of tbe
Saints
yl^v^J^Si
iftev. 3obn (Canon ©"©anion
fc.li.l-* ' <•■
LIVES
OF
THE IRISH SAINTS,
WITH
Jfperiat Jwrtfoate', mid the tewmem ovation ot ifoly ^er^attj^,
COMPILED FROM
^alemfaii*, jjfartgrolajji^ ami fmttw $our«*,
RELATING TO
Ct)f Stuient Cburrlj $i0tan> of IrrlanD,
BY THE
VERY REV. JOHN CANON O'HANLON, M.R.I.A.
» V°\
s
Dublin : James Duffy and Sons, 14 & 15 Wellington-quay.
London : Burns, Oates, & Co., 17 & 18 Portman-street, and
63 Paternoster-row, E.C.
New York: Benziger, Brothers.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.!
DOLLAR!), PRINTINOHOUSB, DUBLIN
BX
if 6 53
hLft
v. 3
CONTENTS.
jftrgt Bag of September.
SeccnD ©ag of .September,
Page
Article I. — St. /Egidius or Giles, Abbot of Gillks, France. [Seventh and
Eighth Centuries],
Chap. I. — Introduction — Writers of Lives of St. /Egidius —
His Origin, Birth and Early Dispositions— Educa-
tion and Emigration from Greece — He arrives at
Marseilles — Afterwards he »oes to Aries — He then
seeks a Place for Retreat near the River Gard —
Lives with the Hermit Ferodemos and afterwards
parts with him for a Situation of still greater Retire-
ment— Nimes and its Gothic Kings — St. ^Egidius
is urged to the Erection of a Religious House ... I
Chap. II. — Writings attributed to St. ^Egidius — His Life of
Solitude— Accidental Discovery of the Saint's Her-
mitage— Foundation of his Monastery and its
Endowment — 1 1 is Rul-^ of Discipline — His Visit to
King Charles Martel at Orleans — His hospitable
Reception— His Miracles and Prophetic Spirit —
His Visit to the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict II. —
The Saracens invade Southern Gaul, and destroy
the Monastery of St. Gilles — The holy Abbot and
his Monks fly for Protection to Charles Martel at
Orleans ... ... .. 1 1
Chap. III. — Expulsion of the Saracens — Rebuilding of his
Monastery by St. <Egi<iius — His Death — The
Church, Monastery, and Shrine at Saint-Gilles —
Veneration for the Holy Abbot in France and on
the Continent of Europe — Veneration for his
Memory in the British Islands and Chuiches dedi-
cated to St. Giles — Commemoration of his Festival
in the Ca endars — Conclusion .. ... 15
Article II. — St. Neman, Bishop of Cill Bia ... ... . 25
Article III. — St. Cnimmen, Son of Cuanna, 01 Cuanach, probably Abbot of
Druim-Snechta, now Drumsnat, County of Monaghan ... 26
Article IV. — St. Sceallan, the Leper, of Armagh, County of Armagh ... 26
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Sebaldus, or Sew alius ... ... 27
Article VI. — St. Failbhe, Son of Ronan, or Cluain Airbealaigh ... 27
Article VII. — Translation of the Relics of St. Anatolius, at Salins, France ... 27
Article VIII.— The Sons of Caimene ... ... ... 28
Article IX. — Feast of St. Cecilia, with other Companions ... ... 28
Article X — Reputed Feast of St. Muredach, Bishop of Killala ... .. 29
Article X I.— Reputed Festival of St. Sarbile of Fochard ... ... 29
Article XII. — Reputed Festival of St. Fiachrach ... ... 30
Article XIII.— Reputed Feast of St. Ultan Mac Ua Conchobair of Ardbraccain 30
Article XIV. — Reputed Feast of St. Senain ... ... ... 30
Article XV. — Reputed Festival of Cornwall of Both Conais ... ... 30
Article XVI.— Reputed Feast for a Translation of St. Columban's Relics at Bobbio 30
Article I. — St. Seanan, of Laithrkch-Briuin, now Laragh Brine,
County of Kildare. [Sixth Century.'] ... ... 30
Article II. — St. Maine, Son of Coechan, Bishop of Tyroilill. [Fifti or Sixth
Century] ... ... ... ... 32
CPXTENTS.
Page
Article III.— St. Geinten, Priest, of Tir-Guaire ... •■• 33
Article IV.— St. Colum, Son of Blann ... ••• 34
Article V.—Sr. Enan, Mac Ua M ... •• 34
Article VI.— Reputed Festival for Saints Loman, Colman and Macmsus ... 34
Article VII— St. Adomnanus or Adomnan, Abbot ... 34
Artici e VIII.— Feast of St. Muredach, BUbop of Killala ... ... 34
Article IX— Re; uted Feast of St. Teothotha .. ... - 34
Article X.— Reputed Festival of St. Mansuetus, Bishop of Toul, France ... 35
Artici I XI.— Reputed Feast of a St Colman, Avignon, France... ... 35
Article XII— Reputed Festival of a St. Molotha ... ••■ 35
Article XIII.— Reputed Feasts for Gallan, Abbot, and Oronius, surnamed
Modestus, Bishop of Carpentras, France ... ... 36
Etjirti ©ag of September,
Article I.— Si. Mansuetus, Mansuet, Mansuy, or Maunsey, first Bishop
of Toul, France. [Fourth Century.]
Chap. I. —Introduction— Writers of St. Mansuet's Acts— The
Period when he flourished — The Country of his
liirth — Hi^ Parentage and Mission from Rome to
Toul— The Leuci or Leques— Want of Success at
the Commencement of St. Maunsey's Mission —
Courteously received by the Governor's Wife —
Mir.iculou.- Restoration of her Son to Life — The
Governor and his Family, with the People of Toul,
embiace Christianity ... ... j<>
Chap. II. — The Virtues and miraculous Gifts of St. Mansuetus
— He builds various Churches and ordains many
Priests — His Death — Veneration of the People at
Toul for his Memory — Pilgrimages to his Shrine,
where several Miracles are wrought — Destruction
of his Church and the charitable Foundations at
Toul by the Vandals — Restorations by the Bishops
( ..iuzlin and Gerard ... ... 43
Chap. III. -State of Toul during the Middle Ages— Reputed
nization of St. Maunsey by Pope Leo IX. —
Various Translations of his Relics — The Cathedral
of St. Stephen, at Toul, and its Shrines — Destruc-
tion of St. Maunsey's Ancient Church in the Six-
teenth Century — Festivals and Memorials of St.
Maunsey - Commemorations in Calendars and Mar-
tyrologies — Conclusion ... ... 54
Article II— Sr. Macnessius, or Mac Nissi, Bishop of Connor, County
Fifth and Sixth Centuries. ]
• hap. I.— Introduction— Authors on St. Macnessius' Life —
BftpUsm by St Patrick— Educated under Bishop
11— Becomes a Disciple of St. Patrick — His
•cration as Bishop — Pilgrimage to Jerusalem —
Return to Rome, where he is treated with great
Respect— Joyfully received on his Return to Ireland
— His Missionary Labours— Gifts of Miracles and of
Prophesy— He rescue-. St. Colman from Death —
from St. Brigid — St Macnessius the 1' 'irst
poi Connor — Monastery and Church at Connor 62
CHAP. II. — St. Macnc . mn-cla in Company with St.
Patrick and St. Brigid— Advises St. Colman to
found a Monastery at Diomore St. Macnessius is
said to have established a Monastery at Kebs near
Connoi — Hi-. Miracles and Prophecies — His Death
—Festival and Commemorations— Conclusion ... 70
COXTJ'XTS
Pag<
Article III. — St. Lon, or Loman,also called Lon-garadh, of Disert-Caradh, or of
Magh Tuathat, Queen's County. [Sixth Centuty.] ... 77
Article IV.— Translation of St. Krentrude's Relics, at Salzburg ' ... 81
Article V. — Translation of the Relics of St. Foillan ... ... 82
Article VI.— St. Balm or Balloin, of Tech-Saxon ... ... 82
Article VII. — St. Colman, of Cluain or Druim Ferta Mughaine, now Kilclonfert,
Kings County ... ... .. 83
tfourtf) ©ag t«f September.
Article I. — St. Ultan, said to have been Bishop, or more probably
Abbot, of Ardbraccan, County of Meath. [Fifth and
Sixth Centuries'] ... ... ... 83
Article II. — Translation of St. Cuthbert's Relics ... ... 91
Article III. — St. Ness, Nessa, or Munessa, of Ernaidh, said to have been Urney,
in the County of Tyrone. [Fifth Century] ... ... 94
Article IV. — St. Comhgall, of Both-Conais, County of Donegal. [Seventh
Century] ... ... ... .. 96
Article V. — St. Cummein, Abbot of Drumsnat, County of Monaghan ... 97
Article VI. — St. Senan ... ... ... ... 97
Article VII. — St. Sarbile, Virgin of Fochart, County of Louth ... ... 98
Article VIII. — St. Peneux. [Sixth Century] ... ... ... 98
Article IX — St. Aedhan Amlonn, possibly at Clontarf, County of Dublin ... 98
Article X. — St. Failbhe ... ... ... ... 99
ARTICLE XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Erentrudis, or Erentrude, Abbess of Salzburg 99
Article XII.— St. Fiachrach ... ... ... ... 99
Article XIII. — Reputed Commemoration or Canonization of St. Swibert, or Suit-
bert, Bishop and Apostle of the Frisons and of the Boructuarians 99
Article XIV.— Reputed Feast of St. Veran, Confessor, at Rheims, France. [Sixth
Century] ... ... ... ... 99
Article XV.— Reputed Festival of St. Anatolius, Bishop of Salins, France ... 100
Jtftij ©ag of September.
Article I. — St. Alto, Founder and Abbot of Altmunster, in Bavaria.
[Eighth Century] ... ... ... 100
Article II. — St. Faithleann, possibly of Innisfallen, County of Kerry ... 104
Article III. — St. Eolang, said to have been of Aghaboe, Queen's County, yet
prol>ably of Aghabollogue, County of Cork ... ... 105
Article IV. — St. Brecc-buaid or Bncin, said to have been of Tuaim-Dreacain,
now Toomregan, County of Cavan ... ... 106
Article V. — St. Dubhscuile ... ... ••• ••• io7
Article VI.— St. Elacha . ... ... ••• io7
article VII. — St. Eolog, Anchoret ... . ••• io7
Article VIII. — St. Indeacht, Deacon ... ... • •• i°7
Article IX.— Reputed Feast of St. Ultan ... ... ... 108
Stxti) Bap of Srptember.
Article I.— St. Brga or Bees. Virgin, of Cofeland, England. [Snjcnth
Century ]
CHAP. I.— Introdu tion— v\ ri'ers of St. Bega's Acts-Her
Birtli m Ireland and reputed Parentage— Her
CONTENTS.
Page
Virtues during the Period of Youth— She declines a
proposed Marriage — Abandons Hjmeand Friends
to live a Religious Life in Anglia — Settles on the
Western Shore of Cumberland — Description of St.
Bees— The Miracles of St. Bega and her Manner of
Life while there— She receives the Habit and Veil
from St. Aidan — She founds a Convent at Heriet-
seu, or Heruteu, and gathers a Religious Com
munity around her ... ... 108
Chap. II.— St. Heru deemed to be identical with St. Bees-
She resigns Heretu to the Government of St.
Hilda — Afterwards Heru retires to Calcaria —
Friendship between St Hilda and St. Beghu —
Vision regarding St. Hilda's Death —Death of St.
Bees and Translation of her Relics — Subsequent
Miracles — Festivals and Commemorations of the
Holy Virgin — Conclusion ... ... 115
Article II. — St. Magnus, Magobai.uus. Magnoald, or Magnobaldus,
Apostle of Suabia. [Sixth and Seventh Centuries']
Chap. I. — Introduction — Writers of the Actsof St. Magnoaldus
or Magnus — Ireland the Country of his Birth —
Period of his Nativity — He becomes a Disciple of
St. Columban— Saints Magnoald and Gall remain
in Switzerland — Admonition to Magnoald of St.
Columban nn<l Prophecy before setting out for Italy 124
Chap. II. — St. Magnus becomes the Attendant of St. Gall —
He is sent by tne latter to Bobbio— He brings back
an Account of St. Columban's Death, as also his
Epistle and Staff, to St Gall— Magnus asidsts at the
Obsequies of St. Gall— Outrages offered to the
Remains, and Restoration of his Tomb by St.
Magnus and the Monks — St. Magnus and Theodore
leave St. Gall's Monastery and journey eastwards
— They visit Kempten, where a Dragon is des-
troyed by a Miracle — St. Magnus goes to Fussen,
whence Demons are expelled — There he founds a
Monastery ... ... ... 134
Chap. 1 1 1. — St. Magnus is patronised by King Pippin — Ordained
Priest by Bishop Wictherp — Miracles wrought at
Fussen — Bishop Tozso visited St. Magnus at the
the Time of his Death — Interment by Theodore — A
Memoir placed in his Coffin — Re>toration of his
Church by Charlemagne — Translation of St. Mag-
noald's Remains to a new Shrine — Miracles then
and afterwards wrought — Commemorations and
Festivals — Conclusion ... ... 148
ARTICLE III. — St. Mac Cuilinn, Maculinus or Maculind. Bishop and Patron of
Lusk, County of Dublin. [Fifth or Sixth Century'] ... 165
ARTICLE IV.— St. Sciath, Virgin, of Fert-Sceithe, now Ardskeagh, in Muskerry of
the Three Plains, County of Cork ... _ 174
Article V. — ->t. Coluin, of Rosglan, or Domhnach-mor-Mai^he-Imchlain, now
Donaghmore, near Dun^annon, County of Tyrone. [Fifth *
Century] ... m • •■ '75
Article VI— St. Colman, Son of Eochaidh, probably of Kilclief* County Down 178
Article VII.— St. Caencomrac, said to have been Abbot and Bishop of Derry,
County of Londonderry .. ... ... 178
Article VIII.— St. Dochonna ... ... ... 179
Article IX.— Reputed Feast for the Daughter of Meachar ... 179
Article X.— St. Giallan ... I7o
Article XI.— Reputed Feast of St. ^gidius ... ... 179
Srbentft $Bag of September.
Article I.— St. Madelberga, Medalberta, Amalbertk, or Madelberta,
Abbkss, at Maubeuge, BELGIUM. [Seventh and Eighth
Centuries'] ... .„ ... ... 180
CONTENTS.
Page
Article II. — St. Elarius or Helair, Patron, Anchoret and Scribe of Monahincha,
near Roscrea, County of Tipperary. {Eighth and Ninth Cen-
turies] ... ... ... ... 186
Article III.— St. Sillan <»r Siollan, Bishop ... ... ... 191
Article IV. — Reputed Feast ot St. 1 oit, of Church Island, Lough Beg, County of
Londonderry ... ... ... ... 191
Article V. — Reputed Feast of Siott ... ... ... 191
Article VI.— St Molaissi ... ... ... ... 191
Article VII. — St. Ultan ... ... ... ... 191
Article VIII. — St. Boetius ... ... ... ... 192
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of St. Modocus ... ... 192
Article X. — St Grellan of Craobh-Grellain .. .. ... 192
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Adamnan, or Eunan, Abbot of Iona ... 192
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Queranus, Abbot ... ... 192
Article XIII. — Festival of St. Summiva or Sunnifa, Patroness of Bergen, Norway 193
Article XIV. — Festival of St. Sinotus, Martyr .. ... ... 193
Article XV. — Festival of St. Anastasius, at Salona, Dalmatia, Martyr ... 193
(jBtrjt)t|) ©ag of Sqjtemtor,
Article I. — Festival of St. Disibod, Bishop ani> Confessor, Rhenish
Bavaria. [Seventh Century].. ... ... 194
Article II.— St. Fintai\ or Fionntan, of Ard-Caoin ... ... 196
Article III. — St. Ferghus, the Pict ... ... ... 196
Aktici.e IV. — St. Maelccasni or Maeloisne ... .. ... 197
Article V.— St Cruimther Catha, son of Aengus, of Cluain Eossain ... 197
Article VI. — Fea-t ol the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary... ... 198
Article VII. — Festival of St. Timothy and Three Hundred Martyrs ... 198
Article VIII. — The Son or Sons of Talarg ... ... ... 198
i&tntt) ©ag of <&rpttmber*
Article I. — St. Kierain, Ciaran or Kyran, Abbot of Clonmacnoisf.
[Sixth Century.]
Chap. I.— Introduction— Materials for the Acts of St. Kierain
— Prophecies regarding his Bir.h — His Family and
Pedigree — Place and Time of his Birth— His
Baptism by St. Justus — He studies under St.
Finian, Abbot of Clonard ... ... 199
Chap. II.— St. Kieran leaves Clonard for the School of St.
Ninnidius — Miiacl s recorded — He goes to Endeus,
on the Island of Aran — His Acts while there — His
visit to St. Senan of Iniscathy — Admonished in a
Vision to become the Founder of a great Monastery 210
Chap. III. — St. Kieran leaves Inis Aingin and proceeds to Clon-
macnoise — Tuathal and Diermit, Kings of Ireland
— Foundation of the great Monastery of Clonmac-
noise — St. Kieran's Prediction — His Virtues and
Miracles— Growth of an Episcopal City at Clon-
macnoise — St. Kieran the first Aobot there ... 218
Chap. IV. -Various poetical Pieces stated to have been the
Compositions of St. Kieran — He was Author of a
special Religious Rule — The Year ot St. Kieran's
Death- His Burial and Relics at < lonmacnoise —
Composition in Praise of its Founder attributed to
St. Columba — Commemorations and Celebrations
of St. Kieran — Memorials — Conclusion ... 227
CONTENTS.
Page
Article II. — St. Osmana, or St. Osmanna, Virgin, Abbey of St. Denis, Fiance ... 237
Article III.— St. Cera, Virgin, ol Kiliahear, Parish of Aghnamullen, County of
Monaghan. [Sixth Century] ... . . .. 242
Article IV.— St. Bertellinus or Bettehn. Hermit, and Patron of Stafford, England.
[ In the £i, hth Ceiuu ... ... ... 244
Artici ; Stoctean, Abbot o. Clonard. \Pr*bably in the Tenth Century]... 248
Article VI.— St. Aithgein or Maclaithgem, Bishop of Movilie, County ol Down 248
Article VIL — St. Finduarr or Fionnbharr, ol Cill-Cunga ... ... 249
Article VIII. 1 be I ):mghter or Daughters of Enach. [Supposed to be of the
Fifth Cent my] ... . ... 249
Article IX.— St Teiccess or i'ecce, Tcga or Teg;«n, said to have been of Kil-
tegan, County of Wick low. [Possibly Fifth and Sixth Century] 250
Article X.— St. Coi.all, Son ol /Engus ... ... ... 251
Article XL— St. Ferdaci ichor Fer-da-chrioch ... ... 252
Article XII.— St. Eialan, Fcrtach ... ... ... 252
Article XIII. — Reputed Festival of St. Babolen, Abbot of Fossey ... 252
Article XIV.— St. Dareca ... ... ... ... 253
Article XV.— Sl Diomman ... ... ... 253
Article XVI. — St. Cainchomrach, Abbot of Iona. [Tenth Century] ... 253
Articli XVIL— St. Boisil, Prior of Melrose, Scotland ... ... 253
&euuj ©ag of September
Article L— St. Finian, Finnia, Finnen, Finnbarr, or Finnian, Bishop
of M<>\ 11.1.K, County of Down. [Sixth Century.]
Chap. I. — Intiouuction~-Writers on St. Finian's Acts — His
Family I 'cscent— Early Instructors — Said to have
been in Scotland, and a Disciple of Nennio or
Nei.nius — Recorded Visit to Rome, where he had
been ordained — Return to Ireland ... 253
CHAP. II. — Time when St. Finian flourished — His Miracles —
Founder of Ma^hbile and Druim-Fionn Monasteries
— His Relation as Master to some distinguished
Irish Saints— His last Illness and Death — His
Festivals and Commemorations — Conclusion ... 257
ARTICLE II.— St. Otger or Odgtr, Deacon, at Rurimond, Belgium. [tiqhth
Century] ... ... ... 263
Artici.i III. — m. Senach, son of Buidi. [Possibly in the Fifth Century] ... 267
ARTICLE IV. — St. Segen or Sughin, son ol Ua Luinn, Abbot of Bangor, Coun'y
Down. [Seventh Century] .. ... ... 268
ARTICLE V.— St. Finnbar Aiac Bincli or i-ionnbharr ... ... 269
Akiici.e YL— St. Ferghus, son ol Guaire ... .. ... 269
;• IE VIL— St. Odian or CMhran ... 269
Article V1IL— St. Dachuimmne ... ... 269
Articlk IX.— St. Ailbe Imligh or Elbe ... ... ... 269
Article X. -St. I.ucill or Luiceall ... ... 269
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Egiditu ... ... ... 269*
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of Gisuarius, a Priest ... ... 270
ArticleXIIL— Reputed Festival of St. Bertellinus ... ... 270
(Elebenuj ©ag of September.
Article L— St. Loarn or Loarnn, Bishop of Bright, County of Down.
[ Fifth Century] ... ... 270
Article II.— St. Silian or biollan,of Imleach Cassain, in Cuailgne, or of Imleach-
caoin, in the Tir-Aedha ... ... ... 273
ARTICLE II —Reputed Festival for the Transfer of St. Bathen's Relics, and the
Miracle of St. Duthac's Arm ... .. ... 274
CONTENTS.
Page
Article IV. — Reputed Festival of a St. Batheneus ... ... 275
Article V.— St. Daniel, Bishop of Bangor, County of Down ... ... 275
Article VI. — St. C<>namhail, son of Failbhe, Abbot of lona. [Seventh and Eighth
Centuries] ... ... ... ... 276
Article VII. — Reputes Festival of a St. Queranus, Abbot of Foilen, in Scotia ... 276
Article VIII. — St. Colman, Bishop ... ... ... 277
Article IX. — St. Mosinu or Moshinu ... ... ... 277
Article X. — Reputed Feast of St. Columbanus, Abbot of Luxeu ... 277
Article XI. — Festival of St. Eata, Bishop of Lindis'arne ... ... 278
&toelft{) ©ag of September,
Article I.— St. Albeus or Ailbe, Patron and Bishop of Emly. [Fifth ana
Sixth Centuries.]
Chap. I. — Introduction — Manuscript and printed Accounts of
St. Ailbe — His Descent and Parentage — Probable
Date ot Birth — Legends regarding his Infancy —
said to have visited Rome, and to have been sent
by the Sovereign Pontiff to preach the Gospel in
Ireland — His Arrival there and Success of his
Mission ... ... ... 278
CHAP. II. — St. Palladius and St. Patrick recognised as the first
Apostles of the Irish Church — St. Ailbe a Disciple
of St. Patrick — First Meeting of St. Patrick and
St. Ailbe — The Irish Apostle and King iEngus fix
the See of St. Ailbe at Emly — Description of the
Locality — The Ruie of St. Ailbe—Missionary Inci*
dents of his Career — His Death and Place of
Burial — Festivals and Commemorations — Con-
clusion ... ... ... 286
Article II St. Molaissi, or Laisren, of Devenish Island, County of
Fermanagh. [Sixth Century.]
Chap. I. — Introduction — Manuscript and printed Lives of St.
Molaissi or i.aisren — His Family and Birth — His
early Training — He selects Devenish as a Place for
his Religious Foundation — Description of the
Isl.nd and of its Antiquities ... ... 298
Chap. II. — Period of St. Molaissi's Settlement in Devenish —
Rute drawn up by him ior the Regulation of that
Monastery — His Miracles — Virtues and Learning
of the Saint — His Deaih and Burial at Devenish —
Commemorations — Conclusion ... ... 305
Article III. — St. Mac Lasre or Maclaisre, Archbishop and Abbot of Armagh,
County of Armagh. [Sixth and .seventh Centuries] ... 311
Article IV.— St. Fbdh, Virgin, of Tech-Fleidhe, County of Wicklow ... 312
Article V.— St. Coiman, Bishop of Abhla ... ... ... 312
Article VI.— St. Kenan, surnamed Colledoc, Bishop. [Fifth Century] ... 313
ftijuteenti) ©ag of September.
Article I.— St. Dagan, Bishop of Achad-Dagain, or Ennerreii.ly,
County ok W icklow. [S xth and Seventh Centuries] ... 315
Article II. — The Daughters of Colum, of Tech-inghen-Coluim, in Cremhthann 325
Article III. — St. Neman or Naemhann Mac Ua Duibh. [Probably in the
Seventh Century] .. ... ... 327
Article IV. — St. Maeltolaigh, of Drumbeg Parish, County of Down ... 327
Article V.— Reputed Festival of St. Batheneus, Confessor ... 327
CONTENTS.
Article VI. — Reputed Festival of St. Columban, Abbot of Lure ... 328
Article VII. — St. Caemnach ... ... ... 328
Article VIII. — Reputed Festival of Twenty-two Holy Martyrs ... 328
JFomteentlj 3@ag of* September.
AETICLK 1. — St. Cormac Mac Culllnan, King Of Munster and Bishop
OK Cashel. iJVinl/i ana Tenth CeuturicS.\
Chap. I. — Introduction — Sources for St. Cormac Mac
Cullenan's Biography — His Birth and Education
— He becomes Bishop of Cashel — Description
and early History of Cashel — Cormac is
elevated to the Throne of South Munster — His
\ wt to Lorcan, King of Thomond ... 328
CHAP. II. — The Invasion of Thomond by Flann Sionna,
Monarch of Ireland — His Defeat — Cormac
supposed to have been Author of the Psalter
of Cashel — 'Compositions attributed to
St. Cormac Mac Cuillenan — Cormac's Chapel
on the Rock of Cashel — Visit of King Lorcan
to Cormac — The Sanas Chormaic — Cormac's
Celebration of Easter at Cashel — Hostilities
between the People of -Munster and those of
Leinster ... ... ... 336
Chap. III.— Contests between Eoghan Mor, King of
Munster, and Conn of the Hundred Battles,
Monarch of Ireland — Division of the Island
into Leath Cuinn or Conn's Half and Leath
Modha or Modha's Half — A Council of the
Munster Chiefs convened by King Cormac at
Mungret — Resolution to declare War against
Leinster — His Will and Presentiment of a
fatal Result — The Battle of Ballaghmoon —
Defeat and Death of King Cormac — Place of
Interment — Festivals — Erection of Cashel into
a See — Memorials — Conclusion ... 352
Article II. — St. Caemhan Brec, Bishop of Ross-each, now Russagh, County
of Westmeath ... ... ... 372
ARTICLE III.— St. Celcdabhaill, Abbot of Bangor, County of Do'.mi ... 373
Article IV. — The Daughters of Colum, in Cremtannaibh ... 373
ARTICLE V. — Reputed Feast of a St. Faghna ... ... 374
Article VI. — Maeltolaig of Droma Faindle ... 374
Article VII. — Festival of St. Cyprian, Bishop, Doctor and Martyr ... 374
Article VIII.— Feast of St." Cornelius, Pope and Martyr ... 375
Article IX. — Festival of One-and-Twenty Martyr ... 375
Ar 1 icle X.— The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ... ... 376
JHfteentt) ©ag of September.
Article I.— St. Mirinus or Meadhran, Patron of Paisley, Scotland
\SixthCentmy\ ... .. ... 377
Article II. — St. Anmeir or Ainmire, of Cluain-fodn ... ... 381
Article HI.— St. La-sa <>i Ctonmore ... ... 382
Article IV.— The Sons of Tadhg ... ... ... 382
Article V. — St. Cyrinus and his Companions, Ifftrtjm ... 383
Article VI.— Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed' Virgin Mary ... 383
Article VII.— Reputed Feast of St. Muredac ... ... 584
Article VIII.— Reputed Feast of St. Cormac, of Munster ... ... 384
Article IX.— Feast of Nicomedes, Martyr .. ... ... 384
CONTEXTS.
Sixteenth ©ag of September.
Page
Article I. — St. Monenn or Maoineann, Bishop of Cloncurrv, County
of klldare, and supposed to have been identical
with St. Ninian, Apostle of the Southern Picts.
[Fourth ana Fifth Centuries. J
Chap. I. — Introduction — Writers of St. Ninian's Acts —
Supposed Identity of Ninian with Moneen or
Maoinean — Birth and early Years of Ninian —
His Journeys to Gaul, on his Way to Rome —
His Studies there — His Ordination as Priest
and his Consecration as Bishop — His Visit to
St. Martin, Bishop of Tours — His Return to
Scotland ... ... ... j&5
Chap. II.— The Roman Province of Valentia — Withern and
Candida Casa — Monastic Institute there estab-
lished by St. Ninian — His Apostolate to the
Picts — Its Success — Miracles of the Saint ... 393
Chap. III. — St. Ninian is said to have sought a Retreat in
Ireland towards the Close of his Life — The
Place was called Cloneonrie-Tomayne, now
Cloncurry, in the County of Kildare — Death
and Burial of St. Ninian — Pilgrimages to his
Shrine and Miracles there wrought — Religious
Memorials — Conclusion ... ... 398
Article II. — St. Laisren, Abbot of Iona [Sixth and Seventh Centiuies] ... 410
Article III. — St. Laisren, of Menadrehid, Queen's County. [Sixth and
Seventh Centuries] ... ... ... 412
Article IV. — St. Criotan, or Critan Certronnach of Bangor, County of
Down. [Seventh Century] ... ... ... 415
Article V. — St. Anfadan ... ... ... ... 415
Article VI.— Reputed Feast of a St. Golan ... ... 415
Article VII. — St. Senan ... ... ... 416
Article VIII. —St. Saran ... ... ... 416
Article IX. — St. Caemhan or Coeman ... ... 416
Article X. — St. Colman ... ... ... 416
Article XL — St. Cathbhadh, or Cathbad ... ... 416
Article XII. — St. Airen ... ... ... 417
Article XIIL— St. Auxilius ... ... ... 417
Article XIV.— Death of St. Cormac Mac Cullinan, King and Bishop of
Cashel ... ... ... ... 417
Article XV.— Reputed Feast of St. Miodu, Son of Mael ... ... 417
Article XVI.— Festival of St. Euphemia, Virgin and Martyr ... 418
Article XVII. — Festival of Saints Lucia and Geminianus, Martyrs ... 418
Sebenteentt) Bag of September.
Article I. — St. Grellan, Patron of Hy-Maine, Counties of Galway
and Roscommon. [Fifth or .\txih Centuries.]
Chap. I. — Introduction — Hy-Maine, its Boundaries and
original Inhabitants — The Firbolgs — Maine
Mor succeeds and gives name to the Territory
— Afterwards occupied by the O'Kellys —
Authorities for the Acts of St. Grellan — His
Descent and Birth — Said to have been a
Disciple of St. Patrick — A Great Miracle
wrought by St. Grellan at Achadh Fionnabrach 419
Chap. II.— A Tract of Land bestowed on St. Grellan by
Duach Gallach, and afterwards known ar
Craobh Greallain — War between the Firbolg.'
CONTENTS.
Page
and Maine Mor — St. Grellan settles at Kil-
clooney — Destruction of the Firbolg Host — The
I ly- Maine occupy their Territory, and bind them-
selves to pay an annual Tribute to St. Grellan
— Festival — His Crozier preserved by the
O'Cronellys — Fortunes of the O'Kellys, or
House of Hy-Maine — Conclusion ... 425
Article II.— St. Roding or St. Rouin, Abbot of Beaulieu, France ... 431
Article III. — St. Brogan Cloen, Abbot of Rostuirc, in Ossory. [Seventh
Centu y] . ... .. ... 435
Article IV. — St. Riagail, Patron of Tyrella Parish ... ... 440
Article V. St. Earc, or Eric, Bishop of Donoghmore, of Magh Cobha,
or of Maighe Damhairne, Counties of Down and Antrim ... 441
Article VI.— St. Feme, Daughter of Cairell, Virgin and Martyr ... 442
Article VII. — St. Cuimmen, Abbot of Bangor, County of Down. \&venth
Century] ... ... ... ... 443
Article VIII.— St. Coindere, of Cuil-liag ... ... 443
Article IX. — Monachus ... ... • •• 444
Article X. — St. Sanctin ... ... ... 444
Article XI. — Anniversary of the Birth of St. Cornelius, Archbishop of
Armagh ... ... ... 445
Article XII.— Feast of the Translation of St. Fursey's Relics ... 445
Article XIII. — St. Justin or Justus ... ... ... 446
Article XIV.— St. Laureint ' ... ... ... 447
Article XV.— St. Lambeirt ... ... ... 447
Article XVI.— Reputed Festival of St. Pantaleon ... ... 447
(fBigtjtcentt) ©ap. of .September.
Akiicle I.— St. Endeus, Abbot of Emlaghfad, County of Sligo. [Sixth
Century] ... ... ... ... 448
Article II.— St. Fergna, Priest ... ... ... 448
Article III. — St. Edain, of Droma Rath, most probably Drumrath, or
Drumrany, County of Westmeath ... ... 449
Amu i.e IV. — Feast of St. Richarde or Richardis, Empress and Virgin ... 450
Article V. — St. Foendelach or Faoindelach ... ... 451
Article VI. — St. Gema, Virgin of Riacc Innse ... ... 451
Article VII.— St. Greallan Lainne ... ... ... 451
Article VIII. — St. Maelcanaigh, of Rusgach, in the County of Louth ... 451
Article IX. — St. Meno, a Deacon and Martyr ... ... 451
Article X. — One Hundted and Seven Thousand ... ... 451
Article XI. — Dedication of a Basilica ... ... ... 452
Article XII.— Reputed Festival of Columban, Bishop ... ... 452
Article XIII.- Reputed Feast of St. Ninian of Candida Casa ... 452
\rii< i.e XIV. — Festival for Saints Piala and Hia, Virgins and Martyrs ... 452
Article XV.— Festival of St. Eutroip or Eutropius ... ... 452
Article XVI.— Feast of St. Meiteit or Medetus ... ... 452
Article XVIT. -Festival of St. Methoit or Methodius ... ... 453
jfrtneteenti) UBap of September.
Article I. — St. Fionutain, Abbot, thought to have been the Son of
Ainu Kimni.iaih. [Sixth Century] ... ... 453
Article II.— Reputed Feast of St. Saran Mac Trenaich ... ... 454
Article III.— St. Mac Oigi, Priest ... ... ... 455
Article IV.— St. Fergus, Cruithnech, or the Pict 455
Article V.— Reputed Feast of St. Faendalech ... ... 455
CONTENTS.
Page
Article VI. — St. Seachan ... ... ... 455
Article VII.— St. Comgell or Caomhgheall, Virgin ... ... 455
Article VIII. — St. Anci or Ainchi ... ... ... 456
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Sezin, Abbot in Amu ... 456
Article X. — Reputed Feast of St. Kortila ... ... 456
Articik XI — R< puled Festival ol a ( oliunban in Scotland ... 456
Article XII.— St. Egbinus, a Levite ... ... ... 457
Article XIII.— St. Zephanus ... ... ... 457
Article XIV. — Feast of St. Januarius, Bishop of Beneventum and Martyr 457
Article XV. — Achuit or Acutus ... ... ••• 458
Article XVI.— St. Festus ... ... ••• 458
Article XVII. — Procul or Proculus ... ... ••• 458
Article XVIII.— Eutic ... ... ... 458
Article XIX. — Felix and His Companions, Martyrs, at Nuceria, Italy ... 458
Article XX. — St. Constaint or Constantia ... ... 459
Article XXL— Pilip or Philippus ... ... ... 459
&toentietf) JBag of .September.
Article I. — St. Moghaidh, Priest ... ... "... 459
Article II. — St. Aedhan, Son of Oissin ... ... 459
Article III. — Festival of Doroma ... ... ... 460
Article IV. — Privatus ... ... ... 460
Article V. — Dionysius ... ... ... ... 460
Article VI. — Fausta, Martyr ... ... ... 460
Article VII. — Evilasius and Eulogius ... ... ... 461
Article VIII. — Elevation of the Relics of St. Landalin ... ... 461
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of St. Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne ... 461
Article X. — Vigil of St. Matthew the Apostle ... ... 461
CtonUp4irst JDap. of September.
Article I. — St. Edilhun, Monk in Ireland. [Seventh Century] ... 461
Article II. — St. Landelinus, Solitary and Martyr ... ... 462
Article III. — St. Saran mac Tiagharnaigh of Lesan, on Mount Callan, and
of Cluain da-acra in Cheachair ... ... 465
Article IV. — Feast of St. Caidoc, Abbot of Lanncarvan, in Wales ... 465
Article V. — St. Maninius, or Naninus, Confessor ... ... 465
Article VI. — St. Pampil or Pamphilus, Martyr at Rome ... ... 466
Article VII. — St. Alexander, Bishop and Martvr ... ... 466
Article VIII. — St. Clemeint or Clemens ..." ... ... 466
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of Ciricc, or Cyricus ... ... 466
Article X.— Claudus ... ... ... ... 467
Article XI. — Laudus ... ... ... ... 467
Article XII. — St. Matthew, Apostle ... ... ... 467
Ctoent^seeonti jsag 0f September.
Article I. — St. Colum, or Colomb Crag, Priest at Enach, County
of Londonderry. [Sixth Cen'ury\ ... ... 468
Article II. — St. Colman, Son of Cathbhadh, of Midhe-iseal ... 47°
Article III. — St. Barrfhinn, said to have been a Son of Ernin ... 47°
Article IV.— St. Aedh, or Aidus, Son of Senach ... ... 471
CONTENTS.
Page
Article V. — Martyrdom of St. Maurice and his Companions ... 471
Article VI. — St. Hygbald, Abbot ... ... ... 472
Article VII. — St. Lolan, Bishop and Confessor, of Kincardine, Scotland 473
Article VIII. — The Sons of Krnin, of Imis-mac-n-Ernin, of Loch Ce,
now Lough Key, County of Roscommon ... ... 474
Article IX. — Festival of St. Ladelin, a Scot, Diocese of Fribourg ... 475
492
fttoent^ttjirti $a]3 ot September.
Article I. — St. Adamnan, ABBOT of Iona. [Seventh and Eighth Centuries. \
CHAP. I. — Introduction. — Writers of St. Adamnan's Acts
— Changes of his Name — His Parentage and
Descent — Place ol his Birth — Early Life
spent in Ireland — Becomes a Monk at Iona
— Occupations in that Capacity — Reign of
Finnachta Fleadhach or the Festive over
Ireland — Foundations attributed to Adamnan
in Ireland — Adamnan elected Abbot of Iona —
Alfrid's Exile in Ireland and subsequent Return
to Northumbria — Invasion of Ireland by the
Saxons — Adamnan at the Request of his
Countrymen undertakes an Embassy to the
Court of King Aldfrid — He procures the
Release of the Captives ... ... 476
Chap. II. — The Vision of Adamnan — His Sojourn in
Ireland — Raphoe and its Church dedicated
to the Patron Saint — The Shrine of Adamnan
—Virtual and Accomplishments 01 the Saint —
Bishop Arculf's Visit to Iona — Adamnan
writes the Tract De Locis Sanctis — His Life
of St. Columba — Adamnan's genuine Writings
and those attributed to him ...
Chap. III.— The Visit of Adamnan to Ireland during the
Reign of Finnachta Fledach, and his Return to
Iona — Again he re-visits Ireland — Remission
of the Boromean Tribute — Adamnan's Temp-
tations— Death of King Bruide, and Legend
of his Resuscitation from Death by Adamnan
— The Life of St. Columba written in Iona —
Supposed Sojourn of our Saint inDerry — The
great Synod at which Flann Febhla, Abbot
of Armagh, presided, and at which Adamnan
assisted — His disciplinary Recommendations
to the Irish Clergy and Laity ... 504
I map. IV. — Return of Adamnan to Iona — He again sails for
Ireland in 696 or 697, and convenes a Mordail
or general Convocation — The Synod at Tara
and Promulgation of the Law of the Innocents
with other Enactments — Return to Iona —
Another Embassy to King Aldfrid's Court —
Adamnan is there converted to the Adoption
of the Roman Usages — He fails in his Effort
to introduce them at Iona, but visits Ireland
once more, where he succeeds — His reputed
Connection with Mayo — His Return to Iona
and Death — Festivals — Commemorations in
Ireland and Scotland — St. Eunan's Catholic
Cathedral in Letterkenny — Relics of Adamnan
pre»^rve<l at Iona — Their Removal to Ireland
— Return to Iona — Once more removed tn
Ireland — Conclusion ... . . $\2
Arthif. II. Si. Tonaing, or Oonnioh Mic Luachain ... ... 533
CONTENTS.
Page
Article III. — St. Comnat or Coirnnatain ... ... 534
Article IV. — St. Saran ... ... ... ... 534
Article V. — St. Teck, Virgin and Martyr ... ... ... 534
Article VI.— Reputed Festival of St. Lolan, Scottish Bishop ... 535
Article VII.— Reputed Festival of St. Hildulph ... ... 535
Article VIII. — Reputed Festival of St. Kynnera or Canera, Virgin, at
Inis Cathaigh ... ... ... 535
Cfomip-fourijj -§an oi Sbtyhmbtx.
Article I. — Saints Chunibaldus ur Cunialdus and Gislarius,
Priests and Missionaries in Bavaria. {Seventh and Eighth
Centuries} ... .. ... ... 536
Article II. — St. Foelchu, of Finglas, County of Dublin ... .. 541
Article III. — St. Ceallachan, of Clontibret, County of Monaghan ... 542
ARTICLE IV.— The Daughters 01 Cainnceh, of Maghlocha, County i>l
Tipperary. [Sixth. Century] ... ... ... 543
Article V. — St. Cailcon or Caolchu, of Cluana Airthir or Lui-Airthir ... 544
Article VI.— Festival of Felix ... ... ... 545
Article VII. — Festival of Androchius ... ... ... 545
Article VIII. — Festival of Thyrsus ... ... ... 545
Article IX. — Festival of the Conception of St. John the Baptist ... 545
Article X.— Feast of the Translation of St. Rupert's Relics ... 546
Articlk XT. — Reputed Feast of St. Lolan ... ... ... 547
Article XII. — Reputed Feast for Barrea, Bishop and Confessor ... 547
Cfaenig -fifty $aij ai September.
Article I. — St. Bairre or Finbar, First Bishop, and Patron of Cork.
[Sixth and Seventh Centuries. \
Chap. I. -Introduction — Materials for the Acts of St.
Bairre or Finbar — His Race and Birth-
Miracles recorded — His early Instructors —
His Acts while remaining in Leinster — His
Return to Munster — Miracles while there—
St. Finbar's Contemporaries — Said to have
visited Rome ... ... 547
Chap. II. — St. Bairre founds a School for Religious at
Gougane Barra — Names of his Disciples, Men
and Women — He is admonished by an Angel
to leave for Cloyne — Afterwards he goes to
Cork, where he establishes a famous School
and Monastery — Names of his Cork Scholars
— Period of his Episcopacy and See in that City
— Legends regarding his Consecration as
Bishop — Death and Burial of Bairre's Master
Maccuirp — Origin of Cork Citv ... 558
Chap. III.— Period of St. Finbarr's Sojourn at Cork-
Death of his Master, Bishop Maccuirp, and
his Burial there — Finbarr's Selection of a
Spiritual Director — He visits Fiama at Desert-
more to obtain Relics — Finbarr's Visit to
Cloyne, where his Death takes place — His
Interment at Cork — Ecclesiastical Traditions
of the See — Calendar Celebrations of St.
