later times, and near our
of Cogito-sus tobe suppositious. See "Anti- own epocli, these have undergone considera-
quities of Ireland," p. 352. Yet, there is ble mutilation, repairs and unmeaning
nothing therein described inconsistent with alterations. See "Official Illustrated Guide
historic truth ; nay more, capable of being to the Great Southern and Western Rail-
sustained by demonstrative proof. way, " by George S. Measom, pp. 8, 9.
'"Although he not only freely acknow- ''5 See Bingham's "Origines Ecclesiasticae;
ledges, there is great reason to doubt, that Antiquities of the Christian Church," book
the work of Cogitosus, as had been supposed viii., cap. iii., with plans and illustrations,
by Colgan, Vossius, Dr. O'Conor, and others '•^ See ihid.^ cap. v., sect. 6.
— even by the judicious Ware — belonged to "^ The Rev. Dr. O'Conor has well re-
the sixth century ; and, he had even under- marked, that if the writer had described
taken to prove, that its real age was some these windows as having been glazed, it
early part of the ninth century ; yet. Dr. might have afforded some historical argu-
Petrie by no means concurred in Dr. Led- ment against supposing that he lived in the
wich's sweeping scepticism, as to the truth of sixth or seventh century, inasmuch as glass
that description, relating to the church, and was not usually found in the windows of
which tiie latter regarded as altogether fan- English churches, until the close of the latter ;
ciful, and posterior to the twelfth century. but, even that would be noevidence to prove,
See ibid. that the writer did not flourish previously to
** It is not to be inferred, that any of the the twelfth centur)', because the use of glass
existing antiquarian remains at Kildare are mighthave been introduced into Ireland long
referable to the time of St. Brigid or St. before that age, through intercourse of the
May 3.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
85
duced from abroad ;'^^ however, there are vitreous specimens found in Ireland,
and of a very remote age."*? We know, that St. Bennet, bishop and abbot of
Weremouth in England, after the year 674, went over to France, and thence
invited glaziers, to make glass windows for his churcli and to light its
upper galleries. 5° There is no reason for supposing, that the Irish
ecclesiastics could have lagged behind, in the adoption of glazed windows
for their churches jSi on the contrary, it is quite possible, they had antici-
pated the British, in the art of glass making,52 by very many years. A prac-
tice of ornamenting saints' shrines, in the manner described by Cogitosus,
was derived from the most primitive ages of the Church, the early Chris-
tians being accustomed to decorate their martyrs' tombs. S3 Hence, it
is more ancient, than even the time of St. Brigid. Nor can it be fairly
supposed, such art was then unknown or unpractised in Ireland. We
have abundant proofs afforded, that from the first introduction of Christianity
into this island, our artificers and ecclesiastics were distinguished for taste and
skill, in designing and in executing sacred vessels and shrines. 54 In these
respects, they were not surpassed, even by their contemporaries on the Con-
tinent. ss Even, the present subject of our biography has the reputation
of having been a skilled artist, and of working the precious metals.
With perfect dispositions and sentiments of complete worldly abandonment,
St. Conleth devoted his life to God, serving him, moreover, in public minis-
trations, as in quiet and retirement. He had many interviews and counsels
with St. Brigid, while he lived ; and, he most zealously aided or directed her
efforts, for the progress of religion, during the infancy of our Irish Church.
Irish with Italy and Gaul. We also know
that a constant influx of English and other
illustrious foreigners visited Ireland for their
education. However, as Cogitosus makes
no mention, concerning glass in the windows
of the churcli at Kildare, it affords evidence,
not only regarding the truth of his descrip-
tion, but also of its antiquity, although that
antiquity may not be so great as many have
imagined. At all events, if he had been
fabricating any fanciful description of this
church, while glazed windows were still of
rare occurrence, probably he would not have
neglected to have added so important a fea-
ture, to heighten his description of the gene-
ral effect produced. See Dr. Petrie's
" Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland and
Round Towers of Ireland," part ii., subs, i.,
pp. 199 to 201.
''^ At Paris, in 1 800, appeared a very
beautiful work, in which this subject is well
treated. It was writted by Lenoir, and in-
tituled " Musee des Monumens Fran9ais, ou
Description historique et chronologique des
Statues, Bas-Reliefs, et Tombeaux, pour
servir a I'Histoire de France, et a celle de
I'Art, avec I'Histoire de la Peinture sur
Verre, et Description des Vitraux anciens et
modernes." It appeared, in six octavo
volumes, and it contains nearly 300 beau-
tiful plates.
■"s There is a very learned and an interest-
ingdissertationonthe invention and antiquity
of glass as used in windows, when the author
comes to the conclusion, that it had not been
used in the windows belonging to Solomon's
temple, although made in many ancient
countries. See Samuel Lee's " Orbis Mira-
culum, or the Tem]ile of Solomon, por-
trayed by Scripture-Light," chap. ii. pp,
23, 24.
s° See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia
Sancta," part i., pp. 25, 26.
5' Lenoir's work, already noted, includes
many fine Monuments and objects of the
Celtic period.
5- The reader is referred for further infor-
mation, on this subject, to an interesting
French work, intituled, " Alusee des Monu-
mens Franfais, dessines par M. J. E. Biet,
avec un texte explicatif," par J. Bres. It is
a folio, and it contains 40 most beautiful
plates of Tombs, Monuments, Stained
Glass, etc., of the Middle Ages. This book
was published, in Paris, A.D. 1821.
55 See Buonarotti's " Osservazioni sopra
alcuni Frammenti di Vetro," pp. 133, 134.
3-* A visit to the Royal Irish Academy's
Museum — open to the general public, in
Dawson-street, Dublin — must completely
remove any doubt yet existing on this sub-
ject. See, also. Sir William Wilde's admir-
ably prepared catalogue of its antiquities.
55 See various evidences accumulated on
this subject, and referring to the earliest
periods of our ecclesiastical history, by Mr.
Petiie, in his work already cited, "The
Ecclesiastical Architecture and Round
Towers of Ireland, "part ii., subs, i., pp. 202
to 204.
86 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [^Iay 3.
CHAPTER III.
VARIOUS NAMES FOR THIS SAINT — NATURE OF HIS EPISCOPAL JURISDICTION— RECORDED
INCIDENTS RELATING TO ST. CONLATH'S VIOLENT DEATH— THE LOCALITY WHERE
IT IS SAID TO HAVE OCCURRED, WHILE ON HIS WAY TO ROME— ENQUIRY REGARDING
THE SITES OF SECHAI CONDLAD, AND LIAMAIN— PRESERVATION OF ST. CONLATH'S
RELICS— CALENDAR NOTICES OF THIS HOLY BISHOP— PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST.
CONLETH ERECTED AT NEWBRIDGE— OTHER MEMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
The authority of a Scholiast on the FeiUre of St. ^ngus makesRonchend the
first name of Chondlaeid ' or Candlaj^" and he was called Mochonda of Daire,
according to the same writer. It seems very probable, that the Daire alluded
to must be identified with the present Kildare. From the foregoing state-
ments, it would appear, that Machonda, Rondchend, Condlaed, or Candla, is
one and the same person. It is 'stated, also, that this bishop of Kildare's
name stands for Cundail Aedh, rendered " Aedh the Wise."3 Classed among
St. Patrick's disciples — perhaps it should be more accurate to say cotem-
poraries — is Coeltan, or Conlaid, Bishop of Kildare.-* Without suificient
evidence, it has been asserted,^ that St. Conleth had previously visited either
Italy or Brittany, and had brought therefrom those ecclesiastical variegated
vestments, to which allusion has been already made. That success attend-
ing the first attempts of St. Conlath, in diffusing a knowledge of the Gospel,
must have been as gratifying to St. Brigid's heart, as it was profitable to the
eternal well-being of our pagan progenitors, in the district where he desired to
labour. However, he chose rather to live and serve God in retirement.
In his Life of St. Brigid, Cogitosus does not expressly name the anchorite,
who was selected^ by the abbess of Kildare, to undertake as bishop the spiritual
care of her church. 7 It seems evident, that Conleth was the prelate here
alluded to,^ for he was contemporary with the holy virgin. The subsequent
part of the narrative, however, removes any doubt on the subject. St. Con-
leth is not only styled a bishop, but a prophet of God, by two other writers
of her Acts -p and, he is expressly named Conlianus, who was chosen by her,
as the first bishop, for her city at Kildare. '° In keeping with a very unsup-
Chapter III. — ' On this his first note is ".St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland," Intro-
ofiferedthefolIowingcommentinIri-h,Cont)- ductory Dissertation, p. 20.
tde-o .1. cunnAil^Xet). .1. <\e-o cunii<iiL, thus "* See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes, LL.D. Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap.
"Condlaed .i. Ciinnail AeJ, i.e. 'friendly xxiii., p. 269.
Aed.' " That passage and a clause succeed- s By Rev. Dr. Todd, in " St. Patrick, Apos-
ingithave been rendered into English, for tie of Ireland," Introductory Dissertation,
the writer, by J. O'Beirne Crowe, A. B., in p. 23.
the manner succeeding : " Condlaed that is, * He is only called " illustrem virum et
' Prudence Fire,' that is, Fire of Prudence, solitaiium omnibus moribus ornatum, per
is his name, and he is bishop of Cell Dara." quern Deus virtutes operatus est plurimas,
(Kildare). convocans cum de eremo, et de sua vita
" The writer has received the following solitaria, et sibi obviam pergens, ut Eccle-
philological note from the Irish Professor in siam in Episcopal! dignitate cum ea guber-
thc Queen's College, Galway, J. O'Beirne naret, atque ut nihil de ordine Sacerdotali in
Crowe: "The oldest form of the name is suis deesset Ecclesiis, accersi\-it."
nom.Ca.nd\:i, gen. Condlad, dat. Conlied, 7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
&c., a ^-stem : a later form is m/w. Cond- Secuntla Vita S. Brigidce, Prologus, p.
laed, an a-steni." 5"^'
3 " If this be so," remarks Dr. Todd, ^ See ibid., n. 6, p. 525.
" the bishop's original name must have been ' See her life attributed to St. Ultan, Ter-
Aedh or Hugh, and the title of Cundail, tia Vita S. Brigidoe, cap. li.,p. 532, and th.at
'the wise,' was given him as expressing his assigned to Animosus, Qiiarta Vita S. Bri-
ecclesiastical learning and eminence." See gidoc, lib. ii., cap. xix., p.552.
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 87
ported and unwarrantable theory, having reference to early Irish episcopal
jurisdiction, it has been asserted," that St. Conleth had not been appointed
bishop over a See or a territorial district, called Kildare j" insomuch as this
city belonged not to him, but to St. Brigid. It has been assumed, that from
her, the election or nomination of St. Conlaeth to his episcopal office had been
obtained ; and, therefore, it is argued, he was bound to exercise tliat office,
subject to her jurisdiction, as bishop in her city of Kildare ; since that name,
signifying the " Church of the Oak," was then given, not to a diocese, but
only to the monastic establishment of St. Brigid. ^3 However, the foregoing
conclusions are not warranted by any logical and researchful analysis of evi-
dence, as drawn from the existing records or documents of Irish history.
From certain biographical or traditional statements, the Rev. Dr. Todd draws
a conclusion, that the normal state of episcopacy in Ireland had been non-dio-
cesan, and that each bishop acted independently, without recognising any
archiepiscopal jurisdiction. He thinks, moreover, each bishop in Ireland had
either been entirely independent, or only subject to the abbot of his monastery,
or in the spirit of clanship to his chieftain.'^ But, this is a very groundless
assumption ; since sufficient documentary evidence — and of unquestionable
genuineness — remains, to manifest general subordination to the primatial See
of Armagh, at an early period. When other archiepiscopal sees had been
erected in Ireland, their privileges or respective jurisdictions were likewise
very accurately and canonically defined or determined. The premises, on
which certain writers build their favourite speculations on this subject, are too
partial and restricted in their application, or too unauthenticated in all their
circumstances and bearings, to furnish reliable evidence for any such conclu-
sion. In some cases, the assumed facts are quite legendary, or at least un-
proved. Therefore, it would be hazardous to form a theory, at variance with
received customs and traditions, not alone in the Irish Church, but in other
Churches on the Continent. The most which can be assumed is, that the
canon law had not in the earlier ages received its full development ; and, pro-
bably, some apparent anomalies of monastic and church government, at the
time, could be explained in a very satisfactory way, were we only in possession
of all the circumstances, which produced or accompanied decrees or practices,
regulating the actions of our primitive clergy and laity. The great principles
of ecclesiastical government and jurisdiction, since the establishment of
Christianity, have had invariably a uniform, practical, and universal applica-
tion or order, for regulating the various concerns or wants of the whole Church,
in every age and nation. Admitting the doubt of abbatial and episcopal dig-
nity being united in the same person, with the bishop's qualihed subjection to
the abbess at Kildare ; Colgan says, it is quite certain, that for many ages, pre-
vious to his own time, the bishop of that place was distinct from the abbot.
Nor had either personage been subject to the abbess, while there had been,
in that place, separate churches or chapels. '5 The college or house of
'* See ibid. the diocese, church, and district of Kildare,
" By the Rev. James Henthorn Todd. with a catalogue of its churches — as they
" It is true, indeed, that the Rev. Dr. stood — in his time. This statement was
Todd cites the authority of Animosus, to sus- furnished by the Most Rev. Ross Mageo-
tain his position. He adds : " This language chagan, belonging to the Order of Preachers,
clearly indicates the power claimed by the and the bishop over Kildare. He is charac-
monastic superior, although in this case a terized as a man of great piety and zeal, an
female, over the bishop." ornament to his order, and to the Church.
'3 See " St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland," The following is a translation of this corn-
Introductory Dissertation, p. 22. munication, from the Latin, as furnished by
'* See ibid., p. 27. Colgan : — " The church of Kildare was
'5 Colgan received an account concerning founded soon after the arrival of St. Patrick
88
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3.
canons was near the cathedral, in which it is thought '^ the abbot '7 formerly
resided. Not far from the same house was a nunnery for women, belonging
to the order of Regular Canonesses.'^ At this distance in point of time,
however, and from the want of ancient records, to elucidate the past religious
institutes existing at Kildare, it cannot be possible to solve the various his-
toric problems preceding, with a sufficient degree of accuracy and complete-
ness.
We have now traced St. Conleth's imperfectly known Acts, through some
changing years of his venerable life. Let us next consider the mysterious
workings of Providence, at the close of his existence. Virtuous labours and
a useful missionary career were brought to a term, by a doleful and violent —
yet not by an unprovided or untimely — death, if we are to credit somewhat
remote accounts. The most reliable record we have been able to meet with,
regarding St. Conleth's death, is given in the celebrated Feilire Tract of St.
.^ngus the Culdee, and which is contained in the old Manuscript, called the
Leabhar Breac.'9 There only the most simple allusion is made to his death,
at the 3rd of May, with a eulogium, that he was " a fair pillar."2° A scholiast
on this passage, however, undertakes to explain more particularly the cause
and manner, as also the exact locality, of Conlaid's end. He mentions a
journey Conleth was about making to Rome,^' against the persuasion of St.
Brigit,^^ who was presumed to have a prophetic forecast of its failure and fatal
in Ireland ; its first bishop was Lonius, and
after him Ivorius. St. Brigid is its patron.
The city of Kildare is situated in the pro-
vince of Leinster, about twenty English miles
from the city of Dublin, and westward from
the same metropolis. It is not only the head
of Kildare diocese, but of the whole county
of Kildare, which takes name from it. In
that chuich of Kildare, there were formerly
four or five dignities, viz., the Archdeaconate,
Deaconate, Chancellar}', Treasurership, and
Chantorship. There were also four canons,
and eight prebendaries, with a canonical col-
lege, built near the church. The greatest
length of Kildare Diocese extends from the
town (Keonen^is ?) — Clane is probably
meant — within seven English miles of
Dublin, to a road, called Bealach-Garbhain,
in the Slieve Bloom mountains, being about
twenty-four miles. The road of Bealach-
Garbhain divides Leinster from Munster, on
that part. The breadth of this diocese does
not extend beyond twelve or fourteen miles ;
from the limits of the towns of Bally-Sonain
and Kilruith, with Narrachmore and
Buaile-bhcg on the southern side, to the
River Boyne on the northern part, and
which there divides the diocese from that of
Meath. Throughout its whole northern
limits, the diocese of Kildare is bounded by
that of Meath, on the east ; and, partly on
the southern side, it is bounded by the Dub-
lin diocese ; the diocese of Leighlin also ex-
tends on its southern confines ; while, on the
west, it is bounded by the dioceses of Killa-
loe and of Meath. This diocese of Kildare
is divided into the four forane deaneries, or
vicarages of Kildare, Naas, Killeigh, and
Clane. The deanery of Kildare is situated
in the middle of this diocese, and it sur-
rounds the town on every side. The deaneiy
of Naas extends to the south and west, from
the Deanery of Kildare. The deanery of
Killeigh extends, partly to the west, and
north, of Kildare ; while, that of Clane lies
partly to the east, and nonh, of the city,
already named. In former times, through
each of these deaneries, there were many
Parish Churches, Religious Houses, many
Chapels, Hermitages, Hospitals for the Sick,
and Consecrated Cemeteries, without any
Churches or Chapels in connection. Several
of these were entirely destroyed, and many
others are hastening to decay." See " Trias
Thaumaturga," Appendix Quinta ad Acta
S. Brigidre, cap. i., pp. 627, 628. There
were also four Vicars foreign in the dio-
cese.
'« By Colgan.
'7 The aforesaid abbot and his monks
seemingly belonged to the corresponding
canonical institute for men.
'^ This same writer supposes the abbot and
abbess of Kildare belonged ab initio to a
similar religious institute.
'9 Now preserved in the Royal Irish Aca-
demy.
-" The following is the text : —
P|MmAi|\ee chjAAinx) c]\uiche
C]\ifc conibti|\ buAixie
b>.\r ConbAit) CAiiiAige
Veil nu\]\ niun\e UAi^e.
Thus translated, by Dr. WTiitley Stokes : —
" The first finding of the wood of the Christ's
Cross with many virtues. (The) death of
Condlad, a fair pillar. Marj' (the) Virgin's
great feast.
" Dr. Todd remarks, that this passage
May 3.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
89
termination. He would not be dissuaded from his purpose, however, and this
act of disobedience towards the holy Brigid is said to have been the cause of an
accident on the way. The Rev. Dr. Todd deems the lioly bishop probably
felt a natural desire to revisit Rome, to procure a new set of pontifical vest-
ments, for the more solemn celebration of Divine service; the former ones
having been bestowed, as an alms, on behalf of the poor.^3 He thinks, also,
St. Conlaed's artistic skill and taste may have formed a strong motive with him,
to visit Rome, even in opposition to St. Brigid's commands. ==■* The holy man
seems to have journeyed onwards from his own place towards the sea. We
are next informed, that wild hounds or wolves eat him at Sechai Condlad,^5
at the side of Liamain, in Mag Laighen, or the plain of Leinster. This level
would appear to have been a very extensive range — perhaps too a very un-
defined one — in the province from which it had been denominated. Dr.
O'Donovan seems to place it chiefly, in the northern part of the present
county of Kildare."^ However, a very excellent and distinguished Irish
scholar,^? pronounces this Leinster plain to have extended into the barony
of East Narragh,^^ in the county of Kildare, and to have reached even within
the borders of Wicklow County. Wherefore, it seems, that within the wide
extent of this plain, we must seek out the exact locality of Sechai Condlad,
" at the side of Liomain."-9 The former denomination now appears to be
obsolete ; but, the site of the latter is minntely described, in the Dinnsenchus =°
tends to prove, that Latinum in Italy, and
not Letauia in Brittany was intended in St.
Broj^an's metrical Life of St. Biigid. See
"St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland," Introduc-
tory Dissertation, n. 2, p. 25.
-^ To such account is added, that Brigid
prayed for him to get a sudden death, on the
way, and this is what was fulfilled.
^3 Dr. Todd adds : " But this design the
stern severity of his patroness discounte-
nanced; and if he was 'eaten by wolves' on
his journey, such an event would inevitably
be attributed to having disobeyed the com-
mands or wishes oi St. Brigid." — " St
Patrick, Apostle of Ireland." Introductory
Dissertation, pp. 25, 26.
•"^ See ibid., pp. 26, 27.
^s '• SechA! Con-oLAit), that is, * Bones of
Condla.' In O'Clery Glossary, ^^eic is
glossed CTiAin, that is 'bone.' IS^ote by J.
O'Beirne Crowe, A.B. It must be added,
that William M. Hennessy renders Secha
Conlaid, ' Conlaid Passing.' "
^^ He remarks, that this is another name
for the territory of the Ui Faelain in which
the church Claenadh (Clane) and Uachter-
ard (Oughterard), were situated. See" Leal-
har na g-Ceart, or Book of Rights," pp.
205 to 207, nn. 222, 223. Also " Annals of
the Four Masters," vol. ii., p. 496, nn. (n, o).
But, in a subsequent passage, at A.D. I171,
it is stated, " A predatory excursion was
made by the son of the Earl, and he plun-
dered the churches of Magh Laighean and
many of the Ui Failain," ibid., p. 1187.
Hence, a distinction seems intended, be-
tween Maigh-Laighen and the Ui-Faelain.
See, likewise, " The Topographical Poems
of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na naomh
O'Huiilhrin," p. xlvii., n. 368.
'^ William M. Hennessy, M.R.I. A.
^^ Usk or Uske, within this barony, is de-
scribed, asbelongingto the plain of Leinster,
according to him.
^9 To William M. Hennessy, the writer is
gratefully indebted for the following literal
translation of the extract referring to it, as
also for identification of places therein
named, and found enclosed within brackets.
"Liamain, whence is it? Not difificult,
Liaman, Lcndcan, Forcartain, and Mianach,
and Truistin, were four daughters of Dubh-
tach Dubtaire, son of Fergna, King of the
Deisi-Biegh. (Deece, Co. Meath). The
four sons of Aicher Cerr, son of Echadh
ordot, of the Ernai of Monster, of the race
of Mogh-Lamha, son of Lughaidh, son of
Cairpre Cromchind, loved them, and the
four youths came from the west to Dubh-
tach's house. Their names were Fer-dubh,
Fornacht, Roimper, and Fomu, and bound
themselves for a-year to Dubhtach. They
were there, after soliciting their reward, and
Dubhtach would not give it, until they should
stay a month and a year with him, forit was
Dubhtach that required a month to watch,
and a year's companionship. Dubhtach
then went on a foray to Laighen (Leinster).
They pretended to be sick, in order that
they should not go with him. Dubhtach
afterwards went ; and they escaped in his
absence, and Dubhtach's four daughters with
them. Dubhtach met with them in Laighen
and killed the entire eight, viz., Fomu, Fer-
Liamna- Roimper, Fercantana, Fornocht,
Fer Manca, Fer Dubh with Truistin. They
were all slain, viz., Fer-Dubh at Dubh-atha
Maisten (the Blackford of Mullaghmast),
90 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
— an old topographical tract, contained in the Book of Ballymote.^' There can
be no reasonable doubt entertained, that the thickly wooded and wild moun-
tainous districts, in the plains of Leinster, were at that time infested with
wolves, 3' lying i" '^vait for lonely and adventurous travellers. Whatever may
be thought concerning the mode and place for this saint's death, we may take
it for granted, the commentator has inserted an absurd popular tradition,
which referred his violent end to a disobedience of St. Brigid's wishes, and
especially to her prayers. Such infelicitous introductions, among the Acts of
our National Saints, are greatly to be deprecated ; since they render the Irish
hagiologist's task one of extreme caution and delicacy, when seeking to dis-
criminate between fact and fiction. Professor Eugene O'Curry identifies this
Liamhain ^3 — where a great battle had been fought — with the present Dun-
lavin, in the county of Wicklow. Here there was an ancient seat of the Lein-
ster Kings. 34 This was probably on or near the celebrated INIoat of Tornant,
which forms so prominent an object, and which rises over the town of Dun-
lavin, at no great distance from it. The writer has been informed, however,
by a competent investigator of Irish topography and antiquities,35 as also by
one who has a specially intimate knowledge of this locality and of the adjoin-
ing places, that no denomination, at all resembling Sechai Condlad, can be
traced near Dunlavin. Formerly this place was called Dun Lianhna, as well
as Liamhain. 3^ It is celebrated in ancient documents, and it seems to have
been in a district, not far from the sea, from allusion there made to it. 37 This
circumstance should tally well with the accounts, that St. Conleth was obliged
to pass near it, before embarking for Britain or the Continent, when prosecut-
ing his intended journey to Rome.
Probably, we may find the rationale of the foregoing account, and
it may consist solely in these facts ; viz., that for special good reasons
of his own, St. Conleth may have designed a journey to Rome ; that St. Brigid
might have warned him of danger to be apprehended on the way, especially
if he undertook thr journey without sufficient protection, or alone; and that the
sad event of death, occurring in the manner described, fully justified her pre-
science, her fears and her warnings. The year for this latter occurrence was 519,
in the sixteenth year of King Muircheartach's reign, according to the Annals
of Ulster,38 and of the Four Masters. 39 The Annals of Tighernach refer his
Fornocht at Fornocht (Fornaughts ?) Roim- 33 Allusion is made to Liamain, in one ot
per at Glas-Roimpair, Fomu in Fomina ; these three poems, yet preserved in the Book
Liamain on Liomain (Dunlavin), Mianach in of Leinster, and attributed to Dubhtach Ua
her Cul (Corner, i.e., Cul-Mianach), Forcar- Lug.iir, chief poet to the monarch Laegaire,
tain in Forcariain, Truistin on his ford [i.f. who flouri>hed, A.D. 432. It refers to the
Ath Trui>ten, near the hill of Mullaghmast triumphs of Enna Censellach and of his son
on the Greece.) Their mother then came Crimthann, Kings of Leinster.
from the west, i.e., Luachair Bairnech was 34 c^ge " Lectures on the Manuscript Ma-
her name, and from Bairend of Corcomroe terials of Ancient Irish History." Appendix
she came ; and when she obtained reliable iii. , p. 492, and n. 71. Ibid.
knowledge regarding the killing of her sons, 35 Rev. John Francis Shearman, C.C.,
her heait broke within her. F"rom her is Howth.
named Luachair Bairnech. (This name is 2* See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition of the
still preserved in that part of the Burren " Circuit of Ireland, by Mircheartach Mac
River, Co. Carlow.) Aichor went, and he Neill, Prince of Aileach," written by Cor- \
died on Cnoc-Dumha Aichor in Hy Fel- niacan Eigeas, in the year 942, n. 59,
metha (in the parish of Tullophelim, Co. p. 36.
Carlow?") -7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na-g-
3° At Fol. 194, b. b. Ceart, or Book of Rights," pp. 40, 41, and
" This is a much-prized Manuscript pre- n. (o). Al^o, n. (x), p. 203, and n. (m), pp.
served in the Royal Iri-h Academy's Library. 228, 229. Also, n. (r), p. 231.
3' The last descendant of those Irish 38 Sce Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiber-
wolves disappeared, only about the com- nicarum Scriptores," tomus iv., p. 13.
mencement of last century. 39 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
May 3.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
91
death to the year 520/° St. Conleth's remains are said'*' to have been at
first buried in Killeen Cormaci^ It \yould appear, however, that tlie bones —
and probably other reHcs — of St. Conlelh, had been recovered and conveyed
to the former place of his abode. No doubt, St. Brigid took special care, that
his sacred remains should be interred or enshrined, with all that religious
reverence and honour, due to the distinguished virtues and merits of her holy
bishop and counsellor.
In the fine church, built at Kildare, and already described, some time
after their respective deaths, thebodies of St. Brigid and of St. Conlaeth''^ were
deposited in rich shrines. These were placed relatively on the right and left
sides of a decorated altar. Their reliquaries were ornamented with gold, silver,
gems, and precious stones, having been surmounted with crowns of gold and
silver. 44 We are told, by CogitosuSi-ts that his remains were interred, near the
high altar of the great church at Kildare ;46 and, in the year 799,^7 according
to the Annals of Ulster,48 the relics of Conlaid or Conlaoi were placed in a
shrine of gold and silver.49 Under the year S36, it ii: recorded, that the Danes
plundered and burned the noble abbey and churches at Kildare, taking with
them the rich shrines of St. Brigid and of St. Conleath.5° In a previous part
of this biography, it may be seen, that such an account apparently conflicts
with a local tradition. However, it is possible, a translation of St. Conlaeth's
remains may have taken place ; for, while some portions of his relics may
have been preserved at Old Conall, other parts had possibly been enshrined
pp. 170, 171.
'*° See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii., p.
129.
"•' By Rev. John Francis Shearman.
*- See a very complete account of the origin
and antiquities of this curious burial ground,
in a very uiteresting seiies of papers intituled,
"Loca Patriciana." They were published
in the '"Journal of the Royal Historical and
Archaeological Association of Ireland," vol.
ii., Fourth Series, April, 1S73, No, 14,
pp. 339 to 361. July, No. 15, pp. 4S6 to 498.
*'' Colgan observes, that although for cen-
turies before his time, the bodies of Saints
Patrick, Brigid, and Columkille were de-
posited in Down, of Ulster ; yet, the remains
of St. Brigid were first buried at Kildare, in
Leinster, as appears from this passage, and
from other observations, which are made in
the Fourth Appendix to our Saints' Acts.
See "Trias Tliaumaturga," cap. vi., pp.
617, 618, 619, and n. 17, p. 526.
"t* Regarding the church and city of Kil-
dare, Cogitosus remarks, that it would not be
possible to describe sufficiently the great
beauty of this church, and the many miracles
wrought in this city, "si fas est dici civitas
de qua vita in se multorum nomen accepit.
Maxima hsec civitas et metropolitane est : in
cujus suburbanis quae sancta certo limite de-
signavit Brigida." He adds, that no carnal
adversary, nor concourse of enemies, was
feared there, in his time, as the city was one
of safe refuge for all living elsewhere, "in
tota Scotoium terra, cum suis omnibus fugi-
tivis." In it were preserved the treasures of
kings most religiously, and under its highly
adorned covering. See Colgan's " Trias
Thaumaturga." Vita Secunda S. Brigidse,
cap. xxxvi., p. 524. In a note on this pas-
sage, Colgan remarks on the Scotorum terra
being identical with Ireland, as the city of
St. Brigid, as Kildare, at some distance from
the chief city, Dubhn, was undoubtedly in
Ireland. Seen. 19, p. 526, ibid.
45 See Messingham's " Florilegium Insulas
Sanctorum." According to Messingham's
version of this Life of St. Brigid, we find it
in chapter xiv., at p. 199.
■t" See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Secunda Vita S. Brigidse, cap. xxxv., p. 523.
47 In Harris' Ware, vol. i., after treating
about Conleth"s death, it is said : " But his
bones 281 years after, i.e., A.D. Soo, were
translated into a silver gilded shrine adorned
with precious stones." — " Bishops of Kil-
dare," p. 3S0. It may not be quite correct
to state, that such a length of time had been
suffered to elapse, before his remains were
first enshrined ; all that should be observed
is, at or before the commencement of the
ninth century, his relics were placed in a new
and beautiful reliquary.
''^ See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hiber-
nicarum Scriptorej," tomus iv. Annales Ul-
tonienses, ab A.D. cccxxxi. to a.d. dccc.
Ex codice Bodleiano, pars i. " Positio reli-
quiar. Conlaid hi serin oir agus oirget. [in
scrinio auri et argenti."] p. 120.
49 Allusion has been made to it already, in
a previous chapter.
S' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii., Book x.,
chap, ii., p. 160.
5' No doubt, St. Brigid desired to have a
part of his bones removed, to her great
church, built at Kildare,
g2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
at Kildare.s' It is probable, that this reliquary had been destroyed or re-
moved, during one of the Danish or northern incursions, with which this city
had been frequently visited.s^' But, the foregoing object of art, with its much
prized contents, had been long preserved and exposed, for the admiration
and veneration of Christians at Kildare.
The place where he lived, Old Connell — known too as Condail of
of the Kings — was under the special patronage of St. Conleath. The name
Condail may be rendered, also, " the place of meeting."53 It is not impro-
bable, that it was identical with the present remarkable mound, already de-
scribed, and which may have been the folk-moat of olden times. After the
celebrated victory of the Leinster chiefs and heroes, obtained in the battle at
the Hill Allen, in a.d. 722, and about five miles northwards from Kildare, it
is related, that they assembled at Condail of the Kings. That victory is said
to have been obtained, under the patronage of St. Brigid, whose presence was
seen over the Leinstermen, either before or daring the battle. However,
the heroes of Leinster spent the night in high spirits, each describing his
achievements, at Condail of the Kings, while wine and mead circulated, and
merriment seemed the order of that night. s* The whole of this account, how-
ever, is mingled with romantic and extravagant incidents. Near it, the an-
cient church of Old Connell probably stood, when the Leinster heroes cele-
brated their famous victory ; and, it seems likely, that St. Conleth was re-
garded as its patron, even before the eighth century. Possibly, a considerable
portion of his relics were preserved in it ; for, according to local tradition, his
remains were deposited within the cemetery.
All our Irish Martyrologists place his festival, at the 3rd of May,
the date assigned for his death.55 In the Metrical Martyrology of St.
yEno-us the Culdee, and known as the Feilire-^ngus, at this date,
and'^when recording his death, it is stated : Bas Conlaid, cain-aige, " The
death of Condlaid, beautiful pillar."56 The name of this holy bishop
is written Roncend, in the ALirtyrology of Tallagh,57 at the 3rd of
May. This Roncend is not a distinct saint from Conleth, who is venerated
on this day, and whose first name, as we have already seen, was Roincenn.
We read, in the Martyrology of Donegal,5S likewise, that a festival was cele-
brated, in honour of Roineheann,59 on this day. In the diocese of Kildare,
the feast of St. Conleth — at the 3rd of May — is observed as a double of the
first-class, with an octave. There is no proper ofifice for this saint, however;
but the psalms, lessons, &:c., are taken from the common to a confessor and
bishop. For the other dioceses of Ireland, this office is recited as a double,
5= "We have the most indisputable histo- published, in the year iS6o.
ricalevidence, not only of the existence of one S3 See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the
of tlie two shnnes noticed by Cogitosus, as Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 170, 171.
preserved at Kildarein his own time, but also so in the " IMartyrology of Tallagh, ' as
of the costliness of its materials ; and it will edited by the Rev. Matthew Kelly, at p.
surely not be doubted that the religious com- xxiii., we find, besides the enti7 of Connlai,
munity of Kildare, who paid this reverence Bishop of Cill Dara, two other entries, at the
to the relics of their first bishop, would have 3rd of May, viz., Roncend. and Mocbona
had a similar, if not a still more splendid Daire. All these designations are referable
shrine, to preserve the relics of the great to one saint. The same repetition is notice-
founder and patronessof their establishment." able, in the "Martyrology of Donegal,"
— Dr George Petrie's "Ecclesiastical Archi- edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 118
teclui'e and Round Towers of Ireland," part 119, and at ihe same day of the month,
ii , sub.sec. i., pp. 203, 204. 57 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxui. In
S3 According to \Villiam M. Hennessy. the Franciscan copy is Con-oUe'o Cilli
5< See "Three Fragments of Annals, ■Oa|\a Honcenx) piMinuf.
copied from Ancient Sources," by Dhubal- =« Eiiiied by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
tach Mac Firbisigh, and edited by Dr. I18, II9. , ^ ^ ,,
O'Donovan, pp. 33 1051. This work was 59 a note by Dr. Todd says, at Koin-
May 3.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
93
but without an octave. Even De Burgo ^° altogether omitted St. Conleth
from his Hst of Irish Saints, although he has compiled proper offices for others,
not more celebrated, and for several totally unconnected, as to special vene-
ration, in connexion with our national sees.
Towards the close of the last century, when many of our old
chapels had been erected, the Catholic people of Ireland were a cower-
ing and proscribed race. Among other nations, however, their melan-
choly music, their impatiently borne wrongs, their tried fidelity to country
and religion, had made them known. But, their former places of wor-
ship had been dismantled, and these passed as spoils into the hands
of other worshippers. The haunts of their former saints had almost
been forgotten. The old parish chapel of Newbridge was a wretched build-
ing, on the strand of the Liffey, and not far from the site of St. Conleth's pre-
sent imposing parochial church. For years, many a prayer was offered up,
that a new parochial church might be built. At 'ast, in the year 1848, just
as the nation was emerging from famine and prostration, the parish priest, the
Rev. 'I'imothy Kavanagh, and the people ''' of Newbridge, undertook to build
a larger church. The great efibri was to make out funds, during what were
justly called the
" Bad Times.'^s^
This, however,
was soon effected,
but with much
difficulty.63 The
drawings and sjDe-
cifications for the
the church were
supplied by some
friendly architect,
whose name has
not transpired.^*
The style of that
new building is
Gothic ; it has
a tower or bel-
fry -65 but the spire
is not yet built.
In 1852, the
church was dedi-
cated to St. Con-
leth, and opened
for Divine ser-
vice. This is the
only church in the
diocese of Kil-
dareand Leighlin
— we believe it
may be stated in
all Ireland — dedi-
cated to St. Con-
leth.^^ Out of the debris of the old chapel, and in close connection with St.
Conleth's new church, a comfortable parochial house and good out-offices
St. Conleth's Catholic Church, Newbridge, County of Kildare.
ckeann : " The more recent hand adds,
"Vide Conleadh," whose first name was
Roincenn.
*° AUusion is made to his work — now
rarely procurable, " Otficia Propria Sancto-
rum Hibernise." Yet, surely sufficient ma-
94
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3
were afterwards built. Active and earnest exertions were made ^^ to orna-
ment the interior of this fine church, and to improve the external grounds and
approaches to it. Since that time, further spiritual advantages have been
secured for the parish. ^^ The foundation stone of a new convent at New-
bridge was laid, by the Right Rev. James Walsh, D.D., and Bishop of Kil-
dare and Leighlin, on Ascension Day, 22nd May, 1873. Its position is quite
close to the church, and the establishment has been dedicated to St. Conleth.^9
The community in possession is known as the Oblate Sisters 7° of the Imma-
culate Conception. 7' These nuns first came to the convent, on the 26th of
terials are available, for the compilation of a
proper office for St. Conleth.
" They contributed about ;^500. and after
expending this sum on t'.e foundation, they
seemed to despair of progressing further with
their undertaking.
'^ In the beginning of March, 1849, the
Rev. Patrick Carey — now parish priest of
Borris, county of Carlow — was sent by the
greatly venerated Bisliop, Right Rev. Dr.
Francis Haly, to Newbridge, as curate. In
conjunction with the pastor, he actively
laboured, in collecting funds, and in superin-
tending the building of the new church. To
the Rev. Mr. Carey, the writer is indebted,
for many of these particulars.
*3 The parishioners both Catholic and
Protestant generously subscribed, and the
neighbouring parishes gave much assistance.
At the " Curragh Meeting," the Rev. Mr.
Carey was very successful, in getting sub-
scriptions from all creeds and parties, espe-
cially from among the gentry. On one
occasion, when collecting for the church in
Dublin, he was asked by a gentleman, the
late W. N. Skelly, Esq., to whom the church
was to be dedicated. The Rev. Mr. Carey
repli-jd, it was not necessary to go far for a
patron saint, as tradition said the first Bishop
of Kiklare lived on the banks of the Liffey,
and probal.ly, very near the site of the new
church. " Bravo," said Mr. Skelly, " I will
give a subscription ; but, if you went to
foreign countries for a patron, and having so
many saints in our own country, I should
not give you one penny." The money after-
wards came in rapidly, and the work pros-
pered.
*'' We present an illustration from a photo-
graph, kindly furnished by the Rev. Alartin
Nolan, P.P., of Newbridge. It was drawn
on the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and
it was engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
*5 One of John Murphy's superior bells,
weighing one ton, one cwt., is Jn the cam-
panile. It was cast in Dublin.
*' It may be of interest to mention,
that in "The Lamp," of Saturday,
July I St, 1854, vol. vii., No. 25, pp.
36, 37, there is an engraving of a seal, be-
longing to William, Bishop Kildare, and
supposed to represent St. Cunleth, as one of
its devices. The original matrix is said to
be in possession of a l3ublin gentleman. The
following is a minute description : — The de-
vice exhibits three statues standing in cano-
pied niches, of the florid Gothic or pointed
style of architecture of the fifteenth century.
The centre figure represents the Virgin and
child, and the figures on each side appear in-
tended to represent the patron saints of Ire-
land, Patrick and Brigid. Below the centre
figure there is a smaller niche, containing
the figure of another ecclesiastic, with his
hands raised, in the attitude of prayer, and
his arm supporting the pastoral staff. This
figure, it is probable, is intended to represent
St.Conlaeth, the first Bishop of Kildare, who
was contemporary with St. Brigid, and said to
have been the joint founder of that See. On
each side of the figure is a shield, one of
which bears the arms of France and England
quarterly ; the other, two keys in saltire, in
chief a royal crown ; a device which, it is
worthy of remark, constitutes the arms an-
ciently and still borne by the Archbishops of
York, and the appearance of which in this
seal may therefore not be easy to account for.
The inscription reads as follows :
" Sigillum W'illmi dei gracia Kyldarens
epi,"
or, "Sigillum Willie mi dei gratia Kylda-
rensis Episcopus" (the sealof William, by the
grace of God, Bishop of Kildare). As among
the Bishops of Kildare, two of the name of
William occur in the fifteenth century, it
may not be easy to determine with certainty
to which of them this seal should be as-
signed ; but, there appears the greatest rea-
son to ascribe it to the first, who according
to Ware, having been previously Archdeacon
of Kildare, was appointed to this See, by the
provisions of Pope Eugene IV., in 1432, and
having governed this See fourteen years, he
died in April, 1446.
"7 By the Rev. Patrick J. Mulhall, ap-
pointed curate in 1857 — afterwards, the
worthy and deservedly esteemed parish
priest of Goresbridge and Paulstown.
Owing to a total loss of sight, the Rev.
Timothy Kavanagh had been left unable to
administer the affairs of his parish, the care
of which chiefly devolved on the curate as
administrator.
'* By the Rev. Martin Nolan, the present
excellent parish priest of Newbridge, who
furnished many of the succeeding details to
the writer.
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 95
May,72 1875. The Oblate Sisters 73 have charge now of large poor schools,
and of those for children of the higher classes, 74 in the parish of Newbridge. 7S
Established by voluntary contributions, a Reformatory for Catholic boys, 7*5 and
under the patronage of St. Conleth, has been for many years past located
in Philipstown, King's County. A considerable portion of the premises was
formerly the county prison, largely increased for accommodation, with build-
ings in open spaces, and a farm attached. Near 300 boys, are here congre-
gated, and the institution is under charge of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Im-
maculate. Those boys are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and
grammar, sufficiently well to turn them out respectably educated, according to
their station in life. The premises have been much improved, gas-works were
erected, cooking by steam was commenced, and an unlimited water supply laid
on for use. The industrial progress of the boys has been admirable. All useful
trades are taught, while the farm attached to this institution is admirably cul-
tivated, by the inmates. As a matter of course, their religious training is
sedulously prosecuted, by the Reverend Managers, and a governmental grant
in aid is obtained.
Like many other holy servants of God, St. Conleth departed from
this earth, to give an account of his mortal pilgrimage and stewardship ;
but, he went to receive from his loving Master, in acknowledgment
for his fidelity, the crown of immortal bliss. The possession of God,
in the unfading glory of his celestial kingdom, was the complement of his
well-spent life. The revolution which he effected on earth was essentially re-
ligious, and in a social point of view by no means abrupt or subversive. A
grateful people have honoured him as their patron, and the appointed one of
Heaven. We observe their fidelity and attachment to his name and teaching,
during the varying scenes of his life. Fourteen centuries have passed, yet
we feel convinced, that as years roll on, his name and his memory shall be
more deeply venerated throughout the diocese, on which he conferred so
many blessings, from the period of its first Christian organization down to the
present time.
Article IL — St, Daircheall, Bishop of Glendalough, County
OF WicKLOW. \Seventh Century^ As servants, who have been trained in
noble families, acquire the manners and accomplishments of their superiors,
in a marked degree ; so religious, who have entered a good school and learn
under perfect masters, become in turn learned and holy. In the Martyrology
*9 The Very Rev. Nicholas Walsh, S.J., sphere of usefulness. The Order has ex-
preached an eloquent sermon, on this in- tended very much in England, where there
teresting occasion. are about ten houses, including the Novitiate
7° They are established in conformity with of Rock Ferry, a magnificent house and es-
their Rules, to assist in any works of mercy, tablishment dedicated to the reception of
corporal and spiritual, and especially to postulants from Great Britain and Ireland,
teach Poor, Middle and High Class schools. There is also one house in Scotland. There
7' Their Order was founded, by the is a Novitiate for the French houses, at the
Bishop of Marseilles, in the year 1826. Abbey of Royaumount, and also one in
7^ On the 27th, the feast of Corpus Christi, Spain, where there are many houses of the
the first Mass was celebrated, by the Rev. Order. The Sisters are also established in
Father Cooke, O.M.I. South Africa, where they have more than
'3 In 1S68, they were affiliated to the ten houses, and in Ceylon. The Order num-
Order of the Holy Family, founded by the bers now about 6,000 Sisters.
Rev. Father Noailles, a.d. 1820, at Bor- 75 Nearly 500 children there attend their
deaux, for works nearly similar. schools.
T' The Oblate Sisters have founded a large 76 Who have fallen into criminal courses,
Convent, wiih Orphanage and Poor Schools, or who have been rescued from temporal and
in Leeds, after much zealous labour. It is spiritual dangers.
now flourishing, and daily increasing its Article ii,^' Edited by Rev, Dr. Kelly,
96 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
of Tallagh/ St. Daircheall's name occurs, at the 3rd of May, as Daircholla,
Glinni da locha.^ This is the oft and well described Valley of the Two Lakes,
in the heart of the county of Wicklow. Quoting the foregoing authority, the
Bollandists 3 enter Darchellus Glenndalocensis, at this date. In some autho-
rities,'* we find him called Mac Curetai, or the son of Curetai ; and again,
Mac Cuyletty.5 Under the head of Glenn-da-locha, Duald Mac Firbis enters
Uairchill, son of Haireta, bishop of Glen-da-locha,° at May 3rd. The year
674 is assigned for his death, in the " Chronicum Scotorum," as also in the
Annals of Clonmacnoise ;7 and the year 676, by Mac Firbis, as also, by the
O'Clerys ; while, the Annals of Ulster place the demise of Daircill mc Cur-
tai,^ at A.D. 677.5 On this day, we find mentioned, in the Martyrology o!
Donegal,'" that veneration was paid to St. Daircheall, Bishop of Gleann-da-
locha.
Article III. — Sx Mochonna, of Derry. The name of this saint is
set down in the ]\Iartyrolo.cr\ of Tallagh,' at the 3rd of May, as Mochonna,
Daire.^ Many places in ! reland are called Deny, simply, or as compounds,
with some other designation. The Bollandists 3 have entered Mochonna de
Doire, from the foregoing record, at this day ; but, they remark, it is difficult
to pronounce upon his identity, as there are so many similar names, and on
different days, in the list given by Colgan,^ and in which the present holy
man is not included. Another name for Mochonna is Dachonna.s A festival,
in honour of Mochonna, was celebrated on this day, as we read in the Mar-
tyrology of Donegal.^ We find [Mochonna, Marianus, and Martyrology of
Tamlacht,7] thus cited within brackets ; but, from what has been already
stated, perhaps he does not differ from St. Conleth of Kildare.
Article IV. — St. Nem, or Nehemias, Bishop of Druim Dallain,
OR TuLLAGH, CouNTY OF ANTRIM. Nothing very satisfactory can be dis-
covered, regarding a Nehemias, who is mentioned in the Acts of St. Patrick,
and who is said to liave appointed him as a bishop, over a church called
Tulacha, or TuUagh,^ in that part of Dalriada, which is near Ramoan, in the
diocese of Connor. The modern name of this place is uncertain; but,
p. xxiii. ^ The Franciscan copy enters ■niocVionriAe
" The Franciscan copy has 'OAiiAclielljk 'OAi]\e.
Jlinm ■DA locViA 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360.
360. ■» See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberni^e," Mar-
■» The Annals of Ulster, and those of the tii viii. De S. Mochonn qui et Dochonna
Four Masters. Antistite Dorensi, with notes, pp. 565,
s In the English translation of the Annals 566.
of Clonmacnoise. 5 The reader is referred to what has been
* See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish already stated, in our notices of St. Mo-
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i., chonna, or Dachonna, of Daire, or Derry, in
pp. 112, 113. vol. iii. of this work, at the 8th of March,
"I See Dr.O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Art. xv.
Masters" vol. i., pp. 284, 285, and n. (m). ^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
* Styled " Episcopus Glinne-da-loc/ia." 118, 119.
9 See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum 7 In a note Dr. Todd says : " The clause
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv.. An- within brackets is in the more recent
nales Ultonienses, p. 61. hand."
■° Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article iv.— ' See Colgan's "Trias
118, 119. Thaunialurga," Septinia Vita S. Patricii,
Article hi.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. lib. ii., cap. cxxx., p. 146, and nn. 199, 200,
Kelly, p. xxiii. p. 182.
May 3.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
97
possibly it is DnimtuUagh, now popularly called Croshan,^ A Nem,3 Bishop,
of Drum Dallain, is mentioned in the Afartyrology of Donegal,^ as liaving a
festival on this day. In a townland of the place first alluded to, the name
Manister — no doubt from the Irish word which signifies "a monastery" —
occurs ; as also, another townland called Kilmoyle, in which there is an ancient
cemetery. 5 The place has been incorrectly confounded with Tulach-ruise ^ —
now Tullyrusk — in Dalmunia.7 The Rev. William Reeves, in a calendar which
he has compiled, seems to identify the present St. Neim, with St. Nehemias,
bishop of Tullagh.® The Rev. Dr. Lanigan 9 thinks, however, that the Nehe-
mias alluded to, in St. Patrick's Life, may have have been placed at too early
a date, and that he may not have been any other than a St. Nehemias, who
died A.D. 654.'° Under the head of Druim Dallain," Duald Mac Firbis
enters Nemh, bishop, for May 3rd.^-
Article V. — St. Neccan. The name of Neccan — without any other
designation — occurs in the Martyrology ofTallagh,' as having been vene-
rated on this day. He is Latinized Neccanus, by the Bollandists,^ who quote
this entry ; but, with a conjecture, 3 that he may have been confounded with
Nessanus, who lived in the small Island off the eastern coast, and known as
Ireland's Eye.-* A Book of Gosi)els, belonging to him, and called Kyrlabar,5
is said to have fallen into the sea,^ and to have been taken out of it, without
sustaining any injury.? It was held in great veneration ; and people were
accustomed to swear on this book, because it was thought, if perjury were
^ See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical
Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dromore."
Appendix T, p. 251,
3 See what occurs at the feast of St. Nem,
at 1 8th of February.
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
118, 119.
5 See "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the County of Antrim," sheet 8.
"^ By Colgan, in "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars, ii., cap. cxxx.,
p. 146, andn. 199, p. 182.
7 See Rev. William Reeves' "Ecclesiasti-
cal Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dro-
more," Appendix T, p. 251, and F, F, n,
(x), p. 322.
8 See ibid., LL, p. 378.
9 In his " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land," vol. i., chap, vi., sect, iii., n. 22, p.
268.
'° Known also as St. Nera Mac Ua-Birn,
successor of St. Enna, Abbot of Aran, who
died on the 14th of June. See Dr. O'Dono-
van's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
i., pp. 266, 267.
" Not now known — William M. Hen-
nessy's note.
'^ See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i.,
pp. loS, 109.
Article v. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy writes
tleccAin.
^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360.
3 Seemingly drawn from Father Henry
Fitzsimon, who gave them Acts of the Irish
Saints, in which there was an allusion to
Nessan.
■» The Bollandists add : " ad sex mil-
liaria de Dublin, et aqua benedicta fugasse
diabolum ultra mare in rupem." This latter
is yet traditionally shown on the Hill of
Howth northern sliore.
s This was a copy of the Gospels, pre-
served in the time of Archbishop Ussher, on
Ireland's Eye, anciently called Inis Meic
Nessain, opposite the mouth of Howth Har-
bour. Its penmanship seems referable to
the early part of the seventh century. "The
natives of the island gave this book the name
ofKerlowre, i.e., in correct spelling, "Ceat-
HAIR Leabhair," or the Quadruple Book,
i.e., the Four Gospels." See " Descriptive
Remarks on Illuminations in certain An-
cient Irish Manuscripts," by the Rev. James
Henthorr.Todd, D.p.,F.S.A., &c. TheGar-
land of Howth, p. 13. London, 1869, Imp.
4to. In this work, are two beautiful illus-
trations of the Garland of Howth, drawn
in Chromo-lithograph, by Mi>s Margaret
Stokes, and an interesting subject tor study
of the ecclesiastical antiquary.
* Near the place known as Puck's Rock,
still shown.
7 It would seem formerly to have been
preserved, in some precious box or ca=e.
^ Archbishop Alan, in his Registriini gives
a very curious account of this relic, which
subsequently came into Archbishop
Ussher's possession, and which is at present
the property of the Provost and Fellows of
98
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 3.
committed,^ some judgment of God must overtake the offender.9 Various
Nessans are mentioned by Co]gan,'° without allusion to this particular saint,
or his festival. The name Neccan is entered, in the Martyrology of Done-
gal," at the 3rd of May.
Article VI. — St. Cairpre, or Corpreus, Bishop of Moville,
County of Down. St. Cairpre's name is entered, as Bishop of Magh Bile,
in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 3rd of May ; and, hence we may fairly
conclude, he lived before the tenth century. On this day, likewise, Colgan
has cited,= not only the authority of St. Jingus the Culdee, but, also that of
Marianus O'Gorman and of Cathal Maguire, for his feast.3 The Bollandists -t
also note Carbrerusor Carpreus, Bishop of Moville, in Ireland. On this day
was venerated Cairpre, Bishop of Maghbile, or Moville, as we find recorded,
in the Martyrology of Donegal. s The exact time when he flourished, how-
ever, is not placed upon record.^
Article VII. — St. Scannal, of Cill-Cobrainne. At the 3rd of May,
in the published IMartyrology of Tallagh,' the simple entry occurs, Scannal of
Chill conbraind. The Franciscan copy has written it Scandal of Cill con-
brind-^" The Bollandists 3 notice Sandalius de Kill-Conbrain, from the same
authority. He was born, probably, after the beginning of the sixth century.
This Scannal was the son of Breasal, son to Enna,4 third son to Niall 5 of the
Nine Hostages,^ while he was both a relation and pupil of St. Colum Cille,7
the iUustrious Apostle of the Scottish nation. He sailed in company with
the latter, when leaving Ireland,^ and on this great mission, in the forty-second
Trinity College, Dulilin. Archbishop Alan
supposes Ncssan to have been the patron
saint of this Island, where his time had been
spent in vigils, fastings and prayers, and he
adds, " in quo loco aparuit ei malignus
spiritus in specie hominis nigerimi, quem
prosequebatur quadem indigriatione cum
ysopo aque benedicte pleno, ambulans super
mare per spatiam ferme unius miliaris iin-
perans diabolo ut intraret rupem in locum
qui dicitur Howth, ubi collis ille in vulgari
appellatur Powke-rocke, ut videtur extrin-
cicus ejus ymago in specie lapidea vilissima;
unde legitur quod tempore quo fuga\ it dia-
bolum cecidit in mare liber suus Evangelio-
rum, dictus ab incolis. The Kerlowre ; post-
mordum a nautis inventus illesus, proinde
habetur hodie inibi in magno precio et vene-
racione non modica, ita ut vix ju-tus audet
jurare super ipsum propter Dei vindictam os-
tensam hominibus perjuris in ilium."
9 This must not be confounded with ano-
ther Manuscript book, called the " Book of
Howth," now in the Library of the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth.
'° See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," Mar-
tii xvii. De S. Ncssaiio t'rtcsbytero Cor-
cagiensi Patrono, jip. 629, 630.
" Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
118, 119.
Article vi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy has
CAii\pi\e e-Ap inAi5e bite.
■" See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," ^lar-
tiixviii. Appendix ad Acta S. Fridiani,
cap. viii., p. 650.
3 See, also, ibid., Februarii xi. De S.
Canoco Abbate et Confessore, n. 14. p.
313-
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360.
5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, p. 118,
119-
* See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesiasti-
cal Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dro-
more," Appendix A, p. 152, and Appendix
LL, p. 378.
Article vii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, ]i. xxiii.
* In Irish ScawdaI Cilli Conbivint).
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
360.
* From him Tir-Enna, a district in the
present barony of Raphoe, county of Done
gal, was named.
5 By his second wife.
* See "Memoir of the City and North
western Liberties of Londonderry," part ii.,
sect. 2, p. 27.
? See his Life, at the 9th of June,
* See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adainnan's " Life
of St. Columba." Additional Notes A, n.
(m), p. 245.
May 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 99
year of his age, and in the year 563.9 The place Cill-Cobrann, or Cill-Con-
brind, has not been identified ; but, probably, it was in Ireland. Scannal, or
Scandal, flourished towards the close of the sixth century. We know not if
he survived his great teacher and superior. In addition, Colgan tells us,
according to Marianus O'Gorman and Maguire, that St. Scandalius of Kill-
chobhranne was venerated, on the 3rd of May.'° We find registered, in the
Martyrology of Donegal," that a festival was celebrated on this day, in
honour of Scannal, ofCill Cobrainne.
Article VIIL — St. Aedan, or Aidanus. The simple entry of Aedan is
found, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 3rd of May.^ Quoting the same
authority, the Bollandists 3 enter Aidanus, for this same date.'^
Article IX. — St. Sarnat, Daughter of Maelan, Abbess. On this
day, according to the Martyrology of Donegal,^ veneration was given to
Sarnat, daughter of Maelan, abbess. " I think it is she," adds the calendarist,
" that Meoling^ commemorates, in the history which is called the Boroimhe,
when he went from the Leinstermen to ask a remission of the Borumean tri-
bute from Lath Chuinn : —
" Dear the four of noble power,
Elcomac, and Aedhan,
Sarnatan, Colmuatan the fair.
It is not to me that they are not dear."
Article X. — St. Clothach, Bishop. In the Martyrology of Tallagh,'
the name ofClothaigh^ is set down, at the 3rd of May. From the same
record, the Bollandists 3 have Clothacus Sanctus, or St. Clothac, for the pre-
sent date. The name of Clothach, Bishop, occurs in the Martyrology of
Donegal,'* on this day.
Article XI. — The Daughters of Oissen, of Rath-eich. The
designation, Inghena Ossein, is entered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the
3rd of May.2 The denomination of their place is elsewhere given. In the
9 According to the Annals of Tigernach, non constat utrum diversus ab hoc."
at A.D. 563. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's Article ix. — ' Edited by Rev. Drs.
"RerumPIibernicarumScriptores,"tomusii., Todd and Reeves, pp. ii8, 119.
p. 143. ^ He is venerated, at the 17th of June.
"See "Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix Article x. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
Quarta ad Acta S. Columbje, cap. x., n. 102, p. xxiii.
p. 492. " In the Franciscan copy CLouliAij ]'ci
''Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pjD. ^ gee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., M.iii
118, 119. iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
Article viii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. 360.
Kelly, p. xxiii. * Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
^ In the Franciscan copy is, -Aet)Ani. 118, 119.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,Maii Article xi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360. Kelly, p. xxiii.
* To this they add a comment : "Aidanus - The Franciscan copy reads, In^eiiA
etiam pridie seu 2 hujus relatus legitur, sed Ofpne.
loo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 3.
BoUandists' work, 3 they quote this entry as FiHae Osseni, which means " the
Daughters of Ossen." On this day, we read in the Martyrology of Donegal,-*
that veneration was paid to the daughters of Oissen, of Rath-eich. It is
difficult to identify this place.
Article XII. — St. Barrinn, of Droma Cula. In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,' at this date, is inserted Barrinn of Dronia Cula. In
the Franciscan copy, we find it entered, as Barrfind Drom Cullin.^ The Bol-
landists3 enter his name and place, as Bariindus de Druim-Chulim, while
they quote the same auiliority. There is a Barrindeus, who was Abbot over
the Monastery of Druin-Caillin, on the confines of ancient Munster and
Leinster. It lay within the territory of Fearceall, in which the city of Rathin
stood. He flourished in the year 590. Whether he was identical or not, with
the present holy man, forms a difficulty for the investigator of our ecclesiastical
history.
Article XIII. — St. Athgen, or Cokbmac, of Baduiny, County of
Tyrone. We read in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' that Aithghin Boitlii, or
Boith, was venerated, at the 3rd of May. On the same authority, the BoUan-
dists ^ notice him at this date, as being called Athgenius, or otherwise Corb-
macus — although both names appear to be quite different. To this day. May
3rd,3 Colgan refers the festival of St. Athgenius, or Corbmac, a cook to St.
Patrick.'* He was the son of Doelius Massinus, son to Ferguss, son of Duoch,
son to Bressal, son of Coll Menu, son of Eochad Mogmedom.s This place,
called Both-Domnaich, now known as Badony, was in the county of Tyrone,
and in the diocese of Derry. It lay within a valley called Gleann-arche.^
Article XIV. — St. Juvenalis. For the 3rd of May, Colgan' seems
to have prepared the Acts of a St. Juvenalis, with a view to publication. As yet,
however, we know not on what grounds he is claimed as an Irishman, for
we have not found the evidence. Now there happen to be three distinct and
several entries, by the BoUandists, of this date, referring to saints so deno-
minated, viz., St. Juvenalis,^ Bishop and Patrons at Narni,-* in Umbria s —
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii * See the BoUandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360. tomus i., Maii iii. Amonjj the pretermitted
* Edited by Dis. Todd and Reeves, pp. saints, p. 360.
118, 119. Article xiv. — ' According to the " Ca-
Article XII. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. talogus Actuum Sanctorum qu.x; .MS. haben-
Keily, p. xxiii. tur, ordine Mcnsium et Dierum."
* In the Irish character t>Ji\i\}:iii-o 'Oixoni = See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
Cullin. iii. De Sancto Juven^iie Episcopo Nar-
'' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii niensi in Umbria, pp. 386 to 406.
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 360. ^ 'phe BoUandists present copper-plate en-
Article XIII. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. gravings of his ahar, shrine anti tomb, with
Kelly, p. xxiii. In the Franciscan copy is descriptions ; as also v;irious notices, record-
Aichgm bochi. ing the several translations of his sacred re-
" See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii mains.
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, \i. 360. * lleie, there is an interesting bridge of
3 Colgan cites the Martyrology ot Tal- Augustus, but now in ruins. " The ancient
lagh. Roman colony of Narni st.inds on the sum-
* See "Trias Thauraaturga," Septima niit of a very liii;h and steep hill, whose sides
Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap. xcviii., p. 166, are clothed with olives, .nnd whose base is
and n. 121, p. 188. washeii by the Isera.' — Rev. John Chet-
5 Sec Mciiclogie Genealogy, cap. xiv. wode Eustace's " Classical Tour through
May 3.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
St. Juvenalis,^ Confessor,? of Fossano,^ in Piedmont — and anotlier, St.
Juvenalis, Martyr.9 This latter festival is left by the Bollandists, among the
pretermitted, and transferred to the 7th of May.
Article XV. — Festival of the Blessed Alexander, a Cistercian
Monk, of Foigni, in France. {Thirteenth Century?^ Already, when
treating of St. Mathilde, Virgin, and sister to this holy man, at the ist day of
January,' and also, when alluding to him, in a special feast at the 14th day of
that month, 2 we have only a passing allusion to him, referring the reader to
the 6th day of August, for further particulars. It appears, however, that in
the Kalendar of the Cistercian Order,3 a festival is set down for him,
at the 3rd of May, and accordingly the Bollandists 4 have placed his Acts,
at this same date. The Petits Bollandists s have a similar record for
this day.
Article XVI. — The Festival of Finding the Holy Cross. In the
Feilire of St. ^ngus,' at the 3rd of May, the Festival of Finding the Holy
Cross,^ with many virtues,3 at Jerusalem, by St. Helena, is noticed.^ It is also
Italy, An. mdcccii., vol. i., chap, ix., p.
334-
5 There is an account of a Miracle, wrought
throught the intercession of Juvenalis, the
venerable Martyr and Bishop of Narni, on
the 8th of June, in the year 1233, and on
behalf of an Irishman, called Moriens, who
was so lame, that he was obliged to creep
over the road he travelled, with his breast
almost touching the ground. He was per-
suaded to enter the church of St. Juvenalis,
and to approach before the altar to that very
place, where the Martyr's body was deposed.
Blood was observed flowing from the shrine,
at that moment ; and while the afflicted man
prayed the Almighty for the use of his limbs,
through the holy Martyr's intercession, a"
priest, named James, who served there, took
some of the blood, which he applied to the
cripple's limbs. At the same time, Moriens
in tears cried out, "O most holy father
Juvenalis, heal me !" Innned lately the
Divine power was manifested, in his perfect
restoration. All the clergy and people of
Narni were in admiration, and they ap-
proached the altar of Juvenalis, with public
religious ceremonies, and lights, also singing
hymns in praise of their holy patron. The
foregoing narrative is contained, in an old
book, belonging to the Archives of Fos-
sano.
* See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mail
iii. De S. Ivvenale Confessore Fossani in
Pedemontio, cujus corpus ibidem perquatuor
secula creditum esse S. Ivvenalis Episcopi
Narniensis, pp. 406 to 422.
^ The Petits Bollandists, at the 3rd of
May, have the following notice regarding
this holy man : " A Fossano, en Piemont,
Saint Juvenal, confesseur, dont le corps, con- .
serve dans cette ville, a ete pris pendent qua-
tre Siecles pour cehii de Saint Juvenal,
eveque de Narni, fete le meme jour." —
' ' Vies des Saints, " tom.e v., ii F Jour de Mai,
P- 275-
^ While the inhabitants of this place had
a tradition, that their patron was not dis-
tinguishable from the Bishop and Martyr of
Narni ; Father Daniel Papebroke deems it
more probable, that he was a different per-
son, held there in veneration from an early
period.
9 The Barberini Manuscript is quoted, as
authority for his feast, on this day, as also
the Additions to Greven. See the Bollan-
dists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii., p. 361.
Article xv.— ' The date assigned for
her feast. See vol. i. of this work. Art. ix.
^ See ibid., at 14th of January, Art. vii.
3 Printed at Dijon, A.D. 1617. He is no-
ticed, also, in Claude Chalemot's series of
Saints and Blessed of the Cistercian Order ;
this latter work, having been printed in
Paris, A.D. 1666.
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii. De Beato Alexandre converso Cister-
ciensi Fvsniaci in Gallia, p. 434.
5 See " Vies des Saints," tome v. Troi-
sieme Jour de Mai, p. 300.
Article xvi. — ' See " Transactions of
the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, p. Ixxviii.
- The Commentator adds, that this hap-
pened in the time of Constantine, son of
Helena, after having been 235 years con-
cealed. See ihiJ., p. Ixxxiii.
3 The meaning probably is, that many
miracles accompanied this finding.
■* In the lower margin of the Leabhar
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
May 3.
entered in the Martyrology of Tallagb.s On this Feast, which from an early
date has been so universal in the Catholic Church, Father Daniel Papebroke^
has a learned and researchful disquisition.
Article XVII. — Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Mary,
EVER Virgin. According to the Feilire ' of St. y^ngus.^" as also to the Martyr-
ology of Tallagh,3 a festival of the Blessed Virgin INIary was celebrated in
Ireland, on the 3rd of May. The latter record has it Marise Virginis Con-
ceptio, as the Bollandists ♦ notice; they remark, however, that the Church
places it, at the 8th of December.
Article XVIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Donnan. Veneration was
given to Donnan, at the 3rd of May, as is recorded ' in the published Martyr-
ology of Tallagh. We do not find warrant for this entry, in the Franciscan
copy.
Article XIX. — Reputed Feast of St. Concraid. We read simply
the name Concraid, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 3rd of
May. It is not found in the Franciscan copy.
Article XX. — Reputed Feast of St. Fergusa. According to the
published Martyrology of Tallagh,' veneration was given at the 3rd of May, to
Fergusa. There is no corresponding entry, in the Franciscan copy.
Article XXI. — St. Fumac, in Scotland. A saint of this name was
venerated at Botriffnie, or Botriphnie,' also called Fumac Kirk, in Scotland.
His age does not appear to be known ; nor does it transpire, as to whether
he was of Irish or of Scottish birth. His well was formerly known at that place,
and his fair was kept, on the 3rd of May. In the beginning of the last century,
his wooden image was then washed with great solemnity each year in his well,
by an old woman.* That image existed, until the beginning of this century,
when it was swept away by a flood of the Isla, and stranded at Banff. There,
it was committed to the flames, by the parish minister, who regarded it as a
Breac, having repeated in Irish the substance
of the previous comment, the scholiast has
in Latin, "post ccxxx. duos annos et non
inventa est crux (quando) romani cum tito
et uespasiano succenderunt ierusalem et tunc
abscondita est crux, et in xl° anno post pas-
sionem domini. See ibid., p. Ixxxiii.
5 In the Franciscan copy, we read at this
date: C]\uci]' ch]\ifci muencio.
* See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Maii iii. De Inventione Sanctas
Crucis per SS. Helenani et Magarium
Hierosolymis, in three chapters and thirty-
two paragraphs, pp. 361 to 366.
Artici.f, XVII. — ' Here it is called Mary
the Virgin's great feast. See " Transaciions
of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu-
script Series, p. Ixxviii.
' In the lower margin, the Scholiast has
entered the following Latin conmient, on
the words of his text; '^ i.e. ha;c inccptio
eius ul alii jHitant sed in februo mcnse vel in
martio facta est ilia quia post, uii menses nata
est ut innarratur vel quselibet alia feria
eius.'" — Hid., p. Ixxxiv.
3 In the Franciscan copy, we find, at this
date mA]\i<\e ui]\ CO)ice|\cio.
•♦ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
361.
Article xviii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
Article xix. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
Article xx. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
Article xxi.— ' This is a parish, in the
centre of B.mffshire, and in the narrow part
of the county. The small river Isla runs
through it, in a beautiful strath, between
two hills lying north and south. See "Im-
perial Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., p.
1S9.
^According to the Manuscript Account of
Scottish Bishops in the Library at Slains,
.1726.
May 4,
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
103
monument of superstition.3 One of the old Almanacks gives a St. Fumac's
fair, at Dinet, in Caithness, and at Chapel of Dine, in VVatten.4 This saint
seems to have obtained only a local celebrity.
Article XXII. — Feast of the Translation of St. Patrick's Arm.
On the 3rd of May was held, it appears, a festival to commemorate the Trans-
lation of a Relic, called the Arm of St. Patrick,' Primate of Ireland.^
Jfourti) Bap of ilay*
ARTICLE I.— ST. MOCHUA, OR CRONAN, SON OF CUIMINE, OF SLIABII
EIBHLINNE, NOW SLIEVE PHELIM MOUNTAINS, COUNTY OF
LIMERICK.
LIKE objects that appear dimly and undefined in the distance are many
of those brief and scattered records or traditions, regarding our saints ;
while, too frequently, such indications are unsatisfactory and elude all
attempts at identification.' The Martyrology of Tallagh ^ enters the festival
of Mochua Mac Cummin, in Sleibh Eibhinn,3 at the 3rd of May.^ Mochua
is only another name for Cronan, as we have already shown. The BoUan-
dists, quoting the foregoing authority, have entered this holy person's festival,
with some differences of spelling.s This saint must have lived, at an early
3 Persons were living in 1847, who saw
this statue. See " Illustrations of the Anti-
quities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff,"
vol. ii , p. 253, note.
'' See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
tish Saints," pp. 351, 352.
Article xxii. — ' This information is
in a work called " Promptuarium S.Scripturi
Anonymi Cujusdem Hiberni," edited by
Father Luke Wadding.
^ This notice was communicated to the
writer, by Rev. Theobald L. Carey, Superior
of St. liidore's College, Rome, and dated
2nd of November, 1884.
Article i. — ' We present the following
popular narrative, in illustration of many simi-
lar local traditions. In tlie county of Cork,
barony of Duhallow, and parish uf Boher-
boy, there is a lioly well called Droumharif.
This well is famed for curing all sorts of
diseases in man, and especially the eyes. It
is attended on the 4th of May, in each year.
There is another well, called the city well,
in the same county and barony. Tliis latter
well is famed for curing all sorts of diseases,
iu men and cattle. The cattle are brouglit
to it, from all parts on May Eve, each year ;
also the people bring some of the water
hoiTie with them. With regard to the first-
named well, a most remarkable occurrence
is said to have taken place now over twenty
years ago. The man who owned the land,
in whicli this holy well is situated, thought
to stop it by draining, as the people used to
damage his place, when coming from all
directions to visit the well. All the men he
had employed, endeavouring to stop its
course, refused working at it. He even ad-
vanced their wages, but this did not induce
the greater number of them to continue their
labour. However, some undertook tlie
draining, and the fust day they worked
every workman got sore eyes. After this,
some continued ior a few days, until they
got stone blind. Then, the gentleman who
owned the land saw his mi^,take, and he got
xnen to repair the damage he had done to the
well. He got a wall built around it, and
from that date, he kept a man in charge of
it. Edward N. Corridon of the Royal Irish
Constabulary Barrack, Phoenix Park, Dub-
lin, communicated the foregoing particulars,
in a letter addressed to the writer, and
dated April 9th, 1873.
^ Edited by Rev^ Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. In
the Franciscan copy is read lIloclniA niAc
Cunnine 1 steib ebLnitie.
3 The battle of Eildrlinne, by Muirchear-
tach Mac Erca, is noticed at A.D. 526, in
Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four
Masters,*' vol. i., pp. 174, 175.
^ The words of the Martyrology of Tarn-
lacht, in the Brussels Manuscript, are,
" Mocua mac Cuimmini, 1 Sbeib
eibLmm," according to the Rev. Dr. Todd.
s Thus : " Mochua, filius Crumminci in
monte Eblina," at this date. See "Acta
Satictorum," tomus i., Mali. Among the
pretermitted saints, p. 437.
104
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS,
[May 4.
period, for we find his festival set down on this day, in the Feihre ^ of St.
^ngus. To the stanza, a schoHast has added the comment, that he was
Mochua, son of Conn, from Sliab EbUnne, in Munster.? It seems probable,
that his church was connected with this district ; but, the exact locality is not
denoted.^ The SHeve Phelim Mountains are a remarkable range, with beau-
tiful undulations, extending over a considerable tract of country, towards the
northeastern part of Limerick County 39 and, they are regarded, as lymg
chiefly within the barony of Owneybeg. The range extends about ten miles
eastward, with a mean breadth of about three ; and, by a narrow defile, on
the boundary line of both counties, it is separated from the magnificent
Keeper IMountains, which run in a north-easterly direction, through the
Barnane Ely Mountain, County of Tipperaiy.
county of Tipperary. One of the most remarkable features of this place is
tlie celebrated Bnrnane-Ely ;'° better known as the Devil's Bit Mountain,"
where there is a celebrated defile, not far from Teinplemore.'^ At that spot,
and on the eastern side of the Devil's Bit Mountain, formerly called Sliabh
'' In the " Leabhar Breac " copy is the
following entry : —
iTipAi)* ^nre^Mm
tllOchuA CxMIl TjecllOlT)
TTlAC Cuniine clochdig
1feiL SiILaui ■OeochAin.