Finbarr's Feast — Memorials — Conclusion ... 570
Article II. — St. Colman, of Comhruire, now Kilcomreragh, at Uisneach
Hill, County of Westmeath. [Seventh Century] .... 585
CONTENTS.
Article III.- Reputed St. Colman, Sci ... ... ... 586
Article IV.— St. Iomchaidh, of Kill Drochoid, County of Down 586
Article V. — St. Coelan or Caelan, of Echinis ... 586
Article VI.— St. Ainmire, of Ross-na-Chonna, in Mughdhorna 587
Article VII. — St. Sineall, of Pniim-Broan ... 587
Article VIII. — St. Seanan or Senan, Bishop of Cork ... 587
Article IX. — St. Modain or Modoe, in Ailbhe ... ... 588
ARTICLE X. — Feast of Firmin or Firminus, First Bishop of Amiens, by some
writers reputed an Irish Saint ... ... 588
Article XL— St. Ruine ... ... 592
Article XII.— Reputed Feast of St. Adamnan, Abbot of Iona ... 592
Article XIII.— Cleophas ... ... ••• 592
Article XIV.— St. Lupus ... ••• ••• 593
Article XV.— St. Eusebius ... ... 593
cTnuntn-SH-tb Bag of Sipfemfeer,
Akime I. — St. Colman Eala, or Elo, Abbot of Lann Elo, now
Lynally, King's County. [Sixth and Seventh Centuries.']
I 11 IP. I. — Introduction — Family arul Biuh of St. Colman Eala
— Hi* Early Instruction imder St. Caeman of
Sliabh Bloom — Miracles — Colman is said to
have spent some Time at Connor — Confounded
with St. Colm-in of Dromore ... ... 503
t hat. II. — Return of St. Colman Eala to his ancestral Pro-
vince— His Visits to St.Columbainlona — Escape;-
the Dangers of Courebrecain Whirlpool — Con-
vention at which St. Colman obtains a Grant
of Land to found his Monastery and Church
at Lynally — Record of various Miracles — Fore-
knowledge of his Death — His Visit to Clonard
in Anticipation of it — His Return to Lynally
and Departure from Life — St. Colman Eala's
Commemoration and Memorials — Conclusion 598
Article II.— St. Colman, of Ros Branduibh ... ... 607
Article III.— Feast of St. Natalis, at Kinnawley ... ... 607
Article IV. — St. Justina, Martyr, near Nicomedia, in Bithynia ... 607
Article V. — St. Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr, near Nicomedia, in Bithinia 608
Article VI.— St. Faustinus, Martyr ... ... 608
Article VII.— Eusebius ... ... ... ... 608
AlTICLI VIII. —Translation of the Relics of St. David, Patron of Wales 608
Article IX.— Translation of the Relics of St. Virgilius, Bishop of Saltzbmg 609
Article X. — Reputed Anniversary of the Death of St. Raban Maur ... 6oq
Jtoentij-sebentl) Dap, of September.
Article I. — St. Lupait or Lupita, also thought to have
Liamain or Liemania, Sister of St. Patrick.
Century]
Article II. — St. Fionntain, or Fintan
Article III. — St. Columm or Columban ...
AlTICLI TV. — St. Suibni, or Suibhne
Article V. — St. Finnen or Finnian, Bishop
AlTICLI VI. — St. Finnanie Mac Coppain ...
Article VII.— Festival for the Translation of St. Gibrian'i Relics
AlTICLI VIII.— St. Ernin Ua Briuin
Article IX. — Si. Orannus or Oranus, Bishop
BEEN
[ Fifth
609
614
616
616
617
617
617
617
618
CONTENTS.
Article X. — Reputed Feast of Marcellus, Scottish
Balbulus, St. Gall, Switzerland
Article XL — Festival of St. Barry, in Scotland
Tutor of Notker
Article XII. — Festival of
Article XIII. — Leoint or
Article XIV.— Antim or
Article XV. — Adulf
Article XVI.— Petar
Article XVII.— Eupreip
Saints Cosmas and Damian
Leontius
Anthimus
Page
618
619
619
620
620
620
620
621
Article I. — St. Sinach Mac Dara, of Inis Cruach Mac Dara County
of Galway ... ... ... 621
Article II. — Feast of St. Fursey ... ... ... 624
Article III. — St. Fiachrach or Fiachra, Bishop of Cuil Eachtrann, now
Culfeightrin Parish, County of Antrim ... ... 628
ARTICLE IV. — St. Diarmait, Bishop of Cluain, Finn-Aighne ... 629
Article V. — The Two Findias and Lobhar ... ... 629
Article VI. — Reputed Feast for St. Junill or Junaill, Infirmus ... 630
Article VII. — St. Dairi, a Holy Widow ... ... 630
Article VIII. — St. Machan, Bishop and Confessor ... ... 630
Article IX. — Festival of St. Conval ... ... ... 63 x
Article X. — Faust or Faustus ... ... ... 631
Article XI. — Ianair or Januarius ... ... ... 632
Article XII. — Martial or Martialis ... ... ... 632
Article XIII.— Exuperius ... ... ... 632
Article XIV.— Solon ... ... ... 633
Article XV.— Reputed Feast of a Marcellus ... ... 633
Article XVT.-Zaeheus ... ... ... 633
Article XVII.— Reputed Feast of St. Gilda ... ... 633
Article XVITT.— Translation of St. Dvsibod's Relics ... ... 633
Ctomtg-nintfr §ap of jJcpfemlxer.
Article I. — St. Murghal, Abbot of Rathlin, County of Antrim.
[Eio/ifh Century}
Article II. — St. Oolumba, or Columm
Article III. — St. Ciaran, Son of Iar, Bishop
Article IV.— St. Nessan, of Uladh
Article V. — St. Sedrach, Bishop
Article VI. — St. Caiman
Article VII.— St. Comgill or Comghall
Article VIII.— Feast of St. Michael the Archangel
Article IX.— Eutic or Eutvchius
Article X. — Reputed Feast for St. Barr
Article XI.— Feast of Goganus, Abbot ... "...
Article XII.— Festival of St. Disibod
Article XIII.— Reputed Feast for St. Firminns, Bishop of Amiens
634
635
636
636
636
637
637
637
638
638
638
638
638
@t!rtrfot(r gag erf S*ptemfor.
Article I.— St. Mochonna, of Cluain Airdne. [Seventh and Eighth
Centuries']
Article II.— Reputed Feast of a St. Conna
639
640
CONTEH IS.
Page
Article III. — St. Brigid, of Cluainfidhe, or perhaps of Kilbreedy, Queen's
County ... ••• ••• 640
Article IV.— St. Mobi, Nun, of Domhnach Broc, Donnybrook, County of
Dublin ... ... •• 642
Article V.— St. Ainner or Airinne. the Pious, of Breachmhagh ... 643
Article VI.— St. Faolan, of Rath-aine, in Dal Araidhe 644
Article VII.— St. Faelan ... 644
Article VIII.— St. Daighre, of Cluain Accair, in Ardgail ... ... 644
Article IX. — St. Lassar, Daughter of Lochain ... 645
Article X.— St. Lugaid or Lughaidh, of Airther-Acbadh ... ... 645
Article XI. — St. Laeghaire, Bishop of Lough Conn, County of Mayo ... 645
Article XII.— St. Corcan, the Pilgrim, Bishop ... ... 645
Article XIII.— Reputed Feast of Ailithir, a Bishop ... ... 645
Article XIV. — St. Comesd or Coimsigh, Priest, of Domhnach Airis ... 646
Article XV.— St. Coininn, Virgin ... ... ... 646
Article XVI.— St. Rodan or Rotan ... ... ... 646
Article XVII. — St. Broncein or Bronchan, of Lethet corcraidhe ... 646
Article XVIII.— St. Bresal, of Derthaig ... ... ... 646
Article XIX. — St. Seanan, or Senan ... ... ... 647
Article XX.— St. Creber ... ... 647
Article XXI. — St. Colman, of Cluain-tioprat, now Clontibret, County of
Monaghan ... ... ... 647
Article XXII. — Reputed Festival for St. Machanus ... ... 647
Article XXIII.— Reputed Feast of St. Coganus Abbot ... ... 648
Article XXIV.— Reputed Feast of St. Malchus, Bishop of Sodor, Scotland 648
Article XXV. — St Victor «>f the Tbeban Leeion. Martyr ... ... 64S
Article XXVI. — Ursus, of the Theban Legion, Martyr ... ... 648
Article XXVII. — St. Jerome, Priest at Bethlehem, and Doctor of the
Church ... ... 64*
SUPPLEMENTAL LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Carbray, Felix, Esq., Portuguese Consulate
Quebec, Canada.
Chadwick. J"hn, Esq., Jun., 18 Patrick-
street, Kilkenny.
Begley, Rev. John, C.C., Tournafulla, New
Library of the Monastery, Pantasaph, Holy
Well, North Wales.
McKeefy, Rev. Joseph, C.C., Waterside,
Derrv.
O'Boylan, Very Rev. B. M., Catholic
castle West, Countv Limerick. Rector, Newark, State of Ohio, U.S.A.
Doherty, Rev. William, C.C , St. Coluroba's
Presbytery, Derry.
Gibney, Most Rev. Matthew. D.D., Bishop
of Perth, Western Australia.
Gilbert, Henry March, Esq., 26 Above Bar,
O'Reilly, Patrick J., Esq., 7 North Earl-
s'reet, Dublin.
Ormond, Rev. William, C.C, Grange
Mockler, Callan, County Kilkenny.
Robh, Mrs. Alice G., Sauaymount, Ough-
Southampton, England. (Two Copies.) terard, County Galway
DIRECTION TO THE BINDER.
flr The Binder will please prefix the Frontispiece and Title Page, contained in Part 90.
and first of Vol. IX. to the present Table of Contents, which, in order of binding, should
precede the various Parts to 99, which Part closes the present Volume.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
jftrst IBajj of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. .EGIDIUS OR GILES, ABBOT OF ST. GILLES,
FRANCE.
{SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES.}
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION— WRITERS OF LIVES OF ST. /EGIDIUS — HIS ORTGIN, BIRTH AND EARLY
DISPOSITIONS — EDUCATION AND EMIGRATION FROM GREECE — HE ARRIVES AT MAR-
SEILLES—AFTERWARDS HE GOES TO ARLES— HE THEN SEEKS A PLACE FOR RETREAT
NEAR THE RIVER GARD— LIVES WITH THE HERMIT FERODEMOS AND AFTERWARDS
PARTS WITH HIM FOR A SITUATION OF STILL GREATER RETIREMENT— NIMES AND ITS
GOTHIC KINGS— ST. AGIDIUS IS URGED TO THE ERECTION OF A RELIGIOUS HOUSE.
NOTHING afforded the saints more pleasure and happiness than to
understand the will of God in their regard. Only to learn what was
required of them was sufficient to engage all their desires. The prompting
of duty became the rule which governed their lives. It mattered not how
great was the sacrifice demanded, or how continuous the exertion ; all labours
were lightened by that complacency taken in their performance, and by the
testimony of a good conscience, which guided their motives. Such ready
submission to the Divine will was the secret of their strength, and it pro-
cured that love of things heavenly, which served to lessen their love for
worldly objects. Men willingly perform those actions, which but accord
with their tastes and enjoyments. These latter are too frequently depraved
and sinful ; hence it happens, that in following the bent of evil inclinations,
folly and vice will bring many to the depths of infamy and misery. But, the
holy ones of God have learned to control evil desires, and to practise good
works ; thus, virtue grew into a habit, while their consciences, sensitive and
responding only to the calls of grace, formed those holy resolutions, which
exalt and crown the supernatural life. Moreover, as in their respective spheres
of duty, they were only solicitous to learn and fulfil their various avocations
in the service of their Divine Master; so were they solely devoted to Him,
seeking in their pilgrimage here the Kingdom of Heaven as their reward, and
disregarding in comparison with it as mere illusions the passing comforts
and ambitions of those who are bent on procuring earthly enjoyments.
The principle on which the present work has been compiled only restricts
the writer to include the lives of saints, connected with Ireland by birth,
missionary career, or death, with occasionally the introduction of some Celtic
Vol. IX.— No. i. a
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
forms of name, and more especially confined to Scotland or Wales, while
owing to want of record it seems doubtful if they be not of Irish birth, as
undoubtedly they were of Irish parentage or descent. In the present
instance, however, it seems allowable to enter an exception, in the case of
St. iEgidius — better known in the British Islands as St. Giles — because he
is not only specially commemorated in our national Calendars, but because
he was likewise specially venerated in Ireland, as in other countries on the
Continent of Europe. The life and actions of the present saint have been
greatly confused by an old writer of his Acts, and as there was an earlier
abbot, bearing the same name, and who lived near the city of Aries in the
sixth century, the memorials collected for his biography introduced matters
referable to both holy men.1
Our St. ^Egidius is said to have flourished in the south of France,
according to some, at a time when St. Caesarius was bishop over the See of
Aries.3 This, however, is a mistake, and he is not to be confounded with
/Egidius, an abbot near that city, and who had been sent to Rome with
Messianus,3 in 514, to Pope Symmachus.* The circumstances of time and
place are sufficient to disprove any such supposition.* The present St.
Giles, a Greek by birth, lived only in the seventh, and in the beginning of
the eighth, century.6
The praises of St. Egidius have been sung by St. Fulbert of Chartres,
in an office, which he composed to honour that holy Abbot.? Franciscus
Haraeus,8 Petrus de Natalibus, and Florarius, have accounts of ^Egidius,
taken chiefly from his ancient incorrect Acts, to which they have added
errors of their own, according to the statement of Father John Stilting. An
anonymous Life of this saint has been published in the " Acta Sanctorum "9
of the Bollandists. Again, at the present date, they have given another
Life of this holy man in three chapters,10 with notes appended and a
Preface." This latter Life has been edited by Father John Stilting. How-
ever, besides the evident anachronism of confounding him with an Egidius,
Article 1.— ' See Mabillon's "Annales
Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i., lib. iv.,
sect, xxvii., pp. 99, 100.
a The old writer of St. Giles' acts makes
him a contemporary with St. Caesarius, who
died a.o. 542, and with Charles Martel,
King of France, who died A.D. 751 ; this
shows how inaccurate such record is, at
least in its earlier statements.
1 Secretary to St. Caesarius. This bishop
desired to obtain a confirmation of the
privileges of the metropolitical church of
Aries, as a result of their embassy. See
Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Fathers,
Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol.
ix., September i.
4 He ruled over the Church, from a.d.
498 to A.D. 514.
5 He lived at Aries but for a short time,
so that he probably knew little concerning
the statutes of that church, or may not have
been well versed in the Latin language, nor
as a stranger likely to have been selected as
an envoy to Rome by St. Caesarius. More-
over, his love of solitude, and the fact that
as abbot afterwards, he was a resident of
the diocese of Nimes, rather than that of
Aries, show that an earlier /Egidius had
been charged with such a mission.
6 Yet owing to the confusion of statements
made, some writers have not hesitated to
style our saint Abbot of Aries.
7 Mabillon adds, "sed nullo pcene relato
historico facto, nisi quod eum Graicum
fuisse, et in Galliam accessisse dicit." —
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti, tomus i.,
lib. iv., sect, xxvii., p. 100.
8 See " Vitae Sanctorum ex probatissimis
Authoribus, et potissimum ex Rmo. D.
Aloysio Lipomano et R. P. Laur. Sin io,
brevi compendio summa fide collectae," p.
657.
9 See tomus i., Junii, pp. 284 to 304.
10 Containing 25 paragraphs and a previous
commentary in six sections and 65 para-
graphs. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Septembris i. De Sanclo <Egidio Abbate
in Fano S. ^Egidii Occitaniae, pp. 284 to 304.
11 This Preface is contained in four
different copies of our saint's Acts, but in
other copies it is omitted. However, from
the words, " Sanctus igitur /Egidius," with
which the Life opens, we may infer, that
it belonged to the original composition.
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
who lived contemporaneously with St. Caesarius, Bishop of Aries, there are
other objections to its entire accuracy of statement.12
The Acts or notices of St. Egidius or St. Giles have been published by
Andrew Sausay,J3 by Joannes Trithemius,1* by Mabillon/s by the Maurist
Fathers,16 in the " Histoire Generale de Languedoc,1? by Rev. Alban Butler,18
by Rev. S. Baring-Gould, *' and by Les Petits Bollandistes.20
St. Egidius is supposed to have been of Greek origin, and born, about
the year 640, of noble parents, who lived at Athens.21 His father was named
Theodore, and his mother was Pelagia. Distinguished for innocence and
holiness of life from his early years, he well profited by the example and
advice of pious parents. He at length resolved to leave his native country,
that he might more securely and religiously live in solitude. Already, he
had been placed under the charge of the most illustrious teachers of his
period and nation ;22 while he soon manifested those great natural scintilla-
tions of intellect by the progress he made in humanities. However, he pre-
ferred the study of sacred literature, and it served still more to foster in his
soul the love of God, and to cause his estrangement from earthly ambition
and worldly pleasures.
When Egidius had attained the twenty-fourth year, his father first died,
and soon afterwards his mother. The pious young man was most sensibly
afflicted at this double privation ; but he resolved to make account of it, by
reflecting on the transitory nature of all earthly things. Falling on his knees,
he invoked the Supreme Consoler, and asked for light and grace to conduct
him on the path to Heaven. Nor was he long left in ignorance of a course
to take, for he had resolved on making generous sacrifices, which were
destined to gain for him the eternal crown. His charity towards the poor
was remarkable. One day, while going to the church to practise his cus-
tomary devotions, he met a poor man who was ill and miserably clad. Asking
alms from the pious young man, the latter took off his own outer garment,
which was even necessary for the preservation of his health.
Soon, Egidius became distinguished for the gift of miracles. When
leaving the church, on a certain occasion, seeing a person who had been
bitten by a serpent, and whose wound was of a deadly nature, the interven-
tion of our saint procured his recovery. Another time, while in the church,
a possessed man disturbed the congregation by his cries and howlings.
However, Egidius expelled the demon from the body of that unhappy
12 This appears to have come under the tines de la Congregation deS. Maur. Tome
notice of Mabillon, with two other Lives, i., liv. v., pp. 257, 258, and note lxv., pp.
and they are characterised by him as faulty. 666, 667. A Paris, 1730 to 1745, fol.
See " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti," lS See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
tomus i. in Catalogo Prsetermissorum. other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sept. i.
13 In his " Martyrologium Gallicanum," I9 See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
at the 1st of September. September i., pp. 8 to 10.
14 See "De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. 20 "Les Vies des Saints," tome x., premier
Benedicti," lib. it,- cap. xxii., lib. iii., cap. jour de Septembre, pp. 401 to 406.
clxii. 2I The present account of our saint is
15 See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," drawn chiefly from the Vita auctore anonymo,
tomus i., lib. iv., sect, xxvii., pp. 99, 100. as published by the Bollandists. The time
Also, in the " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. when he lived has not been determined, but
Benedicti," s<ec. iii., in Prolegomena. it is thought to have been written before the
16 In " Histoire Literaire de la France," ninth or tenth century.
tome iii., pp. 243, 244. 22 One of the Manuscript Codices of the
■7 Avec des Notes et les Pieces justifica- Life of St. ^Egidius by the anonymous
tives, &c„ par. Fr. Claude de Vic, et Fr. author has " Spiritus sancti gratia perlus-
Joseph Vaissete, cdeux Religieux Benedic- tratus ;" another reads, " prse scientiargratia
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. September i.
creature.23 His reputation for sanctity then spread abroad through his own
country, and turned the regards of all its inhabitants towards him. This
approval alarmed his humility, nor could he bear to remain longer in his
native land. Having sold all his effects, and distributed the proceeds among
the poor, he went on board a vessel bound for the Western parts of Europe.
During that voyage, a great tempest arose, and to the terror of all on board,
their ship was likely to be submerged, when Egidius prayed for deliverance
from shipwreck. Immediately the storm was appeased. Then his fellow-
passengers were profuse in their protestations of gratitude, and rendered him
unbounded thanks for their deliverance. Yet, fearful of having his praises
further proclaimed, Egidius asked to be disembarked on the first island,
where they might anchor, nor could his request be refused.
Having landed on its shores,2* one of the first objects noticed was the
track of a man's feet in the sand. Resolving to pursue this track farther,
the print of footsteps led him to a small grotto. This was hidden among a
thick jungle of thorns, and in a very lonely place. There he found a vener-
able old man, who for twelve years passed a solitary life in that wilderness,
where he lived only on herbs and roots. Casting himself at the hermit's
feet, Egidius besought his benediction. For three days he remained there,
united in prayer and fasting with the recluse. The youthful pilgrim thought
he had then discovered a spot conformable to the design he had entertained of
separating himself entirely from the world.
As the island was not very remote from his native country,2* the idea ot
Egidius was, that his retreat might be discovered by some of the surviving
members of his family, who would be likely to press for his return.
Accordingly, he again sought a vessel, which might bear him away to a more
distant country.
After a voyage, which lasted for some days, he arrived at the port of
Marseilles,26 anciently called Massilia, a city situated at the mouths of the
River Rhone. It is at present the most important seaport in France, with
a large and constantly increasing population. It is also a city of great
antiquity.2? According to French historians,28 a colony from Phoccea, on the
Ionian coast, had settled at a very early period in the southland the founda-
tion of Marseilles by the Phocceans 3° dates back to the Forty- fifth
perlustrans ; while the text published by 2? Herodotus is the earliest historian, that
ilandists runs: " Pnedictus vero gives an account of its settlement by the
iEpdius xvo tener ad liberalia rudimenta Greeks.
dispositus.doctoressumniosSpiritusscientioe a8 See L. P. Anquetil's " Histoire de
fratia perlustratus brevi aequiparavit." France," sect, ii., p. 4.
'ather Stilting had six different copies of «9 Rather than submit to Cyrus, King of
that Life to collate, and these contained Persia, the Phocoeans left their native
various verbal changes. country, Asia Minor, with their wives and
'i See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des children, and sought for liberty on the
Saints, tome x., premier jour de Septem- barbarous coasts of Gaul. To this emigra-
te, Saint Gilles, &c, p. 401. tion allusion is made by Horace :
3* According to Father Stilting, this mail « Phocceorum
have happened ftboot a.d. 665 or 666. Velut profuget execrata civitas,
■ b\y one of that group of Agros atque lares patrios, habitandaque
Is, known as the Cyclades, in the rura
Grlci™ A'cMpe!-1 Apris reliquit et rapacibus lupis :
lne accompanying engraving of the Ire pedes quocunque ferent, quocun-
former old Port of Marseilles, copied from que per undas
an approved engraving, and represent- Notus vocabit, aut protervus Africus."
ing its present state, has been transferred *> Herodotus gives an account of their
to the wood and engraved by Mr. Gregor spirit of freedom, and of their prowess in
°rey' navigation, in his history, book i.
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Olympiad,31 or the year 599, before the birth of Christ.33 It is likely enough
their descendants had been there, and had received through their ancestors
the Grecian learning and culture,33 which survived to the time when Egidius
Old Port of Marseilles, France,
landed on the Gaulish coast. The distinction of Marseilles 34 was maintained
during the time of the Roman Republic,35 and it was continued during the
middle ages, as head of an independent State.36
At first, Egidius chose a place for retreat, near the mouth of the Rhone.3?
There he made every effort possible to conceal his spiritual gifts, but it was
the Almighty's design, that the virtues of his servant should be discovered.
Thence as a pilgrim begging his way, Egidius proceeded to Aries,38 then the
31 According to the historian, Solinus. In
the first instance the Phocceans took refuge
in the Island of Cymus — so called by Pliny,
lib. hi., 12. — now Corsica. However, the
ruin of Phoccea took place about twenty
years before the foundation of Marseilles.
32 The settlers were favourably received
by the inhabitants in that part of Gaul, while
their colony soon increased and prospered.
They became great proficients in commerce
and navigation.
33 In his oration for Flaccus, Cicero
declares that Greece alone could compete
with Marseilles as a seat of learning. Taci-
tus likewise calls her " magistram studio-
rum."
34 The Romans sought and esteemed the
Massilians as allies.
35 The Massilians wished to remain neutral
in the wars between Caesar and Pompey.
However, they finally sided with the latter.
Afterwards, Massilia was besieged, reduced
to great distress, and taken by the former.
Csesar records, that he preserved it, "magis
pro nomine et vetustate quam pro mentis
in se."
36 She elected her own magistrates, and
formed alliances with other states. Alone
she furnished all the galleys required by St.
Louis, to transport his army to Palestine.
See Jean Sire de Joinville's " Histoire de
Saint Louis," &c, par M. Natalis de
Wailly, Membre de PInstitut, chap, xxvii.,
xxviii., pp. 68 to 71. Paris, seconde
edition, 1874, Imp. 8vo.
3? Fr. Claude de Vic and Fr. Joseph
Vaissete place the coming of St. Gilles into
France at A.D. 514, in their " Histoire
Generale de Languedoc," tome i., liv. v.,
p. 257. His coming there, however, was
more than a century later.
38 Aries is one of the most ancient cities of
France, and Ausonius calls it the Rome of
Gaul, " Gallula Roma Arelas." It was for-
merly the residence of a Roman Prefect. It
is rich in ancient remains of the Roman
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
metropolis of southern Gaul, and a city of great celebrity. He sought to
live a retired life, but the fame of his virtues spread abroad, and such was
the impression it made on the minds of men, that a person, who had long
suffered from a fever, recommended himself to the fervent prayers of the
servant of God, and recovered his health. 39 This miracle greatly increased
his popularity, and that whole neighbourhood became anxious to learn his
name and that of the country from which he came, so that due honour should
be paid him in the land of his adoption. But, these demonstrations of affec-
tion and respect only alarmed his humility the more ; and to avoid human
applause, he again resolved on seeking a place more suitable for perfect
retirement.40 Afterwards, he crossed the Rhone, and sought a desert near the
Old Roman Bridge near Nimes.
River Gardon,4' now known as the Gard, where steep rocks arose, and in a
place little resorted to by men. One of the most remarkable specimens of
Roman grandeur extant is the Pont du Gard,42 about twelve miles distant from
E
i
period. After the fall of the Roman Empire,
a.i>., 876, it became the capital of the
Kingdom of Aries, or of Trans-Jurane Bur-
undy. See Murray's M Hand-book for
Travellers in France," sect, vi., Route 127,
pp. 51610523.
39 Probably relying on the authority of his
life, by the anonymous author, or from some
other sources, St. ,Kgidius is stated, to have
spent this period of his career in Aries, while
St. CWMHUI had been its Bishop. Such
are the statements by Vicentius Bellova-
censis, Petrus de Natalibus, John of Tritten-
nd other celebrated writers. Father
Stilting proves the falsity of such supposition.
40 TheMaurists, in "Histoirc Literaire de
ce," state: " Ce qu'il y a de plus
certain, e'est qu'il passa quelque temps sous
la discipline de Saint Cesaire, qui le deputa
a Rome en 514 avec Messien. — Tome hi.,
p. 244. This, however, is a mistake, our
saint having been confounded with a l'Abbe
Gilles, who lived a century previous to his time.
41 In some instances, Latin writers have
styled it Vardum or Wardum.
42 It consists of three tiers of arches : the
lowest of six arches supporting eleven of
equal span in the central tier, surmounted
by thirty- five of smaller size in the upper
ranges. The whole is in a simple style of
architecture, but especially wonderful for the
enormous blocks of stone and skill employed
in its construction. It was formerly used as
an aqueduct for conveying water to Nimes,
and the highest range of arches still carries a
covered canal, about five feet high, and two
feet wide, yet retaining a coating of Roman
cement. See Murray's " Handbook for
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Nimes. The River Gardon, or Gard, gives name to a modern French
Department on the right bank of the Rhone, and it runs through the central
part of that districts
There lived in that region a holy solitary, named Ferodemos, or Vere-
demus,44 a Greek like himself, and who, inspired by a pious motive of like
sort, had quitted his native country, to seek repose in a strange land. In this
place, he had formed a hermitage in a cave, the entrance to which was closed
from observation by brambles and thickets. Nor was St. Giles — as he was
afterwards called — long in that quarter, until Divine Providence brought him
into the presence of the pious solitary ; and great indeed were their transports
of joy to find, that not only were they fellow-countrymen, speaking the same
noble language, but having their souls inflamed with like devout sentiments,
and filled with the love of God.4* Soon they became mutual and ardent
admirers of each other's virtues, and their hearts were united by an indissoluble
friendship.
For two years they remained together \ still, Egidius longed for that per-
fect abstraction, which held possession of his soul, as so many of the neigh-
bouring people, led through pious motives, came to visit them. At length
he ventured to open his mind to Ferodemos,*6 by stating, that the crowd of
people, who flocked thither was a cause of great disquiet to him, and that
often he had desired to seek greater solitude. " Then," replied Ferodemos,
" let us invoke the Divine Spirit together, and hesitate not to follow His
Travellers in France," sect, vi., Route 126,
p. 507. The annexed illustration, from an
approved view, was drawn on the wood and
engraved by Mr. Gregor Grey.
43 For a description of its features, history,
and resources, the reader is referred to
Elisee Reclus' "Nouvelle Geographie Uni-
verselle," tome ii., liv. ii., chap, iii., sect,
vi., pp. 285 to 293.
44 Writers have been divided in opinion
regarding his identity. Some think there
were two, bearing the same name, but dis-
tinct persons : one who, from having been
an eremite, became Bishop of Avignon ; and
the other, an eremite, who lived in the
country, known as Uzeta, in Languedoc.
Others maintain that the latter had been pro-
moted to the See of Avignon, and that he was
identical with the former. See Benedictus
Gononus, in "Vitee Patrum Occidentis," lib.
iii. At p. 160, and subsequently, he gives the
Life of Veredemus, Bishop of Avignon, taken
partly from archives of that church, and partly
from Raulin, a learned monk of Cluny.
45 The church of Usez has placed Vere-
deme in the Catalogue of its saints. See
"Histoire Generate de Languedoc," tome i.,
liv. v., p. 257.
46 Cointe contends, that there were two
distinct persons, named Ferodemos or Vere-
demus; and he thinks, that the one, who
lived with St. /Egidius in the desert, was the
hermit venerated in the church of Uzeta, or
Uzes. The chief reason assigned for this
opinion is a supposition, that as /Egidius
lived contemporaneously with St. Coesarius,
Bishop of Aries, he must have flourished
nearly two centuries before the time of Vere-
demus, Bishop of Avignon. See "Annates
Francorum," ad Annum 531, num. xi. The
Bollandist writers have treated on this sub-
ject, at the 23rd of August, where Pinius
seems to favour Cointe's opinion as probable.
However, Father Stilting holds the contrary
one, and with good reason ; although, as
Gononus states, in the Breviary of Uzeta
church, there is a festival for Veredemus,
the hermit, Confessor, and not Pontiff, on
the 23rd of August, and his body is said to
rest there, while there is a feast for Vere-
demus, Bishop of Avignon, at the 17th of
June. Now, the hermit, Veredemus, lived
in the village of Uzeta, and he was after-
wards bishop, according to Gononus, and the
diocese of Uzes extends from the Gard to the
Rhone. The other objection of one Vere-
demus being venerated as Pontifex^ and the
other as non Ponlifex, is thought to arise from
the circumstance, that Veredemus having
lived at Uzes as a hermit, so only in that
capacity had he been regarded as non Ponli-
fex, while the difference of festival may be
assigned to some special cause. Moreover,
Claude Castellan, writing to the Bollandists,
states, at the 23rd of August, that although
there are two distinct festivals, yet Dom
Sanguin, a Canon of Avignon, believed them
to refer only to the same saint, and that some
of his relics had been preserved in the church
at Uzes. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Septembris i. De Sancto /Egidio Abbate in
Fano S. /Egidii Occitanix. Commentary's
proevius, sect, vi., num. 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,
pp. 297, 298.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
inspired counsels, however distressing they may prove for our mutual affection. "
Accordingly the advice was followed, and having ascertained the Divine Will
in their regard, they gave each other the kiss of peace, and thus separated.4?
Afterwards, Egidius treaded his difficult journey through devious bye-paths,
and at the close of a long day's march, he came to the borders of a deep and
thick forest. He rested for the morning's light, and then entered it, forcing
his way through gigantic trees, and tangled brakes, quite pleased to think this
must afford a safe retirement from all worldly intrusion. At length he found
a cave, which was shaded by four enormous oak-trees, and near it flowed a
rivulet of pure water, which disappeared under a verdant covering. This
stream is still traditionally shown between the city of St. Gilles and the wood
of Ribasse.
The holy hermit desired to be entirely disengaged from all earthly con-
cerns, so that he might devote himself altogether to religious contemplation. t8
Thus was his soul perfectly purified, so that with ardent desires and constancy
of purpose his thoughts were ever fixed on heavenly things. In fine, St. Giles
took up his abode in that forest within the Diocese of Nismes,49 and there he
resolved on that contemplative and penitential course of life he had practised
with Ferodemos. The wild roots and herbs of the forest furnished his sole
support, and the stream served to appease his thirst. A hind of the forest
gave him milk, and shared his caresses with gentleness, whenever she saw him
rise from his devotions. That innocent animal excited the more his gratitude
towards the Almighty, who rewards His servants with unexpected and extra-
ordinary succours.
It is said, that in the country about Nimes, the local deity, adored by the
native Celts, Iberiens or Ligures, was named Namaous, Nemausos, or
Nemausus. To him the Greeks, and afterwards the Romans, erected altars,
some of which still remain. 5° Nimes is supposed to have been built by a
Greek colony ; and afterwards, for about 500 years, it was in possession of
the Romans.51 After Marseilles and Toulon, Nimes is still the largest city
of southern France adjoining the Mediterranean Sea;52 but, it has the dis-
advantage of being separated from any water-course.53 With the falling
fortunes of the Roman Empire, the Goths 54 extended their incursions to
47 According to Father Stilting, this event tions Lexicon," vol. v., p. 237.
took place about A.D. 670 or 671. SJ The Maison Carrce, now converted into
48 The Religious Benedictines of the Con- a Museum, the old Roman Amphitheatre,
gregation of St. Maur state " l'amour de la the Temple of Diana, and other antiquities
solitude le portat a se retirer pres du Rhone of Nismes, have been pleasingly described in
auK extremites de Diocese de Nimes." — the Countess of Blessington's "Idler in
" Histoire Literaire de la France," tome iii., France," vol. i., chap, i., pp. I to 25. Lon-
p. 244. don, 1 84 1, 8vo.
4» The Latin name, Nemausum or Nemau- s3 See Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle Geogra-
sus, was applied to the present ancient city phie Universelle," tome ii., liv. ii., chap.
of Xismes, the head of that See, by Strabo, iii., sect, vi., p. 288.
Pomponius Mela, and Ptolemy. See Bau- 54 They were first kown to the Romans
drand's •• Novum Lexicon Geographicum," under this name, about the commencement
tomus i., p. 515. of the third century. In a.d. 249 and 250,
s0 See Menard's " Histoire des Antiquities they ravaged Thrace, and took Philippopolis ;
de Nimes," Em. Desjardins, Notes Manu- A.D. 255, 256, they invaded Illyricum ; A.D.
scrites, 8vo, 1822. 259, they penetrated into Bithynia ; A.D.
51 Next to Rome, Nimes and its vicinity 262, they entered Thrace, and devastated
contain the most remarkable and greatest Macedonia ; A.D. 267, they ravaged Asia,
number of Roman antiquities. Very fine After various wars with the Romans, under
Mosaics have been found there, besides their famous King, Alaric, elected A.D. 382,
numerous fragments of ancient buildings, Greece was plundered A.D. 395, 396, and
with Greek and Roman inscriptions. See Alaric entered Italy A.D. 402; but he was
the " Popular Encyclopedia ; or Conversa- defeated in the battle of Pollentia, fought
September i.i LIVES OF THE fRISH SAINTS.
Gaul,55 and over-ran that country, under Adolphus, the brother-in-law of
Alaric, in the beginning of the fifth century. His troops occupied the cities
of Narbonne, Toulouse and Bordeaux, with the whole country surrounding
them.s6 The successors of Alaric fixed their royal residence at Toulouse ;
and the Gothic limits contained the territories of seven cities, namely,
Bordeaux, Perigueux, Angouleme, Agen, Saintes, Poitiers and Toulouse.
Hence, their Kingdom is said to have obtained the name of Septimania.57
The Goths then in possession were generally professors of Arianism, and an
edict of the Emperor Honorius appointed an annual assembly for the seven
Provinces at Aries, to consist of the Praetorian prefect of the Gauls, of seven
provincial governors, one consular and six presidents, of the magistrates, and
perhaps the bishops of about sixty cities; as also of a competent, although
an indefinite, number of the most opulent possessors of land, who might
justly be considered as representatives of their country.s8 This order pre-
vailed, until the Franks, 59 having made incursions from Germany into Gaul
so early as the fourth century, established their domination over Roman Gaul
under Clovis the Great,60 in 486, by the celebrated victory of Soissons. This
monarch, crowned at Rheims, a.d. 496, reduced the Allemannion both banks
of the Rhine,61 the Bretons in Armorica,62 and the Visigoths in Aquitania.63
The Goths 6* or Visigoths 6s had possession of the country about Nismes, but
about the Easter of A.D. 403, and he re-
crossed the Po during the summer season.
After the death of the celebrated Roman
general, Stilicho, Alaric moved from Nori-
cuin, and marched upon Rome, A.D. 408,
which he besieged, but withdrew upon terms
into Tuscany. Again his demands having
been rejected by the Emperor Honorius,
a.d. 409, Alaric advanced to Ravenna, A.D.
410, and afterwards to Rome, winch he
besieged and captured in August, but he
died before the close of that year. See
Henry Fynes Clinton's "Fasti Romani."
The Civil and Literary Chronology of Rome
and Constantinople, from the death of
Augustus to the death of Justin II., vol. i.,
pp. 268, 278, 282, 288, 294, 302, 492, 502,
534, 536, 548, 550, 554, 57o, 572, 574, 576,
578.
55 Already had the Vandals invaded this
Roman province, A.D. 406. They entered
Spain a.d. 409. A war was waged by the
Goths against them, and they were routed,
A.D. 417, by King Wallia. He was re-
warded by the Roman Emperor Constantius
with a donation of the Gallic district of
Aquitain, which extended from Toulouse to
the Mediterranean Sea. See ibid., pp.564,
576, 582, 594.
56 At that time the Romanized provincials
had introduced the laws, manners, and
learning of the Roman Empire.
57 This name was first given to it by Sido-
nius Apollinaris, ad Avitum, lib. iii.,
epist. 1. The Gaulish, however, is not to
be confounded with the Roman Septimania.
The writers of "Historian Occitanise " give
us various opinions concerning the origin of
that name.
s8 ** They were empowered to interpret
and communicate the laws of their sove-
reign ; to expose the grievances and wishes
of their constituents ; to moderate the ex-
cessive or unequal weight of taxes ; and to
deliberate on every subject of local or
national importance that could tend to the
restoration of the peace and prosperity of the
seven provinces." — Edward Gibbon's " His-
tory of the Decline and Fall of the Roman
Empire," vol. iv., chap, xxxi., p. 135.
59 Originally a German tribe, who were
known in 284, a.d., as living between the
Weser and the Lower Rhine.
60 Of the Merovingian race.
61 After the battle of Zulpich.
62 a.d. 507.
63 The maritime district, extending from
the Garonne to the Pyrenees.
64 The origin oi this people is lost in
obscurity, yet they are generally supposed
to have inhabited the northern parts of
Germany, before their incursions were made
on the Roman provinces. Their native
name, as we learn from Bishop Ulphilas,
who lived in the fourth century, was Gut-
thiuda, rendered by the Greek and Roman
writers Gotones, Gothones, Guttones, Guthse,
and, last of all, Gothi. Cassiodorus, the
Roman Chief Minister of Theodoric the Great,
wrote a History of the Goths, which, un-
fortunately, is now lost. He lived during
the first half of the sixth century. Jornan-
des, a Goth, and Secretary to the King of
the Alani, in the time of Justinian, also
wrote a work, "De Getarum Origine et
Rebus Gestis." He became a Christian,
and held a bishopric in Italy.
65 At a time, when the Goths became more
numerous and rapacious, they were divided
into two great branches, called Austrogothi,
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
relinquished it, when the Franks captured Aries, a.d. 541.66 Afterwards,
the Goths succeeded in obtaining possession of that territory, in which St.
Giles lived. According to the old writer of his Acts, Flavius was their con-
temporaneous King. However, this was a common name for all the Gothic
Kings, nor is it easy to authenticate some of the matters thus related.67 The
identity of this Flavius has been contested.68 That a potentate thus designated
was the real founder of a monastery for St. u^Egidius has been unquestionably
established.6^ The writers of the " Historian Occitanise," however, have too
hastily assumed, that Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths in Italy, was the
founder, because he is known to have been styled Flavius. Nevertheless,
their calculations are based on the error of supposing, that an ^Egidius, sent
by Csesarius as a representative to Rome, a.d. 514, was identical with our
saint. But, it seems most probable, that one of the principal seigneurs of
the Visigoths, named Vamba or Wamba,7° who had been elected as their
thirtieth King, had been his generous patron.71 Following the spirit of
that age, Vamba had impoliticly banished the Jews from his Kingdom, and
these were accorded protection by Hilderic, Count of Nimes, by the Bishop
of Maguelonne, and by other seigneurs of the Septimania. While the pro-
vinces of Biscay and Navarre were in revolt against the Visigoth King,72
those discontented nobles entered into a league to subvert his authority over
them. However, Vamba raised an army which he led through Catalonia
against his traitorous chieftain, the Duke Paul, who had proclaimed himself
King of Gothic Gaul. On Vamba's approach to Narbonne, Paul retired to
Nimes. There, after an obstinate resistance, and horrible in its details, the
besieged surrendered and besought the conqueror's clemency. There was
a King of the Goths in Spain, named Flavius Ervigius, who succeeded Flavius
Wamba, when the latter abdicated his rule a.d. 680, He was contempo-
raneous with Pope Benedict II., who only presided over the Church a.d. 684
and 685 for the short term of ten months and twelve days.73 Although it is
established, that ^Egidius presented to that Pontiff his monastery,74 it is not
therefore to be inferred, that the latter had not been erected many years
previous to his rule. Wherefore, to Wamba must be referred the pious
inspiration, that urged him to press upon ^Egidius the erection of a religious
house.
or Ostrogoths, inhabiting the sandy steppes Reccared, who ruled towards the close of
of the East, and Wesegothi, or Visigoths, the sixth century. After Adrian Valesius,
occupying the more fertile and wooded this is stated by the writers of " 1 listeria:
countries of the West. See Philip Smith's Occitania," tomus i., p. 64. Also consult
" Ancient History from the Earliest Records " Rerum Francicaium," lib. xiv., p. 351.
to the Fall of the Western Empire," vol. iii., * This is stated in the Acts of Tope John
chap, xlii., pp 620, 621, and notes. VIII., in these words : "Quam vallem Fla«
60 This was the year previous to the death vius quondam rex B. ^Egidio donavit."
of St. Casarius, as stated by Messanius and 7° He is said to have reigned from 672 to
Stephen, in the Life of that holy Abbot. 680. See the chief events of Wamba's life and
67 Mabillon states : ** Dicebantur quidem reign in " I Iistona General de Espana,:'com-
Flavii omnei Gotthorum reyes : se<l cum puesta,emendaday anadida por eljPadreJuan
omnes Ariana: secte addieti fuerint, quis putet de Mariana de la Compania de Jesus," tomo
Amalarictim, qui tempore Casarii Septima- primero, lib. vi.,cap.xii.,xiii.,xiv.,xv.,xvi.,pp.
main oblinuit, ant quemvis aliuin de con- 24610259. Valencia, CID.,I3CC.,XC1 v., 4K).
dendo monasterio fflfffftttr? Ad haec, '' lie succeeded Recesvind, \. i>. 672.
monasteiium istud mulio post tempore con- 72 The Spanish historians, as also the
ditum dici debet, quam ./Kgidius, transmisso writers of " Historic Occitaniae," treat about
Rliodano, dicessit a Cacsario ; nee /Egidius the wars of Wamba, in the Septimania,
ante condituin monasterium abbas fuit." — under the year 673.
"Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i., 73 See Abbe Fleury's " Histoire Ecclesi-
bb. iv., sect, xxvii., p. 100. astique,"tome ix., liv. xl., sect, xxxiii., p. 78.
68 The first Visigoth King in the south of 74 Such is a statement in the Acts of Pope
France to assume the title of Flavius was John VIII.
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. n
CHAPTER II.
WRITINGS ATTRIBUTED TO ST. /EGIDIUS— HIS LIFE OF SOLITUDE— ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY
OF THE SAINT'S HERMITAGE— FOUNDATION OF HIS MONASTERY AND ITS ENDOWMENT
— HIS RULE OF DISCIPLINE HIS VISIT TO KING CHARLKS MARTEL AT ORLEANS—
HIS HOSPITABLE RECEPTION — HIS MIRACLES AND PROPHETIC SPIRIT— HIS VISIT TO
THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, BENEDICT II.— THE SARACENS INVADE SOUTHERN GAUL,
AND DESTROY THE MONASTERY OF SAINT GILLES — THE HOLY ABBOT AND HIS MONKS
FLY FOR PROTECTION TO CHARLES MARTEL AT ORLEANS.
It has been stated, that the Abbot ^Egidius, a Greek by birth, was profoundly
versed in scriptural and secular learning,1 but apparently without sufficiently
ancient authority ; that being a philosopher, poet, and distinguished " medi-
cus," 2 excelling in prose and metrical composition, he wrote in verse a
remarkable work, "De Pulsibus," One Book, and another," De Venis," also in
verse, and in One Book. 3 Yet, it does not seem probable, although ascribed
to our saint, that such treatises, if they exist, had been composed by him.4
For many years, St. ^gidius lived in close solitude, in the Flavian valley,*
and conversing only with God. However, owing to a strange adventure, the
place of his concealment became known.6 At one time, certain magnates of
King Vamba's court, who loved the sport of hunting through the woods, dis-
covered that hind, which nourished the saint with her milk. This animal
they pursued to the hermitage of St. Giles, where the affrighted creature
sought a refuge.? From her peculiar and unusual hinning, the saint ran from
his cell, and soon found the dogs and hunters in full chase, while the hind's
tongue protruded from her open mouth, as if gasping for breath. Then pray-
ing to the Almighty to save his favourite hind from her pursuers, she sank at
his feet, and ceased her hardly drawn respiration. The dogs could not
approach within a stone's-throw of the cave ; but, with disappointed bowlings,
they returned to the hunters. These being wearied with the chase, and night
coming on, they resolved on seeking rest in their own dwellings. Next morn-
ing, they resolved on chasing that beautiful hind, but again their designs were
Chapter ii. — J Joannes Jacobus Hof- sanctus iEgidius ante conversioneur suam
mann, when treating of vEgidius Atheniensis, philosophise ac medicinse operam dederit.
states, that he lived under Tiberius II., A.D. Claruit circa annum Domini dccx." — " De
700, and states " multa scripta posteritati Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. Benedicti," lib.
reliquit, ut de Pulsibus librum unum, de ii., cap. xxii.
Venenis (forsitan Venis) unum." — "Lexicon 4 See Father Stilting, in "Acta Sanc-
Universale." torum," tomus i., Septembris i., in Commen-
2 Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis writes at tario prsevio, sect, vi., num. 65, pp, 298, 299.
the year 714 : " Egidius philosophus, Grse- s The Vallis Flaviana received its name
cus monachus per hos dies scientia et from the Visigoth Kings, who ruled there,
religione clarus fuit : qui praeter ccetera a se and who assumed the title of Flavius as a
edita etiam in medecinis librum de Pulsu prefix to their names.
metrice composuit, cujus principium est : 6 According to Fr. Claude de Vic and Fr.
Ingenii vires modicis conatibus impar." Joseph Vaissete, the discovery of St. Gilles
Item alium de venis, qui incipit : " Dicitur was made by the officers of the King "sans
{fort} dicetur) vena, quandofit renibusuna." doute le meme que Theodoric, roi d'ltalie,
— " Chronicorum," lib. x., in supplemento. lequel possedoit alors ce pays." — " Histoire
3 Trithemius adds: "Si quid amplius Generate de Languedoc," tome i., liv., v.,
edidit, ad notitiam meam non pervenit. p. 257, This latter statement, however, is
Hunc nonnulli sestimant sanctum ilium incorrect.
fuisse abba tern, cujus festum Kalend. Sep- 7 According to some, the anecdote here
tembris colitur : quod an ita sit, non satis related has reference to the Gothic King
perspicuum habeo. Hoc autem scio, quod Wamba ; while others refer it to Childebert,
tempus et patria in eum consentiunt, nee duo King of the Franks. See Rev. S. Baring-
hujus nominis monachi in Chronicis reperi- Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.
untur, sed unus. Et verisimile est quod September i., p. 9.
LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i,
frustrated, as on the former occasion. These circumstances, having been
related to the King,8 urged him to inform the bishop of Nismes. Both agreed
to join a hunting party on the following day ; and with such intent, they pro-
ceeded to the forest, and found the hind, that was once more chased to the
cave of her protector. Again, the dogs found no entrance there, but one of
the hunters, drawing an arrow and fitting it to his bow, shot through the thicket
of thorns surrounding the cave of ^Egidius, who happened to be without, and
it inflicted on him a grievous wound.9 The soldiers present insisted on
cutting a way through the brushwood, until they reached his hermitage.
There the venerable saint was found bleeding, and dressed in a monk's habit,
while the hind lay at his feet. Then the King and bishop, having directed
the others to leave, approached and enquired who he was, why he took up
his abode in so solitary a spot, and by whom he had been wounded. To all
these enquiries the saint candidly replied. They proposed to send for phy-
sicians to heal his wound, and to compensate him for it so far as they could;
but he would hear of no such offers, and mindful of the scriptural maxim,
that virtue is rendered perfect in infirmity, he prayed that henceforth, he
might bear the pain to his death. Charmed and edified, by such a living
exampleof abstinence,humility,courage and magnanimity, the King and bishop
took their leave, while commending themselves to the prayers of ^Egidius.10
This incident has been assigned to the year 673.11
Afterwards, the aforesaid King paid him frequent visits,12 desirous of pro-
filing by the holy hermit's conversations and counsels. However, the saint
refused to accept any personal gift. Still, he advised the monarch to found
there a monastery, to which a community of regular monks should be attached,
and who might serve God by day and night. This the King promised to do,
provided ^gidius himself would become their spiritual superior. For a long
time, he resisted such a proposal, urging as reasons, that he had not capacity
or inclination for such a charge. At length, he yielded assent to the King's
importunate wishes, and having fixed on a site near his cave, two churches
were built ; one in honour of St. Peter and of all the Apostles,^ the other to
the memory of St. Privatus the Martyr.'* In his cave, the holy hermit lived
alone. There he spent whole days and nights in prayer and vigils. The
Visigoth King conceived a very high esteem for St. Giles, but on no account
8 The anonymous author of our saint's sanorum " supposes, that the palace of the
Acts calls him Flavius. However, in an Gothic King was near to the hermitage of
ottice of St. /Egidius, recited in the Diocese St. /Egidius, and with many others, the
of Antwerp, Charles Martel is stated to have writers of " I [iftorise Occitanise " think, that
been the King who discovered the holy the Gothic Kings resided there, so as to
hermit on the occasion of hunting in that enjoy the pursuits of hunting in the adjoin-
forest. Such an opinion has been adopted ing forest. See tomus i., p. 257. These
in many other offices of particular churches, references to the Gothic palace are based
and it has been followed by Saussay in his on the authority of Godefrid Viterbiensis
'• Maitytologium Gallicanum." and Otho of Frisengen.
9 This incident la represented in a figure ,3 Originally the Monastery of the holy
— supposed to be of our saint — on a tomb Abbot was called Monasteriuin S. Petri in
in the church of St. Serum of Toulouse. Valle Flaviana, and afterwards it was known
See "Histoire Generale de Languedoc," as Monasterium S- /Kgidii in Valle Flaviana.
tome ii., liv. xiii., p. 173. Catellus relates, that he saw ancient docu-
10 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," ments of the Abbey of St. /Kgidius, in which
tomus i., Septembris i. Vita S. /Egidii, the wood of that monastery was titled La
auctore pnonymo, cap. ii., sect. 12, 13, 14, Selva Gotesca, meaning the Gothic wood.
15, p. 301. See "Historia Comitum Tolosanorum,"
" SeeMichaudV'BiographieUniverselle, p. 5.
Ancienne et Moderne, tome xvi., Art. u Probably, the Bishop of Mende, a
Gilles (Saint), p. 458. Martyr of the third century, and whose feast
" Catellus in " Historia Comitum Tolo- is kept on the 2ist of August.
September i.
LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS.
13
could the holy man be induced to leave his solitude. There, however, was
founded a monastery, to which he admitted several disciples, and these lived
under the rules which he established.15 By some writers, it was thought, St.
Gilles had been abbot over that institution, so early as the beginning of the
sixtli century ;l6 whereas, in reality, it only dates from the close of the seventh. »»
According to the learned Father Stilting, the building was begun in the year
673 or 674.
That religious house is said to have been endowed with an ambit of land
extending for five miles.18 It would appear, that hitherto, ^Egidius had not
been raised previously to the priesthood ; but now, at the special request of
the King,J9 the monks, the nobles and people of all that place — afterwards
named from him — such a dignity he attained.20 The position of St. Gilles
lies west of the Petit Rhone, after this branch of the River separates from the
main channel at the city of Aries.21 It is said to have been a town of great
antiquity, and to have formerly taken the name of Rhoda Rodiorum."
From the Phocean period, Saint-Gilles was a sea-port much frequented ; and
in the twelfth century, it was the southern provencal harbour, whence pilgrims
set out on their voyage to Palestine.^
Although their rule of discipline was very rigorous, yet the religious under
St. yEgidius, moved by his example and precepts, were cheerful and obedient
to all its requirements. The anonymous writer of his Acts states, that
Charles Martel,2* King of France, who then lived at Orleans,25 sent an earnest
15 Having vainly attempted to solve un-
certain historic statements in the old acts
regarding this foundation, Mabillon writes :
" Utcumque sit, antiquum est sancti ^Egidii
monasterium in valle Flaviana, quod inter
Septimanioe monasteria, quae regi solas ora-
tiones debebant, primum nominatur in Con-
stituto Ludovici augusti, cognomento Pii,
de monasteriis regni Francorum. Haec
abbatia ex ordine sancti Benedicti ad secu-
lares canonicos translata est." — "Annales
Ordinis S. Benedicti." tomus i., lib. iv., sect.
xxvii., p. 100.
16 Thus, according to Fr. Claude de Vic
and Fr. Joseph Vaissete, the Abbey of St.
Gilles was founded so early as A.D. 514.
See " Histoire Generale de Languedoc,"
avec des Notes et les Pieces justificatives,
&c, tome i., liv. v., p. 257, and note Ixv.,
p. 667.
17 According to some writers the situation
of Heraclea Gallise was identical with that
of St. Gilles in Occitania. But Pliny, who
described it as destroyed, states that its site
was at the mouth of the Rhone and the
Fossas Marianas. The latter denomination
corresponds with the village called Les
Saintes Maries. See Baudrand's "Novum
Lexicon Geographicum, " tomus i., p. 346.
18 According to the anonymous author of
our saint's acts, " eo quod tantundem spatii
Sanctus /Egidius, a spelunca sua quadum
yice digressus, occurrenti sibi regi Flavio
collocuturus, ut fertur, obviavit."
'9 This must have happened after King
Wamba had established his authority in the
south of France, and before his return to
Spain. See an interesting tract on this
subject, Historia Wamba Regis Toletani, in
Du Chesne's Historic Francorum Scriptores
Coaetanei," tomus i, appendix i., pp. 821 to
831.
20 The anonymous author adds: " Cujus
honoris, sed sibi, ut verius dicatur, impne-
sentiarum oneris, apice sublimatus, noctumis
vigiliis, diurnis jejuniis, assiduisque orationi-
bus ccepit adeo corpus jam diu satis absti-
nentia tenuatum affligere, ut, si cceptam
modo illius vitam attenderes, transactam
dixisses voluptuosam fuisse."
21 See the elegantly delineated and
coloured map, Delta du Rhone, in Elisee
Reclus' "Nouvelle Geographie Universelle,"
tome ii., liv. ii., chap, iii., sect, ii., pp. 240,
241.
22 Said by Pliny to have been a colony
founded by the Rhodians.
23 See Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle Geo-
graphie Universelle," tome ii., liv. ii., chap,
iii., sect ii., p. 247.
24 This warlike monarch is particularly
distinguished in the history of the second or
Carlovingian race. See Michelet's " His-
toire de France," tome i., liv. ii., chap, ii.,
pp. 287 to 302. Deuxieme edition, Paris,
1835, 8vo-
25 Having twice conquered Chilperic,
King of Neustria and Burgundy, Charles
Martel came to Orleans, a.d. 719, according
to Pagius and other writers. That very
same year, Zama, General of the Saracens in
Spain, invaded the Septimania with a great
army, and subjugated it, a.d. 720. See
" Historic Occitanise," tomus i., p. 390.
i4 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
request by special messengers, that their Abbot should visit his Court. To
this royal mandate he yielded assent, having first regulated monastic affairs
during his temporary absence.26 Taking with him some necessaries, he set
out for Orleans. When arrived there, he paid a first visit to the Church of
the Holy Cross, where he healed a paralytic, in the presence of numbers,
who admired his miraculous gifts, and who spread the report far and wide.
At this time, the Franks of Anstrasia were united under the sway of a
renowned monarch, who was recognized as all-powerful in Gaul.3?
Then our saint went to the King's palace, where he was honourably
received, and hospitably treated. He remained there for many days, and
held several colloquies with the monarch on spiritual topics. The monarch
asked his prayers, stating, also, he had committed a crime, so revolting in
its nature, that he was ashamed to confess it.28 The following Sunday, while
celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, and praying in the Canon for the
King,29 an Angel appeared, and laid a scroll on the Altar. In this was fully
revealed to him the nature of the monarch's crime, and it was told y£gidius
it should be pardoned, if only the criminal would desist from it in the future.
Moreover, it was added, that whosoever would invoke St, yEgidius on account
of a sin committed, should obtain pardon from the Almighty, provided the
person should abstain from repeating such a crime. On seeing this, the
servant of God gave thanks for that favour, and having celebrated the holy
function, he laid the scroll before the King, who then acknowledged that
crime. Falling at the saint's feet, he asked prayers to be offered. The
holy Abbot then admonished him never to relapse into the same crime, and
prayed the Almighty fervently on behalf of his royal client.
After a considerable time spent in Orleans, the saint obtained permission
from King Charles Martel for a return to Provence. Loaded with various
royal gifts, he reached Nimes.3° There the governor's son had died, but once
more through the Abbot's prayers, he was restored to life. Thence directing
his course to the monastery, he abode with his monks. The holy Abbot
had prophetic warnings, that enemies would invade that province in which
his monastery was situated, and violate many of its sanctuaries. Wherefore,
he resolved with a few of his brethren to visit Rome, and place it under the
protection of the Holy See, so that it might be spared from the violence of
laics, then too ruthlessly exercised. In 685, 3r he laid at the feet of Pope
Benedict II. an authentic act of donation of his monastery. This the Vicar
26 It seems very probable, that the fame of at the age of fifty-one, and he was buried in
his virtues, and a desire for his security, the Church of St. Denis. See Henri Mar-
impelled the French monarch to extend that tin's " Histoire de France," tome ii., pre-
invitation to St. .^gidius, and that it took miere partie, liv. xi., p. 217.
place in the year 719 or 720. 29 This was probably a formula in the
a? Mons. Guizot further remarks : " Dans old Gallic Missal,
les expeditions de Charles-Martel, ils avaint 3° This was probably in the year 721 or
parcouru, a so. suite, la Gaule toute entire : 722, when Eudes, Duke of Aquitain, had
la France romaine cecla a l'ascendant de la routed the Saracens with great slaughter, in
France germaine ; les rois de la France a battle fought near Toulouse, when a part
romaine nc purent se soutenir en face deces of the Septimania was recovered from them,
chefs de guerriers venus encore des rives du See Michelet's" Histoire de France," tomei.,
Rhin. — " Essaissur l'Histoire de France." liv. ii., chap, ii., pp. 301, 302.
Troisiemc Essai. Des Causes de la Chute 3I Natalis Alexander has placed theacces-
des Meiovingiens et des Carlovingiens, p. 77. sion to the Pontificate of Benedict II. at the
28 The earlier part of Charles Martel's 20th of August, 684, and after a term of only
career was stained with many and grievous eight months and seventeen days he died
crimes, for which he made amends towards the year following. See " Historia Eccle-
the close of his life. I laving subjected many siastlca Veteris Novique Testamenti," tomus
States to the Empire of the Franks, he died xii. Saeculi Septimi Synopsis, cap. i.,
of fever on the 22nd of October, A.D. 741, art. vi., p. 10.
September i.l LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 15
of Christ accepted, and declared exempt for the future from all episcopal
jurisdiction that property which he possessed.32
The immunities thus sought were obtained from the Sovereign Pontiff,
and the holy Abbot returned to Gaul. The troubles foreseen afterwards fell
on its southern territories. The Saracens 33 had entered Europe in 711,34
and had extended their conquests over Spain. In 712 and succeeding years,
with great fury their hordes had crossed the Pyrenees into Gaul.35 The
people in alarm saw their towns, castles and monasteries demolished and
plundered, while they were powerless to prevent such ravages. Among the
rest, who fled for their safety, was St. ^Egidius with his band of religious.
Taking with them their relics and sacred vessels, they set out for Orleans,
and placed themselves under the protection of Charles Martel. However,
their exile was of short duration. Eudes, Duke of Aquitaine, took upon
himself to oppose the fanatical invaders, and his efforts were crowned with
success.
CHAPTER III.
EXPULSION OF THE SARACENS— REBUILDING OF HIS MONASTERY BY ST. /<EGIDIUS — HIS
DEATH — THE CHURCH, MONASTERY, AND SHRINE AT SAINT-GILLES — VENERATION
FOR THE HOLY ABBOT IN FRANCE AND ON THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE— VENERA-
TION FOR HIS MEMORY IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND CHURCHES DEDICATED TO
ST. GILES — COMMEMORATION OF HIS FESTIVAL IN THE CALENDARS— CONCLUSION.
When the Saracens had been driven beyond the Pyrenees,1 St. Gilles and
his monks returned, but only to find their monastery in ruins. At this doleful
sight, the holy Abbot was greatly distressed, but he prayed the Almighty to
give him courage for the work of restoration. Soon the church, cloister, and
monastery were raised to their former noble proportions.
The saint had now attained a very advanced age, and the term for his
sojourn on earth was drawing rapidly to a close. With Holy Simeon, he
could repeat the canticle, " Nunc dimittis servum timm."2 Having regulated
the monastic affairs, and receiving a heavenly admonition regarding his
approaching dissolution, he asked the monks to pray for him. Towards
midnight, and on a Sunday, the 1st day of September, about a.d. 720,3 his
32 The Bull of Benedict II. is to be found Mahammed and his Successors, to the Death
in the parochial archives of Saint-Gilles. of Abdulmelic, the Eleventh Caliph. The
Pope John VIII., in a Bull, addressed to author did not live to complete — as he had
Leo, Abbot of St. Gilles' Monastery, and intended — their European invasions,
dated July 21st, 878, affirms moreover he 35 See an account of this invasion of El
found that act of donation in the Vatican Frandjat, as the Mussulmans denominated
archives. See " Les Petits Bollandistes," France, in Henri Martin's "Histoire de
Vies des Saints," tome x., premier jour de France," tome ii., premiere partie, liv. xi.,
Septembre, p. 404 and n. 1. pp. 191 to 217.
33 An interesting, but abridged account of Chapter hi. — * The first invasion of
Mahomet, his career, and doctrines, is to be France by the Saracens was that conducted
found in Natalis Alexander's " Historia by Alhorr, a.d. 718. Eudes, Duke of
Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique Testamenti," Aquitain, had then usurped the authority,
tomus xii. Sseculi Septimi Synopsis, cap. and even the title, of King, in the southern
ii., Art. ii., pp. 31 to 38. provinces of France, and he repelled their
34 Their previous conquests in Asia and first invasion, when Zama, lieutenant of the
Africa are very lucidly set forth in that most caliph, lost his army and his life, under the
instructive and readable work of Washington walls of Toulouse. See Edward Gibbon's
Irving, "Mahomet and his Successors," in "History of the Decline and Fall of the
two handsome illustrated volumes, published Roman Empire," vol. vi., chap, lii., p. 385.
by Putnam, New York and in London, 188 1, 2 St. Luke ii., 29.
sm. 410. Also, in Simon Ockley's " History 3 Father Stilting considers his death should
of the Saracens," comprising the Lives of be before the second invasion of the Saracens,
i6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i
soul was received into Heaven, and the faithful then heard a choir of angels
welcome him to their happy company. He is reputed to have been eighty-
three years old at the time of his departure.4 Other writers, who have
incorrectly assigned him to the time of St. Caesarius, have placed his death
about the middle of the sixth century.s
The body of St. Giles was buried in a plain stone coffin, and soon his place
became the object of frequent pilgrimages.6 However, in or about a.d. 925,7
while some of his bones and a portion of iron— supposed to have been the
arrow-head that pierced his hand — were left in the original sarcophagus, it is
stated his remains were translated, on the 15th of June, to a shrine, artistically
wrought.8 Reverence for his memory, and the establishment of his monastic
institute, drew numbers to St. Gilles, and it soon grew into a considerable
city.9 Notwithstanding the traditional exemption of the abbey from episcopal
jurisdiction ; yet, at different times this had been assumed, and a Diploma of
Ludovicus Pius exists,10 in which he grants to Christianus, Bishop of Nimes,
such exercise of right over it. Even Pope Nicholas confirmed this to that
bishop's successor, Isnardus." Hence arose a controversy between Gilbert,
Bishop of Nimes, and Leo, Abbot of St. ^Egidius, before the Sovereign Pontiff
in 878, when Pope John VIII.12 came into Gaul, and remained for some
time at Aries. This cause was decided in favour of the Abbot. x3 So early
as 1044, the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint-Gilles was regarded as one of
the most celebrated in the world. In 1066, the Abbey was subjected to the
Congregation, or Order of Cluny,1* which caused great contention between
the respective abbots; but Pope Innocent II. decided in 1 132, that such
dependence should cease, and that thenceforth the religious of St. Giles
should have liberty to elect their own abbots.15
The great abbey church of St. Gilles — designated the Lower Church, on a
who took possession of all Septimania in the
year 725.
* See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Saints," tome x., premier jour de Septem-
bre, pp. 404, 405.
5 The Maurists, in " Histoire Literaire de la
France," state that he died about the year
547. See tome iii., p. 244.
6 Before the ninth century, his veneration
as Patron was recognised in the Monastery
of Saint-Gilles, as we read from a Council
of Aix-la-Chapelle, held A.D. 817 : " Monas-
terium Sancti ^Egidii in Valle Flaviana."—
Labbe, "Concilia," tomus vii., col. 1514.
This veneration probably extended at that
time over the whole of Nismes diocese, and
through the adjoining districts of Languedoc.
7 According to the writer in " Gallia Chris-
tiana," tomus vi , col. 483, during the year
mentioned in the text, one Autulphus, or
Antulphus, was Abbot at Saint-Gilles, and
while he was incumbent, the sacred relics of
the Patron were raised from the earth. For
this account, Saxius is quoted, " in Pontificio
Arelatensi." while he cites a Breviarium S.
Iii, for such statement.
her John Stilting suspects, that besides
the church dedicated to St. Peter, there must
have been at the time another still larger,
and dedicated to the Patron at Saint-Gilles.
To this latter the translation probably took
place. In 1 1 16, a new church was dedicated
to him. This beautiful structure was among
the greatest in France, until in 1562 and
1622, when it was reduced to a heap of
ruins, during the Calvinist wars. It seems
to have been in that church, the body of St.
^igidius had been kept to the time of those
disturbances.
9 In old documents it is called Fanum S.
/Egidii, and at the present time, in France,
it is named Saint-Gilles.
10 See "Gallia Christiana," tomus vi., col.
l65- . „
" See "Historian Occitanioe, tomus 11.,
inter Probationes, col. 10.
M He reigned from a.d. 872 to 882.
1 ' These matters may be found in Baiuzius'
" Miscellaneorum," tomus vii., p. 349. De
Gestis Joannis VIII. However, the bishop
still refused to accept this decision ; but the
Pope wrote, that he should be mindful of
his duty, and if he refused to do so, he must
be excommunicated. See Labbeus, " Con-
ciliorum," tomus ix., col. 124.
14 In a provincial assembly held in the
Monastery of St. Bausile, Nimes. See
"Histoire Generale de Languedoc," tome
ii., liv. xiv., sect, lvii., p. 21 1.
«S However, the abbey of St. Gilles had
to pay the costs of this process. See ibid. ,
liv,, xvii. sect. xx.
September i.I LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
level with the cloister — is thought to have been built in the eleventh century,
having been consecrated by Pope Urban II., in 1096, The west front is a
master-piece of the Romanesque style, upon which every species of ornamental
decoration and rich sculpture seems to have been lavished.16 In 1074, Pope
Gregory VII.17 reprehends Froterius II., Bishop of Nimes, because he had
assumed too much authority over the Abbey of St. ^Egidius. To many other
vicissitudes was this venerable institute subjected.18 The upper church was
begun on a scale of great magnificence by Alphonso,^ son to Raymond IV.,20
Count of St. Gilles,21 in the year n 16. In 1 1 59, Pope Adrian IV.,22 granted
indulgences in favour of the church and monastery of Saint Gilles ; as did
also Pope Gregory IX.,23 in 1233. However, the rights and privileges of that
abbey were frequently infringed upon by the Counts of Toulouse. An age
later the usages of the pilgrimage to Saint-Gilles were somewhat modified, as
the Albigenses,24 ill the thirteenth century,25 disturbed the country around.26
It is not well known, at what particular date the remains of ^Egidius had been
translated to Toulouse.2* In 1326, during the month of September, one
hundred Belgian pilgrims arrived at St. Gilles, to ratify a clause in the treaty
between Charles the Fair and the Flemish. In the year 1423, the head of
St. iEgidius was kept within his church in a silver-gilt shrine.28 What has
become of this relic is unknown ; but Father Stilting thinks, it may not have
16 See Murray's " Handbook for Travellers
n France," sect, vi., Route 126, p. 508.
*l His Pontificate lasted from a.d. 1073
to 1085. An admirable narrative of his Ponti-
ficate may be found in J. Voigt's History of
Gregory VII., published at Weimar in 1813.
It has been translated into French, under
the title, " Histoire du Pape Gregoire VII.
et de son Siecle," issued in two octavo
volumes, at Paris, in 1839.
18 See in Catalogo Abbatum S. iEgidii,
in u Gallia Christiana," tomus vi., at col. 482.
'9 He was called Alphonse-Jourdain,
because he had been baptized in the River
Jordan. He died in the middle of April,
a.d. 1 148, at the age of forty-five years.
See "Histoire Generale de Languedoc,"
tome ii., liv. xvii., sect, lxxx., p. 452.
20 He was son to Pons, Count of Toulouse,
who died towards the end of 1060, or the
commencement of the following year. See
ibid., notes, xxxii., col. 2, p. 609.
21 This title he assumed, because this
portion of the diocese of Nimes was his first
inheritance, and on account of his devotion
to the holy patron. See ibid., liv. xiv.,
sect, ii., p. 179.
22 He presided in the Chair of St. Peter,
from a.d. 1 1 54 to 1 159.
23 He ruled from a.d. 1227 to 1241.
24 These heretics of the twelfth century
were so called, because their first assemblies
were held in the town of Albi. They held
that God had first created Lucifer and his
angels ; that having revolted against God,
Lucifer was banished from Heaven, and pro-
duced the visible world, with evils then
prevailing ; while to establish order in it,
God created a second son, Jesus Christ, who
was to be the spirit of good, as Lucifer had
been the spirit of evil. They rejected the
Old Testament and the history of the Crea-
tion, as given by Moses. They inveighed
against the authority of the Church and its
ministers, as also, they rejected the Sacra-
ments. See L'Abbe Pluquet's " Diction-
naire des Heresies."
25 See an impartial account of the war
waged against the Albigenses, in Pere
Vaissette's "Histoire du Languedoc," tome i.
26 Saussay remarks, that at this time, the
relics of St. ^Egidius, that had been pre-
served for many ages in his own monastery,
were raised from the earth, and were found
to be incorrupt. Thence, they were trans-
ferred to Toulouse, and deposited in the
Church of St. Saturninus, with those of many
holy Apostles, Martyrs and Confessors.
Saussay adds, " condigno cultu hue usque in
ara sui nominis arcaque preciosa obser-
vatur."
2? Although Saussay refers this Translation
to the time of the Albigensian heresy — in
the twelfth or thirteenth century — yet, the
writers of "Gallia Christiana" state, it
must have been so late as the sixteenth cen-
tury or somewhat before, since Nicholas Ber-
trand, who wrote in the beginning of that
century, records as being in the possession
of Toulouse, "corpus beati Egidii abbatis."
For this account De Gestis Tolosanorum, fol.
5, is quoted.
*8 In a Manuscript Kalendar, brought to
light by Chifilet, at the 2nd of July, there is
an entry: "S. ./Egidii inventio Capitis."
But, nothing more seems to be known
regarding that head, or the festival associated
with it.
B
1 8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
escaped destruction with other holy relics, and even the church itself, when
the Calvinists were in possession of Saint-Gilles, during the year i562.a9 At
Grado, a town in the Venicean province, and in the Collegiate Church of the
Blessed Virgin, Gelenius states, that the head of the Abbot yEgidius was
kept ;3° but, whether this is the head to which allusion has been made, or only
a portion of it, is not known.
In the year 1538, the Abbey of St. Gilles, with many other houses,
became secularized.31 During the religious wars in France of the sixteenth
century,32 in 1562, the Huguenots33 converted this church into a fortress.
The Marechal de Damville34 besieged St. Gilles on the 2nd of June, 1570,
however, and took possession of it in three days.35 Again, in 1575, the
Duke of Usez attacked and occupied that city.36 In 162 1, the canons and
religious were obliged to seek refuge in Provence. An expedition that parted
from Lyons, July 2nd, 1622, under the Duke d'Hallwin, on arriving in Lower
Languedoc, again took possession of St. Gilles, from which the Reformers
were then driven. 37
When no longer tenable as a fortress, the Church of Saint-Gilles was
demolished by the Due de Rohan, in 1622. Some time afterwards, the wars
between the Huguenots and Catholics ceased under Louis XIII., King of
France, and peace was established.38
The old abbey was destroyed in the sixteenth century ; but a detached
pile of the ruin remains. It contains a spiral staircase, called le Vis de St.
Gilles,^ and it is remarkable as a fine specimen of masonry. The ancient
church has been replaced by a structure of late date, but of greatly inferior
architecture.
The relics of the holy Abbot were preserved at St. Sernin, in Toulouse,40
a.d. 1562. There the Canons of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Gilles
concealed them, while the disturbances and wars of that period prevailed.
In 1865, the shrine of the saint, with his relics, had been discovered,41 and
on the 22nd of October, 1867, that event was celebrated in a public manner,
and with a religious ceremony, at which a great number of the faithful assisted.
Since that time the pilgrimages, which had so long been interrupted, were
resumed by the clergy, religious and others, whole parishes sending numerous
39 According to the writers of "Gallia toire de France," tome ix., cinquieme
Christiana," col. 506. partie, liv. li., p. 28. n. 2.
30 See " De Admiranda Colonise Magni- 34 Appointed to the government of Lan-
tudine," p. 311. Cologne, 1634, 4to. guedoc in 1563. See Pere G. Daniel's
31 See " Histoire Generate de Languedoc," '* Histoire de France," tome viii.. Charles
tome v., lib. xxxvii.. sect, lxxii., p. 159. IX., p. 484.
38 These disturbances commenced in 1559, 3S See " Histoire Generate de Languedoc,"
during the reign of Francis II. tome v., liv. xxxix., sect, lxvii., p. 305.
33 This was the term employed to designate 36 See ibid., liv. xl., sect, xiii., p. 341.
the Calvinists as distinguished from the 3? See ibid., liv. xlii., sect, lxii., p. 530,
Lutherans. According to Henri Martin the and sect. Ixxiv., p. 538.
word Huguenot, for which many bizarre 38 See Pere G. Daniel's " Histoire de
derivations have been given, is traceable to France," tome x., Journal Ilistorique de
the German eidgenossen, meaning "allies " Louis XIII., p. xxvii.
or "confederates." The Genevan reformers 39 It was saved from destruction at the
were named eigtiots, when they were allied period of the Revolution, through the in-
with a part of the German Swiss, who fluence of M. Michel, a lawyer of St.
desired to render themselves independent Gilles.
from the Duke of Savoy. " Lescatholiques A° See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
firent de ce nom une injure : les protestants the Saints," vol. ix., September I, p. 10.
en firent un titre de gloire et voulurent que 4I An account of this may be seen in a
huguenots signifiat ddfenseurs de la race de work of M. l'Abbc Trichaud. " Histoire de
Hugues Capet contre les Lorrains." — " His- ['Invention du Tombeau de Saint-Gilles."
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. r9
bands to St. Gilles' shrine. His church had also attracted the attention and
admiration of tourists and archaeologists.'*2
In a very remarkable manner, veneration for St. ^Egidius was introduced
at Leodium, a.d. 976,43 while Notger was its prelate. One Gorderan, from
Gallia Narbonensis, was accustomed to traverse the country with a bear and
an ape, with which he gave popular exhibitions. 44 However, in his old agt;,
having selected a place among the woods, and Latinized Publicus Mons,45 for a
station ; he then erected houses and cottages, where he received the poor
with hospitable care. Even robbers, who infested that country, flocked
thither to receive the devout man's exhortations, and frequently were they
thus induced to reform their lives. But, his work was not deemed to be
complete, until he had there erected a church to his patron, St. ./Egidius, for
the stranger had been a native of Saint-Gilles. Moreover, that humble man
had contrived to gather pious women,*6 to form a religious society, in those
houses he had built near the church.*? In that place, Goderan closed his
earthly career, and departed this life, venerated as a saint in popular
estimation.48
So great was the veneration of the French for St. Gilles, that besides the
chief city in the Isle of Reunion, and which took its name from him, no less
than eighteen other towns have a similar name throughout France. Between
Peronne and Abbeville, in Picardy, a beautiful Gothic church has been
erected to Saint-Gilles, near the ruins of Mount Saint-Quentin, which formerly
had an oratory and altar dedicated to him.49 In the forest of Ardennes, St.
Theodore, Abbot over the monastery of St. Hubert, constructed a church in
honour of St. ^Egidius, after the middle of the eleventh century.5° With a
desire to obtain some relic of the holy Abbot, Theodore made a pilgrimage to
his tomb, and took Troy es on his way. He returned, having obtained the desired
relics.s1 From the Church of Saint-Gilles, divers relics of its holy patron
have been procured, and they were preserved in various churches and cities.
Among these may be mentioned the cathedral city of Strigonia,*2 St.
Saviour's," at Antwerp, in Lisbon, in Saint-Gilles of Bruges, Saint-Gilles of
Paris, Saint-Gilles of Bamberg,s* Saint-Gilles-sur-Vic, Saint-Gilles of Noir-
moutiers, Saint-Gilles of Vannes, Saint-Gilles of Saint-Omer,ss Avesne,
42 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des ad S. /Egidii quotannis susceperunt cereum,
Saints," tome x., premier jour de Septembre, proximo Mercurii die post S. Joannis Bap-
pp. 405, 406. tistae natalem. Hodieque post tot saecula
43 See at this year, Fisenius, in " Historiae antiquum tenent. Ista sunt ^Egidiani ccenobii
Ecclesire Leodiensis," lib. vii. incunabula." — " Historia Ecclesiastica Leo-
44 As in so many other instances recorded diensis," lib. vii.
in the Acts of the Saints, we are here 49 This is to be gleaned from the monk
furnished with an illustration of customs Nicholas' Vita S. Godefridi, Ambianensis
prevailing in the Middle Ages. Episcopi, as introduced by Surius, at the 8th
43 This may be rendered in English " the day of November,
public Mount," probably in relation to the 3° This is related by Mabillon in his Acts
civitas Leodii which was near it. of St. Theodoric in the " Acta Sanctorum,"
45 Among these one Judila was especially srec vi., Benedict, pars ii., pp. 573, 574.
distinguished for her sanctity. 3I These he divided into two parts : one
"7 In the twelfth century, the Church of of them he reserved for his own monastery,
St. yEgidius was served by Canons Regular, the other he gave to the Church of St.
while the succession of Abbots and Priors yEgidius, over which he placed a priest,
is enumerated by Dionysius Sammarthann, 52 In Hungary,
in "Gallia Christiana," tomus hi., a col. 1009. 53 Belonging to the Cistercians.
48 He was buried in front of the altar 54 In the twelfth century, St. Otho, Bishop
dedicated to Saints Dionysius and Lambert. of Bamberg, obtained the thumb of St.
Fisenius adds : " Histriones, et citharaedi, qui yEgidius, which was kept with other relics
sodalem a pio instituto primum revocare ten- on an altar dedicated to him.
tarant, Jn demortui memoriam deferendum 55 In the English Jesuits' College there
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September
Tournai,56 Walcourt,57 Cambrai,ss Cologne^ Prague,60 Bologne,6' and in
Rome, where they were preserved in the church of St. Agatha. Having
thus parted with so many portions, the city and church of Saint-Gilles only
possesses, at present, some parcels of the patron's relics. However, Monsig-
neur Plantier obtained from Toulouse a considerable part ; and, on the 27 th
of July, 1862, a translation to the parent church took place with solemn
ceremonies.63 Although the Festival of St. ^Egidius had been previously
celebrated in the Church Aniciensis, yet would Raymund, Count of Toulouse,
have it commemorated, in a more solemn manner, a.d. 1096 ; and, as an
expiation for his sins, he endowed it with certain possessions. This appears
from a charter still extant and published.63
After the death of St. Gilles, the reputation of this holy Abbot for working
miracles rendered him celebrated, not alone throughout France, but also in
the Low Countries, throughout Germany, Poland, and all over the European
Continent, as also in Great Britain and in Ireland. From these countries,
also, crowds of pilgrims resorted to his shrine, imploring the saint's
intercession. In 1115, Gertrude, Countess of Northeim, wife of Henry,
founded the monastery of St. ^gidius, without Brunswick,6* and this was
known as the " ccenobium Bursfeldense." About the same time, a noble con-
vent for nuns, and dedicated to St. ^Egidius, was built in Munster, Westphalia.
Another monastery, also dedicated to the holy abbot, was erected in the
diocese of Halberstad. Also at Bamberg, in the twelfth century, St. Otho,
Bishop over that See, resolved on founding a monastery dedicated to St.
^Egidius, at a certain eligible place, called Lugenhubel,65 without the city.
It was levelled at that spot, and there he built the church. A domicile for
the poor and pilgrims was attached ; so that, what had been heretofore a
disreputable locality, might become thenceforward a source of relief for the
destitute, of salvation for souls, and of praise to the Lord.66 Again, at
Nuremburg, a.d. 1140, having entertained an exalted opinion of the services
rendered to religion in Germany by the Irish — then called Scottish — monks
on the Continent, the Emperor Conrad III. built a magnificent monastery,
dedicated to St. iEgidius, and he placed them in charge of it. This was
was a bone of St. /Egidius. France in the year 1356, "teste Phosphoro
s6 The Abbey of St. Nicholas de Pratis, Pragensi," p. 517.
belonging to the Canons Regulars, preserved a 6l These relics were kept in the Church
considerableportionofthearmofSt/Egidius. ot St. Stephen, and in the Jesuits' Church
" In the Collegiate Church of the Blessed of St. Ignatius, according to Masinus in
Virgin, Rayssius relates, that in a large " Bononia perlustrata," p. 439.
Cross, adorned with gems and precious 6l See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
stones, in which are kept relics of various Saints," tome x., Septembre i., p. 405.
saints, among those are included relics 6i By the writers of " Historic Occitania\"
of St. /Egidius — incorrectly styled Abbot of tomus ii., inter Instrumenta, col. 343.
Aries. See " Hierogazophylacium Belgicum," 64 See an account of this city, in the
p. 330. " Gazetteer of the world," vol. iii., pp. 92,93.
s8 In the Abbey Church of the Holy 6s In Latin its translation is rendered,
Sepulchre was kept a small portion of the " collis mendacii."
arm of St. /Egidius. 6j And roes, who describes what is in the
59 Gelenius assigns relics of St. y£gidius text, adds : "Eo tempore canonicus quidam
to various churches of that city : viz., to the eccleske S. Jacobi, Wichodo nomine, Orttio-
Collegiate Church of St. Gereon, to the nis causa, beatum vi«itam;/Egidium, reliquias
Collegiate of St. Cunibert, to the Church of magnificas, id est, pollicem ejus, comparavit ;
St. Pantaleon, and to the parochial Church quern pius Otto, ab eodem sagaciler impetra-
of St. Lupus. See " De Admiranda Colonise turn, altario S. /Egidii cum aliis multiplici-
Magnitudine," pp. 264, 289, 372, 412. bus reliquiis inclusit, ecclesiamque solenniter
60 A pait of the arm and two other small dedicans, memoriam ejus per omnem locum
portions w«re deposited in the Metropolitan celebriorem, quam eatenus fuisset. instituit."