It is thus translated by Dr. Whiilev Stokes :
"On AnailieriiH* passion went fair Mochua,
son of famous Cnmine, on deacon Silvainis'
feast." .See " Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," vol. i., Irish Manuscript
Series, p. Ixxviii.
' See ibid., p. Ixxxiv.
^ In the Index to Dr. O'Donovan's "An-
nals of the Four Masters," vol. vii., p. 56,
the author has placed Eibhlinne, or the
SI ieve- Phelim Mountains, in the county of
Tipjierary.
9 They are chiefly within Abbington
pnrish ; said to be an Anglicized form of
11U\niipre)\ llAirne, or the Monastery of
Uailhno, the former name of tlu- territory. It
is described, in " Letters containing Infor-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the
May 4.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
105
Ailbuin, is the head of the River Suir.'3 l^ie SHeve PheHrn range is con-
nected, witli the Mountains of Kihiamanagli,'4 on the east ; while it pre-
serves a finely-featured contour and surface outline, forming a charming back-
ground to the rich landscapes of the northern champaign country of Limerick.
A new road from Thurles 'S to Tipperary '^ passes along the base of the east
end by the Slieve Phelim range.'? In Scotland, likewise, as in Ireland, St.
Mochua was venerated, at the iv. of the May Nones, according to the Kalen-
dar of Drummond,'^ and as a holy confessor. Among the various saints,
called Mochua, or Cronan, we are unable to distinguish the present holy
man, his period, or his office in the Church. The Martyrology of Donegal '9
records, that this day was venerated Cronan, son of Cummain,='° of Sliabh
Ebhlinne, in Munster.
Article II. — St. Siollan, the Deacon. A festival was celebrated on
this day, as we read in the INIartyrologies of Tallagh ^ and of Donegal, ^ in
honour of Siollan the deacon. 3 This account is taken from the Felire Aeno--
huis.4 It has been thought by Colgan,s that the present St. Sillan may be
identical with one, mentioned in the Life of St. Berach, of Kilbarry, who is
venerated, at the 15th ofFebruary.^ The BoUandists 7 have the feast of St.
Sillan entered, at this date ; and, they give a similar reference, as if he were
identical with that monk of St. Berach, who had been killed by robbers, and
County of Limerick," vol. ii., pp. 152, and
416 to 446.
" It is rendered, " the small gap of the
Territory of Ely," and it gives name to the
parish, according to Jolin O'Donovan, who
describes it, as near the country of the
O'Meaghers, who lived at the foot of it.
Th-ere, too, are the remains of an old church.
See ''Letters containing Information rela-
tive to the Antiquities of the County of Tip-
perary, collected during the Progress of the
Ordnance Survey, in 1840," vol. ii. Letter,
dated l<oscrea,Oct. 24th, 1840, pp. 225, 226.
" Its highest peak is 1,583 feet above the
sea. See it marked, on "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Tip-
perary," sheet 28.
'^ The accompanying illustration, from
an original sketch by William F. Wakeman,
was by him drawn on the wood, engraved
by Mrs. Millard.
'3 See " The Topograhical Poems of John
O'Dubhagain and Giolla na Naomh
O'Huidhrain," edited by Dr. O'Donovan,
p. Ixi., n. 513,
"'The Barony of Upper Kilnamanagh,
N.R., is an extensive tract of country, de-
scribed on the " Ordnance Survey Townland
Maps for the County of Tipperary," sheets
27. 28, 33, 34, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 50, 51.
The barony of Lower Kilnamanagh, .S.R. in
the same county is shown, on sheets 39, 40,
45, 46, 51, 52. 59, 60.
'3 The parish of Thurles, in the barony of
Eliogarty, county of Tipperary, is shown, on
sheets 35, 41, 42, 47, ibid. The town and
townparks of Thurles are noted, on sheet
41.
'^ The parish of Tipperary, in the barony
of Clanwilliam, is shown, oiv sheets 58, 59,
66, 67. The town itself is marked on
sheet 67.
'7 See "Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
land," vol. iii., p. 257.
'" See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
tish Saints," p. 12.
'9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
120, 121.
■° Dr. Todd says, in a note, at Cummain :
"The more recent hand has written ai over
the vowels ei of Cuimmeme in the text •
and adils at the end of the paragraph, ' Sed
jNlart. Taml. vocat ItlocuA niAc Cumiene.' "
Article ii.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
120, 121.
3 In a note Dr. Todd says, that paragraph,
within brackets, contained m the Martyr-
ology of Donegal, is in the more recent hand.
Besides the present £ntry, the preceding St.
Mochua, of Slieve Phelim, is found there
inserted, as if distinguishable from St.
Cronan.
*• In a comment, the scholiast adds, " he
was Silvanus the deacon," without giving
any other clue to his history. See " I'rans-
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i.,
p. Ixxxiv, On the Calendar of Oengus, by
Dr. Whitley Stokes.
5 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernije." xv.
Februarii. Supplementum Vitas S. Ber.achi
Abbatis, cap. vii., n. 6, p. 348.
^ See his Life, at that day.
7 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mai
iv. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 437.
io6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 4.
who had been cafterwards resuscitated, through the miraculous agency of his
venerable superior. This miracle was wrought, at a place called Rath-ond,
which has not been identified. In the sixth or seventh century, St. Sillan
flourished, if the identification in question be admitted. This Natalis occurs,
also, in the Kalendar of Drummond,^ as Sillan, Deacon, a holy confessor, at
the 4th of the May Nones.
Article III. — St. Aedh, Son of Brec, or Bricc. This day was
venerated Aedh, or Aedo, son of Brec, as we read in the Martyrologies of
Tallagh ' and of Donegal.' A note appended to the latter record, by a more
recent hand, quotes the authority of Marianus O'Gorman, for this festival, at
the 3rd of May. 3 Colgan merely says, that a bt. Aldus is to be found, in the
Irish Calendars, at the 4th of May.* No other information is furnished,
regarding him. The Bollandists,5 who quote the IMartyrology of Tallagh for
this festival, remark, likewise, that other authorities regard St. Aldus, son of
Brek, or Brecc, as the Bishop of Kill-air, in Meath, and founder of the monas-
tic establishment of Enach-midbrenin, whose death has been assigned to
A.D. 588. They promised to give his Life, at the loth of November. Thus,
we may doubt, if the present holy man be distinct from St. Aedh, Mac
Bricc, whose festivals occur, also, on the 28th of February,^ and on the loth
of November.7
Article IV. — Festival of the Blessed Alexander, Cistercian
Monk, at Foigni, in France. ^Thirteenth Century.'] At the 4th of May,
the Bollandists ' enter this Feast, on the authority of Chrysostom Henriquez,
Saussay, and Bucelin. More will be found^ concerning him, at the 6th of
August,
Article V. — St. Colmoc, Bishop of Banff, Scotland. [Tenth
and Eleventh Centuries.'] We receive this saint, on the authority of Demp-
ster, who has entered a feast for St. Colmoc, Bishop of Banff, in his " Meno-
logium Scoticum," ' at the 4th of May.^ Whether the birth of St. Colmoc
be referable to Ireland, or to Scotland, is a matter to be questioned. The
name was doubtless a very common appellation formerly, in our own Island.
However, we do not find this entry, in the Irish Calendars ; and, Dempster's
tissue of statements — which are here given — cannot be regarded as free from
^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- Article iv. — ' See "Acta Sanctorum,"
tish Saints," p. 12. tomus i., j\Iaii iv. Among the pretermitted
Article hi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. saints, p. 436.
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy enters Article v. — ' Thus: " Bamfise Col-
<Xet)o 111 AC bjMcc. moci episcopi, miri concionaioris B. B. T."
= Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. = See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
120, 121. tish Saints," p. 198.
■'According to the Rev. Dr. Todd. ^ This was probably Malcolm II., son to
♦ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Kenneth III., and who is said to have ruled
nia;," xxxi. Januarii. Appendix ad Acta S. over Scotland for twenty-nine ye.rrs. How-
Maedoci, cap. i., p. 221. ever, a judicious and critical writer, John
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii Mill Burton, states, that there is much of a
iv. Among the pretermitted saints, p. questionable character admitted into ac-
438. oiunts of this period. See " The Histoiy of
' See notices of him, at this date. Scotland from .Agncola's Invasion to the
' See his Life, at the loth of November. Revolution of 1688," vol. i.,chap. x., pp. 364
May 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 107
the suspicion of fiction. The bishop St. Colmoc is said to have been man of
exemplary Hfe, who reproved the vices of his people with achiiirable freedom
of speech. While civil war raged between King Constantine and jMalcolm,3
the son of Kenneth, he issued grave fulminations against those, who would
not attend to his admonitions, and repent of their errors.-* Banff was the
chief city, and a royal burgh, in the old Scottish district, known as Buchan.s
In reference to this saint, Dempster has not only the most absurd, but even
the most contradictory, accounts. Thus, in one passage, while the saint's
festival is set down at the 4th of May, it is there added, that he was trans-
lated, on the 5th of February, a.d. 760.^ Then, a few lines lower down, ac-
cording to the same writer, St. Colmoc died, a.d. ioio.? There is a Colmoc
entered, among the early ecclesiastical celebrities of Scotland, by the Rev. Dr.
J. F. S. Gordon in his learned and valuable work,^ evincing so much care
and research, both in plan and treatment ; but, we find no further^account of
his i)lace or period. There is also a St. Colraach invoked, among the Scot-
tish Bishops. 9 If we are to credit Dempster, his ?t. Colmoc wrote, Monita
Salutaria, lib. i.; Ecclesise Scoticse Successio, lib. i. ;^° and, also, Ad Regem
pro pace stabilienda, lib. i. In Dempster's History of the Scottish Church,"
it is stated, that this Bishop was enrolled among the saints, and that churches
were erected in his honour.'^ This account has been followed, by Ferrari,
quoting a Breviary ; but, the Bollandists '^ — who have certain remarks on
Colmocus at the 3rd of May — state, that the Breviary of Aberdeen has
nothing on the subject, while they prefer waiting for more authentic acts or
memorials of this Colmoc's veneration, than had been within their know-
ledge.
Article VI. — Festival assigned for a reputed St. Haymarus,
Bishop and Martyr, at Toul, in France. \_Eightli Century^ The
Bollandists ^ remark, that Camerarius has a festival to a St. Haymarus, a
Bishop and Martyr, who succeeded St. Maunsey,^ a Scot, in the See of 'i'oul.
However, the Samma.rthani, and other writers, treating on the antiquities of
this See, have no account of a Bishop Haymarus, as having presided over it.
However, by Cameranus, he is said to have been the twenty-seventh Bishop
of Toul, in the order of succession ; and Haymarus is related, to have been
pierced with lances, in the year 760.
to 368. enlarged ; with Reeves' and Goodall's Trea-
* See Dempster's " Historia Ecclesiastica tises on the Culdees," vol. i., p. 68.
Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., Hb. iii., Num. « In the Processional Litany of the Monas-
255, p. 152. tery of Dunkeld. See idid.
5 This district of Aberdeenshire extends '° To this Dempster adds : "Citatjoan-
along the coast, from the Ythan, nearly to nes Fordunus, quod opus utinam hodie ex-
the Devron, a distance of over forty miles. taret ; certe Scotia- ornamenta sua, quibus
.See "Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. nulli genti videretur inferior haberet." —
i., p. 204. " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
* Then, as if to crown the absurdity, this tomus i., lib. iii., Num. 255, p. 153.
translation was the work of a St. Comus, " See idi'd.
Abbot or Prior of the Royal Cloisters in the " For this statement, Dempster cites the
Island of May, whose feast occurs on the 9th Scotichronicon.
of June, while his death took place in a.d, '3 gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Maii
710. To this Dempster adds '' transtulitque iv. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
.S. Colmoci reliquias die v. Febr. anno lau- 437,
dato, ut in actis loci." See " Historia Ec- Article vi. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum,"
clesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. tomus i., Maii iv. Among the pretermitted
iii., Num. 247, p. 149. saints, p. 437.
7 See zditl, Num. 255, p. 153. " His festival is set down, at the 3rd of
^ See " Scotichronicon : compi ising Bis- September, and he is regarded as an Irish
hop Keith's Catalogue of Scottish Bishops, saint.
io8
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 5.
Article VII. — Feast of St. Antherius. In the Irish Church, accord-
ing to the Martyrology of Tallagh ' and the Feihre of St. ^ngus,^ the feast
of a St. Antlierius is presented, as having been kept, on this day. The Bol-
landists 3 refer to it, as probably a festival of St. Anterius, Pope and Martyr,
who, also, is commemorated, at the 3rd day of January.
jfifti) ©ap of iHay*
ARTICLE I.— ST. FAELAN FINN, OF KILCOLUMB,
KILKENNY.
COUNTY OF
The name of St. Feilan, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at this date, as also
in that of IMarianus O'Gorman, with the adjunct Finn, "fair" or "white,"
has Kill-Colma attached, as if this were his place.^ The locality has been
identified with Killcolumb,^ barony of Ida, county of Kilkenny.^ The Bol-
landists 5 refer to the Martyrology of Tallagh, for the feast ofFoelanus Can-
didus de Kill-Colma, at the 5th of May. He is commemorated, likewise, in
the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman. It is mentioned in the Martyr-
ology of Donegal,^ that Faelnn Finn, of Cill Cholmai, was venerated on
this day.
Aritcle II. — St. Scandal/Eus, or Scandalus. In the Life of St.
Columba, allusion is made to Scandalus, confessor, as Henry Fitzsimon
states, on authority of the English Martyrology, written by John Wilson.'
It is doubtful, however, if the present saint is at all distinguishable from one
similarly named, and already noticed, at the 3rd of jNIay ; for, Scandal is
said to have been the son of Bressal, son to Enna, son to Niall of the Nine
Hostages, according to Ussher, relying on tlie authority of a Cottonian
Book.^ The Bollandists notice him at this date; but, not discovering any
antique vestiges of his veneration, they preferred adjourning to the 9th of
June,3 any account that might well be included in their Acts of his illustrious
Article vii. — ' In the Franciscan copy,
we find this entry : AncVie^Mi pApe Agti]'
* The Scholiast adds : " hi pais antei-ini
.i. papa (e) et martiris.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Mali
iv. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 436
Article i. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy h.is
■pAelAn ■pint) C1LI1 Col,m<M.
' .See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Ilibcr-
nise," xvi. Januarii, Appendix, cap. i., \k
104.
3 This parish is described, on the
" Ordnance Survey Townlaiid Maps for
the County of Kilkenny," sheets 40, 41,
43. 44-
* By William M. Hennessy.
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Mail
iv. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
120, 121.
Article h. — ' See Colgan's "Acta
Sanctorum Hiberniaj," xvii. Februarii. Vita
S. Cormaci, Appendix, cap. ii., recti p.
361.
^ See " Primordia," cap. xv., p. 694.
3 The Festival Day for St. Columkille.
* Sec " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Mali
V. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
5 The accompanying illu>tration of lona
has been drawn on tiie wood by William
F. Wakeman, and it has been engraved by
Mrs. Millard.
May 5.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
109
Abbot St. Columba.4 He is represented, as one of those twelve companions,
who sailed with St. Columba from Ireland, when about to found his great
missionary establishment at Iona,5 and when Christianity had not been pre-
sented to the Alban Scots or Picts, in alliance with the impressive aspects of
Roman civilization. Nor had the tramp of Roman legions been heard in the
Highland glens, nor had their clans ever seen with awe the majesty and
power of Roman government. In the days of Columba, and of his mission-
aries, whatever tidings^ may have reached the natives of Argyle, or
Mediaeval Church at lona.
of Inverness, must have been tidings of Christian disaster and defeat. All
the more we ought be ready to believe, that the man, who planted
Christianity successfully among them, at that period, must have been one of
powerful character and of splendid gifts. There is no arguing against that
great monument to Columba, which shows the place he has secured, in the
memory of mankind.? In a minor degree, his labours were shared, espe-
cially by the earlier companions of his voyage. The Bollandists cite Demp-
ster ^ and Ferarius, for a Festival to Scandalus or Scandalius, at the 5th of
May. Among the holy persons venerated in Scotland, Camerarius has
entered him, at this date.9 The anonymous list of Irish Saints, published by
O'Sullevan Beare,'° places him, likewise, at the 5th of May, but naming him
* See " lona," by the Duke of Argyle,
chap, i., p. 52.
^ Se&il>id., p. 53.
^ Said to be "in Menologio Scotico."
9 Tlius : "5 Die. Sanctus Scandalus
Confessor." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars
of Scottish Saints," p. 237. Scottish En-
tries in the Calendar of Camerarius.
" See "Historic Catholicse Ibernise Com-
pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., xii.,
pp. 50, 56. _
" See " Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix
Quarta ad Acta S. Columbse, cap. x., num.
102, p. 492.
'^ See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
P- 443-
no LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 5.
Scandaljeus, Colgan " has a notice of liiui, as also Bisho]) Forbes.'^ Yet,
in a copy of the Irish Calendar, formerly belonging to the Ordnance Survey
Office,' 3 Phoenix Park, we find no mention whatever of this saint's name occur-
ring, at the Third of the Nones (or the 5th) of May.
Article III. — St. Senan. The simple entry of Senan's name is in
the published Martyrology of Tallagh/ at this date ; and, a similar record
is found in the Franciscan copy.^ The Bollandists,^ who enter his feast, on
the same authority, and at the 5th of May, have remarked, that Colgan
sets him down as an Abbot / although, when or where he exercised such an
office, and his acts, are not recorded. The Festilogy of St. yEngus, jSIarianus
and Maguire are also quoted. 5 On this day was celebrated a festival in
honour of Senan, as we find entered in the Martyrology of Donegal.^
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. Maura and of St. Brigid,
Virgins and IMartyrj. The festival of a Translation ' of these holy Vir-
gins is given by Saussay,^ at the 5 th of May ;3 while, according to other
authorities, their feasts are held on the 4th ♦ and 14th s and 15th ^ of January,
and on the 13th of July. The Bollandists 7 have a notice of them, at the
5th of May ; but, they refer the reader to the 13th of July, when they hoped
to have further illustrations of their Acts. To this arrangement, we also prefer
adhering.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Ectbrict, or Eadbert, the
Saxon, or of Saxonland, Bishop of Lindisfarne, England. On the
5th of May, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh ' appears the name of
Euchbricht, Saxon, or in the country of the Saxons. A nearly similar entry is
in the Franciscan copy.^ The BoUandists^ quoting this authority, likewise,
have inserted a festival for Euchbritus Saxo, at this same date, with a notifica-
tion, that elsewhere they read of nothing relating to him. Marianus O'Gorman
has noticed Ectbrict. We find it set down in the Martyrology of Donegal,*
that veneration was given to Ectbrict,5 simply, on this day. This was, no
doubt, St. Eadbert, bishop of Lindisfarne,^ who is commemorated on the
6th of May, in the Roman Martyrology.
'3 Now kept in the Royal Irish Aca- ^ The Bollandists remark, "et post euni
demy. Artiuus in Gynreceo Sacro."
Article hi. — ' Edited by Rev. Matthew ■• See notices of them, at the date, in the
Kelly, p. xxiii. First Volume of this work, Art. v.
= The notice here is SenAni. s See, at this date, ibid.^ Art. iii.
3 See " ActaSanctoruni," tonius ii., INIaii * See, at this date, //vV/., Art. iii.
V. Among the pretermitted feasts, p. 3. ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii
* See " Acta Sanctorum Ilibernia:," Martii v. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
viii. Appendix ad Acta S. Senani, cap. i., p. Article v. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
541, rede 537. p. xxiii.
s See ibid. ' Here we read : CuchbiMCfAX.
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 gee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii
120,121. iii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3.
Article iv. — ' On Sunday after the *• Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Feast of the Ascension their Feast was kept, 120, 121.
with s]>ecial solemnity, in the country about ^ Dr. Todd in a note says, at Ectbrict,
Beauvais, in France. " Tlie more recent hand adds, 'Saxo, Mart.
' In his Gallic Martyrology. Taml. et Marian.' "
May 5.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Ill
Article VI. — Festival of the Deacon Justinus. In the Feilire of
St. yEngus,^ at the 5th of May, is entered the festival of Justinus, Deacon.
The SchoUast adds a comment,^ that he was possibly the Deacon Just 3 of
Fidarta, now Fuerty,+ in Mag Aei,s who baptized St. Ciaran ^ of Cluain ;
while, according to others, he was St. Eustinus, the Deacon.?
Article VII. — Reputed Feast of St. Tigernach, in Scotland. At
the 5th of May, Dempster has inserted the Invention ^ or Discovery of a
Tigernach, Abbot, in Scotland ;- but, we know not on what authority.
Article VIII. — Festival of St. Hilary, Bishop and Martyr, in
Gaul. In the Feilire of St. ^Engus, at the 5th of May, there is an entry of St.
Hilary's Feast. The Scholiast remarks, that he was St. Hilary, Bishop and
Martyr, in Gaul.^ The particular acts of this saint are set forth by the Bol-
landists,^ in their great collection.
Article IX. — Festival of St. Ultan, Abbot of Fosse, Belgium.
The Bollandists ^ enter at this date a festival for St. Ultan, the Abbot, whose
Acts have been inserted already, at the ist of May.
* It would seem, that the Martyrologists
Manrolycus, Canisius, Menard, and Buceli-
nus, have confounded St. Egbert, who is
venerated on the 24th of April, with the St.
Eadbert, who succeeded St. Cuthbert, in the
See of Lindisfaine. The place of his birtli
is not known for a certainty. The Bollan-
dists furnish his Acts— taken chiefly from
Venerable Bede's " Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. xxix.- — in
their great collection, "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Maii vi. De Sancto Eadberto
Episcopo Lindisfarnensi in Anglia, pp. 107,
108.
Article vi. — ' In the Leabhar Breac
copy, we have the following stanza : —
In ■oeochAiii luiTinuy"
tAheb<M|\ ]'echpiAnu
LocA]\ tAiche LichA
■p^lf l\0CAlb A]A]:iA'Ot1.
Thus rendered into EngHsh, by Dr. Whitley
Stokes:—" The deacon Justinus with Hilary
beyond pains ; they went on (the) day of fes-
tival (whereon) our God arose." — "Trans-
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish
Manuscript Series, vol. i. On the Calendar
ofOengus, p. Ixxviii.
^ See ibid., p. Ixxxiv.
3 He was possibly the Deacon Juis, who
was left by St. Patrick, in the territory of
Ui Maine, as already related in the Life of
St. Patrick, at the 17th of March, chap. xi.
in the Third Volume of this work.
•♦ This is a parish, in the Barony of Ath-
lone, described on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Roscom-
mon," sheets 34, 35, 38, 39, 41. The town
and townland are on sheet 39.
s The plain of Roscommon, extending
west of the River Shannon.
* His feast occurs, on the 9th of Sep-
tember.
7 The commentator on the Feilire of St.
yEngus observes, that he and Hilary died, on
the day of the solar month of the first resur-
rection. See the " Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
vol. i., p. Ixxxiv.
Article vii. — ' Thus : " In Scotia
Tigernaci Abbatis inuentio." — " Menologium
Scoticum."
^ See Bishop Forbes"" Kalendars of Scot-
tish Saints," p. 198.
Article viii. — ' See "Proceedings of
the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i. On the Calendar of Oengus,
p. Ixxxiv.
° See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii
V. De Sancto tlilario Episcopo Arelatensi
in Gallia, pp. 24 to 43.
Article ix. — 'See " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Maii v. Among the pretermitted
saints, p. 2.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 6.
^ijrtf) ©ay of i^ap.
ARTICLE I.— ST. COLMAN, OF LOCH ECHIN.
AN entrv, Colman Locha ethin, appears in the Martyrology of Tallagh,'
at this date. The Bollandists ^ quote from this authority, likewise,
but in a somewhat different manner.3 However, among the various Irish
saints bearing the name of Colman,'^ they could obtain no certain indications,
ref^ardinf^ the present holy man. Again, we find another note, that the feast
of'st. Colman, Loch Eichan, was kept, on the 6th of May.s We cannot find
any lake in Ireland, which is now similarly named. On this day was vene-
rated, Colman, of Loch Eriin, as we find registered, also, in the Martyrology
of Donegal.*
Article II. — St. Inneem, Dromtariff Old Church, County of
Cork. In the diocese of Kerrv, there is an old church at Dromtariff, in the
parish so called, and county of Cork, where a female saint, called Inneen,
was venerated, on the 6lh of May. According to popular tradition, she was
the sister of St. Lateerin,' who is likewnse popularly known, at Cullin,^ in that
part of the country, and to an older sister, who lived at Kilmeen.3 It it stated,
according to a local tradition, that the angels of Heaven made a road, one
nif^ht, from Kilmeen ■* through Dromtariff and on to Cullin, so that the three
sislers might the more conveniently visit each other once every week.s Much
obscurity hangs over their history, as their celebrity appears to be merely
local ; although, the people, in their part of the country, have a great venera-
tion for those sisters.
Article III. — Festival of St. INIatthew, the Apostle. The Feilire
of St. ^no-us ■ has noticed at the 6th of May, that a festival of St. Matthew,
Article i.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
p. xxiii. In the Franciscan copy, the read-
ing is, CotniAin tochA ediin.
== See "Acta Sanctorum, tomus ii., Maii
vi. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 97.
3 Thus, they have, " Colmanus de Loch-
echin et alii LXX.
tThey refer the reader to Colgan's "Acta
Sanctorum IliberniK," Martii xxx., where
he treats of several Saints Colman, iinder
the heading, De S. Colmano Lannensi sive
Linnense Abbate, pp. 792, 793-
5 The Manuscript Calendar, which be-
lons^ed to Profe-sor Eugene O'Curry.
'Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
120, i21. .
Article ii.— ' Her patron day is said to
have been on the 24th of July.
= The parish of Cullcn is in the Barony of
Duhallow, and it is described, on the "Ord-
nance Survey Townland Maps for the
County of Cork," East Riding, sheets 29, 30,
38, 39-
3 The remains of an ancient paved way
may be traced between the places. It ex-
tends to the distance of fully ten English
miles.
■* The parish of Kilmeen is in the barony
of Duhallow, and shown, on the "Ordnance
Survey Townlnnd Maps for the County of
Cork," East Riding, sheets 4, 12, 13, 21, 22,
23. 29> 30. 31-
5 For a further account, the reader is re-
ferred to Edward Walsh's Popular Legends
of the South. — No. iii., St. Lateerin,
" Dublin Penny Journal," vol. i.. No. 45,
p. 360.
Article hi. — ' In the Leabhar Breac
copy is the following Irish text : —
Ve]\ ]-o]"ci\ib ceiicei\c<M
CAin pcclA CiMi'c cixoch-Odi
<\)\nuiinre]\ LApldirhe
3ein mop lIlAchoi IIIochcA.
It is thus translated into English, by Dr.
May 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 113
the Apostle, was held in the Irish Church. The Scholiast adds, that it was
the feast of his nativity.^ The Bollandists3 have a notice of this Festival, as
found in various ancient Martyrologies.4 In the Roman Martyrology, the
feast is entered, at this date, as the Translation of his body at Salernum, wliile
his Natalis is referred to the 21st of September.
Article IV. — Reputed Festival of Brigidona and Maria,
Martyrs. At the 6th of May, the BoUandists ' refer to a Manuscript copy
of the Tallagh Martyrology, for the insertion of Brigidona and Maria among
the Martyrs; while, they remark, that elsevvhere, they could find no similar
notice. To us, it seems likely, this entry has reference to the Saints Maura
and Brigid, Virgins and Martyrs, noticed at the previous day, and placed by
some error, at this date.
^ebentJ) 2Bai) of i^lap*
ARTICLE I.— ST. BERCHAN, OF DAIRE EACHDROMA.
FROM accessible accounts, it seems difficult to set down any authentic
particulars, regarding the present holy man, his place, and his period.
At the 7th of May, in the Feilire of St. ^ngus,' a commemoration of two dis-
tinct saints, and at the same place, denominated Daire Echdroma, is recorded.
These are called MochuarocandBreccan. The commentator on this Metrical
Martyrology of ^ngus remarks, that Daire Ech-Droma is in the north of
Dalaradia, and on the border of Dalaradia and Dalriada.^ It was in the
Diocese of Down and Connor, according to Colgan.3 It seems likewise to
Whitley Stokes: — "A man who wrote Article i. — ' In the " Leabhar Breac"
without stint fair stories of Christ crucified : copy, we have the following : —
commemorated by princes is (the) great
birth of Matthew (the) magnified." — Trans- tTloc]^UA]^oc La ■b)\eccAn
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish ■OijeixAic AcglAinm
Manuscript Series, vol. i. On the Calendar CA]\fAc C|\i-pc aj'tdiLui
of Oeiigus, p. Ixxviii. liroGAch 'Oi\oinA 'Oaiimu.
" A Latin comment follows the Irish,
" vel in hoc die occidit Christo [leg. occisus It is thus rendered in the English version of
est pro Christo ?] See /i^zi/., p. Ixxxiv. In Dr. Whitley Stokes: "My Cuavoc with
the lower margin he adds: " Fer roscrib Breccan, two champion? who are purest,
7rl. Matha mochta .i. machta .i. ab eo quod loved Christ who is dearest, in Daire Ech-
est mochta [leg. macto] .i. occido uel magis droma." — Transactions of the Royal Irish
aucta ab eo quod est augeo mathens ad ere- Academy, vol. i., Irish Manuscript Series,
dendum." p. Ixxviii.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., ^ See Introduction to the " Book of Obits
Mail vi. Among the pretermitted feasts, and Martyrology of the Cathedral Church of
p. 98. the Holy Trinity, commonly called Christ
* They write : " Matthsei Apostoli et Church, Dublin," p. lix , Edited by John
Euangelistse natalis in Perside memoratur Clarke Crostvvaite, A.M., and Rev. James
in apographis Martyrologii Hierony/niani, Henthorn Todd, D. L).
Lucensi et Corbeiensi Pai-isiis excnsso, into et ^ ^ee "Acta Sanctorum Hiberni^," xxviii.
Epternacensi nomine natalis omisso." Martii. De S. Carnocho Episcopo, nn. 4, 5>
Article IV. — ' See " Acta Sanciorum," p. 783.
tomus ii., Maii vi. Among the pretermitted ■• The Rev. William Reeves also observes:
saints, p. 96. " it is reported that stations were formerly
H
114 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 7.
have been denominated Echdruim Brecain. Though the name is now lost,
the position corresponds very accurately with that of Deshcart, which is close
upon a stream dividing both territories. The spot bears strong marks of
remote antiquity.4 The denomination Echdruim or Eachdruim s is usually
Anglicized Aughrim.^ At the 7th of May, the BoUandists? notice this saint,
after the Martyrology of Tallagh, and as referred to by Colgan, but with some
inaccuracy. He is believed^ to have been of Ulster descent. St. Berchan,
or Breacain, who was venerated at Eachdruim, is said to have been a son to
Saran.9 This chieftain received St. Patrick, in a very rude manner, when the
Irish Apostle visited Dalaradia, where he lived. For this, the saint reproved
him, and predicted, that he should be expelled from his place.'° Notwith-
standing, he had posterity, remarkable for holiness of life, viz., Brocan, his
son, Atractha," his grand-daughter, and a grand-son called Trenoc." Another
alternative conjecture of the scholiast on St. ^ngus is, that Daire Echdroma
was possibly in Mucraime, in the west of Connaught. We are told of it,
moreover, that the tree of the church was seen from the plain, and when one
went to see it in the oak-wood, it was not to be found ; it is added, that the
voice of the bell was heard, and the psalmody there, wliile the church itself
was not found. '3 Elsewhere, Colgan has a conjecture, '•* that the present St.
Breccanwasnot distinct from Becan, brother to St. Carnech 'S and toSt. Ronan
sons of Saran, son of Colgan, son to Tuathal, son of Felim, son to Fiach
Cassan, son of CoUa Dachrioch.'^ The published Martyrology of Tallagh '7
enters Breccan Echdroma. The Franciscan copy has not a quite similar
notice.'^ The Martyrologies of Marianus O'Gorman, of Christ Church Cathe-
dral, of Donegal, and of Rev. William Reeves, '9 have noticed this festival to
St. Bretan,'-'° or Berchan.*' He must have lived, at a remote period. At the
Nones of May, corresponding with the 7th day, the Kalendar of Drummond^'*
has placed the two saints, then venerated in Ireland. *3
Article II. — St. Mochiarog, or Mochuarog, of Doire Echdroma.
The present holy person must have flourished, at an early phase of Irish
Church affairs, since we find the insertion of Mo-Cuaroc in the Felire of St.
yEngus, composed towards the beginning of the ninth century. In the Fran-
held there, though they are now discontinued, On the Calendar of Oengus, by \Yhitley
and even the name of the ]iatron saint is Stokes, LL.D., p. Ixxxiv.
forgotten." See Rev. William Reeves' '* See ''Acta Sanctorum Hibernise,"
"Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, xxviii. Martii. Vita S. Carnechi, nn. I, 4, 5,
Connor and Dromore," Appendix G.G., n. p. 7S3.
(g), p. 335. '5 See his Life, at the 28th of March, in
5 It is Anglicized "hovse-hill." the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
* There are about twenty places so called '* Such is the pedigree found, in the
in Ireland. See Dr. Patrick W. Joyce's Genealogies of the Irish Saints, at cap. xiii.
"Origin and Histoiy of Irish Names of "' Edited by Rev. Matthew Kelly, D.D.,
Places," part iv., chap, ix., p. 506. p. xxiii.
^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., '^Thus: biAeccAn .1. ech ■0|\omAiT).
Maii vii. Among the pretermitted saints, "^ See " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
pp. 131, 132. Down, Connor and Dromore," Appendix
» By Rev. Dr. Todd. L.L., p. 378, and n. (v), ibid.
9 See Colgan's "Acta .Sanctoium Iliber- ■° So is he called, in the Liber Sancte Tri-
niK,"xx. Februarii, Vita S. Olcani, n. 13, nitatis, at Nonas Maii. See '• The Book of
p. 378. Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral
'" See ibid., cap. vii., p. 376. Church of the Holy Trinity, commonly
" Her Life will be found, at the llth of called Christ Church, Dublin," Edited by
August. John Clarke Crostwaite, A M., and by Rev.
" His fca^t has been assigned, either to James Henthorn Todd, p. 113.
the Slh, or to the 28th, of Ecbruaiy. '-' This was his name, .as given in the
'3 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Rev.
Academy," vol. i., Irish Manviscript Series. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. I20, I2I.
May 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 115
ciscan copy of the Tallagh Martyrology, after the entry of the previous saint's
feast, as already set forth, we find it united with that of Mochuaroc.^ How-
ever, in the pubhshed Martyrology of Tallagh,^ at the 7th of May,
we find recorded Ciaran, who was identical with Mociaroce. With
an evident misunderstanding of this entry, the Bollandists^ quote from the
Martyrology of Tallagh, at the 7th of May, and with a remark, that among
many similar homonymous saints in the Irish Calendars, they feel unable to
identify those given, at this date. This saint — who appears to have been a
woman — must have flourished, at rather an early date. Ciarog, as we are
told, by the 0'Clerys,4 belonged to the race of Fergus, son to Ros, of the
race of Ir, son of Milidh, i.e. of the race of Ciar, son to Fergus, son of Ros,
son of Rudhraighe. There was a St. Dachiarog, ofErrigal Keeroge,^ near
Ballygawly, in the county of Tyrone. Tradition states, that a former church
was built here by a St. Kieran f nor is it fairly to be inferred, that a record
misunderstood ^ is preferable to a specious tradition.^ This saint is thought
to have been identical with the present Mochiarog — Moch and Dach being
commutative forms, attaching to Ciarog, or Ciar.9 By some, this latter is
thought to have been a name only applying to a female saint ; the postfix,
og, or oig, meaning " virgin." Now, the derivation of Errigal appears to be
from the Irish word Aireagal '° — pronounced arrigle — which means primarily
*' a habitation," but in a secondary sense, it was often applied to an oratory,
to a habitation, or to a church." Thus, the Church of Aireagal Dachiarog "
— now Errigal Keeroge '3 — was once a very important establishment, and it
is often mentioned in our Annals. It gave name to the parish. Raths and
forts are numerous there \ while, on an eminence, in the townland so named,
are the ruins of the former parochial church of Errigall-Keeroge. The walls
are now in a very decayed state, nor do they seem to have been originally
good or well built.'* The remains of an ancient stone cross were near, and
°^ Thus : " NoriK. Apud Hiberniam Na- confounded with Ciarog, or Ciar.
tale Sanctorum Confessorum Ciaroc at Bre- ^ See ibid., pp. 137, 138.
cain hoc die celebratur." ' This information has been communicated
^3 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of to the writer, by Mr. John W. Hanna, in a
Scottish Saints," p. 12. letter, headed, Saul-street, Downpatrick,
Article ii. — ' To that entry is added 29th December, 1873.
Agui^ nioclniA'poc. '° " It has been used in Irish from tlie ear-
^ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. liest times, for it occurs in our oldest MSvS.,
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., as for instance in the Leabhar na hUidhre,
Maii vii. Among the pretermitted saints, where we find it in the form airicul.'^ — Dr.
p. 132. Patrick W. Joyce's " Origin and History of
4 See the "Martyrology of Donegal," Irish Names of Places," part iii., chap, ii.,
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. p. 309.
120, 121. " The word is said to have been derived
5 There is an interesting notice. No. vi., — as were most Irish w'ords of ecclesiastical
Parish of Errigall-Keroge, Diocese of Ar- use— from the Latin language, and oraculuin
magh and County of Tyrone, by the Rev. was the term usually applied both at home
John Groves, in William Shaw Mason's and abroad to oratories ; while Errigal and
" Statistical Account, or Parochial Survey oraculiun are somewhat similar both in
of Ireland," vol. iii., pp. 137 to 182. A Map sound and form. See Di-. George Petrie's
of the Parish is prefixed. "Ecclesiastical Architecture and Round
^ The writer has been informed, in a letter, Towers of Ireland," part ii., sect, iii., sub-
dated Bloomfield House, Emyvale, 29th of sect, ii., p. 352.
October, 1884, and written by Rev. Daniel '^ Rendered in English, "the Church of
O'Connor, P.P., of Errigal Truogh, that St. Dachiarog."
Errigal Keeroge is now commonly pro- '^ This parish is shown, on the " Ord-
nounced — and even written in this part of the nance Survey Townland Maps for the County
country — as Eriigal Kieran. of Tyrone," sheets 44, 45, 52, 53, 59, 60,
1 The Rev. Mr. Groves assumes, that the The townland proper is set out, on sheets
recorded denomination of Errigall-Keeoge, 52, 59.
the latter compound differs from Kieran, '■'■ In June, 1878, the writer, in company
ii6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS.
[May 7.
also, a well.'s which the Cathohcs considered holy.'^ The modern Protestant
churcliyard, and that of the old church, are the only burying places in the
parish. In the beginning of this century, the foundations of a round tower
were to be seen, near Ballinasaggard or Priestown,'? where a convent of
Franciscans of the Third Order formerly stood. '^ Tliis parish is in the diocese
of Armagh, and in the Union of Clogher. Some curious local legends are
connected with the old'.church,'? and its supposed patron St. Kieran. The
surface of this parish — containing some fine scenery — is uneven and
fs=r-=
Errigal Keerogue Old Church.
tumulated.'° Near this place, likewise, Errigal-Truogh is a parish, partly
within the barony of Clogher, county of Tyrone ; and, it is, in still greater
part, within the barony of Truogh, and county of Monaghan. Errigal-Keeroge
and Errigal Truogh comprise the nucleus of what was once an extensive prin-
cipality, known as Oirghealla^ and, of this kingdom, it is said, Rathmore,'"
near Clogher, was the royal residence. Errigal Truogh is in the diocese of
with Rev. Daniel O'Connor, P.P., and
Richard Joseph Cruise, Esq., G.S.I., visited
this spot, and took a sketch of the old
church, as it then stood. That illustration
has been drawn on the wood, by William
F. Wakemnn, and it has been engraved by
Mrs. Millard, as here rcpresen'ed.
's Various miraculous cures are said to
have been efiected for pilgrims, who came
there to pray.
'* The Rev. Mr. Groves stales that the
service of the Roman Catholic Chuich u^ed
to be pcrfoinied occasionally at it. See
" Statistical Account of the Parish of Errigal
Keroge," No. vi., sect, iv., pp. 151 to 156.
'7 Here, it is said, Con O'Neal built this
house about 1489. See Harris' Ware, vol.
ii. " Antiquities of Ireland," chap, xxxviii.,
p. 281.
'* From the ruins of this friary, the pre-
sent Protestant church was built.
'9 One of these is, that the gable shall
never fall, until it tumbles down upon and
shall have crushed a Mac Mahon under its
ruins.
'° See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
May 7.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
117
Clogher.^' The Blackwater River '3 divides both parislies. According to
some accounts, Errigal Trough is called in Irish Aireagal-Triucha, interpreted
to be '• the church of (the barony of) l'rough.^+ The old mail-coach road
from Dublin to Londonderry traverses the interior of tliis parish. *5 Within
it are also the ruins of an ancient church. We might ask, if it be possible to de-
rive this latter denomination from such an original, as Aireagal-Trea — the latter
portion of the compound being the name of a holy virgin, ^^ who is venerated
in our calendars,^? but her name is not found associated with any particular
known locality. The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, and the Martyr-
orlogy of Donegal ^^ register, on this day, Berchan and Mochiarog, or Moc-
huarog,^? of Echdruim-Brecain, on the confines of Dal Araidhe and Dal
Riada, or as the O'Clerys state, in Magh Mucraimhe, in the west of Con-
nacht. They were venerated, at Doire Echdroma, according to the same
authorities. In the Martyrology 3° of Christ's Church, Dublin, at the Nones
of May — corresponding with the 9th of this month — we have Ciaroc's festival
set down. s^The festival of a St. Kiaran,3' at the ^th of May, is noticed, also,
by Father John Colgan.33 No further accounts of this saint are we able to
discover.
Article III. — St. Lassak, or Lasre. This saint is mentioned, at the
7th of May, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,' as Lasre, Virgin. The
entry is somewhat varied, in the Franciscan copy.' On this authority, like
wise, the Bollandists 3 mention her, at the 7th day of this month. Also, on this
day was venerated Lassar, Virgin, as we read in the Martyrology of Donegal. ■♦
land," vol. ii., pp. 1S9, 190.
^' The Rev. Daniel O Connor states, that
this Rathmore, within the grounds of Mr.
Mac Cartney, M.P. for the county of
Tyrone, is that place so named, which figures
in the Life of St. Fanchea, at the 1st of
January, of St. Patrick at the 17th ofMarcli,
and of St. Endeus at the 21st of this latter
month.
'- In the letter of Rev. Daniel O'Connor,
P.P., and already noticed, the writer is in-
formed, that a St. Mellan, Abbot, is patron
of his parish of Errigal Truogh.
^3 The same most capable investigator of
local ecclesiastical antiquities informs me,
that it must have been, tbe ford of Errigil
was on the Blackwater, at or somewhere
near the present village of Augher. where St.
Patrick's strong man, St. Mac Cartan, failed
in strength, wlien carrying the Irish Apos-
tle over tlie ford, while on his journey from
Errigal Keeroge to Clogher. There, too,
the remarkable dialogue between the saints
took place.
-'■* See Dr. Patrick W. Joyce's " Origin and
History of Irish Names of Places," part iii.,
chap, ii., p. 309.
^5 See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
land," vol. ii., p. 190.
'* On referring to her reception by St.
Patrick, in our Life, at the 17th of March,
vol. iii., chap, xv., it will be found, that she
must have lived, not very far removed from
this district.
=7 See notices of ber, at the 8th of July.
=■2 Edited by the Rev. Dis. Todd and
Reeves, pp. 120, 121.
^^ In a note Dr. Todd says : "The more
recent hand has written the following note
on this word : — liiTDeAcli ■0[\om<i 'OAii\e aj
■p. xXongAif, vbi mocuj.i\occ non tllociA-
1\65 uc hic ec Apux) ■piLuve m AieL ni Ai]\e :
sed secundum Tamlacl. Cia^ati i-oeni ec
mocoLnioj. Videtur esse niociA^xos
sancta." " Indeach, of Drlum Daire is in
the Felire of /Enijus, where we have
Mochuarog, not Mochiarog, as here and in
the Martyrology of Marianus ; but according
to that of Tamlacht, ' Ciaran idem et Moch-
olmog.' "
3° In Liber Sancte Trinitatis, Dublin, p.
"3-
3' See " The Book of Obits and Martyr-
ology of the Cathedi'al Church of the Holy
Trinity, commordy called Christ Church,
Dubli;i," edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite,
A.M., and Re\^. James Henthoru Todd,
D.D.
3= Apparently a mistake for Kiaroc.
33 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernias," xv.
Februarii. Vita S. Berachi, n. 8, p. 348.
Article iii. — ' Edited by R-v. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
" Thus: LA]'|\Ae. D^a. .b.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Mali vii. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 132.
■• Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves. See
Appendix to the Introduction, p. xlvi\ and
p. 121.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. Eata, Abbot of Melrose,
AND Bishop of Lindisfarne. Referring to Sarins for notices of St. Eata,
Thomas Dempster,' at the 7th of May, sets down this holy man, as one of
Scotia's most shining lights.^ On such authority, the Bollandists 3 note his
festival, at the same date, but they remark, that English and other writers
place his feast, at the 26th of October. Our own account of him will be
found, also, at the latter da}'.
Article V. — St. Airaran. In the Franciscan copy of the Tallagh
Martyrology, at the 7th of May, a feast is entered for Airaran.' It is omitted
from the published copy ; nor do we find such a record, in any other
authority, so that it may be supposed, there is some error in the entry.
eigl)tl) J3ai) of iBap*
ARTICLE I.— ST. WIRO, BISHOP IN IRELAND, AND APOSTLE OF
GUELDRES, BELGIUM.
\SEVENTH CENTURY. \
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — AUTHORITIES FOR ST. WIRO's BIOGRAPHY — HIS FAMILY AND BIRTH —
HIS EARLY TRAINING AND DISPOSITIONS— ELECTED BISHOP — HE LEAVES IRELAND
FOR ROME, IN COMPANY WITH SAINTS PLECHELM AND OTGER — THKIR RECEPTION
BY THE POPE, WHO CONSECRATED WIRO AS BISHOP — THEY RETURN TO IRELAND,
WHERE WIRO EXERCISED EPISCOPAL FUNCTIONS — HIS FIRM RESOLVE TO BECOME
A MISSIONARY ABROAD — HE LEAVES IRELAND A SECOND TIME, AND HE PASSES
OVER TO GAUL.
WHETHER our Island deserves the greater merit, for having sent
innumerable Doctors and Apostles to convert and enlighten the
people of the continent, or for having attracted to itself, as to a hive of learn-
ing and monastic piety, Italians, Gauls, Germans, Britons, Picts and Saxons,
with people of other countries, who flocked thither, in order to acquire sacred
and secular branches of learning,' and to lead lives of strict holiness, may exer-
cise speculative opinion. It was a cradle of learning and of asceticism, for Euro-
Article IV. — ' Thus is he entered, in ec ^ip ApAni, meaning " and Airar.in."
"Menologium Scoticum :" "vii. Ila^ul- Article i.— Chapter i.— ' " Des
stadice Eata; episcopi, qui ex Abbale Mail- fiottes d'etudiants font voile de toutes parts
rosice Apostolus Nordanynibrorum et Lindis- vers I'lrlande ; ils y vont chercher des mai-
farnx Archiepiscopus, inter claiisbinia Scotiae tres de grec.de latin, d'ecrituie sainte, et
luniinacensendus." Ics ecoles hibernoises deviennent le ren<iez-
" See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- vous general des pelorins dc la science." —
tish Saints," p. 198. Urbain Sinardet's " Synchronisme des Lit-
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., teratures depuis leur origine jusq 'a nos
Maii vii. Among the pretermitted saints, jours, considerees dans leurs rapports avec
p I -JO. les croyances, les Moeurs, les Instiiutions
Article v. — ' After the entry of Moch- socials. "_ Cinquieme Epoque, sect, xii., p.
uaroc's name, another distinct line is given, 2S4.
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 119
pean scholars, while many distinguished and pious men are recorded to have
lived and died in Ireland. In our ancient records, and in the Lives of our
Saints, such as in those of St. Patrick, of St. Kieran, of St. Declan, of St.
Albeus, of St. Columkille, of St. Endeus, of St. Maidoc, of St. Senan, and of St.
Brenan, besides in various other similar biographies, relations confirmatory of
these assertions are found. From St. ^Engus' " Book of Litanies," alone,
we find innumerable native saints, its author invokes, as also, several holy men
placed on the list of foreign saints, and who were buried in Ireland. The chief
authority for tiie Acts of St. Wiro is an old Life, by an anonymous writer, and
which came into the possession of Wilhelm Lindan, the first Bishop of Rure-
mond. This has been compared and collated with another Manuscript copy,
by Father John BoUand ; as various changes or alterations have been
admitted, in more recent compilations. We find, that a Life of St. Wiro has
been written by John Capgrave,^ as also in the Hystorie Plurimorum Sancto-
rum, 3 and in Lippeloo 4; while Mirseus has son^e notices of St. Wiro, at the
8th of May f as also Molanus.^ Thomas Dempster lias an account of him. 7
Again, Laurence Surius,^ who usually follows the old Memoir by Wilhelm
Ivindan 9 — but who changed the style from that copy of the old Manuscript
in his possession — has published his Acts, at the 8th of May, in five para-
graphs. Baronius ^° also borrowed his notices from this source. The Acts
of St. Wiro seem also to have been prepared by Colgan for publication, at
the 8th of May." The Bollandists give his Acts," and these are introduced
by a previous commentary, '3 the composition of Father John BoUand him-
self. Likewise, the "Acta Sanctorum Belgii,"''* Father Adrien Baillet,'5
Bishop Challenor,^^ the Rev. Alban Butler,'? John D'Alton,'^ and Bishop
Forbes,'? record his Life, at this same date, as also the Rev. S. Baring-Gould. ^°
In the " Scoti-Chronicon "-' of Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon, there is an account
of St. Wiro, as in " Les Petits Bollandistes,"^^ at this date.
This holy bishop was born in Scotia, ^3 or Ireland ,^4 although the particu-
- See " Legend a Nova Anglias," fol. ''' Tomus v., Maii viii. These Acts of St.
cccvii., cccviii., for Octavo Idus Maii. Wiro, Bishop of Ruiimond, at the 8th of
3 Printed at Louvain, A.D. 1485. It has May, are a Vita S. Wironis, auctoie anony-
Wiroepiscopus et Confessor, foL Ixviii., Ixix. mo, ex schedis Wilhelmi Lindani Episcopi
* See "Vitse Sanctorum," vol. ii., pp. 614, Rurimondensis, sections l to 9. Also a
to 617, at 8th of May. Translatio Ecclesire collegiate ex Monte S.
5 See " Fasti Belgici et Bm-gundici," pp. Odilise in urbem Rurcemondam, sections i
23810 241. to II. These are preceded by a commen-
* See " Natales Sanctorum Belgii," in tary of J. BoUandus, in three sections, pp.
three paragraphs, pp. 89, 90._ _ 343 to 369.
7 See " Histovia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco- 'S See " Les Vies des Saints," tome ii.,
torum,"tomus ii., lib. xix., num. 1167. pp. 152, 153.
* See " L)e Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," '^ See "Britannia Sancta,'' part i., jip.
vol. iii., Maiiviii., pp. 28, 29. 182, 183.
5 However, the two first paragraphs of ''' See " Lives of the Fathers, Mart) rs and
this Life — as publi.^hed by the Bollandists — other principal Saints," vol. v., May viii.
have been omitted in the work ofSurius. "® See "Memoirs of the Archbishops of
These do not contain any biographical par- Dublin," pp. 18 to 20.
ticulars of great interest, as they are chiefly '^ See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints"
prefatory. p. 459.
'° See " Annales Ecclesiastici," tomus ^° See " Lives of the Saints," vol. v., pp.
viii., ad A.D. 631, num. 8, et seq. 116, 117.
" Accordifig to " Catalogus Actuum -' See vol. i., p. 67.
Sanctorum qure MS. habentur, ordine Men- " See " Vies des Saints," tome v. viii=.,
slum et Dierum." Jour de Mai, pp. 404, 405.
" See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. ^3 "Sanctum Wironem produxit Scotia,
De S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremundae in fertilis Sanctorum virorum insula, Scotus
Gelria, pp. 309 to 320. enim patria fuit Wiro." — " Batavia Sacra,
'3 This is in Three Sections, and in sive Res Gestw Apostolorum \irorum qui
Thirty-two paragraphs. fidem Batavi:s primi intulerunt." L pars,,
I20
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
lar country of his birth has been challenged by certain writers.'s However,
the great bulk of autliority,'^ and all the inferences to be drawn from our
saint's earlier Acts, tend to estal)lish beyond question the fact, that Ireland
was the land to which his nativity must be referred. '^ The parents of St.
Wiro are thought to have been of considerable rank,^^ and to have belonged
to that race, from wliom St. Senan ^9 drew his origin. In accounts of the
present holy man, his name is written indiscriminately, Wyro, or Wiro ; but,
we doubt, if this correspond closely with his original Irish etymon, which now
is probably unknown. He descended from the race of Conaire, son to Mogh-
lamha, who was King of Eirn, and who belonged to the progeny of Eremon.
In a Table, appended to the Donegal Martyrology,3° the commentator calls
him Viron, i.e., Feron.3' St. Wiro's father was named Cuan, and liis grand-
father's name was Lugid. This latter was the son of Fintan, the son of
Mechar, son to Conchrius, son of Decius, son to Imchad, son of Corb, &c.,
according to the " Sanctilogic Genealogy. "32 Wiro is said to have lived at
the place, called Corcobaschin,33 in the county of Clare. There, it is sup-
posed, our saint was born, early in the seventh century,34 but in what year is
uncertain. However, although the Irish writers consider Wiro as their country-
man ; on the assumed authority of Alcuin, the Rev. Dr. Lingard has called him
an Anglo-Saxon.35 For such an assertion, he quotes an old Latin Poem, on
the Bishops of York. 3^ To this claim, Dr. Lanigan responds, that in the said
poem 37 — which by-the-bye was not written by Alcuin — there is not a word
about Wiro, at that verse quoted, nor, as far as he could find, in any other
part of it. 38
The early training of Wiro in learning and virtue, by the guardians of his
youth, had not been neglected, as his after life and labours proved. From day
p. 80. Thomas Dempster, as usual, claims
for his own country of Scotland the birth of
this holy man, or at least, at the 12th of this
month, he is noted as Archbishop of Dun-
blane, although he afterwards adds, " ut
tunc moris erat nulli certK sedi alligati,"
&c. See "MenologiumScoticum," in Bishop
Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
p. 198.
** Father John Boland, although admit-
ting that John Capgrave makes our saint a
native of Hibernia or Ireland, seems to
tliink, the original Continental writer of his
Acts, must have imagined, that he was born
in North Britain ; thus connecting Saints
Patrick, Columba or Cuthbert with this
quarter, although Venerable Bede states,
" Hiberniam proprire patriam Scotorum
esse." — "Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis
Anglorum," lib. i., cap. i.
'5 Ferrarius, in his General Catalogue of
the Saints, follows the statement of Demp-
ster.
'' Thus, 7"k" Capgrave, Gerbrandus a
Leidis, John Wilson, in his " Martyrologium
Anglicanum," Canisius, in his German
Martyrology, Constantius Ghinius in " Na-
talibus Sanctorum Canonicorum," Mirxus,
Molanus, and Petriis Galesinius, in his
Martyrology, all make St. Wiro an Irish-
man. Ag.iin, Willilirordus Boschartius, of
the Order of Premunst rants, in the Abbey of
Tungcrloo, writes : " Wiro oriundus crat ex
veteri Scotia ; quae nunc dicitur Hibernia :
ibi egit. ibi in Episcopum est electus, inde
Roman ivit consecrandus, inde reversus in
Gallias transivit." — " De Primis Vetei is
Frisise Apostolis," Dissertatio Ixxxiii, The
Office of Ruremond Church, keeping the
local tradition, accords with the foregoing
authors.
'7 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus ii., Mali viii. De S. Wirone
Episcopo Ruremondoe in Gelria. Commen-
tarius Prxvius Joanuis Bollandi, sect, ii.,
num. II, 12, p. 311.
'•* See John D'AIton's " Memoirs of the
Archbishops of Dublin," p. iS.
^ See his Life, at the Slh of March.
■5° Etlited by Dis. Todd and Reeves,
p. 121.
3' See ibid., pp. 478, 479.
3' See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nix," viii. Maitii. Appendix ad Vitam S.
Scnani, cap. iii., p. 538 {rccle), or p. 542.
33 This was an ancient district of Tho-
mond, now erected into a barony.
3^ See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies
des Saints," tome v., viii=. Jour de Mai.
p. 404.
35 In his "History of the Anglo-Saxon
Church," chap, xiii., n. 12.
3" Alcuin, de Pontificibus Ebor. v. 1045.
37 Sec note 12 to chap. iii.
38 Sec "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii., chap, xviii., sect, viii., note 105.
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
to day, his merits and good dispositions became more pronounced ; so that he
grew up, flourishing as a pahn tree before the Almighty, and as a cedar in
the house of God. His zeal to advance in all virtue was noticed, nor were
bounds given to his holy desires ; he was steady of purpose, when obstacles
interposed ; while in prosperity, his serenity of soul was noticeable. According
to some writers, St. VViro was a monk pg but, this statement is not to be in-
ferred, from his earliest known biography. His vigils were constant ; he
prayed and he fasted. As examples for his imitation, and holy rivalry, he
proposed those of the illustrious Fathers of the Irish Church : such as St.
Patrick, 'I" St. Columkille,'*' St. Cuthbert,-'^ the pillars of his country, and the
luminaries of the world. Thus, he was filled with Apostolic desires, to spread
the Gospel in distant places ; while daily and nightly were his prayers and
fasts directed to implore their intercession, so that no obstacle might be in-
interposed to his self-sacrificing zeal, and to prevent the natural tendency of
the flesh to prevail against the purity of his intentions. His youth is said to
have been distinguished, by the performance of miracles. 43 Such was his re-
putation, that at an early period of life, he was called upon to assume the
responsibilities of the episcopal office, when one of the Irish bishops died, and
left his See vacant. The people of the place, conscious of St. Wiro's merits,
were unanimous in wishing him to succeed in that office. But, the humble man
declined such an honour, and declared, that he prefered the situation and con-
dition of a disciple to that of a master. In filling the vacant See of a bishop,
however, the voice of the people was by no means sufficient ; he upon whom
their choice had fallen must gain also the vote of the clerg}^ and receive
ordination from the bishops of the neighbouring churches, before he could be
considered a member of the episcopal body of the Catholic Church. 44 While
Dempster states, that Wiro was appointed Bishop of Dunblane,4S his country-
man Camerarius^^ will have it, that he ruled over the See of Glasgow ;47 but,
these statements are given, without quoting any authority. Again, it has
been said, that he was a Bishop in England. 4^ Although Wiro's objections
were strongly urged at first, in opposition to the especial wishes of the clergy
and people, his assent was at length reluctantly obtained. 49 Then, he made
preparation for his departure, to visit the Eternal City and to have an
interview witli its Sovereign Pontiff.
39 This is stated, by Trithemius, in his 46 jn his worl<, "De Scotorum Pietate,"
work, " De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. lib. iii.
Benedicti,"cap. cclxiii. ^^ St. Kentigern is the reputed founder of
4° See his Life, aheady given at the 17th of this See, and there he is buried. See John
March. ' Lesley, " De Gestis Scotorum," lib. ii.,
4' His Life occurs, at the 9th of June. cap. vii,
4* See his Life, at tlie 20th of March. •'^According to , Trithemius, "De Viris
43 So states Dempster, in these words, IHustribus Ordinis S. Benedict!," cap. cclxiii.
"qui etiam ab infantia miraculis emicuit," He is called " S. Wiro Episcopus Deiro-
&c. rum," in an old Life of St. Swibert — vene-
44 " Ordinarily the election was conducted rated at the 1st of March — and which has
under the superintendence of bishops of the been attributed to St. Marcellinus.
province ; and not unfrequently, the bishops 49 " Erat ejus insula consuetudo, ut primo
alone elected, their choice being afterwards eligerint incolce Episcopum, deinde electum
approved by the people." — Dollingei's Romam mitterent, Summi Pontificis mani-
" History of the Church," Dr. Cox's Trans- bus consecrandum, atqueitaque demumred-
lation, vol. i., period i., chap, iii., sect, ii., diturum ad sedem suam. Itaque licet mul-
p. 243. tum refragraretur Sanctus Vviro, non tamen
45According to Hector Boetius, it was only a sua sententia discessit plebs fidelis, sed
in the time of King David L of Scotland, etiam ilium invitnm eligens, compulit tan-
who begin to reign al)Out A.D. 1121, that dem assenliii. " — Acta S. Vvironis Episcopi.
four new Sees, viz., Ross, Dunkeld, Brechin See Surius, " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis,"
and -Dunblane were established. See " His- ad diem viii. Mali,
toria Scotia;," lib. xii., fol. 264. 5° Xhe ancient name was Ath Cliath.
122
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
He was elected Bishop of Dublin s°— as is generally thought s'— but incor-
rectly ; for, Dublin was not then erected into a See. This city, however, boasts
a considerable antiquity, for Ptolemy, about a.d. 140, sets a town there, and
calls it " Civitas Eblan'a." By the old Irish, it seems to have been named
Ath-cliath-dubhlinne, " the Ford of Hurdles of the Black Pool," more com-
monly given, Ath-cliath, " Hurdleford,"5^ or Baile-ath-cliath, " Hurdleford-
town/'^^Dubhlinn, or " Black Pool," was originally the name of the estuary or
part of the estuary on the Liffey.53 For several centuries, it was not remark-
able for its growth or population ; but, the Northmen took Ath-cliath, a.d.
836, according to the Donegal annalists. In their hands, it began to take
rank as a capit°al 3S4 and, its importance was deemed to be so great, that it was
'**=f->^^^--w^:=
Dublin from the LifTey, at Wood Quay, and Christ Church Cathedral, in the distance.
surrounded by strong walls. Near the old Celtic dim or fortification, which
connnanded a pass over the Lififey, and at a part of the river, called Dubhlitiu,^^
or "the black pool," was built the Church of the Holy Trinity, since called
Christ Church Cathedral.s^ This is said to have been erected, about the year
5' See John D'Alton's "Memoirs of the
Archbishops of Dublin," p. 19.
5^ There were several minor places in Erin
called Ath-cliath, " Ilunlleford."
53 They were foreigners, probably, who
picked out the Dubh linn— Latinized
Eblana — and fixed that for the nnme of this
place, on the dark-watered LifTey, at the
lowest ford over tlie river, just before it ex-
panded into its estuary. Naturally it was
an early place of settlement, owing to its
fine situation, and ready access botJi by sea
and land.
5< The county of Dublin has its name from
the city. See William' Allingham's article,
on Irish Names of Places, in Frazer's
" Mag.izine for Town and Country."
55 From this, the Irish capital derives its
now generally accepted name. See W. F.
Wakcman's " Tourists' Guide to Ireland,"
p. 62.
5* An interesting engraving of this church,
as lately restored i>y Mr. Roe, " the eminent
Dublin distiller." will be found in the work
just quoted. See ibid,
5' The accompanying illustration was
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 123
1038, by the Northmen citizens ; although, there can hardly be any question,
but that a more ancient church occupied its site. It was built on an elevated
situation, and in the oldest part of the city.s7
In accordance with the prevailing custom, it is related, that St. Wiro pro-
ceeded to Rome, for the purpose of receiving consecration, at the hands of
the Pope ; and, he sailed over to England, taking with him the Priest, St.
Plechelmus.58 The latter was distinguished, likewise, for his holy life and
high reputation, and he was about the same age as Wiro. In England, these
were joined by a virtuous Deacon, named Othgerus,s9 who was desirous of
leading a most perfect life. Charmed with the purpose and conversation of
the Irish visitors, he resolved on accompanying them, leaving to Divine
Providence the disposition of his future career. The author of St. Wiro's
Life tells us,,that after a prosperous voyage, he arrived at Rome, with his com-
panions ; that they devoutly visited the shrine of St. Peter and St. Paul, where
they offered up their prayers and vows before the altar, and bedewed the
pavement with their tears. When the Roman Pontiff^" heard of their arrival,
they were summoned before him. This order they immediately obeyed.
When the Pope beheld Wiro, struck with the angelic expression of his coun-
tenance, he accurately conjectured the dispositions and fervour of soul, which
such an exterior indicated ; and, unable to control an excess of affection
towards the saint, the Pontiff rushed impulsively into his arms, and kissed
him with tears of affection. The Pope made inquiries about his name, country,
and business. This information our saint revealed, yet with much reluctance.
Falling on his knees at the feet of the Pontiff, Wiro declared his repugnance to
assume the office of bishop, and besought him, but in vain, to withhold assent
from the popular appoiniment. To this request, the Pope would not accede.
Soon Wiro received episcopal consecration at his hands. He was afterwards
dismissed, with many presents, and recommended to return for Ireland ;
although, it seems to have been his most earnest desire, even to have engaged
himself on a foreign mission. At the same time, Plechelm was elevated to
the dignity of the episcopate ; while, the Sovereign Pontiff bestowed on both
the relics of saints, and other gifts, to mark his esteem and affection for the
holy strangers.^'
On the way to his own country, St. Wiro crossed over the Alps,^^ in
obedience to a mandate of the Sovereign Pontiff; and, afterwards, he sailed
on that Strait, which interposed between him and the land of his birth. It is said,
moreover, that Wiro returned to his appointed See, and was received with
much joy on his arrival, by the clergy and people of his cathedral. While
filling this exalted position of bishop, every day manifested more his fitness
for the office. His morals and example were lights to his faithful people ;
while, his doctrine and teaching were directed to lead, them in the paths of
life eternal. After presiding over that portion of the Irish Church, for some
drawn on the spot, by William F. Wakeman, St. Sergius, who ruled from a.d. 687 to 701.
in 1884, to exhibit the existing view from He also consecrated St. Willebrord as Bis-
the north side of the River Liffey, the upper hop. However, Gabriel Bucelin and John
part of the cathedral appearing in the back- Spotiswod think, that St. Wiro had been
ground. It was afterwards transferred by consecrated Bishop, by Pope Honorius I,
him to the wood, which was engraved by This Father John Bolland will not admit.
Mrs. Millard. ^' See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
ns His Acts are given, at the 15th of July ; rum," tomus ii. Vita Auctore Anonymo,
and, in the diocese of Rurimond, he has Ex Schedis Willielmi Lindani Episcop'i
another festival, at the 26th of the same Ruremondensis, sect. 5, p. 316.
month. ^- In his time, this was the course invaria-
59 His feast occurs, on the lOth of Sep- bly taken by Irish travellers to and from
tember. Rome.
*° The Bollandists suppose, that he was ^^ See the Eollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
124
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
time, being moved by missionary zeal for the conversion of unbelievers, he
resigned his episcopal charge, because his soul thirsted to gain in foreign
lands a more abundant harvest of souls. Seeking a favourable time and
opportunity for leaving his native countr)', Wiro took with him the holy Bis-
hop Plechalm and the virtuous Deacon Otger, as the companions of his journey.
Neither the considerations of fomily or of temporal ease could obstruct that
early feeling, which still burned within his soul ; and, as we may infer from
the words of the old writer of his Life, Wiro and his companions went through
England, on their way to a more distant field of labour.^5 With his com-
panions, St. Wiro passed over into Gaul, after the year 680, as appears most
probable ; and, while the power of the Mayors of the palace was established
in that realm, under the nominal rulers, who w'ere called rots faineants f*^ it is
thought, he arrived there, to coinmence his missionary career.
CHAPTER II.
HIS LANDING IN GAUL — HONOURABLY RECEIVED BY PFPIN OF HERISTALL — HE SETTLES
AT ROERMONDE OR RUREMOND — HIS ASCETIC AND APOSTOLIC LIFE WHILE LIVING
THERE — HE BECOMES CONFESSOR AND COUNSELLOR OF DUKE TEPIN — ST. WIRO'S
HAPPY DEPARTURE ON THE 8tH OF MAY — HE IS BURIED IN THE ORATORY OF
MONS PETRI — SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS — HIS ECCLESIASTICAL
COMMEMORATIONS — CONCLUSION.
The course by sea was a favourable one ; but, landing on the shore of Gaul,'
St. Wiro gave thanks to the Almighty for his safe deliverance from the perils of
the sea, and still more, that he had been saved from that shipwreck, which the
world makes of souls. As yet, he had not defined the scene for his future
settlement, which he left to the Almighty's wise decree. However, he wished
rather to be an exile and a pauper in a strange country, than to be rich and
renowned in the land of his birth,^ At that time, Pepin of Her5tall,3 the
father of Charles Martel, appears to have enjoyed great power and an exten-
sive rule in France.^ He soon heard about the arrival of tliose pious pilgrims,
who were now within the bounds of his dominions ; and, filled with joy, he
invited them to his presence. In return, St. Wiro, with his companions.
tomus ii., Maii viii. De S. Wiione Epis-
copo. Vila Authore Anonymo, sect. 3,4, 5,
6, pp. 315. 316.
"* See L.-P. Anquetil's " Ilistoire de
France," Premiere Race dite des Ivlerovin-
giens, sect, v., pp. 52 10 54.
Chapter ii. — 'The Rev. Dr. Lanigan
is of opinion, tliat liis advent in Gaul must
have been later than 6S0, as Pepin of Ileris-
tall was not invested with great power, until
after that period. See " Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland," vol. iii, chap, xviii., sect,
vii., n. 100, p. no, and sect, viii., n. 108,
p. 113.
^ The " Memorial of Ancient British
Piety " — attributed to Bishop Chalioner —
states, that our saint preached " in the Low
Countries, about the beginning of the eighth
centui-y," p. 74.
3 In the opinion of Bollandus, this was
the "Pippiiuis Dux l'"rancorum,"' men-
tioned in the Anonymous Life of St. Wiro,
in possession of Bishop Wilhelm Lindan,
sect. 7. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii viii. De S. Wirone Epi^copo, Rure-
mundce in Gelria, Commcntarius Pri^vius,
sect, ii., num. 18, 20, pp. 312, 313, 316, and
n. (i). p. 317.
•* He was called, likewise, Pepin-le-Gros.
and his father's name was Ancisses, or An-
sii^ise. According to the metrical "Chroni-
qiie Rimee de Philippe Mouskes,' v. 1504,
1505 :—
" Et Pepins fu fius Angezil
D'une dame biele etgentil."
— Public par le Baron de ReifTenberg, tome
i., p. 63. See " Collection de Chroniques
Beiges Inedites, publice par Ordre du Gou-
vernement ct par le Soins de la Commis-ion
Royal d'Histoire," 410, Bruxelles, 1836,
et suiv.
5 This is a fortified town, at the confluence
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 125
responded to his courteous invitation, and on appraching the royal residence,
great honour was manifested by the noble host. He was most favourably
received, by Duke Pipen de Herstal, who soon learned VViro's motives for
leaving Ireland. Then, desirous of gratifying the wishes of so holy a visitor,
Pepin selected a spot, remote from worldly resort, and suited for religious re-
tirement. At present, it is known as Roermonde s or Ruremond,^ in the pro-
vince of Limburg, and kingdom of Holland. He desired greatly to favour
those foreign missionaries, who came from a distance, to spread the light of
Christianity among the people of the Low Countries.? This prince assigned
a place of retreat for his future spiritual adviser and confessor, at Mons Petri,^
now St. Odilia,9 near the River Roer,'° about three miles from Ruremond, and
formerly it was in the diocese of Leige." Here a small church was built, in
honour of the Blessed Virgin, and around it were formed little cells." In the
following year was built a monastery named St. Peter's, The workmanship
of this house, built with stone, was greatly admired. '3 This was just the
position, which the man of God deemed most desirable, in completing his
long formed plans for quiet meditation ; and soon, he drew great numbers to
share in his privations, and to draw instruction from his example. The calm
find demeanour of an anchorite made him appear venerable to all the people.
On his lips, as in his heart, were the name and presence of Christ, whom he
solely loved, and whom he offered daily, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Meditation, prayer, fixsting, cherished poverty, and contemi)t for this world's
goods, filled up the measure of his rule and life. Against vice, he constantly
waged a war, although he readily pardoned the penitents ; and, while he denied
himself every luxury, he was munificent in his gifts to others. In him, humi-
lity and charity abounded. His teaching and example alike edified the peo-
ple. He sought for heavenly favours, but shunned the rewards of men. Taking
to himself the helmet of salvation, he dreaded not the powers of fortune, nor
the snares of the old enemy. To his subjects and companions, he showed
the paths of Heaven; to the great sinner, he proved the true physician of
souls ; while, he felt more afflicted for the injuries others suffered, than for
those which fell to his own share. The three fellow travellers to Rome were
associated, also, in spreading the faith among pagans living at Guedres, in the
Low Countries.'-* His religious patron, Pepin, had such a veneration for
St. Wiro, that he was chosen to be the guide 's and guardian of his public and
private life. It is said, that Pepin was accustomed to approach the saint
barefooted, as a token of his respect, whenever he was about to reveal his sins in
of the River Roer with the River Maese, ^ In a Diploma of King Lothaire, issued
now possessing some manufactures and com- a.D. 858, it is denominated Bergh.
merce, with a population of over 4,000 in- 9 John Capgrave i|;alls it " Mons Odulse."
habitants. See James BelTs "System of It is now called Mons S. Odilias, or Odilie-
Geography, Popular and Scientific," &c., bergh.
vol. ii., part i., Holland, chap, xv., pp. 50, '° This village of St. Odilia is on the left
51. Its situation is marked on R. Mont- bank, and higher on its course than Rure-
gomery Martin's " Illustrated Atlas," under mond.
the heading of Holland. " At present Ruremond is a separate See.
■^ Its etymon is derived from the name of "See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies
the River Roer, and from the Flemish word des Saints," tome v., 8 Mai, p. 405.
vioiid^ which signifies " the mouth," and '^ The old writer of St. Wiro's Acts has
most of the places having the compound the passing observation, that it remained to
niund, in Germany are river mouths. About be seen in his own time,
the year 1 23 1, it was surrounded with walls, '■♦See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
by Otho HI., Count of Gueldres. Sancta," part i., p. 283.
7 See Jules Zeller's "Histoire d'Allema- '5 Thus is he characterized by Thomas
gne," tomei., Oiigines dAllemagne et de Dempster: " Pipini regis confessarius, vv.