Church of St. Vitus, when brought from — " Vita S. Ottonis," num. 3.
September i.l LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS.
governed and regulated by monks from Ireland, until a.d. 1418, when the
succession from Ireland failing, German monks of the Benedictine Order
were substituted.67 In Germany, St. Giles is reckoned as one of the Vierzehn
Noth-halfer.6S Towards the end of the eleventh century, the veneration of
St. /Egidius extended in Hungary, while the saintly King Ladislaus, son of
the Champion Bela, ruled there. He founded a monastery and church
dedicated to the holy abbot, at Semichen, and this religious house was
subjected to the parent one,6? already established in the Flavian Valley.
In that, also, only French monks were to be received.70 To the discretion
of the Hungarian monarch was left certain affairs connected with that
monastery.71 Besides, at Rome itself, were churches and religious places
connected with a veneration for the Blessed Abbot ^Egidius.72
On the 1 st of September, the feast of their patron, at Saint-Gilles-Vieux-
Marche, at Saint-Gilles-Pligneaux, and at Saint-Gilles du Mene, in Bretagne,
a great number of pilgrims annually assemble to invoke his intercession.
After the middle of the thirteenth century, Pope Urban IV." ordered an
Office of Nine Lessons for St. yEgidius to be inserted in the Roman Breviary,
and it was to be recited as a semi-double.7* But, about the middle of the
sixteenth century, that office was reduced to a simplex?* and as thus regulated
by Pope St. Pius V., it has since been observed. However, in many
dioceses, especially in France and Belgium, the office of our saint has had a
higher position. Hence, the Lessons recited on the Festival of St. ^Egidius
are varied according to the circumstances of churches and provinces. In
Ireland, it is a simplex, the third Lesson of which is a proper one,76 dealing
with the acts of St. /Egidius and having a special prayer. With fifteen other
saints, for many ages in various churches of Western Christendom, he was
invoked by the special title of " Auxiliator."77 This must be attributed to
the confidence felt by the faithful in the efficacy of his intercession.78
67 Bucelin, who records these facts, adds ; statement, <; Arelatem ad beatum Ccesarium
" Patet hodie magistratui, extinctis post contendit."
mutatam religionem in urbe monachis, cele- 77 Father Papebroke, when treating of St.
braturque summopere amplissimce basilicce George in the " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
architectura, egregium prisci splendoris argu- for April, and at p. 149, investigates the
mentum." — '* Germania Sacra," parsii.,p. 3. reasons for such a title ; but he has only a
63 See Rev. S. Baring- Gould's "Lives of conjecture to offer, that such appellation had
the Saints," vol. ix., September I, p. 10. been given, because each of those saints was
69 This is to be seen in the Letter of Pope venerated and invoked for some special
Paschal II., in 1106, and directed to Hugh, necessity. In certain Missals is the Mass,
Abbot of St. /Egidius in Septimania. See De Quindecim Sanctissimis Auxiliatoribus.
Baluzius, in " Miscellaneorum," tomusii., p. In some old Missals, there is a Mass thus
183. intituled, Missa de Quinque Sanctis Privile-
70 This is stated by the monk Albericus, in giatis. In the Collect for both these Masses,
his Chronicle, at A.D. 1078. St. /Egidius is specially numbered.
71 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. ?8 To the prayers offered for his interces-
Benedicti," tomus v., lib lxv., num. xlviii., sion, by Judith Wladislai, wife of the King
p. 137. of Poland, she is believed to have given birth
71 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," to a son, afterwards known as Boleslaus,
tomus i., Septembris i. De Sancto ^Lgidio King of Poland, in the beginning of the
Abbate in Fano S. ^Egidii Occitaniae. Com- twelfth century. When the latter grew up,
mentaiius Praevius, sect. i. Veneratio Sancti with a few priests and other pious men, that
longe lateque propagata, pp. 284 to 287. prince made a pilgrimage in a plain habit to
73 He ruled from a.d. 1261 to a.d. 1264. the tomb of St. yFgidius. A great part of
74 Father Stilting adds, " ut ex Gavanto this journey he accomplished in his bare feet,
scribit Bailletus ad I. Septembris in S. and on the way, he bestowed liberal alms on
yEgidio." the churches, monasteries and poor. He
75 He presided over the Church from a.d. remained in fastings and prayers fifteen days
1566 to a.d. 1572. before the tomb of the holy Abbot, as
76 In this single Lesson is inserted the related by Joannes Herburtus. See Bene-
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September
In art, St. Giles is represented as wearing a monastic habit, with his
beloved hind?9 beside him, the saint's hand pierced with an arrow and resting
on its head. When his festival takes place at Valencia, it is customary to
bless a sprig of fennel.80 His devout clients invoke his intercession, more-
over, to avert fire, the falling sickness, weakness of mind, and fear.
Jn England, in Ireland, and also in Scotland, for many ages past, St. Giles
has been held in great veneration ; while in those countries many elegant
and noble churches have been erected in his honour.8' About the year
1090, Alfime, the first master of St. Bartholomew's. Hospital, London,
founded the old church, dedicated to St. Giles, in Cripplegate, anciently a
fen or moor, the houses and gardens of which were counted a village, called
Mora, without the walls of that city.82 The patronage of this church was
formerly in private hands, until one Alemund, a priest, granted the same to
the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul. In the year 1545, the old Church of
St. Giles was destroyed by fire. Afterwards, a fine Gothic church was
erected, 114 feet in length, by 63 in breadth, 33 feet high to the roof, and
122 feet to the top of the tower. It is one of the few London churches that
escaped the dreadful conflagration in 1666. The monuments of several
celebrated persons are to be found within this church. 83 Fragments of the
old Roman wall may still be seen in the churchyard of St. Giles', Cripple-
gate.8'* A village, called from a church standing there a.d. 1222, St. Giles
in the Fields — to distinguish it from St. Giles, Cripplegate — was made
parochial, in the year 1547.85 The Church and village of St. Giles in the
Fields are supposed to have sprung from an hospital for Lepers founded
there, by Matilda, wife of Henry I., about the year 1117.86 In 1354,87 King
Edward III. granted that hospital to the Master and Brethren ot the Order
of Burton St. Lazar of Jerusalem, in Leicestershire.
Especially was St. Giles honoured in Edinburgh, where a celebrated
church was built and dedicated to him.88 The original church on its site
was erected before a.d. 854, 8q but by whom is not known.00 A new church,
in lieu of the original one, was erected by King David I., in the early part
diet Gononus,in "Vitis Patruum Occidentis," iii., p. 251.
lib. iii., p. 155. 84 See Ward and Lock's "Pictorial Guide
79 The hind is represented, likewise, as to London," p. 19.
the armorial bearing of the city of Saint- 8s See Walter Harrison's "New and
Gilles. See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies Universal History, Description and Survey
des Saints," tome x., premier jour de Sep- of the Cities of London and Westminster,"
tembre, p. 405. &c, book v., chap, i., p. 536.
80 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of 86 See "London," edited by Charles
the Saints," vol. ix., September 1, pp. 9, 10. Knight, vol. iii., sect. Ixvi., St. Giles's, Past
81 See "Les Petits Bollandistes," tome x., and Present, p. 258.
ic jour de Septembre, p. 405. 8? See a plan of St. Giles in the Fields and
1 In process of time, the village increased its connexion with the First St. Giles' Church.
so considerably in buildings, that it was con- when both were regarded as in a suburban
Stitttted a prebend of St. Paul's Cathedral, position outside the walls in London, in the
by the appellation of Mora. This preben- work just quoted, Hid., p. 272.
dary has the ninth stall on the right side of 88 See " Registrum Cartarum Ecclesia'
the choir in St. Paul's Cathedral. See Sancti Egidii de Edinburgh," edited by the
Walter Harrison's "New and Universal Bannatine Club.
Hi>tory, Description and Survey of the 8' See Francis 11. Groome's "Ordnance
Cities of London and Westminster, the Gazetteer of Scotland : a Survey of Scottish
Borough of Southwark, and their adjacent Topography, Statistical, Biographical, and
Parts," book ii., chap, xvi., p. 468, and n. Historical," vol. ii., p. 515.
ibid. 9° The original building was probably of
Si Milton was buried, where his father had small dimensions, but the parish Church of
been buried before him, in the Church of St. Edinburgh. See Rev. Mackenzie E. C.
Giles, Cripplegate. See Charles Knight's Walcott's " Scoti-Monasticon : the Ancient
"Old England," vol. ii., book vi., chap. Church of Scotland," p. 363.
September i.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
of the twelfth century. Additions of aisles, transepts, chapels and a choir,
were subsequently made to it; but, in 1385, it was destroyed by the Duke
of Gloucester and the
St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
English who invaded
Scotland, during the
reign of King Richard
II. In 1387, the re-
construction of St.
Giles' Church was
commenced, and for
the most part it was
carried out in the Early
Gothic style, which dis-
tinguished that period,
although much of the
old masonry remained.91
In 1393, King Robert
III. annexed it to Scone,
the Crown and Municipal
Council granting sums
for its restoration, at
various times. The
church had been a cell
to Dumfermline, until
refounded out of consoli-
dated chapelries as a
collegiate church, in
1446, by the Provost
and Magistrates. In
1454, the arm-bone of
St. Giles was obtained
for it as a relic. 92 Again,
on the 22nd of February,
1466, King James III.
confirmed its privileges to St. Giles' by charter.93 It contained several
chapels,94 all of which were destroyed in 1559, by the Earls of Argyle and
Glencairn. After episcopacy had been abolished, looms were erected within
the aisles, 1560-7,95 and in different ways was St. Giles' afterwards dese-
9t See the history of St. Giles's Church,
with illustrations, in Daniel Wilson's
"Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden
Time," vol. ii., chap, xi., pp. 157 to 176.
92 Through the intervention of the King
of France, after long entreaty on the part of
the clergy and people of Edinburgh. This
relic, embossed in silver, was kept among
the Church treasures, until the Reformation.
See Arnot's " History of Edinburgh," p. 268.
93 See Maitland's ''History of Edin-
burgh," p. 272.
94_ When the rage of the Scottish Reformers
against images was prevalent, on the 1st of
September, 1558, a wooden image of St.
Giles was destroyed by a mob, when borne
in procession through Edinburgh. John
Knox relates that images were stolen away
from the churches in all parts of Scotland,
"and in Edinburgh was that great idole,
Sanct Geyle, first drowned in the North
Loch, after burned, which raised no small
trouble in the town." He afterwards gives
an account of the tumult, to which allusion
has been made, in his " History of the Refor-
mation in Scotland," book i., pp. 256 to 261.
See " The Works of John Knox ;" collected
and edited by David Laing, vol. i., Edin-
burgh, 1864, 8vo.
« See Rev. Dr. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott's
"Scoti-Monasticon," Edinburgh, pp. 133,
134-
96 There is an interesting ground plan of
St. Giles's Church, with description and
references illustrating its various compart-
ments, previous to 1829, in Daniel Wilson's
24 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i
crated.00 Formerly it had the ordinary cathedral cruciform outline; but,
owing to additions, alterations and curtailments, it lost nearly all trace of its
original form.0? In 1829 to 1832, under the direction of Mr. Burn, it under-
went a very tasteless so-called renovation ;°8 but, in the year 1867, it
was proposed to restore the interior,?0 and in 1872, under the direction of Mr.
\V. Hay, the work was commenced, owing chiefly to the public spirit and
generous liberality of the eminent publisher, Dr. William Chambers.100
When the ecclesiastical changes, consequent on the establishment of
Protestantism in the sixteenth century, had put an end to the old Catholic
ritual in Edinburgh, and St. Giles' had become a place for plain
Presbyterian worship, its long drawn aisles were not thought to be advan-
tageous for the preachers of the day, and the interior of the edifice was
consequently partitioned into a number of separate places for worship. The
choir was first restored in 1873 ; but, owing to various obstacles, great delay
was occasioned before the renovation was finally accomplished in 1883.
St. Giles was also venerated in Fintray,101 in Moffat, and in Elgin, where
fairs were held in his honour.102
This holy servant of God is commemorated in several Martyrologies and
Calendars ; as in some additions to those of Ado and of the Venerable Bede,
as, also, in the Gallican103 and Anglican10* Kalendars. He is commemorated,
in an ancient Franco-Gallic Martyrology, edited by Labbe,105 at the 1st of
September ;IO° in a Codex of Corbie ;107 and in an ancient manuscript
belonging to the Monastery of Lerins.108 In the genuine copies of Usuard's
original work, the name of Saint ^Egidius does not occur, but it is to be
found in many of the more modern additions to Usuard. Through the
Kalendar of Sarum, St. Egidius, or Giles, finds his place in the Scottish
Kalendar. In the Scottish Kalendar of Hyrdmanistoun, at the 1st of
September, St. Egidius, Abbot,100 is commemorated. In Scotland he is
"Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden disfigured in like manner. The side chapels
Time," vol. ii., appendix, sect, xviii., pp. were either demolished, or blocked up with
221 to 223. the unadorned wood- work of galleries and
97 On Sunday, July 23rd, 1637, when the pews, as was the case with the historic
Protestant Bishop of Edinburgh ascended Albany Aisle.
the pulpit of St. Giles to introduce the " The accompanying illustration, drawn
English Liturgy upon the Presbyterians of on the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey,
Scotland, he was violently assailed by the has been copied from an approved etching
congregation assembled. Riot after riot of St. Giles' Church, before the late restora-
followed, until the great National Covenant tions had been commenced.
nned, and Rebellion succeeded. See I0° See that most instructive and interesting
Charles Knight's "Old England," vol. ii., "Memoir of William and Robert Cham-
book vi., chap, i., pp. 174, 175. bers," by William Chambers, LL.D., sup-
98 The exterior of the building was then plementary chapter, 1865— 1883, pp. 357 to
newly encased in stone, which only served 371, Edinburgh and London, 1893, sm- 4lo.
still further to obliterate its historic features ; ,01 See Keith's " View of the Diocese of
the stately old tower, surmounted by its Aberdeen," p. 245.
finely proportioned mural crown being at IOSSee " RegistrumEpiscopatusMoravien-
1 resent the only characteristic of its external sis," p. 313.
aspect, which can really be regarded as ,o3 Especially in that of Andrew Saussay.
ancient. At the same time, the interior 10* As in those of York and Sarum.
underwent other changes for the worse. The ,os See " Bibliothecas MSS," tomus ii.,
massive octagonal pillars in the nave were p. 702.
sliced down into narrow fluted shafts, alto- ,u6 There we read : " Eodem die depositio
gether out of keeping with the general beati Egidii Abbatis."
eiiaracter of the architecture. In order that I0? Published by D'Achery in " Spici-
room might be made for the galleries — a legium," tomus ii., p. 17.
rather modern innovation— arches and capi- ,o8 This has been edited by Martene, in
tals were ruthlessly cut into, and the whole " Thesauri Anecdotorum," col. 1613.
building made as unlike its former state as ,0? See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
possible. The transepts and choir were Scottish Saints," p. 45.
September i;] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 25
known as St. Giles. Also, in the Kalendars of Culenros110 and De Nova
Farina111 there is a like entry. Again, it is in the Kalendar of Arbuthnot,"2
while in that of Aberdeen, the feast is noted as a minor duplex,1 *3 and entered
likewise in the Martyrology of Aberdeen, "* on the same day. In his
" Menologium Scoticum," Thomas Dempster has this saint also entered, at
the 1st of September,1^ as Patron of Edinburgh.116 For this, he quotes
" Joannes Molanus, Theologus Lovaniensis." As Giles, he is entered at the
same date, in the Scottish Kalendar.11? In the old Martyrology of Tallagh —
compiled from various ancient church calendars — there is noticed a festival
for the Abbot Egidius,"8 at the 1st of September ; and, at the same date,
it is entered1 x9 in the Liber Sancte Trinitatis, Dublin.
Although spending their lives with religious ardour and steady perseverance
in love and veneration, walking ever in the way of God's Commandments,
animated by His graces and the grateful recollection of His supernatural
favours ; yet, had the saints found time and opportunity to discharge all
necessary obligations and charitable offices towards their fellow-creatures.
Thus they merited that love and veneration, which was bestowed on them
by men of good will while they lived, and which transmitted to posterity the
names of so many holy persons, who were eminently deserving respect and
honour from succeeding generations.
Article II. — St. Neman, Bishop of Cill Bia. There are no entries
made in the published Martyrology of Tallagh, from 31st of August until the
4th of September ; and therefore, the present saint's name, with that of other
holy persons, is not there found recorded. However, in the copy contained
in the Book of Leinster, although entries are given for the missing days, the
name of Neman is not mentioned, at the present date. The Martyrology of
Donegal1 registers a festival, at the 1st of September, in honour of Neman,
Bishop, of Cill-Bia, which seems to have been one of the early small sees in
Ireland. In the table which follows this record, a commentator observes,
that if by him, Nemhan be understood, this name may fairly be interpreted
CcdesHtms? In the Introduction to the Martyrology, it is stated, that Cill
Bhi is in Connaught ;3 but, this is by no means certain. At present, it seems
no easy matter to discover this place/ among the existing parish or townland
denominations of Ireland. However, there is a reasonable conjecture, as
Cill-Bia and Cill-mbian are not distinct denominations, and while the latter
place is said to have been founded by St. Fearghus,* Bishop of Druim-Leath-
1.0 See ibid., p. 61. "9 Thus, " Eodem die ; sancti Egidii,
1.1 See ibid., p. 75. abbatis et confessoris. " — "The Book of
112 See ibid., p. 104. Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral
113 See ibid., p. 120. Church of the Holy Trinity," edited by
114 The Martyrology of Aberdeen states at John Clarke Crosthwaite, and Rev. Dr.
the Kl\ Septembris. — "In pago Neuma- James Henthorn Todd, p. 152.
censi Sancti Egidii abbatis."—" Proceedings Article 11.— l Edited by Drs- Todd and
of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland," Reeves, pp. 232, 233.
vol. ii., p. 267. 2 Dr. Reeves appends the following mar-
115 See Bishop Forbes5 "Kalendars of ginal note to this passage: " As ruotfi-an,
Scottish Saints," p. 210. from viAorh, holy, is Latinized Sanctanus, so
116 Adam King, in his Kalendar, gives tl email, from nerh, 'heaven,' is rendered
this distinction at the 1st of September to Ccclestinus" See ibid., pp. 458, 459.
" S. Geles, abot of Arls in Prouance, patron 3 See ibid., p. xxxix.
of Edinbourge, under Charles ye greit" 4 Cill Bia has not been hitherto clearly
See ibid, p. 161. identified.
"7 See ibid., p. 255. 5 His feast occurs on the 30th March, at
118 Thus entered e^itm ab. which date notices of him may be seen, in
26 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i.
giaise, more commonly called Dun-da-leath-ghlas, or Down ; an ancient
graveyard called Killyman, in the townland of Barnamaghery and parish of
Kilmore, in the Diocese of Down, may represent the site of the once impor-
tant church of Cill-mbian, mentioned in several of our annals. In that
graveyard, at present, there are no remains of a church ;6 but, a great quantity
of stones had been removed from it, to build a bridge over the Glasswater.
It might well be expected, that Cill-mBian? — pronounced Killmian — as
having been founded by one of the bishops of Down, should remain closely
connected with the See ; and, as Killyman was a chapel in the mensal parish
of Kilmore, and probably one of seven mentioned as having belonged to it,
not unreasonably it may be regarded as the ancient Cill m-Bian.8 If such
identification be correct, as the founder, St. Fearghus, Bishop of Downpatrick,
died a.d. 583,9 the present St. Neman flourished hardly at an earlier date
than the seventh century. How long Cill m-Bian or Cill-Bia continued to
be the see of a bishop does not seem to be known ; for we cannot find farther
allusion to it in our Irish Annals or Calendars. Neither is the name of
Neman one often to be met with,10 and certainly not in a form, to furnish
probable identity with the saint there venerated. Under the head of Cill-
Bia, Duald Mac Ferbis enters Nemhan, bishop of Cill-Bia, at the 1st day of
September."
Article III. — St. Cuimmen, Son of Cuanna, or Cuanach, probably
Abbot of Druim-Snechta, now Drumsnat, County of Monaghan. To
us it seems very probable, that the present holy man was not distinct from
a saint bearing the same appellation, and said to have been venerated on
the 4th of this month,1 at Drumsnat, County of Monaghan. The name of
Cuimmen, son of Cuana, or Cuanach, occurs in the Martyrologies of Tal-
lagh,2 of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 and of Donegal,* at the 1st of* September.
Article IV. — St. Sceallan, the Leper, of Armagh, County of
Armagh. On this day, the feast of St. Sceallan occurs in some of our native
Martyrologies.1 His memory is recorded in the Calendar of Marianus
O'Gorman. Also, we find entered in the Martyrology of Donegal,2 that
the Third Volume of this work, Art. ii. I0 A Neman, Abbot of Lismore, died, A.D.
0 The graveyard is exclusively used by 610.
Catholics, and mostly by persons of the name "See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
of Murray. It is now in the Catholic parish Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i-, part
of Saintfield. i> PP- 94> 95-
7 In his tract, De Quibtisdam Episcopis, Article in.— x See "The Martyrology
Duald MacFirbis— apparently referring to of Tallagh," edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p.
this Church— has it, "Cill-Sqanduil no Cill- xxxiii.
bi.ui. Fergus epscop Cille-Sganduil no 2 In that copy as found in the Book of
bian; agus is nor sin." Translated : Kill- Leinster, at the Kalends of this month—
Sgandail or Kill-Bian: Fergus, bishop of September 1st— is entered the festival
Kill-Sgandail or Kill-Bian, and that is true." Comem Ab TJnom SneccAi.
denominations may be anglicised into * See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Iliber-
Kilscannel and Kilbcan or Kilmean. nke," xii. Januarii, n. 6, p. $9-
1 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's "His- * Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
toncal Account of the Dioceses of Down and 232, 233.
Connor, Ancient and Modern," vol. v., pp. Article iv.—1 See Colgan's "Acta Sanc-
39> 4°- torum Ilibernke," xvi. Martii, n. 2, p. 628.
9SeeDr.O'Donovan's"AnnalsoftheFour » Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Masters," vol. i., pp. 210, 211, and nn. (c. d.) 232, 233.
September i.] LIVES OF 1HE IRISH SAINTS. 27
veneration was given to Sceallan, the Leper, of Ard-Macha, or Armagh.
The Irish Calendar, belonging to the Ordnance Survey Records, has a
similar entry.3 By the Bollandists, his festival is noticed, at the 1st of Sep-
tember/ This holy man seems to have borne patiently the loathsome
disease, once so common in Ireland, and from which his appellation was
derived. When he lived does not seem to be known, bat it was probably
in the ninth or tenth century. The name of Sceallan, the Leper, of Armagh,
is not found in the Martyrology of Tallagh, contained in the Book of
Leinster.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Sebaldus, or Sewallus. It
would appear, from the posthumous list of Manuscripts published by Charles
Mac Donnell, that Colgan had intended the issue of St. Sebaldus' Acts,1 at the
1st day of September. Making allusion to a St. Sewall, Bishop of York, in
England, at this date, as said to have been noted by the English Martyr-
ology,2 and by Ferrarias,3 as also mentioned by Matthew of Westminster, at
a.d. 1256,4 the Bollandists state,5 that he was a different person from Sewall,
an Irish bishop, venerated at the 18th of May.
Article VI. — St. Failbhe, Son of Ronan, of Cluain Airbealaigh.
In that copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh, contained in the Book of
Leinster, at the Kalends of September, there is an entry of Failbe Mac
Ronain in Cluain Arbelaig.1 According to the Martyrology of Donegal,2 a
festival was celebrated at the 1st of September in honour of Failbhe, son of
Ronan, of Cluain Airbealaigh. He is recorded in the published Martyrology
of Tallagh, 3 at the 4th of September, as Failbe Mac Ronain, in Cluain
Airbelaig. This shows, that there must have been some error of insertion in
the latter Calendar, owing perhaps to the ignorance of a scribe.
Article VII. — Translation of the Relics of St. Anatolius, at
Salins, France. Besides the festival of St. Anatolius, on the 3rd of
February,1 another is kept on the 1st of September. This latter com-
memorates a translation of his remains, at Salins. During the eleventh
century, the body of St, Anatolius was removed from the original tomb, in
which it had been deposed. It was placed in the principal church, at Salins.
About 200 years later, Nicholas, who was Bishop of Besancon, from a.d.
1229 to 1235, had it moved on a 1st of September, An elegant shrine, in
the same church, was destined for the reception of his remains. These were
greatly venerated, by the faithful. Thus 200 years, after the first exhumation
3 Sge-AllxMi lobA]\ 6 -Arvomaca. Sec his episcopacy, and not to his cultus : " Se-
" Common Place Book, F.," now in the wallus electus Eborum, in archiepiscopum
Royal Irish Academy's Library, p. 74. consecratur ab episcopo Wigornirc." —
4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep- " Flores Historiarum."
tembris i. Among the pretermitted Saints, 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
p- 3- tembris i. Among the pretermitted Saints, p.4,
Article v. — * See " Catalogus Actuum Article vi.— ' Thus: Vailbe mac
Sanctorum quae MS. habentur, ordine Men- 1lon.ain 1 cluAin ^ipbetaij;.
sium et Dierum." 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
2 However, the Bollandists could not find 232, 233.
such notice in any edition of Wilson's English 3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
Martyrology. Article vii. — ' See at this date, in the
3 In ■*' Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum." Second Volume of this work, some notices
4 Matthew of Westminster only alludes to of the present saint, Art. i.
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September t.
and deposition of St. Anatolius' relics, by Hugo, Archbishop of BesancOD,
in a magnificent tomb, at which various illustrious miracles had been
wrought; Nicholas, Archbishop of Besancon, in the thirteenth century, had
them removed, on the Kalends of September, and placed in a precious
shrine, prepared for their reception.2 Through the aid and merits of this
saint, blind, lame, mute, deaf, crippled, weak and infirm persons, were
frequently restored to health. Once, when St. Anatolius' salt spring sud-
denly went dry, on bringing his sacred head thither, the water immediately
sprang forth again. Fires were extinguished, through his intercession ;
demoniacs were cured ; cities were relieved from siege, and victories were
obtained over enemies of the French j rain and fine weather were alike
obtained ; while numbers, placed in imminent danger, were saved through
his invocation. Well may we deem this holy Confessor to be inscribed in
the Company of the elect,3 regarding whom the Royal Prophet sung, " To
me, Thy friends, O God, are exceedingly honourable j their principality is
exceedingly strengthened."4
Article VIII. — The Sons of Caimene. A festival to honour the Sons
of Caimene is set down, in the Martyrology of Donegal,1 at the ist of Sep-
tember. It seems probable, those holy brothers flourished, after the eighth
century, as they are not contained, in that copy of the Martyrology of
Tallaght in the Book of Leinster, at the Kalends of September, nor in that
published by the Rev. Dr. Kelly, for which day entries are missing. Their
particular names do not seem to be ascertainable.
Article IX. — Feast of St. Cecilia, with other Companions. In
the ancient Irish Church, at the ist of September, we find a festival set down
for St. Cecilia, with a great number of other saints, in the " Feilire M of St.
^Kngus.1 To this entry, a commentator has added some remarks,2 intended
to be explanatory. The Bollandists have no mention of this festival, at the
ist of September. Among the martyrs, who suffered a.d. 303,3 at Abytina,
in Africa, under the Emperor Diocletian, is named a Cecilia.4 Their festival
a An account of this solemnity is con- ginity, thirty and three thousand." — " Trans-
tained in Jean Jaques Chifflet's " Veson- actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish
lionis," pars ii., p. 268. See the Bollandists' Manuscript Series, vol. i, part i. On the
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Septembris i., Calendar of Oengus, p. exxxvi.
among the Prretermissi, et in alios dies relati, 2 These are : " Decimus mensis apud
p. 2. Graecos Sgorpeos, Cen Kalne, cennona,
3 See ibid., tomus i., Februarii hi., De S. cen idu icgrecaib agus icegeptacdaib. Solifl
Anatolio Episcopo, Salinis in Burgundia. xxx., luna; xxx., Sextus ebreorum mensis
Alia Vita, ex Schedis Pet. Franc. Chiffletii, elul." The first sentence is thus translated :
Soc. Jesu, sect. 3, p. 360. "With the Greeks the tenth month is
4 Psalms exxxviii., 17. Yopmaios. Without Kalends, without nones.
Article viii.—1 Edited by Drs. Todd without ides, were the Greeks and the Egyp-
and Reeves, pp. 232, 233. tians." Again : "Cicilia i., uirgo et niartir.
Article ix. — ' In that copy found in the i., cccc. xx. et ihu. naue."- The comment u
Leabhar Breac, the entry thus appears : — added in Greek, " 'ItjsoOs Navrj." — See ibid.,
fflop Sepcimber* kt p. cxli.
CiciliA cotToijvcje 3 At this year, there is an account of them
.cccc. conuaige in Baronius' " Annales Ecclesiastici," tomus
.xxx. lAceop mile. hi., sect, lviii., p. 392, edition of the Celes-
Thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley tines, Bar-le-Duc.
Stokes : — " On September's Kalends Cecilia 4 See " Les Petits Bollandistes," tome ii.,
with righteousness : four hundred with vir- xie jour do Fevrier, p. 444.
September i.] LIVES OF THK IRISH SAINTS. 29
occurs on the nth of February. Again, among the martyrs, who suffered at
Constantinople, in the same year and under the same Emperor, a Cecilia is
also mentioned. Their feast is observed on the 8th of May.s Another
Cecilia, recorded in the Martyrology of St. Jerome, suffered for the Faith of
Christ at Sirmium,6 in Panonia, with the Martyrs Ostratus or Sostratus, Spire,
Eracle, and Eperence, their festival being observed on the 8th of July.?
Another still more celebrated Virgin and Martyr was Cecilia, of a noble
Roman family, and who, with her spouse Valerian, her brother Tiburtius,
and Maximin,8 were executed in the year of our Lord 230, while Alexander
Severus was Emperor. Her festival is celebrated on the 22nd of November. 9
As four hundred persons are said to have received with her the grace of
Baptism, at the hands of the Pontiff, St. Urban, it seems most probable, this
wis the virgin, whose memory was celebrated in the ancient Irish Church,
and who is commemorated in the Feilire of St. ^Engus, at the present date.
Also, in the Kalendarium Drummondiense,10 the feast of a holy Virgin,
Cecilia, is entered.
Article X. — Reputed Feast of St. Muredach, Bishop of Killala.
According to Castellan, a feast in honour of St. Muredach, Bishop of Killala,
was observed on this day by the Irish. The Bollandists, who note this
account, observe at the 1st of September, that Ferrarius alludes to Muredach
at the 5th of October, when they give promise of treating again about him.1
They remark, also, that among the Masses assigned for the holy patrons and
titulars of France and Ireland, printed at Paris in 1734, a Mass is set down
at the nth of July, with the title, "in festo sancti Muredaci Ep. et Conf.
Alladensis patroni generalis." His festival, however, is observed as a greater
Double, on the 12th of August,2 in the Irish Church.
Article XI. — Reputed Festival of St. Sarbile of Fochard. In that
copy of the Tallagh Martyrology, in the Book of Leinster, there is an entry
of Sarbile of Fochard, with other unintelligible words,1 at the Kalends of
September. These probably mean, that he was a man belonging to
Muirtheimhne,2 the present County of Louth. 3 His feast seems referable to
the 4th of this month.
5 See ibid,, tome v., viiie jour de Mai, p. ■ See the Eighth Volume of this work, at
393. that date, for some notices concerning him,
0 Now Sirmich or Mitrewitz. Art. i.
7 See ibid., tome viii., viii. jour de Juillet, Article xi.— t Thus entered :— Sarbile
p. 163. uir\ -pocriAirvoe tnup.
8 See zfotf., tome xiii., xxiiejour de Novem- 2 This ancient district was called Magh
bre, pp. 541 to 561. Muirtheimhne and Conaille Muirtheimhne,
9 See R. P. Dom Prosper Gueranger's from the descendants of Conall Cearnach of
•' Histoire de Saint Cecile. " the Clanna Rudhraighe race, who flourished
10 In Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- there for many centuries. In Ussher's time
tish Saints," at Kalend, Sept. " Item eodem it was still known as Maghery-Conall. See
die Ceciliam Sanctam Virginem quidam " Primordia," pp. 705, 706.
ferunt esse coronatam." See p. 23. 3 Its situation is thus pointed out by
Article x.— * See "Acta Sanctorum," Colgan, in his "Trias Thaumaturga," St.
tomus i., Septembiis i. Among the preter- Fiach's Hymn, or Prima Vita S. Patricii, n.
mitted Saints, p. 5. 16, p. 8.
3o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 2.
Article XII. — Reputed Festival of St. Fiachrach. At the Kalends
of September, in that copy of the Tallagh Martyrology found in the Book of
Leinster, there is an entry of Fiachrach.1
Article XIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Ultan Mac Ua Conchobair
of Ardbraccain. In that copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh contained in
the Book of Leinster, a feast is set down for St. Ultan Mac Ua Conchobair of
Ardbraccan, at the Kalends of September.1 This seems to have been the
mistake of a scribe, as his festival belongs to the 4th of this month, where he
is more fully noticed.
Article XIV. — Reputed Feast of St. Senain. At the Kalends of
September, there is a Feast for Senain,1 in that copy of the Tallagh Martyr-
ology contained in the Book of Leinster. It is probably a misplaced entry
for the day following.
Article XV. — Reputed Festival of Comgall of Both Conais. At
the Kalends of September, in that copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh, found
in the Book of Leinster, there is an entry of Comgall of Both Conais ;x but
elsewhere, his name is not noticed at this date. His festival is more probably
referable to the 4th day of this month.
Article XVI. — Reputed Feast for a Translation of St.Columban's
Relics at Bobbio. — In the Calendar of Ferrnrius1 is mentioned a Translation
of the Relics of St. Columban, Abbot, at Bobbio, on the 1st day of September.
The Bollandists also record this entry.2 His chief festival belongs to the 21st
of November.
£>eamti fflap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. SEANAN, OF LAITHRECH-BRIUIN, NOW LARAGII-
BRINE, COUNTY OF KILDARE.
[SIXTH CENTUR Y.\
WE have frequently to lament the loss of records, which might preserve
the particular virtues and actions of individuals for the edification
and emulation of all true Christians. As noticeable throughout all the
previous volumes of this work, with the most earnest desire to render its
several articles, more complete, documentary or traditional materials are not
accessible, to rescue from obscurity the earthly career of so many among the
children of light. Merely to learn their names — sometimes also those of
their old places — and to know that they had lived, are all that can now be
ascertained.
Article xil— ' Thus s pAchnAch. Article xvi.— ' " Translatio S. Colum-
Article xiii.— « Thus entered : Ulcan bani abbatis Bobii."— " Catalogus Generalis
rriAc h. ConcViobhair* 1 <Xirvobr»ec.An. Sanctorum."
Article xiv.— ' Thus: Senain. 2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
Artici.e xv.—1 Thus : Comgell boch tembris i. Among the pretermitted Saints,
Conair. p. 5.
September 2.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 31
According to the Feilire-Aenguis,1 the Feast of St. Senan was celebrated
in Lathrach Briuin, or Laraghbrine, in Ui-Foelain,2 on the 2nd of September.3
In conjunction with two other holy persons, Molotha and Theodota, the saint
is praised for his noble qualities, and for their reward through Christ. The
commentator identifies the present saint as connected with a well-known
place. According to the Calendar of the O'Clerys,* he belonged to the
race of Eochaidh, son of Muireadh, who descended from the seed of
Heremon. We are told, likewise, that Deidi, daughter to Trian, son of
Dubhthach, was his mother.* The pedigree of St. Senan of Laraghbrine is
contained in the M Sanctilogic Genealogy."6 There he is called the son of
Fintan, son to Strened, son of Glinder, son to Core, son of Conned, son to
iEngus, son of Fieg, son to Mail, son of Carthage, &cJ His genealogy is
then carried back to Heremon for fifty generations, or for about 1600 years.8
Marianus O'Gorman has noted this saint, in his Martyrology, at the present
date. 9 St. Senan must have flourished in the sixth century, and been a
contemporary of the great St. Columbkille,TO for he is named as one of
those ecclesiastics who attended the great Synod, held at Dromcreat in 580. JI
On the 2nd of September, a festival is entered in the Martyrology of Donegal,12
to honour Seanan, of Laithrech Briuin, in the territory of Hy-Faelain. This
place is also written Lathrach-Briuin. At present it is known as Laraghbrine,
or Laraghbryan,x3 where there is an old church and a cemetery, near
Maynooth, in the Barony of North Salt, and County of Kildare.
The mediaeval church ruins of Laraghbrien are to be seen embowered
with stately lime trees, and within a squarely-formed grave-yard, surrounded
by a quadrangular wall. A gravel walk runs parallel with the walls on the
interior. The church ruins measure 87 feet in length, exteriorly: they are 19
feet, 8 inches, in breadth. The walls are nearly 3 feet in thickness. There
is a square tower, 13 feet by 15 feet, on the outside ; and, it is entered by a
low, arched door-way from the interior. Several square-headed opes are
inside of it, and a ruined spiral stairway occupies one angle. This leads to
a broken part of the wall, and showing that it ran much higher. There is a
Article I. — * In the Leabhar Breac " The clause within brackets is in the more
copy of the Feilire of Oengus, is the following recent hand." — Ibid., n. I. That means the
stanza, at this date : — last sentence in the text.
molocliA CeochocAm 6 Chapter xxii. In this record, Colgan
La Sen An icf Aenf Am states his Life is to be found.
La Cmfc cAm AmbuATopnm 7 See Colgan 's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Con<5cnLein iccoenifAm nioe," Martii viii. Appendix ad Vitam S.
Thus rendered into English : — " Molotha, Senani, cap. i., p. 541, recte 537.
Theodota (Theotimus?) with Senan — they 8 In the "Leabhar Breac," and in the
are noble : with fair Christ is their guerdon : " Book of Leinster," fol. 35, col. 2, line 3.
to his train they are dear." — "Transactions 9 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu- nice," Vita S. Farannani, n. 26, p. 339.
script Series, vol. i., part i. On the I0 See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the
Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, Sixth Volume of this work, Art i.
LL.D., p. exxxvi. " See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
2 In a note to La Senan, a gloss on the nire," XV. Februarii. Vita S. Farannani,
Feilire has " i. e. lathrach briuin iniiib foe- sect, vii., p. 337, and n. 26, p. 339.
lain." It is thus translated, "'with Senan,' " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
i. e. of Lathrach Briuin in Ui-Foelain." — 232, 233.
ibid., p. cxli. '3 It is the head of an ancient parish, and
3 See Dr. O'Doaovan's "Annals of the it contains the two to wnlands of Laraghbryan
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (b), pp. 365, 366. East — containing 273^. \r. \p.— and Laragh-
4 See the "Martyrology of Donegal," bryan West — containing 119a. or. 4p. — in
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. the Barony of North Salt. Both are described
232, 233. on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
15 A note by Dr. Todd states at Mother : for the County of Kildare," Sheet 5.
32
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 2.
large breach in either side wall. Some ruined windows remain. Two of
them have elegantly dressed heading and side stones, and in these formerly
were iron bars. The building materials are of excellent limestone and
mortar. There was a door in the north side-wall, parallel with the road from
Laraghbrine, County Kildare.
Maynooth to Kilcock. Circularly-arched door-ways and windows splayed are
still to be seen in the walls. Traces of plaster are inside and outside the
building,1* showing that it had been used for purposes of worship, and at no
very remote date.
Article II.— St. Maine, Son of Coechan, Bishop of Tyroilill.
[Fifth or Sixth Century.'] This holy bishop is said to have lived in Ireland,
during the period of St. Patrick's mission. According to a commentary on
the Felire of ^Engus,1 it is stated, that veneration was given to St. Maine.
However, we do not find such statement verified on examination of that
copy, published by the Royal Irish Academy,2 neither in the text or notes.
It is related, that St. Maine 3 was son to Coechan, son of Ere, son to Ross,
son of Oilioll,4 son to Eochaidh Muighmedhoin, Monarch of Ireland. He
sprung from the seed of Heremon. From Oilioll the district Tyroilioll
was named. Already have we alluded to him, in treating the Life of
St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, at the 17th of March. s Maine appears to
14 These observations and measurements
were taken on the spot by the writer,
in July, 1873. On that occasion, also, a
sketch of the ruined church was obtained,
which has been drawn, as here represented,
on the wood and engraved by Gregor
Grey.
Article 11.— ' See Colgan's " Acta Sanc-
torum Iliherniiv, " xxiii. Febrnarii, nn. 30,
3». P- 399-
2 Edited by Whitley Stokes, LL.D.
3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum IIUkt-
nia:," xv. Februarii. Vita S. Farannani,
sect, vii., p. 337.
* Such is his pedigree as cot down in the
" Sanctilogiuni Genenlogicum." See n. 20,
p. 339, 'h'J-
s In the Third Volume of this work, Art.
i., chap. xiii. There he is called the Son of
Eochaidh Muighmedhoin ; but, tins must be
understood, as in the remote degree of a fifth
generation.
September 2.] LIVES Ob THE IRISH SAINTS. 33
have been baptized by St. Patrick, when the Irish Apostle visited Connaught.
Afterwards, the neophyte was ordained by Bishop Bron,6 of Cassel-Irra.? He is
consequently reckoned among the disciples of St. Patrick.8 Wherefore, it
may be inferred, that he flourished towards the middle of the fifth century.
He is commemorated by the Bollandists,9 at this date ; although they are
unable to furnish further details of his history When St. Patrick travelled
through Magh-Luirg, the Cenel-Mic-Erca 10 stole his horses, and greatly
incurred his displeasure. But owing to Bishop Maine's intercession, the
censure pronounced against them was afterwards modified, and the stolen
horses were restored. Then St. Patrick declared, a great portion of that
district should afterwards belong to his jurisdiction.11 However, be it
observed, that he must have lived to a very old age, if he were the Manius,
Bishop of Tyroilioll, who assisted at the Synod of Dromceat, a.d. 580, as
Colgan seems to suppose.12 The same writer tells us, that Maine is
commemorated at this date in the Martyrology of Tallaght,^ and by
Maguire, or the enlarger of ^Engus. At the 2nd of September, this holy
man is recorded in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman.1* Also, in the
Martyrology of Donegal,1* on the same day, and in that copy of the Irish
Calendar, belonging to the Ordnance Survey Records,16 his feast occurs.
Article III. — St. Geinten, Priest, of Tir-Guaire. This holy man's
name is to be found in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman. Little
seems to be known regarding his family or descent ; although he probably
was born in that part of Ireland, where, in a spirit of prophecy, St. Patrick
declared he should rule over a church.1 As allusion has been already made
to this incident of the Irish Apostle's career, in the previous account of St.
Maine, we are to assume the place of his nativity must have been in Magh
Luirg ; but, we cannot infer from that narrative, at what particular time he
lived. In the Tripartite Life of St. -Patrick, allusion is made to the present
saint. There he is called Genthenn of Each-ainech, in the territory of
Tiroilell.2 This latter is now represented by the present Barony of Tirerill,
in the County of Sligo.3 Among the townland denominations of Ireland,
we are unable to identify the locality of Each-ainech. In the Martyrology
6 See the Sixth Volume of this work, for ainech in regione de Tiroilella." — Colgan's
notices of him, at the 8th of June, the day " Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S.
for his festival, Art. i. Patricii, pars ii., cap. cii., p. 143.
7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," "See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," xv.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. xxxv., Februarii. Vita S. Farannani, n. 20, p. 339.
p. 134, andnn. 71, 72, p. 176. J3 However, this statement I have not
8 See ibid. Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. been able to verify, by referring to that copy
Patricii, cap. xxiii., p. 267. in the Book of Leinster. It is also omitted,
9 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep- in Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition,
tembris ii. Among the pretermitted Feasts, I4 See ibid.
p. 338. *5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
10 This tribe and territory were in the north 232, 233.
part of Roscommon County. See Miss M. l6 There we find the entry maine, without
F. Cusack's " Life of Saint Patrick, Apostle any other addition. See " Common Place
of Ireland," part ii., n. 9, p. 431. Book," F. p. 74.
11 It is difficult to interpret the confused Article hi. — ' See Colgan's "Trias
narrative which here ensues in the Tripartite Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S. Patricii,
Life: " Prsedixit tuncmagnam illius regionis pars ii., cap. cii., p. 143, and n. 149, p. 180.
partem olim ad jus suarum Ecclesiarum 2 In the text of Colgan, his name is
devoluendam : quod impletum est mAideno written Gemthenn.
de Coch-uamach. Item in Episcopo Manio 3 See Roderick O'Flaherty's "Ogygia,*'
discipulo Patricii, et Gemthenno de Each* pars Hi., cap. lxxix., p. 374.
C
34 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September *.
of Donegal,-* at the 2nd of September, we find inserted the name Gentenn,
or Geinten, Priest, of Tir Guaire. This latter denomination remains to be
identified.
Article IV. — St. Colum, Son of Blann. The name of Colum, son of
Blann, is inserted, and he was venerated, at the 2nd of September, as recorded
in the Martyrology of Donegal.1
Article V.— St. Enan, Mac Ua Mago. We read, in the Martyrology
of Donegal,1 that a festival in honour of Enan, Mac Ua Mago, was celebrated
at the 2nd of September.
Article VI. — Reputed Festival for Saints Loman, Colman and
Macnisus. We find a festival entered for these saints at the iv of the Nones,
or 2nd day of September, in the ancient Martyrology of the Cathedral Church
of the Holy Trinity, Dublin ; although in the calendar prefixed, there is no
corresponding insertion. Dr. Todd remarks, that in the Martyrology of St.
vEngus, they are noted — not at this day — but on the 3rd of September ;
while instead of Loman, the first is called Longarad, Lon being the original
name.1 It is evidently a mistake of entry, on the part of the scribe.2
Article VII. — St. Adomnanus or Adomnan, Abbot. Henry Fitzsimon1
appears to assign a second festival for St. Adomnanus, Abbot, at the present
date, 2nd of September. He has been already commemorated at the 31st of
January, as St. Adamnan of Coldingham.2 He is called Adamnan at this
date, as also in the anonymous list of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullivan
Beare.3
Article VIII.— Feast of St. Mured ach, Bishop of Killala. A
Feast of St. Muredach, Bishop and Patron of Killala, in Tyrawley, was held
on the 2nd of September.1 We have already treated about him at the 12th
of August,2 the date for his principal festival. He assisted at the Synod of
Dromceat, a.d. 580.
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Teothotha. At the 2nd of
September, St. Teothotha is commemorated in the Feilire of St. ^ngus ;'
and by a scholiast on that copy in the Leabhar Brear, she is reputed to have
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. nnd apparently for this statement. See
232> 233- " Historic Catholica- Iberniiv Compendium,*
Article iv.— x Edited by Drs. Todd and tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xii., p. 52.
Reeves, pp. 232, 233. 2 See the First Volume of this work, at
Article v.—1 Edited by Drs. Todd and that date, Art. iii.
Reeves, pp. 232, 233. 3 See ibid., cap. xi., p. 50.
Article vi. — l See "The Book of Obits Article viii— ' See Colgan's "Acta
and Martyrology of the Cathedral Church of Sanctorum Hibernise," xv. Februarii. Vita
the Holy Trinity," Introduction, p.lxw, and S. Farannani, n. 21, p. 339.
p. 152. 2 In the Eighth Volume of this work, Art. i.
2 See Ibid., p. lxxiv. Article ix. — ' See "Transactions of the
Article vil— ' See " Catalogus aliquo- Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
rum Sanctorum Hibernice," where he Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
cites the Anglican Martyrology as authority, Oengus. by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. exxxvi.
Seftrmbrr 2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35
been a virgin.2 In the General Church Calendars of Saints, we cannot find
any other name, more closely resembling what has been attributed to her,
than that of Theodora, wife of the Tribune, St. Paternus. Both of these
endured martyrdom in Nicomedia, with many other companions. 3 This
happened under the Emperor Julian, the Apostate, and during the fourth
century.
Article X. — Reputed Festival of St. Mansuetus, Bishop of Toul,
France. — In the additions to Usuard, edited by the Bollandists, a feast for
the bishop, St. Mansuetus, is inserted at the and of September. This the
Bollandists notice, at the present date.1 It can only have been that of his
Vigil, as the chief festival occurs on the day succeeding, to which the reader
is referred for his Acts.
Article XL — Reputed Feast of a St. Colman, Avignon, France.
At the 2nd of September, according to a Florarium Manuscript, belonging to
their library, the Bollandists1 enter a Festival for Colmann and Agricolus,
stated to have been Bishops of Avignon,2 a celebrated city in the south of
France. While presenting the Acts of the latter at considerable length, as
Bishop and Patron of thatcity,3 they state that, among the prelates of Avignon,
no Colmann appears. However, it does not follow from this want of record,
that such may not have been the case — as in so many other instances —
where the Fasti of a Church are not quite complete. It seems likely enough,
there had been some earlier authority or tradition for inserting such a Feast
of St. Colmann in the Florarium. The name is Irish in form, and the list of
our national saints bearing it is more numerous than that of any other
denomination. Agricolus flourished in the seventh century, as is well known,
while many Irish missionaries had entered France before and during that age.
It is possible, St. Colmann may have been one of them, and connected, as
stated, with the See of Avignon, and perhaps he was an assistant bishop.
However this may be, it seems likely, that he must be distinguished from the
Colman, noted at this day, in the ancient Martyrology of the Cathedral
Church of the Holy Trinity, Dublin.
Article XII.— Reputed Festival of a St. Molotha. In the Felire
of St. .^Engus, at the 2nd of September, the Feast of St. Molotha is entered ;z
2 See ibid., p. cxli. Cavarum by the Romans. In it was a
3 Their Acts are given by the Bollandists metropolitan church of great antiquity, and
in " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Septembris one was rebuilt by Charlemagne. From 1307
ii. De Sanctis Martyribus Nicomedienstbus to 1377, Avignon became a papal residence,
Zenone, Concordio, Theodoro, Filiis ejus, and in 1348, it was bought from Joanna,
Paterno Tribuno, Theodote Uxore ejus, Queen of Sicily and Countess of Provence,
Militibus lxviii., Matre cum duobus Filiis, for 80,000 florins. The papal sovereignty
Serapione cum clxxii. Militibus. Item de was retained until 1791, when it was re-
SS. Cuscono, Monolappo, Josepho," pp. united to France. See " Gazetteer of the
360 to 365. world," vol. ii., p. 487.
Article x.— ■ See "Acta Sanctorum," 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
tomus i., Septembris ii. Among the preter- tembris ii. De Sancto Agricolo Episcopo
mitted Feasts, p. 338. et Patrono Avenionensi. A historic com-
Articlk xi.—£ See " Acta Sanctorum," mentary precedes in three sections and 28
tomus i., Septembris ii. Among the preter- paragraphs, and then a Life by some anony-
mitted Feasts, p. 338. mous writer, in two chapters, containing 14
2 This is a place of great antiquity, on the paragraphs, with illustrative notes, pp. 444
River Rhone, and formerly the capital of a to 456.
Gaulish tiibe, seated in the present Depart- Article xii.— ' See "Transactions of
ment of Vaucluse. It was called Avenio the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
but, elsewhere, we cannot find mention of any saint so called. However,
the scholiast makes Molotha a virgin, without further attempt at identification.2
Article XIII. — Reputed Feasts for Gallan, Abbot, and Oronius,
surnamed Modestus, Bishop of Carpentras, France. In his Scottish
Menology,1 at the 2nd of September, Dempster has entered such a festival.2
The Carpentoracte of Pliny is now known as Carpentras, a city of Provence, in
France. Again, in his enumeration of Scottish writers, St. Oronius is
mentioned as having been a bishop at the date cdxlv. In " Gallia
Christiana," there is a notice of such an Oronius Modestus, with the title of
saint, at the same year, where the Bishops of Carpentras are introduced.3
The Bollandists have entered such particulars, at the 2nd of September. ■*
Cfttrtr JBap of September*
ARTICLE I.— ST. MANSUETUS, MANSUET, MANSUV, OR MAUNSEY,
FIRST BISHOP OF TOUL, FRANCE.
[FOURTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — WRITERS OF ST. MANSUET's ACTS —THE PERIOD WHEN TIE FLOURISHED
— THE COUNTRY OF HIS BIRTH— HIS PARENTAGE AND MISSION FROM ROME TO
TOUL— THE LEUCI OR LEQUES — WANT OF SUCCESS AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF
ST. MAUNSEY'S MISSION — COURTEOUSLY RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR'S WIPE -
MIRACULOUS RESTORATION OF HER SON TO LIFE — THE GOVERNOR AM) MIS FAMILY.
WITH THE PEOPLE OF TOUL, EMBRACE CHRISTIANITY.
GREAT saints generally learn to serve God in the religious life under
celebrated masters. Thus are reproduced those virtuous traits of
character, which survive for generations, and which serve to perpetuate
seminaries of sanctity. Popular tradition lias made the present holy man a
contemporary of the Apostles of Christ, or of their early disciples. However,
the Diocese of Toul, in France, has always regarded St. Mansuy as the
apostolic man, to whom it is indebted for the iight of the Gospel. With
many other places in Gaul, the original records of that city were probably
destroyed or lost during the persecutions of the pagans, or afterwards in the
invasions of the barbarians from beyond the Rhine. Nevertheless, the
people of Toul still preserve with religious veneration the memory of their
holy patron.
Series, vol. i., part- i. On the Calendar of Gilberti Bruni, Henrici Sinclari, &C We
Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, p. cxxxvi. are unable to consult such works to verify
2 See ibid., p. cxli. Dempster's statements.
Article xiil— * See Bishop Forbes' 3 See tomus i., col. 895. Yet the writers
Kalendars of Scottish Saints," Menologium remark, they know not on what authority his
Scoticum, p. 210. name has been there placed.
1 For the insertion of Gallan's name, he 4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
quotes Breviarium Scoticum, maxime Aber- tembris ii. Among the pretermitted Feasts,
donense, and tor Oronius, Collectanea p. 337.
September 3.) LIVES OI< THE IRISH SAINTS.
37
As no contemporaneous documents regarding St. Maunsey remain, nor
do any appear to have issued for some centuries after his death, his career is
involved in great obscurity. Those biographies we now possess seem to be
founded chiefly on popular traditions. Certain Acts are referred to, as
existing in the tenth century, and which are alluded to by the monk, Adso ;l
while Martene2 has published a short Life of St. Mansuetus, drawn probably
from some previously existing records,3 belonging to the Cathedral Church of
Toul. Some doubts regarding the relative antiquity of the two latter sources
for our saint's history have been expressed.* The short Life of St. Mansuetus,
by an unknown writer, has first place, in the great Bollandist collection.? A
biography was written by an abbot named Adso6, who lived in the tenth
century. He was urged by St. Gerard,? Bishop of Toul, to gather all the
traditions of that See, which he deemed to be most reliable, and to compose
a life of St. Mansuy from them. It was to be read on the day of his Festival,
in all the churches of that diocese. This biography has been composed in a
diffuse and rhetorical manner : partly, we may suppose, for want of reliable
materials, and partly, to serve the purposes of a panegyric.8 Both of the
foregoing lives have been edited by Father John Limpen, S.J., in the great
collection of the Bollandists.9 To these Acts he has prefixed a commentary,10
and added notes ; while from different copies, both in manuscript" and in
print,12 he has carefully collated them. In the Life by Adso is a preface or
Article i.— Chapter i. — ' The history
of Adso — also called Adson, Azon, or Asson
— and of his writings, are very fully set forth
in the " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome vi. , pp. 471 to 492.
2 See Martene "Thesaurus Novus Anec-
dotorum," tomus hi., col. 991. This has
been given, likewise, in Augustine Calmet's
" Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lor-
raine," tome i., in Monumentis, col. 83. The
Bollandists have published the text, found in
the latter work ; and, in the margin, they
have given some emendations from the text
as published by Martene.
3 These are short memoirs of the Bishops
of Toul, and are to be found in different
Codices. One of these ends in the eleventh
century, with an account of St. Leo IX.,
afterwards Pope. Another Camberonensis
Manuscript isextended to thetwelfth century,
and it ends with a notice of Bishop Pibon.
4 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto
Episc. et Conf. Tulli Levcorvm in Gallia.
Commentarius Praevius, sect, i., num. 12,
13, pp. 618, 619.
5 Henceforth it shall be quoted, as the
Vita Brevior.
6 Afterwards Abbot of Montier-en-Der.
This Vita S. Mansueti was written not later
than a.d. 969. It was originally divided
into two books. From these, however, the
Bollandist editor chose to make a new dis-
tribution. The first Book he divided into
four chapters, and three of these are devoted
to the discursive Acts of the Saint — the
fourth chapter referring to traditionary
miracles. The second Book is divided into
four chapters, and these chiefly relate to
miracles wrought long after the death of St.
Mansuetus.
7 His term in the episcopacy lasted from
a.d. 963, to a.d. 994. His festival is
observed on the 23rd of April.
8 In succeeding pages, it is quoted as the
Vita Prolixior.
9 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
tembris iii. De S. Mansueto Episc. et Conf.
Tulli Levcorvm in Gallia," pp. 615 to 658.
10 In six Sections and 80 paragraphs.
" Three of these copies in manuscript are
taken from Ochsenhusan, Dilingen, and St.
Maximinian Codices.
12 Those printed copies had been published
by Bosquet, in "Ecclesiae Gallicanae His-
toriarum," pars, ii., from p. 23 ; by Martene,
in " Thesaurus Novus Anecdotorum," tomus
iii., from col. 1013 ; and by Calmet, in
" Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lor-
raine," tome i., in Historia Episcoporum
Tullensium, from col. 86. All these copies
were traced from two Codices, belonging to
the Abbey of St. Mansuet, Toul, one of
which had been written in the eleventh, and
the other in the twelfth century. The
Bollandist editor wishes to admonish his
readers, that as none of those mentioned had
given the Life by Adso complete, except the
Codex Ochsenhusan, and as the latter most
abounded in errors, he rejected it, and
adopted the Dilingen text, as least faulty,
while he selected emendations from other
copies. In the more ancient Mansuetian
copy, the Preface was wanting, but it was
found in the more recent. Thence it was
transcribed in the Ochsenhusan and Dilingen
manuscripts. Martene drew his text from ft
Codex in the Colbert Library.
3S LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [SEPTEMBER 3.
dedication to the most blessed prelate, Gerard. Again, two Latin poems are
postfixed to the preface : the first of these contains twenty-two distichs, while
the latter is an acrostic of eight hexameter lines, having the letters of the
name Mansuete distributed in the usual order. The first of those poems
follows the tradition of St. Maunsay having been a native of Ireland, and a
disciple of the Apostle St. Peter. The latter is silent on both these points.
The Bollandist editor concludes his Acts of this holy man, with an account
of miracles wrought through his merits and intercession, as drawn from
various sources.
Acts or notices of St. Mansuetus have been published by Francis
Bosquet,^ by Edmund Martene and Ursin Durand,1* as also by Augustin
Calmet,x5 in twenty-two special chapters, besides many subsequent records of
miracles wrought through his intercession, in the History of the Bishops of
Toul. Colgan intended the publication of St. Mansuet's Acts, at this date.16
Archbishop Ussher has an account of St. Mansuetus, commonly called Saint
Mansu, in the country around Toul.1? Also, Thomas Dempster18 introduces
notices of St. Mansuetus-at this day. Notices of St. Mansuetus are contained
in the Acts of Blessed Marianus and Murcheratus ;x9 the anonymous writer
having lived about the middle of the twelfth century. Aventinus,20 and the
author of a tract, De Fundatione Ecclesise extra Muros Civitatis Ratis-
bonensis, have reference to St. Mansuetus.21 Notices of this saint are to
be found in Mabillon,22 in Le P. Benoit,2* in Harris' Ware,2* by Baillet,2* by
Rev. Alban Butler,26 by Rev. Dr. Lanigan,2? by Ad. Thiery,28 by M. l'Abbe
Guillaume,29 in the Les Petits Bollandistes,3° and in Rev. S. Baring-Gould's*1
Lives.
The most ancient records of the Church of Toul, and the more general
accounts of his life, declare this saint to have been a Scot, or in other words,
a native of Ireland.32 The Vita Brevior, written by an anonymous author,
states this to have been the tradition of those, who preceded himself in point
of time." Also, the Vita Prolixior, by the Abbot Adso, contains a like
13 See "EcclesireGallicanwHistoiiarum," 24 See vol. iii., "Writers of Ireland.''
lib. i., pars, ii,, p. 23, Paris, A.D. 1633, 8vo. book i., p. 4.
14 See "Thesaurus Novus Anecdotorum," 2S See " Les Vies des Saints," tome iii.,
tomus iii., a col. 1013, published A,D. 1717. pp. 28, 29, at the 3rd of September. Also,
15 See "Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile in the edition of 1701, tome ix., pp. 60, 61.
de Lorraine," tome i. Preuves de l'Histoire "6 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
de Lorraine. HistoriaEpiscoporumTullen- and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
sium, col. 86 to 107. tember iii.
16 See "Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quae *7 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et Dierum." vol. i., chap, i., sect, ii., pp. 3 to 5.
17 See "Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An- a8 See "Histoire de la Ville de Toul et
tiquitates," cap. xvi., pp. 389 to 392. des ses Eveques," in two vols. Toul, 1841,
18 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis 8vo.
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xii., num. 838, pp. 29 See "Histoire da Diocfese de Toul."
447, 448. This admirable work has been published in
19 See an account of both in the Second five volumes, 8vo.
Volume of this work, at the 9th of February, so •* Vies des Saints," tome x., iiie jour de
Art. i. September, pp. 431 to 435.
20 In " Annalium Boiorum,'' lib. vi., p. 3' "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
307. tember 3, pp. 35, 36.
21 See Ussher in "Britannicarum Ecclesia- 3' See D. Petro Lombardo, " De Regno
rum Antiquiiates," p. 1038. Hibernise, Sanctorum Insula, Comnien-
** See •' Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tarius," cap. xiii., p. 60, Dr. Moran's edition,
tomus iv., lib. liii., sect, xxv., pp. 209, 210. 33 He writes : " Fuit enim idem veneran-
23 See " Histoire ecclesiastique et politique dus Pater, sicut relatu majorum didicimus,
de la ville et du Diocese du Toul," 1707, nobili Scottorum sanguine oriundus."—
4l°- Num. 2.
September 3. J LIVES OF THE 1RJSH SAINTS.
39
statement. 34 From both ot these sources, nearly all the more modern lives of our
saint have drawn their accounts.35 In the metrical lines prefixed to his life by
Adso, he is said to have been descended from parents of gentle birth, and
possibly, at a time when Christianity had been propagated in Ireland. 3° It is
stated, 37 also, in an edition of Mansuetus' Life, published by Bosquet, and
written by the Abbot Adso, in the tenth century, that some verses are wanting,
which Adso prefixed to his work, and of which, in order to make him a Scot
of Albafiy, Dempster cites a passage.38 But, he disingenuously suppresses the
Tetrastich^ which demonstrates him to have been a Scot of Ireland, as the
learned Archbishop Ussher takes care to remark/0 In Harris's edition
of Ware41 many mistakes occur, when narrating the particulars of our saint's
life, as founded on the authority of Archbishop Ussher, and especially in
assigning Maunsey to the first or second century. Also by Thomas Dempster,
whose audacity and ignorance are found united in a similar statement.*2
It must be admitted, although an ancient tradition of Toul has been
followed by many writers, regarding his living in the time of the Apostles,
that the days of the present holy bishop cannot date back to that early
period/3 It seems most probable, that St. Mansuetus — rendered by the
French St. Mansey or Maunsey — was born about the beginning of the fourth
34 In this we read : " ut scriptime docu-
mento percepimus, quidam sanctse indolis
fuerit adolescens, nomine Mansuetus, trans-
marinis partibus nobilium quidem Scotorum
clara progenie genitus ; sed mentis egregiae
nobilitate multo preciosius insignitus." — lib.
i., cap. i., num. 2.
35 The learned Uom Augustine Calmet,
Abbot of St. Leopold, Nancy, in his admir-
able and very complete provincial history,
follows their authority, when alluding to the
time of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, he
introduces there a tract with the title, Incipit
Catalogus Pontificum Ttdlcnsium, a B.
Mansueto, et deinceps. In it is written :
" Ea tempestate, ut scripturae documento
percepimus, quidam sanctae indolis fuerat
adolescens nomine Mansuetus transmarinis
partibus, nobilium quidem Scothorum clara
progenie genitus ; sed mentis egregiae nobili-
tate multo pretiosius insignitus. Quo videli-
cet tenere adhuc aetatis progressu consistente,
cum praesagio nominis provehebatur culmine
sanctitatis, moribus vocabulo consonantibus
se semper sublimior studebat fieri augmento
pietatis." — "Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile
de Lorraine," tome i. Preuvesde 1' Histoire
de Lorraine. Vitse et Actuum B. Mansueti,
Primi Leuchorum Urbis Pontificis, lib. i.,
cap. ii., col. 87.
36 There, too, it is stated : " Insula Christi-
colas gestabat Hibernia gentes ;" although
we cannot pronounce with certainty, that
this line may not have referred to the Island
of Maunsey's birth, at some period subsequent
to his death, and before the verses in which
it is included had been composed.
37 In Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of
Ireland," book L, p. 4.
38 Thus given : " Protulerat quendam
generosum Scotia natum Mansuetuw." It
is rendered into English : " Scotia gave
birth to her noble son, Mansuetus."
39 The following are the Latin lines :—
" Inclyta Mansueti claris natalibus orti
Progenies titulis fulget in orbe suis,
Insula Christicolas gestabat Hibernia
gentes,
Unde genus traxit, et satus inde fuit."
Thus rendered into English : —
"Though great by blood, Mansuetus
bears his name,
Yet he on real worth supports his fame,
Wide o'er the world Religion deigned
to smile,
And spread her Harvest through Hiber-
nia's Isle,
Hence the long series of his high-born
race,
And hence the glories of his birth we
trace."
Harris' Ware, vol. iii. " Writers of Ireland,"
book i., p. 4.
40 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiaruni Anti-
quitates," cap. xvi., p. 391.
41 See vol. iii. " Writers of Ireland,"
book i., p. 4.
42 In his " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentig
Scotorum," where he pretends, that the
term Scotus applied to St. Mansuetus
should class him among the Saints of Scot-
land. He also amusingly states : " Hiberni
impudenter civem sutun faciunt, sed tabulae
Ecclesiae Tullensis, Guil. Eisengrinus C. I.,
part I., dist. ill., Franc. Roziers, torn. 11.,
Stemmatis Lotharingae, Hist. Capital. xxn.t
et Constantinus Ghinius in Natalib, SS
Canonic, pro nobis contra mendicorum im-
potentiam stant graviter ; et Adso abbas,
qui vitam ejus scripsit, cap. 11." — Lib. xii.,
num. 838, p. 448.
43 See Adrien Baillet's " Les Vies des
4o
LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
century.** If, as has been stated, he was a native of Ireland, it is likely he
had an original Celtic name, the form of which may have been different, but
it cannot now be known. In the little poem prefixed to the life above
mentioned is a distich, in which allusion is made to Ausonius.45 If by the
word Auso?iii is to be understood the poet Ausonius,46 master of St.
Paulinus,4? we should be inclined to place Mansuetus at a later period than
the fourth century, charging Adso, however, with a huge anacronism. But, it
is more probable, that by Ausom'i he meant Italic particularly as in another
verse, he has Ausonias Italas.**
St. Maunsey appears to have journeyed abroad, and to have visited Rome,
where he probably received the light of Faith, and embraced the Christian
religion. This happened, however, at a much later period, than has been
traditionally held, or than has been recorded by several uncritical and over-
credulous writers ; for he is said to have come to the knowledge of the
Christian religion, through St. James the Apostle. 4? This account must be
relegated to the cloud of fables, that have covered the early career of St.
Mansuetus ; nor can even such assertion be traced to any well-known
authority. He is said, likewise, to have been a disciple of St. Peter the
Apostle.50 Although such unreliable tradition may have been reproduced in
the Vita Brevior-1 and Vita Prolixior^ as also in the prefixed poem;"
there is sufficient evidence to prove, that it must be dismissed as unworthy of
credence. So far as his life has been transmitted to us, chronology has been
departed from, and probability has been little observed in many particulars.54
Quoting Constantinus Ghinius,55 Thomas Dempster maintains,56 that St.
Mansuetus was a disciple of St, Peter, and that he was ordained in Rome.
Saints," tome ix., p. 60. Paris 1701, 8vo.
44 Dom Augustin Calmet writes: " S.
Mansuy premier Evequede Toul, fut envoye
apparemment par le S. Siege dans la Belgique,
pour y precher l'Evangile, vers le milieu
du quatneme siecle. Nous ne croyons pas
que Ton puisse ni l'avancer, ni le reculer
beaucoup davantage." — "Histoire Ecclesias-
tique et Civile de Lorraine," tome i. Dis-
sertation sur les Premiers Eveques de
l'Eglise de Toul, col. xxvii.
4* In the following connexion : " Sedulus
Ausonii^zi tempora, longa magistri obsequis
Petri hcesit amore sui."
46 A Latin poet, born at Bourdeaux in the
beginning of the fourth century. He died
a.d. 394.
47 He was born at Bourdeaux, in 353.
Afterwards he became bishop of Nola. He
lived to the year 431, and his festival is
celebrated on the 22nd of June.
48 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
Hisiory of Ireland," vol. i., chap, i., sect, ii.,
No. II, p. 5.
«9 According to the statement of Convaeus.
See O'Sullivan Beare's " Historic Hiberniae
Catholics; Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
cap. x., p. 47.
s° See Molanus, also Baronius, in his notes
on the Roman Martyrology, at the 3rd of
September. Likewise O'Sullivan Beare's
" Historic Hiberniae Catholica: Compen-
dium," tomus i., lib. iv. Catalogus Anony-
mous, cap. xi., p. 50. And Henry Fitz-
simon's "Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum
Hiberniae," cap. xii., p. 55.
5' See Num. 3.
52 See lib. i., cap. i., num. 3.
53 In these lines : —
"Petrus Apostolicae pollebat culmine
Roma: ;
Huncque sequutus amans, expetit ipse
libens,
b'uscipit ardentem Petrus pietatis Alum-
num,
Et facit expertem sancta secreta Virum :
Cujus ab ore piis attrectans dogmata
verbis,
Ebiberat stabilem fonte salutis opem.
Sedulus Ausonii per tempora longa
magistri
Obsequio Petri haesit amore sui.
Quern Petrus ad summon provexit cul-
minis arcem,
Et dat gavisus pontificale decus. "
54 " Nous remarquerons seulment que »'il
n'y a eu que six eveques a Toul entre lui et
Saint Auspice qui vivoit sur la fin du cin-
quieme siecle, il y a grande apparence qu'il
n'a paru que durant la paix de l'Eylisc, et au
plutot sous le regne des emans du grand
Constantin." — Adrien Baillet's " Les Vies
des Saints," tome ix., p. 61.
55 Page LX.
56 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Sco-
torum," tomus ii., lib. xii., num. 838, p. 447.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
41
Bishop Rothe admits the uncertainty of St. Mansuetus having been a
disciple of St. Peter.57 Although St. Mansuet is said to have received his
first mission from the Prince of the Apostles ;s8 there are too many historical
contradictions and objections to oppose those statements, and the best critics
have disproved such groundless assertions. Among these may be mentioned
Mabillon, Martene', and Durand.5? It seems most probable, that St. Mansey
was consecrated Bishop in Rome, about the time when Constantine60 the
Great was Emperor,61 or possibly when his three sons,62 Constantine II.,63
Constantius II.,6* and Constans65 had succeeded to the Empire, which was
partitioned between them. Although we may not accept as literally correct
the statement, that St. Mansuetus had been placed by St. Peter over the
bishopric of Toul ;66 still, it is most probable, that he was commissioned by
the Sovereign Pontiff of the Roman See to undertake such a mission.
Moreover, when we read of Mansuetus having been sent by St. Peter, it is
easily reconciled with the truth of history, by referring to the well-known
idiom of using the founder's name for that of the church over which he had
presided.6?
The Leuci, or Leques,68 formerly inhabited that province of ancient Gaul,
57 See his work, Hibernia resurgens,"
P^ 197.
58 The following short notice of Maunsue-
tus is taken from a tract by Philip O'Sullivan,
"S. Mansuetus primus qui fidem suscepisse
per D, Jacobum creditur; pastea a S. Petro
ad Thulos transmissus quos ad fidem con-
vertit, quorumque Apostolicus, patronus
habetur. Festus illius dies celebratur, 3 Sep-
tembris." — " Historic Catholics; Hibernice
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., chap, x.,
p. 47.
59 See " Thesaurus Novus Anecdotorum,"
tomus iii., col. 1021. Also, Amplissima
Collectio Veterum Scriptorum," tomus vi.,
P. 637-
60 He was born about A.D. 273 or 274 at
Nissa, a town of Upper Mcesia, and he was
the son of Constantinus and Helena. On
the death of his father in Britain, A.D. 306,
the Roman soldiers there proclaimed him
Emperor. He then waged war against the
Franks, Alemanni and other Germans.
Having embraced the Christian religion, he
became sole Emperor, A.D. 324, after the
death of Licinius. He died at the age of
sixty-four, on the 22nd of May, a.d. 337,
at his palace, in the suburbs of Nicomedia.
See Philip Smith's " Ancient History," vol.
iii., chap. xliv.
61 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto
Episc. et Conf. Commentarius Proevius, sect,
ii., pp. 620 to 623.
62 By Faustsu
63 He was regarded as Emperor over Gaul
and the Western Empire, and had attained
only his twenty-first year, when his father
died, A.D. 337. But, dissatisfied with his
share of the Empire, Constantine required
his brother Constans to give up Africa.
War ensued between them, when having
crossed the Julian Alps, Constantine fell
into an ambush and was slain, A.D. 340.
See Henry Fynes Clinton's "Fasti Romani,"
vol. i., tables, p. 400.
64 He succeeded, at twenty years, to Thrace
and the East. His reign was greatly dis-
turbed by wars, which he waged with
different rivals. On the death of Constans,
A.D. 350, he was recognised as sole Emperor,
but he died at Mopsucrene, in Cilicia, on
the third of November, A.D. 361. See ibid.,
p. 444.
65 Constans, who was only seventeen, held
the Italian prefecture, and the province of
Greece, as also Africa. On the death of
his brother Constantine II., A.D. 340, he
assumed the government of the Western
Empire for ten years. He was put to death
by Magnentius, an ignorant barbarian, at the
foot of the Pyrenees, a.d. 350. Magnentius
then usurped the prefectures of Gaul and
Italy. See Baronius' "Annates Ecclesias-
tici," tomus iii., p. 504.
66 Such appears to have been the tradition
in Ireland, at an early period, for it is asserted
as a recognised fact, by the 12th century
biographer of the Blessed Marianus Scotus.
See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Februarii ix. Vita Beati Mariani,
cap, i., p. 365.
67 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan justly observes :
" thus ad Set Petrutn, for or to the Church of
Rome ; a S. Petro, from or by the said
Church ; ad S. Martinum to the Church of
Tours ; and what was very common amongst
ourselves, ad S. Patricium, a S. Patrilio,
to or by the See of Armagh." — " Ecclesias-
tical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, i.,
sect, ii., n. II.
68 See J. Clement's " Antiquites de la
Ville et du Siege episcopal de Toul," 1702,
8vo.
42 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIJSITS. lSeptemi
known to the Romans as Belgica prima, and their chief city was Toul.6^ To
this Ptolemy has added another, which he names Nasion.?0 The Leuci
occupied the southern part of the present Department of the Meuse, the
greater part of the Meurthe Department, and the Vosges Department, in
France. 7l Before the time of our saint, Toul had been a city of some
importance,'2 and it was surrounded with walls for defence. During the
Middle Ages, the Dukes of Lotharingia, or Lorraine, ruled over that territory,
between the Meuse and Moselle ; and ecclesiastically the See of Toul was
under the Metropolitan City of Triers, or Treves. From Rome, St. Mansuetus
was sent to Toul, having been invested with the episcopal character, and he
was appointed its first pastor. This took place, not before the middle of the
fourth century, 73 or perhaps even later. In his history of the Gallic Church,
Bosquet remarks?* that Mansuet must not be confounded with a Bishop of
the Armorican Britons bearing a like name, and who was present at the first
Council of Tours. 75 The people to whom St. Maunsuy had been sent were
then addicted to idolatry, and involved in the darkness of pagan superstition.
It is said, that they had a king named Leon, who was an idolater, and a man
of barbarous manners.'6 When their first missionary entered Toul, and began
to announce the truths of the Gospel, he found the magistrates and chiefs of
the people indisposed to hear his preaching. This conduct influenced greatly
the opposition and indifference of the humbler classes, so that for some time
his doctrine and teaching were disregarded.
The holy missionary built for his dwelling in the woods an humble cabin
of twigs interwoven ;77 and, in that he lived, devoted to the exercises of prayer
and meditation. While there, numbers resorted to him. Having received
instruction, they renounced idolatrous worship, and embraced the true
religion. Even, the governor's wife, having heard so many rumours about
the strange missionary, desired to learn more about his race, the doctrines he
taught, and the places whence he came ; but, it was only during the absence
of her pagan husband, she could venture, through her domestics, to arrange
for a private interview with the holy man. When he had expounded to her,
the chief mysteries of the Christian religion, and the truths of Divine Faith,
that lady believed in his doctrine and teaching, but still deferred her profes-
69 It is situated on the River Moselle, about the middle of the fourth century. To
surrounded by a chain of hills covered with omit other arguments, he endeavours to prove
vineyards. See Gazetteer of the World, vol. this from the recorded succession of the
xiii., p. 141. bishops of Toul : thus, 1. S. Mansuet, or
70 In the Second Book of his Geography, Mansuy ; 2, S. Anion ; 3, S. Alchas ; 4, S.
on account of the similarity of name to the Celsin ; 5, S. Auspice, vers ban 450; 6, S.
Latin Nanceium, it is thought by many to Ours, or Urse, sous (Jlovis, vers Tan 4S8 ;
have represented the present City of Nancy 7, S. Apre, or Evre, vers l'an 500, &c. —
in Lorraine. See " Recueil des Ilistoriens '' Ilistoire Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lor-
ues Gaules et de la France," par Dora Martin raine," tome i., col. xxxiii.
Bouquet, Pretre et Religious Benedictin 7* See '* Eccleste Gallicanse Historiamm,"
de la Congregation de Saint Maur, tome i., T. C. Evangelis in Callus inque ad datam a
p. 77, n. (i). Constantino Imperatore ecclesioe pacem,
71 See " Ilistoire de Jules C£sar," par lib. i., cap. xx.
Napoleon III., Empereur, tome ii., liv. iii., ?5 This was held a.d. 461.
chap, ii., p. 22, n. 3. ?6 See Calmet's " Ilistoire Ecclesiastique
72 See Bataille's "Notice historique surla et Civile de Lorraine," tome i., Dissertation
Ville de Toul et ses Antiquites," with plates, sur les Premier! Evesques de l'Eglise de
1 84 1, 8vo. Toul, col. xxvii.
7i In a Dissertation sur les Ev&jtus de 7? The Vita Prolixior states, " propc
Toul, prefixed to the first volume of his meenia civitatis exiguie habitations sil.i
History of Lorraine, Calmet maintains, that rectptorium pneparavit," lib. i., cap. i., n.
Mansuetus was sent bom Rome to Toul, 6, p. 640.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 43
sion of faith, lest it should cause some trouble between herself and husband.78
However, when he happened to be absent on public business, the missionary
was encouraged to visit her house, and still afford her the satisfaction of
learning those messages of salvation he was so well qualified to convey.
It happened on a certain day, observed as a local festival, and while un-
people of Toul were bent on enjoyment, the only son of their governor fell by
accident from the city ramparts into the Moselle, which flowed beneath.
The river was very deep at that place. Public rejoicings were at once dis-
continued, and in common with his parents, the inhabitants shared their
sorrow on account of the youth who had been drowned. Every effort was
made to recover the dead body. In vain were the pagan gods invoked for
that purpose. However, during the night, the governor's wife had a dream,
in which she saw St. Mansuy, who promised to restore her son, if she would
become a convert to Christianity. On awaking, she related that vision to her
husband. Thereupon, he sent a message to the saint, and promised, if his
son's corpse were recovered through means of the stranger, that he would
receive baptism, and influence all his people to embrace the doctrines of the
foreign missionary. Our saint then went to that spot, where the boy had
fallen into the river, and betook himself to prayer. Soon the body arose to
the surface, and it was drawn up on the river bank. Then addressing the
governor, Mansuy said : " Behold the corpse of your son, and if you are
resolved to observe the promise made to me, the goodness of God is great,
and you shall obtain from Him a still more signal favour." Immediately the
governor and all who were present declared, that if the boy were brought to
life, they would abandon the worship of false gods, and embrace the Christian
religion. Then the bishop fell on his knees and implored the Divine
Majesty, while some of his newly converted disciples imitated his example.
Their fervent prayers were rewarded by signs of life coming to re-invigorate
the body, which was cold and stiff when recovered from the water. Never-
theless, at a word from the minister of Jesus Christ, the boy arose to life, and
cast himself into the arms of his overjoyed parents. This miraculous restora-
tion filled all who were present with transports of delight and admiration. 79
The governor and his family, with all his people, conformed to Christianity,
and thenceforth recognised St. Mansuy as their pastor.80
CHAPTER II.
THE VIRTUES AND MIRACULOUS GIFTS OF ST. MANSUETUS— HE BUILDS VARIOUS
CHURCHES AND ORDAINS MANY PRIESTS — HIS DEATH — VENERATION OF THE PEOPLE
AT TOUL FOR HIS MEMORY— PILGRIMAGES TO HIS SHRINE, WHERE SEVERAL
MIRACLES ARE WROUGHT — DESTRUCTION OF HIS CHURCH AND THE CHARITABLE
FOUNDATIONS AT TOUL BY THE VANDALS— RESTORATIONS BY THE BISHOPS GAUZLIN
AND GERARD.
We are told, that St. Maunsey's character was distinguished for an admixture
of firmness in episcopal administration, with clemency and piety combined in
a remarkable degree, while he spent days and nights in prayer. He was ever
attentive to the wants of his flock, and those, who came to visit him with
78 See Dom Augustin Calmet's " Histoire related what he had seen, before bis resusci-
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome tation, regarding those torments prepared for
i. Dissertation sur les Premiers Evesques the wicked in hell, and to which his parents
de l'Eglise de Toul, col. xxviii. and himself should be consigned, unless they
79 In the Vita Prolixior it is stated, that the became Christians.— Lib. i., cap. ii., num. 16.
boy, on being restored to life, and alter lying 8o See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
in the water for three days and three nights, Saints," tome x.,iiie Jour deSeptembre, p. 432
44 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Septemukk
hearts bowed down, left him with consolation even in their miseries, so mild
and gentle were his admonitions. His miraculous gifts of healing the sick
caused him to be regarded as the true physician of his people. Soon was
idolatry extirpated from the land : and then, he deemed it necessary to
raise temples in honour of the true and living God. From very ancient
acts of his, that have now perished, we are told by the writer of his longer life,
how, within the walls of Toul, he built two churches. One of these was
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Stephen,1 the primitive
Martyr;2 the other was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. 3 Both of these
lay on the southern side of the city.* In those churches, 5 he zealously and
profitably exercised the episcopal functions each day j but, he desired
moments of retreat for spiritual exercises, and these occupied a great part of
the night. Near his dwelling, he raised an oratory,6 which was dedicated to
St. Peter, for whom he entertained a special veneration. There, in retirement,
he communed with God in prayer ; and moreover, in it, he frequently
preached to the faithful, who flocked to hear his instructions. In fine, the
influence of St. Mansuy was so great, that he succeeded in rooting out the
practices of paganism, and the worship of idols from the city, and from all its
surrounding territory. Numbers of persons he brought within the pale of
Christ's Church. 7 He likewise ordained a great number of priests and
deacons for the work of the ministry.
The Church of St. Stephen became the Cathedral of Toul, but during
the lapse of time it fell into decay, when St. Gerard, a pious successor of St.
Mansuy in the See, rebuilt it from the foundations.8 The illustrious Abbot,
St. Bernard,? assisted at its dedication by Pope Eugenius III.10 After various
vicissitudes, it was deemed necessary to erect a more modern structure. The
present fine Cathedral of St. Stephen, in Toul, was designed and built in the
fifteenth century. Its portal and western front, the conception of Jacquemin
de Commercy, in 1447, are greatly admired. The ornate facade is 227 feet
in height, and twin towers give it a most imposing effect.11 It is a triapsal
church, with short transepts, and having no triforium.12 This edifice has
CHAPTKR ii.— ! His festival occurs on the read : " multitudines fidelium in Christ! fide
26th of December. colligens, ad consortium priemisit Augelo-
2 The writer of the Vita Prolixior adds, rum," cap. xiii.. col. 94.
" ubi dicitur ad Fontes." It was so called 8 See Dom Augustin Calmct's "Histoire
apparently, because it had been set apart a? Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine,'' tome
an ancient baptistery. i. Preuves, &c. Historia Episcoporum
s His feast is held on the 24th of June. Tullensium, cap. xxxviii., col. 138.