I'Empire Germanique, liv. ii., chap, vii., B. K.," in " Menologium Scoticum." See
sect, ii., p. 380. Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
126
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
the tribunal of penance. ^^ Wiro was also consulted on all great occasions,
when the chiefs of the kingdom were convened, to give their opinions on
affairs of state. The saint's disinterestedness and candour, as also his wis-
dom and eloquence, had deserved weight in those councils, where he spoke
the truth freely, and without respect of persons. His candour sometimes
gave offence to individuals ; but, he shrunk from being a mere courtier and
flatterer, as he wished only to please God. Thus he lived, respected for his
virtues, until he had attained a great age. Nor was his rigour of life'relaxed,
in consequence ; but, rather as his years sped, his merits and his virtues
increased. He betrayed no regret for having left his native land, for he only
sought final repose in the true land of promise. In old age, his mind was
clear and composed ; because he looked nearer to the goal of his labours and
pains, and to those happy i ewards which crown the just.
If we are to believe Dempster, St. Wiro wrote, Ordinationes Ecclesise Suae,
lib, i. : Epistolasad Pipinum Regem, lib. i.j as also, Ad Fratres Odiliae, lib. '\^^
It is almost unnecessary to state, that no person has either read or seen such
works ; and, the statement m.iy be regarded as an unmitigated falsehood, coined
by that unscrupulous writer. The time for St. Wiro's happy departure now ap-
proached, and he was prepared for the call, owingto his constant practice ofpiety
and penitential exercises. At length, he was seized with fever, which caused his
death, on the 8tli day of May, towards the close of the seventh, ^^ or beginning
of the eighth, century. '9 This day is now kept as his festival. A great concourse
of the faithful assembled, with several religious men, to assist at his funeral
obsequies. Hymns and canticles were sung on earth, while the Angels are
said to have re-echoed these requiems in Heaven. An odour of miraculous
fragrance was observed by all, who assisted at the ceremonies, while his re-
mains were buried in Mons Petri oratory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin,
and of which he was founder. Afterwards, a great number of miracles was
wrought at his tomb.^°
A Chapter of Canons was afterw-ards endowed, in connexion with the
church, at Mons Odilia. This place was situated, within the Dukedom and
Lordship of Montfort. During the middle ages, their house and possessions
were subjected to the pillage and rapine of lawless men, who were disturbers
of the public peace. The country about Mons Odilia was solitary, surrounded
by woods, and unprotected from their incursions. Nor does the local mag-
nate, Edward of Gueldres,^' and the temporal lord of Montfort, seem to have
been able to protect the Canons ; wherefore, they resolved on applying to his
brother, Reinald III., who was Duke of Gueldres, and Count of Zutphen,"
Saints," p. 198.
'* See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii ,
sect, viii., p. in.
''See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xix., num. 1167,
p. 651.
'^ In Harris' Ware, it is stated, on the
authority of Surius, that St. Wiro died a.d.
650. See vol. i., " Bishops of Dublin," p.
304. This is much too early a date for the
event, and many of Surius' notes are only
conjectural. Again, Thomas Dempster tells
us, without apjiarcnt warrant, that he
flourished, in tlie year 757. See " Historia
Ecclesiastica Gtntis Scotorum," tomus ii.,
lib. xix., num. 1 167, p. 651.
'9 Towards the year 700 is that period as-
signed for his departure, in " Les Petits Bol-
landistes, Vies des Saints," tome v., 8 Mai,
p. 405.
'-° See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Maii viii. Vita Auctore Anonymo
S. Wironis, num. 7, 8, 9, pp. 316, 317.
" His consent was obtained i, ior the pur-
pose desired by the Canons, in a Diploma,
dated April 3rd, 1361. The succeeding May
25th, he was vanquished, in a contest with
his brother, Reinald III., who detained him
as a captive. Both of these nobles died, in
ihe year 1371 ; and, with them ceased the
Nassau family, known as Dukes of Guel-
dres.
'" His grandfather, Reinald I., yielded his
right over the Limburgh province to John I.,
Duke of Brabant, and he was taken prisoner,
in the battle of Woeiingan.
^■5 This Catholic town was formed by de-
May 8.] LTVES OF THE IRISH SAIN IS. 127
so that their establishment sliould be transfeired to Ruremond,'-'3 where they
might enjoy greater security. Their petition was favourably received. A
part of St. Wiro's body,^-* in 1361, was brought to Ruremond, when the col-
legiate church had been removed thither,''5 and, hence, he is often called St.
Wiro of Ruremond.^*^ This transference took place, in consequence of that
complaint, which was made by the Canons, to Reinald 111.^7 He issued a
charter, that gave the requisite permission.^^ The Magistrates of Ruremond
town assented, by a Decretal,^? saving the rights of the Duke of Gueldres
and their own. This grant was further confirmed, by a decree 3° of John
Vernenburg,3' Bishop of Utrecht, 3^ and of Hugh Vustinck, Canon of Utrecht,
and Prrepositus of Mons Odilia, then within the Diocese of Liege. This
document was afterwards confirmed, by a Decree 3? from Engelbert,34 Bis-
hop of Liege, who was ordinary of Mons Odilia; and, who appointed a com-
mission to examine the particulars necessary, for permission to make the pro-
posed change. Accordingly, the former chapter of Secular Canons of Mons
Odilia was translated to Ruremond, and there attached to the Chapel of the
Holy Spirit.35 On the nth of May, and in the year 1569, from being a col-
legiate church, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, at Ruremond, was erected into
a cathedral, and the Most Rev. Wilhelrnus Damasus Lindanus, was appointed
its first Bishop. 3^ About the middle of the ninth century, the Northmen
committed great ravages, in Frisia and in Holland, 37 which they invaded.
Afterwards, Hungerus, Archbishop of Utrecht, with some of his Canons-
others were slain or dispersed — was obliged to fly for refuge to Kino-
Lothaire, who was then at the monastery of Prumia. Owing to the necessity
of the case, the Monastery of INIons Odilia was assigned to them, as a place
of refuge. 3^ When the storm of invasion had passed over, and when it was
supposed safe to return, Archbishop Hunger and his Canons 39 are thouo"ht
grees, near the Abbey, which had a magni- VI., at Avignon, A. D. 1345, and afterwards
ficent church of the Roman- Byzantine style, he was chosen to be Archbishop of Cologne,
first erected during the earlier years of the A.D. 1363.
thirteenth century, and it was finished during 35 At first, it was dedicated to Saints Peter
the ogival period. See Elisee Rectus' and Paul.
" Nouvelle Geographie Universelle, la Terre ^6 The BoUandists, who give all the fore-
et les Hommes," tome iv., liv. iv., chap. iv. going statements, with the texts of the vari-
La Neerlande, sect, v., p. 272. ous cliapters, state, that Bishop Lindan came
^■t The feast of the discovery and elevation to the Residence, on the i ith of May, 1569,
of these relics is celebrated the Tuesday They add : " nunc vero ad sedem S. Chris-
after Trinity Sunday, topheri translata Sedes Episcopalis est."
""s See John D'Alton's "Memoirs of the See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii
Archbishops of Dublin," p. 19. viii. De S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremondse
^* See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical in Gelria. Translatio Ecclesicc CoUegiatce
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii., ex Monte S. Odilice in Urbem Rurjemundam.
sect, viii., p. 112. Ex Archivio Rursemundensis Ecclesias ab
^7 His father Reinald II., was created first Adriano d'Abreu Rectore Collegii Rurse-
Duke of Gueldres, by Ludovicus, Emperor mundensis Societatis lesu submissa, pp. 317
of Bavaria, and Reinald III. succeeded him to 320.
in that title, a.d. 1343. ^^^ According to the " Annales Bertiniani,"
'^ This is dated, on the Feast of St. Ger- they occupied the Batavian Islands, in 847 ;
trude, a.d. 1361. and, in the year 850, Rorich, grandson of
-^ This is dated, April 20th, 1361. Heriold — who rebelled against Lothaire at
3° This is dated, April 20th, 1361. the head of the Northmen forces — devas-
3' He governed the See of Utrecht, from tated the whole country, between the Rhine
8th of September, 1354, to the 23rd of June, and the Wahal.
1371, when he died suddenly. 38 ^^.ccording to John Molan, in his work
^- He was the forty-eighth Bishop in sue- " De Natalibus Sanctorum Belgii."
cession over this See. 39 This account is to be found in the Bre-
33 This is dated. May I2th, 1361. viary of Utrecht, Lect. ix., at the 8th of
^ He is called Engelbert de Marca, ap- May.
pointed Bishop of Liege, by Pope Clement ''° See Bollandus' "Acta Sanctorum,"
128
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
to have brought with them a portion of St. Wiro's relics, which was consigned
to the city of Utrecht.'*° However, the remains of St. Wiro had to be buried
again, when the fear of similar invasions threatened that city. For a long
period, tlie place where they were hidden had lapsed from memory. Yec, in
the time of Baldricus, the fifteenth Bishop of that See, he had a divine reve-
lation, which enabled him to find that exact spot, where they were hidden.
Then, those tliree glorious patrons of Utrecht — Samts Wiro, Plechelm, and
Otger, — were there held in great reverence. Baldericus, the Bishop of Utrecht,
bestowed, also, a very considerable portion of St. Wiro's relics, on the Canons
of the Church of Oldenzel, a town of Over Yssel, in the Low Countries.
This College of Canons he had founded, through his own exertions.*'
That portion of St. Wiro's relics, which had been moved to Ruremond,
was deposited under the high altar of the church. St. Peter's church and
monastery, near Ruremond, were destroyed, in the year 1572, by soldiers
serving under William of Nassau,*^ the first Prince of OrangCj^'s when the
place was taken after a fiftii assault, on the 23rd of July. Afterwards, the
besiegers overturned the table of the high altar, under which the relics were
kept.'*'* Twenty-two years elapsed, before the relics were preserved, when
recovered from the ruins, in the year 1594. Each year, in commemoration of
this event, the Feast of the Finding and Elevation of the Relics of St. Wiro,
of St. Plechelm, and of St. Otger, is celebrated with a Double Rite. A proper
office, too, is recited on Tuesday, after the Festival of the Most Holy
Trinity. ■♦5 The Bishop of Ruremond and the Cure of St. Odilia rebuilt the
church, which was finished in 1686. It was dedicated to St. Wiro as princi-
pal patron, on the loth of May. The feast of the dedication, however, was
afterwards transferred to the first Sunday of September. The bishop trans-
lated the relics of St. Wiio, of St. Plechelmus, and of St. Otgar, to a shrine
prepared for them ui the new church. This imposing ceremony took place
two days after its dedication.
In the Dioceses of Utrecht, of Daventer and of Groningen, St. Wiro's depar-
ture, on the 8th of May, is specially commemorated. In nearly all the gene-
ral Calendars and Martyrologies of the Church — excepting some of our earlier
Irish ones '♦^ — St. Wiro's festival is placed, at the 8th of May, which corre-
sponds with what is stated, in the Anonymous ancient Acts. Thus, in a
Martyrology printed at Cologne, a.d. 1490, at that day, he is noticed as a
tomus ii., viii. Mail. De S. Wirone Epis-
copo Rurstmundas in Gelria, sect, iii., num.
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, pp. 313 to
315-
*' " Prsecipuam portionem Corporis
Canonici oppidi Oldenza iensis, quod est
trans Iselam, sibi attriburent ex dono Bal-
derici Ultraject. Episcopi, qui illic celebrum
Canonicorum Collegium extruxit, de quo
sub eodem Balderico fusius, ibidemque Na-
talia Saucti illius dies colitur ad diem xv.
Julii. Cui et Parocliialis Ecclesia olim S.
Sylveslro sacra, est dedicata." — ''Bavaria
Sacra." i. pars. p. 81.
*' Owing to his prudence and reserve, at
an early pge, lie obtained a surname " The
Silent," by which he was afterwards known
in history. See Charles Knight's "Eng-
lish Cyclopedia," Biography, vol. iv.,
col. 438.
*' lie fell by the pistol shot of an assas-
sin, B.iith.izar Gerard, on ihe lotli of July,
A.D. 1584. See John Loihrop Motley's
" History of the United Netherlands: from
the death of William the Silent to the Synod
of Doit, with a full view of the English-
Dutch struggle against Spain, and of the
origin and destruction of tlie Spanish Ar-
mada," vol. i., chap, i., p. I, London, 8vo,
i860, et seq.
^* "The persons and property of the bur-
ghers were, with a very few exceptions,
respected ; but many priests and monks
were put to death by the soldiery under cir-
cumstances of great barbarity." — John
Lothiop Motley's " Rise of the Dutch
Republic," vol. ii., part iii., chap, vii.,
P- 385-
<5 See "Acta Sanctorum, tomus ii., Man
viii. De S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremundx
in Gelrii, sect, iii., num. 30, 31, 32. p. 315.
<^ Thus, the Felirc of St. /Engus an i the
Martyrology of Tallngh altogether omit this
saint, as they do so many other undoubtedly
Irish saints, wiio lived and died abroad, and
of whom the compilers had liitle knowledge.
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 129
Bishop and confessor ;'»7 while, this is sustained, by many of the Belgian and
Dutch Manuscript Martyrologies, such as those of St. Mary's, at Utrecht,48
of the Monastery of St. Martin, at Treves,t9 and of Florarius.s° Herman
Greuen agrees, in his Additions to Usuard's Martyrology,^' first printed at
Cologne, A.D. 1515, and afterwards a.d. 1521. The Roman Martyrology,52
in like manner, has the entry of his feast, at this day. John of Trittenhem 53
has noticed his festival as occurring, on the eighth of the May Ides, which is
identical with the same day of the month. Thomas Dempster has notices of
St. Wiro, in his " Menologium Scoticum,"54 at the 8th of May. This saint is
also named, by Father Stephen White, at the same date.ss At this same day,
Convseus says, he was a bishop, celebrated at Utrecht. He is entered, too,
in the anonymous Calendar of national Saints, and in the list of Henry Fitz-
simon, who calls him Archbishop of Dublin.s^ According to the Martyrology
of Donegal, 57 he is noted as Wiro, Archbishop of Ath-cliath. All other later
accounts of this Apostolic Bishop and Confessor have his chief feast placed
at the 8th of May.s^ Thus state Bishop Challenor,59 Rev. Alban Butler,6°the
Memorial of Ancient British Piely,^' the Circle of the Seasons,^Mhe Petits
Bollandistes,^3 and Rev. S. Baring-Gould.^^ There can be no question, that St.
Wiro's life and labours were dear to the Almighty, for whom he made so many
sacrifices. Our earliest saints— pre-eminently men of action — regarded prayer
as among the first and most essential of their duties. To renew their sense
of God's presence, they had recourse to short prayers suited to each action ;
while their habits of meditation were acquired from the consolations it affords.
Abroad as well as at home, they felt in their true sphere, labouring with zeal
for the comfort of others, and ever pointing the way to that true country,
where all the elect are destined to reap in joy the product of those seeds,
which may have been sown with tears.
Article II. — St. Gibrian, or Gibrianus, Priest in Champagne*
France. [Fifth and Sixth Centuries.'] It will be seen, from the following
account, that Ireland furnished France with the hallowed influences, brought
not alone by the present holy priest, but also by his many brothers and
sisters, who were equally desirous of seeking a retreat, in one of her most
*7 It notes: " Eodem die B. Wironis et tish Saints," p. 198.
Confessoris. " ss See "Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. ii.,
'•^ It has: "Trajecti Wironis Confes- p. 15, and cap. iv., p. 37.
soris." 56 See O'Sullevan Beare's " Historise
■*' There is read : " Trajecto Wironis Epis. Catholicas Ibernice Compendium," tomus i.,
et Conf." lib. iv., cap. x., xi., xii., pp. 48, 50, 57.
s° This account has the following : " Eo- ^^ Edited by Dh. Todd and Reeves, pp.
dem die depositio S. Wironis Ep. et Conf. 120, 121.
anno salutis dcclii." This, however, is s? See references to this saint, at May 8th,
thought to be too late a period for his de- among the "Dublin Extracts," taken for
mise. the Irish Ordnance Survey Collection, p.
5' This record has: "In Trajecto in- 131.
feriori B. Wironis Ep. Deirorum et Conf." 59 See "Britannia Sancta," part i., pp.
But, Father John Bolland shows, that the 182, 183.
statement of his having been Bishop over *" See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
the Deiri, in Anglia, is drawn from a false and other principal Saints," vol. v., at
account, which is to be^found in a Tract, May viii.
wrongly attributed to St. Marcellinus. ^' See p. 74.
s= There we read, at the 8th of May : " In *^ See p. 129.
Scotia S. Wironis Episcopi." ^3 See " Vies des Saints," tome v., 8 Mai,
53 See " De Viris lUustribus Ordinis S. pp. 404, 405.
Benedicti," lib. iii., cap. cclxiii. *'* See " I.ives of the Saints," vol. v.,
5* See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- p. n6.
Vol. v.— No. 3. i
I30 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
agreeable districts, there to edify all, by their holy conversation and example,
during life ; while, after death, the Christian Celts of Gaul venerated their
relics, obtaining choice graces and benefits from their intercession. Among
the earlier Acts of St. Gibrian is an account, furnished from the special Bre-
viary, belonging to the Head INIonastery of St. Remigius ; while another
eulogium of the saint is to be found, in the Rheims Breviary,' printed a.d.
1630. Besides, he is commemorated, in various ancient Martyrologies, and
by Flodouard.^ The Acts of this saint have been published, in five para-
graphs, by Surius,3 at the 8th of May. A Life of this holy man was in pre-
paration, but, it w^as left, unpublished by Colgan,^ at this date. The Bollan-
dists 5 have the Acts of St. Gibrian,^ at the 8th of May, and they allude to the
Translation of his Relics, in an Appendix.? The Rev. Alban Butler,^ the
Circle of the Seasons,^ the Petits Bollandists,'° and Rev. S. Baring-Gould,"
mention Gibrian, or Gobrian, a priest, at the 8th of iVIay. This holy man
was born in Hibernia,'^ some time in the fifth century \ and, as he seems to
have lived contemporaneously with St. Patrick, '3 it is not improbable, that
himself and the other members of his numerous family received baptism, at
the hands of the Irish^Apostle, or, at least, from the ministration of someone,
among his disciples. It would appear, that in Ireland, St. Gibrian had been
elevated to tlie priesthood. He chose, however, to serve God, in a more
distant country ; and, it is related, that about the close of the fifth century,
he left home for the Continent. Six holy brothers and tliree sisters accom-
panied him to France.'"* Their names are given, as Tressan,'5 Helanus or
Helain,'^ Germanus,'? Veran,'^ Abranus and Petranus,'? his brothers \ as
also, Franchia,^° Promptia and Possenna,^' his sisters. St. Gibrian, with his
brothers and sisters, is said to have arrived in France, according to a Bre-
viary of Rheims,^'^' in the time of Clovis I., and of St. Remigius.^3 His arrival
is placed, at a.d. 509, by Sigebertus Gemblacensis.^^ It is thought to be pro-
Article II. — ' Throughout the whole tia." Notwithstanding, some Scotch writers
diocese of Rheims, the Ecclesiastical Office claim St. Gibrian, as having been born in
of St. Gibrian was prescribed to be recited, Scotland,
as a Simplex, with three Lessons. '■' In the Life of St. Patrick, at the 17th of
'In " Hibtoria Rhemensis," lib. iii., March, we do not read, however, about any
cap. ix. of his converts, named Gibrian, or about the
3 See " De probatis Sanctorum Vitis," vol. names of his holy brothers and sisters.
iii., Maiiviii., p. 116. '•♦See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
* See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum the Saints," vol. v., p. 114.
quse MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et Die- 'S See his Life, in vol. ii. of this work, at
rum." the 7th of February, Art. i.
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii '* His feast is on the 7th of October,
viii. De S. Gibriano Presbytero in Diocesi '' See some notices of him, at the 30th of
Catalavensi e* Remensi, pp. 300 to 303. July> ^^d at the 3rd of December.
* Under the heatling •• Vita et Miracula. '^ The festival for Gcrmanus et Veranus is
Ex MS. Codice Remensi Monasterii S. Re- assigned, by Ferrarius and Saussay, to the
migii." 3rd of December.
^ See also tomus ii., Appendix p. 843. '« The feast day of Abranus and Petranus
® See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and does not seem to be known,
other principal Saints," vol. v., May 8. ^^ Also called Franche, Fracla, or
'Seep. 129. Franda.
'° See " Les Vies des Saints," tome v., 8 " Promptia and Possenna are inscribed in
Mai, pp. 403, 404. the Scotch Menology of Camerarius, at the
"See "Lives of the Saints," vol. v., 3rd of January. But, because the 8th of May
p. 114. is set down for the least of St. Gibrian, their
" Flodoardus and the Breviary of Rheims brother, all these three sisters are placed at
state, " ex Hibernia venisse." A greater the same date, by Artlnir de Monster, in his
confusion of writing is in the Manuscript " Gynaecium Sacrum," and by Laherius, in
Codex belonging to the Monastery of St. his *'Menologium Virginum."
Remigius at Rheims, where we read, that he '^ Referred to by the Bollandists.
came "de Ilibcrnia insula, in qua est Sco- "^ St. Remigius, or Renii, was the fifteenth
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 131
bable, that those holy pilgrims sojourned, at first, in Bretagne ; for, in this
French province, many localities are called after them. There is a parish,
known as St. Helen ; a parish is named St. Vran ; a parish and various other
places are dedicated to St. Abraham — probably the same as Abram — the
strand of St. Petran, and the grotto of the same saint, in Trezilide,'S have
supposed relations with these Irish visitors to France. However, the pious
brothers and sisters regarded St. Gibrian, as their leader ; because he had
received Holy Orders, and because he was the oldest among them. He sought
for settlement theterritoryabout Chalons-sur-Marne, and fixed hisdwellingnear
a rivulet, called Cole,^^ which flows into the River Marne.^7 On account of
St. Gibrian's great sanctity, his habitation was the chief rendezvous for his
brothers and sisters. He was especially the companion of the brother, named
Tressan,^^ who lived in a retired village, supposed to be Murigny, in the
former Duchy of Rheims, and on the River Marne. A strong family attach-
ment bound the saintly brothers and sisters to t-ach other ; so that, mutually
desirous of visiting frequently their solitary places of retreat, these were
selected within measurable distances, in this part of the country. Gibrian's
love for prayer and for labour was most remarkable. He was indefatigable in
the exercise of all virtues ; while his abstinence from food was a means he
adopted, to render his life still more spiritual. Having led a very holy state,
in the district of Chalons-sur-Marne, in Champagne, Gibrian died there, and
he was buried in the place of solitude he had selected for his home while
upon earth. That spot was indicated, by a sort of tumulus, or mound, near
the public road. A stone sarcophagus had been prepared, to enclose his
body, which was then deposited in the earth. There, his memory is revered,
on the 8th day of May, which was probably that of his death, or as it is said of
his deposition. "^9 A small oratory was built over his tomb, in course of time.
On the anniversary of his happy departure, a great concourse of persons usually
came to celebrate the occurrence, and it was converted into a religious festi-
val. Soon after his departure, the Almighty was pleased to work great mira-
cles,3°when the name and intercession of his holy servant had been invoked,
by the faithful pilgrims. These kept vigil, with prayers or hymns, the night
before his anniversary feast; they also brought votive offerings ; and when the
sacred offices of Mass were over, on the day itself, all the people returned
with rejoicing to their several homes. However, this saint is said by some
to have died at Rheims, a.d. 509 ;3i but, this appears to have been supposed,
because his remains were subsequently removed to that city. In the tmie of
Otho,3^ King of France, the Danes and Normans brought terror and destruc-
Archbishop of Rheims, and he is regarded '" An account of these may be seen, from
as the Apostle of the Franks. He died, on the Manuscript todex of St. Reniigius'
the 13th of January, A.D. 533; but, his Monastery, at Rheims, as published by the
chief feast is on the 1st of October. Bollandists.
=•* In his Chronicle. 3i For such statement, the authority of
'3 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Sigebertus and of Floratius is cited, by Father
Saints," tome v., 8 Mai, p. 404. Henry Fitzsimon. See " Historian Catho-
°^ Its ancient name was Cosla, according licce Ibernise Compendium," tomus i., lib.
to the Manuscript Codex of the Monastery iv., cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 54.
of St. Remigius of Rheims. 3= He was King of France, from 888 to
=7 Formerly called Matrona or Materna. 89S, and he is also called Eudes. See an
It falls into the Seine, above the city of account of his reign, in Bossuet's " Abrege
Paris. de I'Histoire de France," liv. iii., col. 1206,
=^ See the Bollandists' and Colgan's ac- 1207. iEuvres Completes, tome x.
count of him, at 7th of February. 33 This onslaught is referred to A.D. 891,
=9 According to the Manuscript Codex in the " Chronicon Besuensis."
of the Monastery of St. Remigius of 34 Even yet, this cathedral is under St.
Rheims. Stephen's patronage.
132 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8,
tion among those Christians, living in the district about Chalons ; while they
burned churches and villages, and also put many to the sword. 33 They set
fire to the beautiful cathedral church of St. Stephen,34 in the city of Chalons,
and also to the little oratory of St. Gibrian ; but, as his relics were sepulchred
in tlie earth below it, these fortunately escaped their ravages.35 Afterwards,
while travellers journeyed by that spot, the sweetest sounds of music were
heard by them, and as if these were issuing from St. Gibrian's grave; while,
the sentinels on guard Avithin the fortifications of Chalons reported, that they
had frequently observed bright lights streaming over C61e.3° Such portents
caused a general popular veneration for the holy exile, whose body still lay
there. Afterwards, the religious Count Haderic obtained permission, from
R6doard,37 bishop of Chalons, that he might remove the body of St. Gibrian
to a place, where suitable honour might be rendered. His remains, in the
latter end of the ninth century, were accordingly removed to Rheims. From
Chalons, they were brought first to the village of Balbiac, where for three
years, they were honourably preserved, and, afterwards, they were removed to
that city, selected for their final deposition. 3^ In those days, the removal of
a saint's remains from one place to another was reluctantly submitted to by
the people, among whom they had been preserved ; and, this will probably
account for the secrecy observed, on that occasion, when it was resolved, to
take St. Gibrian's body away by night. A boatman had been ordered to
have his skifi"in readiness, before the dawn of day, and near the holy man's place
of sepulture on the river's side. A priest and three men, sent by the Count,
were waiting the boatman's arrival ; but, notwithstanding frequent shouts
to guide him near their station, the skiff appears to have got aground, on the
opposite bank, nor could it be moved. The priest and his companions then
devoutly prayed, that means should be furnished them, to remove the body.
As if by miracle, the skiff was detached from its fastenings, and it was driven
over where they waited. Next, approaching'the tomb, the sacred relics were
reverently raised from the sarcophagus, placed in a new shrine, and removed
to the boat. When the bones of St. Gibrian had been kept for two years, at
Balbiac, Count Haderic and his pious wife Heresinde went on a visit, to the
city of Rheims. That removal of St.^Gibrian's remains took place, when Fulco,39
or Foulques, was Archbishop over the See,''° and, therefore, some time
betw-een 882 4' and 900,4^ or 901.43 His noble visitors preferred a request,
that the shrine of the saint might be placed, on the right side of his church,
near the opening to the crypt. Their petition was granted. The relics were
reverently placed, within the basilica of St. Remigius ; while, an altar was
built, in honour of the holy man,44 and most beautifully ornamented, even
35 For an account of their wars in this 39 The Bollandists state, tliat he was at
century, the reader is referred to the "An- first Abbot of St. Berlin, at Silhieu, and
nales Vedastini," in Pertz's "Monumenta Abbot elect of St. Vedast, at Arras, in 851.
Germanise Ilistorica Scriptoium," tomus i., ^° According to St. Giberian's Acts,
pp. 516 to 531. 41 This year was the first of his archiepis-
^ According to the Manuscript Codex copate, after the death of Hincmar.
of the Monastery of St. Remigius, at ■•' According to the BoUantiists, on the
Rheims. 17th of June, a.d. 900, he was assassinated.
3' Bishop Rodoard flourished in the ninth •'^ At tlie instigation of Baudouin, Count
century. His successor Mancion was pre- of Flanders, one Winemere committed this
sent at the consecration of Ilerivcius, Arch- barbarous murder, a.d. 901, according to
bishop of Rheims, who succeeded Fulco, the Petits Bollandistes, " V^ies des Saints,"
when the latter died, A.u. 900. tome vii., Juin 17. See pp. 104, 105.
3^ In his " Historia Rhemtnsi," written in ^-i We may infer, from the account of
the tenth century, the Priest Flodoardus, Flodoard, that this was the gift of Count
lib. iii., cap. ix., gives a particular account of Haderic. See his "Historia Rhemensis,"
this Translation. lib. iii., cap. ix.
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 133
with the precious metals. Here was the noble monastery church,45 more
ancient than the magnificent cathedral,"*^ and dedicated to that holy bishop,
who was patron of Rheinis ; and, over the high altar — called the Golden
Altar — of this church, the body of St. Gibrian was preserved within a shrine.
When the body had been brought away from Cole, a blind woman, named
Erentrude, came to that place, with a candle to present, as her humble offer-
ing. Finding that Gibrian's remains had been removed from his sarcopha-
gus, she asked why the saint had permitted it, or why he should desert the
people, who had obtained such great benefits from his patronage. With ear-
nest prayers for her recovery, she then went to the village of Matusgum, where
his brother Veran was buried and greatly venerated. There, she deposited
her candle on his tomb, and prostrated in tears before it, she prayed to both
holy brothers for restoration of her sight. Her petition was granted, and the
afflicted woman left the spot, filled with a holy joy, when she again saw the light
of day."*? The body of St. Gibrian was transferred to a new shrine, in the
year 11 14, and then, too, various miracles took place,4^ while a large con-
gregation was present."*? The shrine of St. Gibrian was preserved, until the
period of the French Revolution ; but, at present, both the shrine and its
sacred deposit have completely disappeared. s° At this time, a general system
of robbery and plunder was organized in France : in various places, the
churches were despoiled of their plate and valuables. s^ Not far from his ancient
tomb, in the diocese of Chalons, there is a village, known as St. Gibrien.s^
On the Continent, the feast of St. Gibrian is commemorated, at the 8th of
May, by Usuard,53 as also in a Manuscript Martyrology of Rheims,54 and in
another Florarius Sanctorum. Besides Greven,Canisius,Saussay, Ferrarius,and
Molanus, have his festival entered, for this same date. The Irish and Scotch
also celebrate his memory. Thus, Thomas Dempster places him, in his
" Menologium Scoticum,"5s as also, Adam King,5^ in his Kalendar, at this
''^ It is remarkable for its large nave, and by an anonymous editor of the Chronicle of
fine stained glass windows. Sigebert of Gemblours : " Remis in caenobio
■** This grand structure is attributed to the B. Remigii S. Gibrianus Scotus multis claret
genius of an architect, Robert de Coucy, virtutibus, et multo populi concursu fre-
who flourished in the earlier part of the quentatur."
thirteenth century. For an account of it, ^° See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
with a fine engraved illustration, the reader Saints," tome v., 8 Mai, p. 403.
is referred to Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle ^i gee Eyre Evans Crowe's "History of
Geographie Universelle," liv. ii., chap, xi., France," vol. iv., chap, xxxix., p. 520.
sect, v., pp. 705 to 709. 52 His brothers and his sisters are also
''7 See Flodoard's " Historia Rhemensis," publicly venerated ; for, in the dioceses of
lib. iii., cap. ix. Rheims and of Chalons, many churches have
"•^ Camerarias, in his work " De Scotorum been dedicated, under the invocation of St.
Pietate," lib. iii., at the 8th of May, refers Veran, ofSt. H«lain, of St. Tresain, and of
to a History of this translation, which was St. Possene. See Les Petits Bollandistes,
contained in three Books. Father Hen- " Vies des Saints," tome v., 8 Mai, p. 403.
schenn hoped to obtain a transcript of that ^3 It enters, "Remis depositio S. Gibriani
Tract, before printing the Acts of St. Gib- Confessoris, in Ecclesia S. Remigii quies-
rian, at this date ; but, owing to wars then centis.
prevailing, and consequent interruption of ^4 gaid to have belonged to the church of
commerce, he was unable to procure it. St. Timothy and of St. Apollinarus. It occurs
However, a promise is made, that if it came under this form: "In pago Catalaunico
to hand, the account should be inserted, at depositio St. Gibriani Presbyteri et Con-
the end of the volume, which he had been fessoris."
engaged in editing; and, ifnot, hestillhoped, ss At the 8th of May : " Rhemensi terri-
that it should appear, in a supplement to some torio Gibriani confessoris cumseptem fratri-
future volume. See "Acta Sanctorum," bus et duabus sororibus, qui omnes miraculis
tomus ii., Mail viii. De S. Gibriano Pres- inclaruerunt et vel a sede Apostolica, vel a
bytero," &c. Commentarius Praevius, num. loci Antistite elevati, Sanctisque adnume-
I, p. 300. rati." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars ofScot-
*9 At A.D. 1145. thi^ matter is thus related, tish Saints," pp. 198, 199.
134 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
day. In the anonymous list, published by O'SuUevan Beare, at the 8th of
May, Gibrianus is entered-^? He is also noticed, by Father Stephen White.s^
The Irish people cannot learn too much about their European missionaries —
those grand pillars of Faith and of truth — whose names stud the pages of
Church history, like so many fixed landmarks of a past civilization, in which
those servants of Christ have had a glorious share.
Article III. — Reputed Festival of Saints Fraxca, or Franda,
Promptia and Possena, in France. {^Fi/th and Sixth Centuries.] As
already noticed, in our account of St. Gibrian at this day, his devoted sisters,
Franca or Franda, Promptia and Possena, are accorded a feast, likewise, at
the 8th of May, by Arthur de Monstier,' by Laherius,^ and by Saussay.3 The
Bollandists acknowledge, however, that elsewhere they find no warrant for
this festival.4
Article IV. — St. Comman, of Tigh-mic-Fignnchain. In the pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,' we find no entry of the present saint, or of
his feast. The copy of the Tallagh Martyrology, belonging to the Dublin
Franciscan Convent, has a notice, however, at the eighth of the May Ides
about Comman,* while his place is denominated — probably as given in the
later Martyrology of Donegal. The locality, denominated Tig-mac-
Fionnchain, does not appear to be known ; nor do we find any correspond-
ing nomenclature for it, among the parochial or townland etymons, on the
Ordnance Survey Maps for Ireland. The Bollandists ^ have a feast for Com-
munus de Teghunc Fendchain, sive de domo filii Fianthaim, but, it seems
pretty certain, they have mispelled some of the letters in the original entry,
drawn from the Tallagh Martyrology. The Martyrology of Donegal * re-
gisters a festival, on this day, in honour of Comman, of Tigh mic Fionn-
chain.
Article V. — St. Odhran, Bishop. The name of Odran, a Bishop, is
entered in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 8th of May. In the
Franciscan copy,' a like notification appears, at same date — the eighth of the
May Ides. The Bollandists ^ enter Odranus Episcopus, quoting the fore-
going Martyrology. Where he exercised the episcopal office does not seem
to be known, nor the time when he flourished. St. Odrian, Bishop, and
Tutelar saint of Waterford, was revered, at tlie 8th of May, according to the
5* Thus :*' S.Gibriane Confess. Scotsman 111 ac pnclioii. The writer has a great
vnder KingConrannus." — Jbid., p. 152. doubt, if the first n in the latter patronymic
57 See " Histori^e Catholire Ibernise Com- should not be rather o or ■o ; but, he has set
pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., p. 50. it down, to correspond with the entry, in the
55 See "Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. iv., Martyrology of Donegal,
p. 41. 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Article hi. — ' In "Gynceceum Sa- Mail viii. Among the pretermitted saints,
crum." p. 284
' In " Menologium Virginum." " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
3 In " M.irtyrologium Gallicanum." 122,123.
♦ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii Article v. — ' Edited by Rev.Dr. Kelly,
viii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. p. xxiii.
284. -The entry is 0-o]\aiii epi.
Article IV. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, ^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
at p. xxiii. Maii viii. Among the pretermitted saints,
' In the Franciscan copy, ComtriAni C15 p. 284.
May 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 135
Rev. Alban Butler's Lives of the Saints,'* and the Circle of the Seasons ;5 but,
here, the present saint seems to have been confounded with St. Otteran, Bis-
hop and Confessor, whose feast is rather referable to the 27th of October.^
There was a holy well, called Tobar-Odran, near the churchyard of Kil-
keeran,7 in the parish of Castlejordan,^ and Deanery of Mullingar.9 It lies
within the barony of Upper Moyfenrath. An aged ash tree spreads its
branches over the ancient altar-site. ^° But, whether the well and former
church had been dedicated to the present saint, or to some one of the other
eight Odrans, mentioned in our calendars, does not appear to be readily ascer-
tainable. A festival in honour of Odhran— without any other title — was
celebrated on this day, accordijig to the Martyrology of Donegal." The
Very Rev. Laurence F. Renehan, D.D., and former President of St. Patrick's
College, Maynooth, most certainly fell into an error, when he states, that the
Martyrologies of Tallagh and of Donegal mention a St. Odran, Bishop,
whose feast was kept, on the 8th of July.'^ He probably meant the 8th of
May.
Article VL — Feast of St. Indract, with his Sister, St. Domi-
nica, AND his Companions, who were Martyrs. \_Seventh or Eighth
Century. '\ In the Martyrology of Salisbury, the festival of these saints has
been placed, at the 8th 'of May. This account is further sustained, by the
authority of the Tallagh and Altempsian Martyrologies,' as the Bollandists
remark, at the same date.^ Already have we given their Acts, at the 5th
of February ;3 which seems to be recognised, as the chief day for their com-
memoration. * At the 8th of May, Richard VVhitford s places the Festival of
St. Indract, a King of Ireland, who abdicated his kingdom, and who is said
to have set out with his sister St. Dominica, and with various other com-
panions, who all suffered martyrdom.^
Article VII. — St. Brenann. Veneration was given on this day to
Brenann, as we find mentioned, in the Martyrology of Donegal.' Who he
was, and where or when he lived, have not transpired.
* See vol. v., May viii. " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
5 See p. 129. 122, 123.
* See notices of him, at that date. " Dr. Renehan adds : " However, he is
' It is shown, on the " Ordnance Survey so unknown to other authorities, and his his-
Townland Maps for the County of Meath," tory is so unknown even to these, that I think
sheet 46. they mistook his rank and feast together." —
* The larger portion of this parish is Letter, dated Maynooth College, Feast of St.
within the Baronies of Coolestown and Otteran, 1845,' addressed to Mrs. Keshan,
Warrenstown, and this is described, on the Lady Superioress of the Presentation Con-
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for vent, Waterford.
the King's County," sheets 3, 4, 10, 11, 19; Article vi. — ' These have " SS. In-
while the other part, within the Barony of dractus, Dominica et Socii, Martyres, in
Upper Moylenraih is to be seen, on the Anglia."
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the ' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
County of Meath, " sheets 46, 52. Mail viii. Among the pretermitted saints,
9 This parish, situated within the baronies p. 2S4.
of Fartullagh, Moyashel and Magherader- ^ See vol. ii. of this work, Art. ii.
non, is described on the "Ordnance Survey "* See also Colgan's "Acta SanctorumHi-
Townland Maps for the County of West- berniK," v. Februarii, Vita S. Indracti et S.
meath," sheets 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27. The Dominica; Virginis ac Sociorum Mart) rum,
town and townland are on sheet 19. pp. 253 to 255.
'° See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of 5 in the Martyrology of Salisbury.
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., * See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
chap, xviii., p. ^96. tomus i., Februarii v. De Sanctis Martyri-
136
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 8.
Article VIII. — St. Barrion, Bishop of Cill-Bairrinn. This
holy man, although having been honoured with episcopal dignity, seems to
have simply received a local celebrity, for we only find his name, place and
festival set down, by one ' of our modern authorities. He is called St. Barrion,
of Cill-Bairrinn,* said to have been in the county of Donegal. Duald Mac
Firbis enters liis feast, under the head of Cill Barrinn. To the north of Es
Ruadh,3 he has Bairrion, bishop.4 The parish of Kilbarron, is in the former
district, known as Tirhugh, from which the modern barony has been named,
while its position is along the western coast of Donegel, and there bounded
by the Atlantic Ocean.
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of a St. Benignus. In the
" Menologium Scoticum " of Camerarius, tliere is a festival, at the 8th of May,
for Benignus, who is characterised as a saint, and about whom there is men-
tion made, in the Acts of St. Livinus.' The BoUandists * have a similar
reference, at the present date.
Article X. — Festival of Saints Victor and Maximus, In the
Feilire ^ of St. ^ngus, and at the 8th of jNIay, the festival for Saints Victor
and Maximus is found recorded. The Scholiast observes on this passage, that
their martyrdom took place in Milan. ^ However, this place, assigned for
their crown, only had reference to Victor, who is said to have been of
Moorish extraction. 3 St. Maximus seems to have been one among an illus-
trious company of Martyrs,'' who laid down their lives for the Faith of Christ,
in Byzantium, now Constantinople. Their Acts, written in the Greek lan-
guage, have been preserved, and these have been translated into Latin, by
the BoUandists. 5
bus Indracto, Dominica et ix. Sociis Glas-
tonire in Anglia. Commentarius Praevius,
sect, ii., num. 6, p. 689.
Article vii. — ' Edited by Rev. Drs.
Todd and Reeves, pp. 122, 123.
Article viii. — ' Duald Mac Firbis.
- Kilbarron, county of Donegal. William
M. Hennessy's note.
3 Now Assaroe waterfall, near Ball)'-
shannon.
* See " Proceedings of the Royal Irirh
Academy," Iiish MSS. Series, vol. i., part
i., pp. 94, 95.
Article ix. — "• See his Life, at the 12th
of November.
^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Mail viii. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 2S5.
AuTici.E X. — ' The followmg entry is
from the " Leabhar Breac " copy : —
•Uiccof Agup lIlAxim
llni Ctmit coc*]\iiicj-ec
<\l\feii\cc i\i5 ]\(icc».\]\]*AC
1n<\piiil ]:oc]\inc]'ec.
It is thus Englished by I^r. Whiiley Stokes :
"Victor and Maximus, for Christ they gave
themselves : for afTection towards the kin"
whom they loved they bathed in their
blood." — " Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
ixxix.
'Thus: "Victor agus Maxim .i. in
med [i] olano passi sunt." — Ibid.^ p.
Ixxxiv.
3 See the BoUandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Mali viii. De S. Victore Mauro
Martyre Mediolani, pp. 286 to 290.
■* At Die Octava Mali, an account of their
Passion will be found, under the following
enumeration and heading : — '" De Sanctis
Martyribus Agathio Milite, Maximo Presby-
tt-ro, Anthe Diacono, Aiestino, Marino,
Tampo. Stercita, Rogata, Victuria, Florida.
Item Florida, Lucio, Donata, Victore, F!a-
via, Joanne, Nina, Casto, Gaio, Furio,
Maximo. Item Victore, Julia, Felice, Mar-
ciano, Famosa, Ilonesta, Nigro, Baptizio,
Rustico, i'roce>so, Secunda, Milito, Felicia,
Maxima, Dativa, Tuniano, Eutitiio, Secun-
dola, Datica, Gundino, Tertnlo, Ca;lestino,
Faustino, Ceneriu, Baracho, Siddiiio. Item
Nina, Tido, Mittuno, Sirico, Rogato, Bac-
ciro, Gaddero, Bereuso, Donata, Spico, Ko-
galo, Saturnina, Gaudiosa, Vitale, Cxcilia,
Januaiia, Galla, Senero, Rogata, Matrona,
May 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 137
Article XI. — Supposed Feast of St. Odranus, Charioteer of St.
Patrick, and Martyr. S^Fifth Century.'] The Bollandists have a notice
of Odranus, likewise, while he is supposed to have been that charioteer of
St. Patrick,' who sacrificed his own life, to save that of his master,^ and whose
Acts have been already set down, at the 19th of Februar3\3
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Cataldus, Bishop of Taren-
tum, Italy. This holy bishop — an Irish saint — is thought to have departed
life, on the Sth of May, as recorded in various Festilogies.' He is venerated, at
Tarentum in Italy. It is pretended, by Thomas Dempster,^ that he came from
lona, in Scotland.3 At the Sth of May, Cataldus, Epis. is found in Father
Henry Fitzsimon's List of Irish Saints.-^ This is regarded as his Natalis.s
However, the Roman Martyrology has his chief festival, at the loth of May,
when the finding and translation of his body took place.
Article XIII. — St. Fiacrius, of Iona, Scotland. A St. Fiacrius
is set down, in the anonymous Catalogue of Irish Saints, at the Sth of May.'
He, no doubt, is that Fiacer, Con., of Henry Fitzsimon's list. At the same
date, on the authority ofSurius, he is classed among our Irish Saints.^ Colgan
enters him as a sainted abbot of Iona.3 However, this Fiacrius does not
appear, in Rev. Dr. Reeves' list of Abbots there ; but, he has the departure
ofaFiachraUa h Artagain, Aircinnech of lae, at a.d. 97S,4 while Mugron
presided over that community, in quality of Abbot. 5
^intl; JBay of jiflap.
ARTICLE I.— .ST. SANCTAN, BISHOP OF CILL-DA-LES, AND OF KIL-
NA-SANTAN, COUNTY OF DUBLIN.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
THE great gift of ruling justly and religiously is to be brought from the
depths of a conscience, which God inspires, and not from the frigid
lessons of mere philosophy. Such appears to have been the foundation on
Augustina. Item Satunino, Rufo, Victore, viri, depositio, qui Iona Scotorum Insula
Faustino, Cithino, Zadero, Anliquo. Item oriundus, eo profectus. Gh." — Bishop
Nina, Saturo, Nicoma, Byzantii, Nunc Con- Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
stantinopoli." — Ibid., pp. 291 to 299. p. 199.
5 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii * See O'.SuUevan Beare's " Historise
viii. De Sanctis Martyribus Agatho MiHte, Catholicse Ibernia; Compendium," tomus i.,
Maximo Presbytero, &c., pp. 291 to bb. iv., cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 53.
299. 5 See Ughelli's " Italia Sacra," tomus ix.
Article xi. — ' See his Life, in vob iii. Tarentina Metropolis, col. 121.
of this work, at the seventeenth day of Article xiii.— ' See O'Sullevan Beare's
March, Art. i., chap. xxi. " Historiie Catholicas Ibernios Compen-
- See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," dium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., p. 50.
Quarta Vita S. Patricii, p. 50. = See ibid., cap. xii., p. 54.
3 See vol. ii. of this work. Art. i. 3 gee "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Ap-
Article XII. — ' See the Bollandists' pendix ad Acta S. Columbse, cap. iii., sect.
"Acta Sanctoruiu," tumus ii., Maii viii. v., p. 502.
Among the pretermitted saints, p. 284. '' See Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba."
^ In his " Menologium Scoticum." Additional Notes O, p. 395.
3 The following is his notice, at the Sth of s He ruled from 964 to 980. See ibid.,
May : " Tarenti Cataldi episcopi, Apostolici pp. 394, 395.
138 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 9.
which rested the motives, aims, and practice, of this holy servant of God, in
reference to his own sanctifi cation, and to the spiritual welfare of those he had
in charge. Regarding the biographical particulars of this early saint, there
is a considerable amount of obscurity. By some writers, he is supposed to
be the same as St. Sannan, the reputed brother of our great Apostle, St.
Patrick.' This identification, however, seems inadmissible; especially, if
we acknowledge his father Samuel to have been a king of Britain, and his
mother to have been Drechura, daughter to Muredach Munderg, King of
Ultonia.' It is certain, that Bishop Sanctain flourished, at an early period,
since his feast is set down, and with a special reference to his celebrity, in
the Feilire of St. yEngus,3 at this day. The commentator on this Feilire *
states, that he was of Kill-da-leis ;S and, he quotes the authority of yEngus
for such assertion. This place appears to be unknown, or it has not yet
been properly identified. To Sanctain also belonged Druimhaighille, in
Tradraighe,^ as we are informed. Drumlaighille 7 is identified with Drum-
lille,^ in the deanery of Tradery, and barony of Bunratty, in Clare County.
According to an opinion,^ Cill-da-Has may represent Cildalaish, i.e., the
Church of Dalaise, or Molaise, now Killalish,'° in the parish of Kilranelagh,
and barony of Upper Talbotstovvn, in the county of Wicklow. There is
another place called Killaliss," in the parish of Knockbride,'^ and barony of
Clankee, in the county of Cavan. According to another conjecture,'3 Drum-
laighille is perhaps identical with Tigh Laigille, in the south-east of Ossory ;
for, Tradraighe may have been written, by an oversight, for Osraighe ;'■»
however, the latter seems to us as a mistake, not likely to have occurred.
In addition to the notice of this saint, at the 9th of May, in the Feilire of St.
^ngus, the simple entry Sanctan of Cill-da-les, is found in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,'5 at that same date. In the Franciscan copy, it seems
to read somewhat differently.'^ It is a difficult matter to determine the site
Article i — ' See his Life, at the 17th says: and, I know not where Kill-da-leis is :
of March, in the Third Volume of this work, and to him belongs Druimlaighille, in Trad-
Art, i., chap. iii. raighe."
« See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." ? See the "Book of Obits, and Martyr-
Prima Vita S. Patricii, n. 13, p. 8. ology of the Cathedral Church of the Holy
3 In the " Leabhar Breac " copy, we find Trinity, commonly called Christ Church,
the following stanza : — Dublin," Introduction, p. Ix., n. (i).
* This is said to be the Druim Leaghine,
^AiLt-fiujuT) mo|\ michiL which is mentioned, in the "Atmalsofthe
TDonbich b<\fcel iDi\onichA Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (t), p 669. Dr.
pAi]' CiimII CAin Cc^l^chA O'Donovan's edition. 1. \
e]*cop SAiiccAin fochlA. ' Of Rev. John Francis Shearman. *
'° It is divided into Upper and Lower |
It is thus translated, by Dr. Whitley Stokes : Killalish. It is shown, on ihe "Ordnance
" Michael's great m.inifestation to the world, Survey Townland Maps for the County of
it was a proven story. The passion of Cyril, Wicklow," sheets 27,32.
fair, beloved. Famous bishop Sanctain." — " See "Ordnance Survey Townland
On the Calendar of Oengus, p. Ixxix. See Maps for the County of Cavan," sheet 23.
" Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," " This is described, ihiiL, on sheets 22,
Irish Manuscript Scries, vol i., part i. 23, 27, 28, 33.
* In " Leabhar Hreac " copy. "' Of the Rev. John Francis Shearman.
5 " Colitur S. Sanctanus Episcojius geneve '•• See " Loca Patriciana," No. x., pp.
Britannus die 9' Maii in Ecclesia de Killda- 92, 93. "Journal of ilic Royal Historical
leas in Langenia." — Colgan's "Trias Thau- and Archaeological Association of Ire-
maturga,"n. 13, p. 8. land," vol. iv.. Fourth Series, July, 1876.
*The text of the Irish gloss is as follows. No. 27.
with its English translation : — ".I.e. Chill 'S Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii.
■OA leif •00, uc <\en5U)' x)icicec nc^'cio u\)i " So far as the writer can decipher the
efC Cell X)A leif ^Njur M" ^^M' 'Opuitii Irish text, it appears to be Saiicaii 1 Cill,
Iai^iIIc 1 C|\Arp<\ij;c." and over the line in smaller characters.
''i.e., he was of Kill-da-lcis, as i^Engus Cen-oinAi\ .1. 0* leif.
May 9.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
139
of Cill-da-leis ; but, a conjecture has been offered, that as Colgan fixes its
site in Leinster, it may be no other than the Church of KildelHg,'7 in the
barony of Upper Ossory, or Clarmallagh, Queen's County. The Bollandists'^
notice him, hkewise, at this day, and quoting the Martyrology of Tallagh, as
Sanctanus de Kill-da-leas. It has been very generally allowed, that St. Sane-
tan was a native of Britain. It is stated, moreover, that he was a son of Samuel
Chendisel, or "the low-headed," who was a king of Britain, while his mother was
Dectir, or Dechter, a daughter of Muiredach Muinderg,^? (red-necked). King of
Ulster.^° His uterine brother was St. Madoc,^' or Matoc, the pilgrim, who
has a festival, at the 25th of April. ^^ The latter, however, is related to have
been son to Canton, a King of Wales or West Britain, which gives reason to
suspect, that these brothers were sons to different fathers, and that their mother
had been twice married. According to a statement made,^3 the father of these
saints, is thought to have been Selyf,^'* Regulus of Cornuaill,^5 in Armorica,
who first married Gwen,^^ and secondly, Dechtv^r, the mother of the saints
already mentioned, and thirdly, he married Hauriila.^7 Selyf is said to have
been the son of Geraint,='^ son to Erybyn,'9 son of Cystennen Llydavv or
Vendegaid,3° son to Salomon or Salann,3i gQj^ ^f Urbain or Yrb,^^ son to
'' " In the Manuscript Visitation Book of
Dr. James Phelan, appointed Bishop of
Ossory in 1669, is preserved a list of the
Patrons of tlie Churches of the Diocese, and
in the deanery of Aghavoe we meet with
this parish cliurch of Kildelyg, and its patron
is marked '''' Sanctiis Ernanits sen Senanns,
Abbas." This can be no other than omx St.
Sanrtan, or Sanctain." — " Irish Ecclesiasti-
cal Record," First Series, vol. iv., April,
1868, pp. 318, 319.
'^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii ix. Among tlie pretermitted saints,
P- 358.
'5 He is said to have flourished a.d. 479.
^° A gloss on the Feilire of ^ngus, con-
tained in tlie " Leabhar Breac," gives such
a statement, and it is quoted from a pro-
phecy, in the following lines : —
efpucSAnccAin 1|" mo cheAii
fllAC SAiinieL CheiToi]'el
TDecci^A A inAcAi^A cen nieiixj
liijeii inui]\e'OAi5 mtiiTDei|\5.
" Bishop Sanctain is my beloved.
The Sim of Samuel Chendisel,
Dectir was his mother with stain.
The daughter of Muiredach Muin-
derg."
It must be observed, here, that Dr. Whitley
Stokes' translation differs from the fore-
going.
^' His original name was Doc, or Docus,
which in tlie Irish and Welsh assumed the
form of Cadoc, Mocadoc, and phonetically
Madoc. Matoc, Matauc, Madowg and Ma-
dog are merely different renderings of the
same name. See Zeuss' " Grammatica Cel-
tica," p. 15.
"^ See vol. iv. of this work, at that date.
Art. iii.
'3 By Rev. John Francis Shearman, in
his " Genealogy of some Cambrian and Ar-
morican Saints connected with Ireland in
the Fifth and Sixtli Centuries," Table No.
9. "Journal of the Kilkenny Historical
and Archceological Association of Ireland,"
vol. iii., part ii., Fourth Series, 1875.
" Loca Patriciana," No. viii., p. 381.
""^ It is asked, if he be identical with
Samuel Cendissel of the Donegal Martyr-
ology ?
"^ This province always had its particular
Counts, from Theodoric to Hoel, father of
Alan Cagnart, and those Counts became
masters of all Bretagne, in the tenth cen-
tury. See Dom Gui Alexis Lobineau's
" Histoire de Bretagne, Composee sue le
Titres et les Auteurs origineaux," tome i.,
liv. i., sect, c, p. 27. A Paris, 1707, fol.
"^ By this marriage, he is said to have
been father to St. Cybi or Cubius of Caer
Gybi, or Holyhead, in Wales. He is vene-
rated at November 6th. See Ussher's
Works, vol. v., pp. no, 340. It has been
stated, also, that she was probably his second
wife.
-^ She was daughter to Hoel, first King
of Armorica.
_ ^^ Pie was Regulus of Dyvniant in Armo-
rica, and he came over to assist King Arthur
against the Saxons. By these, he was slain,
at Longborth, A.D. 530. See "Myrvian
Archaelogy," vol. ii., p. 68.
^5 He was Regulus of Dyvniant, or Dom-
onia, in Armorica. See Rev. Dr. James
Henthorn Todd and Hon. Algernon Her-
bert's edition of beAbhA|\ biAeAchneAch
Aiini^o pi% or The Irisli Version of the His-
toria Britonum of Nennius, p. c.
3° Called also the Blessed. He was
Regulus of Gorniu or Cornuaile, in the
diocese of Quimper, in Armorica. He came
to aid the Bri:ons, against the Picts and
I40 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 9.
Cynan, or Conan Meriada\vg,33 who was grandson to Caradawg ap Bran Ven-
digaid ap Llyr Llediath.34 During tlie time of St. Sanctan, Britain had to suffer
from the ravages of war, and from her new invaders tlie Angli and Saxons.
Everywhere, except in Wales and Cornwall, Saxon paganism had trampled
down the British Church. 35 Idol temples had sprung up, with their unhallowed
rites and sacrifices. Even, in the strongholds of British power, the tide of
invasion, without severe struggles, could not be stemmed back, or the minis-
trations of religion be kept alive. 3^ To such circumstances, perhaps, may
largely be attrilDuted the influx of many Britons, who landed and settled, on
the eastern coasts of our own country. The Saxons fell upon the British pro-
vinces, wasting them in a terrible manner; towns and fortifications were
demolished ; churches and houses were burned ; horrible cruelties were
exercised in all places ; while, great numbers of the Christians, clergy, and
people, were put to the sword. 37 Both the holy brothers already named left
Britain, and emigrated to Ireland. According to tradition, Matoc preceded
his brother Sanctan, in the date for arrival. Sanctan remained some time, at
the school of Cluain Iraird, now Clonard, in Meath, where, we may expect, he
made great progress in learning. Afterwards, he set out to join the com-
munity of his brotlier, ISIatoc, then settled in Inis-Matoc. This place has
been identified with Inis-Maedhoc, or Inis-Mogue, an Island in Templeport
Lake, county of Leitrim.38 Other accounts have it, that Inis-Matoc may be
identified with Inis-Fail.39 St. Sanctain is said to have spent most of his time
in Ireland, but we know not how long he remained with his brother Matoc.
It is thought by some,'*° that the present St. Santan, or Sanctain, selected a
place for his retreat, situated in the wild and picturesque valley of Glenasmole,
under the Dublin Mountains. From him, it went by the name of Cill
Easpuig Sanctan. •'^ Whether Cill-da-les is identical with that denomination,
Irish, in 432. He was elected Pendragon 3? See John Burton's " Monasticon Ebora-
of Britain, but, he was slain by the Picts, in censa ; and the Ecclesiastical History of
442. Yorkshire," &c.. Book i., p. 8, York, 1758,
3' He was King of Armorica, from A.i). fol.
410 to 421, but, he was slain by his uncle ^s ggg « Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Grallon, Count of Vannes, who usurped the Academy," vol. vi. Dr. Graves' Paper on
throne. He was married to a daughter of the Ogham Notes in the St. Gall MS. of
the Patrician Flavius. Priscian, 2, read on Monday, April 9th,
3' Count of Nantes. 1855, p. 211. In that " Codex Priscianus "
33 He was Regulus of Meriodawg, in of St. Gall in Switzerland, at p. 194, there
North Britain. He went with an army to is the marginal gloss : — "'Oo mi]' in«\t)T0OC
aid Maxen Wledig, the husband of Elen his 'oiin .1. nieifi'e &'^^X Clioi]Nbhi\e, of Inis-
cousin, against Gratian, the Roman Emperor, madoc we are, that is myself and Cairpre."
«';Yrt 383. He got possessions in Armorica, If this indentification be correct, it seems
where he died, circa 410. See " Myrvian prol)able enough, that St. Matoc's name must
Archaeology," vol. ii., p. 60. be substituted for St. Maidoc's name of
3'» See Kees' " Lives of the Cambro-British Ferns, who traditionally passed his earlier
Saints," p. 89, &c. days on the Lsland of Templeport Lake.
35 Rudburn asserts, that the Cornish 39 gt. Mo-chatoc, a disciple of St. Patrick
people submitted to the humiliation of pay- and of St. Eiecc, choose Inis-Fail for his
ing tribute to the Saxons, in the time of monastci-y ; and, perhaps from the founder,
Ceidic, in order that they might be allowed it was afterwarrls called Inis-Madoc. See
to observe their religious rites without moles- "Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. iv ,
tation. April, 1S68. Hymn of St. Sanctan, pp. 321,
3"' " Cerdicum ssepius cum Arthuro con- 322, and n. 2. Ibid.
fllxisse, pertaesum Arthurum cum Ccrdico •'° Others suppose, that St. Santan of Kil-
deinceps prailia inire foedus cum illo pepi- nasau tan was more properly commemorated,
gisse, et concessisse Cerdicum Cornubiensi- at the 17th of September,
bus ut sub annuo tributo ritum Christiana; •" See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
religionis obscrvarent." — '' Chronicon," lib. Four Masters," record of the Obit of Caen-
ii., cap. i. — Usshcr, " De Primordiis,'' chomraic, abbot of Cill Easpuig Sanctan, at
cap. xiii. A.n. 952, vol. ii., I'p. 668,669.
May 9.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
141
or otherwise, has not been very clearly demonstrated. In mediaeval times,
that place among the Dublin Mountains acquired the name of Temple-
Sanctan ;i2 and, it also bore the designation of Kill Sanctan, Kilmesantanj'fs
or Kilmasanctan. In our own day, it still retains the correct rendering Kilna-
santan.''4 It lies within the ancient territory of Hy Dunchada. Here, a reli-
gious community appears to have flourished, at least to the middle of the
tenth century.'ts That church is alluded to, by Archbishop Alan,'*^ where he
gives a copy of the " Concessio," in the 20th year of Henry II., a.d. 1173,
and another, at a.d. 1193 ; as also, in the Bull of Innocent 111.^7 Killnasantan
Kilnasaiitan Old Church, County of Dublin.
is situated in the barony of Rathdown, and county of Dublin. Interments here
are on the south and west of the present ruined church,4^ with some few
graves visible at the east side. The old church of Killnasantan is now almost
completely destroyed, only a fragment of the south side wall remaining.^?
There is a ruined window, with an interior splay in this wall. 5° The founda-
^'^ In 1547, in the Taxation of the Dio-
cese of Dublin, it is called Temple Sauntan,
'•'^ In the Register " Crede mihi," written
in the thirteenth century, it is so called. See
William Monck Mason's " History and
Antiquities of the Collegiate and Cathedral
Church of St. Patrick," Appendix, p. Ixvi.
44 This historic name, however, is not
given on the Irish Ordnance Survey Town-
land Maps.
45 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 668, 669, and
n. (t).
4^ See " Repertorium Viride," fol. 20, a.
''^ These charters mention the churches be-
longing to the See of Glendalach, and in
which Cill-ma-Santain is named.
4^ There, too, were to be seen the remains
of a huge massive granite block, hollowed in
the centre, to serve probably the purpose of
a holy water font. It lies upturned in the
cemetery, and formerly it must have be-
longed to the old church. It is about 12
inches, in depth ; and, about 3 feet, 4 inches,
in diameter. The hollow is of a horse-shoe
shape.
49 Visited and measurement taken by the
author in May, 1873.
s° The accompanying illustration, drawn
on the spot, by the writer, in May, 1873,
142
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 9,
tions of a nave, levelled with the ground, measure 43 feet in length,
interiorly, and 16 feet in width. The walls run about 3 feet in thickness. The
cemetery around is well enclosed with a wall, and a hedge is on an elevated
yet sloping knoll, some little distance from and high over the right bank of
the Dodder River, about a mile or two miles below its source. The scenery
around is truly magnificent, while the church itself nestled under the higher
slopes of the Dublin Mountains. Near it is the locality of Bohernabreena,
which is Anglicized, " the road of the Britons.s' Here, St. Sanctan probably
founded a community ; and, perhaps, many of the religious brethren were Bri-
tons, living under his rule. Moreover, St. Sanctan composed a celebrated hymn, 5»
in the Irish language. Copies of this are yet preserved, in the " Liber Hymno-
rum," belonging to the Fransciscan Convent, Dublin, and in another Codex,
bearingthe same title, among the Manuscripts of Trinity College, Dublin. 53 An
introduction to this hymn, as found in the Franciscan copy, states, that it had
been composed, on his way from Cluain-Irard, to Inis-Matoc. It is also
remarked, that before this time, Sanctan was completely ignorant of the
Scottish language ; but, that he miraculously obtained the gift of Irish metri-
cal composition. Yet, the time when he composed that hymn is uncertain.
The cause assigned for composition of this poem was, that he might be pre-
served from his enemies, and that his brother might admit him among his
religious in the island. The Irish of this hymn, Avith an original translation
into English, has been published, in the First Series of the " Irish Ecclesias-
tical Record. "54 It breathes a fine devotional spirit throughout, and it con-
tains a pious invocation, to the three persons of the Most Adorable Trinity.
has been transferred to the wood, by
William F. Wakeman, and it has been en-
graved, by Mrs. Millard.
5' Boher-na-Breena is an old historic
locality, and its etymon has been otherwise
derived. Here, from the earliest times was
one of those houses of hospitality, maintained
at the public cost. Legislation regarding
them may be seen in the old Brehon laws.
These hospices were erected on the principal
roads of this countrj', for the reception and
entertainment of travellers. In this same
hospice, in the first century of the Christian
era, was slain the Monarch of Ireland,
Conaire-mor, by the sons of Dondesa, whom
he had for their crimes banished into Britain.
After spending some years in acts of piracy,
they returned to Ireland, in company with
Ancel Caech, the son of a British regulus,
and who was a free-lance like themselves.
Landing at Turvey, in Fingal, they marched
to Tara, and there, not finding the king, they
followed him to his retreat at Boher-na-
Breena. The marauders avenged them-
selves, by the violent death of the monarch,
and the total destruction of the Bruighean,
or palace ; and thence, it is said, the place
takes its name, i.e., the Road of the Palace,
or Hospice.
5' This hymn is published in the " Goidi-
lica," edited by Dr. Whitley Stokes, and in
the " Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. iv.,
pp. 322 to 325.
53 In that preserved, among the Trinity
College Manuscripts, Dublin, it is classed,
E. 4, 2, No. 21.
5* See vol. iv., April, 1868, pp. 317 to 325,
55 The following is the text of this
hymn, with an English translation, and
notes : —
ei'cojD SdnccAn f ocIa' fpuchib*
iiiitit) Anjebb cbochglAH geL
'|\ot)oei\A mo coi\p f0]\ coibniAin
]^o11cebA3 mAnniAin ^oj\ mem.
Ilombiuh oyvoic leAC AmAii\e
l\ob c]\ocAi^e |\unine 'oun
<\p gum A]\ 5UA|V\CC A^ JAbuT)
A ClMfCCOp ■00nAT3U'0'''0Ut1.
Aceoch in im ■poe]\ ■puchAin
oen5eiriiie5'DeT)iA]\ Vechim
]\t)mniAin a|\ gAbchib 5e]\Aib
mAc ]\o genAi^N imbechiL.
" Bishop Sanctan, illustrious among the
ancients.
Angel-soldier of pure, bright fame ;
My body is enslaved on Earth,
May he receive my soul in Heaven.
" Ofter a prayer forme, O Mary !
May the mercy of the mystery be
unto us ;
Against wounding, against danger,
against suft'ering,
O Christ ! aftbrd us thy protec-
tion.
" I implore the noble, everlasting King ;
^Iay the Only-Begotten of God
plead for us ;
Against sharp torments may
The Son who was born in Bethle-
hem defend me."
May 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 143
In the St. Isidore Manuscript, " Liber Hymnorum," after this hymn follows a
short poem, in the Irish language, in honour of Bishop Sanctain, and it is
couched in three stanzas. ss These'are also preserved, in the '' Liber Hymn-
orum,5^ which belongs to Trinity College, Dublin ; and, this contains some
verbal different readings from the former. Wliile the hymn of St. Sanctan has
been published in the " Goidilica ;"57 the hymn in praise of Bishop
Sanctain has been omitted, 5^ although preserved in the " Liber Hymnorum,"
belonging to Trinity College. It has been stated, that an Irish Abbot,
named St, Sennen, accompanied St. Burianna into Cornwall, where in the
fifth and sixth centuries many holy Irishmen and women were engaged, in
propagating the faith, while leading religious lives. 59 There is in Cornwall a
small port town and parish, named from St. Sennan ; and, tradition says,
that this saint went thither from Ireland. Having died there in his hermitage,
a church was believed to have been erected over ]iis remains. In his Life of
St. Wenefreda, John Capgrave states, that this hoiy virgin was interred there
and near St. Sennan. According to one opinion,^° it is not improbable, that
the present saint was identical with the Cornwall St. Sennan. To us, how-
ever, it would seem more likely, that Sanctain passed his latter days in Ire-
land. He flourished, during the sixth century ; but, no record appears to
have been preserved, to determine the date for his death. St. Sanctain's
well is still extant, at Glenasmole ; but, by a very curious misconception of
a name, derived from the original founder, Killnasantan has been converted
into Kill-St.-Anne. Thus, the memory of the ancient Cambrian Saint has
been displaced, within the present century; although, it seems to have
remained for ages previous, in popular veneration. The ancient patron has
been now forgotten, since, by a facile adaptation of sound, Sanctain has been
converted into St. Anne. During late years, a beautiful Catholic Gothic
Church has been erected in the neighbourhood ; and, under the prevailing
error, it has been dedicated to St. Anne f'^ although, as being near the ancient
site, it is obvious, that it should have been dedicated to the patron St. Sanc-
tain. A well-informed writer ^^ has observed, that there is unfortunately,
now-a-days, an unhappy tendency, to pass over the old historic landmarks,
regarding the veneration of our old Irish saints. To cultivate an acquaint-
ance with their lives, and with the history of the times in which they flourished,
should be the best means to keep alive a wholesome spirit of nationality and
of faith, the preservation of which, under the most adverse circumstances, is
the chief glory of our native land. Another church, connected with St.
Sanctan, was Cill-Sanctan, near Coleraine, in Antrim, and now called Mount
1. The MS. has fCA with the double sign itself only contains 10 stanzas,
of contraction : hence we have supposed it ^7 At p. 92, first edition.
to stand for -pociA, which is the characteris- ^s This presents some important readings,
tic epithet applied to our saint by ^ngus. differing from the text already given ; but,
2. T^uchib, abl. pi. of riwiicli. The Milan it has been published in the " Irish Ecclesi-
Psalter has iniiA fyvticne as the gloss of astical Record," First Series, vol. iv., April,
veterum. 3. ixonceoA — |\o-n-cebA, the n 1868, at p. 325. An English translation
being the infixed personal pronoun, 3rd accompanies it.
sing. In the next line, we have |\oinbich 59 See J. T. Blight's " Churches of West
also for i\o-ni-bich, the m being the infixed Cornwall," published in 1865, p. i.
pronoun ist sing. 4. "OonA-otTO for -oo *° See " The Irish Ecclesiastical Re-
fnA'ou'o, the f being aspirated, and hence cord," vol. iv., April, 1868. Hymn of St.
(as often occurs) omitted after the poss. pr. Sanctain, p. 317.
■DO. 5. oengeinne is manifestly derived ^' By his Eminence Paul Cardinal
from the Latin unigenitus. Cullen, Archbishop of Dublin, in the month
5* The Manuscript, classed E 4, 2, No. of May, 1868.
21. It is comprised in 13 stanzas, with the *^ Whose communication appears in the
additional laudatory hymn. The Hymn " Nation," for June 6th, 1868.
144 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 9.
Sanctan.^3 The old church site is extant, in the townland of Fishloughan.^'»
At the 9th of May, Marianus O'Gorman has recorded the festival of St. Sanctan.
We read in the Martyrology of Donegal,^5 that on this day was venerated,
Sanctan, son of Samuel Ceinnisel, Bishop of Cill-da-les. We are told, like-
wise, that Dechter, daughter to Muireadhach Muinderg, King of Uladh, was
his mother, and that she was also mother of Matoc, the pilgrim. ^^ Under the
respective headings of Cill-da-les, and of Druim Laighille,^? Duald Mac
Firbis^^ enters Sanctan, Bishop, at the 9th of May. The labours of our
saints, the sowing time, the reaping, and the harvest, were begun and ended,
often with uninterrupted prayer and earnest contemplation, in their secluded
places for physical and spiritual toil. They prayed together, when circum-
stances permitted it, or when the rules of a religious life enforced such
obligation. In the Life of St. Patrick, Jocelyn states, that St. Fiech, his dis-
ciple, sent to Heaven before him no fewer than sixty saints.^9 These were
numbered among his own disciples ; but, we may rest assured, that the influ-
ences the great Apostle spread throughout Ireland had the result of raising
up other great masters of the cloister, to emulate his holy work, and to bring
with them many pious imitators, to enjoy the rewards of eternal life.
Article II. — St. Mumboi-us, or Mombolus, Hermit and Abbot of
Lagny, France. [^Seventh Century.'] In the time of this holy man, a pious
emulation seized the Christian Irish and Scots to leave their homes, and to
become evangelists, among people living on the Continent.' St, Mumbolus
or Mombolus was born in Ireland, probably in the seventh century. After-
wards, he went over to France. Tliere, he entered the Monastery of Lagny,
as a disciple to St. Fursey.^ But few particulars regarding him have been
recorded, by Miraeus 3 and Molanus,^ who place his festival, at the i8th of
November. 5 After the death of his master, although third ^ in succession, he
became principal over this monastery.7 But, his government of the inmates
seemed to them rather austere ; and, a confederacy of many among the com-
munity having been formed against him, he withdrew, in company with some
fervent companions, to a place called Condrynus, near the River Isara, now
known as LTsere.^ Here, he lived the life of an anchorite, and he happily
departed to a better state, towards the close of the seventh century. At the
9th of May, Dempster 9 has the Deposition of Mombulus, Abbot of Lagny.'"
®3 Near wliich are the remains of the 654. sect, xi., p. 3S2. Venetian edition,
Castle of Cill Sanctan, built in 1179, by 170$, c/ scj. fol.
John De Courci. ' See his Life, at the l6th of January,
^* See Dr. Reeves' '^Ecclesiastical Antiqui- vol. i. of this work, Art. i.
ties of Down, Connor and Dromore," pp. 3 3ee "Fasti Belgici et Burgundici," p.
74. 324- 688.
's Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. •• See "Nitalcs Sanctorum Belgii," pp.
122, 123. 265, 266.
^ A term, by which the Irish were 5 Further notices of him may be found in
accustomed to designate holy persons, com- this work, and at that date,
ing to Ireland from loreign parts. ^ According to some, he was fourth abbot
'^ The Editor, Mr. William M. Ilenncssy, of Lagny, in the order of rule.
in Notes attached, states, that both these ' See L'Abbe Rohrbachcr's " Histoire
places are unknown. Universelle de I'Eglise Catholique," tome
68 ggg "Proceedings of the Royal Irish x., liv. xlix.,p. 279.
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., ^ A river, rising in Savoy, and running by
part i., pp. 94, 95, 108, 109. Grenoble, in France, and which discharges
•*' See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," itself into the Rhone.