4 See Dom Augustin Calmet's "Histoire 9 His feast occurs on the 20th of August.
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome i. He was born A.D. 1091, and he died on the
Preuves de l'Hisloire de Lorraine. Historia 20ih of August, A.D. 11 53.
Episcopoium Tullensium, cap. xi., col. 93. 10 See Dom Augustin Calmet's work, tome
5 The position of these churches — during ii., liv. xxi., num. xxxiii., col. 24. Bertrand
the last century within the cloister of the de la Tour dAuvergne, who was nomi-
canons — is shown on a map of Toul, in the nated Bishop of Toul by Pope Innocent VI.,
work already quoted. See tome i. Also, in 1353, published a Synodal decree, l>y
Dissertation sur les premiers Evesques de which the Abbot of St. Mansuy was to a-sist
-e de Toul, col. xxviii. on the left of the Bishop, who faced the
6 Father Limpen supposes the local tradi- choir before the grand altar in the Cathedral,
tion may well be credited, that St. Mansuy See ibid.^ tome ii., liv. xxvi., num. exxxvi.,
built a church to St. Peter, in the northern col. 633, and num. exxxvii., col. 634.
suburb of Toul, and that he had been there " At present the city contains about 7,000
interred. Allusion is made to that ancient inhabitants. See Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle
church, having become ruinous, in a charter Geographie Universelle, tome ii., liv. ii„
of Otho I., A.D. 965, and one of St. Gerard, chap, xv., sect, iv., pp. 837, 838.
a.i>. 982. " See Balthasar's " Notice historique de-
" In the History of the Bishops of Toul we scriptivesurlaCathedraledeToul,"l848,8vo.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
\5
peculiar features, but it is mainly in an architectural Gothic flamboyant style. x3
'J 'he history and a fine copper plate engraving of it are presented in the
learned work of Augustin Calmer.1* From the latter, the accompanying
illustration has been
copied.15 In a more
recent local work, than
that of Calmet, there are
also views of St. Ste-
phen s Cathedral.16 The
principal shrine in the
Cathedral of Toul was
shaped as a sort of tomb,
coloured in vermillion,
with a coffin-like cover-
ing, about one metre in
length, fifty centimetres
in width, and seventy
centimetres in height.
This contained the relics
of St. Mansuy and of
fourteen other bishops
of Toul, venerated as
saints. Exteriorly, it was
ornamented with red
statues, separated from
each other, and forming
supposed representa-
tions of persons whose
relics were deposited in
the shrine. Those
images rested on pedes-
tals, which were at the
Cathedral of Toul, France. base of the shrine, and
they reached to the height of its covering. At the respective ends of the
shrine's length were medallion-shaped glasses, through which the relics within
could be seen. In various places throughout his diocese St. Maunsey built
churches, so that the people might be enabled in them to adore and supplicate
the Giver of all good gifts.
Were we to credit the very doubtful authority of Dempster,1? our saint
wrote a book, having for its title, " De Apostolicis Traditionibus," lib. i.,
and which he tells us the people of Toul religiously preserve. This assertion,
however, is treated with merited disregard and contempt by Archbishop
Ussher,18 as are other groundless statements of the same writer relating to
Mansuetus.
He is thought to have lived for many years, zealously engaged in the
prosecution of apostolic labours, and to have attained a great age, before his
13 See A. Hugo's " France Pi Moresque,"
ome ii., p. 246.
14 See y Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile
de Lorraine," tome iii.
15 It has been drawn on the wood and en-
graved by Gregor Grey.
16 See Ad. Thiery's " Histoire de la Ville
de Toul et de ces Eveques," suivies d'une
Notice sur la Cathedrale," avec 14 lithogra-
phies et 2 plans, two volumes, published in
Toul, 1841, 8vo.
17 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xii., num. 838, p.
448.
18 See " Britannicarum Ecciesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvi., p. 392.
46 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Srptbmbrr 3.
term of life had expired.'^ His virtues and merits, added to his labours and
austerities, had thus purified his soul for heaven. When his term on earth
closed his years of exile, it seems probable, he had been long estranged from
social intercourse with those, that were early known to him in his native land.20
Those writers, who have supposed St. Maunsey a disciple of St. Peter, place
his death in the early part of the second century.21 But, as we have already
seen, that was long before the period of his birth. He died on the 3rd of
September, and about the year 375, according to most accounts. His people
were greatly afflicted when they knew of his demise, and manifested their
respect and love while celebrating his funeral obsequies. The body of St.
Mansuy was buried in that oratory of St. Peter, which he is said to have
built.22
His memory has been highly revered at Toul, from the time of his death
to the present day. His immediate successor in that See was Amon,a3 also
distinguished for great virtues and miraculous gifts. He was interred,
likewise, in the ancient Church of St. Peter ; and from those early times, the
faithful were accustomed to revere both prelates, and to resort for succour to
them in their various infirmities. Among those pious pilgrims to their tombs
were persons of the highest distinction — even kings and princes — who arrived
with the poor, and who manifested their trusting confidence in, and devout
reverence for, those holy patrons ; thus affording examples of religious
observance and veneration towards the saints, during the Ages of Faith. a<
Even hospitals were erected in Toul for the reception of poor pilgrims, who
flocked thither to be healed. Those houses of hospitality, likewise, were
liberally endowed and maintained.25 Among others, who are said to have
visited Toul for the purpose of praying in the oratory of St. Mansuetus, was
St. Martin,26 the holy Bishop of Tours,2? who is supposed to have had
19 In the History of the Bishops of Toul, more ancient date, declares, that miracles
it is thus stated : ** Cumque jam Dei athleta had been wrought there ; but, that in his day,
electu.s plenus esset dierum, et proved re for want of writers, or through the ravages
rctatis carnis onere de- of the barbarians, several interesting records
posito iii. nonarnm Septembrium spiritum had perished.
urlo reddidit, &c." — Calmet's " Histoire 26 St. Gregory of Tours places his birth in
Kcclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome the year 316, or before Easter in 317, during
i., cap. xiii., col. 94. the eleventh year of Constantine the Great's
70 To him might be applied the poet's reign. He became Bishop of Tours about
lines :— the year 375. He is said to have attained
" Before him from the earth have passed the eighty-fourth year, and to have departed
Friends, kinsmen, comrades, true and this life on the 8th of November, a.d. 400.
brave ; His chief feast, however, is kept on the nth
And well he knows he nears, at last, of that month. St. Sulpicius Severus has
His place of rest — a foreign grave !" written his life in elegant Latin, and eight
— "Green Leaves." A volume of Irish years after the death of his illustrious master,
verses, byT. D. Sullivan, p. 85. he wrote three dialogues to supply previous
21 Thus Ussher records his demise under omissions. The Chronology of St. Martin's
the year of Christ 105, in these words : Life is very intricate. See " Memoires de
" Mansuetus Ilibernus, primus Tullensium Trevoux," ad annum 1765, pp. 1238, 1239.
Kpiscopus, anno ministerii sui (jaadragesimo 2? In the church of the Abbey of St.
mortem obiisse dicitur." — " Britannicarum Maunsey at Toul had long been preserved
Kcclesiarum Antiquitates," Index Chronolo a stone, on which St. Martin is said to have
gicus, p. 508. knelt, when he came thither as a pilgrim.
"Seethe Pita ProKxiort VSx i.,cap. iii. , However, when the Emperor Charles V.,
num. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, pp. 642, 643. in 1552, had taken Metz, Toul and Verdun
23 His feast is celebrated at Toul, on the from the French, the old Church of St.
23rd of October. Maunsey was destroyed, and that stone was
34 See the Vita Brevior, sect. 5, 6, and removed to the cloister of St. Gengulph's
f'ita Prolixior, lib. i., cap. iv., sect. 25, 26. Collegiate Church in Toul. Long afterwards,
25 Adso, who quotes from documents ot that stone might be seen bearing an inscrip
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
•17
frequent pious colloquies with St. Maximinus,28 Bishop of Triers or
Treves.
From an early period, the Irish Scots, who had a great veneration for
their compatriot, St. Maunsey, were accustomed to frequent his church and
to offer their devotions at his shrine. Among those were to be found many
poor pilgrims, who were obliged to lodge in the hospice, while waiting some
favours through the saint's intercession. One case in particular is related by
Adso, regarding a poor Irishman and his wife, who while there had a pig
stolen from them, which they needed for their common support. Their
prayers for its recovery were offered to St. Maunsey in his church.^ The lost
animal is stated to have been miraculously restored to them, but in a fashion
too legendary to merit credence^0
Years had passed away after the death of St. Maunsey, and the Vandals^1
having taken possession of Toul, subjected his church to their devastations.
In the commencement of the fifth century, witli other German tribes, they
had crossed the Rhine, and spread like a torrent over Gaul, which had then
experienced the benefits of Roman civilization. The flourishing city of
Mentz was surprised and destroyed, while many thousand Christians were
inhumanly massacred in the church. In like manner, Strasburg, Spiers,
Rheims, Tournay, Arras, and Amiens, experienced the oppression of the
German invaders ; houses and churches were despoiled of their valuables ;
while the clergy and laity were obliged to flee for their lives before the
merciless and rapacious barbarians.32 The charitable foundations for pilgrims
experienced also the natural results of wars that embroiled the people living
in and around Toul. Wherefore,, those endowments were dissipated, and the
tion to the effect, it was the one on which St.
Martin prayed at the tomb of St. Maunsey,
when he visited Toul. In the beginning of
the last century, that old church had not
been repaired, and the Benedictines, who
were in possession of the site, having con-
verted the former refectory into a chapel,
also celebrated the Divine Office in it.
There, likewise, according to the two Bene-
dictines of the Congregation of St. Maur,
the body of St. Maunsey had been preserved.
See Dom Augustin Calmet's " Histoire
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," in his
Dissertation on the early Bishops of Toul,
lib. v., num. 21, and tome iii., lib. xxxiii.,
num. 66. Also, the Literary Itinerary of two
Benedictines, part ii., p. 130, published in
Paris, 1 7 17.
28 He was born at Monterre-Silly, in
Foitou, towards the end of the third or the
beginning of the fourth century. Upon the
death of St. Agritius, Bishop of Triers, he
was chosen successor, A.n. 332. He was one
of the most illustrious defenders of the
Catholic faith in the Council of Sardica, held
in 347. He died on a visit to his relations*
in Poitou, a.d. 349. His feast is celebrated
at Poitiers, on the 29th of May. See Les
Petits Bollandistes, "Viesdes Saints," tome
vi., xxixe Jour de Mai, pp. 292 to 294.
Hence, it can be inferred, that Adso's state-
ment of the familiarity passing between St.
Martin of Tours, and St. Maximinus of
Treves, and their journey to Rome in com-
pany, cannot be admitted. The latter had
been dead several years before St. Martin
became Bishop of Tours.
29 The matter is thus related by Adso :
" Furantis autem personam cum nusquam
deprehenderet ; dampni sui non ferens dis-
pendium, ad sacram sedem tendit, et effertis,
ut Scotorum natura est, animis tumulo Sancti
se msestum injecit et plenum querimoniis, et
ut rustici verbis eloquar ; O Sancte Dei,
Scottum, inquam, te Scottum et me, genti
Scottigenae propitius miserere. Me eminus
positum forte juvare debueras : ecce peregre
constitutum quid aporiari pateris, quid rebus
destitui permittis ? Redde, obsecro, quod
perdidi : redde, quod fur impius forte jam
absumit. Hsec et his similia multa prosequens
pauper ille, tristis recipitur hospicio."
30 Adso intimates, that such a popular
story need not be trusted, nor does it merit
his own approval, neither does it that of his
editor, Father John Limpen. In Calmet's
edition of Adso's Life of our Saint, the
narrative above noticed is ended thus :
"Vitseet actuum beati Mansueti pontificis
liber primus explicit/' See " Ac:a Sancto-
rum," tomus i., Septembris iii. Vita Pro-
lixior, lib. i., cap. iv., nums. 25, 26, 27, 28,
29, with notes, pp. 644, 645.
31 These people were spread along the
banks of the Oder, and on the sea-coast of
Pomerania and Mecklenburgh, at an early
period. Originally, they are supposed to
have been a Slavonic and not a German
people.
3J See Edward Gibbon's *' History of the
48 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAIATS. [September 3.
church, as likewise the hospice, fell into ruin. Frequently, too, those
establishments and their possessions were seized by seculars and treated with
small regard, even in the mediaeval times. When Garibalde, Bishop of Toul,
died about the year 735, he was succeeded by Godon, who presided over the
See for about twenty years; and during that period the city was burned, when
the archives of his church were reduced to ashes.33
Nevertheless, the veneration of the faithful for our saint continued, and
through the whole diocese of Toul, his feast was solemnly celebrated, so that
it became a matter of sacred obligation to cease from servile work on that
day ; while it seems probable, that although ruinous, the Church of St. Peter
had not been wholly deserted, nor had the religious services there been
discontinued, although shorn much of their early splendour. However,
in the southern suburbs, where an ancient Abbey of the Benedictines stood,
one Archembald3* ruled as Abbot, between the years 936 and 948. To him,
St. Gauzlin,35 Bishop of Toul, committed the Church of St. Peter, and the
care for its restoration, on condition that he should send some of the religious
of St. Afre36 to dwell there, and to sing the Divine office, at the tomb of
St. Maunsay. During the lifetime of St. Gauzlin, the work of repairing St.
Peter's was commenced, but it was not completed, at the time of his death,
a.d. 962. During his pontificate, a woman, blind for seven years, and who
lived in the villa of Count Widon,3? was led on the vigil of St. Maunsey's
feast to his church, where she desired to remain for that night. However,
her request was not granted. Then taking her place with others before the
closed doors, and praying with great fervour to the saint in the middle of
the night, burning lights suddenly appeared to her restored vision. She gave
thanks to God and to his saint in loud ejaculations of gratitude. Another
miracle was wrought in favour of a soldier's daughter^8 who lived on a farm
not far from Toul. She was regarded as a possessed person, and in a state of
mental derangement, wherefore she was bound with cords and left in charge
of keepers. However, her parents brought the girl to the oratory of St. Maun-
sey. There she was allowed to remain within the church that whole night,
with a single guardian. She returned to her home restored to a sound state
of mind. Another poor person, whose body was covered with a leprosy,
called Elephantiasis,39 approached the church, and as having lived on alms,
he humbly presented a portion of salt at the saint's shrine, and prayed there
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," place after that date, since the ruined church
vol. iv., chap, xxx., p. 52. Dr. William in which the body of St. Maunsey had been
Smith's edition. deposed was not at that time given by Bishop
33 See Dom. Aug. Calmet's "Histoire Gauzlin to the Abbey of St. Apre.
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome 38 Her father was named Stephen.
i., liv. xi., sect, lxvii. » " A disease affecting chiefly the legs and
34 By Adso, he is styled Ilerchemboldus. feet, which, becoming rough, scaly, and
In two charters, dated a.d. 941 and 942, his swollen, have been compared to an elephant :
name is written Archembaldus, as found in the skin gets thick, unctuous, and insensi-
Augustine Calmet's " Histoire Ecclesias- ble, and the limb occasionally attains an
tique et Civile de Lorraine, "tome i. Preuves enormous size." — " Dictionary of Science,
de l'Histoire de Lorraine, col. 348 and 350. 'Literature, and Art," by W. T. Brande and
35 His feast is celebrated on the 7th of Rev. George W. Cox, vol. i., p. 764.
September. *° One of these was wrought in favour of
36 His festival is held on the 5th of August. a distinguished cleric, who had been brought
* In a document which bears date 5 Idus to the last extremity through fever ; while
Octobris, a.d. 936, ihe signature of this another named Drogo, who was a soldier,
Count Wido is found. See Calmet's " His- and a native of Dulmensis, in the circle of
toire Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," Westphalia, was in like manner restored,
tome i. Preuves de L'Histoire de Lorraine, owing to his faith in the merits of St. Maun-
col. 344. The miracle here recorded took sey.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 49
with great fervour. • Soon he experienced some impression on his back — for
he had prostrated himself on the floor — and then suddenly arising, he found
a new vigour in his limbs, the leprosy entirely disappearing. It seems to
have been the mediaeval custom for those affected with fevers or other
maladies to be carried to the shrine of St. Maunsey, where they devoutly
sought his intercession on their behalf; and various instances are recorded
by Adso of cures thus effected,*0 while he declares, it should be impossible
to remember all that came to his knowledge, or that were related in reference
to the holy patron of Toul.*1
The people of Toul were always accustomed to celebrate St. Maunsey's
festival as -a special Holyday, and they regarded it as one to be observed by
abstaining from servile works or unnecessary travelling. Indeed, the con-
trary custom was regarded as bringing with it some such danger as had
nearly happened to certain waggoners of Barrois,*2 who continued to travel
with loads of salt through Gondreville on that festival day, and who made
light of the popular veneration. Having journeyed towards the Moselle
River, which they desired to cross, the oxen yoked to their waggons became
restive, and could not be controlled by the drivers, who had nearly been
carried over a precipice. Seeing the danger that threatened, those peasants
felt a sudden remorse for having violated St. Mansuy's day. They then
implored his pardon, and solemnly vowed thenceforward to observe it
religiously. Suddenly they were delivered from a danger, which was likely
to have been attended with the forfeit of their lives.43 A venerable man —
Grimaldus by name — had been appointed Abbot over the monastery of St.
Afre, chiefly through the instrumentality of St. Gauzlin. On one occasion, a
cow belonging to the community had been stolen, nor was there a prospect
of her recovery. But, having prayed to St. Maunsey, on the following day,
most unexpectedly and to the great admiration of all the monks, that animal
returned to her proper stall. Soon after this account, Adso records the
happy demise of St. Gauzlin,44 who was interred at Bouxieres-aux-dames, in
the church of that religious community of Benedictine nuns founded by
himself. He died in the year 962.
Born in the city of Cologne, and highly educated, especially in all
branches of ecclesiastical learning, on the death of Gauzlin, Bruno, Arch-
bishop of Cologne and Duke of Lorraine, appointed Gerard45 in 963, to
succeed, with the approbation of the Emperor Otho I.,*6 of the clergy and
people of Toul, and he was consecrated at Treves. One of his earliest cares
41 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Simple, King of Fiance, proves, dated on the
Septembris iii., Vita Prolixior, lib. ii., cap. same year and day. See Calmet's " Histoire
i., ii., pp. 645 to 647. Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome i.
42 So called from Bar-le-Duc, its capital, Preuves de l'Histoire de Lorraine, col. 335,
and it lies between the Marneand the Moselle 336.
in Lorraine. See M. Vivien de Saint-Mar- 45 See a very complete account of this dis-
tin, " Nouveau Dictionnaire de Geographie tinguished prelate in Les Petits Bollandistes,
Universelle," tome i., p. 351. "Vies des Saints," tome iv., Jour xxiiie
43 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des d'Avril, pp. 623 to 632.
Saints," tome x., Jour iiie de Septembre, p. 46 Surnamed the Great. He became
433* Emperor of Germany, a.d. 936. He was of
44 Adso states : " Cujus dies depositions the Saxon line, and had inherited a prepon-
vii Idus Septembris agitur." See the Vita derating power in the north of Germany,
Prolixior, lib. ii., cap. ii., pp. 647, 648. which he greatly increased by his own
Adso is mistaken in the account that St. success in war. He died on the 25th of
Gauzlin was in the forty-fourth year of his con- December, A.D. 967. See Dean Henry
secration as bishop, since his predecessor, Hart Milman's " History of Latin Chris-
Drogon, died on the iv. of the March Nones, tianity," vol. iii., book v., chap, xii., pp.
A.d. 922, which a Charter of Charles the 305 to 316.
D
5o LIVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3
was to visit the church in which reposed the body of St. Maunsey. There
he prayed with great devotion, and took a vow, that he would endeavour to
effect its entire renovation. He resolved on seeking aid from a powerful
patron. With such a view he obtained a charter from the Emperor Otho I.,4?
dated in the year 965, on the iv. of the June Nones. This confirmed the
possessions, privileges and rules of the monks therein living, and who were
under the Order of St. Benedict.*8 He not only completed that foundation,
but he liberally endowed it.4^ Moreover, he advanced the Prior over St. Peter's
monastery to the dignity of an Abbot. On the site of St. Peter's oratory, a
celebrated Benedictine Abbey was built, and it was dedicated to St. Mansuy.s°
The choir of the Abbey Church was erected over the saint's tomb.
Various translations of the holy Bishop's relics are on record. It is said,
that about the year 971, St. Gerard, Bishop of Toul, repaired that church
dedicated to St. Maunsey's memory, and that afterwards, he solemnly
translated the relics of the holy patron from the place of their deposition, to
one more suitable for their reception. The relics were placed in a wooden
shrine within the church, and before it the monks sang their office, with their
accustomed rites, while the faithful frequenting the sanctuary to pray received
many benefits through the saint's intercession. Moreover, it is related of
this pious prelate, that a band of Greeks and Scots having arrived in Toul,
he maintained them at his own expense.*1 In an oratory they had separate
altars, at which they offered prayers to God, according to the manner of their
respective nations.52 It is supposed, that the disturbances of the time in
their own countries5* brought those strangers to seek an asylum in his city
from the charitable bishop.54
During times ot great drought, and when a loss of the growing crops was
feared, the clergy and people of Toul sought the saint's shrine in solemn
procession, and devoutly trusted that the prayers of their Patron should
procure for them fertilizing showers. This was illustrated in a miraculous
manner, during the period of St. Gerard's incumbency in the see of Toul.55
An unusually dry season had visited the country all around ; the earth cracked
open, and vegetation was burned up, through excessive heat ; the labours of
the husbandman seemed destined to produce nothing of value from the land;
even the sky presented very extraordinary phenomena. Deeming these to
4? See an account of this celebrated Em- side of the ancient walls of the city, in the
peror in Jules Zeller's " Histoire d'Alle- Faubourg de St. Mansuis.
magne," tome ii., chap, xiii., pp. 250 to 385. 5I " Hie cation Gnvcorum ac Scotto-
4® The feast of this illustrious Abbot falls rum congregasse, ac propriis stipendiis
on the 21st of March. See an account of St. aluisse dicitur, divisis inter illos altaribus in
Benedict and of his Order in " Histoire oratorio, ubi Deo supplices laiules peisolvcrent
Complete et Costumes des Ordres Monas- more patriot — Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis
tiques, Religieux et Militaires, et des Con- S. Benedicti," tomus iv., lib. I, num. cii.,
gregations Seculieres des deux Sexes," par p. 90.
le R. P. He'lyot, avec Notice, Annotations sa This account seems to indicate, that both
et Complement, par V. Phillipon de la the Greeks and Irish, who are here alluded
Madelaine, tome iv., Premiere Partie, pp. 5 to, prayed in their own language, and used
et seq. their own peculiar rites of worship, differing
49 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. from those of Gaul.
Benedicti," at A.D. 982. Tomus iv., lib. 53 Especially in Ireland the Danes and
xlix., num. xiii., pp. 8, 9. Norwegians committed great devastations
50 Besides a fine copper-plate engraving of during the ninth and tenth centuries, as
a map, representing the former Diocese of noticed in our Annals.
Toul, in Dom Augustin Calmet's " Histoire 54 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome i. , Saints," tome iv., Jour xxiiic d'Avril, p. 625.
there is another Plan de la Villede Toul, on ss See Dom Calmet's Histoire Ecclesias-
which its position is shown near the northern tique et Civile de Lorraine," tome i.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 51
be indications of the Divine displeasure for the sins of his people, and at
their request, the holy Bishop Gerard instituted a fast for three days, at the
end of which time, the shrine of St. Maunsey, containing his blessed body,
was to be borne in solemn procession over the parched fields. While
litanies and hymns were sung by the clergy and a vast number of the laity
assembled, and while they thus moved to the church of St. Apri or Epvre,
which was a stage to be reached by the processionists ; suddenly the clouds
lowered, the lightnings flashed, and loud peals of thunder followed. Then
came torrents of rain, which drenched the multitude present, but which
brought refreshing showers on the fields, the object so earnestly sought. Nor
was this the only remarkable occurrence to be related. Sindebard, Count
of Toul, was about to have his hand cauterized, because it had withered and
caused him great agony \ yet, remembering the merits of the Patron saint,
he most earnestly desired leave for carrying that shrine, in which the sacred
remains were deposed. This permission he readily obtained, and with
Immon, a noble officer in the bishop's service, he walked in that procession.
When the shrine was returned to the place in which it usually had been
deposited, Mass was commenced, and at its conclusion, the Count found all
pain removed from his hand. This he raised up before all those who were
present, as a manifestation of St. Maunsey's merits and intercession^6
Immediately after these occurrences, and having placed the sacred remains
in the church, 5? after vigils and devotions of the previous night, it was
solemnly dedicated in honour of the Holy Mother of the Man-God and
of St. Maunsey. Thenceforward, several remarkable miracles were wrought
in it through their intercession, and numbers of devout worshippers were
favoured with remission of their sins. Another miracle is related regarding
a boy, who had long been a cripple, owing to some spinal contraction. His
father, a rustic, had conveyed him in his arms for ten successive years to the
tomb of St. Maunsey, but without any alleviation of his son's sufferings.
One day, a certain Jew reproached the poor man for his credulity ; when
suddenly, the boy who had been laid on the pavement before the shrine felt
himself able to arise and walk, to the great admiration of the devout persons
who were present.58 Moreover, on another occasion, and on a Saturday
night, while the monks were engaged reciting the Divine Office, and preparing
for the Sunday's services on the morrow, St. Gerard, happening to sleep in
their monastery at that time,s° had an apparition of St. Maunsey,60 who
seemed to enter the chamber with an effulgence of light. Approaching the
bed on which the bishop lay, the latter found a hand laid on his body, and
heard a voice calling out, " Why sleep you ? while others keep their pious
vigils, why are you buried in so deep a slumber ? for the kingdom of Heaven
comes not to those sleeping, but to the wakeful.'' At once the bishop arose,
and not without some shameful feeling and excitement, he hastened to the
church and joined the choir, although not in good time, as the office had
long before commenced.67
Preuves de l'Histoire de Lorraine, Historia then maintained at the charges of the church.
Episcoporum Tullensium, cap. xx., col. 101. 59 It is stated, the bishop had been much
56 The old writer, who records the foregoing fatigued, owing to previous labours .
miracle, adds : " Cujus rei adhuc est ipse 6o He seemed of large stature, and of a
testis certus, si a quolibet fuerit requisitus." venerable aspect, his habit being of a white
— Ibid. colour.
57 This Bishop Gerard had previously 6l This narrative Adso had from St. Gerard
raised from its foundations. himself, and he adds in conclusion : " Cujus
s8 In continuation the chronicler remarks, rei testis non sine sui pudore refert, quid in
that when he wrote, that boy was living and illo sit passus secreto cubiculi virtute prae-
52 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
On several occasions, when the plague prevailed in the city and country
around Toul, the people offered prayers to St. Mansuy, and bore the shrine
containing his body in public and solemn procession. We have an account
of that deadly plague,62 which visited the city during the pontificate of St.
Gerard, when great numbers of all classes and of both sexes were stricken
with the pest. This usually proved mortal after an illness of three days.
Whereupon, St. Gerard resolved on proclaiming a fast for three days, at the
end of which time, he intended removing the saint's shrine from the place in
which it had been deposited not long before, and having called the people
together, a procession was formed to the church of the Blessed Virgin at
Ecrouves,63 near Toul. From that time forward, the plague was known to
have decreased in virulence. Yet, public apprehensions were not wholly
allayed, when a second and much greater procession took place to the Bene-
dictine Convent,6* at Buxeria,6* where the nuns were prepared to receive the
precious remains. In that place, also, Bishop Gerard spent the night.
Multitudes assembled to join the procession from the villages and farms
along the route, both going and returning ; nor was the River Meurte an
obstacle to their pious zeal, for many persons forded it, although swollen
with a night's rain. On the return to St. Maunsey's church, the sun shone
out with remarkable brightness, while the enthusiasm of the people was mani-
fested in tears of joy, shared even by their saintly bishop. Although abating,
the plague had not altogether ceased, and a third procession was ordered,
when the bodies of St. Maunsey and of St. Epvre were brought in their
respective shrines through the streets of Toul. Afterwards, the pest entirely
disappeared to the great relief and joy of the people.66
St. Gerard had granted the villages of Angeria and Molesiac to the
monastery of St. Maunsey, as dependencies for its maintenance ; but, he
afterwards revoked this grant, and then he remarked a sudden failure of his
strength and health. He became so spare and debilitated, that, he had no
appetite, nor could he sleep, Especially for three weeks did he continue in
this state, and had abandoned all hope of recovery. Despite the objections
raised by members of his household, he expressed a wish to be conveyed to
the monastery of St. Maunsey. This happened in the year 974, when he
was afflicted with that severe malady, which his physicians were unable to
heal through the ordinary courses prescribed. The bishop was restored,
however, by invoking the aid of St. Maunsey, and by making a visit to the
holy Patron's shrine and monastery.
A remarkable miracle, wrought in favour of an English girl through the
merits of St. Maunsey, took place in the year iooq.6? She had been accessory
stanti beati Mansueti." — Vita prolixior, lib. by no religious vow.
ii., cap. iii., p. 649. 6s The modern French name for it is
63 The old chronicler in relation to Toul Bouxieres-aux- dames. It is situated on the
and St. Gerard, adds : " Ilanc urbem clades River Meurte, and near its junction with
ita superveniens irruperat, ut ad unum the Moselle, about five hours' journey from
quemlibet, exceptis aliis diversarum eccle- Toul.
siarum, locum, sicut idem pontifex non sine ^ In certain Latin hexameter lines, written
gemitu memorabat, denos vel septenos mor- . in praise of St. Gerard, we read, that he saved
fuorum loculos sub oculis aspiceret inferri the Monastery of St. Mansuy from fire : —
tumulandos." " Ccenobium Sancti conservat ab igne
63 The chronicler remarks that, the place voraci." — See Dom Augustin Calmet's
was remarkable, also, for the many miracles " Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lor-
there wrought. raine," tome i. Preuves, &c. ; Ilistoiia Epis-
64 This had been founded by St. Gauzlin, coporum Tullensium, cap. xxxv., col. 133.
and it was tenanted originally by Benedictine 67 See Mabillon's " Annates Ordinis S.
nuns. In the last century, an abbess and Benedicti," tomus iv., lib. lib., sect, xxv.,
canonesses were the occupants, but bound pp. 209, 210.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
53
to her mother's death, in conjunction with her brother, a cleric, who had
resolved on avenging a family injury.68 For this crime, they were both con-
demned to a punishment common at the period, which was, to have iron
bands fastened about their arm and body.6^ They were also obliged to
undertake a pilgrimage, so that while visiting Jerusalem, they might expiate
in some measure, their matricide by prayer at the holy places. 7° On return-
ing, the guilty brother died, but his sister Godelinde visited Toul, to obtain
relief through the intercession of St. Maunsey. This in part was experienced,
as one of the bands loosened on her arm, the other remaining fast. She was
accompanied through a motive of charity, by an innocent brother, named
Rodulf ; and they next resolved on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Oldericus,?1
the patron of Augsburg.?2 However, when they had come to the forest of
the Vosges mountains, where the monastery known as Vallis-Gaiilese had
been founded by St. Deodatus,73 Godelinde had a vision of St. Maunsey in her
sleep, and she was recommended by him to return. This warning she would
not take, but continued her journey towards the city of Strasburg. Again
the vision was repeated during her sleep ; yet notwithstanding the dangers
of the journey represented to her, she would persevere in her resolution.
The sufferings and privations endured by the pilgrims were great
beyond expression ; but, she at length returned to Toul, in the extremity
of misery, and offered up her prayers with vigils at the tomb of St. Maunsey.
When she despaired of relief, the moment of mercy came. The iron band
burst asunder, and fell from her arm. Astonished at such a result, she
fainted on the spot ; but soon her senses were restored, and she returned
full of joy and gratitude to the country of her birth. 74
68 These were of noble birth both on the
father's and mother's side. When about to
die, the father commended his children to
the care of his wife ; but, after his death,
unmindful of the trust committed to her, she
again married, and her second husband,
while retaining the daughter in her paternal
castle, most inhumanly cast out her brothers,
and deprived them of their natural inherit-
ance. Stung to frenzy by this conduct, the
cleric, with an armed band, and in the dead
hour of the night, entered the castle, with
the aid of his sister. Proceeding to the bed-
chamber of his mother and step-father, he
endeavoured to kill the latter, but the deadly
weapon transfixed the body of the former.
69 It would seem the provocation had been
so great, and probably the parricide having
been unintentional, the culprits escaped
capital punishment ; but, they were obliged
to bear iron bands or chains, closely bound
on the naked body or limbs. In this case,
the brother had " toto trunco corporis artatur
strictis circulis," while the sister " accepit
duos in sinistro brachio." During the ninth,
tenth, and eleventh centuries, such a punish-
ment was frequently inflicted on parricides,
or those who murdered relations in blood,
sometimes for a term of years, and sometimes
for a life-time ; while they were enjoined as
an expiatory penance to visit Jerusalem,
Rome, or some other place, where saints were
held in particular veneration. Examples of
this kind are to be found, in Mabillon's
" Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i.,
lib. iv., sect, vii., pp. 87, 88.
70 Certain abuses seem to have arisen from
this usage. Thus, in a Council, held at Aix-
la-Chapelle, in the time of Charlemagne, it
was decreed, " non sinantur vagari et decep-
tiones hominibus agere . . . isti nudi
cum ferro, qui dicunt se data sibi
poenitentia ire vagantes. Melius videtur, ut,
si aliquid inconsuetum et capitale crimen
commiserint, uno in loco permaneant labo-
rantes et servientes et pcenitentiam agentes,
secundum quod sibi canonice impositum
sit." — Sirmond, " Conciliorum," tomus ii.,
p. 154-
71 St. Oldericus or Uldaricus is venerated
on the 4th day of July.
72 Formerly called Augusta Vindelicorum.
73 Bishop of Nevers and Apostle of the
Vosges territory. His feast is held on the
19th of June.
74 The more circumstantial details of this
miracle, as given in the Bollandists' "Acta
Sanctorum," thus concludes : " Praedicti
tamen circuli pendent ad pedes crucifixi
Domini, quorum prior Kalendis Januarii
proruit, necnon alter XIII. Kalendas Junii
cecidit anno ab Incarnatione Domini nono
et milessimo, pontificante Tullense ecclesiam
domne Bertoldo episcopo, Indictione vii." —
Tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto
Epis. et Conf. Miraculum quod contigit
anno Mix., auctore anonymo, pp. 651 to
653.
54
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
CHAPTER III.
STATE OF TOUL DURING THE MIDDLE AGES— REPUTED CANONIZATION OF ST. MAUNSEY BY
POPE LEO IX.— VARIOUS TRANSLATIONS OF HIS RELICS— THE CATHEDRAL OF ST.
STEPHEN, AT TOUL, AND ITS SHRINES— DESTRUCTION OF ST. MAUNSEY's ANCIENT
CHURCH IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY — FESTIVALS AND MEMORIALS OF ST. MAUNSEY
— COMMEMORATIONS IN CALENDARS AND MARTYROLOGIES— CONCLUSION.
During the Middle Ages, Toul maintained a sort of independence,1 under
the nominal control of a long line of bishops, and as a free city of the German
Empire.2 The prelates were sovereigns, who regulated its government, and
appointed its guards and officials, while they sat as magistrates to administer
justice in cases of litigation among their peopled
The public veneration for St. Maunsey continued to increase, when St.
Bruno* was consecrated bishop of Toul, a.d. 1027.5 He entertained the
greatest devotion towards the holy patron, whose intercession procured relief
for many sufferers, during the period when he presided over that see, and
until he was called upon to rule over the universal Church in 1048, under the
designation St. Leo IX.6 Among the afflicted was a person of distinction,
named Odelric de Novo-villari,? who had experienced so many benefits from
St. Maunsey's prayers, that he desired to be buried in the church, with his
wife, and he left certain farms of land to the monastery. This donation
bishop Bruno confirmed by his authority, in the year 1034. After his
elevation to the chair of St. Peter,8 and while still in the city of Toul, with a
certain Deacon Peter of the Roman Church, another miracles is recorded to
have occurred during the month of September, a.d. 1049. Li tnis> the
eleventh century, St. Maunsey was canonized, as we are told, by Pope Leo
the Ninth,10 He also confirmed the rights and privileges of the Chapter of
Chapter hi.—1 The French kings from
the Merovingian period, and afterwards the
German Emperors, left the bishops of Toul
temporary lords of the city and of its surround-
ing territory. The inhabitants of the former
had municipal institutions, while the latter
was held in fief by the Dukes of Lorraine.
See " Nouveau Dictionnaire de Geographie
Universelle," tome vi., p. 758.
2 See Murray's " Handbook for Travellers
in France," sect, ix., Route 165, p. 618.
3 Even at the present time, a stone seat on
which those judgments were delivered is
shown in Toul. See Les Petits Bollandistes,
"Vies des Saints," tome iv., Jour xxiiie
d'Avril, p, 623.
* He was son to Hughes, Count of
Egisheim, cousin-german of the Emperor
Conrad le Salique, and he was born in Alsace,
June 21st, a.d. 1002. His mother, Heilvige,
was the only daughter and heiress of Louis,
Count of Dachsbourg or Dagsbourg, also
known as Dabo. His career in the Church
was distinguished. See ibid., Jour xixe
dAvril, pp. 491 to 520.
s He was elected by the clergy and people
on the death of his predecessor, Bishop Ber-
thold. See Michaud, "Biographie Univer-
selle, Ancienne et Moderne," tome xxiv., p.
15"-
6 He died on the 19th of April, a.d. 1054.
See an account of his life and pontificate, in
R. P. Natalis Alexandri Ordinis FF. Prredi-
catorum, in Sacra Facultate Parisiensi Doc-
toris et Emeriti Professoris " Historia
Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique Testamenti,"
tomus xiv., cap. i., art. vi., pp. 12 to 18.
7 He was a man of substance, who before
his death bequeathed two Mansi, and other
farms, to the Monastery of St. Mansuetus,
on the xvii. of the September Kalends, A.D.
1034, while Hunald was Abbot, and this
donation was confirmed in due legal form,
with the seal of Bruno, Bishop of Toul. See
Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S- Benedicti,"
tomus iv., lib. lvii., num. xxxvii., pp. 392, 393.
The term Mansus, Mama or Mansum has
various significations, according as it may
happen to be employed, as explained in Du
Cange's "Glossarium ad Scriptores Mediae
et Infimae Latinitatis," tomus iv., sub voce,
col. 432 to 435, Ediiio 1733.
8 The Life of this celebrated Pontiff was
written originally by three contemporaneous
authors : Wibert, Archdeacon of the Church
of Toul, Anselm, monk ot Saint-Remi, and
Bruno, Bishop of Segni.
9 It is to be found very circumstantially
related, in M. l'Abbe Guillaume's " Histoire
de l'Eglise de Toul."
10 See Archbishop Ussher's " Britannica-
rum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvi.,
pp. 389, 390. Also, Harris' Ware, vol. ii.
" Writers of Ireland," book i., chap, i., p. 4.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
55
Canons, attached to Toul Cathedral in 1051." We have already seen, that
this Sovereign Pontiff is said to have canonized St. Erard or Erhard" of
Ratisbon, in Bavaria — another Irish missionary — and at a time when he was
a visitor to that city.1*
While Dodo14 ruled over the monastery of St. Maunsey, he laid the
foundations of a tower, which was carried up to the roof of the church.
During the time his successor Abbot Grimbaldus1^ presided over the mon-
astery of St. Maunsey, he completed that work, which was one of great
architectural beauty, while it was surmounted with a gilt cross, and an eagle
with out-spread wings. Moreover, while he built the church exteriorly, he
added ornamental features within, having decorated the altar of Saints Peter
and Paul with a silver tablet, shining with gems and gold. He was succeeded
by Albricus,16 whose eloquence and learning brought a large concourse of
persons to the sacred mysteries and ceremonies of the church, so that he
was obliged to undertake its enlargement. Albricus therefore raised an
ambit of wall, and by a circuit it was brought to the curvature of the arches.
In the crypt of this building, the remains of that Abbot were afterwards
deposed. *? Next to Albricus came Theomarus.18 He resumed the work of
his predecessor, who had elevated the walls to the vaulted arches, which
were to support two towers. These were built very speedily, and it being
necessary to continue the work of restoration, the old altars were destroyed,
and gave place to new ones. Afterwards, the relics of the Holy Apostles,
with a portion of the wood of the True Cross,1? were removed, with a three
11 See this decree in Dom Augustin Cal-
met's " Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile de
Lorraine," and thus dated : "Datum Tulli
in majora Ecclesia per manus Udonis Tul-
lensis Ecclesise primicerii, cancellarii et
bibliothecarii Sanctse Apostolicae Sedis xj.
Kalend. Novembris, anno Dominica? Incar-
nationis milessimo quinquagesimo primo,
Indictione iv. anno apostolatus Domini
Leon is IX., Papse ij." — Tome i. Preuves
de 1' Histoire de Lorraine, cols. 435 to 437.
12 See his Life, in the First Volume of this
work, at the 8th of January, Art. ii., chap,
iii.
13 Probably in the year 1052. See L'Abbe
Fleury's " Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome
xii., liv. lix., sect, lxxix., p. 594.
14 Dodo was the nineteenth Bishop of
Toul in the order of succession. See Dom
Aug. Calmet's " Histoire Ecclesiastique et
Civile de Lorraine," tome i. Preuves de
l'Histoire de Lorraine, cols. 127, 170.
'5 He nourished about the middle of the
eleventh century, and his signature is found
appended as witness to a document of Udo,
Bishop of Toul, and dated a.d. 1065.
16 He ruled over the monastery of St.
Maunsey, after the middle of the eleventh
century. In 1076, his signature is found in
a concession of Pibo, who succeeded Udo as
Bishop of Toul. Grimbaldus had died not
long before that date, and Albricus departed
this life, A.D. 1092 or 1093.
** In the crypt of that ancient church in
which he had been buried, Calmet states,
that an epitaph had been found inscribed
with these lines : —
"Abbas Albricus sapiens, pius atque pudi*
cus
" Hanc fabricam statuit, causa caputque
fait"
The same writer has it, that the crypt built
by the Abbot Albricus was consecrated — he
does not give the patron's title— on the 5th
of September, a.d. 1090, by Pipo, Bishop of
Toul. Father Limpen supposes it likely to
have been consecrated to St. Maunsey, and
that his remains had been there deposited.
18 Also, his name is written Thiemarus.
He seems to have been Abbot for a consider-
able length of time, extending from A.D.
1092 or 1093 to A.D. 1125 or 1 126, when,
according to the old chronicler, " plenus
dierum felici exitu migravit ad Dominum, in
ecclesia eadem II. Kal. Febr. xxxni. ordi-
nationis sua? anno cum digno honore sepul-
tus."