SextaVita S. Patricii, cap. cxvii., p. 92. ' See " Menologium Scoticum."
Article ii. — ' See Cardinal Baronius' '° See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
" Annates Ecclesiastici," tomus viii., a.d. Scottish Saints, " p. 199.
May 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 145
It is probable, he died, on the glh of May ; and, at the same date, Wion,
Dorgan, Ferrarius, as also an Irish authority," have noted his feast. The
Bollandists '^ commemorate him at this day ; but, as they state, these authori-
ties cited, and most of the other saint-writers, have another feast for him, at
the 1 8th of November. The relics of this saint were removed, from his place
of deposition, by the Bishops of Cambray and of Noyon, about the year 831. '3
Article III. — St, Colman, Banban, the Wise, supposed to have
BEEN Scribe of Kildare. \_Sri^enth and Eighth Centiirigs.'] By Colgan,
the holy Colman is identified with a Banban, or a Banan, venerated at the ist
of this month. There, his pedigree has been given, and as has been stated, he
belonged to the Nan-Decies race.^ However, this does not seem to be very
certain. Referring to the Martyrology of Tallagh, and to other Irish
Martyrologies, the Bollandists ^ commemorate Banbhanus or Banuanus
Sapiens, at this day. He is thought, by Colgan,3 to have been a relation of
St. Patrick,^ and to have been that faithful prophet alluded to in the Acts of
the great Irish Apostle. In the Martyrologies of Tallagh s and of Donegal,^
his name is simply entered as Banban, " the sage,"? or " the wise." It is
probable, this was the name by which he was best distinguished ; but, he
appears to have been known as Colman, likewise, and as there were many
saints so denominated in our calendars, his skill as a scribe may have deter-
mined the additional appellative. He died, on the 9th of May, a.d. 720 f if,
as seems probable, he was the St. Colman Banban, scribe of Cill-dara.9 The
Annals of Ulster and Archdall place his death at 724.'°
Article IV. — Dabreccoc, of Tuama Dreman. On the 9th of May,
the Martyrology of Tallagh ' records, Dabreccoc, Tuama Dreman. The
Franciscan copy, however, has entered him as Dabreccoc Tuamma Dercon."
The Bollandists,3 referring to the same source, have entered Da-Breccocus de
Tuain Dracon, for the same date. The saint, who is recorded, on this day,
by Marianus O'Gorman, under the name of Dubricim — the Brussels Manu-
script has Dabriccin — is thought to be the same. According to the Martyr-
" See Father Stephen White's "Apologia 122, 123.
pro Hibernia," cap. iv., p. 41. 7 Dr. Todd in a note says at Sage, "The
'^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., more recent hand adds, 'Sapiens. Mart.
Maii ix. Among the pretermitted saints, Taml.' "
p. 359. ^ See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
'3 See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 318,319.
Ordinis S. Benedict!," tomus ii., p. 624. 9 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Article hi. — ' See Colgan's "Acta Appendix Quinta ad Acta S. Brigidas, cap.
Sanctorum Hibernias," xii. Januarii, Appen- ii., p. 629.
dix ad Acta S. Itse, cap. ii., p. 73. '° See" Monasticon Hibernicum." In the
* See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii very same sentence and notes, some errors
ix. Among the pretermitted saints, p. are to be found, at p. 324.
358. Article iv. — ' Edited by the Rev. Dr.
3 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Kelly, p. xxiii.
Vita S. Patricii, pars ii., cap. xxxii., and n. ^ The Irish text is 'OAb|\eccoc CuAniniA
67, pp. 132, 176. 'Oe^con, at this same date.
■* See his Life, in vol. iii. of this work, at 3 gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
March 17th. Maii ix. Among the pretermitted saints,
s Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. p. 358.
The Franciscan copy has bAnb^n SAp. ■» Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 122,123.
K
146 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 9.
ology of Donegal,* a festival in honour of Cenmar s was celebrated on this
day. We believe that an error has been admitted, in giving this name to a
person, rather than to a place.*
Article V.— Festival of St. Brendan of Birr, King's County.
\Sixth Cenfiiry.'] We find in the Franciscan copy of the Tallagh Martyrology,
a festival set down for Brinnaind of Birr,' at the 9th of May. A festival in honour
ofBrennan Biorroris registered, also, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,^
at the corresponding day. He was son to Neman, and the founder of Birr,
in the King's County.3 He was a contemporary and friend of St. Colum-
kille.* The Bollandistss refer to the Martyrology of Tallagh, for the festival
of St. Brendan of Birr, as occurring at this date. His deatli is referred, by some
writers, to a.d. 544; and, by others, to a.d. 571.* St. Columba? is said to
have had an immediate revelation regarding his death, and at the very time
it occurred, while he was residing, at lona.^ However, the true date for his
feast, is at the 29th day of November.9
Article VI. — St. Lamhruadh. A record of Lamruaid appears in
the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 9th of May. From the same authority,
the Bollandists =* enter Lam-ruadus, at this date. The name of Lamhruadh
occurs, in the Martyrology of Donegal,3 as having been venerated, and on
this day.
Article VII. — St. Cetfaidh. On this day, as we read in the Martyr-
ology of Donegal,' veneration was given to Cetfaidh. Elsewhere, we do not
find an entry of him.
Article VIII. — St. Beatus, Hermit, Lake of Thun, Switzer-
land. \Probably in the Sixth and Serenth Centuries.'] There seems to be
some confusion in those accounts, which had formerly prevailed, relating to
St. Beatus, Hermit of Thun, whose feast has been assigned to the 9th of
May, in several German and other Martyrologies, but who has been con-
founded apparently with another holy man, and similarly named, Beatus of
5 In a note, Dr. Todd says at Cenmar, ^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
"The more recent hand adds, ' T3<\b|\icin, Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 206, 207.
Mar. Videtur esse quern. Mart. Tanil. vocat ' See his Life, at the 9th of June.
'D^b]\ec65 Cuahia ■Ol^e<^nlAn, 9 Maii." ^ g^g j^g^ j^,.^ Reeves' Adamnan's ' ' Life
^ The reader is referred to the quotation, of St. Columba,"tlib. iii., cap. xi., pp. 209,
from the Franciscan copy of the Tallagh 210.
Martyrology, in the former account of St. » See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Iliber-
Santan of Cill-da-leis, which latter is pre- nice," Februarii xxviii., Vita S. Aidi, Epis.
ceded by the word Cent)in<\]\. et Confessoris, n. 6, p. 422.
Article V. — ' The Irish text appears to Article vl — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
be bT\irinAinT) or bjAeniiAinx) bii\oi\. Kelly, p. xxiii. The Franciscan copy also
' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. enters LAm|\udi'o.
3 SeeRev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life - See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
of St. Columba," lib. iii., cap. iii., and nn. Maii ix. Among the pretermitted feasts,
(b. c), pp. 192 to 194. p. 358.
* See his Life, at the 9th of June. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., 122, 125.
Maii ix. Among the pretermitted saints, Article vii. — ' Edited by Drs. Todd
p. 359- and Reeves, pp. 122, 123.
May 9.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
147
Vendome,' sometimes called St. Beat or Bie.^ This latter is said to have
come into Gaul, at a very early age, having been sent by St. Peter. It has
been conjectured, 3 some ancient writer, having found on record, that he had
a mission from the Apostolic See, thought he should ascribe that act to the
first of the Apostles. Therefore, it seems likely enough, that incidents in the
lives of both Beati have been ascribed, and in a mistaken way, sometimes to
one, or sometimes to another, of these holy persons. The Bollandists '< have
Acts 5 of St. Beatus, at the 9th of May.^ A Life of St. Beatus was pub-
lished at Basle, in 151 1, by Daniel Agricola ;7 and, this has been the autho-
rity for subsequent statements made regarding him, by the Cartliusian George
Carnefelt,^ and by the learned Beatus Rhenan, 9 born in the year 1485,'° while
he died, a.d. 1547.'' According to some, he was at first called Suetonius,
and he is said to have had a companion, named Achates ; both of whom were
sent into Helvetia, at the instance of St. Peter.^^ By Dempster,'3 who makes
him a Scotchman by birth, Suetonius is resolved into Setonius, or Scton, the name
of a Scottish family illustrious in rank. Michael Alford "* will have it, that Sue-
tonius was the son of a British nobleman, and that he had been converted to
the Christian Faith, by the earlier preachers of the Gospel, in Britain. After
Baptism, he is said to hare been called Beatus. 's In his English Martyrology,
at the 9th of May, John Wilson states, that the Pontiff, St. Linus,'* conse-
crated St. Beatus, as a Priest. However, this holy man came from Ireland,
most probably, as a companion of St. Columbanus,'? St. Gall,'^ and other
devoted missionaries, when they visited Switzerland. Others have it, that
Beatus came from Britain ;'9 which, after all, may not be inconsistent, with
the accident of his nativity in our Island. However, it is generally allowed
Article viii. — ' He was also an
anchoret, at Laon, in the third century.
^ For the history of this latter holy person,
the reader is referred to Dom Lelong's " His-
toire du Diocese de Laon," a.d. 17S3, 4to,
as also to " Les Petits Bollandistes," Vies
des Saints, tome v., Mai ix« jour, pp. 407 to
409.
3 By Rev. S. Baring-Gould.
'» See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Mail
ix. De Sancto Beato Vindocini in Dioecesi
Carnotensi, ]ip. 364 to 368.
5 These comprise a preliminary disserta-
tion, in six paragraphs, with Vita ex MSS.
Bodecensi et VUrajectino, in seven para-
graphs, with notes, as also Appendix de
Veneratione S. Beati apud Heluetios : et
num alius Beatus fidem Christi illis annun-
tiarit, which is comprised in six para-
graphs.
* These have been edited, by Father
Godefrid Henschenn.
7 According to this writer, when St. Bar-
nabas preached in parts of Scotia and Bri-
tain, Suetonius, a young man, believed in
Christ, was baptized, and called Beatus ;
then he went to Rome, whence he was sent
by the Apostle St. Peter to convert the Hel-
vetians.
® He writes : " Fecit ille opus suum annis
aliquot strenue, et post amore solitarige vitee
inflammatus, in eremum secessit, draconem
interfecit, obiitque feliciter anno Christi
CXII., circiter setatis xc. Et puto eumdem
esse de quo Martyrologium Romanum ix
Maii, Molanus, Canisius, alhque." — " De
Vitis Eremitarum," lib. iv., cap. i.
' In the work : *' Rerum Germanicarum
Commentarii,"lib. iii., p. 161, of the edition,
published in 1531, or p. 172 of the edition
published in 1551.
" At Selestad.
" At Strasburgh.
" See Franciscus Guillimann, " De
Rebus Helvetiorum sive Antiquitatum Libri
v.," lib. i., cap. xv.
'3 See "flistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum," tomus i., lib. ii., num. 159,
p. 90.
'■' See " Fides Regia Britannicos, sive An-
nales Ecclesise Britannicoe," &c., tomus i.,
ad annum 59, num. 10, 11, 12.
'5 Then, he is thought to have been sent to
St, Peter, at Rome.
'* " On donne douze ans a S. Lin, et toute-
fois il est plus vraisemblable qu'il ne sur-
vecut aux apotres qu'un an on deux, et par
consequant qu'ils I'avoient etabli eveque de
Rome, pour la gouverner sous eux, comme
ils en usoient dans les autres eglises." —
L'Abbe Fleury's " Histoire Ecclesiastique,"
tome i., liv. ii., sect, xxvi., p. 192.
^^ See his Life, at the 21st of November.
'^ See his Life, at the i6th of October.
'5 See J. S. Buckingham's "Belgium, the
Rhine, Switzerland, and Holland," vol. ii.,
chap, v., p. 78.
^° Dempster writes : " Frustra Personius
148
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 9.
he was a Scot.^° Like many of our Irish ascetics, he desired to serve God,
in sohtude ; and, accordingly, he selected a spot where he might live, and
still enjoy the most romantic scenes of nature. Along the borders of the
deep Lake of Thun,^' he found a series of high precipices, and high up on
the face of these rocks was a cave, about thirty feet above a large stream,
which spouts from the rock, and which afterwards forms a fine cascade of 800
feet. This plunges into the still mirror of the lake, which it strews with bub-
bles. ^^ There is a supposition, that Beatus came from Rome to Vindonissa,^3
the ancient Castrum Vindocinum, identical with the modern town of Win-
disch, in Switzerland. According to one account,'4 St. Beatus is regarded as
the first Bishop of Windisch ; yet, this does not tally, with the more reliable
histories. The ancient Vindonissa was formerly one of the most important
towns of the Romans, in Helvetia ; but, it was destroyed by the Germans, in
570.^5 After its destruction, the seat of the bishopric was transferred to
Constance,^^ a delightfully situated city on the Rhine, and near the beautiful
lake so named.^7 Near this lake of Thun, St. Beatus lived in a cave, yet to
be seen on the face of a steep rock, high over that sheet of water. The
scenery around is most glorious and sublime.-^ The cave itself is now
screened by a fir-wood, which clings to the ledges of rock. Formerly, its
wide entrance was walled up, so as to leave only a door and a window ; but,
the stones have now fallen. ^9 According to a popular legend, before St. Beatus
settled in this cave, it had been occupied, by a monstrous serpent, which
he precipitated into the lake beneath. His secluded habitation contained an
altar, which is now overthrown. If we are to believe Dempster, he died a.d.
112, and in the ninetieth year of his age. 3° At the 9th of May, this same
writer 3' notes the festival of the holy man, Beatus, in Helvetia.^^ After the
eum Anglum facit, cum et Vita ejus et
Georgius Garnefelt disei te Scotice asserunt
lib. iv. de Vita Eremitarum cap. i. Ad hos
accedit Beatus Rhenanus, lib. iii. Rerum
Germanicar. Stumfius Chron. Helvetior.,
lib. vii., cap. xxii. Gul. Eisengrin, par. v.,
distinct ii., cent, ii., et prKter hos etiam
hsereticus Pantaleon de Viris Germanise par.
iii. et Scotis favet Georg. Wicelius lib. v., cap.
xxxiii." — ''Historia Ecclesiastics Gentis
Scotorum," tomusi., lib. ii., num. 159, p. 90.
^' The Lake of Thun is about ten miles
long, and from three to four wide, with a
depth of at least two thousand feet in the
middle ; and mountains of from four to five
thousand feet high rise on each side, beauti-
fully clothed with lawns, woods, cattle, and
dwellings ; presenting several views of the
snowy Alps, in openings on the south side of
the Lake." — J. S. Buckingham's " Belgium,
the Rhine, Switzerland, and Holland," vol.
ii., chap, v., p. 78. A very beautiful engrav-
ing of Thun, from the cemetery, is presented
as an illustration.
" Thus is the scenery described, by the
Rev. S. Baring-Gould. " The sun set, as I
sat in the door of the hermit's cave ; and as
I walked back to Unterseen, its orange fires
fell and touched with flame every while and
heaven aspiring peak ; and the spotless Jung-
frau seated amidst a glorious company of
mountain forms, each with its flaming brow,
called up a thought of the events of that first
Whitsun day, when —
" The fires that rushed on Sinai down
In sudden torrents dread.
Now gently light, a glorious crown,
On every saintly head."
^3 Allusion is made to it, by C. Corn.
Tacitus, in " Historiarum," lib. iv., cap. Ixi.
-^ See " Chronicon Episcopatus Constan-
tiensis," edited by Joannes Pistorius, and
brought down to the year 1607.
-5 See " Gazetteer of the World," vol. xiv.,
P- 505-
'* See Dr. William Smith s " Dictionary
of Greek and Roman Geography," vol. ii.,
p. 13"-
-' See William Coxe's " Travels in Swit-
zerland, and in the country of the Grisons,"
&c., vol. i.. Letter 3, pp. 14 to 16.
=^ The Rev. S. Baring-Gould thus
describes the appearance of this place, which
he visited : " Tufts of pinks clung to the
rock, and bunches of campanula dangled
their blue bells at dizzy heights over the
still water. Yellow cistus, golden poten-
tilla, and spices of blue salvia made glorious
harmonies of colour in the little dells that
sank in green grassy slopes to tiny coves
where nestled cottages, and a gaily painted
boat was moored.'
'9 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
the Saints," vol. v., May the Ninth, pp. 136
to 138.
3" See " Ilisloria Ecclcsiastica Gentis
May 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
149
death of the saint, crowds of pious pilgrims used to visit his cave, and this
continued until after the so-called Reformation. Having violently forced
heresy on the reluctant peasants of Haslithal and Interlachen,33 in the inte-
rests of Zwinglianism, the authorities of Berne were obliged to drive the
Catholics away from the cave of their Apostle, at the point of the spear.34
The Deposition of St, Beatus, Confessor, is noticed at the 9th of May, in the
Roman Martyrology, and as a commemoration, at Windisch.3s At Lungern,
where the ancient faith still maintains its ground, loving hearts have built a
little chapel, dedicated to Beatus. It is on the nearest point in the Canton
of Ob-walden.36 At this place, on the 9th of May, in each year, a sermon is
preached by one of the Capuchin friars of Sarnen, when great crowds, who
still honour the memory of their Apostle, visit there each year. 37
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of St. Nicholas, Bishop and
Martyr, Scotland. {Third Century.'] According to Dempster,^ there
was one Nicholas, a Culdee, among the early bishops of Scotland, and it is
said, that he suffered martyrdom, a.d. 296, during the persecution of the
Emperor Maximianus. His body is said, to have been cut into pieces, and
to have been deposited in a stone sepulchre, which was buried in the earth.
On it, " S. Nocolai Episcopi," is stated to have been inscribed.^ His sacred
remains are related to have been found,3 on the vii. of the May Ides — corres-
ponding with this date — a.d. 1262.4 At the instance of the Bishop of Glas-
gow, Alexander III.,s King of Scotland,*' raised a magnificent church, at
Peebles, in honour of St. Nicholas, and which was formerly much frequented
by the faithful. In Dempster's "Menologium Scoticum,"? this feast is entered,
as the Finding and Elevation of Nicholas, Bishop and Culdee, at the 9th of
Scotorum," tomus i., lib. ii., num. 159, an account of him in Rev. Alban Butler's
P- 90- , " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other
3' See " Menologium Scoticum. " principal Saints," vol. v. , Maii ix. It seems
3^ See BishopForbes' " Kalendars of Scot- to us, however, that the feast of St. Nicholas
tish Saints, " p. 199. of Myra had been observed, on this day, in
33 This town is romantically situated, Scotland, where some of his relics were pro-
between two Lakes, " with high mountains bably received and preserved,
all around, and the snowy masses of the Ber- 3 Yox an account of the Finding of St.
nese Alps full in front." — J. S. Buckingham's Nicholas' relics, and of a certain " magnifica
" Belgium, the Rhine, Switzerland and Hoi- crux et venerabilis apud Pebles," and the
land," vol. ii., chap, v., p. 79. subsequent foundation of the conventual
3-* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of Church of the Holy Cross, by King Alex-
the Saints," vol. v.. May the Ninth, p. 137. andcr IH,, a.d. 1261, the reader is referred
35 " In Castro Vindecino depositio sancti to Goodall's edition of Fordun's "Scotichro-
Beaticonfessoris." — " Martyrologium Roma- nicon," tomus ii., lib. x., cap. xiv., p. 96.
num," Maii 9, p. 208. t Said to have been the thirteenth year of
3* Obwalden and Nidwalden are two divi- Alexander Ill's reign over Scotland,
sions of the present Canton of Unterwalden. s He ascended the throne in 1249, and he
In 1870, Obwalden had a population of died A.D. 1286. See an account of his ex-
14,415 souls. See Elisee Reclus' " Nou- ploits, in James Taylor's "Pictorial History
velle Geographic Universelle," tome iii., of Scotland," vol. i., chap, vi., pp. 75 to
liv. iii., chap, i., sect, x., p. 127. 82.
37 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives * According to " Respublica sive Status
of the Saints," vol, v.. May the Ninth, Regni Scotas et HiberniK, Uiversorum Au-
p, 137- torum : " ipse ab equo lapso excussus fractis
Article ix. — • See " Historia Eccle- cervicibus interiit, anno Christi 1285, vixit
siastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. annos 45, regnavit 37." — Scotise Descriptio,
xiii., num. 952, p. 501. p. 131. Lugd. Bat. Elzivir edition, a.d. 1627,
° A St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor, of 24mo.
Lincopen, in Sweden, was venerated, on the ' See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
9th of May. He died, a.d. 1391. See tish Saints," p. 199.
15°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 9.
May. Ferrarius, too, takes his notice, on the authority of Dempster, as the
Bollandists observe,^ at this day, while they remark, the latter has been a
faithless guide.9 It is amusing to read Dempster's truthful avowal — at least
in the present instance — that he could not find whether or not this early
bishop and martyr in Scotland left any writings. '°
Article X.— Feasts of the Translation of St. Andrew, Apostle
OF Scotland, and of the Translation of St. Nicholas, Bishop and
Confessor. In the Breviary of Aberdeen, on this day, as also in the Roman
Martyrology,^ there is the festival of the Translation of St. Andrew, Apostle,
and the Patron of Scotland.' His remains were removed from Achaia to
Constantinople ; and, a long time afterwards, they were brought to
Amalfi.3 It is said, a certain St. Regulus carried portions of his relics to
Scotland from Patra, a.d. 369, and that they were deposited in a church,
where St. Andrew's ^ now stands. In Ireland, St. Andrew is venerated as
patron in a parish and church, dedicated to him in Dublin. There is a com-
memoration of the Translation of St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor, in the
Roman Martyrology,5 and in other Festilogies.^ He was a native of Patara,
in Lycia. From being an Abbot, he was chosen to be Archbishop of ]\Iyra.
He died there a.d. 342, and was buried in his own cathedral. His Life was
written by Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople. His chief feast is on the
6th of December. 7 The feast of this day refers to the removal of St.
Nicholas' relics from Myra,^ to the city of Bari,9 in the year 1087. John,
Archdeacon of Bari, wrote an account of this transfer, which was intended to
remove his remains from the power of the Mahomedans. Both in the Greek
and Latin Churches, his memory was held in great veneration ; while, in Ire-
* See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii ix. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 358. . ^ ,
9 They add regardmg him, "multa ex sue
cerebro confinxisse convictus."
'" See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xiii., num. 952,
P- SOI.
Article x.— 'Thus: " Constantmopoli
Translatio Sanctorum Andrew Apostoli, et
Lucse Evangelistse de Achaia, et Timothei
discipuli beati Pauli Apostoli ab Epheso :
corpus autem sancti Andreae longo post tem-
pore Amalphim delatum, ibi pio fidelium
concursu honoratur : ex cujus sepulchre
liquor ad languores curandosjugiiur manat."
— " INIartyrologium Ronianum," at Maii 9,
p. 208.
' His chief feast is held, however, on the
30th of November. See an account of this
holy Apf)Sile and Martyr, in Rev. Alban
Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other principal Saints," vol. xi., November
XXX.
3 See Les Petits Bollandists, " Les Vies
des Saints," tome v. ix« jour de Mai,
p. 406.
■♦ Nearly the whole First Volume of Rev.
J. F. S. Gordon's learned work " Scoti-
chronicon," besides this account of St.
Andrew's relics, gives the History of St.
Andrew's See, with the Lives of its Bishops.
s Thus : " In Apulia Translatio sancti
Nicholai episcopi ex Myra civitate Lycise." —
" Martyrologium Romanum," Maii 9, p. 208.
* We are told, by Cardinal Baronius, that
Bede, Usuard, and more recent writers, have
the feast of St. Nicholas, at this date. How-
ever, it is not to be found in the Rev. J. A.
Giles' "Complete Works of Venerable Bede,
in the original Latin, collected with the
Manuscripts, and various printed editions,
&c., at iSIay 9, in " Martyrologium de Natali-
tiis Sanctorum ; cum Auctuario Flori et
Aliorum," &c., tomus iv., p. 65. But, at the
7th of this month, we read, " Eodem
die translatio S. Nicholai in Barrensem
urbem."
' See an account of him, at this date, in
Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Fathers,
Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol.
xii., December vi.
® A city of Lysia.
5 Its situation, on the Adriatic Sea, in the
province Terra di Bari, and former kingdom
of Naples, is shown on the fine Map of Italy,
engraved from the original of G. A. Rizzi-
Zannoni, and prefixed to the Rev. J. C.
Eustace's " Classical Tour through Italy.
An MDCCCII."
'" This church was of an early foundation
in Dublin, as appears from the charter of
May 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 151
land, he is the Patron of Gahvay town and diocese, as also of St. Nicholas
parish and church,'° in the city of Dublin.
Article XI. — The Translation of St. Brandan, Bishop and
Confessor. \_Sixth Century.'] At the 9th of May, the Bollandists ' quote
Greven's written additions to the Carthusian Manuscript of Bruxelles, for the
festival recorded, " S. Brandani Episcopi et Confessoris Translatio ;" and
afterwards, they refer us to the i6th of this month, for his chief feast.^ It may
be questioned, however, if that former feast may not have reference, rather to
St. Brandan, or Brendan, Abbot of Birr,3 who is said to have been miraculously
translated to the skies in his chariot or coach,'* like Elijah, s and whose depar-
ture from this world ^ was revealed to St. Columkille.? His chief festival is
kept, on the 29th of November.^
Article XII. — Feast of St. Michael, the Archangel. In the
Irish Church, was celebrated, at this date, a festival of the Archangel St.
Michael, as we find it noted, in the Feilire of St. ^ngus, and in the Martyr-
ology of Tallagh.' The commentator, on this line, explains, that it was
Michael's great manifestation,^ in the mountain of Garganus, which had been
the occasion for establishing this commemoration. In the Roman Breviary,
however, the day for this feast is set down, at the 8th of May. 3
Article XIII. — Feast of St. Cyril, Martyr. The festival of St.
Cyril, Martyr, is entered in the Feilire of St. ^ngus,' at the 9th of May.
There were many martyrs in the church, bearing this name ; but, it seems to
be a difficult matter to find the time, place, and manner of this saint's death,
or to establish his identity with any one of them.
Article XIV. — Reputed Feast of Ken-marus. Quoting from the
Martyrology of Tallagh, the Bollandists ' record Ken-marus, as having a fes-
tival, at the 9th of May. However, we cannot find such a feast in the Fran-
ciscan copy of that Martyrology.
Archbishop John Comyn, in William Monck * See, also, Art. v., at this date.
Mason's "History and Antiquities of the Article xii. — ' Here it is entered as
Collegiate and Cathedral Church of St. tleuelAuio micliAel ^^xchAnjLi.
Patrick, near Dublin," Introduction, sect. ^ He gives the following Latin explana-
ii., p. 3, and Appendix i.,pp. i., ii. tion : " quando quaesiuit aliquis suum tau-
Article XI. — ' See " Acta Sanctorum," rum et quando misit sagitam in taurum et
tomus ii., Mail ix. Among the pretermitted suasagita ad semet ipsum rediuit et per hoc
saints, p. 358. signum manifestatus est Micahel occidenti."
' See also the present volume, at the same — Notes from the Leabhar Breac, on the
date. Calendar of St. Oengus. See " Transactions
3 See his Life, at the 29th of November. of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu
^See Thomas Lalor Cooke's " Early His- script Series, vol. i., part i. , p. Ixxxv.
tory of the Town of Birr," &c., chap. Ii., ^ it is celebrated in Ireland as a Duplex
p. 13. Majus, with Nine Proper Lessons.
5 See IV. Kings ii., 11. Article xiii. — ' See " Transactions of
' In the ' ' Chronicon Scotorum, " edited by the Royal Irish Academy, " Irish Manuscript
William M. Hennessy, his death is twice set Series, vol. i., part i., p. Ixxix.
down, at A.D. 565, and at a.d. 573. See Article xiv. — ' See "Acta Sancto
pp. 56 to 59. rum," tomus ii., Maiiix. Among the pre-
' See his Life, at the 9th of June. termitted saints, p. 358.
152 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
Cent!) IBap of i¥lap»
ARTICLE I.— ST. CONGALL, OR COMGALL, ABBOT OF BANGOR,
COUNTY OF DOWN.
[SIXTH AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.^
CHAPTER I .
INTRODUCTION — AUTHORITIES FOR THE LIFE OF ST. COMGALL — PREDICTIONS REGARD-
ING HIM — HIS PARENTAGE AND BIRTH— HIS BAPTISM AND MIRACLES WROUGHT
AT THAT TIME — HIS VOCATION TO A RELIGIOUS LIFE — HE BECOMES A DISCIPLE
OF ST. FINTAN, AT CLONENAGH — HIS ORDINATION — HE LEADS A LIFE OF RETIRE-
MENT, IN AN ISLAND OF LOUGH ERNE.
IN earliest times, our Irish monasteries were the chief agencies, in civiliz-
ing and evangelizing the people. The inmates were instructors of the
ignorant, the houses refuges for the oppressed, and the monks were almoners
to the needy. The monasteries were centres of Christian life and light, like-
wise, in the midst of heathen darkness. Nor could it be said of them, as in
after time?, when an alien tithes' establishment had been imposed on Ireland,
that not only was a tax levied by the inmates on industry, but even on the
industry that feeds mankind. On the contrary, the religious maintained
themselves by voluntary endowments, contributions and labour ; while they
gave employment to the poor, and even ministered disinterestedly, in a
charitable manner, to the classes, who most required protection and main-
tenance. Sympathy through every fibre of social relations bound the monks
and the people together ; not, as in our own age, when a hostile people
groaned under the legal and unjustifiable exactions of a hostile clergy, with
demoralization, outrage, and bloodshed resulting, as the natural consequence
of Irish misgovernment and oppression.'
That the Acts of St. Comgall ^ were well known, in the early Irish Church,
can be proved from the copies, which even yet remain in various repositories
of learning. Thus, Trinity College Library,3 Dublin, contains one of these
treatises. Also, Marsh's Library, Dublin, has a Life of St. Comgall, in Manu-
script.* At Oxford, some, Manuscript Lives of this saint are preserved. s
Among the Manuscripts in the Burgundian Library, at Bruxelles, there is a
Vita S. Comgalli.^ The Franciscan Librar)-, Dublin, possesses a Latin Life
Article i. — Chapter i. — • See William niensis, fol. 91 to 94.
Edward Hartpole Lecky's " Leaders of Pub- s These are contained, in the Bodleian Li-
lic Opinion in Ireland," Daniel O'Connell, braiy, among the Rawlinson collection. One
pp. 261 to 263. is classed, B. 485, in a vellum 4to of the four-
' Father John Colgan quotes a Life of St. teenth century, at fol. 224; another is classed,
Coemgell, which he attributes to the author- B. 505, in a vellum folio, at fol. 21-24 5 'ino-
ship of St. Euinus, or Evin. See "Acta ther is to be found, among the Ilarleian
Sanctorum MiberniK," xxix.Januarii. Vita Manuscripts. This latter is classed, No.
S. Gilda; Badonici, &c., n. 13, p. 192. 6,576, and it is intituled, Vita Sancti Con-
3 In the Manuscript, clissed IC. 3, li, at galli et Passio animx sure — it is a 4to paged
fol. 57, is a Vita S. Congalli. It is marked. Manuscript of the fifteenth century, at fol.
No. 792, of the " Catalogus Manuscriptorum 337-366.
Anglix et Hibernix\" " In the Manuscript, classed vol. xxii., at
* See the vellum, intituled Codex Kilken- fol. 195.
May io.] lives OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 153
of this saint.7 Father Fleming ^ has pubh'shed Acts of the holy Abbot Com-
gall. They have been transcribed from a Codex Ardmacanus. John Bale,9
Pits,'° and other writers, treat about an imaginary St. CongeUus, who is sup-
posed to have founded or ruled the ancient monastery of Bangor, in North
Wales ; but, they are most certainly under a mistake, as, if better informed, their
statement should have referred them to the present St. Comgall, and to liis
Irish Monastery, at Bangor," in the county of Down. The BoUandists have
published Acts of this holy Abbot, from two different lives :'^ the first and
the shorter Acts '3 resulting from a collation of three distinct Manuscripts.'*
The Acts, as furnished by Father Hugh Ward, are edited, from an Irish
Manuscript, and compared with those published by Thomas Sirinus, or
O'Sheeran, in his commentaries on the Life of St. Columbanus.'S The latter
Acts, praised by Archbishop Ussher,'^as deserving of credit, are given more at
length ; and, they contain some statements, which appear to have been taken
from those accounts first given. The Life of thib samt appears to have been
prepared for publication, by Father John Colgan, at the loth of May.'?
Among other writers, Bishop Challenor,'^ Rev. Alban Butler,'9 and the Rev.
S. Baring-Gould,=^° have special notices of St. Comgall, Abbot of Bangor.
It shall be our endeavour, to present a faithful record of our saint's Ufe, from
those various published sources, by referring for confirmation of several state-
ments given, to authorities bearing on the subject. It is stated, in St.
Patrick's Life, by Jocelyn,^' that this holy Apostle had predicted St. Comgall's
birth, and the foundation of his Abbey at Bangor, sixty years before accom-
plishment of the former event." On the day before our saint's birth, holy
Macniseus,^3 Bishop of Connor, is said to have had a vision regarding him.
For, on hearing the noise of horses and of a chariot passing, he said to his
assistants, " This chariot carries a king." They immediately went out to
satisfy their curiosity, after such announcement; but, they soon returned with
word to their Bishop, that the chariot contained only a man, named Sedna, and
his wife Briga. Both of these humble persons were well known to them. The
Bishop rephed, " My children, do not think I have spoken falsely to you, in
this case. For that woman bears a king, who shall be born on to-morrow, at
^ In the paper Manuscript Vitse Sancto- May loth, sect. 3.
rum ex Codice Inisensi. Vita S. Comgalli, '5 His Life occurs, at the 21st of Novem-
pp. 46 to 50. ber.
^ See " Collectanea Sacra," &c. The Vita '^ In his " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
S. Comgalli is in seventy paragraphs, pp. Antiquitates," cap. xiii., p. 237.
303 to 316, but mispaged. '7 See " Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum
9 See "Scriptorum Illustrium Majoris Hibernise quas in MS. habentur."
Britannise," &c., cent, i., cap. 53, p. 452, '^ See "Britannia Sancta," part i., pp.
cap. 6. 283 to 285.
'° See " Relationum Kistoricarum de "' See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
Rebus Anglicis." and other principal Saints," vol. v.,
" See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia May x.
Sancta," part i., p. 283, note. =° See " Lives of the Saints," vol. v., May
"SeetheBollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," x., pp. 141 to 145.
tomus ii., Maiix., pp. 579 to 58S. "' He stales: " Annorum sexaginta circulo
'3 This is characterized, by Rev. Dr. Lani- complete, nascetur quidam filius vitae, Com-
gan, as "a trifling one." See " Ecclesias- gallus nomine, quod interpretatur Pulchrum-
tical History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., pignus ; erit enim dilectus Deo et homini-
sect. xii., n. 190, p. 64. bus, atque ob morum meritorumque pulchri-
'* One of the latter was left for the editor's tudinem prospere jirocedet et regmabit cum
use, by Father Henry Fitzsimons of the Christo, inter ipsius pignora couiputandus.
Society of Jesus ; another was sent to them, Ipse vero in loco luce prteostenso ecclesiam
from the College of Salamanca ; while the Sanctorum asdificabit, in qua innumera
third had been communicated to them, by agmina filiorum lucis et vitas Christi servitio
Father Hugh Ward, the Franciscan. See mancipanda coadunabit."
the BoUandists' Commentarius Proevius, at " See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga, "
154
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 10.
sunrise f^ he shall be adorned with all virtues, and the world shall be
illuminated, with the lustre of his miracles.^s Not only shall many thousand
monks obey him as a king, but also a great multitude of princes and people."
During a whole night antecedent to that morning of our saint's birth, a great
light was seen by many persons, in the country. This radiance appeared
around the place of his nativity.^^ Although there is an anachronism in it,^7
this story, with some slight variations, is told in the Life of St. Mac Nesse.'^
Although of humble parentage, yet, it seems that St. Comgall descended from
the race of Irial, son to Conall Cearnach.=9 His father Sethna was a soldier
attached to the Prince of Dailnariade. He was a descendant from Aradius,
the founder of that renowned family. Following the family pedigree, he was
ninth in descent from Fiacha Araidhe. According to some accounts, St.
Comgall was born, a.d. 506,3° 510,3' or 511 ; others have a.d. 513 ;3=^ while
some writers place his birth, at a.d. 516,33 or 517.34 This latter date 33 is
probably the most correct, in the opinion of the Rev. Dr. Lanigan,36 ^nd it
agrees better than the other computation, with some transactions of Comgall's
Life.37 His birth occurred, in a northern part of the province of Ulster 3^ —
in a region known as Dailnaraidhe, or Dalaradia.39 The place itself is
denominated Mourne,4° and it now gives name to an estate, in the parish of
Glynn. The true place of our saint's birth, was in the territory of Maghera-
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. Ixxxvd.
*3 His Acts occur, at the 3rd of Septem-
ber.
'* In the Vita Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo
et editione Sirini, cap. i., num. 4, p. 582, is
added, " Ipsa jam mulier Brigh crastino die
oriente sole filium reverendissimum, cujus
nomen dicetur Comgallus, pariet in oppido
de Mourne," <S:c.
"5 After quoting a Latin passage, referring
to the prediction of St. Macnissius, before
the birth of St. Comgall, and taken from the
Marsh MS., called Liber Kilkenniensis, the
Rev. Dr. Reeves adds : " Fleming, who has
printed this Life from a MS. of Armagh,
reads Murue instead of Meurne." See, too,
" Collectanea Sacra," num. 5, p. 304.
^* See "Acta Sanctorum," tome ii., x.
Maii. Vita Comgalli ex tribus Codicibus
MS. n. i., p. 580, Vita S. Comgalli ex MS.
antiquo et editione Sirini, cap. i., n. 4, pp.
582, 583-
'7 Mac Nisse died in 514, whereas Com-
gall was not born till 517, yet it serves to
show, that the Mourne of Antrim, and not
that of Down, was the birth-place of St.
Comgall ; Connor being about thirteen
miles distant, westwards, from Maghera-
morne.
"* See the Boliandists' "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus i., Septembris iii. De Sancto
Macnissio. Vita auctore incerto, num. 8,
p. 665.
^9 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,'
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
122, 123.
3° The Annals of Inisfallen have, at A.n.
51 1, " Nativitas Comgaill Benchair." — Rev.
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptorcs," tomus ii., p. 5.
3' \Vc read from a calculation, made by a
writer in the O'Clerys' Martyrology, regard-
ing St. Comgall's birth, "ergonatus 10 Maii
an. 510."
3^ See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, n. no, p. 113.
33 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni-
cum," p. 106.
3-» See Rev. Dr. Reeves' "Adamnan's
"Life of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. 49, n.
(e), p. 93-
35 It is the one found in the Annals of
Tigernach. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
"Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus
ii., p. 129.
3* He remarks, that in the supposition, St.
Comgall has been born before 516, he should
have been more than thirty-two years old,
when he entered as a monk at Clonenagh,
and still, by some additional years, he must
have been younger than his master, St.
Fintan.
37 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii., cliap. X., sect. xii. , n. 192, pp.
64, 65.
3^ For the place of his birth, see Rev.
William Reeves' "Ecclesiastical Antiqui-
ties of Down, Connor and Dromore," p.
269.
39 The Vita S. Comgalli states: " De
aquilonali Hiberniie regione, nomine Dail-
nary naraidhe, quce est contra mare in
aquilonari Provincias plaga Ultorum, Sanctus
Abbas Comgallus ortus fuit," &c. — "Collec-
tanea Sacra," &c., ThoniK Sirini, num. I,
P- 303.
•»" It is generally — but mcorrectly — sup-
posed, that St. Comgall was born in a part of
that country, bordering on the sea, and
in a town of Mourne, near Carlingford
Lough.
■♦• This district lies to the south of Inver
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 155
morne/' It was situated, near the Irish Sea/* and in the eastern part of Antrim
County. Extending south-westwards to Lough Neagh, that district was the head-
quarters of the Irish Picts, or Crutheni.'^s At Rathmore, near Antrim, is said
to have been the fort of their kings. At a time, when his father was advanced
in years, this birth is stated to have occurred. Being an only son, Comgall
was much loved by his parents, from the very moment of his birth. 44 It is
said, this infant was brought to receive the baptismal sacrament, at the hands
of a priest, who by some accident had been deprived of sight. Yet, he dis-
tinctly recollected the ritual words, serving for administration of this first
sacrament. The name of this priest 45 was Fedelmid 4^ or Fedlimin.47 At the
infant's approach towards that place, where he was to have been baptized, a
fountain of water issued from the earth. In it, the child was regenerated,
whilst Angels were in attendance. The holy priest rejoiced greatly, at these
miraculous portents ; and, bathing his face and eyes, in the water of this foun-
tain, with full trust in the Lord's mercies, he miraculously recovered the use
of sight.
After this incident, the ceremony of baptism is said to have been per-
formed. The child received as a name Comgall, 4^ in accordance with St.
Patrick's prediction. The boy's parents dedicated him to God's service,49
thus imitating the action of Anna, with regard to Samuel,5° and from the very
moment of his birth, he seemed to grow in grace and wisdom. One day,
while our saint reposed near a heap of stones, and in a field where he laboured,
a deep slumber ensued. Then his mother, who came to the place, saw a
pillar of fire, resting on the boy, and extending towards Heaven. She was
alarmed at this portent, and knew not what she should do ; she feared to
approach, and yet she felt very unwilling to leave her son. While waiting to
learn the result, her child awoke, his face emitting an extraordinary brilliancy.
Then, Comgall said to his anxious guardian, " Fear not, mother, for I am in
no manner injured, by this celestial fire. Yet, take care, you do not relate this
vision to any person,'during these days.''^^ This command his mother observed,
for a time ; but, she related what she had seen, at a subsequent period.s^ Ano-
ther time, Comgall is related, to have said to his father, while they were walk-
parish, with which it is in juxtaposition. 4? " Fedelmidum " is in Father Fitz-
The denomination Magheramorne signifies simon's Manuscript, and in the other Life
"the plain of Mourne." Originally it had " Fedlini." Tliere is a " Fedlimius in the
been written nni5-6Ai\n, which is pronounced Irish Calendar, at the 9th of August. But,
Mourne. This is a lake, which is ninety he appears to have been a bishop,
acres in extent, and it is situated, in the 48 xhis is interpreted to mean " carum
north-east of Carrickfergus parish. See pignus," in the Life, taken from the three
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the Codices.
County of Antrim," sheet 46. 49 " Parentes vero ejus ambo in mandatis
4=Accordingto the Manuscript, desip;nated Domini ambulantes sine querela, et in tertio
Codex Kilkenniensis, in Marsh's Library, gradu Catholicse EcclesiK, quod est legiti-
Dublin, at fol. 90, b, a. num matrimonium conjugum, continenter
43 The Rev. Dr. Reeves remarks, that " in stantes," &c. — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
allusion to his parentage, Adamnan intro- ii., x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli ex tribus
duces St. Columkille addressing St. Com- Codicibus MSS., num. 2, p. 580, and ex
gall, in these words : " tui secundum carnem MS. antiquo et editione Sirini, n. 5, p. 583.
cognati Cruthinii populi." — "Ecclesiastical 5o ggg i_ Kings i.
Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dromore," S' This direction was probably intended for
Appendix n. (u), pp. 269, 270. extension to the term of his natural life. See
44 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. Maii. Vita
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. et antiquo S. Comgalli, ex trilsus Codicibus MSS. num.
et editione Sirini, cap. i., num. i, p. 5S2. 3. p. 580.
45 The identity of this priest has not been == See ibid. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS.
ascertained. antiquo et editione Sirini, cap. i., num. 6,
■»* The Manuscript of Salamanca reads p. 583.
"Fedelmidium." ss See ibid. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus
156 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
ing, through a field, "Father, we should leave this- land with its cares." His
father, not agreeing in such opinion, the boy said, " Do you, dear father,
cultivate this little farm, but I will go and seek from the Lord 53 another
portion of land, larger and more productive." It is said, that St. Comgall
was required as a substitute for his father, who was already old, in a war,
which the Dailnaraidian prince was about to wage against his enemies. 54
Although, unwilling to engage in warfare, our saint took up arms, to satisfy
the desire of his parents ; but, willing to save his servant's hands and eyes from
participating in scenes of bloodshed, so distasteful to the young conscript, the
Almighty effected peace between both parties, thus preserving the soul and
body of his chosen one from every danger.55 At another time, our saint being
in the camp of tlie Dailnaraidan prince, a fall of snow took place, during
night ; but, it was remarked by all, that tlie snow did not descend over Com-
gall, and those who were with him. It remained rather heaped up on every
side around them, after the manner of a small fortification. Hereupon, the
chief said, " From this day forward, Comgall with his people shall be free
from me, and from secular power, he being a saint of God." Then, bestow-
ing his benediction on the chieftain, Comgall returned to his own home.5^ As
a consequence of the blessing, that chief became great and powerful.
When St. Comgall resolved on abandoning the secular habit, and on
assuming that of an ecclesiastic, he received the rudiments of learning from
a cleric, who lived in a country house. However, the life of this tutor did
not tend to edification. The pupil undertook to correct the irregularities of
his master, in the following symbolical manner. While the professor spent
one of his nights in the commission of sin, Comgall betook himself to prayer,
and practised other pious exercises • he then met his teacher, on the follow-
ing day, with a garment purposely soiled. On being reproved for this want
of cleanliness, he returned the following reply: "Is it more dangerous,
master, to have our garment soiled, than our soul ? That defilement of soul
and body, in which you spent last night, is worse than the condition of this
habit." Although it silenced, this reproof, however, did not correct the vices
of his master ; and, hence, our saint resolved on leaving him, and those scenes
of his early youth. Comgall wished to place himself under the direction of a
most holy instructor.^? Having directed his course toward Leix territory, in
a northern part of the southern Leinster province, he there found an asylum,
in the celebrated monastery of Clonenagh.
It has been calculated,5S that our saint was at least thirty-two years of
age, when he became a disciple of St. Fintan,59 as this latter had been a dis-
ciple of St. Columba,^°son of Crimtliann, afterwards abbot of Tirdaglas, and
that he had not founded the monastery of Clonenagh, until about the year
548.^' Again, according to the earliest computation, Columkille was not
born, until the year 519, and this enters as an element of chronology, bearing
on this enquiry. Most probably, Comgall would have looked out for a
superior, not so much younger than himself ;^^ since, in assuming any other
Codicibus MSS., num. 3, p. 580. In this editione Sirini, cap. i., num. 2, p. 582.
Life, instead of walking through the field, ss By the Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
it is said, " patre suo in proprio agro labor- ^9 See his Life, in vol. ii. of this work, at
ante, dixisse fcrtur," &c. the 17th of February.
54 See "Acta S.inctorum,"tom ii., x. Mail. °° See his Life, at the 13th of December.
Vita S Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo el editione This Columba had been a scholar to St.
Sirini, cap. i., num. I., p. 582. Finnian of Clonard.
55 .See il'id. *' Admilling that St. Comgall was received
5* Sec ibid., num. 7, p. 583. there, in that very year, it seems to follow,
57 See "Acta Sanctonnn," tomus ii., x. that he was at least thirty-two years old,
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et when he assumed the monastic habit.
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 157
case of setting his birth before a.d. 516, the disparity of years, between the
abbot and the novice, niust appear to be too great, at the time of his entrance
to Clonenagh. There, St. Fintan ruled over that monastery, at the foot of the
Shebh Bloom Mountain range. Having placed himself under direction of St.
Fintan, Comgall entered upon a course of penance and labour. But, the
devil tempted him strongly, to regret the choice he had made, in embracing
this course of life, and in leaving his own part of the country. However, he
related this temptation to St. Fintan, and the latter prayed for his disciple,
who at that time stood near a cross, on the western side of Clonenagh monas-
tery. Tears fell down his cheeks, and while intent on prayer, suddenly a
light from Heaven surrounded him. Comgall's heart was filled with spiritual
joy, and from that time forward, he felt no recurrence of his former tempta-
tion. ^3 When residing at Cloneagh, a blind man was brought to him, with a
request from himself and friends, that our saint would pray for his restoration
to sight. Comgall applied saliva to this man's eyes, in the name of Christ ;
when immediately, they were opened, and the blind man returned home
rejoicing.^'^ He spent a considerable time in Clonenagh. ^s At length, St.
Fintan required our saint to revisit his own part of the country, that he might
found religious cells,^^ or houses, and preside over their inmates. St. Com-
gall remained without sacred orders for many years, he being unwilling
through humility to receive them. Having obtained St. Fintan's benediction
and prayers, with some companions, he set out on a visit to St. Kieran ^7 of
Clonmacnoise. With him, it is said, Comgall remained for some time, and
while there, he was greatly distinguished for his sanctity. ^^ This, however,
may have been only a temporary visit, occasioned by some special circum-
stance, and the nature of which cannot now be known. Afterwards, St. Com-
gall directed his course homewards,^^ where he was ordained a deacon, with
the advice of numerous clerics, by St. Lugid, whose identity has not been dis-
covered. Although it was thought by Dr. Lanigan, 7° that our saint had been
ordained at Clonmacnoise ;7^ yet, he more shrewdly remarks, that by Lugidus,
the ordainer of Comgall, was probably meant the bishop of Connor, who
might have been otherwise called Lugadius,?^ and that he was the more
inclined to be of that opinion, since Lugadius is spoken of, as having had
*^ See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical our saint left Clonenagh. Dr. Lanigan also
History of Ireland," vol. ii., cap. x., sect. observes : " I do not know how this can be
xii., n. 192, pp. 64, 65. reconciled with the directions given him by
*3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. St. Fintan to proceed forthwith to his own
Mali. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et country, or with its being related that he
editione Sirini, cap. i., num. 8, p. 582. actually set out for that purpose. I suspect
^"t Ibid., num. 9, p. 583. that Clonmacnoise has been mistaken for
^5 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan deems it very Connor." — " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
probable, that Comgall had not in the year land," vol. ii., chap. x. sect, xii., n. 195, p. 65.
552 completed one-half of his monastic °9 The Life of St. Comgall, in Father
studies at Clonenagh. See "Ecclesiastical Fleming's " Collectanea Sacra," &c., has it,
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x,, sect. that he returned from Clonenagh ordained,
xii., n. 199, p. 66. with other ordained disciples. See num. 11,
"^ According to the Life, in Father Flem- p. 305.
ing's "Collectanea Sacra," &c., num. 11, 7° See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
p. recteTp<). land," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xii., n. 96, pp.
^^ See his Life, at the 9th of September. 65, 66.
*^ However, this statement has been con- '' He adopts this statement, made by Sir
tested by Rev. Dr. Lanigan, who observes, James Ware, in his work " De Scriptoribus
that as St. Kieran died a.d. 549, and as St. Hibernias," lib. i., cap. ii., p. 13.
Comgall could not have been received at '- See notices of him, in Rev. Dr. Lanigan's
Clonenagh, at the earliest, before a.d. 548, "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i.,
while he spent many years there, the founder chap, ix., sect, xiii., p. 494, and n. 195, pp.
of Clonmacnoise must have been dead before 495, 496, ibid.
158 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
verbal communication with Comgall, after his return to Ulster, such as a
bishop of Connor might have had with a person, living in that district, in
which Bangor is situated.73 After some interval, our saint, having been ad-
vanced to the sacerdotal grade, went around his own part of the country. Every-
where he preached the Gospel among the people. ^-^ Wishing to lead a life of
greater perfection, St. Comgall became the inhabitant of an Island,75 in Lough
Erne, where he led a most austere life. 7^ Placing themselves under his direc-
tion, certain monks endeavoured to emulate his austerities. But, in this
effort, seven of them died, through the effects of cold and hunger. Hearing
of such circumstance, other religious men entreated our saint, to relax his
excessive rigours, towards himself and those monks under his charge. Yet,
while he permitted his monks to live, after the manner of other religious, Com-
gall refused to indulge personally in like relaxations, thus continuing his usual
austerities.77 After remaining for some time in this place, the holy Abbot
felt a desire to pass over into Britain, with the intention of remaining there ;73
but, the earnest entreaties of St. Lugidus, from whom he had received ordina-
tion, with those recommendations, given by other holy saints, induced him to
abandon this design. Thus he remained in Ireland, to continue that great
work of monastic propagandism, on which his thoughts had been earnestly
engaged.
CHAPTER II
THE MISSIONARY CAREER OF ST. COMGALL COMMENCES WITH THE ERECTION OF A
GREAT MONASTERY, AT BANGOR — ITS SITUATION — MIRACLES OF ST. COMGALL —
HIS AUSTERITIES AND VIRTUES — HIS RULE OF RELIGIOUS LIFE — MIRACLES.
Those pious persons brought St. Comgall forth, from the place of his retreat,
that he might commence a work, for which he seemed specially destined.
The pious servant of God began to found cells and monasteries, in different
parts of the country. Especially did he regard that beautiful site, where the
Inver-Beg,' or the " Little River Beg,"^ falls into Belfast Lough,3 at its open-
ing towards the sea. It is stated, that the stream — formerly known as the
" Dr. Lanigan remarks, in continuation : seems very difficult to identify the exact
" It is true that Lugadius of Connor is said situation of this island, at present.
to have died in 538, and therefore long be- " See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.. Mail
fore he could have ordained Comgall. Are x. Vita S. Comgalli ex MS. antique et edi-
we, however, certain that he died so tione Sirini, cap. i., num. 11, p. 583.
early ?. And, admitting it, there might be ^^ Dr. Lanigan observes : "It would be
in this case one of those anachronisms so usual difScult to reconcile this narrative with the
in the Acts of our saints. For I do not mean account given of Comgall having returned
to say that Comgall was ordained by that to his own countiy, in compliance with St.
bishop of Connor, but merely to observe that Fintan's advice, for the purpose of forming
as Lugadius lived in the sixth century, and some religious establishment. I am very
not far from Comgall's residence, he might much inclined to think, that it is founded
have been guessed at as the ordainer." — more on conjecture than on fact. The prac-
Ibid., chap. X., sect, xii., n. 96, p. 66. tice of going to foreign parts, which became
7< .See " Acta Sanctorum,"' tomus ii., Maii so general with our Irish saints towards the
X. Vita S. Comgalli ex MS. antique et edi- close of Comgall's life might have induced
tione Sirini, cap. i., num. 10, p. 583. an opinion that he also had intended to quit
75 "Perrexitad stagnum Erne et intravit Ireland, particularly as some of his own
in quadam insula, quas dicitur Custodiaria disciples, .md among others the great Colum-
insula." banus, had done so." — " Ecclesiastical His-
-" From the Latin name, which may be tory of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xii.,
interpreted in English " Keeper's Island," it n. 197, p. 66.
May lo ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
159
strand of Inver Bece * or Inver Becne s— had its name from a curious legend.^
On its banks did St. Comgall resolve to found his great establishment,
which in after times became so renowned as the monastery of Bennchor.7
This was the place, now known as the town of Bangor,^ situated at the inden-
tation of a bay,5 bearing the same name.'° The parish to which it gives title is
within the baronies of Castlereagh and Ards, in the most northern part of the
present county of Down, This locality was in the region, called Altitudo
Ultorum " — now known as Ards '^ — in the province of Ulster. In a short
time, so great a number of monks flocked to his establishment, that they
Chapter ii. — ' Thought, by Rev. James
O'Laveity, to have been its most ancient
name.
^ It now runs into the sea, opposite the
Bangor Baths.
3 Anciently known, as Lough Laoigh, or
the " Lough of the Calf," thus called from
an old tradition.
■* It is said, in Cormac's "Glossary," to
have been so named from Bece, a favourite
dog of Brecan, that was drowned with his
master, in that celebrated whirlpool, called
Coirebreacain or Corevrecan, " the caul-
dron of Brecan." It lies between Ireland
and the Island of Rathlin, being now called
Sloghnamara, "the gulf of the sea."
5 This name is said to have been derived
from Bicne, a servant to Conal Cearnach,
who was drowned there, while driving some
cows, which had been carried off, from Scot-
land. This incident is related in a romantic
story, which has for title Tain-bo- Fraich, or
the " Spoil of the Cows of Froech," as found
in the " Book of Leinster."
* This is found in the Dinnseanchus or
" History of Forts," of which romantic tract,
there are various Irish copies, all of which
are still unpublished.
' At the dissolution, Bangor was found to
be possessed of the temporalities and
spiritualities of thirty-four townlands, to-
gether with the tithes of nine rectories or
chapels.
** In some loose sheets, which the writer
has examined, at the Ordnance Survey
Office, Phoenix Park, Dublin, John O'Dono-
van has given the varied orthography for this
town, from ancient and modern authorities,
quoted by him. These sheets are intituled,
"Correspondence, &c., concerning Names
of Places, Antiquities, &c., in the County
Down." The following is a digest : i.
Bangor — Ecclesiastical Annals, 1623 ; His-
tory of the County of Down, 1744 ; L'Abbe
Ma-Geoghegan, 1758 : Hibernise Antiquse
et Novoe Nomenclatura, 1771 ; Beaufort's
Memoir, 1792 : Seward, 1795 ; Archdall's
Monasticon, 1786; Dubourdieu's Stat. Sur-
vey, 1802 ; Carlisle, 1810 ; County Map,
l8n ; Abstract of Population, 1821 ; Post
Office List, 1825 ; Lanigan's Ecclesiastical
History, 1829 ; Irish Ecclesiastical Register,
1830. 2. Banchor — Sir James Ware, 1600;
L'Abbe Ma-Geoghegan, 1758; Hiberniae
Antiquce et Novos Nomenclatura, 1771 ?
Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,
1829. 3. Benchor — ^Jonas, a monk of
Bobbio in Italy, Vita Columbani, c. 3,
Codex MS. Vaticanus seculi noni (7th cen-
tury) vide O'Conor's Annals of Ulster, p. 35 ;
Life of St. Finian, ex Codice MS. Salmati-
censi, AA., SS., p. 393 ; Lanigan's Ecclesi-
astical History, 1829. 4. Beanchor — Vita
Comgalli. 5. Beanchair — L'Abbe Ma-
Geoghegan, 1758. 6. Bennchor — O'Fla-
herty's Ogygia, 1685. 7. Bennchair — Col-
gan, 1647. 8. Benchorensis — O'Donnell,
lib. ii., 24, 1520. 9. Bennchoria — Dr.
O'Conor, in Annals of the Four Masters,
1826. lo. Bennchorum — Hiberniae Antiquse
et Novae Nomenclatura, 1 77 1. II. Bencho-
rium Monast. — Colgan, 1647. 12. Ben-
chorense Coenobium — Ussher, Primordia.
13. benncoijA — Cormac Mac Cuilenain,
908, Annals of the Four Masters, 1636.
14. benncAii\ — Tigernach, 1088, Annals of
Boyle. 15. ben'ochAH\ — Tigernach, 1088,
Annals of the Four Masters, 1636. 16.
benchAij\— Tigernach, 1088. 17. benc4n\
—Old Book of St. Caillin, 1516. 18. ben-
choi|\ — Annals of Inisfallen. 19. be<in-
chui|\ — Annals of Ulster. 20. "bennchAi^ —
Annals of Ulster, Annals of the Four Mas-
ters, 1636. 21. ben'ocAiA. 22. ben'oc^nA.
23. beiTochui^A. 24. bennclniii\ — Annals
of the Four Masters, 1636. 25. beAnnchAiyv
— Jeoffrey Keating, 1629. 26. beAnncAH\ —
Duald Mc Firbis' Pedigrees, 1666. 27.
benco|A — Haliday's Map, 181 1.
9 In the First Life of St. Comgall, as pub-
lished by the Bollandists, it is alluded to, as
"ad ostium fluvii, nomine Bice." See
num. 7, p. 581.
'° The fullest and best account of this re-
nowned place, and of its associations, we
now possess, is in the Rev. James O'Laverty's
learned work, " An Historical Account of
the Diocese of Down and Connor, Ancient
and Modern," vol. ii., under the heading,
The United Parish of Newtownards, Bangor,
Donaghadee, and^Comber, pp. i to 155, and
Appendix, pp. iv. to xlv., containing a re-
print of the Bobbio Missal and the Antipho-
narium Benchorense.
" After citing the Latin, from our saint's
Second Life, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan observes :
" By regione UlLorum in this passage is to be
understood the particular territory anciently
i6o
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May io.
could not find accommodation in this monastery. Our saint thereupon was
obh'ged to build other houses, not only in the northern province, but, even in
other provinces of Ireland. Many thousand monks are said to have lived,
under his rule and discipline. '3 Of all these houses, however, Bangor monas-
tery was the most celebrated, and the largest ; and here, in course of time, a
city grew around this hive of religious wisdom and sanctity.'* The parish of
Bangor 's is bounded on the north, by Belfast Lough ; on the east, by
Donoghadee parish ; on the south, by Newtownards parish ; and on the west,
by a portion of this latter parish, as likewise by that of Hollywood. The part of
the parish,'^ in the barony of Lower Castlereagh, is divided into seven town-
lands and by a part of Bangor Bog townland. That part,'? in the barony of
Ards, is divided into twenty-two townlands, and the remaining part of Bangor
Bog townland. The Copeland Islands also belong to this part of the
parish. Sir James Ware says, that the place got its name from a Beautiful
Choir,'^ which is the same as Banchor, in Irish. '9 This statement has been
repeated by Walter Harris, who states, that Bangor took its name, a Puldiro
Choro, or from its fair and white choir ; it being called so, owing to the
elegance of the building, erected of lime and stone, which is said to have
been the first of the sort, built in the province of Ulster.^° However, this
does not represent at all its original denomination.^' The name Bangor is
in reality a modification of Banagher, and the two forms of denomination are
frequently exchanged.^^ The root of the word seems to be Beanna^'^'i the
Irish for " Horns," or local appearances, having the character of peaks, or
crests of hills, or of mountains. According to some accounts, St. Comgall com-
menced the foundation of a monastic institute and church, at this place, in
the year 551 ^t or 552 ;'5 others have it, at 554,^^ ^^^^27 ^^^^^s ^^8,^9 559,30
called Ulidia, and by other provinces of
Ireland various districts in the northern
parts," &c. See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xii., n. 201,
p. 67.
'-Sir James Ware renders it, "nunc
vulgo The Ardes." — " De Hibernia et Anti-
quitatibus ejus," cap. xxvi., p. 180.
'3 Such is the account of St. Bernard, in
his " Vita S. Malachire," cap. vi., sect. 12, of
the Benedictine edition.
••t See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, in MS. antiquae et
editione Sirini, cap. i., n. 12, p- 583.
'5 See it shown, on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Down,"
sheets i, 2, 3, 5,6,
'6 Containing 4,069 acres, 3 roods, i perch.
'7 This portion contains 12,957 acres, I
rood, I perch — the total area of the parish be-
ing 17,027 acres, o rood, and 2 perches. See
the Name Sheets of Bangor Parish, County
of Down, now in the Ordnance Survey
Office, Phccnix Park, Dublin.
"8 He says "a pulchro choro." — " De
Hibernia, et Antiquitatibus ejus," cap. xxvi.,
p. 180.
'9 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan shrewdly re-
marks: "But if the name was originally
Benchor, will this etymology be correct ?" —
*' Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
chap, x., sect, xii., n. 198, p. 66.
'"' See "Ancient and Present State of the
County of Down," p. 64.
-' Having recorded this statement of
Harris, the Rev. Mr. Reeves appositely re-
marks : " The building referred to is that
which St. Bernard states was erected by
Malachi ; and thus by an event of the twelfth
century, Harris accounts for a name that
existed in the sixth !" — " Ecclesiastical Anti-
quities of Down, Connor and Dromore,"
Appendix H, p. 199.
^' See what has been already stated, in
vol. ii. of this work, at 28th of February,
Art. i.
*3 In the Irish characters, written 'beAnnA.
-■* See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
iiise," xxix. Januarii. Vita S. Gildse
Badonici, Abbatis et Confessoris, &c., n. 13,
p. 192.
=5 At the year 552, " the church of Benn-
char was founded, by Comhgall of Bcann-
char," according to Dr. O'Donovan's "An-
nals of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. l88,
189.
^* The erection of this church is en-
tered in the Ulster Annals, at the years 554
and 558.
=Mn Harris Ware, the foundation of this
monastery is placed at A.D. 555, vol. ii.,
" Antiquities of Ireland," chap, xxxviii., p.
265. Archdall has also the same date, in
" Monasticon Hiberaicum," p. 106.
°* The Annals of Inisfallen state, that
Bangor was founded in 557.
'9 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan remarks :
" From what has been seen concerning the
May io.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
i6i
and 561.3' Tlie primitive monastery here is said to have been in tlie grave-
yard, now seen at Bangor ; and, a sHght depression there is thought to indi-
cate that circular valhun, which once surrounded the building. Along its
western site flows a stream, through the centre of the town. This turned the
Abbot's mill, in former times, as has been conjectured. It passes an ancient
well, overshadowed by a huge old thorn, and the water in it is popularly sup-
posed to possess healing powers. 3^ A learned authority 33 has apparently
referred the site of the ancient church, founded by St. Comgall, at Bangor,
to the exact locale of the present Protestant church j34 but, perhaps, it might
be safer to aver, that
its location could
not have been very
remote from the spot
indicated by him. 35
It was known, in
former times, as the
Vale of Angels ;36
nor, could such a
designation fairly
apply to the site in-
dicated, since the
Protestant church
rises on a conspicu-
ous eminence, which
overlooks the town.
The latter is spread
along a narrow skirt
of sea-coast.
Here, for fifty
years, the holy su-
perior ruled over his
large community,
with great sanctity,
and keeping a most
perfect monasticdis-
cipline. He wrought
many miracles, and
some of these are
given, in different
Acts, as published
by the Bollandists.
At one time, being
in a retired place,
after fasting for three
whole days, he felt weak and thirsty; when a certain mendicant leper came
to him, and seeking relief from his necessities. This man observed the saint
Church at Bangor, County of Down.
time that Comgall may have arrived at
Clonenagh, and the number of years which
he is said to have spent there, the founda-
tion of Bangor cannot consistently with these
and other circumstances, be carried fur-
ther back than the year 558." — •" Ecclesias-
tical History of Ireland," vol, ii., chap. x. ,
sect, xii., n. 199, p. 66.
3° According to Rev. Dr. O'Conor,
Bangor was founded in 555 or 559. See
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus
ii., Tigernaci Annales, n. 19, p. 129. At
the year 559, Ussher says, " Benchorensis
Ecclesia in (jltonia fundata." Index Chro-
nologius, " Britannicarum Ecclesiavum An-
tiquitates," p. 531. Elsewhere, he states,
i62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io*
engaged in prayer, with his eyes and hands directed towards Heaven. Having
faith as to the result of a certain action, that man found himself cured from his
leprosy. With great joy, he afterwards informed the saint about Avhat had
occurred. Comgall desired him to give thanks to God, to go in peace, and
to inform no person regarding what had happened. But this latter admonition
was not observed, by the man, whose heart was too full of gratitude, for the
favour he had received. One night, a certain young monk, named Meldan,37
came to St. Comgall, who was there in his cell, to relate something of im-
portance. When Meldan approached, he saw the whole inner part of Com-
gall's cell filled with a bright flame, which burst forth through the windows,^^
and with all the lustre of a noonday sun. The young man did not dare to
approach, but signing himself with the cross, he retired ; and, on the follow-
ing day, having a knowledge of what had occurred, Comgall called the monk
to him. The holy superior requested Meldan to conceal during his life, what
had been seen, on the previous night. As in the former instance, however,
this admonition was not obeyed. 39 Cuimine of Coindoire states, it was every
Sunday only, that Comgall used to eat food.''° However, such statement
must be understood to mean, that only on this day did he partake of a full
meal, or take generous nourishment. One day, Comgall, with his own hands,
was engaged in making a wooden coffin, in which the brethren were to be
placed, when death approached. One of the monks, Enan,'*' by name, said,
" Father, you do a good work for the brethren, about to repose in this coffin,
since it must aid them to obtain salvation ; would that I were permitted to
depart this life in it." Comgall replied, " Be it so, brother, according to thy
wish ; as, from this coffin thou shalt depart to Heaven." It so happened,
that brother was sent to a place, far distant from Bangor monastery, and
while there, he died. However, St. Comgall ordered his body to be conveyed
to Bangor ; where, through the prayers of our holy Abbot, the monk was
restored to life. The resuscitated brother frequently told his fellow-monks
" Circa annum vero dlv. vel DLIX. Bean- See " An Historical Account of the Diocese
chorensis Ecclesise fundationem," &c. Ibid., of Down and Connor," vol. ii., p. 124.
cap. xvii., p. 494. 36 This was derived from the vision of St.
3' In the Annals of Clonmacnoise, it is re- Patrick, who beheld while on a hill a great
fcrred to the year 561. number of angels descending from Heaven
3^ The Rev. James O'Laverty, who records to a valley that was beneath it. See Colgan's
the foregoing local features, adds, this " may " Trias Thaumaturga," Jocelyn's Sexta Vita
be only the last remains of a tradition that S. Patricii, cap. xcviii., p. 88.
St. Comgall, or one of his sainted successors, '' His identity has not been ascertained,
pronounced over it the benediction which is ^s This allusion furnishes us with some
still preserved in the old Irish Missal found idea of the manner in which monastic cells
at Bobbio, which has been published by were formerly lighted, although the windows
Mabillon." — "Historical Account of the were probably apertures, unprotected from
Diocese of Down and Connor, Ancient and the admission of external air, especially dur-
Modern," vol. ii., pp. 124, 125. ing the day-time.
33 See the Rev. William Reeves' " Eccle- ^' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
siastical Antiquities of Down, Connor and Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
Dromore," p. 13, and n. (p), ibid, editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 13, 14, pp.
^ It is represented in the accompanying 5S3, 5S4.
illustration, draw on the spot by W iJliam F. ■♦° Thus he says, in the poem which is thus
Wakeman, and transferred by him to the translated: — *' Patrick of the fort of Macha
wood, engraved by Mrs. Millard. loves," &c. : —
33 In vol. iv. of this work, at the 8th of
April, in Article i., treating about St. Cenn- " Comhgall, head of Uladh, loves,
faoladh. Abbot of Bangor, some reasons are Noble is every name that he named,
given for another site, there described, as A blessing on the body of the sage,
being more probably the monastic residence, Every Sunday he used to eat."
in olden times. However, the Rev. James
O Laverty states, that it was there a more See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited by
modem Augustinian monastery had stood. Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, p. 122, 123.
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 163
what he had seen and heard, after his first departure from hfe. " I was,"
said he, " brought towards Heaven, by two Angels, sent from God ; and,
whilst on the way, behold other Angels came to meet us, saying, " Bear this
soul to its body, for Comgall, God's servant, hath asked it. Therefore, bear
it to Comgall, with whom the monk shall live, unto an old age."'*^ He lived,
for many subsequent years ; and, at the close of life, his soul ascended to
Heaven, while his body reposed in that coffin, made by our saint.
Some thieves were in the habit of stealing vegetables and fruit, raised by
the monks, who laboured with their hands, while praying with great fervour.'is
The monks complained to their Abbot, that the brethren and their guests
were thus deprived of the produce procured by their labours. On the follow-
ing night, Comgall made a sign of the cross over his garden. At the same
time, he said, " O Omnipotent God, who art able to do all things, deprive of
their sight those thieves, who enter here, that they may wander about inside
of this garden, until induced to confess their guilt." Accordingly, on that
night, when those robbers entered the enclosure, they became blind ; and,
they wandered about the garden, in ignorance of a place, where they might
find an exit. At last, moved to penitence for their crime, they called for help,
and then brought their ill-acquired store to the monks. The robbers made a
public reparation for their crimes. Afterwards, becoming true penitents, and
assuming the monastic habit, they embraced St. Comgairs rule.44 St. Comgall
is described in the Martyrology of Donegal,45 as being a man full of grace and
of God's love, who fostered and educated very many other saints, as he
kindled and lighted up an unquenchable fire of God's love, in their hearts and
in their minds. ^^ A holy anchorite and a venerable old man, named Critan,47
visited St. Comgall, at the Easter festival. While the Abbot was offering up
the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, his visitor saw a bright vision of Angels. These
celestial spirits sometimes touched the hands, mouth, and head, of our saint,
as also the altar and chalice, while they joined in his benedictions. Feeling
a sensation of thirst, and after a long fast, Critan desired in heart, that he
might be able to allay this thirst, by taking some liquor, which had been first
tasted by our saint. Through the spirit of prophecy, our Abbot knew the
desires of his friend. Having ended the Holy Sacrifi.ce, Comgall entered the
house, where having tasted some liquor, he called a servant, named Segenus.
The saint then said to him, " Bear this liquor to the holy old man, Critan,
who is thirsty, and let him drink with thanks to God. Say to him, from me,
that he is a faithful and a patient man." For this mark of our saint's atten-
tion, Critan gave thanks to God-^^ A brother of the monastery, named
Crimacthan,49 who was servant to the Abbot, having left the latter in his cell
for the night, afterwards shut the door. He then retirfed to his own dormi-
*' His identity is not known. past the baths." — "An Historical Account
*^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.. x. of the Diocese of Down and Connor, An-
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et cient and Modern," vol. ii., p. 129.
editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 15, p. 584. "* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
■♦3 Speaking of the varied occupations of Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et
the monks living at Bangor, the Rev. James editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. i6, p. 584.
O'Laverty writes : " Some delivered in the ^^ See Drs. Todd and Reeves' edition,
schools those lectures that attracted the pp. 122, 123.
crowds of students, who, in turn, diffused ■** This is stated to be evident from the old
gratuitously, in some distant land, the books of Erin.
knowledge which they had gratuitously re- "'' Who he was is not known.
ceived ; while others were engaged in manu- "^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
facturing the various articles required by the Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et.
brethren, or were tending the mill, which editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 17, p. 5S3.
we may fairly suppose, was turned by the Also, Vita S. Comgall;, ex tribus Codicibus
stream, which now, sadly diminished, flows MSS., num. 5, p. 581.
1 64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
toiy. Wishing to see if the saint slept, he returned after a short interval.
While standing at the door of the cell,5° he was enabled to discover that the
saint slept ; but, in a short time, the whole apartment seemed brilliantly
illuminated. Comgall arose immediately, when his face beamed with a
wonderful beauty and witli a serene expression. He next engaged in prayer.
Afterwards, our saint said to the brother without, " O Crimacthan, why art
thou there ? Depart instantly, telling no person what thou hast seen ; and,
for such presumption, on to-morrow, a penance shall be imposed on thee."
The brother departed, with much fear; and, on the day following, he was
subjected to a penance, in expiation for his fault.s'
Owing to the great number of disciples that embraced his institute, Comgall
has always been regarded as one of the principal fathers of our Irish Church.
His numerous miracles have greatly added to his celebrity. It has been observed,
that our saint drew up a particular rule for the direction of his institution, and
that it was reckoned among the principal codes 5^ prevailing in Ireland. Comgall
is named among eight chief framers of monastic rules. 53 The other seven men-
tioned are St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Brendan, St. Kieran, St. Columkille, St.
Molassius, and St. Adamnan. We may observe, that several other Irish saints
are stated to have composed similar rules.s* One day, while St. Comgall was
walking, he met a man on the way, named Borgan, carrying in his arms his little
son, and he bore the name of Glassan, w^howas dead. He requested the Abbot
to restore the child to life, trusting St. Comgall would be able to obtain from
God any request he might make. Raising his eyes to Heaven, our saint
prayed to the Lord. Afterwards, he said to the father of tliat deceased child,
" If God will it, thy son shall live, but wait here, until the holy Abbot, Canni-
cus, come to you, and then present your son to him, that he may bless your
child with a sign of the cross, for to-day Cannicus will pass this way." St.
Cannic approached, in course of an hour ; when the afflicted father requested
him, to sign his child who was dead, with a sign of the cross. Turning to
the man, and with his eyes elevated towards Heaven, Cannic said to him,
" Thy son shall now live, for that is granted by God, to his servant Com-
gall." The child was immediately restored to life ; while both the parent and
the boy leturned home, with expressions of grafeful thanksgiving.55
There was a certain man, named Croidhe, who betrayed an avaricious, a ma-
lignant, and a tyrannical disposition. His mother was named Luch, which in
Latin signifies mus, in English, " mouse." This man was a descendant of Tur-
taraide ;5^ and, at one time, when the monks were at a loss for corn, they said
to their Abbot, " Behold that silver vessel, which was sent us as a present ; if
thou approvest, let it be sold for corn, that thy brethren may live." Accord-
ingly, St. Comgall had an interview w ith Croidhe, who had abundance of corn.
^* Nothing more seems to be known re- 5' See " Act.i .Sanctonmi," tomus ii., Mail
gardinghim, than what we find in St. Com- x. Vita S. Comgalli ex MS. antiquo et edi-
gall's Life. tione Sirini, cap. ii., num. i8, p. 583.
5° The Rev. James O'Laverty slates — and ^- See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
probably with great accuracy — that a vast History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
number of small oval-shaped cells stood at xii., jip, 62, 63.
r.angor, in the sixth and seventh centuries. 53 yee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
These cells were "made of wood and wattles, Acta S. Columbse, p. 471.
covered with thatch, or at times even with S4 geg Ussher's " Primordia," cap. xvii.,
skins, scattered in every direction, and in- p. 919.
terspersed with gardens, from which, in part 55 gee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
at least, the great monastery derived a sus- Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo ct
tenance for its numerous inmates." — "An editone Sirini, cap. ii., num, 19, p. 584.
Historical Account of the Diocese of Down s* No doubt the territory of Ily-Tuirtre is
and Connor, Ancient and Modem," vol. ii., here meant. A very full account of its posi-
p. 127. tion and annalistic references will be found
I
May io.] LIVES 0I< THE IRISH SAINTS. 165
Comgall asked him to take the silver vessel, in exchange for some provisions.
But, the man replied, in a disdainful manner, " I want not what is yours, nor
shall you have what is mine. I had rather the mouse should eat my corn than
you." He alluded, by the term " mouse," to his mother. With some warmth,
Comgall said, " Be it, as you say ; for, the mice shall eat all your corn, so
that it shall not profit you." Thus, it likewise happened ; for, the mice
devoured two heaps of corn, which belonged to that avaricious man. In these
were fifteen waggon-loads, but nothing remained to him, on the third day,
only chaff and straw. s?
The well known Dempster, who places our saint among writers of the
British Scots, attributes to him the authorship of the following works, viz.,
Regularis Vit£e Methodus, lib. i. ; Ad Coenobiorum Patres, lib. i. ; Epistolae
plures, lib. i.s^ In Harris Ware,S9 we are told, that he wrote Institutions for
Monks, which were then extant, as also some Epistles, besides the Acts of
his cotemporary, St. Columkille. Besides the rule he drew up, a learned
writer ^° would not undertake to assert, that Comgall was the author of other
tracts, attributed to him.^' Some of our saint's brethren advised, that he
should accept an offer made to him of certain places, where he might be able
to erect small monasteries. These it was supposed might be useful for oppor-
tunities afforded, in the way of fishing, or otherwise. But, the saint replied,
" A large army is stronger, fighting under its chieftain, in one spot, than dis-
persed in many places, and without a leader." At another time, tliey asked
him, that certain brothers might be allowed to fish, in a particular lake. This
was a journey of two days from the monastery. To such suggestion, he
replied, " You have the sea near you, why do you not fish in it." On answer-
ing him, that this sea-fishing was not a productive one, the brothers were
sent thither with their nets. Then, they took a great abundance of fish. A
contest having arisen between some seculars, at a certain place, regarding the
capture of fish ; by his prayers, our saint removed the cause of their conten-
tion, so that afterwards, a fish was rarely caught in the same waters. When
Comgall had a great number of monks, subject to his rule, an Abbot, who
was his senior, and under whose roof our saint had dwelt for some time,
came to his monastery. When they sat down to table, and rejoiced in the
society of each other, in order to test Comgall's humility, and to find if his
former spirit of obedience yet remained, the senior began to chide him
severely. Comgall then arose, and prostrating himself on the earth, he began
to pour forth copious floods of tears. Being asked, why he wept, the holy
man replied, " Because I am grieved, I have not had such an opportunity of
practising humility, for many years past."°^ At another time, when the Abbot
was on a visit to a certain monastery under his rule; it chanced, that some
of his companions preceded him. Attended by one person, the saint advanced
slowly. Turning off from the high road, both entered a small house. Having
offered prayers, they remained there until evening. Then, a pious man came
to them, and hastening towards his own house, that person brought water to
wash their feet, and a covering, under which they might rest. Having struck
a light, he placed food before them. When they had partaken of this food,
they gave thanks to God, and to their entertainer, according to the usual
in Rev. William Reeves' "Ecclesiastical 59 See vol. ii., " Writers of Ireland," Book
Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dromore," i., chap, iii., p. 17.
Appendix BB., pp. 292 to 297. ^° Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
57 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. ^^ See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et land," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xii., p. 63.
editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 20, p. 584. *- See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
s'* See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco- Mali. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus Codicibus
torum," tomus i., lib. iii., num. 254, p. 152. MSS., num. 4, pp. 580, 581.
i66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
manner. A time for sleeping next approached, and both felt wearied. The
Abbot commanded his subject to occupy the bed. In obedience, his attendant
did as he had been required, while our saint continued his vigil. After a part
of the night had been spent in sleep, the brother awoke. He saw the whole
house briUiantly illuminated, and this light continued, until break of day. But
our saint ordered his companion not to reveal this vision, during the lifetime
of his Abbot. This command the brother religiously obeyed. On the following
morning, the man who had provided for their accommodation the night before,
became their guide to the monastery, towards which they were proceeding.^3
From the O'Clerys^'* welearn, likewise, how a very old vellum book ^5 states, that
Comgall of Bennclior, in habits of life, was like unto James the Apostle.
It chanced, while Comgall was once absent from the monastery, one
of his monks took sick. At that time, the brethren had no other food for
their sustenance, only some vegetables with esculents of an inferior quality.
Being moved with compassion for the condition of the sick man, the monks
advised him to visit certain religious, belonging to the same order, who lived
in another place. There, they said, he should receive better treatment, besides
obtaining the advantage of being nearer to his own relations.^^ But, when
the sick man was brought to this monastery, which lay three or four miles dis-
tant,^7 he shortly afterwards died. A vigil was kept over his body, according
to a usual custom. On the next day, his corpse was brought to the monas-
tery. Friends and kinsmen of the deceased accompanied the remains, with
tears and lamentations. Their wailing disturbed monastic quiet. When St.
Comgall returned to the monastery, a short time afterwards, the steward
humbly confessed his negligence, in not taking due care of the patient.
Approaching the bier, our Abbot offered up his prayers to God, when the
dead man was instantly restored to life. Afterwards, he lived fifteen years, in
the same monastery. This monk was wont to relate, that when he wished to
ascend a ladder, extending towards Heaven, with others preceding him, he
heard a voice saying, that Comgall would not then suffer him to ascend.
Another day, according to their usual custom, the brothers being at work ;
being overcome with fatigue and thirst, one among them sunk to the earth,
and from the middle of the day, to the ninth hour, he was lifeless. But, the
Abbot, taking compassion on him, prayed to our Lord, when he was imme-
diately restored to life.^^
CHAPTER III.
ST. COMGALL GOES OVER TO BRITAIN — HE VISITS ST. COLUMKILLE — HE INTENDS
BUILDING A CELL ON RATHLIN OR RAGHERV ISLAND— IN THE TERRITORY OF
HETII HE FOUNDS A MONASTERY—DISTURBED BY THE PICTS — HE RETURNS TO
IRELAND— MIRACULOUS OCCURRENCES — VISITS OF ST. FINBARR AND OF ST.
COLUMKILLE TO BANGOR — INTERVIEW BETWEEN ST. COLUMBA AND ST. COMGALL,
AFTER THE CONVENTION AT DRUMCEAT.
In the seventh year, after the foundation of his monastery at Bangor,' St.
Comf^all went over into Britain,^ to visit some holy men. It seems very proba-
'3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. ** This anecdote serves to show, that
Mail. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus Codicibus change of air and scene had been prescribed,
MSS., num. 5, p. 581. at an early period, for those monks, whose
'* See " Martyrology of Donegal," Rev. licalth happened to be in a languishing con-
Drs. Todd and Reeves' edition, pp. 122, dition.
123. *' This seems to have been a house, under
'5 Already referred to in St. Biigid's Acts, St. Comgall's rule, and thelocntion of which
at the 1st of February. must have been very near Hangoi-.
i
May io.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
167
ble, that the Britain, to which went, was no other than Great Britain.3 How-
ever, there appears to have been a mistake in chronology, if on this occasion,
he there visited St. Columba,4 unless, indeed, we refer the foundation of
Bangor to A. D. 559.5 He proposed remaining in Britain, for some time.^
It is likely, that on the occasion, when he went to Britain, in company with
St. Brendan and others, he paid a visit to St. Columkille, then living in one
of the western Isles.? The names of four saints, who visited St. Columkille,
are Comgellus AIocu Aridi, Cainnechus Mocu Dalon, Brendenus Mocu Alti,
and Cormacus Nepos Leathain.^ The Island, where St. Columkille then
resided, is stated to have been Hinba,9 although, according to another
account, it is called Rechra. The latter may be supposed to have reference
to one, among the many islands of Ireland, called Rathlin f° and, the most
probable of these is that parish and island of Rathlin," or Raghery,'^ in the
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
Maii. Vita S. Conigalli, ex tribus Codicibus
MSS., num. 6, p. 581. Also Vita S. Com-
galli, ex MS. antiquo et editione Sirini, cap.
iii., num. 30, p. 586.
Chapter hi. — ' In 555, St. Comgall
founded liere an Abbey for Regular Canons,
according to Mr. and Mrs. Hall's " Ireland,
its Scenery, Character," &c., vol. iii.,
p. 19.
* According to the Second Life, chap, ii.,
sect. 21, pp. 584, 585, in the Bollandist col-
lection.
3 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
xii., p. 63.
* The Rev. Dr. Lanigan remarks, that
supposing our saint paid a visit to St. Colum-
kille, in one of the Western Isles of Scot-
land, Bangor could not have been founded
so early as the year 555, because the seventh
year following it should have been 562. He
says, that Columkille did not leave Ireland
until 563 ; and that he spent not a very short
time in the western isles, before he had been
visited there by St. Comgall. See ibid., n.
206, pp. 68, 69.
5 This is the year assigned for its estab-
lishment, in Fleming's "Collectanea Sacra,"
Vita S. Comgalli, cap. 22, p. 307.
* Archbishop Ussher has it, " volens quos-
dam Sanctos ibi visitare et ibi manere ad
tempus ; et constituit ibi monasterium in
quaddam villa in regione Heth : ait Vitas
Scriptor ; de monachis ibidem a Pictonum
quorundam piratarum incursione ab ipso
vindicatis narrationem postea adjiciens." —
" Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates,"
cap. xvii., p. 494.
7 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
xii., p. 63.
* See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Vita
S. Columbse," lib. iii., cap. 17, pp. 219 to
222, and notes accompanying.
9 This island has not yet been identified,
but it is supposed to have lain north of, and
not far distant from, Hy.
'" The most celebrated of these is Rath-
linn or Raghery, on the north coast of
Antrim County. Reachra is supposed to
have been an ancient name ofLambay. This
island lies off the east shore of Dublin County.
See ibid., pp. 164, 165, n. (b), pp. 86, 87, n.
(b), pp. 219, 220, nn. (a, b).
" See it described, on the "Ordnance
Survey Townland Maps for the County of
Antrim," sheet i.
" In the year 1786 appeared a description
of this island, contained in the first edition of
Rev. William Hamilton's " Letters con-
cerning the Northern Coast of the County of
Antrim, containing a natural History of its
Basaltes : with an Account of such circum-
stances as are worthy of notice respecting
the Antiquities, Manners and Customs of
that Country. The whole illustrated by an
accurate Map of the Coast, Roads, Moun-
tains, &c. In these Letters is stated a plain
and impartial View of the Volcanic Theory
of the Basaltes," Dublin, 8vo. This only
contained Twelve Letters, pp. 195. This was
followed in 1790, by a greatly improved edi-
tion of that work, and bearing for its title,
"Letters concerning the Northern Coast of
the County of Antrim, containing such cir-
cumstances as appear worthy of notice re-
specting the Antiquities, Manners and Cus-
toms of that Country. Together with the
natural History of the Basaltes, and its
attendant Fossils, in the Northern Counties
of Ireland. The whole illustrated by an
accurate Map, and Engravings of the most
interesting objects on the coast." In two
parts. By the Rev. William Hamilton,
B.D., and M.R.I. A. In these Letters is
stated a plain and impartial View of the
Volcanic Theory of the Basaltes." Dublin,
8vo. Each of the parts contains Eight
Letters ; both parts constituting 227 pp.
The engravings on copper have reference
solely to the mainland of the Antrim Coast.
Long after the author's death, which took
place in the year 1797, his son William
llamiltonpreparedareprintof the last edition,
with a Memoir and Profile shade of his father
prefixed, and this, as also the second edition,
was dedicated to the Right Honourable
James Earl of Charlemont, President of the
Royal Irish Academy, &c. It bears the title,
i68
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAII^'TS.
[May 10.
barony of Carey, and county of Antrim. In ancient times, it is said '3 to have
been called Ricnea, by Pliny, Ricina, by Plotomy, Riduna, by Antonius,
Recarn and Recrain, by the Irish historians, Raclinda, by Buchannan,''* and
Rachri, by M. M'Kenzie. It has an area of nearly 3,400 acres ; of which
over 30 are under water. 's Here, it is stated — but incorrectly — that the
illustrious St. Columkille had built a church, about a.d. 546, and had estab-
lished near it some sort of Culdean establishment ; and, these are said to have
been placed, under the government of Deacon Colnian,'^, son of Roi. How-
ever, we can find very little of a reliable nature, regarding those ecclesiastical
settlements, in the very early ages. It is only known with certainty, that
St. Columkille visited Rechrea ^,^^ but, it is stated, in the Irish Annals, that
Segineus, Abbot ofHy, was the first erector of a church at Rechrainn, a.d.
635."^ After this period, there are several allusions to its history, in our
chronicles. At one time, St. Comgall wished to build a cell on the island, called
Reachraind or Raclin, as we are informed. '9 Situated off the extreme northern
shore of Ulster, it is not always an easy matter to reach that Island, from the
mainland. The site of the ancient ecclesiastical establishment here is not
indicated ; some mound of remarkable formation, and Bruce's Castle,^° being
the only ruins, now to be seen on the Island. This latter fortress rises on a
bold head-land, at the extreme eastern point of the Island, immediately front-
ing Scotland ;^' and, it is so called, because the illustrious fugitive Robert
Bruce, afterwards King of that country,^- was obliged to seek shelter there,
when his fortunes were at a very low ebb, in the winter of 1306^3 About
one-fourth of the entire island surface consists of rocks and poor pasturage,
while the remaining three-fourths contains tolerably good arable land.^^ Very
" Letters concerning the Northern Coast of
the County of Antrim ; containing observa-
tions on the Antiquities, Manners and Cus-
toms of that Country. With the Natural
History of the Basaltes, illustrated by an
accurate Map of the County of Antrim and
views of the most interesting objects on the
coast." In two parts. This edition is enriched
by a Memoir of the Author — and an Itinerary
and Guide to the Giants' Causeway." Bel-
fast, 8vo., pp. 265. To this latter edition
reference is made, in the quotations here
given.
'3 See ibid., Part i., Letter i., n. p. 3.
'■• He classes it among the EbudK or
Western Isles of Scotland. See " Rerum
Scoticarum Historia," lib. i., p. 24.
'^ See "Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
land." vol. iii., p. 134.
'* However, it seems more probable, that
he belonged to Rachrainn, or Lambay
Island, off the east of Bregia. See Dr.
O'Donovan's "IrishGrammar,"pp. 155, 281.
''See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaiurga,"
Adamnan's Vita S. Columl)as, lib. ii., cap.
xli., p. 361.
'^ See Ussher's " Index Chronologicus,"
at A.D. Dcxxxv., " Britannicarum Eccle-
siannii /Vntiquitates."
'9 According to the account of James
Drummond ^iarshall, M.D., St. Comgall
landed here belore St. Columba. See Notes
on the Statistics and Natural History of the
Island of Rathlin, off the Northern Co.ast of
Ireland, in " Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," vol. xvii., p. 47. This interest-
ing Paper is found under the head of "Anti-
quities," extending from pp. 37 to 71. It is
preceded by an excellent and accurate Map
of the Island, now regarded as a separate
parish, with its various townland denomina-
tions ; as also, beautiful copper-plate views
of — I. Rathlin Island, from Ballycastle.
2. Limestone Rocks in Church Bay, Raihlin
Island. 3. Ruins of Bruce's Castle, Rath-
lin Island, and 4. Doon Point, Rathlin
Island.
'° A woodcut representing this castle, and
the cliff on which it stands, over the sea,
may be seen in "TheDublin Penny Journal,"
vol. ii.. No. 56. A letter-press description
accompanies it. See pp. 25, 26.
" Angus McDonnell, in the beginning of
the fourteenth centur)-, was regarded as King
over the Western Islands, and Raheny was
deemed to be a part of his sovereignty.
See ibid,
" See an account of this heroic king, in
John Hill Burtons "History of Scotland,"
vol. ii., chap, xxii., xxiii., xxiv., pp. 344
to 432.
^3 " Bot in to Rauchryiie, nocht forthi
Thai arywyt ilkane sawffly :
Blyth, and glaid, that thai war sua
Eschapyt thai hidwyss waivis fra."
— Barbbour's " Bruce." Buke Thyrd, v. 187.
''^ So late as the miiklle of the eighteenth
century, the tenants on Rathlin paid their
May 10.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
169
remarkable Basaltic columns, and in contorted forms ^s — resembling those on
the Giant's Causeway and on the opposite Antrim coast — are here to be seen,
especially at Doon Point.^^ Several very curious antiquities have also been
discovered on this Island.^? That marine sweep or large indentation, between
Bull Point and Rue Point, is called Church Bayf^ ^-^^^^ probably, because of
Church Bay, Raghery Island, County Antrim.
a church standing there,^9 and it is the chief landing place.3° Both this Bay, and
the channel between it and the mainland of Ireland, are scourged by a power-
ful current, and by a conflux of tides, chafing in recesses and recoiling from
headlands. The waves are continually in agitation, and often they are very dan-
gerous.3' St.'Comgall was opposed in the design of settling here, by thirty sol-
diers. These bound his hands, and expelled him from the Island. In punish-
Academy," vol. xvii. James Drummond
rents in kind ; most usually in pullets and
sheep. See Rev. George Hill's " Historical
Account of the Plantation in Ulster, at the
commencement of the seventeeth century,
1608-1620," chap, vi., p. 242, n. 84. Belfast,
1877, 4to.
-5 Allusion is made to this Island in the
Poem of Rev. William Hamilton Drum-
mond, D.D. :
" Where Rathlin braves the surge that
round her rolls.
With chalky bastions, and basaltic
moles," &c.
— "The Giant's Causeway," Book Second,
P-59-
** A very remarkable copperplate illustra-
tion of this scene, will be found in the Tliird
Edition of Rev. William Hamilton's " Let-
ters concerning the Northern Coast of the
County of Antrim," &c.. Part ii., Letter iv.,
p. 131.
^7 See tbid., Part i., Letter ii., pp. 20, 21.
^^ A view of this scene is here presented,
drawn on the wood, by William F. Wake-
man, Esq., and engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
^5 In Ballynoe was the site of an old
church, on which was built a new Protestant
church, by Act of Council, dated April 20th,
1722. See Harris' Ware, vol. i., "Bishops
of Down and Connor," pp. 215, 216.
3" "The form of the; island has been com-
pared, like Italy, to that of a boot, the toe
pointing to the coal works of Ballycastle —
the heel, where Bruce's Castle is situated, to
Cantire — and the top to the great Western
Ocean." — "Transactions of the Royal Irish
lyo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. May io.
ment for such impious conduct, they all died within the course of a month.3^ In
times subsequent, the religious foundation of St. Columkille was ravaged and
destroyed by the Danes, here, in 790; and again, in 973, these freebooters
made another visitation, when they put tlie abbot to death. 33 While absent from
Ireland, St. Comgall built a monastery, in a certain village of the territory of
Heth.34 There was a place having such denomination in Britanny, and it
is mentioned in the Acts of St. Brendan of Clonfert.33 However, as it appears
more probable, that the Britain, to which Comgall repaired, was Great Britain,
a conjecture has been offered, that Heth, instead of being the proper name
for a territory, may mean a tract lying near the sea. Thus, Hit/ie, the name
of a place in Kent, has been explained, 3^ as signifying coast, or sea-shore.37
The Heth, in which Comgall is said to have been, was probably a maritime
district ;38 and it is thought to have been in some part of Northern Britain,39
rather than in Gallic Britanny.''"
About this time, the Picts of Scotland were often engaged, on marau-
ding excursions ; and, it would seem, that Brude, son of Maelcon,
called King of the Cruithne, had waged a victorious war, against the
Albanich, or Southern Scots, so as to expel them from his territories.^'
His prowess was acknowledged over the northern parts of Scotland,
where he ruled for several years. One day, while the saint was working in a
field alone, he left a chrismal resting upon his garments. It chanced, that
some Pictish robbers, who were Gentiles, made an irruption into a village,
which they plundered ; but, on coming to where St. Comgall was at work,
and seeing the chrismal placed upon his garments, supposing it to be the God
of the saint, they did not dare to touch it. Comgall was much disturbed, on
account of this barbarian irruption, and he cried out, " Lord, thou art my
strength, my refuge, and my deliverer." Then, having prayed, he signed the
Heavens, earth and sea, with a sign of the cross. Immediately the Pagans be-
came blind, and the sea swelled in boisterous manner, so that the invaders' ves-
sels were thrown back on the shore. Many among the crew suffered even bodily
injury. The pirates, hereupon, relinquished their prey, and asked forgiveness
from St. Comgall. Owing to his prayers, their sight was restored; and, the
sea becoming calm, these rovers returned without any booty. After this, at the
entreaty of many holy men, St. Comgall repaired to Ireland.-*^
It was a custom, in the monastery of our saint, if any one among the brethren
should chide another, that person, who had received such reproof — whether
deserving it or not — was required to go on his knees. Wherefore, at one time,
while Comgall visite d an island, in the northern part of Ireland, some monks
Marshall's "Notes on the StatisticsandNatu- 38 As stated in St. Comgall's Acts, some
ralllistoryofthe Island of Rathlin," &c.,p.3S. British pirates made an attack on the monas-
3' See the " Parliamentary Gazetteer of tery : and hence, an inference may be drawn,
Ireland," vol. iii., p. 134. regarding such a situation for it.
3^ See "Acta .Sanctorum," tomus ii., 39 Eday, one of the Orkney islands, is
X. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, exMS. antiquoet called Hethy hy Camden, in his " Britan-
editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 47, p. 587. nia," at col. 1469. However, Comgall's
33 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish Ileth is not called an island, but a terri-
Academy," vol. xvii. James Drummond tory.
Marshall's "Notes on the Statistics and *° See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
Natural History of the Island of Rathlin," History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
&c., p. 48. xii., n. 205, p. 68.
3* See "A Memorial of Ancient British ^' See William F. Skene's Preface to
Piety," p. 75. " Chronicles of the Picts, Ciironicles of the
35 See the Life of St. Brendan, at the l6th Scots and other early Memorials of Scottish
of May, History," pp. ex., cxi.
36 By Baxter, in his Glossary. *" See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
37 In Lhuyd's Armoric Vocabulary, Atit is Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
translated "sea-shore," " bank of a river," editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 21, pp. 584,
&c. 5^5-
May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 171
chanced to be sailing on the middle of a lake. A brother, who was steering
their boat, reproved one of his companions. Not regarding the danger in
which he was placed, as the boat was small, that brother is said to have leaped
from it, that he might prostrate himself. But, at once he sunk under the
water, where he remained buried beneath the wave, from the first, to the ninth,
hovu- of the day. Full of sorrowfor the accident, which had occurred, the reprov-
ing monk told St. Comgall about the matter. Without any show of inquietude
Comgall said, " The Lord is able to preserve our brother alive, beneath
the water ; return you, and seek him, where he has been submerged." The
monks accordingly did so, when one of them, who was an excellent swimmer
and diver, plunged into the water, and he found the young monk lying
beneath, with his face towards the earth. The diver bore him to the surface,
alive and well. The monk then said to his companions, " I suffered no more
inconvenience under water, than if I had been on dry land." This miracle
confirmed in that practice the brethren, who bore further reproaches with
humility. There was another young monk, in St. Comgall's monastery ; he
was so distinguished for humility, mildness, and obedience, that he did what-
ever was required, and avoided whatever had been prohibited. Commands
were executed in so prompt a manner, by this monk, that his brethren gave
him the title of *' The obedient." One day, while Comgall was on a journey,
accompanied by this young man, and with other companions ; all these came
to a spot, where a great inundation had taken place. Having received a
reproof from one of his brethren, that young monk immediately fell upon his
face, near the sea-shore ; and, as he remained among the last arrivals, his
action was not observed by the company. The brother, who was much
attached to the Abbot, bore his shoes ; and, when our saint came to a dry
part of the shore, he asked for " The obedient." Not being seen amono- the
other monks, his Abbot enquired, if any of the brethren had reproved him.
One of them confessed that he had. Comgall ordered the monks to return,
and to seek him. While doing so, the rising sea-tide had covered the whole
shore, the brother yet remaining prostrate, although within a very short dis-
tance from the elevated banks. On raising that obedient religious, his
brethren brought him to St. Comgall. Then, the whole company returned
thanks to God.
One day, being on a journey, St. Comgall repaired to his monastery.
He there found, that a certain boy had died suddenly, during his absence.
He then said, " It is my fault, that this boy departed so suddenly, in my
monastery, and before his allotted time." Approaching the corpse, the Abbot
prayed fervently, and the boy was restored again to life. Comgall then said,
" Do you desire, my son, to remain in this life ?" The boy instantly declared,
he had rather die. Comgall imparting his blessing, this boy tranquilly yielded
up his spirit. A certain man earnestly entreated the Abbot, to receive some
possession as an offering, but he refused. Being further urged, our saint
said, " Why do you wish to cast your leprosy on me ?" Upon which, the
man left him, with some signs of indignation. A certain prince came to St.
Comgall. He bore a coffer, filled with gold and silver, as a gift. This prince,
who was a wicked sinner, stood before the gate, and sent a messenger to our
Abbot. But, the saint refused his gift, saying, " Why doth the sinner wish to
discharge his iniquities upon us ? Let him bear his own crimes and their
fruits." Filled with confusion, this prince also returned with his cofifer.43
St. Finbarr,44 of Mashbile.^s came to visit St. Comgall. Tlie latter, with his
■♦3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. ■♦^ He is also named, Finan, Fmnian
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et Fennia, and Findia. The Festivals of this
editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 22, 23, 24, 25, holy Abbot were kept, on the lith'of Feb-
P- 585. ruary, and on the loth of September, On
172 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
whole company of monks, felt rejoiced on the arrival of such a guest. Whilst
all were at supper, some one told the Abbot, that St. Finbar, owing to his infir-
mity, desired to drink a little milk. Nothing was eaten at table, but bread
and herbs, as other refreshments were forbidden, by the strict rule of this
house. Although milk was not kept within the monastery, still St. Comgall
sent a messenger to the cellar, where a vessel full of that liquid was found.
The measure was even sufficient for the entertainment of all. This being
placed before the Bishop, he ordered it to be divided, with the other monks.
The vessel containing it, although afterwards returned to the cellar, w^as no
more seen. Owing to the Bishop's persuasion, and to that of other holy men,
St. Comgall was then induced to allow milk to be used, by old and infirm
monks residing in his monastery.''^ A certain boy, learning to write, made
no progress in this art, for several days ; when, coming to St. Comgall, he
received a blessing on his eyes and hands. This tended to perfect him in
penmanship, so that in a short time, he excelled all others, and became a
celebrated professor of writing himaelf.47 One night, when his brethren assem-
bled at the church, Comgall said, " Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the soul
of our Father, the Bishop Findbarr. He is now borne to Heaven, by the
Angels." On the following day, word was brought, regarding St. Finbarr's
death. 48
On a certain occasion, when St. Columba had sailed in a vessel from
lona Island, to the monastery of Bangor; it happened, that one of his brethren
died on board. When landed at the mouth of a river, and at a port, named
Iniver Beg, the whole company hastened towards Bangor monastery, where
they were received with much joy. ]\Ieantime, their deceased companion was
laid with the baggage, in a secret part of the vessel. When the voyagers
had received a kiss of peace, Comgall washed their feet, and asked, if they
had any person, besides the assembled number, during the voyage. St.
Columba replied, that one remained on board ; Comgall requested, he might
be sent for, that he might have an opportunity of enjoying their community's
conversation and society. " For," said he, " after the labours of this voyage,
the hands and feet of all must find rest, and the vessel with its effects must be
taken under our care." St. Columba replied, " That brother will not come,
unless you go to him." Without delay, Comgall went to the vessel ; but, not
immediately finding the brother, he searched among the luggage, where he
thought the monk might be sleeping. There, however, he was found dead. The
servant of God was astonished, but betaking himself to prayer, Comgall said,
the former day, there are some aUusions to and Modern," vol. ii., pp. 10 to 28.
him, in vol. ii. of this work, at Art. xvi. '•^ See " Acta Sanctorum,"- tomus ii., x.
However, the Acts of this saint are reserved Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
for the lOth of September, which seems to editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 26, p. 585.
have been his chief feast. The name, Fiubarr, ^^ This anecdote shows, how the profes-
or Findbarr, applied to him, means " white- sion of a scribe was one anciently cultivated
head," in English; and, proliably, it arose in the Irish schools. "Though prayer was
from the circumstance of his locks having the principal, it was by no means the only,
been white originally, or because they had duty of a monk. Labour was scarcely
become venerably hoarj', in his advanced secondary — much of his time was devoted to
years. the Scriptorium, where there were written
^5 Now Movilla, or Moville, in the parish and illuminated those m?nuscripts that are
of Newtown Ards, barony of Lower Ards, the glory of that age and the wonder of this."
in the county of Down. An abbey was — Rev. James OLaverty's "Historical
founded here, so early as 540, by St. Finbai r, Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor,
and consequently, it had been erected before Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., p. 129.
St. Comgall's, at Bangor. A very interesting *^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
accountofSt.Finnian, or Findbarr, and of his ^^aii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
monastery, at Moville, will be found in Rev. editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 27, 28, p.
James O'Laverty's "Historical Account of 585.
the Diocese n'Di.wn an<l Connor, Anciviu -".See "Acta Sanclorum," tnnuis ii,, x,
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 173
" In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ arise, and hasten with me to thy
brotliers." As if awaking from sleep, the dead man arose, and coming with
our Abbot to his monastery, the latter observed, that his companion was de-
prived of one eye. The saint declared, that as he had prayed to God for a
perfect restoration, in all his limbs and body, the monk should not labour
under such a defect. At the same time, a fountain of water sprung from the
earth, whereon they stood. In its water, the Abbot ordered that monk to
.bathe his face, when he recovered the eye, which he before wanted. Its
lustre continued undiminished, even in his old age. While St. Columba
remained with our saint, they entered a church together, to recite Hours.
Afterwards, returning to the monastery for supper, St. Comgall ordered a
brother to bring some food, which it was thought the house did not contain.
But, on going to the cellar, that brother brought the required viands, which
were placed before both great saints. These pa*-took thereof, giving thanks.
Knowing this to be the gift of God, St. Columba said to St. Comgall, " O
holy father, this food is not to be taken with indifference, for it has not been
provided by men, but by God's Angels." Those, who were present, imme-
diately said, " Blessed be God for his gifts. "^9 It is recorded, that on another
day, while these two great saints were at table, they saw the devil placed in
a seat reserved for the cook of the monastery. s^ Surprised at this sight, the
saints entertained suspicions, regarding the virtue of this cook. On being
sent for, seeing his place occupied by a demon, the cook cried out with a
stern voice, " Wretched demon, what brings you here ? or what folly induces
you to occupy this seat ? Certainly, from my youth I have never served thee,
and if otherwise, declare it : fly therefore to the sea-depths, or to the desert
solitudes, where thou canst hurt no person."^' The demon then fled in
silence. St. Columba and St. Comgall did penance for harbouring unjtist
suspicions, concerning that brother.
Being in some necessity, the Abbot one day required a monk to cross
over the strait of the sea, in a direct course. This brother, we are
told, passed over with dry feet, and returned safely to the saint. At
another time, he required one of the monks, to go into the workshop
of a smith, who was absent, and to make a frame, on which fishes might
be boiled. At the same time, Comgall blessed his hands. That brother,
hitherto unskilled in the smith's art, made the article as required, together
with many other useful things, on the same day. St. Comgall had three
nephews, who were saints, and his sister's children. These lived in a monas-
tery, apart from his own. They sent to Comgall, requesting a cymbal, which
they are said to have received, through the hands of an Angel. Then, they
gave thanks to God, for this present. Again, our saint \i said to have procured
alms for a poor man, in a miraculous manner. When, too, in a spirit of obe-
dience, one of his monks bore a hot stone from the fire to St. Comgall, his
hands were preserved from being burned, for which singular favour he
returned thanks to God.s^ Although in the course of time, Comgall's rule
might have been observed far and wide throughout Ireland ; yet, it is to be
supposed, that during his lifetime, it did not extend very much beyond such
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus codicibus the Saints," vol. v., May 10, p. 144.
MSS., num. 7. pp. 5S1, 582. Also, Vita S. 5= gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
cap. iii., num. 29, 31, p. 586. editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 32, 33, 34, 35,
5° From this quaint legend, we may glean, 36, 37, p. 586.
that special places were reserved for the 53 ^ee Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
monks, in the refectories of early monastic History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect,
establishments. xii.,n. 201, p. 67.
5' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of S4 ggg Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
174 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May id.
places, as it could have been convenient for him to visit in person. 53 One of
these subordinate monasteries seems to have been at Cambos,?'* now Camus,s5
on the River Bann, in the barony of Coleraine. Thither, after the royal con-
vention at Drumceat,5^ St. Columba came, and he had an interesting inter-
view, with St. Comgellus. There, too, he predicted a battle, which should
take places? between the Hy-Neill and the Cruithni, at the celebrated fort of
Dun Kehern.s^ This was called after Cethern, one of the Red Branch heroes,
who flourished in Ulster, about the Christian era's commencement. That
prophecy of St. Columba was afterwards fulfilled. A doubt has been
expressed,59 as to whether Comgall of Bangor was the same as St. Comgeli
of Cambos, or Cambas. We find, however, that Comgallus, or Comgellus,^°
is sometimes written Congellus. There can be no doubt, regarding our St.
Comgall being the person spoken of, in Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, and
in that passage, to which reference has been made.^'
CHAPTER IV.
THE ABBOT VISITS LOUGH FOYLE— CORMAC, A PRINCE OF HY-KINSALLAGH BECOMES
A DISCIPLE OF ST. COMGALL, AND BESTOWS VARIOUS POSSESSIONS ON BANGOR —
SEVERAL MIRACLES RECORDED — ST. COMGALL IS SAID TO HAVE HAD A SHARE IN
THE CONVERSION OF BRUDEUS, KING OF THE PICTS — THE HOLY ABBOT'S LAST
ILLNESS AND DEATH— HIS RELICS — MONUMENTS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF ST.
COMGALL — CONCLUSION.
One day, when with his disciples passing near the shore of Lough Feabhail,'
the Abbot heard and saw some swans singing melodiously, while floating on
the water. There, the brethren asked their holy senior, to bring the swans to
them, that they might touch them with their hands. At this time, the monks
should have partaken of the refection, which had not yet been prepared. The
Abbot replied to their request, if it were the will of God, that they should be
gratified ; when, immediately, the swans flew towards the servants of Christ.
One of them even alighted on the breast of their Abbot. Again, when on
another occasion, this holy man had a revelation, regarding the approach of
St. Columba and his disciples ; while these were labouring at the oar, Com-
gall besought our Lord to send him food for his guests. Whereupon, an Angel
collected a shoal offish in the sea, and brought them towards the shore, quite
near to the saint's dwelling. Knowing what had occurred, the Abbot ordered
his monks to bear these captured fishes towards his monastery. There, the com-
of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. xlix. a St. Comgeli of Cambos, as if distinct from
55 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hibenii- the great St. Comgall of Bangor. See ?W</.
cum," p. io6. "Index Chronologicus," at a.d. dlxxx., p.
5* The " Annals of Ulster " place it, at 533.
a.d. 574, which is supposed to be the true *" In Colgan's edition of Adamnan's Vila
date. Other accounts have it so late as S. Columbre, we have not Congell but Com-
590. gell ; and, in his notes on that chapter, he
57 This was fought a.d. 629. The "Annals supposed, and indeed justly, that he was no
of Ulster " have it A. d. 628. other than Comgall of Bangor.
5** In Irish written TJun Ceichii\n, and ^' There is no reason for admitting any
Latinized Ahinilio Ccthirui. This fortifica- distinction, as Rev Dr. Lanigan shows, in his
lion has been identified, by John O'Donovan, " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
with the Sconce, about four miles west of chap. x.,scct. xii., n. 201, p. 67.
Coleraine town, in the parish of Dunboe. Chapter iv. — ' Now Lough Foyle, near
59 See Usshcr's " Britannicarum Ecclesia- Derry, and mentioned by Prince O'Donnell,
rum Antiquilates," cap. xiii., p. 237. In as having been passed, when St. Columkille
consequence of this doubt, Usshcr mentions set out on his journey to lona. See Colgan's
May io.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
^15
nuinity and guests, on tlieir arrival, partook of them. ^ Diarmad, Kino-of Lein-
ster, had a son named Cormac, who was a native of that part of the country
named Hy-Kinselleach.3 He was kept as a prisoner for some time, by Colum
or Colman,4 King of North Leinster, until released, at the intercession of St.
Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh. That prince received his blessing, and after-
wards ruled over the principality of South Leinster.s It seems probable
enough, that he and St. Comgall were fellow-students and intimate friends,
Castle of Carlow.
while both studied together at Clonenagh.^ This Cormac is mentioned, in
the Life of St. Fintan, 7 and the circumstance of his having become a monk of
St. Comgall.^ This prince relinquished the sceptre,, in his more advanced
"Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Vita S.
Columbse, lib. iii., cap. xxi., p. 434.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS., aiitiquo
et editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 38, 39,
p. 586.
3 It was so called, because its people were
regarded as the descendants of Eanna Ceinn-
sealach, who was fourth in descent from
Cathaier, monarch of Ireland, about the
year 358.
■» He died at Slieve Mairge, a.d. 576.
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. i., pp. 208, 209, and n. (t).
s Comprising the present counties of Wex-
ford and Carlow.
* From two different sources has the pedi-
gree of St. Comgall been obligingly trans-
cribed, by Mr. J. J. MacSweeny, Librarian's
Clerk to the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
On the father's side, it shows his descent
from Conall Cearnach, head of the Leinster-
men. Thus it occurs in the Book of Leacan,
at fol. 141, col. 3, line 27 : — ComgAtl,
t)e4iToc]iAi|v, 111 AC Seen A, 111 ac eAcliAic,
111AC ■bi\oni, 111AC Voi^co, niAc epiAifC,
11U\c CiMfnchAint) liic .h. Ch)\inichAinD
Chtnb Aguf minp'OAm <\e|\nA, tllAc
OAchAIC, 111 AC tuj'OAch, 111 AC UofA uy
CoiiaII CeiMiAch hi^xet 5UiniiiA]A, iriAc
CoiiAibL Ce]\nAcli Ajuf LoiiT)chuit)i injeAn
echAtc echbeoit. According to the same
authority, the name of St. Comgall's mother
was Dealbai ; thus, "OeAibAi a IIIacai^
176 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
years, in order to lead a religious life. 9 He presented, as an offering to God
and to St. Comgall, himself and three castles. These forts were situated in his
own district of Leinster. These three castles were denominated Catharlach,'°
now Carlow," on the banks of the River Barrow, Foibran,'^ and Ardarema.'3
Coming to the province of Ulster, he became a monk, under the rule of St.
Comgall, and he remained in the monastery of Bangor. Afterwards, he
suffered from temptations suggested by the devil, and felt concerned about the
welfare of his children, relations, patrimonial possessions, and country. In
great agitation of mind, this prince had an interview with St. Comgall, and
declared, that he could not remain at Bangor, without visiting his native
country. Finding he would not be restrained from this desire, Comgall sent
him on his way with some brethren, as companions. At their departure, the
Abbot offered up his prayers. Cormac felt oppressed with sleep, on a high
hill '4 — where the Asylum of Benchor '5 was established — and slept there
from the first, to the ninth, hour of the day. Here, in a dream, he
thought he had walked over the bounds of Leinster, and had beheld many
cities and castles. This imagining had conduced him through many flour-
ishing fields and pleasant meadows. He seemed, even to have possessed
his favourite chariots and kingdom, while chiefs, magistrates, and magnates,
belonging to his kingdom, appeared to sit around him, with all the insignia
of royalty. When satisfied with this vision, he awoke. Through the grace
of God, he felt a tedium and dislike, for all he had seen in that dream. '^ He
then returned to the Abbot Comgall, with a relation of what he imagined, and
he remained under religious rule, to the very day of his death.'?
While walking, St. Comgall and his disciples, entered a deserted house on their
way. The monks, who were suffering from cold, brought some faggots, which
they found, to their superior, and asked him to kindle a fire. He blew them
•mei]\co'Lpn do we find the entry. Again, been made on the wood, by William F.
on the father's side, we have the following Wakeman, and the engraving is by Mrs.
]">edigree from the copy, contained in the Millard.
Koyal Irish Academy, of Duald l\Iac Fir- '- This place has not been identified,
bisigh's valuable " Book of Genealogies, "in There was a Faebhran or Foibhren monas-
the TlAOiiti]'eAiicu]', at p. 736 : — ConigAlL tery, in the territory of Graighrighe, com-
benc<Mi\ ULjiIX) tllAoi. 10, IIIac SeutariA, prising the present barony of Coolavin, in
tllAC eAcliAC, lIlAc biMuin, tllAC ■{:oi\5A, the county of Sligo and a great portion of
tllAC e^MUMne (no e]\cnAi|'5), mAC Cy\ein- northern Roscommon. See Dr. O'Donovan's
cliAinT), niAC eAcliAC, 111 AC Lu5t)AC, 111 AC "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., n. (t^,
llofA, rilAC lowcA'OA, lllAC ITe-obimce, HI AC p. 357, and pp. 424, 425, nn. (y, z).
CAif, 111 AC pAchAC A^AAi-oe (ecc). '3 Its location does not seem to be known,
1 At the 17th of February, in vol. ii. of under this ancient name ; but, probably, it
this work. must be sought for, within the bounds of
* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- ancient Hy-Kinsellagh.
nise," xvii. Febniarii. Vita S. P'intani de '•• The second Life of St. Comgall has it
Cluain Edneach, cap. xviii., p. 352, and "in collo imminenti Astilo Beunchor,"
nn. 17, 18, 19, p. 354. num. 40.
9 See De liurgo's " Officia Propria '5 The text of the Life is thus corrected at
Sanctorum Hibernia:," Die x. Maii. In note (d), by Father Godefrid Henschenn,
Festo S. Congalli, ii. Nocturno, Lect. vi., " Idem asylo Benchor."
p. 53. '* See "Acta Sanctorum, tomus ii., x.
'" This is probably one of the earliest Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo
notices on record, of a castle having existed et ediiione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 40, and pp.
there at a remote period. Mr. D'Allon tells 586 to 588.
us, that in a.d. 634, an alibcy had been here '' Father John C'olgan supposes, that he
founded. Sec " Irish Penny Magazine," was the St. Cormac, who was venerated at
vol. i., No. 40, p. 313. Achadh-Finnich, in Leinster, at the 7lh —
"The accompanying illustration of the rcct€\\\\\ — of May. See " Acta Sanctorum
existing remains of Carlow Castle has been llibernia?," xvii. Fcbruarii. Vita S. Fin-
taken from a hitherto original point of view, tani, Abbatis de Cluain-Ednech, cap. xviii.,
and from a Photograph ; the drawing has n, 19, p. 354.
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 177
into a flame, and thus the brothers \varn:\ed themselves. On another day, in
company with his monks, a dark and cold night fell upon them, in a desert
valley. The brethren, in like manner, benumbed with cold, asked our saint,
in God's name, to afford them the solace of a fire. With his breath, Com-
gall again kindled some dry wood, before their eyes, whereby the darkness
around them was dispelled, and they became warmed. On the following
day, no trace of fire was seen, where the pile of wood had been kindled, but
the place seemed full of leaves and branches. This was a subject for admira-
tion to the brethren, who returned thanks to God. At another time, our
holy Abbot fasted '^ during the night, against a certain merciless chieftain,
who lived in a castle, named Trachim.'9 In the middle of the night, this
castle shook to its very foundations. Weapons and other matters fell from
its walls. Terrified by such w^onderful portents, die tyrant did' penance, to
the great joy of our saint. ^° Again, Comgall fasted against a prince, who
dwelt in Mae-mad Castle f'^ but, this inexorable king refused to hear God's
servant. Then, in presence of this king, of his children, and of his friends, a
large stone appeared rent before them, through the merits of our saint. This
warning so much alarmed the chief, that he humbly subjected himself to pen-
ance, granting, at the same time, the particular request of Abbot Comgall.
A certain young monk, named Conuath,*^ came to the Abbot, that he might
learn what manner of life Comgall led. That young man supposed himself
to have followed a more austere life than others, and he requested our saint,
not to conceal any of his accustomed practices. The latter, in the middle of
the night, conducted him towards a neighbouring river. The young monk
felt himself unable to bear certain alternations of heat and cold, in the water,
when he entered it with St. Comgall. Admiring thenceforth those austerities
and graces enjoyed by our saint, his former presumption immediately vanished,
and he became a monk, under Comgall's rule. Another day, while the Abbot
sailed over an arm of the sea, he reproved a young monk, named Crimac-
than.23 This devout servant immediately left the vessel. Prostrating himself
on the sea, it was able to support him, as if he had stood upon dry land.
There he remained, until the Abbot called him into the bark. This he
entered, with garments not even moist. The vessel continued motionless,
meanwhile, in the same place, although the winds blew, and sails were set.
E.onan,2+ son to Aeda, had a wife, named Brava. She was exceedingly
beautiful, and much loved by him, until she gave birth to a son, whose face
appeared blackened. This inclined the chief to dismiss his wife, with her
offspring ; nor would he even acknowledge the child to be his own. Brava
then went to St. Comgall, declaring the cause for her ej^pulsion. Thereupon,
our saint bestowed a blessing, on the boy's face and eyes. At the instant,
this child became exceedingly beautiful. Such a miracle induced Ronan, to
receive again both mother and son, with due regard. ^5 On the occasion of
his visit to Scotland — which is assumed — St. Comgall is said to have con-
'^ This was done, to molify the wrath or ^- Nothing transpires to identify this reli-
move to clemency men in power, and the gious.
practice is often nolicetl in the Lives of our =' Who he was does not seem to be
Irish Saints. known.
'9 This place appears to have escaped -■* Elsewhere, his name does not appear in
identification. history, although he appears to have been a
'° See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. person of distinction.
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et =5 gee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
editione Sirini, cap. iii., num, 41, 42, Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo
p. 587. et editione Sirini, cap. ii., num. 43, 44, 45,
^' The situation of this fort is not further 46, p. 587.
indicated. -^ See Bishop De Burgo's " Oflicia Pro-
M
lyS
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 1 6.
tributed'^to the conversion of Brideus — odierwise Brudeus^7 — King of die
Northern Picts, and son of Meilochon.^^ He lived in a great fort,^? where
the modern town of Inverness, in Scotland, is situated. His reign com-
menced in 557, and terminated a.d. 584.3° Other accounts have it, that he
reigned thirty years,^' and possessed great influence, in the northern parts of
Scotland.3^ At one time, as we are informed, St. Comgall, St.|CoIumba, and
St. Canice,33 visited that pagan king, named Brudaeus. In most of St. Columba's
Acts, however, no mention is made about his being accompanied, on the
occasion of his missionary excursion to Pictland, by either St. Comgall, or St.
Canice; although, it is stated, in a general manner, that he had a few brethren 34
with him. That Pictish king ordered the gates of his castle to be closed
against them. But, St. Comgall signed them with a sign of the cross, and
they fell in pieces to the ground. After a like action, on the part of St.
Columba,35 the doors of Brudseus' regal residence were broken. By a similar
sign, St. Canice caused the hand of this king to witlier, even while it brandished
a sword to slay them. However, on his consenting to embrace the Christian
faith, its power was again restored to him.s^
There was a certain queen, as we are informed, who was named
Cantigera, the pious and virtuous spouse of Fiachna,37 a King of Ulidia.s^
He dwelt in a celebrated fort, 39 or castle, called Rathmore,^° situated
pria Sanctorum Hibernije," Die x. Maii. In
Festo S. Congalli, ii. Noctuino, Lect. vi.,
P-53-
"' According to the " Scolichronicon," he
is reckoned to have been the thirtj'-fourth
Pictish king in succession, from the first
Cruthnean monarch. See Ussher's " Bri-
tannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap.
XV., p. 372.
^^ According to Venerable Bede's " His-
toria Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib.
iii., cap. iv., pp. 272, 273. See Rev. J- A.
Giles' "CompleteWorks of Venerable Bede,"
&€., vol. ii.
'9 Supposed to be the present Craig Pha-
drick, a vitrified structure, near the River
Ness. There is a sketch and section, with
an interesting description of it, in John
Williams' "Account of some remarkable
ancient Ruins in the Highlands," p. 31.
Edinburgh, 1777.
3° According to Tigernach's Annals, MS.
Bodl. Rawlinson. B. 488. See " Chronicles
of the Picts, Chronicles of the Scots, and
other early Memorials of Scottish History,"
edited by William F. Skene, LL.D.,p. 67.
3' See "Cronica Brevis," MS. Bib. Fac.
Jurid. Edin., 34, 7.3. — //'/(/., p. 150.
3^ See James Taylor's '■ Pictorial History
of Scotland," vol. i., chap, iii., p. 26.
33 The patron saint of Kilkenny, whose
feast occurs on the iith of October.
3* As we are told, " Sanctus cum pancis
fratribus extra regis munitionem" — Rev. Dr.
Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. Coluniba,"
lib. i., cap. 37, p. 73, and lib. ii., cap. 35,
p. 151.
35 The incident is related in the Acts of
this great Apostle of the Picts, when Brudc
" shut himself up within tiie walls of the
royal residence at Iiivcriu-ss, hoping there
to remain undisturbed from the intrusion
of the man of God." — "Life of St. Patrick,
Apostle of Ireland, with those of St. Bridget,
virgin and abbess, and of St. Columba,
Abbot and Apostle of the Northern Picts.
A Triple Leaf just collected from the purest
sources," chap, iii., p. 125.
3* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
editione Sirini, cap. iii., n. 48, p. 5S7.
3' He was most probably Fiachna, the son
of Baedan, the King of Ulidia, who died a.d.
585. Fiachna's achievements are recorded
in Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Masters." Thus, in a.d. 590, he gained a
victory, at Eadan-mor, " the great Brow,"
or " Face of a Hill " — supposed by Dr.
O'Donovar to have been in East Meath —
possibly the ancient name of Edenrath, near
Navan. There, he defeated Gerthidhe, son
of Ronan, chief of Cianachta-Breagh, in the
east of Meath. In 592, Fiachna slew Aedh
Dubh, son to Suibhne, King of Ulidia.
Again, Fiachna gained a victory over the
Munstermen, in 593, at the battle of Sliabh-
cua, in the north-west of the county of
Waterford. In 597, he gained the battle of
Cuil-Cael, "the narrow Angle" or
" Corner," over Fiachna, son of Deman.
This place was situated, either in the county
o( Down or of Antrim. At last, in 604, this
same Fiachna, designated Caech, or "the
blind," was slain by the Cruithni. See vol.
i., pp. 212, 213, and n. (i), pp. 214, 215,
and nn. (t, u), pp. 216, 217, and n. (c), pp.
222, 223, and n. (t), pp. 230, 231, and n. (u).
3** In 592, he succeeded to this position,
after slaying Aedh- Dubh.
39 The site is yet marked, by a large irre-
gular oval-shaped Rath, 138 on the long
diameter, inside, and 108 feet, in the short
diameter. It was formerly surrounded, by
a deep and wide fosse, now partially filled
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. \ii)
in the plain of Linia.^' She belonged to the region of Dailnaraide. Having
been poisoned, in consequence, she suffered most grievous torments. Igno-
rant concerning the autlior of those sufferings, her friends called for the ser-
vices of some physicians, who felt unable to afford her relief. In fine, being
invited to see her, St. Comgall declared, while giving her his blessing, that
she should soon be restored to health, and that she should also discover the
author of her tortures. The queen recovered, and after a short time, the
devil possessed one of her handmaids. Being deprived of the use of her
reason, this woman declared, that she had administered poison to her mis-
tress. All who heard this statement insisted, that handmaid should suffer
condign punishment for her crime. Yet, the queen desired, that Comgall
might be assigned, as her judge. Whereupon, sending word by a messenger,
our Abbot released the accused, not only from death, but even from servi-
tude. That treacherous woman afterwards did penance, to atone for her evil
purpose and attempted crime. t^ Once, when St. Comgall came to the cell of
a pious virgin — who appears to have ruled over a religious community — he
heard great lamentation, for the loss of some beasts of burden. These had
been carried away, by a wicked tyrant and robber, who was named Fergus. ''3
Our saint went to him and said, "Give me those cattle, which you have
taken from Christ's servant." However, that tyrant not only refused to release
his unjustly acquired booty ; but, he even loaded the man of God with
reproaches. On the following night, having entered his bed, the unhappy
freebooter was found dead, lying beside his wife. This visitation was con-
ceived to be a punishment, justly due for his crimes. A certain young man,
Aedian by name — the grandson of Dunlainge — while reading the twelve minor
prophets, with St. Finell,44 saw in a vision his garments wrapped around an
afflicted leper, belonging to his race. After arising from sleep, he found his
own body struck with leprosy. By St. Finell's advice, the young man hastened
to St. Comgall, to be restored to his former state. At this time, the holy
Abbot was old and infirm, so that he was obliged to use a bath, to alleviate
his pains. Comgall ordered the young man to wash himself in this bath,
from which he had then issued. Then, Aedian plunged his whole body under
water, and recovered immediately his former health. He returned home, with
great joy and thanksgiving. Although demons were frequently seen by our
saint, in great numbers; yet, they were unable to change his mind, from a con-
stant internal fruition of the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.'^s
with earth. tenuit, apud quern reliquiae multorum Hiber-
^° The Second Life of St. Comgall has nise Sanctorum elevatre sunt, et honorifice
Rathmore — but this is evidently an error, as reconditas." — " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
it is \^2Xm\zzAAtriui)i-maqnum. In English, x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalii, ex MS. antiquo et
it is rendered, " the large fort." It was in editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 49, p. 587. _
the townland of Rathmore, partly in the '•^ We do not find his name or place in his-
parish of Dunegore, and partly in the Grange tory.
ofNilteen, barony of Upper Antrim. It is '*'' Elsewhere, we do not find an account
shown, on the "Ordnance Survey Town- of St. Finell or Fmellus. Perhaps, we should
land Maps for the County of Antrim," rather read Sinell or Sinellus. There are
sheet 50. various saints thus called in our calendars.
■*' In Latin designated "Campus Linise." About this time, also, a celebrated school
By the Irish, it was called Magh Line, and was under the direction cf St. Sinell, son of
also known as Moylinny, a tract represented Mianach, at Cluain-Inish, in Lough Erne,
by the modern Barony of Upper Antrim, in His feast occurs, at the 12th of November,
the county of Antrim. See Rev. Dr. Reeves' ^s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
" Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, Maii. Vita S. Comgalii, ex MS. antiquo et
Connor and Dromore," pp. 62, 63, and n, editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 50, 51, pp.
(a). Also, pp. 69, 70, and n. (s). 587, 588.
** It is added: "Supra dictus rex ■** It has been thought, by Colgan, that he
Fiachna regnum in Hibernia fortissimum was the St. Meldan or Medan, buried in
i8o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
As the time of our saint's death approached, he was afflicted with much sufter-
ing. He specially laboured under a total deafness. He also endured much pain,
from retention of urine. In such a state of suffering he continued, from the
commencement of winter to the time of Pentecost, in the year following. Some
were of opinion, that God thus afflicted him, on account of the intolerable and
austere rule, he had imposed on his monks. Others said, that these pains
were unwillingly endured by liim now, owing to tlie excessive and insensate
rigour he had formerly imposed on himself, by choice; and again, other con-
jectures of a different kind were hazarded. In the meantime, St. Meldan,'*^
an Abbot, who was descended from the Scots' nation, was sent from Heaven,
to a certain holy monk, named Colman.47 Meldan spoke to him as follows,
and while he was asleej) : "Not for the reasons men assign are so many pains
inflicted on St Comgall, however real their causes, but for his love of Christ
has he suffered, that he may receive an increase of merit. For, as he inno-
cently suffers pain with men, so in the sight of Angels shall he rejoice, being
crowned with many unfading joys and rewards. t^ As the last days of our saint
were evidently fast approaching, the monks frequently requested him, to
receive Holy Eucharist, and other necessary sacraments. Comgall replied
to these requests ; " I shall receive the Holy Sacrament from the hands of no
person, until St. Fiachra's arrival. 49 He is an Abbot of theLeinster province,
who is sent to me, by God." At this time, the Angel of the Lord visited St.
Fiachra,5o whose monastery, Airard,^' in Idrone territory, was situated on the
banks of the River Barrow, s^ and this holy Abbot was sent to our saint, then
suffering great pain, to administer to him the Body and Blood of Christ.53
According to other accounts, our saint received the Holy Viaticum from St.
Fiachra,5+ Abbot of Congbail,55 and afterwards of Clonard.s^ Whether Fiachra
was only abbot of Congbail, or had already removed to Clonard, when he
attended St. Comgall in his last illness, cannot well be determined. Having
arrived at Bangor, he immediately administered Holy Communion to the
venerable Abbot, who had now attained the eightieth — or according to some
accounts the ninetieths? — year of his age. According to other accounts, he
was then in the eighty-fifth year.s^ Then, Fiachra asked St. Comgall for some
Perrone. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Urard — not much differing from the Airard,
nise," xvi. Januarii, Vita S. Fursai, Confes- as found in the text of St. Comgall's Second
soris, n. 19, p. 90. If so, his feast was kept Life.
on the 7th of February. But, there are s^ According to the Second Life of St.
several other Irish saints, bearing that Comgall.
name. 53 gee Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
■•^AColman, son of Coimgallan, died A.D. History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
620. See Dr. O Donovan's " Annals of the xii., p. 63, and n. 20S, p. 69. Ibid.
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 242, 243. He 5-» His feast is at the 8th of February. See
lived in Dal-Riada, where .St. Columba at that date, vol. ii. ot this work, Art. vii.,
visited his father's house. See Colgan's for an account of him.
" Trias Thaumaturga. " Prince O'Donnell's 55 Congbail is now called Conwa'l, and it is
Vita S. Colunibje, lib. ii., cap. x., p. in the county of Donegal. See Archdall's
4'I- " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 96.
■•* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. s^ According to Father John Colgan :" S.
M.iii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiipio et Fiachiius abl)as de Congbail in Gleann-
editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 52, p. 5S8. Suilige in Tirconallia, et abb.is ctiam de
^^ Many holy men, bearing this name, Cluaineraird." Pic places that St. Fiacrius,
occur in our Irish Calendars. between the years 587 and 652. See " Acta
5° His feast is at the 2nd of May, and from Sanctorum Ilibernia-," xxiii. Februarii,
this showing, it should apjiear, th.at he lived Appendix ad Acta S. Finiani, cap. v.,
ill the sixth century. See Art. iii. of the pre- p. 406.
sent Volume, at that date. 57 See Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves'
5' Now the old church of Ullard, a parish " Martyrology of Donegal," pp. 122, 123.
in the barony of Gowran, and county of Kil- ss gee Sir James Ware. " De Scriptoribus
kenny. It was formerly called Frard, or Hibernix," lib. i., cap. ii., p. 14.
, May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
i8i
relics. This request the holy Abbot's disciples promised should be complied
with ; when, in the presence of many venerable men, St. Comgall yielded up
his spirit to the great Creater.S'^ His demise occurred, on the sixth of the
May Ides, about the year 6oo,^°or 601.^' The Rev. Dr. Reeves places his
death, at a.d. 602.^^ If we are to believe Dempster, some writers have stated
that he lived, in the year 681, and he had the surname of Faustus.^3 He had
been thirty years, three months, and ten days, in the abbacy of Bangor. ^4 Yet,
do we find a different account in the " Chronicum Scotoram,"^5 under a.d.
602 ; in which year, it is stated, that he rested on the 6th of the Ides of May,
in the fiftieth year, third month, and tenth day, of his government, as also,
in the ninety-first year of his age. In the first of St. Comgall's Lives, as pub-
lished by the Bollandists, he is said to have died, in the eiglitieth year of his
age. Those, who place his birth in 516, tell us, that he departed at the age
of eighty-five.^^ After placing his birth in 516, and death in 601, Archdall
makes him die, in the ninetieth year of his age,^? without apparent notice of
his own inconsistency in calculation.
In conjunction with St. Columkille,^^ St. Mochuda,^9 and St. Ailbe,7°
St. Comgall has been regarded, as one of the four chief founders of
monasticism, and propagators of religious rules, in Ireland. 7' To him,
Dempster ascribes some works ;72 but, it seems likely, that these are
altogether the vagaries of his own inventive imagination. With much
honour, he was interred in his own renowned monastery at Bangor. After-
. wards, this place was rendered celebrated, owing to the many favours obtained
from God, through the intercession of its illustrious patron saint. 73 From it, the
remarkable colony of St. Columbanus went forth to Gaul and Italy, and bear-
ing with them the liturgy, called the " Cursus Scotorum," and the " Antipho-
narium Banchorense."74 In this latter, there is an alphabetical Hymn, in
S9 In the Appendix to the Introduction of *■♦ According to Dr. O'Donovan's " An-
"The Calendar of the Saints of Ireland," as nals of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 224,
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, we 225.
read at p. xxvi. " S. Comgallus obiit an. 600, "^s gee William M. Hennessy's edition,
Ktalis 90. Fuit abbas Benchoiensis 20 die- pp. 66, 67.
bus, tribus mensibus, 50 annis ; ergo natus ^° Archbishop Ussher places his death at
10 Mail an. 510 ; facuis abbas 510, Marlii, the year 601, and says, that he lived only
vel 12 vel 10 quod videtur " to the eighly-tifth year. See Index Chrono-
^° In the age of Christ, 600, St. Comhgall, logicus. " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An-
of Beannchair-Uladh died, on the tenth day tiquitates," p. 535.
of the month of May, according to the ^^ See " Monasticon Hibernicam," p.
account in Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the 106.
Ft)ur Masters," vol. i., pp. 224,225. With ^^ Venerated, at the 9th of June,
this date for our saint's death, the Annals of *' His feast occurs, on the 14th of May.
Clonmacnoise agree. 7° He is commemorated, at the 12th of
*' The Annals of Ulster record his death, September,
at the year 601. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's 7' See "The Whole Works of the Most
" Rerum Hibern'carum Scriptores," tomus Rev. James Ussher, D. D., Lord Arch-
iv., p. 34. Tlie Bodleian copy of the Annals bishop of Armagh, and Primate of All Ire-
of Inisfallen have at A. D. 597, " Quies Com- land," by Dr. Elrington, vol. vi., '' Britanni-
gaill Benchoir." Seeidi'i/.. tomus ii., p. 10 ; carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii.,
while, in the Dublin copy, at a.d. 601, a p. 483.
similar entry, in Irish, " Bas Comhghoill '-These are noted, as " Regularis Vitse
Beannachair," at il?id., p. 18. Rev. Dr. Methodus," lib. i., "Ad Coenobiorum
Lanigan also agrees with this computation. Patres," lib. i. , and "Epistolce Plures," lib.
See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," i. See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco-
vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xii., p. 63, and n. 207, toruni," tomus i., lib. iii. , num. 254, p. 152.
p. 69. 7' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x.
^^ See Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba," Mali. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et
lib. i., cap. 49, n. (e), p. 93. editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 53, p. 588.
^^ See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis ''* See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Scotorum," tomus i., lil>. iii., num. 254, p. Scottish Saints," p. 309.
•152. "This will be found, in Rev. James
i82 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
praise of St. Comgall.75 Sometime having elapsed, after St. Comgall's death,
the St. Fiachra, already named, came to the monastery of Bangor. The
remains of Comgall having been disentombed with much reverence, Fiachra
removed an arm of our saint, which he brought with him, proceeding on
towards the province of Leinster. While pursuing his journey through this
province, he stopped at the castle of a chief, who was named Aedus.?^ He
requested the saint, to baptize one of his cliildren. Fiachra opened his wallet,
to remove a book containing the Baptismal rite. Immediately, the arm of
St. Comgall was raised towards Heaven. After Fiachra's fasting and prayer,
offered on bended knees, it then descended, and disappeared beneath the
earth. For three days, the soil was searched, by digging over this spot; but,
the relic could not be discovered. On seeing this, the chieftain Aedus gave
in perpetuity a donation of his castle and lands ; and here, St. Fiachra built a
large monastery, ui honour of St. Comgall, and of the Most Holy Trinity. 7?
On the plundering of Bangor, by the Danes, in the year of our Lord 822, the
oratory there was broken, and the relics of St. Comgall were shaken from the
shrine, in which they had been preserved. They were afterwards removed
to Antrim. 7^ It was only in 1846, that a lease of the plot of ground, on
Kennedies Hill, near Bangor, had been procured ; this was transferred to
the Catholic Bishop, and on it the chapel of Bangor, dedicated to St. Comgall,
was built. It was opened in a solemn manner, on the 14th of September,
1 85 1, by the Most Rev. Dr. Denvir.79 A beautiful Catholic Church has been
erected, of late years, in the town of Antrim, and it has been specially dedi-
cated to St. Comgall. It is not at all improbable, that his blessed relics still sanc-
tify that parish. A place, belonging to the Archiepiscopal See of Dublin, was
formerly called Cell. Comgail,**° after this saint. ^' It was known as Saynkill,^^
now Shankill, in the barony of Rathdown, and county of Dublin.^3 It is known,
also, as Rathmichael,and there aretheruins of an ancient church, with thestump
of a round tower remaining.^+ Near it is a fine rath, extending over an area
of twenty-eight yards, in diameter, the circumference of which was marked by
O'Laverty's "Historical Account of the " It will be true, true, by the will of the
Diocese of Down and Connor," vol. ii., Ap- supreme King of Kings,
pendix, pp. xxii. to xxv.
7* He seems to have been a subordinate My bones shall be brought, without
chief of Leinster ; although, about or soon defect, from the beloved Beanchoir
after the time of St. Comgall's death, Aedh, to Eantrobh."
whose son Crimhihann was killed at Ath-
Gian, in larthar-Liffe, or the west side of See vol. i., pp. 434, 435.
the River Liffcy, appears to have been King ?' See Rev. James O'Laverty's "Historical
of Leinster. See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals Account of the Diocese of Down and
of the Four Masters," vol, i., pp. 250, 251, Connor, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., pp.
and nn. (y, z). 153, 154.
''See '"Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., x. '^'^ See Ussher's " Epistolarum Hibemi-
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo carum Vetenim Sylloge," Epist. xlviii.,
et editione Sirini, cap. iii., n. 54, p. 5S8. p. 113.
'" In Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the '" See Bishop Nicholson's " Irish Histori-
Four Masters," there is preserved a quatrain, cal Library." chap, iv., p. 34.
attributed to the saint himself, in prophetic *•' Archbidiop Usshcr writes: "Ab eo
anticipation of the desecration of his shrine Cell-ComgaiU ad Dubliniensem spectans
and the removal of his body : — archiepisco])um, nomen olim accepit, quani
hodie Saynkili appellamus," (S:c. — " Britan-
t)nf) ]:i'yv, ^ip. 'DO "beoin <iii\-o)M5 n<i nicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap.
IM'g xvii., p.494-
■be(\toi\ mo CMAtiiA jAn c^\6n, 6 ^^ The chapel of Senekil w.as appendant
t)heAtit)6ui]\ bA§A •00 eAnct\obh. to the mother church of Rathmichael, a pre-
bend of St. Patrick's Cathedral. See Wdliam
These lines are thus translated into Eng- Monck M-ison's " History and Antiquicies of
li-ih : — the Collegiate and Cathedral Churcii of St.
May io.]
LIVES OF 2'HE IRISH SAINTS.
183
a stone circle, now nearly sodded over ; while, in a wider range below, the
ambit of the hill was cut into a deep fosse, much of which is still discernible.
A yet wider mound and wall enclosed this portion ; while this fortified post
was in a most commanding position. ^5
The ancient office for St. Comgall's feast was one of Nine Lessons,
as we find entered, in the Antiphonary of the Culdees,^^ belonging to the
Armagh Metropolitan Church, where the calendar list occurs, at the vi. of
the May Ides. There is an office,^? with Proper Lessons, and set down as a
Duplex Majus, in Bishop De Burgo's " Officia Propria Sanctorum Hiberniee."^^
Rathmichael Old Church, County of Dublin.
In all our ancient calendars, we find notices of St. Comgall set down for the
10th of May. The Feilire of St. ^ngus,^9 has a eulogy and prayer for St.
Comgall's patronage, at this date. The published Martyrology of Tallagh
has some specific remarks,y° regarding his age. This text is rendered dififer-
Patrick, near Dublin," &c., Book i., chap.
X., sect. XV., p. 65.
^* The accompanying illustration was
drawn on the wood, by William F. Wake-
man, from a sketch taken by him on the spot,
in August, 1844. It was engraved by Mrs.
Millard.
*= See John D'Alton's " History of the
County of Dublin," from pp. 918 to 929.
This writer appears to have overlooked
Ussher's allusion to the place, and in con-
nexion with our saint's name.
"* It is classed, B i, i, among the Trinity
College MSS., Dublin.
^7 It is, excepting the three Lessons of the
Second Nocturn, taken from the Common to
a Confessor, and not a Pontiff.
^^ At the loth of May. See pp. 50
to 54.
^9 In the " Leabhar Breac " copy we
read : —
llifit)]:l.Aich inAblcAii\
1nibi CAfpm cech cenipuiL
Roiipn<MT)eA nifUiAj^Ach
CoiiijAbL buAXJAch ben'ochuijN.
Thus translated, by Dr. Whitley Stokes : —
" Into the peace-kingdom of the other
world, wherein is every temple's noise, may
the hostful, victorious Comgall of Bangor
convoy us."
9° Thus, at the vi. Idus, or loth of May,
we read: " Comhgall Benchair xci. anno
1 84 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
ently, liowever, in tlie Franciscan copy .9' Our saint's name and festival are
likewise noted, in the anonymous list of saints' commemorations, as published
by O'Sullevan Beare,^^ at a passage where the entry Congalus occurs. On
this day, we read in the Martyrology of Donegal, 93 that a festival was held in
honour of Comghall, Abbot of Bennchor or Bangor, Uladh. The festival of
St. Comgall, Abbot of Bangor, is found in " A Memorial of Ancient British
Piety,"94 in the " Circle of the Seasons," nt the loth of May, "5 and in tlie Rev.
Dr. Reeves' Calendar.^fi In Scotland, the Abbot St. Comgall was held in great
veneration, on the loth of May, as we find recorded, in the Martyrology of
Aberdeen, 97 and his merits have been extolled with high eulogy.98 This was
the case, especially at the monastery of Drumcongal,99 which doubtless
derived its denomination from him. The churches of Dercongal, or Holy-
wood, and of Durris, were dedicated to this saint. His feast is also entered
in the Kalendars of Drummond,'°° de Nova Farina,'°' of Aberdeen, ''"^ and of
Dempster.'°3 The fair of St. Congal is still held at Durris ; but, some of the
Scottish writters are no doubt mistaken, respecting him, as when Camerarius
asserts, that he was Abbot of Rathurelfigi,'"^ and where Fordun '°5 states, that
his body was preserved at Fulda.'°^
It has been incorrectly assumed, that in the earlier periods of our history,
the civilization of Ireland, so far as it arose from monastic institutions, was
strictly confined within the limits of our monasteries, and that it did not aftect
the general condition of the people.'°7 It would be difficult to imagine the
possibility of such a theoretic paradox being true, even if we had not the most
abundant historic evidence to disprove its incorrectness. We need only refer
to the single case of Bangor monastery, that diffused civilization and blessings
among the people, far and near, at home and abroad ; nor were the labours
of its religious transitory or intermitting, since for a long'succession of pges, its
missionaries were actively employed, in spreadingaknowledge ofGospel truths,
and in leading regular lives, which impressed the people with reverence for
their pious instructors, whose moral practices gave earnestness to the charac-
ter of their teaching. Popular industries, agriculture, and the mechanic arts,
received likewise a great stimulus, from our monastic institutes.
setatis ejus : principatus anno i mo. anno et paciencie posteium prebebat exemplum." —
mensibus tribus et decern diebus." — Rev. Ibid., pp. 263, 264.
Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of Iri^h Saints," 59 It has been suspected, that this place is
p. xxiii. not different from Dercongal.
9' Thus, C01115.Mll benc1i<iii\ .xci Ann '°° Thus : vi. Idus. " Et apud Hiberniam
AecAcif eni|' iD]\incip..\cu]' Auceni b. Anno Natale Sancti Abbatis Comgalli."— " Kalen-
ec nien|"e. 111. Agu^' Dccitno -oie. darium Drummondiense." See Bishop For-
9^ See " Histori^e Catholicce Ibernire bes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 13.