19 These relics were found on the right
side, in the foremost part of the old high
alta'r, and in a stone repository, having on it
this inscription: " In hoc conditorio shoe
sunt reliquiae Sanctorum Apostolorum Petri
et Pauli, insuper etiam de ligno Domini."
On opening the repository, the assistants
found eleven bones of the head, and dust
mingled with blood, seven teeth, and sixteen
pieces of squared dies, portions of the True
Cross. This account is taken from a Manu-
script of the twelfth century, but written by
an unknown author. Wherefore, it seems
likely, that ancient church had been dedi-
cated to the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul.
56 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 'Septkmiskr 3.
days' fast and solemn ceremonies. However, rumours spread in Ton], that
in the time of St. Gerard, the head of St. Maunsey was separated from the
body on the occasion of that translation of his remains to which allusion has
been already made ; and those reports naturally caused great anxiety and
uneasiness among the people there, especially to Theomarus and his com-
munity of monks. To resolve such a doubt, as the old wooden shrine of
St. Maunsey was unornamented and showing signs of decay, the abbot pro-
posed to Bishop Pibo,20 who then ruled over the See of Toul, that a new
shrine should be prepared, and that the remains should be again transferred
to it. This process was calculated to remove all ambiguity, as it should
include an exposure and examination of their actual state. Accordingly, the
bishop convened a meeting of the leading ecclesiastics and chief laics of the
city ; then with their counsel and approval, it was resolved to avail of
the week after Pentecost, when a general synod was to be held in Toul, as a
time most suitable for such a purpose. An announcement was made by the
bishop regarding the intended translation. This drew a great assemblage of
clergy and laity, even from places very remote, to witness the solemn cere-
monies. Wherefore, in the year 1104, a new wooden shrine, ornamented
with gold, silver and precious stones, was procured. Bishop Pibo officiated
at that translation,21 attended by the Abbot Theomarus, the Abbot Widric of
St. Aper,-the Abbot Stephen of Besuensis, the Abbot Odelric of St. Urban,
with a great number of religious, and a vast crowd of people, among them
some of the most distinguished persons. The old shrine was raised to a
position in the church where it could be seen by all within the sacred build-
ing. The lid was removed, and to the great joy of all, the head of St.
Maunsey was found joined to the other members of his body, covered over
with a long garment. As the church was unable to contain the enormous
multitude of visitors to Toul on this occasion, the shrine was brought out
into the adjoining field, the sun shining with uncommon brightness. There
all had an opportunity for seeing, that the head and other members of St.
Maunsey had been preserved, so that occasion for doubt on the subject no
longer remained. As described — and probably by an eye-witness — psalms
were sung, great enthusiasm pervaded the multitude assembled, the shrine
was carried back in procession to the church, and votive offerings were made.
With suitable and reverent ceremonial, the saints' remains were elevated from
the old shrine,22 and transferred to the new and more costly one prepared to
receive them.23
Again, in 1106, and during the reign of the Emperor of Germany
Henry IV., a« the church was solemnly consecrated, Pibo the Bishop of Toul
officiating. Theobald was the Abbot immediately succeeding Theomarus,
in the year 1125 or 1126, and during his presidency at Toul, several miracles
20 He was the thirty-eighth bishop in "Nova ergo archa miro opere fabricata
succession over the See of Toul, and he came subiit, et pra:sentem thesaurum, corpus scili-
immediately after Udo. He died, the thirty- cet sanctissimum ferro undique obserata ser-
eighth year after his ordination, on the 8ih vandum suscepit."
of December, a. D. 1107. See Dom Aug. =3 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
Calmet's " Histoire Ecclesiastique et Civile tomus i., Septembris iii. I)e S. Mansueto
de Lorraine," tome i. Preuvesdel'IIistoire Epis. et Conf. Elevatio Corporis facta an.
de Lorraine ; HistoriaEpiscoporum Tullen- MCI v., auctore anonymo, pp. 655, 656.
sium, col. 178. 24 He reigned from a.d. 1056 to the 7th
21 See Guillaume's "Notice historique et of August, a.d. 1 106, when he died at Liege,
archeologique sur l'Abbaye de Saint-Man- See Kohlrausch, " Histoire d'Allemagne,
suy," 1879, 8vo. depuis les Temps les plus recutes jusqu'a
22 The account of the old and anonymous l'Annee, 1838," traduit de l'Allemand, par
chronicler, as given in Martene, states: A. Guinefolle. Quatrieme Epoque, p. 135.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 57
were wrought, through the intercession of St. Maunsey. At this time, also,
some troubles had arisen in consequence of a neighbouring tyrannical Count
of Sanctensis having destroyed some property belonging to the Canons. As
a protest, and to obtain their intercession against such an unjust invasion of
secular power, the shrines of St. Maunsey, St. Aper and St. Gerard were
elevated in the cathedral church — that of St. Maunsey, as being the principal
patron of the city, having been raised highest in position. There the faith-
ful assembled in united prayers and special devotions. Among them was a
woman, whose nerves had been so contracted that she was obliged to use
crutches, but who miraculously recovered the use of her limbs in presence of
many worshippers. In like manner, the faith of two other women and of a
young girl, who had been similarly afflicted, was rewarded by miraculous
restorations. A boy recovered from paralysis, and another relieved from a
swollen tongue and face, with a blind woman restored to sight, are recorded
in the list of miracles. Another person quite disabled and mute, named
Bruno, owed his recovery to the saint's intercession. Still more wonderful
was the restoration to his parents and to life of a son, who was thought to be
dead, and who was bewailed as such, preparations having been made for his
interment. However, he revived before such a fate had overtaken him, and
to his mother lamenting cried out: " O devout mother, immediately entreat
the saint of God, whom you promise to invoke, and bring me with you, since
through his bounty I revive, having scarcely escaped the bonds of death with
my approaching funeral."25 This happened at Rogeville, about five French
leagues from Toul, and on the iii. of the September Nones, while the faithful
were engaged celebrating the Natalis of St. Maunsey. Furthermore are
mentioned instances of a soldier miraculously escaping from his enemies, who
had made him a prisoner, and of a young man who was released, through
prayers to the saint, from the power of a robber, who had bound him in
chains.26 In the time of Theomarus' successor, Rainald, Simon I., Duke of
Lotharingia, and his wife, the Duchess Adelaide, granted the farm of Monces
in perpetuity to the monastery. This was done in a solemn and public
manner, their sons, Mathew and Baldwin, consenting, while before a great
congregation of clerics and laics, the charter of donation, duly signed by
witnesses, was laid on the altar of St. Maunsey.2?
The last public translation of St. Maunsey's relics took place in the year
1506.28 The bishops of Toul had granted charters at various periods to the
citizens, which enlarged their privileges ; but, they experienced more difficulty
in preserving their suzerainty over the Dukes of Lorraine. These disputes
were not wholly settled, until in the middle of the sixteenth century, when
the territory was placed under French protection,2^ as down to the year 1552,
Bruxelles, 1839, sm. fol. ^ See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,''
23 The writer of the foregoing account tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto
adds: " Talia redevivum perorasse filium, Epis. et Conf. Commentarius Proevius, sect,
seriatim tandem nobis mater ipsa reiulit ; v., pp. 631 to 633.
cum eundem puerum altari sancto mancipa- 2B See Les Peiits Bollandistes, "Vies des
turn obiulit, et ad fletum circumstantes ipsa Saints," iiie Jour de Septembre, p. 433.
gemens impulit. Testabatur jam id ipsum 29 " D'accord avec i'autorite ecclesiastique
denigrata fades, cute partim depilata jam et s'administrant eux-memes, les Toulois
rara canaries, squalens vultus, pallens color se firent respecter des seigneurs du voisinage
et rugosa macies ; a vivente fere dispar, ut et prirent sur eux, in 1545, de se mettre sous
ab igne glacies." la protection des rois de Fiance, prehulaut
20 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,'' ainsi a 1'annexion des Trois-Eveches, con-
tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto summee en 1552." — Nouveau Dictionnaire
Epis. et Conf. Miracula ab anno circiter de Geographie Universelle," tome vi., p.
mdcxxv. usque ad mcxxxvi. , pp. 656 to 658. 758.
58 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
Toul had been a free city of the German Empire.3° At that time, having
formed an alliance with Prince Maurice of Saxony, the King of France,
Henry II., took the field against the Emperor Charles V. Marching into
Lorraine, he gained possession of Toul, Verdun and Metz,3J These impor-
tant conquests, he annexed to the French monarchy. However, the
Emperor could not brook such a dishonour as to allow a territory of especial
consequence to be dismembered from the German Empire. Accordingly,
he approached Metz*2 with a great army in 1552. The French then
destroyed the ancient Church of St. Maunsey, in the suburbs of Toul. 33 This
was done, doubtless, to defend better the old fortifications3* of that place.
In the church of the former Abbey had been long preserved a stone, on
which, according to a tradition current among the people, the impression of
the knees of St. Martin of Tours could be seen, and which indicated their
belief, that he had frequently visited the city of their patron,35 At the
period of invasion, that stone had been brought within the walls, and
deposited in the Church of St. Gengulph. Afterwards, for many years, it
was to be seen with an inscription, which purported, that St. Martin had
visited Toul, and prayed at the tomb of St. Mansuetus. However, this stone
can no longer be discovered. 36 Still, on the northern side of the city are to
be seen the monastery and church of the Benedictines, occupying the site
of that ancient temple, dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles, and over-
turned in 1552. The sepulchral stone, which covered the saints' vault,
represents him in pontifical habiliments, and removing the emblems of
paganism, with an infant engaged in prayer by his side. At the present
time, this object of interest is to be seen ; but, it is now on the property of
a lay possessor. Again, there is an image of an infant carved on a stone in
the rampart of St. Mansuy's bastion ; and doubtless, this is intended to
represent the governor's son, who had been brought to life, through the
miraculous interposition of the holy bishop. It is furthermore confirmatory
of the ancient tradition of the Toulois, in reference to their venerated Patron. 37
Toul was definitely added to France, after the middle of the sixteenth century.
The vast diocese of Toul was dismembered in the eighteenth century,38 and
suppressed in 1790, to create the dioceses of Nancy and Saint Die. The
Cathedral of Nancy39 is a large modern edifice, of fine proportions.*0 Nancy
30 See Murray's " Handbook for Travellers church destroyed in 1552 had not been
in France," sect, ix., Route 165, p. 618. restored ; but, the Benedictine monks had
31 See Jac. Augusti Thuani " Historiarum converted the old refectory of the monastery
sui Temporis," tomus i., lib. x., num. vi., p. into a chapel, in which they recited the
347. Londini, 1733, fol. Divine Office. There, too, is supposed to
32 See Rev. Dr. Wm. Robertson's " His- remain the body of St. Maunsey, according
tory of the Reign of Charles the Fifth," to the statement of the two Benedictines, in
book xi. the "Itinerarium Literarium," pars ii., p.
33 See Dom Aug. Calmet's " Histoire 130, Paris 1717.
Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome 36 See Augustine Calmet's "Histoire
iii., liv. xxxiii., num. Ixvi., col. 80. Ecclesiastique et Civile de Lorraine," tome
34 These were levelled in 1700. The place iii., liv. xxxiii., num. 66.
was considerably improved and enlarged 37 See Les Petits Bollandistes' " Vies des
afterwards, by the construction of a new Saints," iiie Jour de Septembre, p. 433.
rampart, flanked with bastions. " Toul a 38 See Guillaume's " Histoire des Dioceses
&e tr&s-souvent asstegee, prise, devastee ; de Toul et Nancy."— Nancy, 1867, 8vo.
en 1870, elle a tres-energiquement resiste 39 This city, situated on a beautiful plain,
aux armees prussienns et les a longtemps is on the left bank of the Meurthe, and it is
forcees & se detourner de leur route dans leur the capital of the Department of the
marche sur Paris." — Elisee Reclus' "Nou- Meurthe. It contains many handsome public
velle Geographie Universelle," liv. ii., chap, buildings. See " Gazetteer of the World,"
xiii., sect, iv., p. 837. vol. x., p. 446.
35 In the early part of the last century, the 4° From an approved point of view, and
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
59
was the ancient capital of Lorraine, and since the seventeenth century it has
become one of the most beautiful and improved cities. 4I Many fine public
Cathedral of Nancy,
buildings are there, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, built in a classic style,*2
possesses several beautiful paintings and statues.
That they might be preserved from the fury of the revolutionists, the
relics of St. Mansuy, with those of other saints belonging to the Cathedral,
were divided among the Canons. This occurred on the 1 ith of July, 1790,
when ruin seemed to threaten all the ecclesiastical foundations in France.
An inventory was then taken of the church treasures, by commissioners
appointed for that purpose. A proces-verbal designated the portions of our
saints' relics distributed to each individual canon for safe keeping.*3 In due
course of time, most of those relics were restored. The former Cathedral
Church of Toul now possesses the head, the Church of St. Gengolf the shoulder-
blade, and that of St. Nicholas-de-Port a rib of St. Mansay." After the
French Revolution, the Canons of Toul and M. Aubry, Cure of St. Gengoult,
examined most of those relics, preserved in the Cathedral, and assisted by M.
Le Docteur Godron, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Nancy, they distributed
several portions of them. The cathedral of Nancy obtained part of St.
Mansuy's shoulder-blade, and the chapel of the Christian Doctrine there
procured some fragments of his relics. The red cape of the saint, with gold
braid, had been preserved in a shrine of the Abbey, beneath the walls of
Toul. A portion of that relic is kept in the shrine of St. Gauzlin, in the
Cathedral of Nancy.45
from a correct engraving, the accompanying
illustration has been reproduced on the wood
and engraved by Gregor Grey.
41 The old town had crooked and irregular
streets, until Stanislaus, father-in-law to
Louis XV., undertook the work of erecting
many imposing structures, and of laying out
several handsome faubourgs. See Elisee
Reclus' " Nouvelle Geographic Universelle,"
tomeii., chap, xiii., sect, iv., p. 835.
42 Ed. Auguin has issued " Monagraphie de
la Cathedrale de Nancy," in 4to.
43 A detailed account of this transfer may
be found in the Petits Bollandistes' "Vies
des Saints," tome x., Jour iiie de Septembre,
PP- 434, 435-
44 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. ix., p. 36.
45 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Saints,"tomex.Jouriiiede Septembre, p. 435.
6o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
In art, St. Mansuy is represented as bringing to life a child that had been
killed by a hand-ball. Also, lie is represented as a bishop preaching in a
wood to a great crowd/6 He is figured with a pelerine or tippet, denominated
a superhiwicral or rathfial, which was the ordinary characteristic garment of
the Toul prelates and of other bishops, and it indicates a sort of metropolitan
distinction. Moreover, he appears as raising a young nobleman to life.4?
At the 3rd of September, the office of St. Maunsey has been recited, not
alone in the diocese of Toul, but even in more distant places. It is con-
tained in several old Breviaries, but the Lessons — taken mostly from Adso —
include some historical inaccuracies. The Bollandists had in their Library
a MS. Pars ^Estiva of an office belonging to the Church of Toul, in the
calendar of which St. Mansuetus was distinguished from other saints, owing
to the rubrical character of its lettering ;*8 they had also another Breviary of
Toul diocese, printed at Paris, in the year 1530/9 In both Breviaries, an
office for St. Maunsey of Nine Lessons was to be found, but these were taken
lrom the incorrect Life written by Adso. Likewise, in the Missal printed at
Mayence, a.d. 1493, at the 3rd of September, are the Collects, secret prayer
and complementary prayer or Post-Communion of Saints Mansuetus and
Remaclus.50 In the Breviary of Soissons, printed a.d. 1590, there is a
commemoration of St. Mansuetus. In a Breviary printed a.d. 1600 for the
use of the three monasteries of St. Maximums and of St. Willibrordus. in
Treves, and of St. Narbor, in the diocese ot Metz, the feast of St. Remaclus
and of St. Mansuetus is noted.51 In the Breviary, printed at Langres a.d.
1604, there is an office for St. Maunsey ;52 and also, in that printed at Wurtz-
burgh, a.d. 1625.53 Moreover, there is a Proper Office for him, in the
Breviary5** of the Collegiate Church of St. Maximus, at Chinon ;55 and in that
of Verdun,56 printed a.d. 1625 ; likewise, in that of St. Peter's Church,
Remiremont, Lorraine, printed in 1657. 5?
Besides this day for our saint's chief feast, he is commemorated on the
25th of April,58 on the 14th of June,5? as also on the 2nd of Septem-
46 See Rev. Dr. F. C. Husenbeth's " Em- 54 Thus noticed : " Sancti Mansueti epis-
blems of Saints," p. 137. Third edition, copi et confess. Duplex Solenne propter
Norwich, 1882, 8vo. sacras ejus reliquias, qux sunt in basilica
4? Probably the son of the ancient governor Sancti Maximi." What relics of our saint
of the City of Toul. See ibid. had been there venerated is now unknown.
48 This must have been written at an eariy ss A town in the province of Tours,
date, since no entry of St. Louis, King of 56 Celebrated with St. Remaclus in an
France, nor of the Patriarchal religious foun- office thus noticed : " Fiunt de ipsis Novem
ders, St. Francis or St. Dominick, nor of Lectiones, et omnia sumunturde communi
saints living at a later period, could be found plurimorum confessorum pontificum.
in it. 57 in it we read : " In festo S. Mansueti
4' The prescribed prayer for Lauds and episcopi et confessoris. Duplex. Omnia
Vespers in it reads thus : " Majestatis tuse, de communi confessoris pontificis proeter
Domine, potentiam humiliter imploramus, lectiones IL Nocturni."
ut sicut per beatum Mansuetum confessorem s8 According to extracts from an ancient
tuum atque pontificem nos dedisti verse fidei Martyrology of Luxeu, which Father Peter
esse cultores, ita ejus mentis facias vitoe Francis Chifflet procured for the Bollandists.
ccelestis esse consortes. Per Dominum." Therein, at the 25th of April, was read :
50 Bishop of Maestricht and Confessor. " Translatio sancti Mansueti episcopi et
His feast and office are also assigned to the confessoris." It may be, this festival refers
same date. to the first translation of St. Maunsey's relics ;
s1 Thus : " Remacli et Mansueti. Omnia or perhaps, to that made by Bishop Gerard,
in communi de pluribus confessoriis." when he presided over the See of Toul.
s2 Noticed " De Sancto Mansueto ferial." However, regarding this ascribed feast,
s3 In the proper offices are mentioned : nothing appears to have survived in the
" S. Remacli et Mansueti confess, pontificum. traditions of the clergy or people.
Omnia de communi conf. pontif." 59 This festival was a commemoration of
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 61
ber/° Through some mistake, it would appear, that the people of Treves had a
St. Maunsey in veneration, as their seventh Bishop, and they celebrated his
festival on the 18th of February. As no certain traces of such a distinctive
saint can be found, in any authentic record ; it has been surmised, that it
is possible St. Maunsey of Toul may have been selected to fill that position
of reverence in the metropolitan church, for some reason not now known.
However, Father Limpen adduces argument sufficient to prove that our
saint had no special connexion with the church of Treves.61
Several churches, monasteries and chapels have been built and dedicated
in honour of St. Maunsey, and his relics have been distributed in various
places. Besides the parent church and monastery of Toul without the walls,
St. Gerard erected one within the city, and it was dedicated in honour of the
Blessed Virgin Mary and of St. Mansuetus. At Furentela, or Vourentel —
not far from Aix-la-Chapelle — was a church consecrated by Pope Leo IX., 62
to the holy martyrs Laurence and Vincent, and to the holy confessors, Man-
suetus and Apri. In a place called Sisseium — supposed to be identical with
Sexey aux bois or Sexey aux Forges — there was a chapel dedicated to St.
Mansuetus. Also, in the Vosges mountains, a ca?icellum was erected under
the patronage of this holy bishop. Moreover, we read, that in the time of
Pibo, bishop of Toul, and towards the close of the eleventh century, he
consecrated various churches in honour of St. Maunsey. At Dijon an altar
was dedicated to him, in a crypt of the Church of St. Benignus. Again, at
Liverdun, there was an altar dedicated to Saints Maunsey and Gerard, con-
fessors, and it was placed at the right-hand side of the choir. In the Metro-
politan Church of Prague, and in the chapel there dedicated to St. Winceslaus,
a part of St. Maunsey's arm was preserved, with other relics,63 in a magnificent
shrine on the high altar.6* According to Dempster,65 in Argadia was venerated
Mansuet, bishop, who promoted Christianity at the first Council of Tours in
Gaul, a companion of St. Perpetuus of Tours, of Guyaxus of Rheims, of
Thalaussius of Andegavensis, of Victurius Cenomanensis. We can find no
authority whatever for such statements, and can only wonder at the shameless
audacity of any writer to perpetrate such a forgery.66
The chief festival of St. Mansuy is noticed in nearly all the chief Calen-
dars and Martyrologies, at the 3rd of September. However, in the pure
text of Usuard, which Father Soller has edited, at such date the name of our
saint does not occur; but, in the additions to that martyrologist, he is
mentioned.67 Likewise, his feast is entered in the Martyrologies of Mauro-
lycus, Felicius, Galesinius and Castellan. The announcement in the Roman
the Translation of our saint's relics by Bishop the neighbourhood.
Pibo, and which took place on the xviii. of 63 These were collected through the pious
the July Kalends, a.d. 1104. This is noted care of King Charles IV., and a printed
by Greven, and in the Kalendar prefixed to catalogue of them was issued in the year 1679.
an old Manuscript Breviary of Toul, as also 64 See the Bcllandists' •' Acta Sanctorum,"
in that printed a.d. 1530. tomus i., Septembris iii. De S. Mansueto
60 However, this seems to have been an Epis. et Conf. Commentarius Praevius,
error of entry in a Manuscript Copy of sect, vi., pp. 633 to 636.
Usuard, found in the Benedictine Monastery 6s See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
of Anchin, near Douay : unless indeed the Scottish Saints."' Menologium Scoticum,
vigil of our saint's chief festival had been p. 195.
intended. ^ To ignorance alone do we attribute the
6' See "Acta Sane tu rum," tomus i., Sep- statement referring to our saint : •' Sedebat
tembris iii. De S. Mansueto Epis. et Conf. anno lxii. die III. Septembris."—" Historia
Commentarius Prrevius, sect, vi., num. 76, Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii.,
77, pp. 634, 635. lib. xii., num. 838, p. 448.
62 This happened in 1049, according to 6? Thus, in the manuscript versions of
Hermannus Contractus, a contemporaneous Usuard at Antwerp, Utrecht, Leyden, Lou-
writer, and when that Pope was on a visit to vain, Antverpiensis Maximus, Albergensis,
62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
Martyrology, at the 3rd of September, "TulU in Gallia, sancti Mansueti
episcopi et confessoris,"68 embraces what is found in the additions to Usuard
and in the Martyrologies previously cited. 69 In some Martyrologies, such as
in certain Usuardine editions, in a Florarian MS. of the Saints, belonging
to the Bollandists, in the German Martyrology of Canisius, in Wilson's
Martyrologium Anglicanum, and in Saussay's Martyrologium Gallicanum,
while entering the holy Bishop's festival at the 3rd of September, they con-
sider him to have been a disciple of St. Peter, which supposition more recent
investigations have entirely disproved. In the Martyrology of the Church of
the Holy Trinity, Dublin, the feast of St. Mansuetus has been recorded, at
the 3rd of September.?0 The feast of S. Mansu, at Septembre 3., is entered
in a Kalendar, prefixed to " Heures de Nostre-Dame a l'usage du Mans."
September 3rd, in the Annals of the Cistercian Monks,"?1 is dedicated to St.
Mansuet, first Bishop of Toul, in Lorraine. In Baillet's M Les Vies des
Saints,"?2 St. Maunsey or St. Mause, first Bishop of Toul, in Lorraine, is
recorded at this same date.
A French writer has remarked, that the zeal and learning of Scottish
preachers made such an impression on their contemporaries, that Ireland
was known as the Holy Island of Christians, even as the Phoenicians had
formerly called it, in Pagan times, the Sacred Isle.?3 In the case of St.
Maunsey, who lived in the primitive ages, he had become a missionary
of Christ, and had spread the light of Faith in a region of France, that
had not then heard the truths of the Gospel proclaimed. Moreover,
it is remarkable, that even in his own Island, the standard of the cross
had not been erected by its great Apostle St. Patrick, at that period, when
the grace of conversion was vouchsafed to one of its emigrants, who visited
Rome, the centre of Christianity, and who received from the Sovereign
Pontiff his commission to gain numbers of converts in France to the One,
Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
ARTICLE II.— ST. MACNESSIUS, OR MAC NISSI, BISHOP OF CONNOR,
COUNTY DOWN.
[FIFTH AND SIXTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — AUTHORS ON ST. MACNESSIUS1 LIFE — BAPTISM BY ST. PATRICK —
EDUCATED UNDER BISHOP BOLCAN — BECOMES A DISCIPLE OF ST. PATRICK — HIS
CONSECRATION AS BISHOP — PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM — RETURN TO ROME,
WHERE HE IS TREATED WITH GREAT RESPECT— JOYFULLY RECEIVED ON HIS
RETURN TO IRELAND — HIS MISSIONARY LABOURS— GIFTS OF MIRACLES AND OF
PROPHESY— HE RESCUES ST. COLMAN FROM DEATH— VISIT FROM ST. BRIGID— ST.
MACNESSIUS THE FIRST BISHOP OF CONNOR— MONASTERY AND CHURCH AT CONNOR.
Notwithstanding his reception of baptismal graces, and the care taken
of his early religious education, the present holy bishop is stated
Danicus, Bruxelles, Ughellianus, Florence, seems possible to arrive.
Paris St.Victor; also in the Queen of Sweden's 7° Thus, atiii. Non. Septembris : "Ciuitate
MS., No. 130, printed at Lubeck, and as Tullensi ; festiuitas sancti Mansueti, episcopi
edited by Belin and Molanus. et confessoris." — "The Book of Obits and
68 See " Martyrologium Romanum Gre- Martyrology of the Cathedral Church of the
gorii XIII.," &c. Editio novissima, p. 131, Holy Trinity, commonly called Christ
Romae, 1878, fol. Church, Dublin," edited by John Clarke
^ In a Martyrology, published in Paris, Crosthwaite, A.M., and by James Henthorn
1727, are these words: " Tulli Leucorum, Todd, D.D., p. 152.
sancti Mansueti primi ejusdem urbis epis- 7' See vol. ix., pp. 394, 395.
copi." In the margin is added, that he 72 See tome iii,, pp. 28, 29.
flourished in the fourth century, and such is 73 See Elias Regnault's " Histoire de
the most probable conclusion at which it l'lrlande," liv. i., chap, v., p. 54*
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 63
to have been not exempt from temptation, and a lapse into grievous sin.
Even his great master, St. Patrick, accuses himself of ingratitude towards God,
when he had attained the use of reason ; while, in later times, the angelic
St. Aloysius often spoke of lapses during his youth, although unsullied by
any grievous fault. Still he deemed it the period of his sinfulness, and when
he knew not the proper service of his Creator. This neglect of the Divine
commandments was in time most fully repaired. In the case of Macnessius,
as he advanced in years, he was distinguished for his great virtues, and by
the performance of miracles, which fully attested his great sanctity.
In the " Feilire " of St. ^Engus,1 yet in a very enigmatical form, the feast
of St. Mac Nisse is entered at the 3rd of September. A gloss on the Leabhar
Breac copy professes to give the name and family of both his father and
mother.2 There are some incidental but unreliable notices of our saint, in
St. Patrick's Tripartite Life,3 which had been published by Father John
Colgan. From these sources, a part of the following memoir of St. Macnes-
sius has been gleaned. Moreover, Colgan had intended to publish the acts
of St. Macnessius, at the 3rd day of September.* Some account of this holy
bishop is to be found in Porter.s In the first volume of the Bollandists'
" Acta Sanctorum " for September, and at 3rd day of this month, the Acts of
St. Macnessius are published, under the editorial supervision of Father John
Veldius. They consist of a short Life — rather it is a panegyric of our saint —
taken from one belonging to the Irish College of the Jesuits at Salamanca.6
The author of this tract is unknown, but it furnishes intrinsic evidence of
having been written before a.d. 1442, when the See of Connor was united to
that of^Down, by Pope Eugenius IV. The eulogium in question is annotated
by the editor, and a previous or preceding commentary is given, in which
nine distinct paragraphs are occupied by a dissertation on that veneration paid
to the saint. It treats, also, on his being distinct from other homonymous saints ;
on the place and time of his episcopacy ; as also regarding the year of his
death, and on his acts, which were then extant. More recently still, other
writers have given notices of St. Mac Nissi, and among those may be men-
tioned Rev. Alban Butler,7 Rev. Dr. Lanigan,8 Rev, M. J. Brenan,9 Rev. P.
J. Carew,10 Rev. S. Baring-Gould," and Very Rev. James O'Laverty.12
1 Article ii. — Chapter i. — In the is comprised in thirteen chapters, and
Leabhar Breac copy is the following numbered P. Ms. xi., in the Bollandist
rann : — Library. It is added that it had the follow-
ColtnAn "OpotriA jrepcA ing title : — " hi. Nonas Septembris. In-
Lons-AjvA-o groan alaib cipit Vita Sancti Macnissi episcopi :
true mrre cormbib coronidem vero hanc : Explicit Vita S.
O Chotroervib ma^A-ib. Engula, qui & Macnessi dicitur, seddemorte
Thus rendered in Dr. Whitley Stokes' ejus nihil exprimunt prceterquam diem." —
English translation : — " Colman of "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Septembris
Druim Ferta : Longarad a delightful sun ; hi., Acta S. Macnescii. Commentarius
Mac Nisse with thousands, from great Prsevius, sect. 9, p. 664.
Conderi."— " Transactions of the Royal 7 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, other principal Saints,'' vol. ix., September
vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, iii.
p. exxxvi. 8 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
2 See ibid., p. cxlii. vol. i., chap, ix., sect, i., p. 432, and vol. ii.,
3 See Colgan's "Trias Thauraaturga," chap, xiv., sect, ii., n. 26, p. 308.
Septima Vita S. Paiiicii, pars ii., cap. 9 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
exxix., p. 146, cap. exxxiv., p. 147. chap, iii., p. 49.
4 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quae I0 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et Dierum." land," Appendix, p. 410.
s See << Compendium Annalium Ecclesi- "See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
asticorum Regni Hibernke," cap. vii., p. 173. September 3, pp. 36, 37.
6 Of this life, the editor remarks, that it I2 In his "Historical Account of the
64
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
The birth of Macnessius is said to have been manifested to St. Patrick,
and long before the time of its occurrence. St. Macnessius, also written
Mac Nissi'3, or Nisa1*, was the son of Fobrec or Fobreach,1* as stated in the
Annals of Tigernach.16 Such is the statement of the commentator on the
Feilire of Oengus, who calls his father Fobrece, but rather confuses his
genealogy, by the manner in which it is given. "J As such, it is to be found
in the Leabhar Breac copy, and at the 3rd of September.18 His mother was
named Cnes,^ a daughter to Conchaid or Conchaide of Dal Cethern.
According to the Life of our saint, as published by the Bollandists, his
mother was called Ness.20 The original name of this saint is said to have
been ^Engus. We are told, likewise, that he was called Caeman Breac,
pronounced Kev-awn Brak,21 the latter word having the meaning "maculosus"
or " spotted."22
In a fountain of water, which miraculously sprung from the earth,23 it is
Diocese of Down and Connor, Ancient and
Modem,'' vol. iii., pp. 271 to 273.
13 By Colgan, St. Macnessius or Ccemanus
is said to have been the son of Fabricius,
son to Fieg, son of Mail, &c. Thence is the
line transferred to that of St. Maccarthen.
See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xxiv.
Martii. Appendix ad Acta S- Maccarthenni,
cap. ii., iii., pp. 740, 741.
14 The Bollandist editor states in a note :
"Alibi rectius Nisa : unde Sanctus mac
(Latins Alius) Nisa; sive Macnissius dictus
est." See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
.-• eptembi is iii. Vila S. Macnescii. n. (b),
p. 665.
'5 For further particulars regarding the
family descent, the reader is referred to the
Life of St. Maccarthen, Bishop of Clogher,
chap, i., at the 15th day of August, in the
Fighth Volume of this work, Art. i.
i6 Yet, according to the Annals of Tigher-
naoh, as published by Dr. O'Conor,
Fobrach was his brother. This, however,
is probably a mistake, which arose from the
editor having confounded ^op with pp in the
Manuscript. In the Dublin copy of Tigher-
nach and in the " Chronicon Scotorum,"
where the same entry occurs verbatim, the
word is manifestly pp pater, not frater See
" The Book of Obits and the Martyrology of
the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity,"
edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite and Rev.
Dr. Todd. Introduction, pp. lxxiii., lxxiv.
17 Thus : " CAemAn Opecc, mac nip,
nuc nertiAinoip, mic eipc, nuc echaic
munt)pein<vip. Ocuf JTobpecc auim a
Ach<My\. •Aenjjur' T>oni a cec anim." Its
English Translation is: "Caeman Brec,
Mac Misi, son of Nemaindir, son of Eric,
son of EchaidhMundremair. And Fobrece
was the name of his father. But Aengus
was his first name." From this it might be
inferred, that Caeman Breac or Mac Nisse
had for his father Nemainder ; whereas the
writer's meaning appears to have been, that
the latter was father of Fobrece.
18 In alluding to the Cathedral Church of
Connor, Porter observes: — " .Engus Mac-
nisius primus fait hujus Ecclesia: Epi copus
et Fundator. Is cognomentum a matre,
more insolito, trahens, vulgo S. Macnisa,
vel Macnisius, sine aliqua alia additione,
dictus est. Patris autem nomen Fobreiv fuit,
ut tarn e Tigerjiaci annalibus quam ex
antiquo Aengusiani Mart)iologii Scoliaste,
ad diem tertium Septembris. intelligimus."
— " Compendium Annalium Ecclesiasti-
coruni Regni Hibernian," cap vii., p. 173.
19 In a gloss on the Martyrology of
/Engus the Culdee, at the 3rd of September,
the following remarks occur : —
".1. Cnef mgen Chonch<\i-oe x>o X)aI
Ceclupn a uiAcip tleb iiiac Cnif p<\cp<Mc
h-e ap if oc p^cpAic 110 aLca .1. 110
cho'olAT)."
It is thus translated: — "i.e., Cnes,
daughter of Conchaid of Dal Cetherin,
was his mother, or Mac [son] Cnis Patraic
[of Patrick's skin] because it was with
Patrick he was fostered, 7.e.,heused to sleep."
20 In a note, the editor adds : — " Alibi
rectius Nisa : unde sanctus mac {Latins
filius) Nisce sive Macnissius dictus est."
See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Septembris
iii. Vita S. Macnisii, n. (b), p. 655.
21 See the Rev. James O Eaverty's " His-
torical Account of the Diocese of Down and
Connor,Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., p. 270.
22 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (n), p. 168. In
the same work, we find recorded the death
of a St. Caemhan Breac, of Ros-each, who
departed this life on the 14th of September,
a.d. 614. — Ibid., pp. 238, 2}Q, and n. (z).
Notices of this latter saint will be found, at
the 14th of September, in a subsequent part
of this volume. It is probable, our saint
had been incorrectly confounded with him.
23 " Fabulosum id prorsus est: idem
suspicor de vivo fonte, fortassis hue deri-
vato e Vita S. Comgalii citanda ad lit. ;;/."
— "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
tembris iii. Vita S. Macnissii, auctore
incerto, n. (c), p. 665.
September 3] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 65
stated, that our saint was baptised by the Apostle of the Irish nation. After-
wards, he was known as Mac Cneise or the son of Cnes.2* The Christian
name bestowed on him was ^Engus,2s and his surname was derived from his
mother. This is a more likely derivation than that one given,26 where he is
said to have been fostered and accustomed to sleep with St. Patrick. Where-
fore, he was named, as we find reported, Mac Cnes Patraic, i.e., " son of
Patrick's skin." Yet, as it was not unusual among the Irish to derive a
surname from the mother, we might probably suppose her to have been of
a more distinguished family than that of her husband, or to have been more
remarkable for her mental endowments.
He was placed under the charge of Bishop Bolcan 2? — a disciple of St.
Patrick — while he was still very young. To him, the son of Ness was
entrusted as a foster-child, and from that holy bishop his education had been
received. When young, he was sent to take charge of certain cows and
their calves. A deep slumber then oppressed him. Meantime, the calves
took advantage of their youthful herdsman's sleep to approach the cows,
and to draw the accustomed sustenance from them. We are told, that the
Bishop's mother — also the nurse of our saint — felt displeased at his neglect,
and struck the child. This, however, she did not with impunity; for that
hand, with which she chastised the youth, became powerless. Whereupon, the
Bishop required his foster-son to pray for her. Immediately on complying
with such request, the offending member was again restored to its former
strength. From such a circumstance, and owing to other .miracles of a
similar nature, the fame of this youthful soldier of Christ was greatly extended.
Our saint was a most docile pupil to his master, while going through the
course of elementary studies. When St. Patrick was on a journey through
Dalaradia,28 having met Bolcan with our saint,29 he thus addressed the
former : " You and your successors shall always be subject to the rule of
this your companion and to his successors." The Apostle's allusion, in this
prophetic declaration, referred to the Bishopric subsequently obtained.30
24 Yet, in the Scholion to the Calendar of mento Aradii, regis Ultonice, in ea olim
yEngus, in the Leabhar Breac, we have the principatum tenente." — "Trias Thauma-
confusing and ridiculous statement, that she turga," Prima Vita S. Patricii, n. 18,
was son of Nemainder, son to Ere, son of p. 8.
Eochaid Mundremar. See the translation in 29 In a comment on this narrative, the
Very Rev. James O'Laverty's "Historical Bollandist editor remarks : " Id forte de-
Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor, sumptum est ex interpolatione Vitce Tripar-
Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., p. 271. titce 8. Patricii num. 134, ubi puer aliquis
25 Latinized /Eneus, and probably given Maccnissius et Sanctus noster perperam
when he had been baptised. On it is a note confounduntur ; cum hie secundum
by the Bollandist editor : " Post Vitam Wareeum, qui diliqenter anliquitates patrias
scribitur Engula, quod forte diminutivum scrutatus est, primus fuerit ecclesice Conner-
est ab Engus." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ensis episcopus et tundator : nee veteris
i., Septembris iii. Vita auctore incerto, n. Ecclesise simplicitas tulerit, ut ab uno
(2), p. 665. episcopatu quis transiret ad alterum ; quod
26 In a gloss on the Festilogy of St. tamen factum oportuisset, si, qui prius
/Engus. Connerensis erat, factus Arth-mugiensis
2? See an account of this holy bishop, in fuisset, uii observat Papebrochtus citatus.
the Second Volume of this work, at the Prceterea Olcanus discipulos non habuit
20th of February. Art. ii. ante annum 450, into ex Gallia non rediit
28 The words in the Saint's Life are, "in ante 460 vel forte 470, ut putat Colganus:
terra Aradensium." The editor in a note si ergo Sanctus noster post medium seculi 5
(e) here quotes the words of Colgan : puer erat, quandonam a S. Patiicio
" Dal-aradia est maritima et orientalis ordinatus est ? " See "Acta Sanctorum,"
Tjitonice regio, ab oppido Ivorio usque tomus i., Septembris iii. Vita auctore in-
montem Mis versus Aquilonem protensa. certo, n. (f), p. 665.
Nomen desumpsit a stiipe Fiachi, cogno- 3° See ibid., sect 2, p. 664.
Vol. IX.— No. 2. e
66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
The latter illustrious man gave certain particular charges, regarding the
education and training of the child. These trusts, on being assumed, were
faithfully observed and fulfilled. It would appear, from some remarks in the
Irish Apostle's life, that the saint, when a boy, carried his master's books in
a leather case ; v that he had been entrusted with the care of those articles
necessary for Divine service ; and that he probably attended the Bishop in
the capacity of servitor at his different episcopal ministrations. That the
ancient Irish were accustomed to have their books thus preserved may be
still proved from the specimens of ecclesiastical Manuscripts preserved to our
time. Among these may be mentioned the celebrated Book of Armagh, the
history of which is a curious one.32
Already have we mentioned in the Life of St. Patrick, 33 the opposition
he met with from Saran, a tyrannical chief in the northern part of Ireland.
This man pretended to repent, for the many acts of rapine and violence he
had committed, and too readily did Bishop Olcan absolve him from those
crimes. Having thus incurred St. Patrick's displeasure, the Apostle pre-
dicted, that St. Olcan's possessions should afterwards be transferred to the
boy Macnessius.34 Then taking our saint under his own immediate charge,
the Apostle instructed his youthful disciple in the principles of religion, and
in those studies necessary for exercising the sacred ministry.35 The disciple,
it is stated, had the misfortune to lapse into grievous sin, and he suffered a
visible punishment in consequence, according to that relation given in St.
Patrick's Tripartite Life.36 However, the Bollandist editor very justly
characterizes this as a foolish fable, and he states, that there can be no doubt
of our saint's sanctity, and that it would be utterly improbable he could
have been ordained priest and afterwards consecrated bishop, when deprived
of one of his hands, in the manner related. The anonymous writer of St.
Macnessius' Acts does not mention this incident, although he introduces
other fabulous accounts. 37
Having proved himself perfect in every good work, according to tradition,
St. Macnessius had been raised to the episcopal dignity by St. Patrick. We
know not the year of St. Macnissius' ordination ; Ware informs us, however,
31 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," cipulum, tunc prsesentem, ejusque in
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars ii., chap. quadam pellicea pera codices gestantem,
cxxxiv., p. 147. nempe ad S. Macnessium, postea Episco-
32 Before the lamented death of Bishop pum Conderensem : et ad quendam alium
William Reeves of Down and Connor, that virum sanctum nondem natum, Sanctum
learned man had undertaken the task of scilicet Senamim de Inis Altich. Sic
preparing the Book of Armagh for publica- delicta Sarani sunt ejus spirituali Patri, et
tion. As it was in a case, to which a strap regeneratori imputata, et in eo severe
for hanging on a wall had been appended, punita." — Pars ii., cap. cxxxiv., p.
Dr. Reeves was accustomed to carry it sus- 147.
pended frorn his neck, and it was placed 3S In the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick we
under his vest, while travelling. Seethe read of St. Macnessius, " in pietate et bonis
Memoir by Norman Moore, in Sydney disciplinis apud Patricium educaretur." See
Lee's "National Biography." ibid., cap. exxix., p. 146. That our saint
33 See the Third Volume of this work, at had been educated by the Irish Apostle is
the 17th of March, Art. i. The Life of St. not stated in the Acts, as published by the
Patrick, chap xv. Bollamlists.
34 Such is the account given in the Acts 36 See ibid.
of our saint written by the unknown 37 It is added : Quales occurrunt apud
author, and as published by the Bolland- multos sctiptores Hibernicos, prodigia
ists. However, this matter is differently narrantes stupenda ?nagis quam vera, vel qua
stated in Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," ab uno Sancto semel sunt facta, pluribus
Vita Tripartita S. Patricii: " Adjecit vir tribucntes aliter atque aliier composita:
sanctus et possessiones ejus esse devolendas potius opinor, quant falleudi voluntate
ad quendam puerum, ipsius S. Olcani dis- * * * Numero 3. .