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., '°' Thus : vi. Id. " Congalli Abbatis." —
p. 50. Ibid., p. 71.
^^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. '" Thus: iiii. Id. "Comgalli Abbatis." —
122, 123. Ibid.,\i. 116.
9* See pp. 74 to 76. '°^ In " Menologium Scoticum," he
95 See p. 131. writes, under the lotli of May : '' Combas
9* See " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of monasterio Congelli abbatis, quo Bencho-
Dovvn, Connor and Dromore," Appendix rensem in Ilibcrnia faniiliani, amplius quam
LL, p. 378. mill" monachisibi collocatis, fundavit, ML."
97 This has been edited, by David Laing, — Ibid., p. 199.
Esq., K.S.A.. Scotland, and it is yniblished, '"■' Lkmical with the Rathmelsigi of
in " Proceedings of the Society of Antiqua- Venerable Bede.
ries o( Scotland," vol. ii. '°^ See Goodall's edition of his " Scoli-
** In this form does the entry occur : " vj chronicon," vol. ii., lib. vii., cap. 28.
Idus Maji — In Scocia Sancti Conj^alii ab- "" .See Bishop Eorbes" " Kalendars of
balis apud monasteriuni de Drumcongal Scottish Saints," pp. 308 to 310.
cuius mcrita longe lateque diffusa miraculis '"' See A. G. Ricliey's " Lectures on the
non desunt clarere impolluta niente calcauit History of Ireland," Lect. ii.. p. 44.
et immciito qui prcst-ntis vite infamiam et
May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 185
ARTICLE II.— ST. CATALDUS. OR ST. CATHALDUS, BISHOP OF
TARE.\TU.\r. ITALY.
SEVENTH CEXrCRY.
CHAPTER I .
INTRODUCTION — AUTHORITIES — ST. CATALDUS, OR CATHAI.DUS, AN IRISHMAN, BY
BIRTH — PKRIOD WHEN HE FLOURISHED — HIS PARENTAGE — PRODIGIES ATTENDING
HIS BIRTH— EDUCATION AND ORDINATION OF ST. CATALDUS — MIRACLES.
ALTHOUGH the fame of St. Cataldus or Cathaldus has been extended
beyond the hmd of his birth, and even beyond tlie country of his
adoi^tion, some grave discrepancies, as to tlie date, when his missionary career
commenced, and when that for his death took place, occur among writers.
Yet, the main facts of his history preserve a great degree of accuracy and
consistency, when we take into account the want of any very ancient domes-
tic biography, and the remote period, at which he hved.
Aheady some alhisions have been made to this holy man, who has been
honoured with different feast-days.^ As we deem the loth of May — if not
the day for his departure — at least that for his chief festival, we have reserved
for it, an account of his life, so far as it can be reproduced from the many
writers, who have undertaken to record his Acts. From a remote time, various
Manuscripts had been preserved at Tarentum, and relating to its chief Patron.^
Materials for the life of our saint are chiefly derived from his office, 3 published
in the year 1607, ■• and from some old Manuscript records of Tarentum church. s
Our saint is commemorated by a lawyer, called John Juvenis,^ who wrote a
History of his native city, in the sixteenth century. Brother Bonaventure
Moroni, a learned Franciscan, was an Italian writer and a poet, greatly
esteemed in his order, for genius, piety and eloquence. He died in 162 1.
Among other elegant poems, he wrote " Cathaldiados, sive Vita Sancti
Cataldi," Libri vi.7 It was published, at Rome, a.d. 1614.^ He also wrote,
"Mirandum Panegyricum Super Linguam S. Cataldi. "9 This writer was well
Article ii.- — Chapter i. — ' Thus, at bernicc," viii.. Martii, nn. i, 2, p. 559.
the iSth of March, Art. viii., in vol. iii. of s According to the "Vita S. Cataldi,"
this work, there are some notices of him, as, Preefacio.
also, in the present vol., at the 8th of May, * See "De Anliquitate et Varia Taren-
Avt. xii. See the " Anonymous Catalogue of tinorum Fortunal" This worlc was com-
Irish Saints," puljlished by O'Sullevan Beare, posed, in Eight Books, and it was published,
in " Historite Catholicse Ibernice Compen- at Naples, a.d. 1589. Afterwards, it was
dium," tomus i., lib. iv. , cap. xi., p. 50. inserted, in "Italia lUustrata," printed at
^ Among these, the Bollandists mention Fiankfort, A.D. 1600.
Acts of the Finding of this sainrs relics, ' See " Scriptores Ordinis Minorum qui-
under the title, '" Tiagoni Archiepiscopi viio bus accessit syllabus Illorum qui ex eodem
leligioso." — However, Drogoni should be ordine pro Fide Christi fortiter occubuerunt.
substituted fur Tragoni. These Manuscripts Priores atramento, Posteriores sanguine
were kept in a sacristy, at Capua, according Christianam Religionem assernerunt." Re-
to a monk, named Michael. sensuit Fr. Lucas Waddingus eju^dem Insti-
3 By his chief biographer, Bartholomew tuli Theologus, p. 57 Edition, Rome, a.d.
Moroni. 1806, fol.
■* For Permission of this Office, Cardinal ^ In quarto shape.
Guilielmus Sirletus has subscribed " Nos 5 ,See Uidacus Lequile's " Hierarchia
Guiliemlus, &c. Item Episcop. Arcin Im- Franciscana," tomus ii., p. 278. This relic
primatur si placet R. P. Magistro S. Palatii. was then preserved entire, in the sacristy or
B. Episcop. Arim Vicesq. Item Magister S. treasury of the Metropolitan Church, at
Palatii Impiimatur F. loan. Maria Magister Tarentum.
.S. Palatii. " — Colgan's " Ada Sanctorum 1 Ii-
1 86
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May io.
versed, in the Latin,. Greek and Hebrew languages.-" His brother Bartholo-
mew Moroni wrote the biography of St. Cathaldus, in Latin prose." This
latter Life is published by Colgan, at the 8th of IMarch ; while, the former is
omitted, as being perhaps of less importance, in a historical point of view, or
perhaps, because no perfect copy to print from had been procured." Among
the writers, who have recorded our saint's Acts, are Laurence Surius,'3 Petrus
de Natalibus,"! the Abbot Ferdinando Ugheni,'^ in the first '^ and second '? edi-
tions of his great work, known as "Italia Sacra.'"'^ Philip Ferrarius,'? likewise,
and Berlengerius of Tarentum, who was a nobleman, and an eloquent lawyer,
wrote the History of the Finding and Translation of the Relics of St. Catal-
dus.^° Sir James Ware," and Archbishop Ussher treat of this saint, likewise,
and at some length." The Life and Miracles of St. Cataldus, Bishop and
Confessor, Patron of Tarentum city, have been issued, by Colgan, at the 8th
of March, and drawn from various sources.^3 To tliat published Life of
Bartholomew Moroni, Colgan has prefixed short Acts of our saint, taken from
Petrus de Natalibus. He has, likewise, appended the Office of St. Cataldus,
printed at Rome, a.d. 1607 ; together with four chapters in an Appendix, treating
on different festivals instituted to his honour ; on the time in which our saint
flourished; on his country; and on his writings. At the loth of May, the
Bollandists have published notices of St. Cataldus.'^ These are edited, by
Father Godefrid Henschenn.^5 We have also accounts of this holy bishop,
in Bishop De Burgo,^^ in a "A Memorial of Ancient British Piety ,"=^7 in
" Britannia Sancta,^^ in Rev. Alban Butler,^? and in " Les Petits BoUan-
'° See " Supplementum et Castigatio ad
Scriptores Trium Oidinum S. Francisci a
Waddingo, aliisve descriptos ; cum adnota-
tionibus ad Syllabum Maityrum eoramdem
ordinem." Opus Post-humum Fr. Jo :
HyacinthisBaralere. Minor. Conventual. Sac.
Theolog. Magistri, p. 178. Roma, fol.
1806.
" This work was intituled, " Miracula S.
Cataldi, ex vetustissimis Exemplaribus fide-
lissime desumpta, stylo modice immutato."
This work was published, at Rome, A.D.
1614.
'= Among the Colgan MSS., in the Fran-
ciscan Library, Dublin, 1 iind a transcript,
in Colgan's handwriting, in 12 folio pages-
only a part of the First Book, written in
Latin Hexameter verse.
»3 See "De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis,"
tomus iii.
'•• In "Catalogus Sanctorum et Gestorum
eorum ex diversis Voluminibus Collectus,"
lib. iv., cap. 142.
'5 He was born at Florence, March 2ist,
1595, and he died at Rome, May 19th, 1670.
He belonged to the Cistercian Order, and
he was called to several high positions in the
Church.
'* The first edition of " Italia Sacra," ap-
peared at Rome, in fol., a.d. 1643 to 1662, in
nine volumes.
'7 The second edition was enlarged and
emended by Nicolas Coleti, and it appeared
at Venice, in ten folio volumes, from A.o.
1717 to 1722.
'^ See Tarentina Metropolis, cols. 117 to
1 25. References are here made to the second
edition.
'' In " Catalogus Sanctorum Italice."
^° This account has been published by the
Bollandists, who state, however, that as taken
from Manuscripts, differing in the order of
narrative, it was not easy to decide, what
had been written, by Berlengerius, and what
had been inserted, by other writers. These
Acts the Bollandists received from Father
Nicolas Beatillo, of Naples.
=' See " De Scriptoribus Hibemiae," lib.
i., cap. i., pp. 6 to 8.
^ See " Britannicamm Ecclesiarum An-
tiquitates," cap. xvi., pp. 392 to 397.
=3 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice,"
Martii viii. Vita S. Cataldi, Episcopi et
Confessori?, pp. 540 to 562.
-* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Mali
X., pp. 569 to 578.
-'5 lie gives a prefatory commentary of
two paragraphs, and next introduces His-
toria Inventionis et Translationis, auctore
Berlengerio Tarentino, et forsan aliis, ex
Codicibus MSS., in three chapters, and
thirty-six paragraphs, with notes. Then
follows an Appendix, De Inventione Lin-
gua; S. Cataldi et Libri ab co scripti, two
adtliiional paragraphs, with notes. After-
wards, we find, Inquisitio de aetata et gestis
S. Cataldi in V'ita, in eleven paragraphs.
'^ See " Officia Propria Sanctorum lliber-
nix, "at March viii. Officium in Fesio S.
Cataldi. pp. 1 8 to 27.
'^ At p. 76.
^* See part i., pp. 285, 2S6.
^ See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other princip.il Saints,'" vol. v., M.iy x.
May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 187
distes,"3° as also, in the Dictionary of Christian Biography ;3i besides a great
number of other writers record various particulars, relative to this holy bishop.
It is almost universally admitted, that Cathaldus was born in Ireland ;
for, not alone are there early authorities to quote, in support of this claim, but
his name seems resolvable into Cathal, which was one common among the
prelates and princes of our Island. 3^ Wherefore, Colgan thinks, that Cathaldus
should be the proper Latinized form of his name. Contrary to the most clear
and convincing testimony, and with contradictions in his statement, suffi-
ciently notorious to destroy nearly all of his assertions,33 Dempster has falsely
pretended, that Cataldus was a native of Scotland. After quoting the words
of Dempster, who says he was born there, that he had been educated in St,
Fillan's Monastery in Knapdalia, and that having his birth among the moun-
tains of Scotland, which retained the name of Ireland, gave rise to an opinion,
that Cathaldus was a native of our Island, although born in lona, &C.34 —
Ussher remarks, not to mention the absurdity of mountains in lona, which
have no existence, this Island never obtained the name of Ireland ; and
moreover, as St. Philan, or Fillan, lived some ages after our saint's time, this
latter could not have been educated by the former, and who, perhaps, never
had a monastery, in that place, called Knapdaiia.35 In like manner, Colgan
repeats these reasons, urged by Ussher, to disprove Dempster's contradictions.
In addition, the Scottish " Saint Stealer " allows, that Cathaldus passed over
to Ireland, where he remained for some time; thence, it is asserted, and from
the Islands, and from Anglia, he took twelve companions with him, to enter
upon his Apostolic career, which continued until at least a.d. 361, supposed
to be the year for his departure. In another part of his History, Demp-
ster likewise admits, that Fillan flourished in the year 703.3^ A much
greater difference of opinion exists, among writers of our saint's Acts, regard-
ing the period at which he flourished. According to some writers, 37 during
the reign of Con, in the second century, Ireland sent forth the famous St.
Cathaldus, to preach the Gospel of Christ, before he became bishop and
3° See "Vies des Saints," &c,, tome v,, are sufficient to discredit his account, with-
Xe Jour de Mai, p. 425. out any additional remarks from Colgan.
3' Edited by Dr. William Smith and These scarcely increase the weight of his
Henry Wace, M.A., vol. i., pp. 421, 422. other reasons. For, in labouring to prove,
3^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- that neither in Ireland nor in Scotland, before
nise," viii. Martii, n. i., p. 544. Colgan cites A.D. 361, could twelve Bishops be found, he
many instances, from the Annals of the Four omits the possibility of England in addition
Masters, for proof of his assertion. being able to furnish this number, and the
33 See Dempster's " Historia Ecclesiastica fact, after all, that Dempster does not make
Gentis Scotorum," tomusi., lib. iii., num. 278. Bishops of our saint's companions. Of a far
s* For these assertions, Dempster cites the different cliaracter is the positive testimony,
authority of a MS. in the Ambrosian Lib- adduced by Colgan, to prove our saint an
rary, depending on the statement of Father Irishman, if such proof were at all required.
George Lesley, a Capuchin. Besides this It will be unnecessary, in this place, to do
account, Alexander >Iill, in a Preface to the more than merely refer the reader to Colgan's
succession to the church of Dunkeld, states, dissertation, on the country of Cathaldus, to
that Cathaldus discharged the duties of be found in the Third chapter of his Appcn-
Bishop for a long time, in the country around dix. There, it is shown, that not only the
Dunkeld and Dumblaine, according to authors of this saint's Lives, as published by
Dempster ; and this statement is said to be him, but a great number of other writers,
proved, from local Manuscript Acts, and concur in the statement, that Cathaldus was
from the testimony of Veremund, a Priest. a native of Hibernia. See Colgan's "Acta
See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scoto- Sanctorum Hibernia," viii. Martii, Appen-
rum," tomus i., lib. iii., num. 278, pp. 163, dix ad Acta S. Cataldi, cap. iii., pp. 561,
164. 562.
35 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An- 3? The Vita S. Cataldi, and Bruodin, p.
tiquitates," cap. xvi., p. 393. 879, are quoted.
3* These contradictious and mistatements 38 g^g Ferrar's " History of Limerick,"
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 10,
patron of Turentum in Italy. 3^ Some writers will have it, that St. Cathaldus
arrived from Ireland, in Tarentum, ad. i6o,39 or i66;4o Ughelli ■♦' has the
latter date ; others have a. D. 170 — such as Bartholomew ■'^ and Bonaventure*3
Moroni. But, as author?;, who place Cathaldus in the second century, remark
of him, in their accounts, that he visited the sepulchre of Christ, at Jerusalem,
before he came to Tarentum ; and, as we do not find, that the Holy Land
had been much frequented by pilgrims, before the Empress Helena discovered
Christ's tomb, a.d. 326 ; our saint's arrival at Tarentum must have been
subsequent to that period.-*^ Whilst advancing this position, Caraccioli^s
hazards also an opinion, that Cathaldus lived subsequent to the arrival of the
Goths, in Italy, viz., after a.d. 500. This is also an opinion of Alexander ab
Alexandro.^^ If we are to credit the accounts, in the Life of St. Cathaldus,
that before leaving Ireland, when departing for Italy, the- year 500 or 520
might have elapsed ; about these periods, Ireland must have had, at least, one
hundred contemporaneous bishops.-*? At or about a.d. 630,4^ after his expul-
sion Irom Rathen, St. Mocluida,'*^ or Carthage, founded Lismore, according
to the Annals of Tigernach,5° of Clonmacnoise,5' of Ulster,S2 and of the Four
Masters. 53 As it is stated, in the same Life, that our saint studied at Lis-
more,54 and taught in its schools,55 he must have lived even later. Coigan
thinks, that our saint could not have been a teacher of English, Scotch, Gauls,
and Germans,56 before a.d. 636, at which time, it is probable, St. Carthage
died ; and before which period, English and German converts were not found
in sufficient numbers, to have left their own country for Ireland, to receive
education at her schools.^? The period of Cataldus has been referred even
to die eighth century, s^ Again, the Meliridis, mentioned in the Life .md
pari iii., chap, iii., p. 184.
^9 In the Preface to his History of Taren-
tum, Juhn Juvenis states, that Cataldus
from Ireland effected the conversion ot
Pagans in Tarentum, about 160 years after
our Lord's Ascension, Anicetus being
Sovereign Pontiff, at the time.
*° In another part of this work, the author
tells us, that during the same pontificate, in
the year of our Lord 166, Catlialdus entered
Tarentum. See Joannes Juvenis "' De Anti-
quitate et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib.
viii.
■♦' See "Italia Sacra," lomusix. Tarentina
Metropolis, col. 124.
■••■■ Larlholumew Moroni says, that Cathal-
dus entered Tarentum, about the year of the
Incarnation 170, when Pope .\nicetus ruled
the Church, and Antoninus the Philosopher
governed tlie I'.mpire. See Bartholomew
Moroni's Vila .S. Calaldi, ca]). xiv.. in Col-
gan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernia;," viii.
Martii, p. 548.
*3 " .Syrus Anicetus sacrarum pondera
rerum
Suslinet, ct Princeps Aurelius eminct
orbi."
— " Cataldiados," lib. ii.
** The Bollandists remark, that they found
a marginal note, referring his arrival there to
" anno Di.xvi," instead of to " anno ci.xvi,"
whicli connected it v\ilh tlie time of P'ii)e
Anicetus.
^5 In his Neapolitan Annals, published,
a.d. 1626.
^* See "Genialium Dierum," lib. iii.,
cap. 15.
■•' .See Colgan"s " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
mx," viii. Martii. Appendix ad Acta .S.
Cataldi, cap. ii., p. 560.
** See Ussliers Index Chronologicus, at
A.D. ucx.KX., " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
Antiquitates. " p. 537.
« See his Life, at the 14th of May.
5° These have the date 636.
5' At A.D. 632.
5» See at A.D. 635.
S3 See at A.D. 631, the expulsion from
Rathen recorded, in Dr. O' Donovan's etli-
tion, vol. i., pp. 252, 253.
5-t St. Cartage founded it, when driven
from Rathen.
55 According *o Dr. diaries Smith, this
happened after the death of .St. Carthage.
See "Ancient anil Present Slate of the
County and City of Waterford," chap, iii.,
p. 28.
"Sec " Oihcium S. Calhaldi," Noct. ii.,
Lect. iv.
5' See Colgan's " .\cta Sanctorum Hiber-
nice," viii. Martii, p. 557. .Mso, Appendix,
cap. ii., p. 561.
5^ .See Thomas D'Arcy M'(«ce's" Popular
History of Ireland," Book i., chap, viii.,
P- 51-
59 See Coigan s " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
niie," viii. Martii, Appendix, cap. ii., p.
561.
May io.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
1S9
Office of our saint,59 appears to have been identical with Moelochtrige, chief-
tain of Nan-Desii, who bestowed Lismore upon St. Carthage, and who, in all
probability, survived this saint. ^° It is said, that on the death of this Meltri-
dis, Cathaldus received the lands of his chieftanry,^' as a grant from the king,
and that these were divided into twelve Bishoprics, presided over by an Arch-
bishop.^^ Hence, it might be probable, that Cathaldus did not leave Ireland,
before the year 640.^^
The father of Cathaldus was named Eucho or Euchu,^'* and his mother's
name was Athena ^'= or Achlena,^^ according to the saint's Acts.^^ According
to Peter de Natalibus, the town in which he was born was called Cataldus.^^
In his Life of our saint, Moroni says, that the name of the town in which he
was born, was called Rachau, by some writers, and that it was a place of some
note, in the province of INIunster ; while, by others, it was designated as
Cathandum. With these latter, he seem to coincide. The name Cathaldus
Rachau, he supposes, will apply to our saint's episcopal See, and not to the
place of his birth. It must also be confessed, that to me his wordings and
deductions, regarding this passage, in our saint's Life, are by no means lumi-
nous.^9 In the office of Cathaldus, his place of birth is called Catandum,
which is said to have been a town of Numenia 7° — a mistake ?■ for Mumenia,^^
Momonia, Murnonia, Mononia or Munster.73 A place, called Bally Cathal,
or Cathalstown, which exists in the Diocese of Killaloe, Barony of Ormond,
and County of Tipperaay, is mentioned by Colgan, wdthout stating, how-
ever, this to have been the locality for our saint's birth. 74 There is another
place called Ballycahill, in the same county, at the borders of Kilnemanagh
and Kinelegourty Baronies. 75 A place, called Kill Cathuil, that is, the " cell of
'° However, Bonaventure Morini insinua-
tes, that RIeltridis was a King in Ulster : —
" Postera fulgebat roseis Aurora qua-
drigis,
Cum videt Oltonios consurgere navita
portus
Fluctibus e mediis ; unde improbus
ante Tyrannus,
lUusus Furiis, geminas emiserat
alnos."
— " Cathaldiados," lib. i.
*' See Officium S. Cathaldi, Lect. v.
*^ See Moroni's Vita S. Cathaldi, lib. i.,
cap. viii.
^^ See Colgan's
nice," viii. Martii.
PP- 547-557, 561-
*■* Among the Irish, the names Euchu,
Eucho, Echa, and Eochaidh, frequently
occur. Thus, in Jocelyn's Life of St. Patrick,
we find Echu and iluchus. Other hagio-
graphershave Euchodius and Eucliadius, as
also Euchus. In the Irish languge dh is
aspirated and not pronounced, and there-
fore in Colgan's opinion, the Latin writers
passed them over, as having no force.
*5 If instead of Athena, we read /Ethna or
Ethenea, either of these names were familiar
tothelrish. Thus, also Ethnea was mother of
St. Columba, of St. Maidoc, of St. Aid, of St.
Critan, according to St. ^ngus, in his tract,
on the Mothers of the Irish Saints, lib. iv.,
cap. 13, 21, 58, 84.
'Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Also, Appendix cap. ii.,
*° Achlenna is a name given to the mothers
of St. Fintan, of St. Columbus and of St.
Lugdius. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
Hibernice," viii. Martii, nn. 3, 4, p. 544.
^^ Moroni derives the names of both his
parents from Greek works, evxi\ and A^rycr;,
which means "piety" and "wisdom." —
Vita S. Cataldi, lib. i., cap. i.
^^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Ilibcr-
niffi," Martii viii. Vita S. Cataldi Episcopi,
hb i., cap. 143, p. 544.
69 In " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., cap. i.
^° " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. iv .
7' Colgan, who has apparently corrected
this mistake in the Life, by Moroni, adds in
a note, that here an error crept in, which the
author placed among his errata, thus endea-
vouring to emend it, z-vAiox NuvienicE,\iQ. gives
Mononia', but even so, it is faulty. For the
letter n beginning the former is substituted
for /;/, iu the beginning, and it comes into
the middle afterwards.
7- That southern province of Ireland, in
which St. Cathaldus was born, and in which
Lismore, where he was educated, is placed,
was called by ancient writers Mumenia.
'5 These latter are the more more modern
names, by which the Province is designated.
See "Acta Sanctorum Plibernias," viii.
Martii, n. i, p. 555.
?■• See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," viii.
Martii, n. 2, p. 544.
75 See Rev. Ur. Lanigan's Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii.,cap. xviii., sect,
xi., n. 131, p. 125. The Doctor adds : " But,
igo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
Cathald," existed in Munster, besides a castle named Dun-Callaind, near
Waterford, and a town called Callaind, on the confines of Leinster and Mun-
ster. But, Colgan does not undertake to decide, which — if any — of these
places had been identical with Cathandum,?^ nor even to define the spot or
particular territory, in which the saint was born.77
We are informed, by Moroni, that in the time of the Emperor Adrian, or a
little after Tarjan's death, 7^ a certain wise man, named Dichus, gifted with a
spirit of prophecy, had visions regarding the future greatness of Cathaldus.79
However, this was a period much too early for any prophet to have lived in Ire-
land, and who was also said to have been a cotemporary of our saint.^° Hence,
if we admit this account of such miraculous events, preceding and accompany-
ing the birth of Caihaldus, Dichus must have lived at a much more recent period.
This prophetic seer, Moroni tells us, observed a bright light over the house,
in which our saint's mother resided, and at that time, she was about to give
birth to her son. Having a Divine premonition, regarding the sanctity
and actions of the future saint, and his mother's sufferings, Dichus hastened
to Achlena's house to offer consolation. But, he was refused admission, at
the time, as Achlena was alone, and her husband absent. However, from
without, Dichus is said to have addressed Achlena, in these words : " Be of
good courage, most happy mother, nor reprove the Almighty for his dis-
regard of you, during the pains of childbirth, nor fear approaching death, nor
the want of all necessaries; for, you shall bring forth a son, the propagator of
true religion, and not alone an honour to his parents and country, but even
an ornament to all Ireland, and, likewise, he will become the continual patron
of a foreign people."^' Achlena shortly afterwards gave birth to our saint, and
she died from the pains of childbirth. It is said, her infant, falling on a stone
within the chamber, impressed the form of his tender head, even on the
rock,^^ which yielded for a time like softened wax, ^3 and afterwards retained
its former rigidity. Not appearing to have suffered from the effect of his fall,
the infant arose, and embraced his parent's lifeless body. Again, it recovered
animation. With his finger, likewise, he pointed to the impression made in
the stone. ^-t
An infancy, thus miraculously commenced, led to a youth of virtue
besides its being far distant from Lismore, who afterwards embraced a monastic life, a^
the name of the saint's native spot is usually Saul, in Ulster. Colgan promised to treat o'
written Catandum." him at the 29th of April — his Natalis. The
7° See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," viii. same writer is of opinion, lliat this Dichu
Martii, n. 2, p. 544- must be the prophet here alhided to, as he
'7 Owing to a similarity of name with flourished in the middle or towards the end
Cathandum, and because they are in the of the fifth century. The Acts of St. Cathal-
Munsler province, where the writers of St. dus, he supposes, furnish concurring evi-
Cataldus' Acts state he was botn, are they dence for this opinion ; namely, that Cathal-
introduced, and to gratify those inclined to dus taught scliool at Lismore, that he ap-
offer conjectures. pointed bishops within a certain district, and
7^ It must be remarked, however, that that in his lime, the Catholic rehgion pre-
Trajan's death, occurring A.D. 1 19, he was vailed throughout the whole of Ireland. See
succeeded by Adrian. " Acta Sanctorum IliberniK," viii. Martii.,
'9 See, also, Joannes Juvenis, " De Anti- nn. 3, 4, p. 555, and ibid., Appendix, cap. ii.,
quitate et Varia Tarenlinorum Fortuna," pp. 560, 561.
lib. viii., cap. 2. **' See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," cap. ii.,
^^ Colgan was unable to discover any pro- p. 546. Ibid.
phet named Dichus, or any trace of a Chris- "-^ See Dempster's " Historia Ecclesiastica
tian people living at Catandum, Lismore, or (Jentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iii., num.
other places in Ireland, at this early period ; 278, p. 164.
nor could he find any prophet named Dichu *^ See Petrus de Natalibus, "Vita S.
or Dichus, except one, who was a disciple of Cataldi," lib. iv., cap. 143.
St. Patrick. He was tlie Dichu who first of "-t See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi,*
all believed in the Christian religion, on the can. iii.
preaching of our Irish Apostle in 432, and ^5 " Not few years must have elapsed from
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 191
and of good dispositions. Cathaldus appears to have received his education,
at the famous scliool of Lismore, subsequent to the year 630, when it was
first estabHshed. He afterwards taught, in the same school f'^ and, as we are
informed in his Office, such was the reputation it enjoyed for learning, that
Gauls, English, Scotch, Germans, and people from adjoining nations, flocked
thither for instruction.^^ Having been promoted to the priestly office,^^
Cathaldus resolved upon the erection of a church, in the name of the Blessed
Virgin, INIother of God,^^ that in it he might practise frequent devotions,
towards her, and by his example induce others to act in like manner. ^9 From
his own experience, he recognised the great advantages to be derived, from
her powerful advocac}'. Scarcely, however, had he marked out the founda-
tions, and commenced this work, when the only son of a certain man died a
natural death,9° or from the effects of a fracture, received at the building. 9'
At this time, that stone, impressed in a miraculous manner, at the period of
our saint's birth, had been placed, either at Lismore, or at Catandum,^^ in the
open air. It was held in great veneration, by the people, not only on account
of its relation to the time of our saint's birth ; but, because, often as the cavity
in it had been filled with rain water, numbers of infirm persons, who washed
themselves therein, were cured of various diseases. 93 A father once brought
his son's corpse to this stone, hoping he should be restored to life, if washed
by the water it contained. However, when he came there, he found the
water exhausted, either through want of late rains, or on account of the num-
bers, who were accustomed to wash in it. The hope of the father was not
abandoned, notwithstanding, for he trusted in the power of Cathaldus, to res-
tore his son to life ; since, it was though his merits, a miraculous gift had been
transmitted to the water, contained in that stone. He went to our saint, bearing
the corpse of his son.94 When he had deplored this calamity with tears, the
father asked Cathaldus, to interpose on his behalf. Our saint replied : " The
son of these tears ought not long endure bitter death, or afford cause for con-
tinual grief to a parent, endowed with such faith. Wherefore, being restored
to life, let him support his father's old age. When dead, he hath burthened
paternal shoulders, with a pious weight."95 Soon as these words fell from the
lips of Cathaldus, the young man was restored to life. This caused great
wonderment to the spectators, assembled on the spot, and many souls were
gained to Christ. 9^ The report of this miracle increased the fame of Catal-
dus, throughout all that district of country,97 and he was soon recognised as a
subject for veneration, among Christ's most favoured servants.
the foundation of Lismore until Cataldus third place, among eight churches then to be
began to teach there. He had studied him- found, in Lismore city. See " Acta Sancto-
selfin that school and spent some years at rum Hibernioe," viii. Martii, n. 6, p. 555.
it, before lie became qualified to be a pro- 5° According to some old record, seen by
fessor. In his time Lismore was well known Moroni.
in foreign countries, which its reputation ^i According to Moroni's " Vita S.
could not have reached all of a sudden." — ■ Cataldi," cap. v.
Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History ^^ "Brevissimum enim est inter utramque
of Ireland," vol. iii., cap. xviii., sect, xi., n. urbem spatium interjectum." — Moroni's
134, p. 126. " Vita S. Cataldi," cap. v.
^*See " Ofificium S. Cataldi," Lect. iv. 93 gee Joannes Juvenis, " De Antiquitate
^' See Petrus de Natalibus, "Vita S. et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii.,
Cataldi," lib. iv., cap. 143. cap. 2.
*^ Officium S. Cataldi, Lect. iv. «■* See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. iv.
^ Colgan remarks, that in his time, a '= See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi,"
church dedicated to the memory of tlie cap. v.
Blessed Virgin was extant in Lismore ; as ^ Pettus de Natalibus, " Vita S. Cataldi,"
appeared from the Catalogue of the Churches cap. ii.
of Lismore diocese. After the cathedral '^^ See Joannes Juvenis, " De Antiquitate
church and another dedicated to our Saviour, et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii.,
the church of the Blessed Virgin occupied a cap. 2.
192 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
C H A P T E R I I . ■
ST. CATAI.DUS RAISES A YOUNG MAN TO LIl-E— HE INXURS THE ENMITY OF A CHIEF
AND OF A KING — HE SUCCEEDS TO A CHIEFTANCY — HE IS APPOINTED BISHOP —
HIS CHURCH — CATALDUS SETS OUT ON A PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM — ADMONI-
TION FOR ANOTHER DESTINATION— HE ARRIVES IN ITALY— THE MIRACLES HE
WROUGHT THERE CAUSED HIM TO BE NOMINATED BISHOP OF TARENTUM.
A sliort time after the performance of tliat miracle, to which alkision has been
already made, a soldier's son died, in the flower of youth. His father brought
the body, without assistance, to the Blessed Virgin's Church, that he might
ask the prayers of Cathaldus, for a restoration to life.' The saint had been
engaged, at this time, in digging out foundations for the church, and with his
own hands. ^ To end those passionate entreaties of the bereaved father, and
those encomiums lavished on himself, he said : " Am I as God, that I can
raise the dead from the grave ?" But, with firm faith, the soldier laid the bier
on whicli his son's body rested, near the foundation ; when, either to avoid
the man's importunity, or to preserve his own Inimility, Cathaldus resumed
his interrupted labour. While thus engaged, he threw a portion of clay,
taken from the foundation, over the dead body. The young man was imme-
diately restored to life ;3 and, at once, he rushed forward to embrace his
parent. Such was the joy manifested by both, that they remained for some
time motionless, with wonder and delight, while tears of thanksgiving gushed
from their eyes, and bedewed their cheeks.-* By the performance of such
miracles, Cathaldus is said to have effected the conversion of many ;5 and,
throughout the whole of Ireland none were left, who had not embraced the
true religion, in consequence of God's grace working through hint.^ But,
finding his reign likely to be extinguished in the hearts of men, the devil de-
vised a means, whereby our saint should be prevented from spreading Gospel
truths, and even be removed from the scenes of his labour and usefulness.
We are told, that a chief, who is named Meltridis,^ had frequently excited
against Cataldus the anger of the king, who ruled over that part of the
country.^ That soldier, whose son had been raised to life, unable to restrain his
joy, brought the young man for inspection to the king,9 in that part of the country,
and explained particulars connected with the miracle wrought. At the same
time, he told the king,'° a great number of people had been present, at Lismore,
Chapter ii. — ' See Petrus de Natalibus, cap. ii., pp. 560, 561.
" Vita S. Cat.ildi." lib. iv., cap. 143. =^ John Juvenis says, " Erat dux ille Mel-
' See Joannes Juvenis, " De -Antiquitate tridis Dominus." — " De Antiquitate et
et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii., Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii.,
cap. 2. cap. 2.
3 See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. iv. ^ Bonaventure Moroni, in the Second
* See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," Book of the " Cataldias," alludes to him, in
cap. iv. these following verses : —
s In the Officium S. Cataldi, it is said :
" Cumque universam Rachan Provinciam " Sacras parlitur habenas
prsedicatione ad Christi fidem perduxisset," Bis senis bociis, quos, e tola Meltriade
&c. — Lect. v. lectos,
* Colgan remarks, that although St. Egregia virtute amini diademata ncc-
Cath:ddus, by his leaining and holy labours, tunt."
powerfully contributed towards the exten-
sion of religion tiiroughout Ireland, yethe was 9 Petrus de Natalibus ni.\kt's him King
not its first or jirincipal promoter. For, St. over all Ireland.
Patrick, and many other holy men, had stre- '"The Rev. Dr. Lanigan states, "if there
nuously laboured in this portion of Christ's be any truth in the matter, lie must have been
vineyard, before our saint had been called to rather n King of Munster. The same author
prosecute the work of God, in the same as well as Moroni and others assign a very
field. See "Acta Sanctorum Iliberniie," silly cause, not worth mentioning, for the
viii. Martii, n. 7, p. 555, and /M/., Appendix king's displeasure." — " Ecclesiastical Ilis-
May lo.j LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 193
to witness it. Ascribing the performance of that miracle to magic," and fearing
lest Catlialdus, taking advantage of his popularity, should aspire to possession
of the kingdom, its ruler proceeded along the river, towards Lismore." When
he arrived there, he ordered our saint to be put in chains, and cast into a
dark prison. '3 But, the Lord, who kept watch for the safety of His servant,
sent two Angels to the king, by night, and to manifest the Divine will in his
regard. '■> The queen learned this secret, from an avowal he made, when,
starting with fright out of sleep, a deep groan ensued. '^ One of those Angels
appeared, with a drawn sword, his eyes and countenance threatening death
to the prince ; the other, in a mild manner, persuaded the king, that he should
release Cathaldus from confinement, and make him the successor of the
chieftain Meltridis.'^ In a vain endeavour, to find some similitude for the
name Meltridis in Munster, Colgan tells us about the people, called Clann-
Moelidhra, in Leinster, deriving their name from a dynast, named Maelidhra.
But, in their territory, no church called Rachan, Rathan, or Rathen, occurs.
Hence, he is of opinion, that this was a name pertaining to the chieftain,
called in the Life of St. Carthage, Malochtrige Dux Nan Desii, and by a
change in the spelling converted into Meltridis, by the Italians. '7 Calling
together the chiefs and councillors, to whom he related what occurred, the
king asked their advice, as to the manner in which he should act. Mean-
time, a messenger arrived with the news of Meltridis' death, '^ and with a
request to the king, that he would name the person, who might be appointed
as successor. Pondering awhile in silence, regarding his dream, the king
said : " What need is there of counsel? why, my councillors, should that be
referred to you, which is more manifest, than if it were confirmed by your
decision ? Now, I am not deceived by dreamy illusions, but I recognise
counsels of the Divine will, to contradict which would be an excess of folly."
On saying these words, he ordered Cathaldus to be brought before him,
and then with tears, the king asked pardon for his former violence. He
appointed Cathaldus as successor to the chieftain Meltridis, at the same time,
although our saint felt extremely reluctant to assume this office. Contrary
to the statement of the writer,'? who tells us, that Cathaldus was a Priest, at
the period he commenced building the Blessed Virgin's Church, Moroni says,
our saint was only a Deacon, when he had been appointed successor to Mel-
tridis.^" Unwilling to exchange his sacred office, for the administration of
any temporal affairs entrusted to him, Cataldus was appointed Bishop, to
the great joy of the king, who conferred the territory of Meltridis on his
church, by a perpetual grant. Cathaldus is said to have divided this terri-
tory, into twelve Bishoprics f ' whilst, at the same time, his own seat had
tory of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii., sect. Noct. ii., Lect. iv., p. 22.
xi., n. 136, p. 126. '5 See Joannes Juvenis, "DeAntiquitate et
"See Petrus de Natalibus, "Vita S. VariaTarentinorumFortuna,"lib.viii., cap.2.
Cataldi," lib. iv., cap. 143. '® A doubt exists, as to whether this was a
" Colgan, who seems to credit this legend, proper name of the chieftain, or of the terri-
says, that the king appears to have pro- tory, subject to hnn.
ceeded towards Lismore, along the opposite '^ See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," viii.,
bank of the Abhan-mor or Blackwater, or Martii, nn. 9, 10, 11, pp. 555, 556.
along its course, or, at least, from the south- '^ See Joannes Juvenis, " De Antiquitate,
em parts of Lagenia into Munster, and from et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii.,
the direction of Waterford. See "ActaSanc- cap. 2.
torum Hibernioe," viii. Martii, n. 8, p. 555. '' See Petrus de Natalibus, " Vita S.
'3 See Moroni's " VitaS. Cataldi,"cap. vii. Cataldi," lib. iv., cap. 143.
'" See Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v. Also, =° See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
De Burgo's "Officia Propria Sanctorum Hi- cap. viii.
bernise," viii. Martii. In Festo S. Cathaldi, =" See " Ofificium S. Cataldi," Lect. v.
Vol. v.— No. 4. N
194
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 10.
been erected into an Archiepiscopal See.*' The church, over which our saint
presided, was named Rachan, according to his office,'3 and to the Life by
Moroni. =^4
Various conjectures have been offered, regarding the location of the
place so called. *5 The exact locality cannot now be identified, but probably,
it was not far from Lismore.'^ It is said, that when Cathald governed it for
some time, he succeeded in bringing the people of the surrounding territory
to a knowledge of the Christian faith, and to the practice of every virtue. Not
being able to discover any city, town, or other place, bearing the name of
Rachau, and existing at any time, in the province of Munster, or in the rest
of Ireland, Colgan offers a conjecture, that owing to some mistake, Rachau '7
has been written for Rathan,^^ Ratha, or Rathach.^9 He tells us, that in the
southern part of Meath province, and on the confines of Munster, a famous
city and monastery existed at Rathan, or Rathen, from which St. Carthage
and his monks had been driven, before the monastery of Lismore 3° was
founded. But, there are three other places, bearing the name Rathain, or
Rathen, in the Desii country, within which Lismore was situated. One of
these had been named Sen-Rathen, or " Old Rathen." It is now known as
Shanraghan, a parish, and a townland, in the Barony of Iffa and Offa West,
in the county of Tipperary.s" This parish contains some fine scenery, and
among the objects of interest is Shanbally Castle, with a fair demesne, the
residence of Viscount Lismore. 3^ The old church — now in ruins, yet still sur-
mounted by a square and comparatively modern belfry — presents some fea-
tures, however, of considerable antiquity.33 It is surrounded, likewise, with a
cemetery. The church was divided into a nave and choir ;34 but, it is now, in
" The Rev. Dr. Lanigan remarks, how it is
ridiculously stated, that having obtained this
wonderful grant of a whole principality, he
divided it into twelve bishoprics, and raised
Rachan to the rank of an archiepiscopal See.
Perceiving the absurdity of this fable,
in his edition of St. Cataldus' office. Bishop
De Burgo has changed the bishoprics into
pari>hes, and the archiepiscopate into a sim-
ple bishopric. See "Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. iii., cap. xviii., sect, xi., n.
138. p. 127.
=■3 See "Officium S. Cataldi," Lect v.
'■* See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," cap. ix.
'5 The BoUandists throw out a conjecture,
that Rachan may have been the city of
Ragusa, in the province of Illyricum, as
Joannes Lucius, in his work on Dalmatia,
calls it " Ragusium et Rausium," and it is
added, " quasi Ragausium, ut inde Rachau
potuisset formari." However, this seems to
be abandoned as a rather improbable sup-
position, for reasons alleged in that passage.
See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii x.
De Sancto Cataldo, &c. Inquisitio de .^tate
et Gestis S. Cataldi in Vita, num. 4, p.
577.
"* See Dr. William Smith's and Henry
Wace's " Dictionary of Christian Biogra-
phy," vol. i., p. 422.
'' When republishing the office of St.
Cataldus, from the "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nioe," Dc Burgo ought not tohave thrust into
the text Rathan, instead of Rachau, which
Colgan has preserved. See " Oflicia Propria
Sanctorum Hibernire," Martii viii. In Festo
S. Cataldi, Noct. ii., Lect. v., p. 22. "This
is not the only alteration he has made in said
office, motu propio," remarks Dr. Lanigan,
"and without any sufficient authority."
^^ It is remarked, that if for Rachau we
read Rachen — the n, and u, being often
interchanged in MSS. — the probability of
Colgan's conjecture will be rendered more
apparent, by such similarity of names. See
"Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii.,
chap, xviii., sect, xi., n. 131, p. 125.
°^ According to the Irish sound of th,
Rathan is the same as Raglian or Rahan.
3° It would seem, the Anglicized form of
this word, meant " the great fort." The lios
or lis was a circular enclosure, which the
ancient Irish founders of monasteries — as in
this instance — threw up around their habi-
tations. See Dr. Patrick W. Joyce's
" Origin and History of Irish Names of
Places," part iii., chap. i.. pp. 261, 262.
3' See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii., cap. xviii., sect, xi., n. 131, p.
3^ Sec Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. ii., p. 552.
33 The accompanying illustration, from a
sketch, by George V. Du Noyer, preserved
among the Tipperary Sketches of Antiqui-
ties in the Royal Irish Academy, vol. iv.,
has been drawn on the wood, by William
F. Wakeman, and this was engraved by
Mrs. Millard.
'•i It is described, in " Letters containing
May 10.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
195
many places, greatly dilapidated. Another locality was known as Rath-
cormaic ;3s and the third was named Rath-Ronain.36 It is not unlikely that
either of the two first-named places had been the See of Cathaldus, since
Kathen of Meath might have been occupied, by our saint, after tlie expulsion
ot Mochudda, or Carthage ;37 and, as many monks belonging to this place
became Abbots and Bishops, in various parts of Ireland, those twelve bishops
appointed by our saint might have been among the number.38 it is still more
probable, however, that Sen Rathen, or Slianraghan, had been the city of
Cathaldus, for this reason, that it was situated near Lismore, in accordance
with what IS stated.39 However, Colgan admits the claims of Rathcormaic
Shanraghan Old Church, County of Tipperary.
and Rath-Ronain, for the like reason. These three places are said, likewise,
to have been comprised, within the territory of Meltridis, who was supposed
to have been chief over the Desii, while Rathen of Meath could not have
belonged to this chieftain.'*"
Information relative to the Antiquities of the
County of Tipperary, collected during the
progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840,"
vol. i., Letter of John O'Donovan, dated
September, 5th, 1840, pp. 44 to 46.
3S This Colgan learned, through corres-
pondence with Dr. Patrick Comerford,
Bishop of Lismore.
3* This is now a parish, in the Barony of Iffa
and Offa West, and it is shown on the " Ord-
nance Survey Townland Maps for the County
of Tipperary," sheets 76,77,82, 83. The
townland proper is marked on sheet 77.
37 His Life will be found, at the 14th of
May, the day set apart for his feast. Nor can
he be confounded with St. Cataldus ; since,
not only are the parents of both distinct, the
places for their death different, but all the
circumstances related in their respective
Acts show them to have been altogether
distinguishable, so that he. wlio is called Car-
thagus by the Irish, cannot be confounded with
the saint, named Cathaldus, by the Italians.
3^ Such is Colgan's conjecture. See
"Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," viii. Martii,
n- 2, p. 555-
39 In his Life, by Moroni, lib. 1.,
cap. v., vii.
<° See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," viii. Martii, n. 2, p. 555.
196 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 10.
Having discharged the duties of his episcopate for some years,
and with great fidehty to his trust, the saint resolved on undertaking a
pilgrimage, to visit the Holy Sepulchre, at Jerusalem/' Having called
together twelve bishops, he disclosed this design to them, while he com-
mitted his flock to their charge. He embarked on board a vessel, while habited
in a pilgrim's garb, and without a single attendant ; so that, as the author of
his Life remarks, he could not be distinguished from any ordinary person, but
for the majesty of his mein and a certain nobility of countenance, which
are said to have characterized him. After many labours and dangers, he
arrived at Jerusalem. There, he visited the Holy Sepulchre, and other places,
which have been rendered illustrious, by the miracles and presence of Christ.
He then came to a resolution, he would not return to his native country.
Being desirous of leading a solitary life — one then much practised in the east
— he besought the Almighty, with prayers and tears, that he might be per-
mitted to spend his remaining days, in some lonely wood or hermitage of
Palestine. He was anxious, also, to remove the burden of the pastoral office,
and the care of souls, to other shoulders ; that thus, he might die on the soil,
consecrated by our Saviour's forty days' fast, and among a people, where
souvenirs of Christ's visible presence on earth might be found. -^^ But, the
Lord had otherwise ordained ; for, whilst engaged in a recital of Matins,
before the morning sun arose, Cataldus had a vision. 43 In this, the Deity
ordered him to direct his course towards Tarentum, where the Apostles, St.
Peter and St. Mark, had first laid a foundation for the Christian Religion.
Ever obedient to the Divine will, Cathaldus embarked on board a vessel,
without any delay. When wafted out into the open sea, and not far from
a port, at which he disembarked, he foretold the approach of a tempest.'**
When this storm took place, contrary to general expectation, he appeased it
by recurring to prayer.'^s A certain youth, who had ascended the mast to
connect a broken cable, fell from his elevated position, and he was killed on
the spot ; but, Cataldus afterwards restored him to life.*^ The accounts which
follow, as found in most of his biographies, do not appear to be well connected;
however, it seems somewhat improbable, that on his way from Ireland to Italy,
Cataldus may have filled some distinguished positions, at Geneva, near
the Lake of Leman. It is stated,^? that as prelate and professor of that city,
he was there venerated.''^ Notwithstanding, this account wants further confir-
mation, as also the supposition, that he had even travelled to the Holy Land. ■♦9
Some persons were of opinion, 5° that when Cataldus left Palestine for Italy,
he had been accompanied by Euprepius s' — afterwards called Leuctius s^ —
Bishop of Brundusiuni, and by Barsanophrius,53 the Eremite. s-* However, as
may easily be seen, their respective periods do not harmonize. It will only
be sufficient to remark, that besides our saint having left Ireland, in the seventh
*' See "Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v. HiberniK," lib. i., cap. i., p. 6.
*^ See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., *' This is stated, by Joannes Juvenis, in
cap. ix. " De Antiquitate, et Varia Tarentinorum
*3 Dempster says, "a Sancto Petro in Fortuna," lib. viii., cap. 2.
somnis monitus," he set out for Italy. See 5° According to Bartholomew JNIoroni.
" Historia Ecclesinstica Gentis Scotorum," s> His festival is kept, on the ilth of
tomus i., lib. iii., num. 278, p. 164. January. See " Martyrologium Romanum,"
■*•• See Joannes Juvenis, " Ue Antiquitate at that date.
et Varia Tarentinorum Fonuna," lib. viii., s-- jje lived, in the time of Theodosus the
cap. 2. Great, about A. D. 380.
«s See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v. ss His feast is kept, on the llth of April.
<* See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
cap. X. Sainis," tomeiv., xi^ jourd'Avril, p. 327.
<7 By Raph. Volaterranus, in Commentar. s* \\^ lived about the time of Justinian,
Urban, lib. iii. A.I). 584.
♦^ See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptoribus 55 Thomas Dempster has published the
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 197
century, those already named as his companions ss could not even have been
contemporaries. Others say, that DonatuSjS^ who was the brother ofCatal-
dus, came with him to Japygia,57 where he was made Bishop of Lupias ;5'
while both lived eremitical lives together, at a little town, afterwards called by
the name of our saint. S9 As having carefully examined them, Moroni remarks,
that these accounts were not to be found, in the records of Tarentum church.
However, this writer saw, near Lupias, an old citadel called Cataldus, with a
church, and a small cave hollowed out, after the manner of a crypt. The
Lupias people cherished a tradition, that our saint frequently prayed, and
offered up the Holy Sacrifice of Mass in it.^°
When Cataldus arrived in Italy, he is thought^' to have landed at
the mouth of a river, called by the inhabitants, St. Peter de Bibagna ;
owing to a tradition, that St. Peter the Apostle, on his way from Antioch
to Rome, disembarked at this same place, Avhere he celebrated Mass in
a chapel, which remained there, even to the seventeenth century. At
that period, also, the ruins of a town, named Fellini, might be seen on the
summit of a hill, near INLanduri; at which, when the saint approached on
his way to Tarentum, he met a girl, tending a small flock by the wayside.
She was deaf and dumb.^* Of these facts the saint was apprized, when he
saw her inattentive to an enquiry he made, about the direct course to Taren-
tum. Wherefore, he wrought a miracle in her favour, whereby she was restored
to the use both of hearing and of speech .^3 As the evening was about to
close, this woman manifested her gratitude, by requesting the saint to remain
in her house, until the day following. The news of this miracle having
reached the people of Fellini, their veneration towards the servant of God was
wonderfully increased ; and, it was manifested, in a manner most consoling
to his heart, by their embracing truths of the Christian Religion. Cataldus
following Latin lines, on the Scottish Patron Dempstero Veneti assurgunl, et bella
Saints of the Italian cities, and those verses loquuntur
are ascribed to Galcottus Picus, the excellent Parthenopes Scotos maitia corda
Prince of Miiandula. See his "Historia duces.
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., Lanea sus, Celebris dira olim clade
lib. iii., num. 278, pp. 164, 165 : — Ravenna,
Laudem horum Tarrus sanguino-
" Lux tenebras, aurum plumbum, sic lentus habet.
Scotia leriien Hos sanctos fortesque simul colit
Vincit, doctrina, religione, viris. Ausonis ora."
Clara etenim Innocuo pietas est Ro-
mula pi imo, s* His feast occurs, at the 22nd of Oc-
Tu, Bonifaci, isto clarus in orbe tober, where some account of him will be
nites, found.
Cyriacus decorat sedem, atque exor- s? The promontory of Japigia is at the
nat eandem : south-eastern extremity of Italy, and shown
Multi alii proceres, purpureique on the ancient Map, in Rev. Fathers Catrou's
patres. and Rouille's " Roman History : with Notes
Inde Tarentinis pergit radiare Catal- Historical, Geographical, and Critical," &c.,
dus, vol. ii., Book xvii., p. 179.
Donatus Lupios frater et inde ss Lupia is not far from this point, but
docet ; more northerly, and on the eastern shore of
Inde Columbanus Bobii fundamina Calabria. See ibid.
jecit, 59 .See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Casta Fluentina Brigida in urbe nice," Martii viii., n. 13, p. 556.
sonat, *° See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
Faesulae ab Andrea et Donato lumina cap. xi.
ducunt. *' By Moroni, in Vita S. Cataldi, lib. i.,
Sancte Faventinos Aemiliane beas, cap. xii.
Et Gunifortis Ticinum corpora gau- ^- See Joannes Juvenis, " De Antiquitate
det, et Vaiia Tarentmorum. Fortuna," lib. viii.,
. Clara domus Plint te, Gunibalde, cap. 2.
canit. *3 See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v.
198 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 10.
remained among them for some days, that he might perfect a work, so hap-
pily begun. ^4
In the year before Christ 700, an old Greek colony, founded by Lacede-
monian Parthenii, had been planted in Lower Italy. Their city was called
Tarentum, one of the most flourishing and opulent cities of Magna Grsecia.^s
For a long time, the Tarentines were jealous of the growing power of the
Romans, and they engaged Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, to land in Italy, where he
carried on war with that warlike people, and with varied success.^* The
Brutii had Tarentum with other cities, in this part of Italy.^7 At last, this
city was taken by the Romans, in the year of Rome, 481,^^ and B.C. 262.
Afterwards, through treachery it was surrendered to Hannibal, during the
Carthaginian war, and before Christ 199 f^ but, again, it was recovered by the
Romans, '° under Fabius.7' The Tarentines were tlien reduced to the condi-
tion of Roman colonists, when they became remarkable for their idleness and
effeminacy of manners. 7^ In the sixth century of the Christian era, they were
subdued by the Goths. However, Tarentum was recaptured from the Goths,
by the Romans, a.d. 553.73 in order to accomplish the object of his mis-
sion, Cathaklus set out for the city of Tarentum, at the time, as Dr. Lanigan
supposes,74 when Romoald, Duke of Beneventum, had expelled the Greeks
from that city, and under his presidency, which lasted from 671 to 687.75 The
Norman invaders afterwards dominated, in southern Italy, and in turn gave
way, before the rival pretensions of Spain and France.7^ When the Irish
missionary reached the city of Tarentum, he was informed, that its citizens
had already received the rudiments of faith, at an early period, from the Apos-
tle St. Peter and his disciple St. Mark, and as is thought, about the year of
our Lord 45. Having left St. Mark there, on going to Rhegium, St. Peter
requested him to consecrate Amasianus, a convert to the Christian Religion,
as first Bishop of Tarentum. He only ruled one year and a few months over
that See, when as piously believed, he was called to the bliss of immortality.77
A doubt is expressed, however, as to whether the inhabitants of Tarentum
were, for the most part, addicted to idolatry,?^ as Moroni's Life declares,
referring our saint's entrance into this city, to the year of our Lord 1 70.79 That
is not at all improbable ; for paganism lingered in many particular districts
and remote localities of the Roman Empire, to a period even later than the
*^ See Moroni's " Vita S. Catakli," lib. i. '^ See "Italia Sacra," tomus ix. Taren-
cap. xii. tina Metropolis, col. Ii6.
''s See "The Popular Encyclopedia ; or '^See Baionius' " Annales Ecclesiastici,"
Conversations Lexicon," &c., vol. vi. p. tomus vii., num. xv., p. 367.
525. '■• See " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
** See an account of this war, by the land," vol. iii., chap, xviii., sect, xi., n,
authors of "Ancient Universal History," 141, p. 129.
&c., vol. X., cap. xxxix., sect, ii., pp. 334 7S See " Rerum Italicarum Scriptores,"
to 344. tomus i. De Gestis Langobardorum, Pauli
*'^ SeePietro Giannone's "Civil History of Diaconi, lib. vi., cap. ii. , p. 490.
the Kingdom of Nnples," translated into '* See Lady Morgan's " Italy," vol. ii.,
English, by Captain James Ogilvie, vol. i., chap, xxiv., pp. 360, 361.
Book i., chap, iv., sect, iii., p. 18. London, ^^ See Ughelli's " Italia Sacra," tomus ix.
1729, 1731, ibl. Tarentina Metropolis, col. 120.
''^ See Rev. Fathers Catrou's and Rouille's ?* This story might .igree well enough,
"Roman History: with Notes Historical, with the supposition of Moroni and others,
Geographical, and Critical," vol. ji., Book that St. Cataldus arrived at Tarentum about
xxii., sect, xv., p. 494. English transla- the year 170. But, as the hypothesis is
tion. false, so are its concomitant parts.
** Sec " Ancient Universal History," vol. "» De Burgo has retained this tale,
., chap, xli., sect, i., p. 3. whereas he lays down, erroneously, indeed,
70 See ibid., pp. 19^0 21. that St. Cataldus died, about a.d. 492. .
Before Christ 196. ^ See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 199
seventh centur)'. It is stated, that when he entered the eastern gate of the
city, Cathaldus met a bhnd man, from whom he made enquiries, regarding
tlie introduction of religion there, and the state of its inhabitants, at that
time. He was then given to understand, that the people had nearly altoge-
ther relapsed into the errors of paganism.^° Understanding from the blind
man, that although an unbeliever, he had nevertheless some yearnings after
truth, ^' Cathaldus said to him : " If thou believest in the Holy Trinity, and
if thou art baptized in its name, thou shalt immediately receive light of body
as of mind."^^ The blind man replied : " I believe, sir, because it was not
through hardness of heart, nor obstinacy of spirit, that I have been a wor-
shipper of idols to this time ; but, owing to a want of priests and of Christian
institutes, for it is now a long time since our city has had its Bishop and
Pastor." On expressing these words, our saint baptized this blind man,
who, at the same time, received the gift of sight. ^3 Being blind from the
time of his birth, that man felt transported with delight, when he gazed on
new objects around him, and he ran immediately to announce what had
occurred, to other citizens of Tarentum. He invited them all to come and
see the stranger, from whose hands he had received the Sacrament of Bap-
tism. ^+ Full of astonishment, the citizens followed that man to the place
where Cataldus remained. He appeared to be revolving in thought the course
for future proceedings. The minds of the people, it would appear, had already
received some tincture from the former lessons of Divine faith. Therefore,
were they more easily impressed with truths of the Christian Religion,
announced by their new Apostle. Soon was he appointed to rule over them
as Bishop.^5 Great numbers among the inhabitants received Baptism, and all
expressed sorrow for the commission of their former crimes.^^ The most
general consent of writers refers the episcopate of Cataldus, at Tarentum, to
the close of the seventh century f^ and, such an inference seems more proba-
ble, than are those accounts derived from confused traditions, which place it,
at an earlier period.
CHAPTER III.
MISSIONARY LABOURS OF ST. CATALDUS IN ITALY — WRITINGS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM —
LAST ADMONITIONS TO THE CLERGY AND CHIEF MEN OF TARENTUM — HIS DEATH
AND INTERMENT — VARIOUS MIRACLES THEN AND AFTERWARDS WROUGHT
THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION — FINDING AND TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS —
HONOURS PAID TO HIS MEMORY IN TARENTUM — HIS REPUTED PROPHECIES —
VENERATION THROUGHOUT ITALY AND FRANCE — HIS COMMEMORATION IN OFFICES,
CALENDARS AND MARTYROLOGIES — CONCLUSION.
The first seeds of the Gospel, being this happily sown, produced abundant
fruit ; for, not only in a short time were all the people of Tarentum withdrawn
from a worship of idols, but, the inhabitants of that country around it heard .
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii., ^^ See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v.
sect, xi., p. 122, n. 140, p. 127. ^^ See Ughelli's " Italia Sacra," tomus ix.
8' See "Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v. Tarentina Metropolis, col. 121.
*° See Joannes Juvenis, " De Antiqui- ^^ See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
tate et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. cap. xiv.
viii., cap. 2. ^' SeeDi. Richard R. Madden's " Shrines
''s See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., and Sepulchres of the Old and New World,"
cap. xiii. vol. ii., chap, v., p. 154.
200 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
the preaching of Cataldus.' It hastened their conformity to practices of
Christian faith. The whole appearance of Tarentum and of its neighbouring
districts soon assumed a great change. Nobles and plebeians rivalled each
other in the practice of virtue — the city which was heretofore a sink of
abominations became the cradle of heroic acts — the inhabitants formerly
addicted to the sins of luxury and debauchery were now distinguished for
chastity and sobriety — where the temples had been frequented by idolatrous
worshippers, and Imd been profaned by the practice of pagan rites, there peo-
ple were now assembled to celebrate the Divine mysteries, and solemnities of
the Christian Religion. Under God, Cataldus was the recognised instrument
of this great social revolution. In his life and actions were mirrored forth
those virtues, which were required to sanctify his people, and the mute elo-
quence of his example gave confirmation doubly strong to his public admoni-
tions and exhortations.^ In all these towns and cities of his bishopric, he
ordained Priests, Deacons, and other inferior clergy. He remained constantly
in the churches, where he was engaged in the exercises of prayer and of
preaching ; while the duties of his pastoral charge were performed with all
solicitude and charity, for he gave aid and counsel to widows and orphans,
as also to destitute and suffering numbers, belonging to his fold.3
It has been stated, that the holy bishop left some writings behind him. On
the doubtful authority of Dempsterj-^ Cataldus is made the author of a Book of
Homilies, addressed to the people, and a Book of Visions ;5 but, there is no
ground for attributing a work on either subject to him. What passes under
the title of his Prophecies is of a sufficiently spurious character, and it rests on
no very trustworthy foundation. At last, Cathaldus perceived his end approach-
ing. Then, he called together the priests and chief men of Tarentum, address-
ing them in these following words,^ calculated to confirm their faith -J " You
know, dearly beloved brethren, that I have not been driven of my own accord
to this your city, from remote bounds of the Western Ocean; but, when I was at
Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus Christ deigned to address me, and He commanded
me to adopt a different course of life, from that which I had resolved on, and
which seemed to me a better one, for securing my salvation. I was told,
that I should go to Tarentum without delay, where Peter, Prince of the Apos-
tles, with his disciple and interpreter, Mark, had laid the foundations of faith.
I most willingly did as I had been commanded : and, I came to you, bidding
farewell to my country, and to the church of Rachau, where I well knew, my
children liad been anxious for the return of their father, whilst bearing his
aljsence with great inquietude. With Divine assistance, I liave restored the
faith of Christ, almost extinguished; nor have I ceased, with tears and prayers,
to strengthen the pliant minds of the people in Tarentum, and to encourage
them in the perfection of a Christian life, having abandoned iUusions of vice.
But, now I truly know, that hereafter, when I am dead, great and powerful
enemies shall arise against you ; who, endeavouring to divide members of the
Catholic Church by heretical sophistries, shall attempt to lead into former
errors my flock, collected together with so much labour. Wherefore, against
Chapter hi. — ' See " Officium S. " Homilias ad Populum," lib. i., and " De
Cataldi," Lect. v. Visionibus Suis." lib. i.
' See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., 'See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. vi.
cap. XV. ' According to Joannes Juvenis, these
■* See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. vi. accounts are drawn from an ancient Life of
* See " Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis St. Cataldus. See " De Antiquitatc ct Varia
Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iii., num. 278, Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii., cap. 2.
p. 164. ^ See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
3 Their titles, according to Dempster, are, cap. xviii.
May 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 201
those enemies of your faith and of the Christian rehgion fortify the people's
minds by your constancy, mindful of my labours and vigils. Restore this
body to the common parent of all, and of which it is formed. Bury it in the
large church, after a Christian manner, towards the east, within the chapel of
St. John, in the Galilee; thus preserving it for a future resurrection."^ Having
spoken these words, he received the sacraments conferred on the dying with great
devotion, when his spirit passed away to Heaven. His remains were deposited
in the Cathedral of Tarentum, as he had so willed it. 9
According to Dempster,'" he flourished in the year 361, which that writer
supposes to have been the year for his deposition; but, this account deserves not
the slightest consideration. It is rather strange, that not only the year for the
death of Cathaldus is unknown ;" but, no successful attempt has been even made
to determine it, by the many writers who have treated about him. Nor is it
known, how long he ruled over the See of Tarentuui,'^ of which he has become
the chief patron. His body was brought to the church, where a great concourse
of persons assembled, and amongst them were many, suffering from various
diseases, from which they were healed, on touching our saint's body, that had
been as it were a tabernacle of the Holy Ghost. '^ His funeral solemnities
were celebrated with great pomp, and his body was honourably interred. A
marble tomb covered the remains, in a sacristy belonging to the large church ;
and here, also, might be seen a chapel, constructed at the instance of Pope
Clement VHI.'^ The Second Book of Moroni's biography, containing Thirty-
six chapters, is composed altogether of accounts regarding various miracles,
wrought through the merits and intercession of Cataldus; and, at various
periods, after his death. 's The reader is therefore referred to this portion of
his work for particulars, not immediately connected with the lifetime and
actions of our saint. Wiut lias more immediate reference, to the Finding and
Translation of the Relics of St. Cataldus, will be found in that Tract,'^ attri-
buted to Berlengerius of Tarentum. The following is the substance of this
narrative, and probably the most circumstantial that can be discovered.'^
Drogonus,'^ Archbishop of Tarentum,^? had resolved on taking down
his old cathedral church, which was in a ruinous state, in order to erect a
9 " In questa Citta giaceno I'ossa di S. Civitatis Patroni. Liber Secundus. Mira-
Cathaldo gia loro vescovo." — " Descrittione cula S. Cataldi, ex vetustissimis Exemplari-
di Tutta Iialia," di F. Leandro Albertt bus fidelissime desumpta, stylo modice im-
Bolognese, &c. Magna Grecia Ottava mutato, pp. 550 to 555.
Regione, fol. 190, dorso. Published at La '* The Histoiia Liventionis et Transla-
Vinegia, 1 55 1, 4to. tionis, already alluded to, seems to us
" See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis founded on a Sermon or Discourse, delivered
Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iii., num. 278, on the occasion of such a Festival, with pro-
p. 160. bable additions to the narrative, as met with
" Joannes Juvenis says :" Scriptura nulla in some ancient Manuscripts, preserved at
extat, qua dignoscere possemus, quot annos Tarentum. The two first paragraphs of that
cum Tarrentinis suis vitam duxerit Beatus Treatise, published by the BoUandists, have
Cataldus." — " De Antiquitate et Varia brief reference to the early introduction of
Tarentinorum Fortuna," lib. viii., cap. 2. Christianity into Tarentum, by St. Peter,
" It is remarkable, that the cathedral Prince of the Apostles, and by St. Mark, as
there is the only parish church of a city, also to the Patron St. Cataldus, whose Acts
containing a population of several thousand are passed over, and the story of his relics
inhabitants. See Rev. Alban Butler's being found is there abruptly introduced.
" Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other '^ Joannes Juvenis also wrote, De Inven-
principal Saints, vol. v., May x. tione Corporis Beati Cataldi, in " De Anti-
'3 See " Officium S. Cataldi," Lect. v. quitate et Varia Tarentinorum Fortuna,"
'* See Moroni's "Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., lib. viii., cap. 3.
cap. xix. '^ He is called, likewise Dragonus and
'5 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Drago, and he succeeded Stephen, killed in
niae," Martii xiii. Vita et Miracula S. a battle fought between the Greeks and
Cataldi, Episcopi et Confessoris, Tarentina Normans, a.d. 1041.
ao2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
new and more beautiful edifice. This resolution greatly pleased both clergy
and people. The work being commenced, while sinking a foundation, one
of the workmen came to a marble sepulchre, which emitted a most fragrant
odour. When this circumstance had been reported to the Archbishop, Dro-
gonus with his clergy and people hastened to the spot. Having taken a
spade or mattock, this tomb was opened. Here were found the relics of our
saint, in a state of excellent preservation, his name in Latin letters ^° having
been inscribed on a golden cross, which was likewise discovered. A proces-
sion being then arranged, lights were brought, with various aromatic spices
which were burned. But, that miraculous and fragrant odour, proceeding from
tlie relics, was found to surpass the smell of frankinscence.^' The Archbishop
collected these relics, a.d. 1071.*^ The marble tomb was transferred to a
conspicuous place, and it was set beneath the high altar of the Cathedral
Church, where the remains of Cataldus were deposited. ^3 Many miracles '♦
were wrought, during the time of and after this Translation. ^5 In the time
of Raynaldus,^^ Archbishop of Tarentum, the relics of our saint were kept in
the marble tomb under the high altar. When Eugenius HI. was Pope, Roger
being King of Sicily, that he might do further honour to the memory of our
saint, Gerald,^7 then Archbishop of Tarentum, had a silver shrine prepared,
on which were carved images of our Saviour, of the Angels, and of the Twelve
Apostles. In this, also, he placed a particle of the wood of the true cross,
enclosed within a gold case, and ornamented with gems. Having proclaimed
a fast, this Archbishop and his suffragan Bishops, with a great concourse of
clergy and laity assisting, opened our saint's sepulchre, under the high altar,
on the loth day of May, a.d. 1151.''^ He afterwards transferred the rehcs of
Cataldus to the silver shrine prepared to receive them, whilst the choir sang
hymns and spiritual canticles. A great concourse of the faithful was present,
on the occasion. At this time, also, numerous miracles were wrought, in
favour of those labouring under all sorts of afflictions and infirmities.*^ For
'9 He is classed as the sixteenth Archbishop claim the miracle wrought by Cataldus ; and
of Naples, by Ughelli, in " Italia .Sacra" to- that a youth, deprived of the use of his limbs
mus ix. Tarentina Metropolis, cols. 126, 127. was healed, at the sepulchre of the holy man,
*° According to Moroni, it was written in and in the presence of a great number of
full ; although Joannes Juvenis has it " dua- persons. See the Bollandists' "Acta Sane-
bus litteris Latinis C. T. significantem." torum," tomus ii, Maii x. Historia Inven-
"' Berlengerius adds: " Ingens oritur gau- tionis et Translationis Auctore Berlengerio
dium : osculatur Reliquias : et gratias Deo re- Tarentio et forsan aliis. Ex codicibus MSS.,
feruntpro taminKstimabilirepertothesauro." cap. i., sect, i to 5, pp. 570, 571.
" This is the date given by Ugheli, and ^5 See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
this year, likewise, the Bishop of Tarentum cap. xx.
was present, at the consecration of the '* Raynaldus ruled over Tarentum, a< the
Casino Church, according to Leo of twenty-tirst Archbishop, from a.d. 1 106 to
Ostia, in " Chronicum Ostiensis," lib. iii., 1 1 19. See Ughelli's " Italia Sacra," tomus
cap. 30. ix. Tarentina Metropolis, cols. 128, 129.
^3 The Historia of Berlengerius states, '^ On the deposition of Philip, i;i the year
that the holy relics weie then to be seen, 1 139, Giraldus became the twenty-hfth Arch-
where they had been reverently placed. bishop of Tarentum, and he lived until A.D.
Joannes Juvenis has it : "In sacello, quod 1172. See ?'Z'/i/., col. 121.
a brachio ipsius Sancti nomen." — " De An- -' Joannes Juvenis and Bartholomew
tiquitate et Varia Tartenlinorum Fortuna," Moroni have wrongly placed this Transla-
lib. viii., cap. 3. tion, at the year 11 50, which was the thir-
°* Among these Berlengerius relates, that the teenth Indiction. Berlengerius has it:
withered arms of a woman were restored, by "Est autem gloriosa Transi.itio celebrata
touching the saint's tomb; that a paralytic anno Dominicce Incarnationis MCLI., die
of Beneventum was healed, in like manner, decimo mensis Maji xiv., Indictione, ' &c.
while the bells of the church were rung, at ^ See Moroni's " Vita_S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
the same time, by the hands of Angels ; that cap. xvi.
a woman who had been deaf and dumb was ^° For a more detailed account of the
restored to the use of speech, and to pro- miracles wrouglit, through the intercession
May 10.] IIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 203
several succeeding ages, those evidences of the Patron's power in Heaven
were manifested. 3°
After the lapse of many years, and during the presidency of Roger
Capitignonus, the forty-second Archbishop of Tarentum,3' the Finding
of the Tongue of St. Cataldus is thus recorded. Having selected some good
and respected clerics of the place, these were directed to remove some relics
of the holy man from a silver shrine, or casket, shaped like an arm, so that
these might be placed, in a memorial of a more beautiful design. The persons
employed for this purpose found the tongue of our saint, which had so often
celebrated the Divine praises, and preached the word of God to his people.
It was then encased, by Archbishop Roger, within a crystal covering ;32 and,
that member appeared of full size, having the natural colour it should present,
as if just extracted from the saint's mouth. When the people of Tarentum had
often experienced the efficacy of their illustrious Patron's intercession, and when
devotion towards him had greatly increased ; at a subsequent period, the
clergy and senators of that city erected a silver statue to our saint. It ap-
peared to be about the natural size, and the figure 33 seemed clothed in an epis-
copal dress, with a mitre on the head, and a crozier borne in the hand. 34 This
had been elaborately wrought, and intrinsically it was of great value. It is
related, that the skull of Cathaldus had been enclosed in an upper part of the
statue, whilst other portions of his relics were similarly covered. Before the
breast of this statue to Cathaldus hung that golden cross, which had been
found in his tomb, with those words inscribed on it, Cataldvs Rachav.35
During the reign of Ferdinand,3^ King of Naples, Sicily, Jerusalem, 37 &c., a
prophecy of St. Cataldus, is said to have been miraculously discovered, and
in the following manner. A deacon of Tarentum, and who was named
Raphael Cucera, standing during prayer, in the choir of the great cathedral,
about two or three o'clock at night, on the Sunday before Passion Sunday, a.d.
1492, had a reputed vision of St. Cataldus. At first, the Deacon was greatly
terrified, but he heard these words addressed to him : " Often and often have
I told you to enter the church of St. Peter, about a stone's cast, beyond the
walls of Tarentum, and you have refused to do so : I now tell you once more,
go to the Bishop.38 who, having collected the inhabitants and clergy of the
city, shall approach the aforesaid church, in the front of which, on a column,
of St. Cataldus, the reader is referred to the To him then succeeded the Emperor Charles
Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., V., of Austria. "His father, Philip the
Maii X. De Sancto Cataldo Episcopo Handsome, Archduke of Austria, was the
Tarentino in Italia. Historia Inventionis son of the Emperor Maximilian, and of Mary,
et Translationis Auctore Berlengerio Taren- the only child of Charles the Bold, the last
tino, et forsan aliis, cap. ii., iii., sect. 6 to 36, prince of the house of Burgundy. His
pp. 571 to 575- mother, Joanna, was the second daughter of
3' His term began A.D. 1334, and it lasted Ferdinand, King of Aragon, and of Isabella,
until 1348. Pee Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," Queen of Castile." — "History of the Reign
tomus ix. Tarentina Metropolis, col. 138, of the Emperor Charles V.," Book i., p. 67.
139. See the works of William Robertson, D.D.,
3=* According to Joannes Juvenis, " De edited by Dugald Stewart, vol. i. London,
Antiquitate et VariaTarentinorumFortuna," 1845, ^^o-
lib. viii., cap. 3. 3? The Bollandists intimate, that during
33 It is said to have presented the figure his reign, the prefixed words of the prophecy,
of a Bishop, as if preparing to celebrate " Domino nostro D. Ferdinando," were
Mass. forged.
3-* Joannes Juvenis adds : "argenteis lami- 38 j^e appears to have been Baptista Car-
nis ad incudem extensis." dinal Ursinus, who ruled over this See, from
35 See Bartholomew Moroni's "Vita S. a.d. I491 to 1498. He was the sixty-fourth
Cataldi," lib. i., cap. xxii. Prelate in succession. See Ughelli's "Italia
3* This was Ferdinand II., called the Sacra," tomus ix. Tarentina Metropolis,
Catholic King, who was inaugurated as King col. 144.
of Sicily, A.D. 1473, and who died A.D. 1 516. 39 The Bollandists present a rough dia-
204
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 10.
he shall find a boy's image admirably painted, and that figure shall point with
his hand and two fingers towards a place, where a certain prophetic judgment
shall be discovered ; this I pronounced while living, and I buried it under
the feet of that same image, which I caused to be painted. In that place, you
shall first find a lead cross on which carved letters are inscribed ;39 afterwards,
you shall bring to light a book of lead, under the same cross, and covered
with bands of lead, on it are marked certain inscribed letters/" Let that
closed book be brought to the king, and let him observe what is contained in
it ; otherwise, woe to his kingdom, for it shall suffer great injury, pestilence,
faming, and war, waged by infidels. And, if he believe not the prediction, do
you Raphael approach him, and relate to him this vision manifested to you."
Saying these words, the apparition vanished from his sight. This prediction
is said to have come to light, the eighth year of Pope Innocent VIII., which
corresponds with a.d. 1492 ;t' although Anthonius Carracciolus 4^ has its dis-
covery, at A.D. 1494,43 as likewise Alexander ab Alexandre. Accordingly,
the Bishop, with a great attendance of clergy and people, went in procession
to the spot indicated, and there found the book inscribed on leaden tablets,
and which was kept apparently, under a lock and key.^^ It is probable, that
this prophecy,'*5 referring to the state of the Neapolitan kingdom, to the times
gram of this lead cross, with the following
inscription : " Aperiatis hie : invenietis
librum, in quo C. T. D. et statim mittatur
Regi."
*° The BoUandists give a diagram, nearly
square, supposed to represent this Book,
while on its cover apparently was the follow-
ing inscription : " Cataldus Rachau Archiep.
Tarentinus. Hunc nonaperiat nisi Rex cum
uno solo sibi fideli : et statim mittatur
Regi. i."
4' According to an anonymous writer of
Annals.
'^ He published an account of this pro-
phecy, at Naples, in 1626.
<3 Writing under this year, he states :
" Isto anno fuit repertus Tarenti liber S.
Cathdi, consistens in tribus laminis plum-
beis, videlicet duabus extremis semiscriptis,
et media scripta ex utroque latere ; qui prre-
sentatus fuit Domino Regi loquens de dicti
Regis repentina morte : et sic fuit repente
mortuus.
4« Such is the account given by Alexander
ab Alexandro, in his work, "Genialiuin Die-
rum," lib. iii., cap. 15.
■•s The following are its words, which are
rather dubious and difficult in translation :
" Tu ex riesperia venisti, unde pestis bis
mortifera ob infidelitatem, et mon>tia quse-
dam, interquam tui commemorabuntur.
Damna tamen lecompensahunt duo potentes
conjuges regnantes. V'cetibi Christiana re-
ligio : incredulos et hypocritas apertos, et
occultos habebit spoiisa Christi ; quoniam
sponsus sjionsce irascetur. Cai)ita eorum in-
sensata erunt ; et occuli eorum tenebuntur,
ne videant. Sensualitas, ambitio, et cupidi-
tas regnandi prrcvalebunt. Sed dicent :
Beati pauciora pcissidantcs. Oricntur prx-
lia : Insurgent I'harisa:i contra Samaritanos ;
et erunt ingentes Christianorum strages : quo-
niam nota erunt nimis oppropria eorum super
terram. Tu morte tua, quae cito aderit,
liberaberis, ne videas tuoium ruina.-; : piK-
videbis tamen, et sollicitus vi\es : prre do-
lore, ira et timore, repente morieiis : et dua-
bus regni successionibus, una ex te deserta,
altera ex aliorum nobiliori, et potentiori
successione erit. Regnum olim tuum inva-
dent ; et, ut leones, cum magno appaiatu
depopulabuntur. Ante eos labentur homines,
et mLi;nia cadent. Vincent in albis : rubri
et nigii cessalnmt colores. Inferi ad superos,
et superi ad inferos, descendent, et mirabitur
muiulus revolutiones cum ca;lo. Nee prce-
sens dies erit prseterito similis. Nulla fides ;
simultates, fictiones, machinationes, defec-
tiones, planetus, lamentationes, mendacium,
rapince undique regnabunt. Dies aderunt
tribulationis, in quibus altiora anhelantes,
in profundum cadent : et dissolventur fxdera,
et gaudentiores tristal)untur. Occitlens com-
movebitur : et occidet : Oriens ob.>curabi-
tur, et timebit valde. Vailet homines leve
priiicipium et horrendus finis : ex modica
fiainma ingentes ignes, ex arido fomento nu-
triti, longiores eiunt. P'cederibus, et anr.is
perturbabitur nmndi nobdior pars ; et de
summis principatihus contendetur, et eiit
multorum destructio ; quoniam iratus est
Deus. Ante faciem ejus peicutient se
priores, et de regno in regnum commovebun-
tur. Et terra, uti mare, a ventis fluctuabit :
submergentur multi qucerentcs portum, et
nun invenient ; quoniam a recto itinere de-
viaveiunt. Invcniat quendam tuus fune
vexatum, cujus aucupio et occulto consilio
dcponit sua, et omnia donabit, diiigens
qua; cunque in meliorem viam : Et regnabit
ex hoc usque in nomen generationem. Ser-
pentes multi venena effundeiit ; sed deficiet
ex illis caput ; et ilulciore efticientur venena
ex percussionibus. Potentes ex adversitati-
May io.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
205
of Ferdinand, called of Arragon,'*^ and first King of Naples,-*' as, also, to the
French Invasion, was a forgery,i8 made up on the occasion of passing events,
and to serve some peculiar interestJ^ However, it must be observed, that
Alexander ab Alexandro declares, the prophecies therein declared were ful-
filled, in a remarkable manner, by events which followed. 5° A prophecy of this
saint, and said to have been composed by him, is introduced by Moroni, towards
the close of Cathaldus' Life. When a student at Naples, that writer saw such a
document in the possession of Adrian William Spataphori, a learned antiqua-
rian. The same document was found by a Friar, in the Aracseli Library, at
Rome, and thence it was sent to him for insertion is his Life of our saint. 5'
In the year 1600, John de Castro, s^ a noble Spaniard, who had been Arch-
bishop of Tarentum, added another cross to the silver statue of Cataldus,
much larger in size, than that one formerly placed upon the figure. This cross
was made of gold, likewise, ornamented with emeralds, and it was exquisitely
wrought. S3
Many towns and parishes in Italy are called after St. Cataldus. 54 At
Venice, in Umbria, and Sicily, he was venerated. At Coralti in Apulia,
permission was given to the Minorite Fathers in 1506, to build a church, in
honour of Blessed Cataldus, so that a plague which broke out might cease. ss
In the Island of Malta, and near its chief city, there was a crypt and ceme-
tery, dedicated to St. CatalduSjS^ in the middle of the seventeenth century.
There, also, was a small church dedicated to him, and it was frequented by a
great number of devoted clients, because of the graces they received, through
bus minores coram Deo in facies cadent, et
humiliabuntur. Et bonorum supplicationibus
placabitur Omnipotens ; et Orientalis rabies
magno apparatu petetur. Bonum ex malo
nascetur ingens ; quoniam apparebit Ange-
lus cumgladio, et magna minabitur. Insur-
gent multi et potentissimi ; et renovabitur
mundus. Erit homo super mensam plum-
beam comedens in una de quatuor civitati-
bus, qui omnibus istis remedium affert." —
Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i., cap.
xvii., xviii.
^* Although we read in Alexander ab
Alexandro, lib. iii., cap. 15, " Cum florente
fortuna Ferdinandi Primi Regis Aragonii
Urbs Neapolitana," &c., yet, Colgan re-
marks, that this prophecy appears referable to
Ferdinand the first King of Naples, bearing
this name, but, he was not the first King of
Aragon.
47 Ferdinand, son of Alphonsus, King of
Arragon, who died A.D. 1494, was the first
King of Naples, bearing such name, and the
second King of Arragon known by this
name, as will be found, on referring to histo-
ries of those respective countries. See
"Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," viii. Martii,
n. 17, p. 556.
^^ A printed Tract, on the Finding of this
Prophecy, has stated, however, that it came
to light anno 1362. See Colgan's "Acta
Sanctorum Hibernice," viii. Martii, n. 16,
P- 556.
^9 Dr. Richard R. Madden, when alluding
to St. Cataldus, says, " Enquiries into this
subject have led the author to the acquisi-
tion of information of a very singular nature,
respecting the alleged fabrications of metallic
plates with an inscription, in apparently an-
cient characters, purporting to be prophe-
cies of St. Cathaldus, which had been ful-
filled after his death." — "Shrines and
Sepulchres of the Old and New World,"
vol. ii,, chap, v., pp. 154, 155. In a note to
this passage, the author promised this infor-
mation in his Appendix, under the heading
" Pretended Prophecies of St. Cathaldus."
Yet, we search there in vain for this matter,
which the author seems to have overlooked.
5° In his work, " Genialium Dierum," lib.
iii., cap. 15.
5' It was extracted from the work of Petrus
Galatinus, " De Ecclesia destituta," lib.
viii., cap. i.
5^ He was elected the seventy-fifth bishop
over this See, on the 20th of March, A.D.
1600. " Sedit plus minus annis tribus,"&c.
— Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," tomus ix.
Tarentina Metropolis, col. 147.
53 See Moroni's " Vita S. Cataldi," lib. i.,
cap. xxii.
54 According to Joannes Juvenis, " De
Antiquitate et Varia Tarentinorum For-
tuna," lib. viii., cap. 3.
55 See " Malta Antica Illustrata co' Monu-
menti, e coll' Istoria," dal Prelato Onorafo
Bres, &c., lib. vi., cap. xvi., pp. 447, 448.
Roma, 1816, 4to.
5^ This is stated, by Joannes F'ranciscus de
Abela, Vicecancellarius, in a work " De-
scriptio InsulcE Melitne," lib. i,, Notitia iv.
De Coemeteriis. He states, that it was
"prope cryptam S. Pauli et contigua cryptae a
S. Maria de spe noncupatae," &c. — See p.
47. This work was issued, at Malta, A.D.
1647.
2o6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
his intercession. In it, too, Masses were almost daily celebrated. Formerly,
he was honoured, at Genoa, at Mondovi, and at Sens, where the parish of
Saint-Cartaud has evidently borrowed its name from St. Cataldus.s? Espe-
cially to commemorate the Feast for the Finding and Translation of St.
Catald's Relics, at the earnest request of Laelius Brancarius, Archbishop of
Naples, Pope Gregory XIII. granted a Plenary Indulgence, for the solemn
celebration on May loth. From about this period, the Office of St. Cataldus
was sanctioned by the Sovereign Pontiff, s^ and it began to be recited by the
Archbishop and clergy of Tarentum, in choir, after the form in the Roman
Breviary. The office of this saint is recited as a double, by the Irish clergy,
on the 8th of March. 59 The published Martyrology of Tallagh has no festi-
val occurring, in honour of this saint.^ But, we often find, in cases of Irish
saints, who died on the Continent, that there is no record of their names, in
our domestic Calendars or Martyrologies. According to the Roman Martyr-
ology,^' Constantinus Ghinius,^^ and Bartholomew Moroni,^3 the loth of May
is a festival, commemorating the Translation of Cathaldus' relics. ^4 Father
Stephen Whitens has notices of this saint, and Sir James Ware*^ places his
festival, at the present date. In Convseus' List of Irish Saints, Cathaldus Epis.
and Patron of Tarentum, in Italy, may be found, in the pages of O'SuUevan
Beare, at the loth of May .^7 The Martyrology of Donegal, ^^ on this day,
registers a festival, in honour of [Cathaldus,^? Bishop of Tarentum, in Letha].
Thomas Dempster, quoting Constantinus Ghinius, has the Festival of Finding
the precious Body of Bishop Cataldus, at the loth of May. 7° Cardinal
Baronius has the Finding of his relics, at this same date. 7' Again, the Festival
is noted, by Bishop Challoner,?^ by Rev. Alban Butler,73 and in the Circle of
the Seasons. 74
Not alone was Ireland honoured, in giving birth and education to this
holy prelate, but still more did the citizens of Tarentum deem themselves
blessed, by his ministrations among them. 75 The career of a great saint
is at all times of interest to posterity, and the lives of the great teachers, or
doctors of Catholicity — the men who towered like beacon fires in the compara-
57 See Les Petits Bollandists, "Vies des cap. i., p. 8.
Saints," &c., tome v., xe. jour de Mai, n. 2. ^^ See " Historic Catholicse Ibemise Com-
p. 425. pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. x., p. 48.
5* The Decree is dated thus: "Datum '^Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Romse in palatio Apostolico, in loco 124, 125.
nostrse solita: residentise v. Nonas Julii *' In a note, Dr. Todd here says, "The
MDLXXX. paragraph within brackets is in the more
59 This is thought, by some writers, to have recent hand. Letha is the Irish name for
been the aniversary for his death. However, Italy."
we can find no mention of his name, in the '" It is thus entered, in the " Menologium
ancient Irish calendars, at that date, nor even Scoticum :" "Tarenti inventio pretiosi
at the 8th of May. corporis Cataldi Episcopi." — Bishop Forbes'
*" See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of Irish " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 199.
Saints," &c., pp. xvii., xviii. '' In his Note (h) to the Roman Martyr-
*' At the loth of May we read : "Apud ology, p. 211.
Tarentum S. Cataldi Episcopi, miraculis '= .see '• Britannia Sancta," parti.. May x.,
clari." — " Martyrologium Romanum," p. pp. 285, 2S6.
210. Edition of Baronius. " See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
'' In "Natales Sanctorum Canonicorum." other principal Saints," vol. v., May x.
*^ See "Vita S. CatalJi," lib. i., cap. 7^ See p. 131.
xxi. " This is expressed, in that versicle sung in
** "Cujus Nalalis Dies celebratur 8 Id. the church of Tarentum, and from a remote
Mail. Inventio 6 Id. ejusdem." — Ughelli's period : —
" Italia Sacra," tomus ix. Tarentina Metro-
polis, col. 121. " Felix Ilibemia, sed magis Taren-
*5 See " Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. ii., tum,
p. 15. Also, cap. iv., p. 37. Qux claudis in tumulo grandc talen-
**Sec "DeScriptoribus Ilibernix," lib. i., tum."
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
tive gloom of earlier times — ought to be among the studies of Catholics, who
rejoice in the growth of the Universal Church, and in her triumphs over the
powers of sinfulness and error.
Article III. — Cormac or Connachtach, Abbot of Iona. {Eighth
and Ninth Centuries.'] On the authority of the Martyrology of Tallagh,
which enters Cormac^ at the loth of May, Colgan assigns to this day, the
festival of the present holy man.* This authority is followed, likewise, by the
Bollandists,3 who remark on the number of Irish Saints so called, as enume-
rated by Colgan, 4 when treating about several bearing that name. Connach-
tach — a name substituted for Cormac — is said to have been a select scribe,
and he became Abbot of Iona, most probably, after the demise of Bersal
Mac Seghine, which is given, at the year 8oi, ha.'ing been incumbent for
thirty-one years. Connachtach followed his predecessor to the tomb, after a
very short term of rule.s He died, according to some accounts, in 797 — but
rede 802 — assuming the corrected chronology found, in Dr. O'Donovan's
Annals of the Four Masters.^ The cause assigned for Connachtach's death,
is not recorded ; but as Hy-Columcille was burned by the Gentiles, a.d. 802,7
it is probable enough, that our Abbot met with a violent death, at their hands,
having perished during the calamity inflicted on his religious community.
Article IV. — Barban the Wise. In the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,'
there is mention made of Barbanus Sapiens, or Barban the Wise. Colgan
indicates, that his feast is referable to this day.* Here, too, the Bollandistss
insert a notice of him.
Article V. — Reputed Festival of Hildebert, Archbishop of the
Scots. We have an account, by the Abbot, John of Trittenheim,' of Hilde-
bertus, bishop of Mans, and also Archbishop of Tours, as a celebrated eccle-
siastical writer. According to Dempster,* he had for his disciple Caius
Cselius Sedulius,3 the Senior, or Presbyter,* who in like manner — to follow
his account — belonged to the Scottish nation. If such be the case, Hildebert
must have flourished, at a very early period. However, as the Bollandists, who
Article III. — ' That copy, published by at the 17th of March, in his Life there
the Rev. Matthew Kelly, D.D., has by mis- given.
take Conmac ; the Franciscan copy more ' See " Trias Thaumaturga," Septima
correctly CoyviriAc. Vita S. Patricii, pars, ii., cap. Ixvii.
^ See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Ap- 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
pendix ad Acta S. Columbte, cap. iii., sect. Maii x. Among the pretermitted saints, p.
iv., v., pp. 500, 501. 492,
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii Article v. — ' In his work, " Catalogus
X. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 492. Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum," &c., at fol.
* See "Acta Sanctorum HiberniEC," xvii. Ixviii., he is set down, as having flourished,
Februarii, Appendix ad Acta S. Cormaci under Henry IV., A.D., MXC.
Episcopi Athtrumensi, et postea Archiepis- ^ See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco-
copi Ardmachani, cap. i., pp. 360, 361. torum," tomus ii., lib. viii., num. 671, p.
5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life 353.
of St. Columba." Additional Notes (O), ^ See what has been stated already re-
p. 388. garding him, in Second Vol. of this work,
® See vol. i., pp. 404, 405. and at the 12th day of February, Art. i.,
7 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life chap. ii.
of St. Columba," Additional Notes (O), ♦ Trithemius places him, as having
p. 388. flourished under Theodosius, the Emperor,
Article iv. — ' See vol. iii. of this work, at a.d. ccccxxx. See "Calalogus Script©-
io8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i6.
notice him at the loth of May. remark,s that author^ bestows upon neither
the Master nor the Disciple the title Beatus or Sanctus. A modern Cata-
logue of the Saints of Scotland mentions St. Hildebert, Archbishop, and
Blessed Sedulius, Priest, at this date. Again, Camerarius, in his Menology
of the Scottish Saints, gives to both the title of Sanctity, at the loth of May;
while, Hildebert, called Abbot in Scotia, is praised for his wonderful holiness
and for his remarkable learning. He is stated, to have been living in the
year 309 ; but, this account will not agree with the statements of other Scottish
writers. 7 Now, Dempster's Hildebert, Archbishop, flourished during the reign
of the Emperor Theodosius the Great,^ and while Pope St. Innocent I. was
in the Roman See. 9 The latter governed the Church from a.d. 402 to 417 ;'°
so that we see here and hereafter how conflicting, and even how contradictory,
becomes the chronology. Notwithstanding, the original bent of Thomas Demp-
ster's inventive genius dispenses altogether with the accordance of date,
and the contemporaneousness of persons ; for, while he makes St. Hildebert
Archbishop of the Scots, the preceptor of Sedulius the Scot and bishop of the
Greeks " — to preside as bishop over Mans,'^ in Gaul, and afterwards to have
become Archbishop of Tours '3 — the death of Hildebert is set down, also, at the
1 8th day of December, a.d. 1136.'* In reality, he died, November i8th, a.d.
1 1 33. '5 Dempster also cites William of Malmesbury, for support of his state-
ment. However, if an earlier St. Hildebert, Archbishop of the Scots, flourished,
and had Sedulius for his disciple, it seems more likely, that he belonged to
Ireland, rather than to Scotland.
Article VI. — Aedh, or Aedus. The Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the
loth of May, simply records Aedha ; but, as in the next line, Conmac' follows,
it is possible — but not probable — this had been intended to indicate his
father's name. In the Franciscan copy, we have on the same line, in the
third column, Aedo. Cormac.3 The Bollandists ■* quote this entry, at the same
date, calling him Aedus, and stating, that no less than twenty-five, bearing
a similar name, are enumerated among the Irish Saints. 5 Considerable doubt
seems to exist, regarding the proper identification of this saint. Colgan
rum Ecclesiasticorum," fol. xxxiiii. Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. viii., num. 671,
5 See "Acta Sanctorum,"' tomus ii., PP- 353 to 355.
Mail X. Among the pretermitted saints, '= The chief city of Maine, in France.
p_ AM. '^ No doubt alkision is made to Hildebert,
' Viz. Trithemius. who was born at Lavardin in Vendome, in
7 In the " Scotichronicon " of Rev. Ur. J. 1057, who was chosen as Bishop of Mans, at
F. S. Gordon, his notice is set down thus, first, and who was elected to succeed Gil-
among the Early Bishops in Scotland, bert, Archbishop of Tours, a.d. 11 25, at the
" Hildebert, a.d. 490."— Vol. i., p. 43- age of sixty-eight. See Abbe Fleury's
^ He reigned from a.d. 379 to 394, when " Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome xiv., liv.
he became sole Emperor, and he died a.d. Ixvii., sect, xlii., p. 336.
^915. See Rev. John Alzog's "Manual of '■* See the Bollandiats' "Acta Sanctorum,"
Universal Church History," translated by tomus ii., Maii x. Among the pretermitted
Rev. F T. P.ibisch and Rev. Thomas S. saints, p. 492.
Byrne, vol. i.. Period i.. Epoch 2, chap. '5 See Abbe Fleury's " Histoire Ecclesias-
ii. sect. loi, pp. 338, 339. tique," tome xiv., liv.lxviii., sect, xix., pp.
9 Dempster states: "Floruit anno CD. 424,425.
sedente Romae S. Innoccntio I., Scoto, im- Article vi— ' Edited by the Rev.
perante Theodosio. Meminit Trithemius." Matthew Kelly, D.D.. p. xxiii.
—"Historia EcclesiasticaGentis. Scotorum," ' (?) Cormac. We believe this should be
tomus ii., lib. viii., num. 671, p. 355. referred to Conmac or Connachtach, Abbot
'" See Sir Harris Nicolas' " Chronology of of lona, already noticed.
History," p. 210, ^ Thus given in the Irish characters Ac'oo.
" See " Historia Ecclcsiastica Gcntis CoptriAC.
May io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 209
asserts, however, that he was surnamed Dubh, and after having been a King
over Leinster, he became a monk, as also an abbot and bishop of Kildare.^
When assigning this day, as being a festival for St. Aidus, Bishop of Kildare,
whose acts are recorded at the 4th of January ; yet, there is only a possibi-
lity of such being the case. Reasons for this statement will be found, else-
where, in our text and notes. 7 St. Aedh is said to have died, on the loth of
May, and in the year 638.^ According to the Martyrology of Donegal,^ we
find, that Aedh, son of Cormac, had veneration paid him, at this date.
Article VII. — St. Connla. The simple entry of Connla, Bishop,
appears in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the loth of May. ^ In a later record,
we learn, that on this day was venerated, Connla, 3on of Leinin, Bishop. This
we read, in the Martyrology of Donegal.3 But, we suspect some error has
been admitted, in reference to the patronymic.
Article VIII. — Mac Lemruin, or Mac Leninn. According to the
Martyrology of Tallagh,'' a festival in honour of Mac Lemruin ^ was cele-
brated, at the loth of May. In the Franciscan copy, the entry is Mac Lemnse.^
Following the same authority, the BoUandists * have Mac-Leninn, or Filius
Lenini, without any further indication of his age, or place.
Article IX. — St. Finntan. The simple entry, Finntan, occurs, in the
published Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the loth of May, as also in the Fran-
ciscan copy.^ The BoUandists 3 also insert his name, at this date, and remark-
ing only, that there are many holy men so called,^ in the calendar.
Article X. — St. Mohsionoc, of Cluain Caoinchne. This name
and this address are entered, at the lothof May, in the Franciscan ^ and pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,^ as Moshinoc of Cluana Caichne. Quoting
the same authority, the BoUandists 3 have Mosinocus de Cluain-Caichne, at
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Maii X. Among the pretermitted Saints, 124, 125.
p. 492. Article viii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
s See also Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Kelly, p. xxiii.
Hiberni3e,"Januariixxxi., Appendix ad Acta =* Apparently, an incorrect reading for
S. Maidoci, cap. i., pp.220, 221. Mac Lemnin.
* See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- 3 Thius given in the Irish characters, 111 ac
cum," p. 323. LemriAe.
7 See, at the 4th day of January, Art. i., in "■ See " Acta Sanctorum," toraus_ ii.,
the First Volume of this work. Maii x. Among the pretermitted saints,
* See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," Ap- p. 492.
pendix Quiata ad Acta S. Brigidse, cap. ii., Article ix.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
p. 629. Kelly, p. xxiii.
5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. ^ He is there entered as V'^cahi.
124, 125. 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Article vii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Maii x. Among the pretermitted saints,
Kelly, p. xxiii. p. 492.
* In the Franciscan copy, the separate in- '' Some of these are venerated, respectively
sertion of Con'oLAi epi appears in a line, as at the nth, 15th and 20tli of this month.
if apart from what immediately follows, viz., Article x. — ' Here we read : llloi'inoc
UlAcLeninAe. .1. CluAin CAichne.
O
iio LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
this day. The place so designated has not been identified. Again, the
Martyrology of Donegal ■» records on this day, Mohsionoc, of Cluain Caoin-
chne, as having been venerated.
Article XI. — Feast of St. Florentius, Bishop of Strasburg. The
Life of this saint had been prepared for publication, at the present date, and
for the 7th of November, by Colgan. In that anonymous list, published by
O'SuUevan Beare, the name occurs, at the loth of May. At the same date,
Henry Fitzsimon enters Florentius, on his Calendar of National Saints.' At
the loth of May, likewise, Thomas Dempster has a festival for St. Florentius,
who, \Yith certain holy men named,^' is said to have founded a monastery for
the Scots, at Strasburg, over which See he presided. Surius 3 has relegated
the notices of this holy prelate, to the 7th day of November, which appears
to have been his chief festival, and where a biographical account of him will
be found, in this work.
Article XII.— Festival of St. Wiro, and of St. Plechelm, Bishops
AND Confessors, and of St. Otger, at Ruremond, in Holland. In the
Diocese of Ruremond, Saints Wiro, Plechelm, and Otger, are specially vene-
rated, at the loth of May.' A Double Office, and one Proper, with Antiphons
and Hymns, are then and there recited. At this date, reference is only made
to St. Wiro and to his Double Office.^
Article XIII. — St. Saranus. A St. Saranus is recorded, for the loth
of May, in the anonymous list of our Irish Saints, published by O'SuUevan
Beare.' He is also set down, in Father Henry Fitzsimon's list,^ at this day,
and at the i8th of May, as the BoUandists notice.^
Article XIV. — Translation of the Relics of St. Laurence
O'TooLE, Archbishop of Dublin. The anniversary for the translation of
St. Laurence O'Toole's relics is observed, with great solemnity, at Eu, in
Normandy. The translation itself, which took place, on the loth of May,
* Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. tomus xi. Novembris vii.. Vita S. Flo-
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., rentii.
Maii X. Among the pretermitted saints, Article xii. — ' See the BoUandists'
p, 492. " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii viii. De
^ Edited by Dis. Todd and Reeves, pp. S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremundce in Gelria.
124, 125. Commentarius Prcevius Joannis Bollandi,
Article xi. — ' See O'SuUevan Beare's sect, i., num. 3, 4, 5, pp. 309, 310.
" Historice Catholics Ibernice Compen- = See ibid., Maii x. Among the preter-
dium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi„ xii., pp. mitted saints, p. 492.
^o, 54. Article xiii. — • See " Historii^ Catho-
" Tlie following is the entry, taken from licae Ibernioe Compendium," tomus i., lib.
his " Menologium Scoticum :" "Argentina iv., cap. xi., p. 50.
Florentii Eremitre el episcopi, qui cum " See " Catalogus Aliquorum Sanctoruna
Sanctis Hildulpho, Argobasto et Adeodato Hibernice."
Scotiam e_^ressus, sedem illam rexit, ^ yee " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
monasterium Scotis condidit." — Bishop Maii x. Among the pretermitted saints,
Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. p. 493.
199. Article xiv. — ' See Chapter x.
^ See " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," *AMS. in T.C.D., classed B 3, 12, con-
May II.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 2Tt
A.D. 1226, will be found treated at much greater length, in the Life of St. Lau-
rence O'Toole,' at the 14th of November. The present feast was celebrated,
with an office of Nine Lessons.^
eiebeutl) JBaj) of illaj)*
ARTICLE L— ST. CRIOTAN, OR CRIDANUS, CREDAN OR CREDANUS,
OF AGHAVANNAGH, OR MACREDDIN, COUNTY OF WICKLOW.
[SIXTH OR SEVENTH CENTURY.]
THE exigencies of life require, that a man ought not only to know those
things which serve his interests, but he should strive to put that know-
ledge acquired into practice, if he desire to succeed. It is moreover very
necessary, that he learn, as a man of business, or as a professional man, or
as one following some craft or calling, every detail of his life-day occupations,
so as to exercise his skill and intelligence in their prosecution. In order to be
useful and efficient, he must thoroughly understand his true aim, and well
direct his means to the object of pursuit. But, the Christian has more sacred
obligations towards God ; he should know his duty as a citizen and as the
member of a family ; he must live in the discharge of every duty ; and, he
should know, that he is destined for an immortal life hereafter, which will be
one of happiness, for those who labour well and with purity of intention. From
the eulogy pronounced on him, we may learn, that the present holy man bore
the repute of having been faithful to the end. The Feilire of St. ^ngus '
enters My-Critoc, designated "a fair servant," at the nth of May. The name
of Critan Mic Iladon is mentioned, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,^ at the
nth of May.3 The Bollandists,'* quoting this notice, call him Critanus, the
son of Illudion,and they state, that he bore also the name Mochritocus, which
may be Anglicized " My Chritoc." Thus, from the early calendars, we learn,
that his father was called Iladon or loUadon ; and, he was born — as appears
most probable — some time in the sixth century. This we can discover, by
reference to the period, when some of his contemporaries flourished. He is
variedly called Criotan, Credan, Credanus, or Cridanus., He seems to have
been the disciple of that holy Briton, St. Petrock,5 or St. Petrocus,^ who fled
tains, at May lOth, or Ides vi. Translatio Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
Saiicti Laurentii Archiepiscopi Dubliniensis, vol. i., part i., p. Ixxix.
ix. Lect. "^ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii.
Article i. — ' In the "Leabhar Breac" 3 Jn the Franciscan copy we read, in the
copy, the text runs thus : — first instance Cimcaii niAC iLLa'ooii ; and
subsequently, we find this entry, at the pre-
buAit) 1ob cerroeiMiiAC gg^t date, lllochiMcoc i.e. Ctmcaii triAc iUa-
TJoiMsnelbAyo^TOA^AC .^on A5UI' Ci\umchii\ Co|\iiiac A-^wy in
riloch^MCOc cAiti muincet\ ^^AAimj aca 1Se -^o choniAi\c ■oe -oiAbol
Aguf c^uimche|\ CoiMriAc. cinnAf ^u i^ofpex) nenih. Ax) <\\.\em -oiAbol ;
It is thus rendered into English, by Dr. x>x. . . . The remainder seems to be
Whitley Stokes : " (The) victory of Job obliterated. ••,.••
without oblivion, to (the) King of Clouds he ^ See Acta Sanctorum, tomus 11., Man
was manifest. My-Critoc, a fair servant, xi. Among the pretermitted samts, p. 611.
and Priest Coimac."— " On the Calendar of s His feast occurs, at the 4th of June,
Oengus " See " Transactions of the Royal where his Life will be found, in the succeed-
212
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May II.
into Ireland, 7 after having embraced the monastic state, in his own country.
He passed over to this Island, and afterwards he applied to learning, and to
the study of the Sacred Scriptures. For twenty years, he read assiduously in
our Island ; but, we know not in what school or monastery he lived. It
seems probable, however, that it was somewhere in the eastern part of Lein-
ster. He afterwards returned to Britain, while Credan, Medan,^ and Dagan 9
left, perhaps, the Leinster provi)ice, where they had been his pupils, to receive
further instruction from him. In Cornwall, St. Credan, with those other Irish
youths, attended the lectures of Petrocus.'° We can scarcely doubt, that they
became novices, in the religious state, under him. How long our saint re-
mained, with so distinguished a master, does not appear; but, he returned to
Ireland, and he probably selected a place for his religious retirement, not far
Moycreddin Cemetery, County of Wicklow.
from the district, where he was born. St. Credanus was venerated in Lein-
ster, at a place called Acadh Einnech, on the nth of May, according to
Colgan," who, however, does not particularly identify it. We think, there is
a mistake, in the correct spelling of that local denomination. Tiie proper
name of this place appears to have been Aghamanagh,'^ " the field of the
monks." It is now known as Aghavannagh,'^ in the parishes of Moyne and
Life of this
ol.
ing volume of this work.
* John Capgrave gives
saint.
'See John Leland's "Itineiarium,
viii., p. 52.
' Among the Irish Saints, there is .i
Medan, sonof Fcchin, venerated at the 17th
of February, and a Medan, son of Moil, at
the i6th of September.
His feast occurs, at the 12th of March,
and at the I3lh of September.
'" John Leland is authority for this state-
ment.
"See " Acta Sanctorum Ilibernia:," xii.
Martii. De S. Dag.-ino, Abbate et Epis-
cop. Ex vaiiis, cap. iv., p. 585, and nn. II,
12, 13, p. 586.
" So described, on Sir William Petty's
Maps.
" There is a mountain, so called ; while
May II.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 213
Ballinacor, and barony of Ballinacor South, in the county of Wicklow. It
lies circled round witli slieltering hills, in a highly romantic part of that moun-
tainous region. There is a cemetery, at the spot, and still greatly resorted to
for interments. No trace of a church now remains ; but, the burial-ground is
covered with large trees, beneath which, the graves and tombs are sheltered. '■*
Yet, tradition has it, that a church was formerly there, and the people have
a great veneration for that place of interment. Not far removed from Augha-
vannagh, are the townlands of Macreddin East and \Vest,'5 in the parish of
Ballykine, barony of Ballinacor South, and county of Wicklow. Not many
centuries ago, this was written Moykredine '^ — evidently in English — " the
plain of Credin." At the present time, there is a Catholic church there,
which was authorized to be placed under the patronage of St. Laurence
0'Toole.'7 It would seem, however, that Credin was formerly the local
saint, and that he gave denomination to those townlands. The Martyrology
of Donegal,''^ on this day, records the name of Criotan, son of loUadon ; but,
the date for his death cannot be met with, in our annals. In the Irish Calen-
dar — now kept in tlie Royal Irish Academy — at the nth of May, we find
mention of Criotan Mac lolladon.'^ A patriotic and distinguished prelate ^°
of our country has remarked, that if there be beatified remains in foreign lands,
we may find, too, the bones of martyred and sainted forefathers, whitening
the soil around us.^' In many of our almost forgotten and neglected ceme-
teries — as in the present case — it seems more than likely, the relics of holy
founders repose, with tliose of the faithful, for long past generations, while
awaiting the final resurrection and sentence of the just.
Article II. — St. Laeghair Lobhar, or Lughaire, the Leper. A notice
of Laeghair Lobhar is found, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the nth of
May f and, immediately preceding it, there is an entry, Luguir, Infirmitas.
We cannot doubt, that there has been some error of transcription, or mis-
placement, here, and not met with in the original document. The BoUan-
dists copy from the Tallagh Martyrology, Lugarius in Fir. et Leogarius Lovar
seuleprosus, as if they were distinct persons. 3 At the i6th of Marcli, when
treating about St. Finan the Leper,-* Colgan indicates, in a note,^ that Luga-
rius Lobhar, i.e., kprosus, had a feast, on the nth of May. We cannot find
with it, the two townlands, Aghavannagh '^ Thus given in Irish characters, Ci\ioc<iti
(Ram) and Aghavannagh (Revell) are de- mclotlA'oon.
scribed, on the "Ordnance Survey Town- ™ Right Rev. James Doyle.
land Maps for the County of Wicklow," *' See William John Fitzpatrick's "Life,
sheets 22, 28, 29. Times, and Correspondence of the Rt. Rev.
'■t The accompanying sketch, taken on the Dr. Doyle, Bisliopof Kildare and Leighlin,"
spot by the writer, in August, 1874, was vol. ii., p. 470.
drawn on the wood, by William F. Wake- Article ii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
man. It was engraved by JNIrs. Millard. Kelly, p. xxiii.
'5 These denominations are described, on -The Franciscan copy has Loe5AH^e
the "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps tobo^A, at this date,
for the County of Wicklow," sheet 34. 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Mali
'° See " Inquisitioues CancellariEC Hiber- xi. However, they remark, that perhaps
nise Repertorum," Lagenia. Tempore Jacobi Lugarius and Leogarius may betaken for
I., Dec. i8th, 1617. one and the same person. See, among the
'7 By Most Rev. Paul Cullen, Archbishop pretermitted saints, p. 611.
of DubHn, on the 14th of November, 1864, ■'See the account oi him, at the i6th of
and at the request of Rev. Richard Galvin, March, in the Third Volume of this work,
P.P., of Rathdrum. Art. i.
'^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, p. 124, s See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Mar-
12^. tii xvi. De Sancto Finano, cognomento
214 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May ii.
anything more distinctive regarding him. For this day, a festival in honour
of Lughaire, a Leper, is set down, Ukewise, in the Martyrology of Donegal.^
Article III. — St. Fintan, or Fionntain, of Cluain Caoin, pro-
bably Clonkeen, Queen's County. At the 7th of February,' we have
already treated about a St. Fintan, of Clonkene, probably Kill of the Grange.
The name of St. Fintan is entered, also, in the INIartyrology of Tallagh,^ at
the nth of May.3 From the same source, the Bollandists * have Fintanus
de Cluain-Caoin or Chaoin. In giving the Life of St. Fintan, Abbot ot
Clonenagh, Colgan s makes allusion to Fintanus Presbyter of Cluainchaoin,
said to have been venerated, at the 7th of February, where he is not men-
tioned, by that writer; but, he also has a festival, for the same holy man, at
the nth of May. According to Archdall,^ this saint was connected with the
ancient monastery of Clonkeen, not far distant from Clonenagh, in the
Queen's County. However, where that author refers to Colgan, for substan-
tiation of his opinion, his reference is not verified. Although, we seem to
have no warrant for Archdall's identification of this Cluain Caoin with the
Queen's County Clonkeen ; yet, his statement is probably correct, as Fintan
was, and even yet is, a name much venerated, and abounding in its neigh-
bourhood. Veneration was given, on this day, to Fionntain, of Cluain caoin,
as we find entered, also, in the Martyrology of Donegal.7
Article IV. — Sr, Cormac, Priest, of Achadh Finnigh, on the
Dodder, County of Dublin. Various conjectures have been thrown out,
to derive the name of this saint, by the scholiast on St. ^ngus. That writer
seems to have thought, he had been either Conmac,' or Cormac.^ Again, the
same scholiast appears to have confounded the name of Cormac, with that
of Mo-Critoc, although it is plain, that they were distinct persons. The pious
servant of Christ, St. Cormac, must have flourished, at a very early period,
as we find from an entry, in the Calendar of St. Oengus,3 at the nth of May,
where his ecclesiastical rank is also announced. Of this saint, we only know,
that he had been a Priest. His memory appears to have been venerated,
chiefly at a place called Achadh-Finnigh. This is said to have been near the
River Dothra,^ supposed to be the present River Dodder, by a learned
authority. 5 It is placed, by a commentator on St. ^ngus, in Hui-Donnchada,
Leproso, n. 2, p. 628. .i.nu\c con .1. \xo clion aLI.c<m ]\o-oiipiAl,-
' Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. C|\«ini, which is thus Englished, by Dr.
124, 125. \Vhiiley Stokes, "Or Conmac, i.e , son of a
Article hi. — ' In the Second Volume hound, ?>., a she-wolf nurtured him."
of this work, Art. xi. ° On this name, the commentator writes :
' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiii. Co|\mAC .1. coemfeixee .1. a me [cibi] ec a
3 Tiie Franciscan copy enters pncAin re 1111I11. tiel 00^x111 oic .1. nuvc ^xuca-o hiCA]\-
CbuAin Caiii. puc. mine •oi.\ic. pi^ut^' -oicobACuiv. net
* .See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. Copnuvc .1. ^'iluii' co]\t)i]' ii-icei\pi\ecAru]\.
Mail xi. Among tlie pretermitted saints, It is thus rendered, by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
p. 6n. "Cormac i.e., mutual (?) love from me to
5 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," Feb- thee and from thee to me. Or Cormac i.e.,
ruarii xvii. Appendix ad Vitam S. Fintani, child (mat) that was l)orn in a chariot." —
cap. i, p. 355. "Transactions of the Royal Irish Aca-
* See " Slonaslicon Ilibernicum," p. demy," Irish Manuscript .Scries, vol. i.,
593. part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
' Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, Ixxxv.
pp. 124, 125. 3 Edited by Dr. Whitley Stokes. See
Article iv. — ' lie writes : no ConmAC "Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
May II.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
»i5
ill the west — rather should it be the east — of Leinster.^ Such, however, is not
a correct statement, according to another opinion. In the Rev. Dr. Kelly's
edition of the Tallagh Martyrology, we find the feast of " Cormaic in Achadh
Finnmaighi " placed, at the v. of the Ides, or at the nth of May.? In a suc-
ceeding page, Achadh Finnmaigh is identified, by the editor, with Finmoy, in
Iveagh, county of Down f but, this may be regarded as a mistaken identifica-
tion. 9 On the authority of tlie Tallagh Martyrology, the BoUandists '° insert
a notice of him, in like manner, at this date. Colgan " thought Achadh-
Finnigh to have been situated in the province of Leinster." He has offered a
conjecture, likewise, that the present Cormac may not be different from that
son to the King of South Leinster, who seems to have studied at Clonenagh,
under St. Fintan,'3 and who was afterwards kept a close prisoner by the King
of North Leinster, until released, through the intercession of the holy Abbot.
Then, he lived for a long time in the kingdom of Leinster, before he became
a monk, under St. Comgall, Abbot of Bangor.^ Here he died, in the odour
of sanctity. 'S But, as we have already seen,'^ his place in Leinster was else-
where, nor is there any account of that Cormac having been connected with
Achadh Finnigh. Tlie Ui-Dunchadha were a tribe, seated in that district of
Dublin County, through which the River Dothair, now the Dodder, flows.'?
This tribe descended from Dunchadh,'^ grandson of Bran Mut, the common
ancester of the Leinster O'Byrnes and O'Tooles. There was another
Ui-Donnchadha, or O'Donaghue territory, in Ireland; but, its situation has
not been ascertained. '9 The Dodder has its source among the Mountains
near Kippnre, in the southern part of Dublin County. Several small streams
unite their branches, in the romantic valley of Glenismole, whence the River
vol. i., part i., p. Ixxix.
■• Dothair (fern.) Dothia.
5 See " teAbliA^A ha 5-CeAy\c, or Book of
Rights," edited by John O'Donovan, p. I2,
n. (f).
* See Dr. Whitley Stokes, on the Calen-
dar of Oengus. "Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
vol. i., part i. , p. Ixxxv.
^ In the Fransciscan copy, we find, Co|\-
111AC111 <\c1nro pn'omiiji.
* See " Calendar of Irish Saints," &c., pp.
xxiii. and 9.
9 There appearsa second entry of Mocritoc
or Critan Mac Illadon, and of Crumlhir
Cormac, at the same day, and afterwards, ni
the published Martyrology of Tallagh, the
following legend is thus found inserted : '' in
Arainn ata Ise ro imcomairce do diabol
cinnas ro seisedh nemh. Ad quem Diabolus
dixit. Diamba Cieirech nirbat irach." —
Ibid., p. xxiv.
'» See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii..
Mail xi. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 611.
" See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xvii.
Februarii. Appendix ad Vitam S. Cormaci,
cap. i., p. 360.
'^ He writes : " S. Cormacus Prsesbyter
de Acahdh-finnigh juxta fluvium Dothra, in
Lagenia II. Mail.
'3 See his Life, in the Second Volume of
this work, at the 17th of February, Art. i.
''» See the BoUandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Maiix. De SanctoComgalloAbbate
Benchorensi in Hibernia. Vita ex MS. an-
tiquo et editione Sirini, cap. iii., num. 40, pp.
586, 587. ^^
'S SeeColgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nii-e," Februarii xvii. Vita S. Fintani Abbatis
de Cluain-Edaech, cap. xviii., and n. 19, pp.
352, 354-
'^ See his Life, at the day preceding,
Art. i., chap, iv.
'7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na
g-Ceart, or Book of Ri^jhts," n. (f), p. 12.
'* According to another account, Dun-
cuan, son of Tuatal, prince of I'Mureday,
lived about a.d. iooo, the period when
patronymics had been adopted in Ireland,
"suivant I'invitation du roi Brian Borouma."
This Duncuan is said to have adopted first
the name of Ua-Tuatal, or O'Toole. "Ses
descendants formerent le clan ou la Tribu
des O'Toole, laquelle aveccelle des O'Byrne,
s'est particulierement illustree par sa con-
stance dans la lutte contre la race Anglaise
pendent 400 ans, quoique son territoire fut
situe pour ainsi dire aux portes de Dublin,
capitale de I'ennemi." — " Les O'Toole," &c.
Extrait des collections Nationales Ireland-
aises de Charles-Denis Cte. O'Kelly-Farrell,
p. I, Folio, La Reole, 1S64.
'9 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition of " Topo-
graphical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and
Coilla na Naomh O'lluidhrinn," pp. 72, 73,
and n. 355, p. xlvi.
*° John D'Alton thus describes the course
2l6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May II.
has its main issue, over a rock-impeded course,='° on towards Templeogue and
Rathfarnham, until winding round Dublin city, it takes a north-easterly course,
before it joins the Liffey, at Ringsend.''' The church of Achadh-Finche " was
situated on the Dodder's brink, as a gloss on the Feilire-Aenguis, at this day,
slates.^3 Cill IMochritoc appears to have been another name, for the same
church.^* That place has been clearly indicated, by the compiler of that Irish
View of the River Dodder, County Dublin.
Calendar,^5 now preserved in the Royal Irish Academy, at the nth of May,
when uniting this saint's name and festival, with those of Criotan Mac
lolladon. According to the Calendar of Cashel, St. Cormac rests in an Island
of Tyrconnell, called Inis-Caoil.^^ This Island, near the mouth of Gweebarra
of this river. "Its early character is wild
and boisterous, foaming amidst rocks, and
usually swelled by mountain floods and
showers; the close of its course, however, is
gentle even to sluggishness." — " History of
the County of Dublin," Ninth Excursion,
p. 847.
*' The accompanying sketch, by William
F. Wakeman, taken on the spot, in June,
1884. and on the upper i)art of the Doiider,
about one mile west from Templeogue, has
been transferred by him to the wood, en-
graved by Mrs. Mdlard.
" Achadh Finnidh, on the Dodder, is
alluded to, in the "Dublin Extracts," for the
Irish Ordnance Survey, at p. 129.
'3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (q) p. 676.
=•' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Topographical
Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na
Naonih O'Huidhrinn," n. 59, p. xiv.
-5 In it, we have the following entry, Co|\-
r»u\c Saj;ai\c. 111 <Xch<i-o V'^^'S r<Jl^ ^r^
■Doc]\A muib •ouiicAt)A. — Ordnance Survey
Office copy, formerly kept at Mountjoy Bar-
racks, PJirenix Park, but now in the Royal
Irish Academy. " Common Place Book F,"
p. 44. In a marginal note, in Mr. 0'I>ono-
van's handwriting, at the word t)ori\,.\, I
find, " qr. the I>odder."
^' Acconling to Colgan's account : " quics-
cit in quadam Tirconnallice insula, Inis-caoil
nuncupata, juxta Calendarium Casseiense."
— "'Acta Sanctorum Ilibcrnite," xvii. Feb-
ruarii. Appendix ad Vitam S. Cormaci,
cap. i., p. 360.
May II.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 217
Bay, belongs to Boylagh Barony, in the county of Donegal. It is now known
as Inishkeel.^7 St. Cormac's festival is assigned to this day.^^ But, a mis-
take probably has been committed, in confounding St. Cormac with St.
Conall of Inis Gael, whose festival has been assigned to the 22nd of May, and
concerning whom, other particulars will elsewhere be found. The scholiast,
on the Calendar of Oengus, seems to place a feast for the latter, at this day.^?
The O'Clerys, likewise, have united Criotan, son of lolladon, and Corbmac,
Priest, at this date. In Achadh Finnich, on the brink of the Dothar, in Ui
Dunchadha, in the east of Leinster, they are said to lie,3° or to be interred.
This latter statement is incorrect, as only Corbmac appears to have departed
there, or to have been buried, in the locality just mentioned. The Kalendar
of Drummond, at the nth of May, 3' has entered a Feast, for the holy con-
fessors, Saints Cormic and Critoc.s^ As found so united, in our ancient Aleno-
logia, there is colour given for supposing, that both saints may have been
contemporaries, and that some personal intimacy existed between them.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Mac Tail, of Cill Cuilinn,
OR KiLCULLEN, CouNTY OF KiLDARE. Under the head of Cill-Cuilinn,
Duald Mac Firbis records Mac Tail of Cill-Cuilinn,^ at the present date. How-
ever, this is manifestly a mistake, for the nth of June ; since none of our calen-
dars have entered his feast, at the nth of May. It seems strange, that he is best
known, by the patronymic, Mac Tail, or son of Tail. His own name was
Eoghan, according to Duald Mac Firbiss. St. Mac Tail of KilcuUen must
have flourished at a very early period, and he was born, probably, towards
the close of the fifth century. He was appointed as bishop, over that ancient
See, in the sixth century. He died a.d. 548,^ with which date other accounts
do not agree. 3 If we trust the authority of Duald Mac Firbis, May nth 4
was his feast. However, the reader is referred to the real day, for its cele-
bration, June nth, where further notices of St. Mac Tail occur. He is also
distinguished as Eoghan, son of Corcran.s
Article VI — St. Senach, the Smith, of Derrybrusk, County of
Fermanagh. [^Supposed to have lived in the Sixth Century?^ We cannot ascer-
tain, with certainty, the period when this holy man was born, or where he
flourished ; but, it seems probable, he lived in the sixth century. We read,
however, in the Martyrology of Donegal,^ that veneration was given on this
day to Senach, the smith, son to Etchen, of Airiadh Brosca, on Loch Eirne.
^7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Sanctorum Confessorum Cormic et Critoc."
Four Masters," vol. v., p. i8ii,n. (k). ^^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendarsof Scot-
°^ In the Irish Calendar, at the v. of the tish Saints," p. 13.
Ides (nth) of May, Common Place Book F, Article v. — ' Old Kilcullen, county of
at p. 44. Kildare, according to William M. Hennessy's
*' In a note, he writes : ^reit CoriAiLL \w\e note.
CaiL hie .1. o inif CaiL AniAT\chAi\ Ci^xe ^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
CoMAiLl, thus Englished by Dr. Whitley Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 186, 187.
Stokes, " The feast of Conall of Inis Gael ^ Thus the "Chronicum Scotorum," edited
here i.e., from Inis Cael in the west of Tyr- by William M. Hennessy. There his death
connell."— "Transactions of the Royal Irish is placed, at A.D. 551. See pp. 50, 51.
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., ■* See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p. Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i.,
Ixxxvi. pp. 94, 95.
^° See "The Martyrology of Donegal," 5 See William M. Hennessy's "Chroni-
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, cum Scotorum," pp. 50, 51.
pp. 124, 125, and n. 2. _ Article vi.— ' Edited by Drs. Todd
3'Thus: " V. Idus. Item inHibernia Natale and Reeves, pp. 124, 125.
2i8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May ii.
If we believe one account, this saint is reputed to have been brother of the illus-
trious St. Columkille ;^ but, we doubt the accuracy of such a statement. His
mother, according to Co]gan,3 was Ethnea,-* said to have been ninth in descent
from Daire Barrach, second son to Cathair Mor, King of Leinster.5 Accord-
ing to this parentage, the present holy man must have been born, early in the
sixth century. However, the father of St. Columkille is known to have been
the son of Fedhlimidh, and he had only another junior son, named Eogan or
Eugene,^ while the Either of our present saint is noted as Etchen. From the
soubiiqnet attached to his name, we may suppose, that Senach was probably
a metallic artist, and belonging to a profession, which, formerly in Ireland,
produced some exquisite workmanship, in the more precious metals. Or, per-
haps, he only practised the trade of a smith, which was an artisan calling very
prevalent among our ancestors, long ages before cast iron articles had been
produced. In connexion with this epithet, applied to St. Senach, it is very
remarkable, that Killygowan, " the wood of the smith," is at present the deer-
park of John Grey Vesey Porter, Esq. ,7 whose public spirited efforts to im-
prove the social condition and trade of Ireland, and especially of this locality,
are so well known. The place of Senach — called Airech-Brosga — is now
identified as Derrjbrusk, a parish,^ partly in the barony of Magherastephana,?
but chiefly in the barony of Tirkennedy,'° in the county of Fermanagh."
From the fourteenth century, at least, there was a parsonage at Airech Brosga,"
and a house of hospitality had been maintained there,^3 by a learned vicar,
named Gilchreest O'Fiaicli, or O'Fey, who died, a.d. 1482. Port-Airidh-
Broscaidh,'-* or the Port of Derrybrusk, is near Enniskillen. Down to the
sixteenth century, the deaths of vicars, connected with Airidh Brosga, are
commemorated in our Annals. Near Derrybrusk is Belleisle,'s formerly called
Ballymacmanus.^^ It was so called perhaps from the fact, that Mac Manus,
the chief of this place, had founded a monastery for Dominican friars adjoin-
ing Lough Erne. Here, too, tradition places a monastery, and, of this, some
traces, it is supposed, yet exist.'? There are traces, likewise, of the village
* See his Life, at the 9th of June, Art. i. Ireland," vol. ii., p. 13.
3 See " Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Ap- " This section has an area of 285a. ip.,
pendix ad Acta S. Columba;, cap. x., p. 492. and of which 23a. 31-. and 24p. are under
See at St. Natalis, Jan. 27. Avater. See ibid.
♦A sister of St. CoUimkille is called '^ In 1384, the master erenagh and parson,
Sinech ; and hence appears to have arisen John j\IacGilla-Coi>gh, died.
Colgan's mislake, by substituting her '^ While the " Annals of the Four Mas-
name, for a supposed brother, denominated ters " state for eleven years, the " Annals of
Senacli. Ulster " have it, for forty years.
5 See her descent traced, in Rev. Dr. '* Alluded to by the Four Masters, at a.d.
Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba," 1484.
Preface, p. Ixx., and nn. (q, r), and p. 8, '5 A beautiful demesne is to be seen here,
n. (u). and which belongs to John Grey Vesey
* See ibid. Additional Notes, A, S. I'ortcr, Esq. It was formerly the property
Columbse Discipuli et Cognati, pp. 245 to of Lord Rosse, from whom the father of Mr.
247, with notes. Porter purchased it.
7 See William F.Wakeman's "Lough Erne, '* There are traditions of an ancient reli-
EnnisUillen. Belleek, Ballysliannon and gious establishment having been here ; but,
Bundonan," &c.. Second Excursion, p. 68. no traces of any such building now remain.
^ " It is cut into the separate parts by in- Here, likewise, Cathal Maguire compiled the
sections of theparishes of Enniskillen. herry- Annals ol Ulster.
vullen, and Cleenish." — " Parliamentary '' Certain yew-groves, at Belleisle, are
(jazettcer of Ireland," vol. ii., \>. 13. sujiposed tohavehad connexion with it. See
9 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the William F. Wakeman's "Lough Erne,
Four Masters," vol. iv., n. (o), p. 693. Enniskillen, Belkek, Ballyshannon .ind
'0 This section has an area of 4, 373a. 32p., Bundoran," &c. Second Excursion, pp. 63
and of which 217a. 2r. and 2p. are under to 65.
water. See "Parliamentary Gazetteer of '^ See, for an account of this pKice and cf
May II.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
219
and priory of Gola/^ in wliich place a Dominican house was situated. '9 The
ruined niediseval church, now at Derrybrusk, is thickly mantled over with
luxuriant ivy.^° A handsome mullioned window, in two compartments, and
pointed, under a coved arch, is in a tolerable state of preservation. In
the Acts of St. Columba,^' we read of a certain holy smith, named Senach,
Interior of Derrybrusk Old Church.
who presented a bell to the church of Naal. He was possibly — if not proba-
bly — identical with St. Natalis,^^ tlie patron saint of Kinnawly, in the county
of Fermanagh ; for this place was quite contiguous to Derrybrusk. A great
portion of this latter parish is upland, and most of the remainder has an inferior
soil. Yet, all lies in the midst of an ornate country, and as it adjoins Lough
Erne, towards the east, it shares in the brilliant lacustrine and fluvial land-
scapes of that magnificent flood of water. ^3 Lough Erne is one of the most
beautiful lakes in Europe f^ and, most certainly, none of these excel it for
variety of scenery, and natural advantages, hitherto little developed in the
locality. Save by anglers, few strangers or tourists are to be met with, on the
its religious house, De Burgo's " Hibernia
JJominicana," cap. ix., sect, xli., pp. 330 to
333-
'5 See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. i., p. 452.
=° The accompanying illustration, drawn
on the spot by William F. Wakeman, and
transferred by him to the wood, has been en-
graved by Mrs. Millard.
°' See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga, "
Quinta Vita S. Columlxis, lib. iii., cap. iii.,
P- 431-
" See his Life, at the 27th day of January,
in vol. i. of this work, Art. i.
^3 As viewed from the high mountain, over
Ballyconnell, in the county of Cavan, the
upper course of the Erne especially presents
an enchanting prospect, with its broad waters
enchaining a multitude of islands, and flow-
ing in mazes, remarkable for their intricacies
through a vast extent of territory. The writer
had this advantage of a fine day and a clear
view, in the summer of 1876.
^■^ Richard Twiss' "'Tour in Ireland in
1775," p. 107.
2 20 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May ii.
spot, to hold communication with the inhabitants there, and to admire its
myriad beauties.
Article VII. — St. Caoimhghin, Abbot. We find the name of
Caoimghin, Abbot of Glynn da locha, placed in the published Martyrology
of Tallagh,' at the nth of May. The Franciscan copy,^ however, only sets
him down, as Coemgin, Abbot. The Bollandists 3 quote its authority, but
they state, that the date foi this saint's death — supposing him to have been
the celebrated founder of Glendalough — was on tiie 3rd of June, when his
ciiief feast is celebrated.'* At the nth of May, was venerated, Caoimhghin,
Abbot, as we read in the Martyrology of Donegal. 5 From what has been
stated, it may well be doubted, if the present St. Caomghin were abbot of
Glendalough, in the county of Wicklow. There is a holy w^ell, near to the
churchyard of Clonabreny or Russagh, in the deanery of Kells, and county of
Meath. It was dedicated to St, Kevin, whence we may infer, he was the
patron of that place, But, the old church has disappeared, and only the
tombs of the dead are to be found in a graveyard, and choked up with
weeds.* We do not pretend, however, that its identification with the present
saint has been established.
Article VIII. — Feast of the Finding of the Relics of St.
GiLDAs, Abbot of Rhuvs, Bretagne. \^Sixth Century?^ Lobineau has
written the Acts of St. Gildas, first founder and first Abbot of Rhuys. He
flourished, a.d. 570. His feast is assigned to the 29th of January,' and to the
I ith of May.^ This latter is the date for the finding of his body, in the dis-
trict of Vanne, in Armorica.3 The Bollandists ^ note the present festival.
Article IX. — St. Lasrea, or Lassar, Virgin. The name occurs, at
the nth of May, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' as Lasrea, a Virgin.^ The
Bollandists 3 notice this holy virgin, on the same authority. Several pious
women, bearing this name, are mentioned by Colgan ;"* but, the present virgin
is not further distinguished, by patronymic, place, or date. According to the
Martyrology of Donegal, s veneration was given, likewise, on this day, to St.
Lassar, Virgin.
Article X. — St. Fionnlugh, or Findloga. In the Martyrology of
Tallagh,' at the nth of May, an entry appears of Findloga's feast.' It is
Article vii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. 3 According to Andrew Saussay, in his
Kelly, p. xxiii. " Martyrologium Gallicanum," at tliis day.
^ The entry here is Coem^nii <\bb. •• bee ''Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii xi. Among the pretermitted feasts,
Maii xi. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 611.
p. 612. Article ix. — ' Edited by Rev, Dr.
* See the Life of St. Kevin, at the 3rd of Kelly, p. xxiii.
June, in vol, vi. of this work. Art. i, - 'I'lie Franciscan copy has l,A]-i\Ae Utii.
5 Edited by Drs, Todd and Reeves, ^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii,,
p, 125. Maii xi. Among the pretermitted saints,
" .See Rev. A. Cogan's " History of the p, 611,
Diocese of Meath, Ancient and Modern," * See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberni.Te," Feb-
vol, ii., chap. xvi. p. 322, ruarii xxiii. \'it.i S, Finniani, n, 26, p. 399.
Article viii, — ■ See his Life, at that s Edited by Drs, Todd and Reeves, pp,
date, 124, 125
' See " Les Vies des Saints de Bretagne," Ar iicle x, — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
tome i., pp. 301 to 317. p. xxiii.
May II.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
22t
noticed, also, by the Bollandists,3 who Latinize the name to Finulugus. A
festival in honour of Fionnlugh is recorded, in the Martyrology of Donegal,'*
as having been celebrated, on this day.
Article XT. — Reputed Feast of St. Ampudan, or Anpadan, Bishop
OF Glenn-da-locha, or Glendalough, County of Wicklow. Under
the head of Glenn-da-locha, Duald Mac Firbis enters, Ampudan, or Anpadan,
bishop of Glenn-da-locha, for May nth.' In the Martyrologies ofTallagh and
of Donegal, his feast occurs at the ii th of January, where some notices of him
are given, in our First Volume.^
Article XII. — St. Columcain. A festival, in honour of Columcain, is
/ound set down in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the nth of May.' The
Bollandists 3 note, likewise, Columba Cain.
Article XIII. — St. Maoldoid. According to the Martyrology of
Tallagh,' Maoldoid, had a festival, at the nth of May.^ The Bollandists ^
notice Moeldodius, at this day.
Article XIV. — St ^lgnei, or Aelgnceus, The simple entry, -^Ignei,
is found, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the nth of May."^ At this date,
the Bollandists 3 enter ..^ilgnseus.
Article XV. — Reputed Festival of St. Cataldus, Bishop of Taren-
TUM, Italy. {Seventh Century.'] We are told, by the Bollandists,' that the
Monk Michael, in the Capuan Kalendar, gives third place, at this date, to S.
Cataldus Episcopus Confessor. Already have we treated about him, on the
preceding day.
Article XVI. — Reputed Festival of Virgnoi, or Virgneus, Her-
mit, Scotland. {Sixth and Seventh Centziries.'] At the nth of May — but
no authority is specified — Dempster has the Feast of Virgnoi, a hermit, at
' The Franciscan copy enters piToLojo.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii xi. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 6ii.
^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
124, 125.
Article xi. — ' See "Proceedings of
Royal Irish Academy," Irish MSB. Series,
vol. i., part i., pp. 1 12, II3.
' See Art. iii.
Article xii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
Franciscan copy has it Colum
^The
CAin.
3 See
Maii xi,
p. 6x1.
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Among the pretermitted saints.
Article xiii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr
Kelly, p. xxiii.
^ In the Franciscan copy, vire find m<iel-
■ooit).
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii xi. Among the pretermitted feasts,
p. 611.
Article xiv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxiii.
^ The Franciscan copy enters -Aeilgnei.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii xi. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 611.
Article xv. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Maii xi. Among the pretermitted
saints, p. 611.
Article xvi. — ' It is thus entered : " In
222
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May ii.
Murebulkmar," in his " Menologium Scoticuni."^ For confirmation of this
entry, he cites Adamnan, and this reference brings us to that St. Virgnous,
who spent many years irreproachably in subjection to St. Columba ;3 and, he
is said to have lived the life of a hermit in IMiuxbulcmar,* for twelve years. s
Although nothing more is known about him from other sources, according to
Thomas Dempster ; yet, this writer had been able to ascertain, that he wrote
a " Visio de iVlorte S. Columbce," — his master and teacher — in one Book, and
that he flourished a.d. 606.* This invention of Dempster appears to have
been based on the account of Adamnan, ' regarding that vision Virgnous had
about the death of St. Columba,^ whom he survived. Virgnous is thought to
have been identical with Fergna Brit, son to Failbe, Abbot of Hy, and con-
cerning whom notices will be found, at the 2nd of March, 9 in this work. The
Bollandists '° notice, at this day, St. Virgneus eremita, in Murebulckmar ;
but, solely, on Dempster's authorit)'.
Article XVIL — Festival of Holy Job. At an early age, in the Irish
Church, this holy man, so great a model of humility and patience, was vene-
rated, and with a high eulogy, as we have already seen, in the Feilire of St.
.^ngus.^ This day is there called Job's victory.^ However, his chief feast
is kept on the day preceding, when tlu's holy Prophet from the land of Hus,3
was specially commemorated. His Book, among those sacred records of the
Old Testament, must ever give the most edifying lessons of patience and
humility to the pious reader.-t He is placed first, at the nth of May, in the
Tallagh Martyrology,^ as the Bollandists remark.^
Murebulkmar Virgnoi Eremits."
' See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 199.
3 For this statement, Dempster quotes S.
Adamnanus, in " Vita S. Columbx," lib. iii.,
cap. xxxi.
•♦ This seems to be a mistake for Muirbulc-
mar ; a name which does not appear to be
known, at present ; but, it probably belonged
to some bay. in or near to Ardnamurchan.
In Prince O'Donnell's " Vita S. Columbte,"
he has it Bulgmara alias Murbulg. See
Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," lib. iii.,
cap. Ix., p. 442.
s See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. 12, n. (f), p. 41,
and lib. iii., cap. 23, also n. (h), p. 237.
' He adds : '•^iartyrologii tabulis ascrip-
tus non est, sed celebri cultu eum nostrates
coiunt." — " Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xix., num. 11 70,
P- 655-
7 This writer declares, that he had seen the
vision inscribed on pages ; and, that he had
also heard it related, by discreet seniors.
* See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Vita Quarta S. Columbre, lib. iii., cap. xxiii.,
and O'Donnell's Vita Quinta S. Columba^
lib. ii., cap. cviii., p. 429.
9 See volume iii., Art. iv.
'" See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii xi. Among the pretemiilted saints,
p, 612.
Article xvii. — ' Sec "Transactions of
the Royal Irish Academy, "Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, by Dr. Whitley Stokes, p. Ixxix.
* The commentator takes care to explain
the text of .(Fungus, by remarking, that it
meant his victory over the devil, and without
forgetfulness of God. Then follows in Irish,
inc<in ]\ob^iff CAch -po^TOeiiion, thus trans-
lated by Dr. Whitley Stokes into English,
" When he won a battle over the devil." Be-
sides tlie scholiast enters in Latin, ".i. li-
beratio iob de niartirio liberatio iob dolentis
de martirio suo qui pasus est per xxx. annos
sed temptatus est in .Ixx. ix. anno cetatis suk
et postea uixit .cxl. annis."
3 So called from IIus, the son of Aram,
the son of Sem. See Genesis x., 23. Some-
times it is called Idumen, and sometimes
Arabia, by the Holy Fathers. See R. P.
Jacobi Tirini Antverpiani, e Societate
Jesu, " Commentarius in Sacram Scriptu-
ram," &c. Commentarius in lib. Job, tomus
i., cap. i., n., p. 168.
^ See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctonmi,"
tomus ii., Maii x. De Sancto Jobo Propheta
in Terra IIus. Eight paragraphs, pp. 494 to
497-
5 In the Franciscan copy, the first entry
among the saints, specially classed as Irish,
is 108 pp<Ne, at the v. of the Ides of May,
' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Maii xi. Among the pretermitted feasts,
p. 611.
May 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. ii%
Clwelft!) IBai? of iiflap*
ARTICLE I.— AILITIR, OR ELITIR, OF MUIC-INIS, LOUGH DERG, AND
OF CLONMACNOISE, KING'S COUNTY.
ISIXTH CENTURY.]
PLACES rendered sacred in connexion with God's holy servants, or by his
saints' beatific presence, have always betn visited with pious veneration.
Over and above the advantages to be derived, Trom any work, performed in a
penitential spirit, or through a supernatural motive, additional good results,
when undertaking a religious visit to holy places. There, pious fervour will be
generated or increased ; and, especially, when intercession is made with those
saints, in whose honour the pilgrimage had been undertaken. The Festival
of Ailithir, with a eulogy, is entered, at the 12th of May, in the Feilire ' of St.
.^ngus. His name is elsewhere found Latinized as Alitherius, seu Peregrinus
de Mucinis. Yet, we cannot be assured, that this was his proper name. How-
ever, from the sequel, it seems likely, that he has been identified with a holy
man so named, and belonging to one of the ]\Iuskerrys, in the south of Ire-
land. An entry, Ailitir Muccinsi, is found in the published Martyrology of
Tallagh,^ and in the Franciscan copy,3 at the 12th of May. The Martyr-
ology of Marianus O'Gorman notes, + at this date, likewise, Elithir of Muicinis,
on Loch Deirg (Derc),5 now Lough Derg, in the Shannon. It would seem,
that both here, and at Clonmacnoise, his memory was held in veneration.^
The word, Ailitir, or Elithir, signifies " a pilgrim ;" and, hence, it may not
necessarily be a proper name. At the year 595, however, the Annals of the
Four Masters 7 state, that Ailithir, Abbot of Cluain-mic-nois, died. He was
the fourth Abbot, having succeeded Mac Nissi, who departed this life, on June
the 1 2th, A.D. 585.^ The Ailithir, there mentioned, has been identified with the
present saint. The Annals of Ulster 9 record his death, at a.d. 598 ; while, those
of Tighernach '° and the " Chronicum Scotorum " place it, at a.d. 599. The
Article i. — ' In the "Leabhar Breac" 12th of May, the Bollandists express a wish
copy, we read : — for further information, and add, as a con-
jecture : " Alitherius seu Peregrinus de cella
diMAcui" cjvoch'OA duorum Peregrinorum in Garnina, in Occi-
ccc. Alb •oonA|'cnAi dua plaga Connactise et in Cluain-geise in
OiLichii\ Ainm coenTOAi Campo Geise in Magh-lheagha, cognatusest
i^h ey\cc noeniTDAi T1a]^cai. Muadani Peregrini de cella Muadani, in
monte Corbre ; et ferunt germanos fuisse.
Thus translated into English, by Dr. Whitley Vel est de Corco-niogha et nomen ejus
Stokes: "Crucified Cyriacus with three Lugadius." See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
hundred who accompanied him. Ailithir a iii., Mali xii. Among the pretermitted saints,
lovable name, with sainted Ere Nascai. " — p. 2.
On the Calendar of Oengus, "Transactions ' See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i.,
of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu- pp. 220, 221.
script Series, vol. i., part i., p. Ixxix. * See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
° Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiv. of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. 3, n. (e).
3 Thus given -diLiuhi^ muccnifi. 5 Thus : " a.d. 598. Ailitir, Abbas Cluana
■* See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," mac Nois pausat."—" Annates Ultonienses."
Quarta Vita S. Columbce, n. 38. p. 34. See Rev. Dr. Charles O'Conor's "Re-
5 In Irish, eiichVjX niuicinp ^'oja toe rum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv.
■081^5 Xiei^c. '° In Irish, at 599, we find : Ailill, Ah.
* While recording these particulars, at the cIuaiia niAC Tloif tJAUfAC. tdo t11ui-C|\Ai'ohi
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May li.
latter authority states, that his family was of the Muscraidhe." This day, the
Martyrology of Donegal " records a veneration paid to Elitir, of Muic-inis,
in Loch Derg-derc. Under that name, it is difficult to find it there, as it does
not appear, on the Irish Ordnance Survey Maps. Acts of pilgrimage pro-
cure many graces for the soul, and sometimes even miraculous cures for
bodily ills ; while, they have an atoning effect, through the merits of our Lord
Jesus Christ. '3
Article IL — Erc, or Ercus, Nasca, of Tullylish, County of
Down. In the Feilire ' of St. ^ngus, there is a commemoration of " sainted
Erc Nascai," at the 12th of May. We are informed, that Earc descended,
from the race of Art Corb, son to Fiacha Suighdhe.^ There appears to be some
difficulty, not alone in determining the period when that saint lived, and what
had been the station he occupied, among our holy personages ; but, even, the
individuality ofthe subject is doubtful, as those entries of our calendars in refer-
ence to him are conflicting. Thus, the simple entry of Nasc3 occurs, at this
date, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,4 and, in the Franciscan copy, it
is nearly similar.s Nevertheless, the Bollandists,^ quoting such authority, have
Ercus Nasca de Talach-leis, on the same day. This place has been identified
with Tullylish, in Lower Iveagh. This parish and that of Donaghcloney
formed a territory, which was anciently called Clan-Connell.7 The parish of
Tullylish was formerly part of the property of the Maginnis family, Lords of
Iveagh ; but, in consequence of the part taken by the head of that family in
1641, it was declared forfeit to the crown. In it, the remains of several ancient
forts ^ are to be traced ; and, at TuUyhoa, there are extensive ruins, supposed
by some, to have been those of an abbey.9 The River Bann passes, in a
winding course, through Tullylish parish, the soil of which is fertile and
highly improved, while the scenery is very beautiful. In the Franciscan copy
ofthe Martyrology of Tallagh, at the 12th of May, we have the entry of
Here ;'° while, immediately over it, and the proper name Nasc, we find the
comment, i.e., in Tilaig Leis." This parish includes 11,707a. or. ip., and
probably in the townland proper " had been erected his ancient church. The
Martyrology of Donegal '3 mentions, that on this day, veneration was given to
Here Nasca, ^4 of Tulach-lis, in Ui Eachach Uladh. At the 12th of May,'S
t)o. See ibid., tomus ii., p. i6i. ' See Rev. William Reeves' "Antiquities
"See William M. Hennessy's "Chroni- of Down, Connor and Dromore," Appen-
cum Scotorum," pp. 66, 67. dix EE., n. (m), p. 304.
" Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. *The largest of these is that at Banford,
124, 125. on the River Bann. On it, a Protestant
'3 See Rev. Sylvester Malone's "Church church is built, and the general outlines can
Histoiy of Ireland," chap, xv., p. 382. First be traced, although the ramparts are now
Edition. levelled.
Article II. — ' See " Transactions of the ' See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript of Ireland," vol. ii., pp. 658, 659.
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of '" Thus written in Irish lle]\c.
Oengus, p. Ixxix. " Thus set down .1.1 CiIolij leif.
^ See the O'Clerys' "Martyrology of " See it sliown, on the "Ordnance Sur-
Donegal," Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and vey Townland Maps for the County of
Reeves, pp. 124, 125. Down," sheet 26. The parish itself is
3 Immediately preceding it, however, we described on sheets 19, 20, 26, 27.
have the entry " Erc i maigh Leis," which '^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves,
must have been another name for Tully- pp. 124, 125.
lish. '* In a note. Dr. Todd says, at Here
* Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxiv. Nasca : " The more recent hand adds here,
s The writing in Irish is 11 <i]'ci. "Secundum Mart. Taml. e<si\c a tHuig
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. bciy 1U\i'ci. Earc, in Magh-lis, Nasci."
Among the pretermitted saints, p. 2. 's See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
May 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAJATS. 225
the Natalis of St. Ere, Confessor, in Ireland, is thus entered in the Kalendar
of Drummond.'^
Article III. — Reputed Festival of St. Erca, a Virgin. It seems
to us, that we can hardly separate St. Erca, said to have been a virgin, from
the former holy personage; in the first place, because the names Ere, or Earc,
are so nearly similar with Erca, and, in the second place, because both festi-
vals are recorded on the same date. Thus, do we read, that St. Erca, a
virgin, whose feast is held on the 12th of May, was the daughter of Ernin,
son to Trian, son of Dunius, son to Eochod, son of Bronfinn, son to Eugene,
son of Artcorb, son of Fiach Suighdhe, founder of the Decies family.^ Here
again, her race is derived from a common progenitor with Ere, or Earc, to
whom allusion has been previously made.
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. Bearnosga, of Tullylish,
County of Down. There can scarcely be a doubt, that under the present
form of name, we are to recognise Nasca of Tulaeh Leis ; but, we are at a
loss to learn, if he should be regarded as identical with, or distinct from. Ere,
Earc, or Erca. We suspect a confounding of two diverse individuals, by our
Martyrologists. The Rev. William Reeves appears to have had, from a
different copy of the Donegal Martyrology, than from that one afterwards
edited by him, an account of Bearnosga — called Bearnasga in his calendar —
of Tullach-lis, or "fort of the hill," in Iveagh, of Ulidia.' Already has
sufficient allusion been made to this locality, in our previous notice.
Article V. — St. Lugid, or Lughaedh, of Drumiskin, County of
Louth, and said to have been Priest, of Tigh Luta, in Fotharta-
MORA. {_Supposed to have lived in the Fifth Century.'] We have not been
able to clear up doubts which obtrude, when treating about this saint's his-
tory. Some of the Irish Martyrologies assign a festival for St. Lugaedh, or
Lugad, at this day. Thus, at the 12th of May, we find entered, in the
Martyrology of Tallagh,' as also, in that of Marianus O'Gorman, the name of
Lughaeth, or Lugadh, Mac Aengusa.^ This latter is said to have been the
celebrated King of Munster, who was baptized by St., Patrick ;3 and, who is
related to have left a very numerous posterity of sons, many of whom are
ranked among the'saints.4 According to such supposition, the mother of our
saint should be Ethnea, daughter to Crimthann, King of Leinster. His
brothers were Eochadh, Felemidh, Cronan, Olild, Bressal, who, with others,
Scottish Saints," p. 13. ■ The Franciscan copy has LugAech ITlAC
"^ Thus : " iv. Idus. Et apud Iliberniam Oenjuf A.
Sancti Confessoris Erci Natale celebratur." 3 See his Life, in the Third Volume of this
Article hi.— ' See Colgan's "Acta work, at the 17th of March, Art. i., chap. xix.
Sanctorum Hiberniae," xv. Januarii. Ap- '■ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
pendix ad Acta S. Itae, cap. ii., p. 73. nire," xxvii. Januarii. De S. Natali Abbate
Article iv. — ' See "Ecclesiastical Anti- et Confessore, ex diversis, cap. ii., p. 169, and
quities of Down, Connor and Dromore," nn. i to 13, pp. 173, I74-
Appendix EE., p. 316, and n. (w). Also, s The words of an old author, quoted by
Appendix LL, p. 378. Colgan, are: "Aengussius filius Naitfraich
Article v.—' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, genuit 24 filios, et 24 filias, et obtulit Deo et
p. xxiv. S. Patricio 12 filios, et 12 filias : qui omnes
2 26 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 12.
were heads of the most noble families, in Munster.s Besides these were the
following holy men, who lived religious lives, viz. : St. Carthage, Senior,* the
instructor of St. Carthage,^ Junior, St. Colman of Derrymore,^ St. Foilan,9
Abbot of Kill-foelain, in Leinster, and of Rath Erenn, in Albania, St. Folio-
man, '° bishop, St. Pappan," St. Naal '= of Kilnamanagh, besides many
others.'3 If we make the present saint a son of .^ngus Nathfraich, he must
have lived, in the fifth century ; and, probably, he was baptized by St.
Patrick.'^ If, afterwards, he became a disciple of Ireland's illustrious Apostle,
this event should be assigned to the close of the holy missionary's career. By
some, Lugaidh has been identified, with one of the two following, placed by
him at Druim-in-esglainn. There, St. Patrick's two disciples,'5 Daluanus '* of
Croebheach, and Lugadius,'^ are said to have lived. '^ Following the autho-
rity of Archdall, '9 who quotes Colgan^° for his own mistake, the place of St.
Lugad, and which is called Druim-in-esglainn, or Druim Inisclainn, in the
territory of Dealbna, is thought, by Rev. Dr. Lanigan,=" to have been Drum-
shallon," in the county of Louth. However, jNIr. O'Donovan tells us, that the
former name is yet retained, and applied to a village, now called Drumiskin,
which is near to Castle Bellingham,^3 in Louth County. A monastery seems
to have been there, from a remote period ;''*• and, even one of its Abbots is also
called a bishop. '5 It is always pronounced Druminisklin, by natives of the
Fews and of Cuailgne, who are said to have spoken the Irish language, with
great fluency.^* At the time, when this parish was visited by antiquarians, ''^
connected with the Irish Ordnance Survey, an old graveyard and some anti-
quities existed, in the townland of Dromiskin. There, a considerable portion
of a round tower still remains. ^^ The graveyard was used as a place of
burial.^' There were no ruins in it, save those of a deserted parish church,
Sancti et Sanctse celebrantur." The Psalter '* See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
of Cashel and the Genealogies of IMunster Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars, ii., cap. xii.,
have such a statement. p. 131, and nn. 40, 41, p. 174.
* His feast is assigned, to the 5th of '' See " Monasticon Hibemicum," p. 461.
March. =° See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," xx.
7 His feast is held, on the 14th of May. Januarii, Secunda Vita S. Fechini, n. 17, p.
' His festival is kept, on the 20th of May. 141, and xxvii. Januarii, De S. Natali Ab-
9 His feast was celebrated, on the 20th of bate et Confessore, cap. ii., p. 169, and n. 8,
June. p. 173.
'°We do not find his name in the Irish -' See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
Calendars, land," vol. iii., chap, xvii., sect, xi., n. 145,
" The only saint we find, called Pappan, p. 52.
or Poppon, is he venerated, at the 25th of " This parish, in the barony of Ferrard, is
January. See some notices, in the First shown, on the " Ordnance .Survey Town-
Volume of this work, at that date. Art. xiii. land Maps for the County of Louth," sheets
Again, at the 31st of July, we have another 19, 21, 22.
feast for St. Pappan, supposed to be of San- =3 a neat town, in tlie parish of Gernons-
try, in the county of Dublin. town, and barony of Ardee, shown on the
" See his feast, at the 31st of July. "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for
'3 According to the Mcenology of the Irish the County of Louth, "sheet 15.
Saints, the Catalogue of the Munster Kings, -*■ In tlic year 7S8, or rccte 793, the death
and the Munster Genealogies. of Cronnmhael of Druim-Inesglainn and
'■• See his Life, at the 17th of March, vol. Abbot of Cluain-Iraird, now Clonard, is re-
iii., Art. i., chap. x. corded.
'5 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," =5 At A.D. 876, the death of Tighearnach,
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. son of Muireadhach, Bishop and Abbot, is
xxiii., p. 226. placed.
'* See what has been already stated, in the '* See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
First Volume of this work, at the 7th of Four Masters," vol. i., n. (y), pp. 394, 395 ;
January, Art. ix. pp. 522, 523; at A.D. 887, pp. 549.541;
■' See an account of them, at the 17th of as also vol. ii.,at a.d. 908, pp. 578, 579.
March, in the Life of St. Patrick, Art. i., '? Messrs. Patrick O'Kcefe and Tho
chap. x. Tliird Volume of this work. O'Conor.
May 12.]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
2Vl
in which parts of the wall of Druiminisclinn old church were said to have
been included. But, in the north-west corner of this graveyard, a perfect
round tower — called Tor by some — and rising about 50 or 60 feet in height,
is to be seen. On its south side, an entrance, about five feet and a-half high,
and three feet broad, at bottom, appeared. Outwardly, this tower had been
much shattered, on both sides.s^ On the south-east side, about twenty feet
from the ground, another entrance was shown, being about seven feet high,
Diomiskin Round Tower, County of Louth.
by two broad. Dressed stones around its edges had partly fallen off. There
were four openings, immediately under the cap of this building, and looking
towards the east, west, north and south. These were about four feet high,
by two feet and a-half broad ; and, to the north side of the west one, there
was also another small pointed opening, about eighteen inches high, by ten
inches broad. 3' Whether or not Druimiskin had any affinity with another
place, mentioned by the O'Clerys, cannot well be ascertained. However,
^' The accompanyhig ilhistralion was
drawn, by the writer, on the spot in August,
1883 : this sketch has been transferred to
the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and it
has been engraved, by Mrs. Millard.
^9 Thomas Duffy, a respectable resident
farmer of Diomiskin townland, gave those
engaged on the Irish Ordnance Survey much
information regarding this locality, as thus
acknowledged. " Dromiskin parish situated
one mile to the north of Castlebellingham, is
invariably called by the people 'Oi\uni 1<inAfc
tm, pA|\<M'pce ■O^Aum, &C. Thomas Duffy
says, the name is '0|uiim, dorsinn, \w\\ insii-
IcBf CluAin sccessits — CluAin he says signifies
' a church,' or * resting place ;' but, this last
name he acknowledges to have been taken
from the Abbe Mageoghagan." — " Louth
Letters, containing Information relative to
the Antiquities of the County, collected dur-
ing the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in
1S35-36." Joint Letter of P. O'Keefe and T.
O'Conor, dated Castlebellingham, January
22nd, 1836, vol. i., p. 152.
3° A bell was hung on the inside, which was
considered to be the identical one, which be-
longed originally to this tower. It had been
used, until a short time before this visit,
when a chain, by which it was tolled, hap-
pened to become broken.
228
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[May 1
from them we learn, in t'ne Martyrology of Donegal,3^ that Lughaedh, son of
Aenghus, Priest of Tigh Lata, in Fotharta-mora, had a festival celebrated, on
this day. It seems a difficult matter to discover, where the special locality of
Tigh Luta lay, or which was the Fothart thus denominated. There are
various districts — especially in the province of Leinster — formerly known as
Fotharta, or Fotliadh, with some other addition. These are said to have
taken their name from Eochaidh Finn Fothart,33 brother to the Monarch
Conn of the Hundred Battles,34 and who had been banished from Midhe, or
Meath, by his nephew Art, settled in Leinster, where his descendants acquired
considerable territories.35 Among these are distinguished Fotharta Osnad-
haigh,36or Fotharta Fea,37 now the barony of Forth, in the county of Carlow;
Fotharta an Chairn,?^ from which the barony of Forth, in the county of Wex-
ford, had its name ; Fothart Airbreach, around the Hill of Cruachan Bri
File ;39 Fothart Oirthir Life,4° in the present county of Wicklow ; as also,
Fothadh-tire, probably the barony of Iffa and Offa West, in the county of
Tipperary;4i however, according to another writer, it is identified with the
barony of Forth, in tlie county of Carlow.-t^ The Fotharta sank under other
tribes, at an early period /3 and, their history is one of great obscurity, when
occasionally alluded to, in our Irish Annals. Besides what is already set
down, the reader is referred to notices, regarding St. Lugadius, at the 2nd of
November, when Marianus O'Gorman enters again his Natalis, in connexion
with the church of Druim Iniscluinn, belonging to the Diocese of Armagh.'''*
Article VI. — St. Diomma, of Kildimo, County of Limerick. The
name Dimma Mac Caiss appears, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 12th
3' The common name for the tower was
Clogap or f ; because, as Duffy said, it was
used as a Belfry. The tradition is, that both
it, and the old church to which it belonged,
were erected by St. Patrick. Within the
churchyard lay the arms of an ancient cross,
which was said to have been taken from an
old monastery. This was at Baltray (bAile
An C^AOigA) on the sea shore. This Baltray
is now included, in the townland of Dromis-
kin. — Ibid., p. 153.
3^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
124, 125.
33 Otherwise written Ohy Finn Foihart
[Fohart]. See Dr. Patrick W. Joyce's
" Origin and IIi-,tory of Irish Names of
Places," part ii., chap. ii. , p. 126.
^ So called on account of his numerous
battles. He ruled over Ireland from a.d.
153 to A.D. 182, according to Dr. Sylvester
O'Halloran, who relates his adventures in
the "General History of Ireland," vol. i.,
Book v., chap, vii., pp. 231 to 241.
35 See Roderick O'FIahcrty's "Ogygia,"
pars iii. He states : " Quare in Lageniam
perrexit, ct rex illius provincise duas plagas
Fothaitas ex ejus agnomine dictas, unani .\
Momoniae conlinio ad ostium Slanii, alteram
ab ad versa ripa, Slanio intcrutiamque meilio
in Wexfordix sinum occurrcnle. Ibi do-
minati sunt nepotes per multa sKCula ad in-
territum non ita pridcm O Nuallan ultimi
domini. Alias quoquc rcgioncs contlidcrunt,
quae Fotharta; dicuntur ; utpote Fotliartam
Airbreach, quae et Bri-eli dicta est, coluerunt
posteri Corci, Lugadii et Crumathii (ex
yEnea filio) nepotero Achaii, Fothartam
LifTei orientalis nepotes Fergusii Tarbra;i,
Fothartam Imchlair juxta Ardmacham sobo-
les Sednaei filii Artcorbi, Fothartam Fea
semen Adnadii filius Artcorbi, a cujus Ad-
nadii semine Fotharta de Moy-itha quoque
habitata. Sunt etiam Fotherta File, Fotherta
Thuile, et Fotharta Bile. Bressalius Conlce
filii Arlcorbii ex Denio filio nepos, a quo
Hy-bresail in Hyfalgia proavus extitit Sanc-
tissim.-e virginis Thaumaturgce Brigida; com-
munis Hiberniae patronce." — Cap. Ixiv., pp.
324. 325-
3° It was thus called, from one of its prin-
cipal churches, Cill Osnadha, now known as
Kellistown.
37 So called, fiom Magh Fea, according to
the Book of Ballymote, fol. 77b.
3^ Or Fothart of the Carn, so called from
Carnsore Point. See " The Topographical
Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla
na Naomh O'lluidhrin," edited by Dr.
O'Donovan, n. 469, p. Ivi.
39 Now the Hill of Croghaii.
■'° This was eastward of the present River
Liffey.
<■ According to Dr. O'Donovan's " An-
nals of the Four Masters," vol, i., pp. 482,
483, and n. (z).
•" Sec William M. Hennessy, "Chronicum
Scotorum," Index, p. 386.
*3 See the " LcAbh^iA 11 .\ 5-Ccon\c, or the
'AY 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 329
of May.2 We are informed, that this saint was the patron of Cill-Dioma,
now Kildimo,3 in Caenraighe, belonging to the county and diocese of Lime-
rick. There, he had a hohday, as also, a festival, and a station. He is said
to have been the master of Dec!an,4 and of Coirbre, son of Colman, bishop.
He had relations with the Desi of Mumhain. Amongst our Irish missiona-
ries of the fourth of fifth centuries, who preached and founded religious
establishments in Ireland, was the pious Dima. This holy man's name is
said to have been given to a church, called Kildimo, in the county of Lime-
rick.s It is still retained, in connexion with that locality,^ which is near
Adare.7 Besides the Bollandist notice of him,^ this Dimma, son of Cass, is
entered in the Martyrology of Donegal,^ at the same date.
Article VII.— The Festival of St. Cvriacus, with Three Hundred
CoMPANiOx^JS, Martyks. The Fcilire ' of St. yEngus commemorates, at the
1 2th of May, the martyrdom of St. Cyriacus ^ and of his three hundred com-
panions. The Bollandists 3 quote various ancient Martyrologies, at this same
(lay, in reference to those holy Martyrs. In some records, it is found stated,
that they numbered over fifty-four ; while, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,
l.'csides Cyriacus, said to have found the cross of our Lord, there are others
named, and in addition to them three hundred and six Martyrs. The date for
iheir passion is not recorded, nor the occasion that caused their fidelity to
ihe Faith ; but, it is thought, that they suffered at Rome.
Article VIII. — St. Hernen, or Ernin. The name, Hernen, occurs
in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,^ at the 12th of May; as also, in
the Franciscan copy.^ From the same source, the Bollandists 3 notice
Ernenus, or Hernanus, for the same date. Nothing further seems to be
known, in reference to him, or to his place, in our ecclesiastical history. The
Book of Rights," edited with translation and marked, on sheet 21.
notes by John O'Donovan, Esq., p. 211, and ^ " Dima filius Cassii." See the " Acta
n. (j), and p. 221, n. (y). Sanctorum," tomus iii., Maii xii. Among the
■'*' See Colgan's '• Acta Sanctorum Hiber- pretermitted saints, p. 2.
nix," xxvii. Januarii, De S. Nalali, Abbate ' Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
et Confessore, n. 8, p. 173. 124, 125. See, also the Table, appended to
Article vi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. that work, pp. 402, 403.
Kelly, p. xxiv. Article vii. — ' See "Transactions of
= In the Franciscan copy, we find ■OininiAe the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i., part i.
niAC CAij'f. On the Calendar of Oengus, p. Ixxix.
3 This parish, in the barony of Kenry, is ~ On his name, the scholiast has observed,
shown, on the " Ordnance Survey Towiiland " qui invenit crucem Domini et Judas nomen
Maps for the County of Limerick," sheets 4, ejus prius." Note at p. Ixxxvi. Ibid.
11, 12. The town and townland are on ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," Maii xii. De
sheet 12. Sanctis Martyribus Cyriaco, Maximo, Grado,
* The patron saint of Ardmore. See his Sothere Virg. Rothere, Joanne, Achille,
Life, at the 24th of July. iloiseo, Aphiodito, et aliis Quingentis Qua-
= See Ferrar's "History of Limerick," tuor. Item Alexandro, Moisete, Lucio. pp.
part iii., chap, iii., p. 184. 25, 26.
*See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- Article viii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
ral Histoiy of Ireland," vol ii., Book vii., Kelly, p. xxiv.
chap, ii., p. 9. ■ Thus he^neni.
^ This parish, situated in the baronies of '^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
Upper Connello, Coshma and Kenry, is Maii xii. Among the pretermitted saints,
shown, on the " Ordnance Survey Townland p. 2.
Mapsfor the County of Limerick, "sheets II, '» Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
12, 20, 21, 30. The town and townland are 124, 125.
230 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 12.
festival, in honour of Ernin, was celebrated on this day, as we read in the
Martyrology of Donegal.*
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Coxgal, or Comgall, in
Dercomgal, or Holywood, Scotland. \Sixih and Sevetith Centuries.^
At the 1 2th of May, the festival of St. Congal was celebrated, in the Church
of Scotland.' However, it would seem, that he is not a different person from
St. Congal, or Comgall, Abbot of Bangor; but, his feast was celebrated, in
Scotland, at the present date. He was an Irish Pict, who, after a rule of
seven years over Bangor, is said to have crossed over to that part of Britain,
now called Scotland, in 598, and to have founded a church in Terra Heth,^
or Tiree. His differences with St. Coluniba led to the battle of Culdremy.3
In the Antiphonary of Bangor, there is an alphabetical Hymn, concerning St.
Comgall.'* An ancient Life of him, quoted by Fordun,5 gives an account of
the arrival from Ireland of Fergus, son to Ferquhard.^ The Breviary of
Aberdeen makes him tutor to the blessed Merenus ; and, it assigns the site
for his ailius to Drum Congal, by which Dercongal is probably meant. How-
ever, the latter place is usually associated with St. Drostan,? in the Scottish
Kalendars. It has been conjectured,^ also, that the Congal, in Dercongal,?
has nothing whatever to do with the name of Comgall ; but, that in a primary
sense, it may be regarded as meaning " a habitation," and in a secondary
sense, as "a monastery," or "an ecclesiastical establishment." His churches
in Scotland are Dercongal, or Holywood,'° and Durris, where his fair is still
held. According to Dempster," St. Congallus, Abbot of Haliwode, was
remarkable for his sanctity of life ; an observer and a maintainer of virginity ;
so that, by association with him, even the most dissolute were attracted to
the virtue of continence. This is said to have been declared in the Book of
his Miracles." The Bollandists '3 who notice St. Comgall, Abbot of Haly-
woode (Latinized Sacri Nemoris) in Scotia, state, on the authority of Thomas
Dempster, that he was illustrious for his religious continence, while they add,
that Camerarius has attributed to him many things, taken from the Life of St.
Comgall, Abbot of Bangor, in Ultonia, which they had published, at the loth
of May. There our biography of him will be found. If such be the case,
not only have several of the Scottish writers mistaken his identity, but even
the period, when he flourished. Thus, at the 12th of May,'+ Adam King
Article ix.— ' See Bishop Forbes' 7 His feast occurs, at the 15th of Decern-
"Kalendars of Scottish Saints," pp. 30S ber.
to 310. ^ By "William F. Skene.
" See a paper on the Island of Tiree, in ' This has been interpreted " the Oak-
the "Ulster Journal of Archeology," vol. ii., wood of Congal," from an Irish recluse, so
pp. 233 to 244. named. See the "Imperial Gazetteer of
3 Tliis was fought in 561, according to Scotland," vol. i., p. 89.
the Annals of Tigernach. See Rev. Dr. " According to " Registrum Episcoporum
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- Glasgua:," vol. i., p. 117.
tores," tomusii., p. 142. " See " Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis
^ See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life Scotorum," tomui i., lib. iii., num. 266, p.
of St. Columba," lib. iii., cap. 17, n. (b), 158.
p. 220. " Dempster adds, "quern Patricius An-
s III his " Scotichronicon," vol. i., lib. ii., dersonus se vidisse scribit."
chap. 12, p. 48. Goodall's edition. "^ 5^5 "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
* On this subject, sec the remarks of Maii xii. Among the pretermitted saints,
William F. .Skene, in his preface to tiie p. 2.
"Chronicles of the Picls, Chronicles of the '■•Sec Bishop Forbes' " Kalendare of
Scots, and otiier early Mcmori.ils of Scottish Scottish Saints," p. 151.
History," pp. clxxi. to clxxviii. 'S Thus : " S. Congall abet of haliwode
May 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 231
enters in his Kalendar,'S St. Comgall, Abbot of Holy wood, a confessor in
Scotland, under King Malcolm II., who flourished, a.d. 10 13. With some
additions of his own, Thomas Dempster'^ quotes King, for this entry, at the
same date.'? He is followed by Ferrarius.'^ The Bollandists '9 cite, like-
wise, a Manuscript Catalogue, in their possession, in whicli his name, position,
place, and period, are marked.^° He wrote Trophaea Cruce Signatorum,''
lib. i., in elegant verse, and Catenam Bibliorum, MS. Parisiis, lib. i., accord-
ing to Dempster. Among the Scottish entries in the Kalendar of David
Camerarius^^ is one for St. Comgall, at the 12th of May.^s According
to one authority, ^'^ his body was preserved at Fulda ; but, we do not attach
much credit to this statement, especially if the present saint has been con-
founded with St. Comgall of Bangor. Churches are said to have been decU-
cated to him, in various parts of the kingdom of Scotland.=5
Article X. — Reputed Feast of another St. Congallus, in Scot-
land. There seems to be no just foundation for introducing this notice, from
any of the Kalendars. At the 12th of May, however, Dempster,' quoting
the authority of King," has an account of a St. Congallus, who flourished a.d.
446. He is said to have been distinct from and to have preceded the former,
by nearly six hundred years ; that he was an abbot, and a holy bishop of the
Culdees,3 is also asserted. It is possible, this notice is drawn from that
of Camerarius, who has a St. Comgallus,* at the 2nd of January; his period
being fixed at a.d. 600. He appears to have been confounded with St. Com-
gall, of May loth, whose Life has been there given.
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Antonina and Six Companion
Virgins and Martyrs of St. Ursula, Cologne. In the Church of St.
John the Baptist, in the city of Cologne, these holy Virgins and Martyrs are
said to have been venerated, on the 12th of May. As companions of St.
Ursula, their commemoration may be referred to her chief feast, celebrated
on the 2ist of October.'
and conf. in Scotland vnder king mal- cites the Scottish Breviaiy. See " Historia
colme 2." Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i.,
'* In "Menologium Scoticum." — Bishop lib. iii., num. 266, p. 159.
Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," Article x. — ' See " Historia Ecclesias-
p. 199. tica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iii.,
■' Thus : " Monasterio Sacri Nemoris num. 248, p. 149.
Haly VVoode Congalli abbatis, religiosa ^ Now it is amusing to find, that King's
continentia clari. K. Congallus is said to have flourished, under
'* In " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum." King Malcolm II., a.d, 1013, and at Hali-
"' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., wode.
Mali xii. Among the pretermiited saints, ^ jje adds : " dum Ertha ab insula Buta
p. 2. cum S. Blano filio in ulteriorem Scotiam ap-
°° In this form: " Congellus Abbas de pulit, ut ex Hist. EcclesiDe Dumblanensis et
Sacro-Bosco et Confessor anno 1013." Vita S. Blani ex Georgio Neutono archidia-
"' Fordun is said to have praised it. cono liquet, S. Kennethi collega. Vide supra
" See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of lib. 11. in S. Blano. Scripsit Conciones ad
Scottish Saints," p. 237. Scotos et Pictos, lib. i. Homiliarum Opus,
°3 Thus: "12 Die. Sanctus Congallus lib. i. Contra, Arrianos, lib. i.
Abbas Rathurelfigi monasterii in Scotia." ■• See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
This is the Rathmelsigi of Venerable Bede. tish Saints," p. 310.
^■t See Fordun's " Scotichronicon," vol. i., Article xi. — ' See the Bollandists'
lib. vii., cap. 28, p. 406, Goodall's edition. "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Mali xii,
^s For the latter statements, Dempster Among the pretermitted saints, p. 4.
232 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. May 13.
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Merexus, Abbot of Bangor.
On the authority of Camerarius/ the BoUandists^ have noted a feast on this
day, for Merenus, as he stated, it was held, as also on the 28th of June. For
this, the Aberdeen Breviary is quoted ; but, the Bollandists remark, in their
copy of it, printed a.d. 1509, at neither date is there such an entry. Whether
this presumed Abbot of Bangor had connexion with Ireland, or otherwise, is
not made very clear.
CI)utfrntI) Gap of i¥la|>
ARTICLE I.— S'l\ TIGHERXACH, OF HOIRCHE, OR MOURNE, COUNTY
OF DOWN.
{ELEVENTH CENTURY.]
DURING this lovely month of May, we are introduced to the genial
warmth of summer. The beauty and fragrance of flowers overs[)read
the land ; but, the sweet odour of virtue can be extracted only from the flowers
of Heaven. From age to age, the spirit of sanctity is perpetuated in the
Church of Christ. This distinguished and holy teacher was universally
esteemed and beloved by the clergy of Ireland. The scene of his labours
was but a small island, set in the bosom of the Atlantic ; but, the seed he had
sowed was destined to produce a harvest of souls among his pupils. This
pious doctor is supposed to have been master to Marianus Scotus,' and he is
called the chief anmchara of Ireland. St. Tighernach — or as styled also by
his disciple Tigernncb Borchecb ^ — probably belonged to the eleventh cen-
tury. Even those faults of character, which to the world seem trivial and of
little consequence, are otherwise viewed by the saints, and, represented in their
full deformity. They are judged by holy persons, according to the standard
of Heaven, and when weighed in the balance of their estimation, the com-
pensating merits are found wanting, without acts of great penitence.
Marianus Scotus declares, that from his superior Tigernach, he learned the
cause of Amnchad's or Anmchad's 3 exile, on the occasion of his having com-
mitted a slight fault. That superior of the celebrated chronologist is supposed
to be identical with the present holy man. We are told, he was one of the
Abbots of Bangor ;* yet, I cannot find his name on the list of Archdall, of
Rev. Dr. Reeves, or of Dr. O'Donovan, when treating about that place. The
Annals of the Four Masters relate, that a certain Tighernach Boircheach, chief
anmchara of Ireland, was an anchoret and a successor of Finnen, Abbot of
Clonard. By the i)ostfix to the name Tighearnach, we are to understand, that
he was of Beanna-Boirche Mountains, near the source of the Upper Bann, in
Article XII. — ' At the xxvii. Junii. rum, tomus v., Mariani Scotti Chronicon,
" See "Acta Sanctorum," toinus iii., ji. 557.
Maii xii. Among the pretermitted saints, ' See his Life, already given at the 30th of
p. 3. January, in the First \'ohimc of this work,
Article i. — • See Colgan's *' Acta .Sane- Art. i.
torum Hibcrnia:," xxx. Januarii, De B. * See Rev. James O'Laverty's " Historical
Anmichado Confessorc, n. 8, p. 206. Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor,
'See Monumenta Gernianire Ilistorica," Ancient and Modern," vol. i., p. 10.
edited by Professor George Waitz, Scriplo- 5 See Dr. O'Donovan's Annals of the
May 1 3. J
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
233
the county of Down.s This grand congeries of sublime ranges spread over
the whole barony of Mourne. These extend considerably, into Upper and
Lower Iveagh.*^ A narrow band of country stretches, however, along the sea
coast. 7 On the east side, they rise stupendously high over the Irish sea, and
on the north side, they screen the south shores of Lough Strangford. One
road runs round their sea base, from Rostrevor^ to Newcastle,^ a distance of
eighteen miles. Two run across them from Hilltown,^° respectively to Kil-
keel and Rostrevor. Eoirche is known to have been identical with the
Chersonese district of Mourne," or Mugarna, said to have derived its name
fromMugharna, inOrighillia — an ancient territory, which included the county of
Tlie Mourne Mountains, County of Down.
Monaghan.'^ This Chersonese is bounded on the north-east by that exceedingly
high mountain, celebrated in the Western world, which formerly bore the name
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 878 to 881, and
n. (o), ibid.
* These are sometimes called the Ivea^h
Mountains, and sometimes the Hen and
Chickens.
' .See the " Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Ireland,'' vol. ii. , p. 808.
^ In the parish of Kilbroney. It is de-
scribed, on the "Ordnance Survey Town-
land Maps for the County of Down," sheets
5I' 54-
9 Newcastle is in the parish of Kilcoe, and
it is shown, on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Alaps for the County of Down,"
sheet 49. Tiie parish itself is on sheets 42,
43' 48, 49, 52.
'° In the parish of Clonduff. See sheet
48. Ibid.
" See Rev. William Reeves' "Ecclesias-
tical Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dro-
more," Appendix K, pp. 205 to 210, and
Appendix LL, p. 37S.
'= The " Irish Itinerary" of Father Edmund
MacCana, as translated by Dr. Reeves from
the original, and which is preserved among
other treasures of Irish literature, in the Bur-
gundian Library at Brussels, adds, that
" when the family of MacMahon were driven
by the English, through craft and force, from
the lands of Bregia (the great plain of Bre-
gia embraced East Meath with some of the
adjacent portions of Louth into the fastnesses
of Origillia, and when the one small terri-
tory was not sufficient to accommodate the
two families — namely, the MacMahons and
the MacEochys — the latter sought for them-
234 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 13.
of Slanga. In the common use of modern times, afterwards, from a patron
saint,'3 it bore the name of Domangart — pronounced Donard.'-* This huge
mass of land towers high over the sea, between which and its base, neverthe-
less, was a thicket which the Irish called Bellach-a-Neaghri — that is, the
"Pass of the JFood ;" and, there still exist the ruins of sacred buildings, once
tenanted by some of our country's saints. This district is most romantic, and
it will well repay the health-inspiring toil of the adventurous and robust
tourist, who may desire to explore the passes and heights of tliose wild moun-
tains.'s Colgan states,'^ that this Tighearnach was abbot over Clonard, where
a celebrated monastery had been founded, in the sixth century. He was an
anchoret, likewise, and a successor of St. Finnen,'? in that place. We read
from the Irish Annals,'^ that in 1059, great diseases '£» prevailed in Laighin,
and which caused the death of a great number of persons there. This holy
and learned servant of Christ died of the plague, in a.d. 1061."^° This is the
date assigned by Tighernach, tlie Irish Annalist, for the great pestilence,^'
which raged in Leinster, and which seems to have extended its ravages to
other parts of Ireland." At the 13th of May,^3 the Natalis of St. Tighernach,
Anchoret and Confessor, in Ireland, is entered in the Kalendar of Driim-
mond.^+ On this day was venerated, as we find set down, in the Martyr-
ologies of Marianus O'Gorman, and of Donegal,^5 St. Tighernach, of Boirche.
Article II. — St. Moeldod, or IMoeldodius, Abbot of Mucnaimh,
OR MucKNOE, County of Monaghan. At this date, in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,' we meet with the name of J^Ioeilidoid ; while, a
nearly similar entry is in the Franciscan copy.' The Bollandists have given
some brief Acts of this saint,3 at the 13th of May. Father Godefrid Henn-
selves another settlement— namely, this '^ See William M. Hennessy's " Chroni-
Mugharna, which they subdued by force of cum Scotontm," pp. 284, 285.
arm's and called after the name of their for- '' These are called the Rolgach, Anglicized
mer inheritance. Of this they retained *' the small-pox," and the 'I'reaghait, or "the
possession even unto the times Heniy VIII." colic."
So the writer learned from the mouth of '° See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
many aged men. See the Rev. James Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 878 to 881, and
O'Laverty's "Historical Account of the Dio- n. (o).
cese of Down and Connor, Ancient and " It is called, bolJAC Ajuf CTAejAiT),
Modern," pp. 24, 25. Latinized by Dr. O'Conor, " Profluvium van-
»3 See the Acts of St. Domangart, or tri>, et virium exinanitio."
Donard, at the 24th of March, Art. i., in the "" See Rev. Dr. OConor's "Rerum Hiber-
Third Volume of this work. nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. Tigernachi
'« A view of this scenery is here given, Annales, p. 303.
from a Photograi>h drawn on the wood, "^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
by William F. Wakeman, and engraved Scotiish Saints," p. 13.
by Mrs. Millard. The town of Newcastle is "* Thus : " 1 1 1 Idus. Et in Hibernia Na-
represented on the coast line, and Slieve tale Sancii Tigernaig Ancorite et Confesso-
Donard is the highest mountain top, tower- ris."
ing in the distance. '= Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
'5 A very excellent description and direc- 1 26, 127. It may here be observed, that in
tion may be found — with a good map of that the Appendix to the Introduction of the
district embmcing the Mourne .Mountains — Donegal Martyroloi^y, these words occur,
in Black's "Guide to Belfast, the Giant's Cef a^a 1iuci\. 13 Mail. But, Dr. Todd de-
Causeway and the North of Ireland," pp. clares, in a note, he is unable to explain,
356 to 364. what this signifies. See p. xlvii.
•*See "Acta Sanctorum I liberniae," XXX. Article ii.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Januarii, Dc B. Anmichado Confcssore, n. Kelly, p. xxiv.
8, p. 206. ''His name is there written mAelmoit).
''' See his Acts, at the 23rd of February, 3 Sec " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Mali
and at the 1 2th of December. xiii. De Sanclo Moeldodio, Abbate in
May 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 235
schenn was the compiler. We are informed, that St. Moeldod was a member of
the great house of the Orgiel dynasts, representing the three Collas.* It will
be difficult, however, to determine the exact time, when he flourished ; but,
we may partially approximate to it, by following the genealogical tree of his
family. St. Moeldod, or Maldod,5 was son to Eingin, son of Aldus, son to
Fiach, son of Fiech, son to Eugene, son to Brian, son of Muredach Meth,
son to Imchad, one of CoUa Dacrioch's ^ sons. We have few particulars to
state regarding this saint. We are told, however, that he was Abbot of
Mucmaimh, in Orgiellia,? or Uriel ; and that place has been converted by
Archdall ^ into Monaghan, said to have been anciently called Muinechan.9
The Rev. Dr. Lanigan '° asserts, that it was well known an old monastery
stood at Monaghan — which he identifies with Mucnaimh — and, of this,
Moeldod was Abbot, if not the founder. Sucii identification, however, is
quite incorrect. In Monaghan," which has an antique history of its own,
there is now no trace of the former Abbey ; but, tradition states, that it arose
over a lake, near this town, and on those grounds, where the Protestant
endowed school now stands, on a most beautiful site. Notwithstanding the
contrary assertion of Rev. Dr. Lanigan, Mucnamh — sometimes written Muc-
shnamh — is now identified with Muckno," a parish in the barony of Cremorne,
and county of Monaghan. Chiefly within its bounds is the beautiful lake of
Mucno, with its soft and swelling shores richly wooded, and having pretty
isles and islets to diversify its fine landscapes. A Druidical circle is on the
northern border. The eastern and north-eastern districts are mountainous. '3 It
is situated, near to Castleblaney.''* The time, when this saint lived, has not
been specified. The feast of a St. Maldod, Confessor, in Ireland, occurs,
likewise, on the following day, May i4th.'5 At this date, in his Scottish
Menology,'^ Dempster speaks of Maldod, Bishop, in Ireland, a Scot by birth,
and a man distinguished for his great holiness, remarkable patience, and the
influence of his virtuous example.^? As a proof of these assertions, he adds
the letters M. C. ; by which he asserts, the Carthusian Martyrology to be
indicated as authority, Canisius, and Adam Walasser. The Bollandist writer,
in the " Acta Sanctorum," had not seen this latter work ; but, in the former
authors, he found nothing regarding Moeldod's episcopacy, or about his Scot-
tisli origin. It is supposed, however, that this saint was identical, with an
Abbot, who ruled over Muc-naimh monastery.'^ His feast was assigned to
Hibernia, pp. 245, 246. vol. iii., cliap. xxi., sect, i., n. 8, p. 273.
'* See Rev. James O'Laverty's " Historical " See an account of this important town, in
Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor, Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of Ire-
Ancient and Modern," vol. i., p. 25, n. land," vol. ii., pp. 382 to 384.
5 Colgan mentions him, at the 21st day of " See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
March, in his Appendix to a life of St. En- Four Masters," vol. i., n. (d), p. 445.
deus, who was Abbot in Aran. '3 gee "Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- land," vol. ii., pp. 822, 823.
nise," xxi., Martii, p. 713. ''♦See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na
7 The people of this large tertitory are said g-Ceart, or Book of Rights," n. (a), p. 150.
to have been so distinguished, because they 'S "• in MS. Florario Sanctorum, in Auc-
had a privilege from the Monarch of IrelaiKi, tuario Greveni ad Usuardum, Martyrologio
that if any of their race should be demand etl Germanico Canisii, Catalogis Ferrari! et Fitz-
as hostages, these should be bound in chains Simonis."
of gold, " hence they were called Oirghialla, '^ See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
i.e., of the golden hostages." — Rev. James tish Saints," p. 199,
O'Laverty's " Historical Account of the Dio- '? Li his " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
cese of Down and Connor, Ancient and Scotorum," Dempster has nothing regarding
Modern," p. 25, n. Moeldod, or Moeldodius.
* See "Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 585. '^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.. Maii
9 See nn. (h. i.), ibid. xiii. De Sancto Moeldodio Abbate in Hiber-
'° See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," nia, " p. 246,
236 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 13.
this date, by Richard Whitford, in his English Martyrology.'s Also, on this
day, the Martyrology of Donegal,^" registers tlie name Alaeldoid, of Muc-
namh, as having been venerated.
Article III. — St. Abben, Hermit, of Abingdon, England. In the
English Martyrology of John Wilson,' there is an entry at the 13th of May,
in reference to St. Abben, the Hermit. When citing this authority, William
Camden rejects the opinion, that Abbendun, or Abbington, in England, had
its name from him ; but, rather does he consider, that its first name, Sheoves-
ham, was afterwards changed into the Town of the Abbey.' Here, indeed,
he labours under a great mistake ; and the Bollandists,3 who record, at this
date, the feast of Abbenus, Eremita Hibernus, in Comitalu Bercheriensi, are
also led astray by his authority. Abben was a native of Ireland, and he is
said to have left his native country for England, after the reign of King Lucius *
over the Britons. He received baptism,s while Pope Elutherius presided
over the Roman See. ^ The mutilated " Chronicon Monasterii de Abingdon "7
informs us, that a religious monk, named Abbenus, came from Hibernia to
l^.ritain, and that he faithfully preached the word of God, as the Holy Ghost
inspired him.^ He visited the court of the iUustrious King of tlie Britons,
where he was most honourably received, and where he obtained the
favour of that potentate, who regarded him as anoiiier Joseph. It is
related, that he asked from the king a tract of land, and that he
obtained the greater part of the province of Berroccense — now Berkshire.
There, with the consent of the king and his council, the pilgrim happily
founded a monastery.9 Allusions are frequently made to this place, called
Abbandun,'° pleasantly situated at the influx of the small river Ock, into the
Thames," in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,"" and in other records, when
noting allusions to that celebrated religious institute, called after St. Abban.
The monastery there is said to have been founded by Cissa,'3 father to Ina,
'9 This worlc was printed at London, a.d. autliority of the Lords Commissioners of her
ie26. Majesty's Treasury, under the direction of
="^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. the Master of the Rolls, in two volumes.
126, 127. London, 1858, 8vo.
Article hi—' Printed a.d. 1640. ^ See ibid., vol. i., lib. i., sect, v., p, 2.
^ See "Britannia," under the heading 9 The old chronicler adds, "cui nomen
Attrebatii, p. 99, in the Amsterdam edition Abbendoniam, vel a nomine suo vel a loci
ofhis work, Anno clo loclix., folio. vocabulo, alliidenter imijosuit. Secundum
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., enim idionia Hibernensium, ut ex relatione
Mail xiii. Among the pretermitted saints, modernorum accepimus, Abbendon "mansio
p. 186. Alibeni " interpreiaiur ; secundum vero
■i He is said to have sent letters to Pope idioma Anglorum.\bbendun "monsAbenni"
Elutherius, in the second ccntuiy, and to vuli;ariter nuncupalur." — •' Historia Monas-
have been baptized, with nearly all his sub- terii de Abingdon," vol. i., lib. i., sect, v.,
jects. See Matthew of Paris '' Chronica pp. 2, 3.
Majora," edited by Henry Richard Luard, '" It was a place of considerable import-
RL A., vol. i., pp. 129, 130. ance during the Saxon Heptarchy ; and OlTa,
s John Capgrave writes : " Summe Croni- King of Mercia, had a palace there. See
cles sey this was in yere of oure Lord 165." Charles Knight's "English Cyclopedia,"
— "Chronicle of England," edited by Rev. c;eo;^ri)ihy. vol. i., col. 15.
Francis Charles Hingeston, B.A., Etasvi., " See Lewis' •' Topographical Dictionary
p. 67. of England," vol. i., p. 5.
'Seethe "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," ac- '-See the edition of Benjamin Thorpe,
cording to the several original Authorities. vol. i., Lulex of Places and Peoples, p.
Edited with a Translation and Notes, by 393.
Benjamin Thorpe, vol. i., pp. 14, 15, and '^ See William Camden's " P.iitannia," p.
vol. ii., p. 9. 99, of the edition aheady quoted.
^ This has been lately edited by the Rev. '< See William of .Malmesbury," De Ges-
Joseph Stevenson, M.A., and published by tis Ponlilicum Anglorum," edited by N. E.
May 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 237
King of the West Saxons.'** The site selected was a very beautiful one, on
the declivity of a hill.'s There, St. Abban collected a great number of monks,
amounting it is said to three hundred or more. Over these, he presided as
Abbot,'^ and as a father ; all his subjects yielding him love and obedience,
under the sweet yoke of Christ. In his later years, and in hoary old age, the
holy man desired to revisit his own dearly loved land ; and, it was so ordered
by Providence, that he should return to it, still to edify all, by his pious
course of living. In Ireland, too, he departed from the world, to reign happily
with Christ.'7 In his Catalogue of some Irish Saints, and quoting Camden, it
is said, that Father Henry Fitz-simon enters a festival, for the Hermit
Abbenus.^^ Already at the i6th of March, some allusion has been made to
him -'9 and, as we conceive, to another and to a distinct Irish saint, called Abban,
Abbot of Magharnaidhe, whose feast has been set down for the same date.^°
It is possible, both may have been there confounded, by the Martyrologists;
and, we may probably conclude, that St. Abban, the hermit of Abingdon, has
only the 13th of May assigned as his distinctive festival. Fuller quaintly
remarks, on the constant migrations of the early saints, that " most of these
men seem to have been born under a Travelhng Planet; seldom having their
education in the place of their nativity, ofltimes composed of Irish infancy,
British breeding, and French preferment ; taking a coule in one country, a
crozier in another, and a grave in a third; neither bred where born, nor bene-
ficed where bred, nor buried where beneficed ; but wandering in several king-
doms." Such observations may be appended, in thus closing our brief notices
of this holy hermit's little known history.
Article IV. — St. Mochonna, of Derry. The name of St. Mochonna
appears, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,' at the 13th of May ; as also,
in the Franciscan copy ^ of that Calendar. While the local appellation of
Doire has been added to his name, by a later Calendarist, it does not appear
to have been established, that such an etymon can be referable to the city on
Lough F.oyle ; although, towards the end of the seventh century, a Mochonna,
"antistes Dorensis," was present in a synod held at Tara.3 It does not seem
very certain, that the present saint can be distinguished from one of the same
name, and whose feast occurs, at the 8th of March.4 He is indifferently
styled, Mochonna, or Daconna.s The Bollandists ^ barely notice him, at the
S. A. Hamilton, lib. ii., sect. 88, p. 191. licse Ibernice Compendium, " tomus i., lib. i v.,
'5 The local chionicler adds, " paulisper cap. xii.
ultra villam qure nunc vocatur Suniggevvelle, '9 See the Third Volume of this work, at
inter duos rivulos amaenissimos, qui, locum that day, Art. x.
ipsum quasi quendam sinum inter se conclu- *° See ibid., Art. ii.
dentes, gratum cernentibus proebent specta- Article iv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
culum et opportunum habitantibus subsi- p. xxiv.
dium." ^ Here it is given as tflochonnAe.
'* The chronicler of Abingdon monastery ^ in 697, by Flann Finn. See " A Die-
supposes, that Abban and his community be- tionary of Christian Biography," &c. , edited
longed to the Benedictine Order and rule. by William Smith, LL.D., and Henry Wace,
'7 See " Historia Monasterii de Abing- B.D., D.D., vol. iii., p. 928.
don," vol. i., lib. i., sect, v., p. 3. The "* See notices of St. Mochonna, of Derry-
chronicler states, that his information has Disart of Mochonna, at this date, in the
been derived from earlier records of his Third Volume, at Art. xv.
monastery, sect, liii., p. 120, and lib. ii., s See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
p. 443. nire," Martii viii., pp. 565, 566.
'^ His name or feast is not to be found, * See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
however, in that List furnished to O'SuUevan Mail xiii. Among the pretermitted saints,
Beare, and printed in his " Historic Catho- p. 186.
ii& LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [I^Iay 13.
13th of May. The Cain Adhamhnain states, that Mochonna, of Doire, was
one of those saints, whom Adamnan ^ found as security, to free Irish
women from every slavery, and from every distress, in which they were.
According to the Martyrology of Donegal,^ veneration was given, on this
day, to Mochonna, of Doire.
Article V. — Reputed Festival of St. Moling Luachra. \_Sa>e?iih
Century.'] The death of St. Moling Luachra is set down at a.d. 696, in the
Annals of the Four Masters,' at the 13th of May, although his chief
feast is assigned to the 17th of June." His Life will be given, at this
latter date.
Aritcle VL — Reputed Feast of St. Servax, or St. Ser^anus,
Apostle of the Orkneys, at Pomona. [Fiflh Century.'] A festival is
set down, at the 13th of INLiy, by Dempster,' for St. Servan, the Apostle,^ at
Pomona, the largest of the Orkney Islands, He is said to have flourished,
a.d. 440.3 The oldest Irish documents make him aPict, by the mother's side.
His mother is said, also, to have been Alma, daughter of the Cruithne King ;
while his father is called Pore, King of Canaan of Egypt,* accord-
ing to the Tract, ascribed to St. ^ngus the Culdee, on the Mothers
of the Irish Saints.5 It is stated, by John Lesley,^ following the authority
of Boece,7 that he had been sent by St. Palladius,^ to preach
the Gosple there ; but, as the Bollandists 9 could not find the name of
Serseanus inscribed, on the older Martyrologies, they preferred waiting until
the 6th of July afforded them an opportunity for introducing the Acts of St.
Palladius, in which Serseanus might receive consideration, as being a contem-
porary and a disciple. However, his feast has been more generally ascribed
to the I St of July. '°
Article VII. — Reputed Feast of Dubliterius Fiond or Candi-
Dus. At the 13th of May, the Bollandists ' have an entry of this feast, and
quote for it the Martyrology of Tallagh." The Bollandists remark, that a
Dublitirius, Abbot of Clonenagh, in the diocese of Leighlin, and in the terri-
tory of Leix, died a.d. 927.3 But, they would not undertake to identify him
7 See his Life, at the 23rd of Septem- s gee Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Culdees of the
ber. British Islands," p. 124.
^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. * In " De Rebus Gestis Scotorum," lib.
126, 127. iv., p. 157.
Article v. — ' See Dr. O'Donovan's edi- " See Bellenden's Boece, vol. i.. Book vii.,
lion, vol. i., pp. 298, 299. chap. 18, p. 286.
' See n. (x), iHd. ^ See his Life, at the 6th of July.
Article vi. — ' In his " Menologium ' See "Acta S.mclorum," tomus iii.,
Scoticum " thus: "In Pomona Oicadum Maii xiii. Among the pretermitted saints,
maxima Servani Apostoli. K." p. 187.
" See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- '"See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
tish Saints," p. 199. Scottish Saints," pp. 445 to 447.
3 According to Dempster, in his "Ilistoria Article vii. — ' See "Acta Sanctorum,"
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii., tomus iii., Maii xiii. Among the pretermitted
lib. xvii., num. 1030, p. 574. festivals, p. 186.
* A Manuscript, in Archbishop Marsh's ' The published copy of Rev. Dr. Kelly
Library, Dublin, states, that he was miracu- h.is "Dubliter ocus." Seep. xxiv. The
lously born of Obeth, King of Canaan, Franciscan copy has tJublicep p'''"^* ^^ ^his
and of Alpia, daughter to the King of date.
Arabia. 3 jp the Annales Ultonienses, the death
May 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 239
with the person here recorded. They observe, however, that another holy man,
bearing the same name, was commemorated, at the 15th of of May.
. Article VIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Dvmpna, Virgin, and of St.
Gerebern, Belgium, According to Saussay, in his GalHc Martyrology, the
feast of these saints was observed, on the 13th of May, at Gheel, in Brabant.
However, other calendarists refer their chief festival, to the 15th of this month,'
as the Bollandists = observe.
Article IX. — St. or the Blessed Michomeris. At the 13th of
May, Colgan appears to have intended writing the Acts of a Blessed Michome-
ris, as we find from the posthumous list of his Manuscripts. We cannot dis-
cover, whether or not, he should be identified with that St. Michomer, or
Michomores, Confessor, of Tornodor, in Gallic Campania, whose feast has
been assigned to the 30th of April.'
Article X. — St. Carthagius, or Carthacus. In the anonymous
catalogue, published by O'SuUevan Beare,' we find St. Carthagius entered at
the 13th of May. This, however, can only be regarded as the vigil, for his
proper festival. The Carthusian Martyrology and Henry Fitzsimon place St.
Karthagius, Bishop, at the same date.^" Also, is he noticed by the Bollan-
dists,3 who refer to Greven, Canisius, Fcrraiius, and Fitz-simon ; while they
relegate his Acts, to the day following.
Article XI. — Feast of Saints Teracus and Probus. — The 12th of
May is set down in the Feilire' of St. ^ngus, as the festival for Saints Teracus
and Probus. These seem to have suffered martyrdom, with several other
companions, at Alexandria;^ although elsewhere, except in the Tallagh
of Dublittir, priest of Armagh, crowned with Dr. Whitley Stokes: "The holy family of
martyrdom by the Gentiles, is entered at a. D. Teracus and Probus after paths (of this
922 al. 923. See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum world). After long bitter crosses, six persons
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv., p. 255. and six hundred." — "Transactions of the
Article viii. — ^ See their Lives, at the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i., parti. On
same day. the Calendar of Oengus, p. Ixxix.
* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., ^ The scholiast on St. ^ngus has a note
Mail xiii. Among the pretermitted saints, on noebiiniiiice]\ Ce]\<\ci, as follows, "i. in
p. 187. Alexandria pasi sunt." The commentator
Article ix. — ' See his Acts, in the had a different version of the Feilire, from
Fourth Volume of this work, at that date, that found in the " Leabhar Breac " which
Art. iii. in a note, he thus introduces, lAyvi^eyvbch-
Article X. — ' See " Historias Catholics pocliAib fii\Aib feifei\ Ay\ fe cecAib. uelp'c
Ibernias Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
cap. xi., p. 50. Cige^MiAcli ^o]:epu^\
^ See ibid., cap. xii., p. 55. I'epuy^ a^a .m. ceuAib
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., .1. CijeiMiAcli t)<Mi\che.
Maii xiii. Among the pretermitted saints, , ... , , 1 t^
jg- The foregomg is thus translated, by Dr.
Article xi.— ' In the " Leabhar Breac " Whitley Stokes :-" After long bitter crosses,
copy we find :— six on six hundreds.
^' Or thus :—
tloebnnnnceTA CenAci .. Tigernach thou shouldst know,
Pl^oio^?,^ {.-^ITt"^;,^ Six on six hundreds."
lA]\l'e|\bch|\OCnA1D f1^^A1b
.ui. ei\ A|\. «i, c. Aib. i-e-t^ Tigernach of Bairche. — See ibid., p.
Ixxxvi.
This stanza is thus translated into English, by ^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
^40 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 14.
Martyrology, we do not find tlieir names recorded in other ancient Calendars.
Different are the names of those Martyrs of Alexandria, noted by the Bollan-
dists,3 at this date ; and, among them are two unnamed, who might probably
be Teracus and Probus.'*
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of Sj". Motomagus. In the Catalogue
of some Irish Saints, it is stated, that Father Henry Fitz-simon sets down
Motomagus ;' and, he states, that in his Martyrology, Canisius has placed
him, at the i8th of May.^ However, Fitz-simon corrects this statement, and
refers his feast to the 13th of March; by which, the Bollandists 3 think, he
means St. Mochoemogus,* whose Life belongs to that date.
jfdurtffntl) Hap of iiflaj)*
ARTICLE I.— ST. CARTHAGE, OR MOCHUDDA, BISHOP. ACUUT, AND
PATRON, OF ITSMORE.
ISIXTII AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.\
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — ACTS OF ST. MOCHUDDA OR CARTHAGE — PROGNOSTICATION REGARD-
ING HIM — HIS PARENTAGE AND lilRTH — HIS YOUTH AND EARLY VOCATION TO THE
CLERICAL STATE — EDUCATED BY ST. CARTHAGE THE ELDER — ST. MOCHUDDA
BECOMES A PRIEST — HE SETTLES DOWN AT A PLACE CALLED KELLTULACH, BUT
SOON HE LEAVES IT — HE VISITS ST. COMGALL AT BANGOR.
'^"T^'IIE history of St. Carthage Junior, or St. Mochuda, is one of singular
J_ interest. This holy man excelled both in learning and in piety. That
he was a popular saint is proved from the records — even of legend over-
colouring — with which his memory has been transmitted to us. But, no
question remains in doubt, that while he lived, the right rule of Faith and dis-
cipline was spread, through his personal zeal and labours. This holy superior,
exact in all the duties of his sacred calling, as being to give an account one day
to that great Master, who has allotted to each one of us our respective station,
among his numerous family of Christians, in every age and clime. Especially,
the saints were accustomed, to consecrate the beginning and end of each day,
and they would not allow their worldly concerns, to interfere with or prevent
Maii xiii. De Sanctis Martyribus Alexan- ' So has Dempster in his Menology. See
drinis Aplirodisio, Agrippa, Sabino, Giiso, Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
I.ucio, Cyrilla, Cridvla, Juviuo, ct aliis duo- Saints," p. 200. Also, he is noticed by Demp-
bus, p. 202. ster, in his " Ilistoria Eccle-iastica Gentis
"• Tiiis is apparent, by reference to the Scotorum," tomus ii., Ub. xii., num. 897,
Franciscan copy of the Tallagh Martyr- p. 473.
ology. ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
Article xii. — ' This is not tlie case, Maii xiii. Among the pretermitted saints,
however, in that List of Irish Saints furnished p. 185.
• by him to O'Sullevan Bcarc, in *' Historia> ^ See his Acts, in the Third Vohnne of
CathoHca; Ibcrni.v Compendium," tomus i., this work, at lliat day, Art. i.
lib. iv., cap. xii.
May 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 241
such holy occupations. Treasuring the words of Christ himself, " No man
Cometh to the Father but through me," they made prayer and contemplation
a pleasure and a solace. Their example made an impression on their disciples,
and these loved religious exercises in their turn, finding from personal
experience the advantages sure to be derived from such practices.
There are different Manuscript Latin Lives of St. Carthage extant.' One of
these is in Marsh's Library,^ and another in the Library of Trinity College,^
Dublin. There are some Irish Manuscript Lives of this saint, likewise, in Sir
William Betham's collections, belonging to the Royal Irish Academy, as also
Tracts, attributed to him. Thus, in volumes vi.,4 x.,s xxi.,^ of the O'Longan
transcripts, and in another of these, but wi thout any distinctive mark, and classed,
No. 30,7 are illustrations for the Life of St. Carthage. This latter contains, A
Rule of Discipline, ascribed — Mr. O'Curry thinks improperly— to St. Mochuda
of Lismore.^ There is also a small paper MS.,9 belonging the Messrs. Hodges
and Smith collection, R.I. A., which lias a Life of St. Mochuda of Rathin, in the
King's County. Again, Michael O'Clery has transcribed two Irish Lives of St.
Mochudda, or Carthac.'° A Life of St. Carthagus, first Bishop of Lismore,
and commencing with the words, "Gloriosus Christi miles, Carthagus," is men-
tioned by Sir James Ware." The period when this Life had been composed
is not mentioned, and it seems to be unknown. Colgan seems to have in-
tended the insertion of Acts at this date, for St. Carthagius or Mochudda." At
this day, the Bollandists give us, also, two different Lives ofSt. Carthage.'s The
first is published,'-* from a Salamancan Manuscript, collated with another,
which belonged to Father Henry Fitzsimon ; and, it appears to have consti-
tuted the Lessons for Matins, recited in honour of our saint, as the conclud-
ing Antiphon of the Magnificat sufficiently indicates. The Second Life '5 is
taken from an old Irish Manuscript. It is long and circumstantial, but, it is far
from being accurate, in many of its assertions.'^ Ussher refers to both, in his
Antiquities of the British Churches.'? As published, they contain various
Article i. — ' There is a Vita S. Car- 97 written pages, transcribed lately in Cork,
thaci seu Mochudda, de Hibernia, ex MS. by some one of the O'Longans. Though
Salmanticensi (nunc in Bibl. Ducum Bur- the writing has a respectable appearance ;
gundiffi apud Bruxell). yet, this transcript is very inaccurate, and it
^ Thus in the Manuscript, which has been must have been tlie production of some
called " Codex Killcenniensis " is recorded ignorant scribe. On the back, this MS. is
St. Carthagus, fol. 94 to 99 ; but, fol. 100 lettered " Extracts from Leabhar Droma
is lost. It contained the concluding portion Sneachtaigh (Book of Drom Sneacht) ; by J-
of this Life. Maolconaire, 1560."
3 In the Manuscript, classed E, 3, 1 1, there ^ It contains five quatrains, at p. 67.
is a Vita S. Carthagi at fol. 60. We find ' This is classed, No. 150.
missing, fol. 65, and the Life concludes at '" Also a Tract on St. Suanach's sons, and
fol. 66. on St. Mochudda. These are now preserved
* It contains, a story of St. Mochuda, at in the Burgundian Library of Bruxelles, fols.
p. 114. 265, 268, vol. xi., and vol. iv., part ii.,
5 This folio paper contains 416 written p. 45.
pages, transcribed by Michael Oge O'Longan, "See " De Scriptoribus Hibernige," lib.
between the years iSoo and 1808. It in- i., cap. xiii., p. 90.
eludes a short monastic Rule, or fragment of '- See "Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quse
one, ascribed here to St. Mochuda of Lis- MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et Dierum."
more, in 5 quatrains, at p. 317. '3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., xiv.
* It consists of 228 written pages, tran- Mail. De S. Carthaco seu Mochudda, Epis-
scribed by Michael Oge O'Longan, between copo et Abbate Lismoriensi, in Hibernia,
the years 1802 and 1827. At p. 1 15, the pp. 375 to 388.
last line but two, there is a memorandum by '"' It contains little, that is historical,
the transcriber to the effect, he had heard, '^ in Rev. Dr. Lanigan's references to St.
that the Life of St. Mochuda of Lismore, Carthage's Life, the reader is to understand,
and the Life of St. Daiglan (Declan), were that called the Second Life was also the one,
in Kilkenny, and near Ariglin, in the year usually quoted by Ussher and Colgan.
1816. '* See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
"> This is a quarto paper book comprising History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect.
Q
242 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 14.
graphical errors. Colgan often quotes this Second Life, in his " Acta Sanc-
torum Hibernige." The first of those Lives will be cited, in the following
pages, as the Vita ex duplici IMS. Legendario, and the latter, as the Vita ex
antique MS. Hibernico ; for thus, they are intituled, by the Bollandists.
This latter Life, comprised in Four chapters, is by far the more copious of the
two biographies published. Other interesting accounts of this holy man have
been published, by Archbishop Ussher,'^ Bishop Challoner,'9 Rev. Alban
Butler, =° Rev. S. Baring-Gould,"' Miss Mary F. Cusack," and in Les Petits
Bollandistes."3
The approaching birth of our saint was announced to St. Comgall,"*
by an Angel, in the following words : " O holy old man, a child shall
be born in the western part of Ireland. He must receive the name of
Carthage, at the baptismal font, because he shall be loved by God and man,
both in Heaven and upon earth. After a while, he shall come to you, on his
way to Rome, and it is the Lord's mandate, that you forsake him not, but
that he remain with you an entire year." St. Brendan "5 ofClonfert had an
angelic warning, also, regarding the birth of our saint. Brendan heard these
words : " A wonder-working brother must shortly come to thee, who shall aid
thy people here and hereafter. Men shall thus divide the region of Kiarraigh."^
His name shall be Carthage amongst you, and many shall rejoice in his com-
memoration ; for, he will collect a great congregation of many people to the
Lord, on the day of judgment. His first city shall be called Rathen, situated
in Meath territory, in the midst of Ireland, among the people called Feara-
Keel f 7 and this city shall be renowned. But, the second city shall be greater
and more illustrious ; for, Carthage shall possess a great principality called
Lismore."^
The fath.er of St. Carthage, commonly called Mochudda, was named
Fingen. This latter was a son to Guel, and a descendant from the noble
family of Ciar,''y son of Ferguss Mac Roigh,3° a renowned prince of
TJlster.3" He belonged to the tribe of Kieragia-Luachra, in the province of
Munster. The mother of our saint was called Mead, daughter to Fingen, of
the Corcoduibne tribe, Avho lived near the western ocean of Ireland, and in
the vicinity of a fish-abounding river, called Leamha — probably the present
Laune, which is an outlet of the Killarney Lakes. The father of Carthage
was a powerful chieftain, possessed of two castles; one of these was situated,
xiii., n. 177, p. 351. No. Ixxx., p. 389, n.
'? Referring to a Life of St. Carthage, he '^ The reader will find a very interesting
writes, " cujus penes me duo sunt ^ISS. account of St. Carthage Mochuda, and of
exemplaria." this place Rahin or Rahen, a parish in the
'_* See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti- barony of Ballycowan, King's County, in Rev.
quitates," cap. xvii., pp. 472, 488. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath, Ancient
'' vSee " Britannia Sancta," part i., pp. and Modern," vol. iii., chap, Ixxv., pp. 619
286 to 288. to 627.
"" See '* Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and "^ See Vita ex antiquo MS. Hibernico,
other principal Saints," vol. v., May xiv. cap. i., num. i.
"See '"Lives of the Saints," vol. v., ^9 He sprang from the race of Ciar, son of
May 14. P^ergus, son of Ross, son to Rudhraighe, and
" See "History of the Kingdom of he belonged to the progeny of Ir, son to
Kerry," cap. iv., pp. 60 to 64. Milcdh, according to the O'Clerys.
'3 See " Vies des Saints," tome v., xiv* ^° See Derniod O'Connor's Kcating's
Jour de Mai, p. 519. " History of Ireland," Book ii., p. 394.
'^ See his Life already given in this 3' Jhc Rev. Dr. Lanigan, in quoting
volume, at May loth, Art. i. Keating, would have it appear, that the
'5 His Life will be found, at the l6th of latter historian made our saint an immediate
this month. son of Feargus mac Roigh. ."^ce " Ecclesi-
*' Ciaraighe Cuirche — now Kerrycurrihe, astical llistoiy of Ireland," vol. ii., chap,
in the county of Cork. Sec the " Irish xiv., sect, xiii., n. 179, p. 351.
Ecclesiastical Record," Old Scries, vol. vii., '^ Still known as Slievemish Mountains,
May 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 243
on the southern side of a mountain, called Miss,3^ and the other in a grove,
by the River Mainne.33 In the former of these castles, the saint was conceived,
and he was born in the latter. Both of these castles received a benediction,
in consequence, so that evil-designing men could not afterwards inhabit them.
It is said, that while a great number of persons of both sexes were collected
in one place, a globe of fire was seen to descend on the mother of our saint,
who was then borne in her womb. This celestial fire immediately vanished,
without further injury to any one. They knew not, however, at that time, how
this was an indication of the unborn infant's sanctity. We may calculate, that
St. Carthach or Mochudda was born, about the middle of the sixth century,
according to Rev. Dr. Lanigan,34 if — as appears not improbable — the time for
his ordination was about a.d. 580. On his way to receive baptism, Carthage
was met by a holy man, named -^dan. He was asked to regenerate sacramen-
tally this infant. That place where they then were was deficient in water ;
but instantly, a fountain issued from earth, and with its water the child was
baptized. This limpid fountain continued afterwards to flow without ceasing.
At the baptismal font, our saint received the name Carthach, or as Latinized
Carthagus, according to the angelic prediction. 35 He was afterwards more
usually called Mochuda ; for this reason, because the elder St. Carthage, his
master, had been in the habit of calling his pupil by such a name,3S while mani-
festing his affection by kisses and benedictions. St. -(Edan is said to have
predicted, that the infant should be illustrious on earth, in the sight of God and
man. 37 Carthage appeared, from his earliest youth, to have destined himself
for God's service, and to have set at nought the vanities of this world; yet, much
to the dislike of his parents, who were anxious to train him up to a knowledge
of secular pursuits. Like another David, keeping the flocks of his father, our
saint in his youth was an humble herd. To him and to others was committed
the charge of feeding his father's swine, in certain woods, bordering on the
River Mainne, or MangJ^ A chieftain of Kerry, named Moeltul, was visited
by the boy, at his castle of Astaddin. That chieftain received him kindly and
said, " Come to me each day, with the other swineherds, and honour shall be
paid them, on thy account, for I desire much to see thee."
On a particular night, the boy remained with this chieftain. His wife, named
Noeleathan, the granddaughter of ^dhabeannain. King of Munster, remon-
strated with her husband, for being so much captivated with a mere youth.
Moeltul said "Woman, if you had seen what I behold in him, you would regard
none but this child. I see a golden collar of exquisite workmanship around his
neck, and a pillar of fire, reaching from his head to Heaven ; while I discern a
house open above, as if not having a roof. From the moment I beheld these per-
sonal signs, love towards him hath taken possession of my heart." His wife
then said, "Let him come hither, and sit beside me." This the child accordingly
lying southwards from Tralee, in the county atemode,Mochuda, thatis, "mydearChuda."
of Kerry. 36 xhere is reason to think, according to
33 Still so called. The River Maine rises Rev. Dr. Lanigan's conjecture, that his
in the hills north of Castleisland, and taking being called Carthagh was owing to his hav-
a western course, it flows into Castlemain ing been a disciple of the real Carthagh —
Harbour, at the head of Dingle Bay. venerated on the 5th of March — as if we
3* See his " Ecclesiastical History of should say Carthagh's Mochuda.
Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect. xiii. p. 37 See Vita ex antique MS. Hibernico,
351, cap. i., num. 2. Vita ex duplici MS. Le-
35 Yet, it is probable, according to Rev. gendario, num. i.
Dr. Lanigan, that his original name was 3« See adcscription of it, in Charles Smith's
Chuda or Chuttai (Cuddy), and that his " Ancient and Present State of the County
master, who was very fond of him, did no of Kerry," chap, vii., p. 153.
more, in this respect, than instead of calling 39 See Vita ex antiquo MS. Hibernico,
him Chuda, addressed him by the affection- cap, i., num. 3.
i44 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 14.
did.39 Thenceforward, Carthage spent a part of his time in the chieftain's
castle ; while the remainder was occupied in tending his swine. One day,
being engaged in JMainne •'° woods, at this latter service; the elder Bishop
Carthage passed that way, with a band of companions. These were engaged
singing psalms.4' When the younger Carthage heard them, he abandoned
the care of his herd. He followed the Bishop and his companions, to the
monastery of Glain, or Thuain.^^ When the Bishop and his band entered the
house, the younger Carthage remained outside, without the knowledge of its
monastic inmates. Finding his favourite did not visit him on this night, and
ignorant regarding the cause of his absence, Moeltul sent messengers to-
enquire about him. One of these found him sitting without the monastery.
Having reproved the child, he was brought before the chieftain, who asked
why he had not come to him, on the preceding night. The boy answered,'
" I did not come to you, sir, because I was charmed with the heavenly songs'
I heard from the holy choir, and because I never heard anything like to this
Psalmody, which they did not discontinue on their journey, nor afterwards,
until the hour of rest. The Bishop sang afterwards, even during the whole
night. I wish, therefore, O chieftain, that I were with them to learn the
melody." Thereupon, the chief sent a message to the Bishop, that he would
come and visited him.'»3 Meantime, the father of Mochudda, prepared a ban-
quet for Moeltul ; and, in the midst of this entertainment, the latter called the
boy to him. Moeltul showed him a sword, a buckler, a spear, and a hnia^*
of gold and silver, with various regal garments and instruments of war. Moel-
tul said to him : " My son, take those gifts, and be mine, instead of thy
father's companion." But, the boy having rejected this offer, that chieftain
asked what he should wish to receive. Carthage said : " I want none of your
perishable presents, but, I wish indeed to learn that song I have heard, as
sung by God's servants." Then, knowing that the grace of God was working
in bin), the chief promised to grant Avhat he required. Afterwards, Carthage
the Bishop coming to the chief, this latter dynast commended to him the boy
Mochudda, that he might become a student under his care. The saintly man
received him joyfully, for he knew God's grace abounded within the mind of
his adopted child. Afterwards, Mochudda remained under charge of the
holy Bishop, until he was promoted to the Priesthood.^^
The youth, being exceedingly comely, had certain declarations conveyed
from young maidens, and those offers were intended to estrange him from a
celibate's life ; but, our saint prayed for them, that their worldly might be
changed into spiritual love. His prayer was heard, for all these females
subsequently became religious. These even built cells and houses, which
were to be seen, at the time the author of our saint's Irish Life wrote. These
establishments lay, likewise, within the parish of St. Mochuda. Those virgins
also dedicated themselves and their houses to God and to St. Mochuda.''^
On the day of our saint's ordination, a man named Fintan, with his son,
came to the Elder Carthage, that he might baptize the infant, whom he
*° These were probably on the banks of in her earliest or latest quarter, or like the
the River Maine or Mang. letter C. Many ornaments similarly bhaped
*^ The Rev. S. Baring-Gould adds, are preserved in our Irish antiquarian
" which tliey probably accompanied on museums, and especially in the Museum of
harps." — "Lives of the baiiits," vol. v., the Royal Irish Academy.
p. 197. ■•5 See Vita ex duplici MS. Lcgendario,
*^ " Glain alibi Thuaim, forte Tuaim- n. 2. See also, Colgan's '' Acta Sanctorum
grene in Mummonia." — "Acta Sanctorum," Ilibcrnix," v. Martii, Vita S. Carlhagii,
tomus iii., Maii xiv., p. 380, n. (i). cap. viii., p. 475.
*J See Vita ex antique MS. Hibemico, <^ See Vita ex antique MS. Hibernico, cap.
cap. i., num. 4. 1, num. 6.
** Some ornament shaped liked the moon •" See Vita ex antique MS. Hibemix, cap.
.May 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 245
jn tended to offer to the Bishop. ' This latter holy prelate said to him : " Offer
.thy son to the pious young man, who has been ordained, on this day, that he
may be the baptizer." This was accordingly done, and when the Bishop asked
Fintan, what name his boy must receive, the father said, he wished this child
to be called Fuendran. When his son was baptized, holding him by the hand,
Mochudda thus prophesied regarding him ; " This hand sliall be cruel, and
shall obtain hostages from the posterity of Forna, a race living in the terri-
tory of Kearraighe, between the mountain Kuastra and the sea. His chil-
dren shall reign after him, for ever, if they do not deny me ; but, if they dis-
respect me and my successors, their principality shall fail them." This pro-
phecy was afterwards fulfilled--^^ Our saint having been promoted to the
priesthood, sometime subsequently, the Bishop Carthage brought him to tlie
above7mentioned chief Moeltul. He was found at a place, named Fcoiann,
near Leamha shore ; and, this, it appears, was a chief seat 
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