September 3.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 67
that he was advanced to the episcopal dignity in the fifth century. 38 St.
Macnessius is said to have made a pilgrimage to the seat of the Apostles,
and to Jerusalem, visiting also other remarkable places in the Holy Land.
In the panegyric of our saint, as published by the Bollandists, we are told
during the pilgrimage, that he frequently offered up his prayers to God, and
that he brought several relics with him, on his return from the Holy Land.
Among these are enumerated a stone taken from our Lord's Sepulchre, a
portion of the Blessed Virgin Mary's hair, a bone of the Apostle St. Thomas,
portions of the garments belonging to the Apostles, and one of the bowls
belonging to the great altar at Jerusalem. He returned by way of Rome,
and lodged in the Apostolic curia, where he remained for some
days. There he had been treated with marked distinction. We are
informed, moreover, that on a certain day, in Rome, Macnisius consecrated
and ordained Bishops, Priests and Deacons, the Roman clergy acting
as his assistants. On this same occasion, the poverty of the Irish mission
was taken into consideration by certain Roman magnates, who bestowed on
him many valuable gifts, among which were to be found several gold, silver,
and brazen vessels. During his residence at Rome, through the efficacy of
his prayers, a leper was cleansed from his foul disease. Having visited the
shrines of various saints, and received the Sovereign Pontiff's benediction
and prayers, he returned to his native country, bringing with him the many
presents he had received. And we are told, that not only the people of his
own country, but those of surrounding nations, received him with great
rejoicing.39 When Mac Nessius, with his remarkable relics,-*0 left Rome for
Ireland, the people went forth to meet him, from the churches, towns, villages,
woods and mountains. They received him with most affectionate demon-
strations of joy, nor were any found absent on these occasions but evil doers,
to whom the presence of our saint was a standing reproach.
Soon the seed of Divine wisdom was planted in every direction, the
trumpet of the Gospel was sounded, and churches were founded by our saint.
The holy Bishop was distinguished for the performance of miracles, He
was inebriated, also, with a spirit of prophesy, and illuminated with Divine
Revelations. Among the many miracles which he wrought, St. Macnesius
healed two men, one of whom was blind, and the other was a leper. They
presented themselves to him in full confidence of being relieved from their
infirmities ; and having first washed themselves, in a fountain of clear water,
one of them received the gift of sight, and his companion was cleansed from
his leprosy, through the prayers of our saint. He also delivered a boy, named
Colman,41 from a violent death. A certain wicked man, who killed the father
of this boy, had seized upon the youth, who was under the guardianship of
his friends. The tyrant had resolved upon putting him to death. However,
our saint interfered to preserve his life. Finding the cruel man inexorable,
38 " Perhibetur S. Cailanus, S. Macnisii 4T The Bollandist editor cites the follow-
episcopi Connorensis equalis, sed in episco- ing passage from a Ms. of Ward, in a
patu posterior, ex Nendrumenai abbate previous Commentary on our saint's Acts,
factus Dunensis ecclesiae episcopus sub which thus reads : " S. Colmannus, quern
exitum seculi post Christum natum quinti." is miraculo liberavit a morte, fuit episcopus
— Ware, p. 52. Kill-ruadhensis, quae nunc obsoleta sedes
39 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep- est in Aradeorum regione sita ; ad oram
tembris iii. Vita auctore incerto, sect. 3, stagni juvenci vulgo Loch-Laodh in Ultonia,
4, pp. 664, 665. ubi ejus festum tanquam patroni colitur xvi.
40 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's Octobris." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i..
" Bishops of Down and Connor," vol. v., p. Septembris iii. De Sancto Macniscio. Com-
222. mentarius prsevius, sect. 3, p. 662.
68
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. September 3.
Macnessius asked as a favour, that the boy should not be slain until brought
to a pile of stones,*8 which was conspicuous at some distance. This request
he obtained, and afterwards our saint went to the place. There he engaged
in prayer. The youth was thrown into the air, so that his body might be
received on the points of his executioners' spears. Immediately, however,
he was conveyed away by Angels, and deposited on the holy Bishop's bosom
free from all injury. Our saint afterwards nurtured, and diligently taught
him the rudiments of Religion, and a knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures.
He afterwards founded the church of Killruaird,43 now Kilroot,44 on the north
side of Belfast Lough. In the townland so named,45 there is a large grave-
yard, containing some portions of an old church, which was about sixty-six
feet in length, by twenty-four in width/6 The spot is rendered memorable,
1
Templecorran Church Ruins,
not alone by its having become the primitive see of St. Colman,4? but owing
to other interesting circumstances/8 In mediaeval times, Kilroot^ and
43 "Ad acervum lapidum," &c. Perhaps
such a pile as is now known under the name
of a cromlech, or it may be one of those large
cairns, so frequently met with, on eminences.
in different places throughout Ireland.
43 Colgan, in his notes on the Life of St.
Corbmac, states, that Kilruaidh is within the
bounds of the former territory of Dal-aradia,
and near Lochlaodh. See "Acta Sanc-
torum Hibernise," xxvi. Martii, n. 36, p.
756.
44 This parish contains 2,418a. op. i^r.,
in the barony of Lower Belfast. It is shown
on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the County of Antrim," sheets 47, 53.
45 It contains 625 acres, 3 roods, 7 perches.
See ibid., sheet 53.
4*The south-east and south-west angles
are all that remain standing.
47 His festival occurs on the 16th of
October.
48 Here, in the year 161 1, the first Presby-
terian congregat ion in 1 reland was est ablished,
and in the cemetery adjoiningthe little village
of Ballycarry, in Kilroot parish, is interred
the Rev. Edward Brice, M.A., who emi-
grated from Scotland, and the first Presby-
terian minister who settled in Ireland. He
was promoted by the Protestant bishop to be
prebendary of Kilroot, in 1613. According
to the inscription on his tombstone, he died
at the age of 67, in the year 1636. See the
" Dublin Penny Journal," vol. iii., No. 120,
p. 121, and Rev. Dr. James Seaton Reid's
" History of the Presbyterian Church in
Ireland," vol. i., chap, i., p. 98, and chap,
iv., p. 203. New edition, Belfast, 1867.
49 This parish was a vicarage, and part of
Skptkmbkr 3 j LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 69
Templecorran parishes constituted the Tuogh or District of Braden or Broad
Island, now known as Island Magee. The unroofed ruins of Templecorran
Church s° are still to be seen near the Antrim coast. It is remarkable as
having been the church of the first prebendal benefice of Kilroot, to which
Jonathan Swifts1 — afterwards the celebrated Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin —
had been appointed ; but, he held it only for the short term ot two years,
when he resigned it,s2 and went to reside with Sir William Temple, as his
secretary, at Moor-park, in England. The parish of Templecorran was a
vicarage and part of the benefice of Kilroot or Ballinure. It is traversed by
the roads from Carrickfergus to Island Magee and Lame, having Belfast
Lough for its southern boundary. 53
In that Life of our saint, contained in the Salamancan Manuscript, we read,
that when Macnessius returned to his native country, he miraculously changed
the current of a river named Curi.5* This he did, in order that the murmuring
of its waters should not disturb infirm persons in a monastery, which he built at
a place called Disart, or Desert.ss The waters afterwards took a distant course
from that spot. On a certain day, when he laboured there with his monks,
he had a revelation, that in company with other holy persons, St. Brigid56
was on the way to his house, in order to confer with him on religious subjects.
Being greatly rejoiced at this interior admonition, he addressed his com-
munity with these words: "Brethren, let us give over this work and retire to
the monastery; we must prepare whatever may be necessary for the holy
guests, who are journeying hither, and who shall arrive during this week."57
St. yEngus Macnessius is reputed to have been the first founder, and to
have presided as Bishop over the Church of Connor.s8 Its establishment is
thus referred to the latter half of the fifth century. The present See59 com-
the benefice of Ballinure. The surface suspects it might have been a small stream,
comes down from the basaltic uplands, a little noted on some maps, as passing near Connor
east of Lough Mourne, to the margin of towards the North. See " Acta Sanctorum,"
Belfast Lough. See " Parliamentary tomus i., Septembris hi. Acta S. Macniseii,
Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. ii., p. 531. n. (k), p. 666.
s° The annexed illustration, copied from ss Hibernice, " Disert." "St. MacNissi
that in the " Dublin Penny Journal," has sought in the vicinity of his Church of
been drawn on the wood, and engraved by Connor a place of holy retirement, where he
Mr. Gregor Gray. might enjoy undisturbed meditation." — Very
51 See the Life of Jonathan Swift, pre- Rev. James O'Laverty's " Historical
fixed to Thomas Roscoe's edition ot his Account of the Diocese of Down and
works, vol. i., pp. xvi., xvii. Connor, Ancient and Modern," p. 271.
s2 The pathetic story, told by Sheridan, s« See her Life, in the Second Volume of
and repeated by Sir Walter Scott, in his this work, at the 1st of February, Art. i.
Memoirs of Swift, prefixed to the volumi- 57 This miracle is recorded in the Acts of
nous collection of the Dean's works, about our Saint, published by the Bollandists, at
his having procured that poor clergyman the 3rd of September. See "Acta Sanc-
who lent his horse to obtain it, has no foun- torum," tomus i., Septtmbris. iii. Acta S.
dation in fact, as proved by that ingenuous Macnissii, sect. 8, p. 665.
and learned writer, William Monck Mason, s8 The See of Down was united to that of
in his admirable and most researchful work, Connor by Pope Eugenius IV. Henry VI.
11 The History and Antiquities of the Col- approved of this union, as appears by his
legiate and Cathedral Church of St. Patrick's, diploma, given in the sixteenth year of his
near Dublin," book ii., chap, v., sect, i., n. reign, A.D., 1438. See Dubourdieu's
(x) p. 235. His account of that extraordi- " Statistical Survey of the County Antrim,"
nary genius is one of the most exact and chap, i., sect, i., p. 15.
authentic biographies of the Dean hitherto 59 in Irish records the name Connor
written. generally appears in the forms Convene,
53 See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire- Conoipe, Cotvoeine, Comxvipe, which
land," vol. ii., pp. 324, 325. Colgan occasionally Latinizes by Condoria.
54 The Bollandist editor remarks, that he See "Trias Thaumaturga," p. 146, col. 2 ;
cannot find a river called Curi : although he p. 272, c. 1 ; p. 502, c. I. The tvo in the
7o
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
prises several churches, which on one or more occasions had been formerly
episcopal seats, and had conferred a title on their respective bishops.60
Those churches within the limits whicli formerly enjoyed cathedral honours
were Connor,61 Arthirmuigh, Killanardh, Cuilraithen, Rechrann, and Rath-
sithe.62
It would seem, from the Bollandist Acts of our Saint, that a monastery63
was founded at Connor, after the arrival of our saint in Ireland, and on his
return from Rome. The episcopal See of Connor appears, also, to have had
a separate and an independent existence, at a time when his short Acts were
written.6-* The union of Connor with the See of Down has been referred to
the year 1442. In 1458, Patrick Olynnan was vicar of the cathedral church
of Connor.6s The old cathedral of St, Saviour at Connor had been partly
destroyed in the rebellion of 164 1. A portion of this having been re-roofed,
and thatched with straw, was afterwards used for Protestant service.66 The
subsequent rectory church was built in 18 18, on the site of the old cathedral.
CHAPTER II.
ST. MACNESSIUS VISITS LANN-ELA IN COMPANY WITH ST. PATRICK AND ST. BRIGID—
ADVISES ST. COLMANTO FOUND A MONASTERY AT DROMORE — ST. MACNESSIUS IS SAID
TO HAVE ESTABLISHED A MONASTERY AT KELLS NEAR CONNOR— HIS MIRACLES
AND PROPHECIES— HIS DEATH — FESTIVAL AND COMMEMORATIONS— CONCLUSION.
In his Acts, it is stated, that in company with St. Patrick and St. Brigid,1
the holy bishop had been journeying through Momonia,2 and he passed
through a place, called Lann-ela.3 While his companions passed on, our saint
middle of the word subsequently passed into
«n., as Mr. O'Donovan observes : " In the
antient Irish manuscripts we find tro almost
invariably written for tin of the modern Irish
orthography." — "Irish Grammar," p. 34.
t0 The orign of the name is thus explained
in a marginal gloss on the word Chon,oer\ib
(Connor) in the Martyrology of .^Engus, at
the 3rd of September: .1. T>Aine ha con .1.
•OAine Ambicir com aIIca pnuif ec m eo
lupe Via [bicaOAUc], i.e., " Daire-na-conn,
i.e., the oak wood, in which were wild dogs
formerly, and she-wolves used to dwell there-
in." This etymology per metathesim was
common with the Irish, as Colgan observes.
He conjectures that Dercon, the Church of
St. Olcan, was identical with Connor,
adding : " Derechon, seu rectius Dorechon,
per transpositionem nostratibus frequentem,
idem sit quod Condere seu Condore." —
" Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," xx. Februarii.
Vita S. Olcani seu Bolcani, n. 8, recte 9, p.
377.
61 By the country people the name is pro-
nounced as if it was written Con-yer.
62 See Rev. Wm. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical
Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dromore,"
note T, p. 237.
6J In a note at this place, the Bollandist
editor states, that he could not find a
Ccenobium bearing such a name, but that
near Conner there was a monastery named
Camber, which Ware, in " De Hibernia et
Antiquitatibus ejus," calls Comerer, al
Comber, which had been founded A.D. 1199.
See cap. xxvi., p. 180.
64 After alluding to the foundation of
'* Connerense monasterium," it is added,
" in quo usque hodie sedes episcopalis
habetur." In a comment on this latter
passage, the Bollandist editor infers, that
the Life of St. Macnessius must have been
written before a.d., 1442, when the See of
Connor was united to that of Down, by
Eugenius IV. See "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Septembris iii. De Sancio Moc-
nescio, nn. (g, h), p. 666.
65 According to Prene's Registry, fol. 4.
66 This portion was probably the transept
of a larger building, for it is described by
those who have attended it, as having stood
north and south. See Ecclesiastical Report
of 1806, p. 97.
Chapter II. — ' In their several Lives, as
published by Colgan, we find no allusion
to the circumstances here narrated.
2 The Bollandist editor remarks, that by
the native Irish it is pronounced Moun, and
by the English called Mounster.
3 Now known as Lynally, in the present
King's County, and formerly within the
ancient territory of Meath. The term Lann,
or Lan, was applied by the Britons to note
a sacred place. See Colgan's " Trias Thau-
September 3. J LIVES Ot THE IRISH SAINTS.
remained there, and perceiving this, St. Patrick sent for St. Macnessius.
When this latter came up, he was asked the cause for his stopping. Our
saint then said to St. Patrick : " Over that place in which I stood, I saw the
Heavens opened, and the Angels of God ascending and descending."* St.
Patrick hereupon said : "It therefore behoves us to leave religious men
here to serve God." Our saint replied : " Holy Father, if it please you, do
not thus determine. For a child of my family, who shall be born sixty years
from this day, and whose name is to be Colman Ela,5 shall there found a
celebrated monastery." And, as the Divine Spirit had revealed this to the
man of God, so his prophecy was afterwards duly fulfilled. It is said, while
performing his journeys, through reverence for the Gospels, this holy man
was accustomed to bear books containing its text, on his stooped shoulders,
they being secured by no kind of fastening. These, with such like virtues,
and also miracles, distinguished our holy bishop, during his sojourn upon
earth.6
We are told, that St. Colman of Dromore,? after the year 500, established
a noble monastery, by advice of St. Macnessius, Bishop of Connor. It was
situated on the banks of the river Locha,8 a former name for the Lagan,
which flows through Dromore.9 This place was also called Druim
Mocholmog,10 after the patron saint. It must have been erected, before a.d.
514, when, at the very latest, Macnessius died.11 Most incorrectly has
Archbishop Ussher, by a mere conjecture, assigned the erection of Dromore
monastery to the year 550. I2 In doing so, he has fallen into the prevalent
maturga," Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars, ii.,
n. 219, p. 183. In Wales, at the present
time, many local denominations have Lann
in composition.
4 The Bollandist editor remarks in a note,
that a nearly similar vision of St. Patrick is
related by Joceline, in which it is stated,
in a place where he saw much light and
heard the canticles of an angelic choir, the
Irish Apostle predicted that a Son of Life
named Colmanellus should there build a
church, and gather many Sons of Light, to
be companions of the Angels. See Colgan's
"Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Vita S.
Patricii, cap. xcvi., p. 87. Father Veldius
suspects, that the vision there related had
been transferred to St. Macniscius, with the
addition of the sixty years term elapsing in
the case of Colman Ela. A doubt has been
expressed by Colgan, as to whether St.
Patrick alluded to St. Colman, the future
bishop of Dromore, or to St. Colman Ela
of Lynally — often styled Colmanellus. Both
are said to have been disciples of Mac-
niscius, while both flourished at the same
time, and in that part ot Ulster called
Dalnardia, or more properly Dal-aradia.
Seeidid., n. 106, p. 113.
5 The feast of St. Colman, of Lynally, is
kept on the 26th of September, at which
day notices of him may be found, in the
present volume.
6 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Septembris hi. De Sancto Macniscio
Episcopo, Vita auctore incerto, sect. 9, p. 665.
7 See his Acts, in the Sixth Volume of
this work, at the 7th of June, Art i.
8 " The River Locha, which was also
called CAfAri-l/me, is the modern La°an,
upon which Dromore is built." — Rev. Wm.
Reeves' " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Down, Connor and Dromore," n. (c), pp.
104, 105.
9 In the Ecclesiastical Taxation of the
Diocese of Dromore, compiled A.D. 1306,
the Church of Drummore is rated at three
marks, the Tenth amounting to 2s. and 8d.
The church of the parish — also the
cathedral of the diocese — was antiently
styled ''Ecclesia Sancti Colmani," or
"Colmoci;" but under the charter of
James I., in 1609, " Ecclesia Christi Re-
demptoris de Drumore." It was originally
attached to a monastic institution, and it
was founded by St. Colman or Colmac, its
first bishop and abbot.
10 In the calendar of the Four Masters, he
is mentioned at the 7th of June, where his
church is called "Dmum mocoltnoS, "the
ridge or hill of Mocholmeg," instead of
"0|unm mop, "the great ridge or hill." The
word "orvuim is cognate to the Latin
dorsum; thus, Adamnan Latinizes Drium-
cheat by Dorsum Cete. In the present
instance, it refers either to the rising ground
over the town, or to the " Great Fort,"
which is near the town on the east side.
11 See Rev Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol i., chap, ix., sect i,,
p. 432, and vol ii., cap. xiv., sect., ii., n. 26,
p. 308.
12 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
72
LI VES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
error of confounding Colman-Eala, of Lynally and Muckamore, with Colaian
or Colmanellus of Dromore.^ He seems to have paid no attention to the
date of Macnessius's death, although he had before him the Annals of Innis-
fallen. These records assign it to as early as the year 506. He also
confounded ** the monastery near the Locha, viz., of Dromore, with that of
Muckmore, a place in the County of Antrim.15
It has been stated, that St. Macnessius became the superior of a religious
community, which he established at Connor, and that he continued to govern
it until his death.'6 Although we do not find any ancient authority, in
confirmation of such a statement ; yet, considering the usual customs in the
foundation of early missions in this country, we may regard the account as
fairly probable. There is reason also for a supposition, that the original
establishment of St. Macnessius was not situated at Connor, but at a place
not far distant, and formerly known as the Desert of Connor.1? It is now
called Kells,18 in the parish, and about one half mile west from the church,
of Connor. There is some foundation for the supposition, that this monas-
tery,^ and not Connor,20 is the representative of those churches founded by
Antiquitates," Index Chonologicus, ad
annum dl., p. 531. Also cap. xvii., pp.
45 !» 497-
13 In the Life of St. Colman, published by
the Bollandists, at the 7th of June, several
clues are given to the discovery of the real
date, for the foundation of Dromore, and
about the year 500 may be assigned. That
it took place before 513, the following
passage proves, because St. MacNissi died
in that year : " Deinde saepe venerabilem
Macnyseum Conderensem Episcopum petit.
— Illuc perveniens, in omni hilaritate sus-
ceptus est : ibique paucis diebus mansit.
Deinde inito consilio, venerabilem senem,
ubi locum, serviendi Deo fundare deberet
consulit. Qui respondit : Voluntas Dei est,
ut in finibus campi Coda tibi construas
monasterium. Beatus igitur Colmanus
secundum verbum Sancti Fontificis, fines
illas adiit : ibique in valle, sancto Patricio
quondumprseostensa super fluvium vocabulo
Locha, sedem sibi constituit, in qua sibi
discipulorum multitude brevi exeravit.'"' —
" Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Junii, p. 26.
The Campus Coba here mentioned is called
rtiAJ Cooa in the Irish Annals, and it
belonged to a district of Iveagh, which ex-
tended to the neighbourhood of Newry,
according to the taxation of the Diocese of
Dromore, at Domnachmore.
14 At a.d. 550, compared -with a.d. 456,
in Index Chronologicus. See pp. 521, 531.
15 Harris very wisely, and after him
Archdall, assign the foundation of Muck-
more to about 550. See Rev. Dr. Lani-
gan's " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. i., chap, ix., sect, i., n. io, pp.
433, 434-
16 See Rev. Wm. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical
Antiquities of Down and Connor and
Dromore," Appendix n. (T), p. 238. That
a succession of Abbots, after the death of
St. Macnessius, continued in the Monastery
of Connor, appears from the Annals of that
place, in the same work. — Ibid., pp. 239 to
243. The first recorded death of an Abbot
over Connor occurs at a.d. 773 [778], more
than 200 years after the death of St. Mac-
nessius.
17 According to the Ecclesiastical Taxa-
tion of the Diocese of Connor, compiled in
the year 1306, temporalities belonging to
the Abbot of the Desert of Connor are set
down at £8 6s. 8d. The tenth of this was
1 6s. 8d.
18 It is shown on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Down,"
sheet 38.
19 It is called Ecclesia Beatae Marias de
Deserto " in the old Terrier.
20 At the Dissolution, Connor benefice
was but a vicarage, the rectory and advow-
son being vested in the Abbot of Kells. St.
Mac Nissi's Church was a conventual
one, like most of the early episcopal seats
of the primitive Irish Church ; and it is a
very curious fact, which cannot be easily
accounted for, otherwise than by supposing
the episcopal and abbatial offices to have
been early combined in the persons of St.
Mac Nissi's successors, that the rectories
and advowsons of the principal parishes of
Connor diocese, wherein the bishop had
property, belonged, at the Dissolution, to the
Abbot of Kells. Such an arrangement
would naturally follow from a partition of
the two functions, and the appointment of
two officers to discharge the duties and en-.
joy the privileges hitherto combined in one.
Thus, while the Bishop of Connor was seised
of the temporalities ot the sixteen towns of
Connor, the eight towns of Glynn, the four
towns of Duneane, the four towns of Drum-
maul, the four towns of Kilroote, and the
manor of Kilkenan, the Abbot of Kells en-
joyed the advowsons of the churches built
on these lands, and the rectorial tithes of
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 73
St. MacNissi, the first bishop. Its ancient church appears to have been
attached to the monastery," at this spot,22 while the founder of the See
fulfilled in person the united offices of abbot and bishop. From undoubted
annalistic records, the junction of both these dignities in the same person can
be traced down to the eleventh century. A well-informed writer,23 dis-
tinguished for his great erudition and research on the subject of Irish
Ecclesiastical History, is unable to pronounce when those offices became
permanently separated. He thinks it likely, however, such a partition took
place during the twelfth century.
Beside a river, called Curi, St. MacNissi established a religious house,
and it may be inferred from a passage of his Latin Life,2* that some asylum
for aged and infirm persons was near it. At present, it flows through the
valley, called Glenwherry,2s and in the Ulster inquisitions it is noticed as the
(i rivus Glan-curry." It enters the parish of Connor, and leaving its church
on the south, it winds round what is locally styled the Abbey of Kells, on
the north. There are still considerable remains of an ancient building, at
the spot.26 Under the name of the Kells Water, that stream falls into the
River Main, at a place called Ballyandraid. It is related, that in order to
save those who were infirm at that place from the sound of murmuring water,
St. Mac Nissi removed the current from his abode. 2? Still are traces of an
earlier river-bed visible,28 and which are nearer to the site of the ancient
church. 29 The Rev. William Reeves supposes, that about the period of the
twelfth century, the Abbey de Deserto Connerice^ or Kells, became an
independent establishment, when another church had been founded for
cathedral or parochial purposes. Subsequently, it was called the Church of
Connor.3° Thus we find, that the foundation of what is called Disertum or
the parishes which contained them. To the infirmos loci molestaret, per ulteriorem viam
same origin may be traced, also, the economy currere prsecepit : quod continuo, ut ei
of the Cathedral of Down, where the Bishop imperatum est, fecit." — "Acta Sanctorum,"
was Abbot, and the Dean was Prior. tomus i., Septembris iii. Vita auctore in-
21 According to Sir James Ware, a house certo, sect. 7, p. 665.
of Regular Augustine Canons, called Kells, 25 Shown on the " Ordnance Survey
or Disert, was here dedicated to the Blessed Townland Maps for the County of Down,"
Virgin Mary. See " De Hibernia et sheets 38, 39.
Antiquitatibus ejus Disquisitiones," cap. 2<5 The accompanying illustration, from a
xxvi., p. 183. photograph of Mr. T. C. Erwin, Pho-
22 It was founded here, before the year tographer, Ballymena, taken June, 1897,
828, by Kelloch, an anchorite, according to has been reproduced on the wood, and en-
Harris' Ware, vol. ii, " Antiquities of Ire- graved by Gregor Grey.
land," chap, xxxviii., p. 265. This state- s7 The Rev. William Reeves conjectures
ment is gathered from the following entry that the rationale for such change may have
in the "Annals of the Four Masters," at been, that he shifted his monastery — no
the year 828: " Ce^llac mc Cont>tfiAi5 difficult matter for a house built more
•Anjcoi|\e t)ifi]\c CeAlUvij." See Dr. Scotorum — or that he deepened the bed of
O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., p. 442. The the River.
learned editor omitted the translation of 28 In the Bleach Green.
this passage into English. It may be 29 This information was communicated by
objected, however, that such refers, not to Mr. Robert Brown, of Kildrum, to Rev.
this place, but to Isertkelly, in the county of James O'Laverty. See " Historical Account
Galway, and diocese of Kilmacduach. It is of the Diocese of Down and Connor,
marked "Oir-ervc Cellaij on Mr. O'Dono- Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., p. 272,
van's exquisite map of Hy-Many, prefixed note.
to " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many, 3° He adds : " This Church, which is now
commonly called O'Kelly's Country." only parochial, is situate half an English
23 The Rev. Dr. Reeves. mile S.E. of the Abbey of Kells. It is
24 As published by the Bollandists : probable, also, that about the same time
"Fluvio nomine Curi, monasterium ejus that arrangement was entered into whereby
quod Latine Desertum dicitur, praeterfluenti, the Abbot became seised of the rectorial
ne sonitus ejus tarn prope transeuntis tithes and ad vowsons of all the neighbouring
74
LIVES OF THE LRLSH SAINTS. [September
Kells, in mediaeval times,3x must be relegated to the very earliest ages of
Christianity, and it had a succession of abbots to the period of its dissolution. 3'
During the reign of King Charles I. the mediaeval abbey was still to be seen
under roof ;33 but, at present, the west gable is almost the only part of the
The Abbey of Kells, County Antrim.
building which remains. It stands at the entrance of the burial ground,
which is entirely used by the Roman Catholics of that neighbourhood. It is
commonly called Templemurry or Templemoyle.34
It is related, in the Bollandists' Acts of our saint, that through the effect
of his prayers, St. Macnessius obtained the birth of a son for a woman
advanced in age, and who for fifteen years previously had not given birth
parishes wherein the bishop had property.
The Church of Connor stands on see
land, yet the advowson of the vicarage and
the rectorial tithes of the bishop's sixteen
towns of Connor belonged to the Abbot of
Kells. The Church of Glynn stands on see
land, and yet the advowson of the vicarage
and the rectorial tithes were vested in the
Abbot of Kells. So also with respect to the
parishes and bishop's lands of Drurnmaul,
Dunean, Killroot, and Kilkenan, in Island
Magee. The Castle and certain land at
Glenarm were antiently held under the
Bishop of Connor ; and, accordingly, the
advowson of the vicarage of Templeoughter,
with the rectory, was appendant on the
abbacy of Kells." — Rev. Wm. Reeves'
" Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, Con-
nor and Dromore.'' Appendix n. (T),
p. 261.
31 The ancient name of this Abbey is in
a deed of confirmation from the Primate to
the Prior of Neddrum [circiter A.D. 1190].
This is attested by "F. Abbas de Dissert."
— Cotton Charters, No. 40, in the British
Museum.
32 Murtogh Mac Annullowe, the last
Abbot, was seised in 1542 of eight adjacent
townlands in temporals and spirituals, of
the tithes of ten other townlands, and the
rectories and advowsons of nine churches.
33 In 1808, a bill was filed by Lord
Mountcashell for the recovery of the im-
propriate tithes of Kells, in which was the
deposition of Daniel Monaghan, who de-
clared that he recollected to have heard his
maternal grandfather, Murtogh Dillon, say,
that he was eleven years at the wars of Ire-
land, namely, the rebellion of 164 1, and
that he had seen the Monastery of Kells
after its dissolution, and before it was
entirely unroofed.
34 See Rev. Wm. Reeves' "Ecclesiastical
Antiquities of Down, Connor, and
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
75
to any offspring. Again, we are told, the father to the great St. Comgall of
Bangor,35 who was named Setna, had been on a journey, accompanied by his
wife Brig, occupying a seat in a chariot. Seeing our saint travelling on foot,
Setna said to his wife : 4C0 woman, descend that the Bishop may take a
place in this chariot." But, on hearing these words, our saint replied : " Do
not disturb her, for she shall give birth to a king, who will rule over many."*6
This was a prediction referring to St. Comgall's future eminence. n As it is
probable, that St. Comgall of Bangor had been born, in the year 510,3s and
as it is said our saint delivered a prophecy regarding him the day before his
birth, we may most probably conclude, St. Macniscius, Bishop of Connor,
had been living in that year. Our saint did not survive the birth of St.
Comgall for many years. Other miracles are recorded in his Acts. A town
that refused hospitality to our saint was immediately consumed, as a punish-
ment from on high. 39
St. Macnessius is said to have been advanced in years, when the time of
his death arrived. This was in the early part of the sixth century, although
the exact date has not been ascertained.40 However, he departed this life,
on the 3rd day of September,41 and in the year 514,42 according to the most
probable accounts ; 43 although the Annals of Innisfallen name the year 506,
as a date for his death, with the words, " Quies Macnisse Condire." The
"Chronicum Scotorum" places his death at a.d. 508.44 Others have it during
the year 507 ; 45 the Annals of Tigernach at a.d. 510 j and Colgan, on the
3rd of November,*6 a.d. 513. The Annals of the Four Masters state, that
in a.c. 5T3, the tenth year of Muircheartach's reign, St. Macnisi, i.e., Aengus,
Dromore,:' Appendix, n. (f), pp. 95 to 97.
35 See his Life, in the Fifth Volume of
this work, at the 10th of May, the date for
his festival, Art. i.
36 For a fuller account of this incident, the
reader is referred by the Bollandist editor to
the Acts of St. Comgall, published at the
10th of May, in their great collection.
37 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Septembris, iii. Acta S. Macnescii, sect. 7,
8, p. 665.
38 In his previous Commentary, to the
Acts of St. Macnescius, the Bollandist
editor observes, regarding St. Comgall, " ut
habent ejus Acta, torn, ii., Maii, pag. 583."
39 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep-
tembris iii. Acta S. Macnescii, sect. 6, p. 665.
40 Porter states : " Evivis hie cessit senex
venerabilis, 3 Septembris, Anno Domini
507: vel secundum alios, 514." — "Com-
pendium Annalium Ecclesiasticorum Regni
Hiberniae," cap. vii., p. 173.
41 He died on the 3rd day of September,
and under this day of the month his festival
is placed in the Martyrology of -dingus the
Culdee : —
"nuc msse co rmli-o
o chotiDetub m<\n<\ib."
" Mac Nisse with thousands
From the great Condere."
42 His death is recorded in the Annals of
Tigernach as follows :— " 5 10 [recte 514].
Kl iiii. true mr-p. .1. <\enj;ur< erpuc
Conx>er\e <juieuic ; cuiuf j?r\4cer* [recte
p.&cen] iTobrvaech -oiccurerc, cuiurtnacep
Cnerr ittge-n, C homcAi'oe -oe -oaiL Cecepen,
A <\u& normriAcuf ere mac Cneirre." —
" 514s Kal iiii. Mac Nissi, i.e., ^Engus,
Bishop of Connor, rested ; whose father was
called Fobraech ; whose mother, Cness,
was daughter of Comchaide of the Dal
Ceteren, from whom he was named Mac
Cneisse."
43 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. i., chap, viii., sect, ix., p. 403, and
sect, xiv., p. 422, ibid.
44 See William M. Hennessy's edition,
PP- 36, 37-
45 •« Ware, following these Annals, has
(Ant., cap. 29) the year 507. Harris, with
his usual sagacity, observes (Bishops at
Connor), that this date does not agree with
that of the Innisfallen Annals, which have
506. But," writes Rev. Dr. Lanigan,
"Ware knew what Harris did not, viz.,
that said 506 was the same as our 507.
Archdall (at Conner) left a.d. 506, as he
found it. But Ware (in Bishops) adds that,
according to some, Macnisse died A.D.
514. He alluded to the Four Masters and
Colgan, who have (A.A.S.S. p. 190) a.d.
513, 514." See "Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. i., chap, ix., sect, ii., p.
435, and n. 31, p. 439.
46 This is an error of the printer, as Sep-
tember was evidently intended. See "Acta
Sanctorum Hiberniae," Januarii xxix. Vita
S. Gildse Badonici, n. 13, p. 190.
76
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
Bishop of Coinnere, or Connor, departed on the 3rd day of November.4*
The insertion of November for September is an error, on the part of those
annalists.48 The Bollandists inform us, that Castellanus refers the death of
St. Macniscius, Bishop over Connor, to about the year 600, or 589. But,
they state, that by protracting his life to either of these years, Castellanus *9
appears to have confounded our saint with the Abbot Macniscius. The
holy Bishop and founder of the see was buried in the city of Connor.5°
The festival of St. Macnessius was celebrated on the 3rd of September,
according to the Martyrology of Aengus, and all the Irish Calendars. In
the Kalendar. of Drummond, he is recorded at the same date.51 Also,
Castellanus,52 and the more recent Marty rologists place it at the 3rd of
September. In the Diocese of Connor, his festival is celebrated with a
Double Office of the first-class, and with an Octave; in conjunction with St.
Malachy O'Morgair, he is esteemed as the principal patron over that
ecclesiastical division of Ireland. Nicholas Anthony O' Kenny, the Protono-
tary Apostolic, published Proper Masses for the Patron Saints of France and
of Ireland, in the year 1734.53 Those were edited and printed by order of
Clement XII. 54 Among them is to be found a Mass, at the 3rd day of
September,55 and proper for the feast of St, Macnessius, Bishop and Con-
fessor, as likewise general Patron over the Church and Diocese. The
Bollandist editor has inserted this Mass ; or at least the proper portions of
it, in a previous commentary.56
47 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i.,
pp. 168, 169.
48 Dr. Lanigan is at fault, in his conjecture,
as not having examined, probably, a copy of
the Annals of the Four Masters. After
citing Ware's Antiquities, cap. 2g, and
Bishops, he says, " Here again Harris comes
forward with a correction of Ware, and quotes
Colgan as saying, that Macnisse died on the
3rd of November, 513. As to 513, it was
the same as Ware's 514 ; but the variation
November for September was owing to a mere
error of the press \2\ A.A.S.S.p. 190), z. cir-
cumstance quite common in Colgan's work.
Elsewhere, he has third of September {ib. p.
377), which day he refers for the Acts of Mac-
nisse." See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. i., chap, ix., sect, ii., n. 32,
P- 439-
49 1 hey say, that Castellanus, at page 968,
most probably makes the Abbot Macniseus
a different person from the Bishop of Connor.
The Bollandist editor also remarks, "abbas
enim Me obiit anno jSg, non circa D C, ut
Castellanus vull."
50 " Sanctus Mac Cneisi episcopus, qui
jacet in sua civitate nomine Connyre, quae
est in regione Dalnaraidhe." — Vita S.
Comgalli, in Liber Kilkenniensis, fol. 90 /;,
col. 2 ; and also Fleming's " Collectanea
Sacra," p. 304.
51 At iii. Nonas. " Apud Hiberniam
Natale Sanctorum Confessorum Luin
Colman et Meic Nissi." — Bishop Forbes'
" Kalendar of Scottish Saints," p. 23.
53 In Martyrologio Universali, at the 3rd
of September, he states : " In Ultonia, pro-
vincia Hiberniae, S. Magnissius episcopus
Connerensis." In the supplement to ids
work, he more rightly adds : ".Macniseus,
id est filius Nisae, quod erat nomen matris
ejus-'' See p. 705.
53 Bishop de Burgo has unaccountably
omitted St. Macnessius, in the " Officia
Propria Sanctorum Hibernise," published in
Dublin, 1751.
54 See, also, the Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives
of the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal
Saints," vol. ix., iii. September.
55 The Bollandist editor of our Saints'
Acts declares, that the memory of St. Mac-
is ascribed to the same day in some
MSS. Catalogues of the Saints of Ireland,
" quos habemus sub involucio *%* MS.167. "
He thinks it strange, however, this saint
had been omitted by Henry Fitzsimon, the
Irish Jesuit, who names other holy men
much less distinguished, and by Father
Hugh Ward, belonging to the Order of
Friars Minor, in his catalogue of the Irish
Saints, which he sent to Rosweyde in the
year 1627. However, in a MS. forwarded
by Ward to Rosweyde or to Bollandus,
there are some notices of St. Macnessius
which have been already given, partly in a
previous note, and extracted from the
learned work of Dr. Reeves. See "Acta
Sanctorum," tomus i., Septembris, iii.
Commentaiius prasvius, sect. 3, p. 662.
56 I have inserted here the proper portions
of this Mass taken from the same work : —
" Introitus. Cogitavi dies antiquos, &
annos aeternos in mente habui : & meditafus
sum nocte cum cordo meo ; & exercitabar
September 3.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 77
There was another Saint Macnessius,57 in Ireland, who also bore the
name Oena -<4Engus, in Latin ^Eneas or ^Engussius. He was Abbot over
Clonmacnoise, situated on the banks of the Shannon, and on the Western
Meathian boundaries. Although, there was an accidental concordance of
names, between our saint and this Abbot just mentioned ; yet, the circum-
stances of their separate places,58 festival days/9 and the years of their
respective deaths,60 fully suffice to discriminate them.
The Church of Annatrim in the parish of Offerlane, at the foot of Slieve
Bloom Mountain and in the Diocese of Ossory, is said to have been dedicated
to the memory of this saint. Such, however, we believe to be a mistake, as the
present holy Bishop, Mac Nissi, has been called Caeman Breac, and he has
been confounded with Caemhan, the Patron of Eanach-Truim, venerated on
the 3rd of November.61 Doubtless, many misconceptions have tended to
obscure St. Mac Nissi's Acts, but our Christian traditions — generally so
respectable in the Irish Church — have preserved his virtues and merits, as
the Patriarch of one among our most ancient dioceses, and as a Patron
whose memory is deserving the veneration of his devout clients.
Article III. — St. Lon, or Loman, also called Lon-garadh, of
Disert-Garadh, or of Magh Tuathat, Queen's County. [Sixth
Century. ~\ In the ancient monastic schools of Ireland, learning and piety
were admirably combined ; and this too at a very early period, as we can
learn from the traditional and written accounts regarding the present devout
scholar. In the Feilire of St. y£ngus, at the 3rd of September, Longarad,
" a delightful sun,"1 is mentioned, as having had his commemoration. We
find a festival recorded, also, in the Martyrology of Donegal,2 at the same
date, and in honour of Lon-garadh. In the manuscript copy of that calendar,
& scopebam spiritum meum. Psalmus. Vitali cibo recreati gratias tibi, Domine,
Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi, voce mea agimus & rogamus, ut quod ad gloriam
ad Dominum clamavi, voce mea ad Deum, sumpsimus sancti tui praesulis Macniscii,
& intendit mihi. Gloria Patris, &c. Cogitavi, ejus precibus sit nobis contra hostiles impetus
&c. Oratio. Sancti Macniscii, Domine, auxilium. Per Dominum, &c." After the
confessoris tui & pontificis, merito ad- insertion of the foregoing the Bollandist
juvemur; ut sicut te in illo mirabilem editor remarks: "Haec publicam &solennem
praedicamus, ita in nos misericordum fuisse hujus sancti Episcopi venerationem satis
gloriemur. Per Dominum, &c. Lectio superque probant. "
Epistol^e beati Pauli Apostoli ad Hebi aeos ; 57 See notices of him in the Sixth Volume
Fratres. Plures facti sunt sacerdotes, &c, of this work at the 13th of June, Art. ii.
usque adfinem capitis. Gradual. Beatus 58 Connor and Clonmacnois are more than
vir, qui timet Dominum, in mandatis ejus eighty Irish miles apart,
cupit nimis. ~f. Potens in terra erit semen S9 Mac Nissi of Clonmacnois is venerated
ejus, generatio rectorum benedicetur. on the 13th of Jun**, while Mac Nissi of
Alleluia, alleluia. ~ft. Gloria & divitiae in Connor's feast occurs on the 3rd of Sep-
domo ejus, & justitia ejus manet in saeculum tember.
seculi. A Sequentia sancti Evangelii ^ While the death of Mac Nessius, Bishop
secundum Matthreum ; Homo quidam of Connor, is assigned to the early part of
peraegre proficiscens, &c. Credo. Offer- the sixth century, that of Mac Nessius,
torium. Meditabor in mandatis tuis, quae Abbot of Clonmacnois, is placed towards its
dilexi valde ; & servavi manus meas ad close.
mandata tua, quaedilexi. Secreta. Sucri- 6l See an account of him, at that date, in
ficium nostrum, Domine, beatus Macniscius the Eleventh Voiume of this work,
sacerdos magnus majestatis tuae occulis Article hi.—1 See translations of the
reddat acceptum, qui se tibi dum vixit, Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
sanctam & placentem hostiam immolavit. Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Per Dominum, &c. Communis. Laetabitur Oengus. By Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
Justus in Domino, & sperabit in eo : & lauda- cxxxvi.
buntur omnes recti corde. Postcommunio. a Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
a space had been left after the insertion of his name, to fill in the title of his
dignity, the O'Clerys being uncertain as to whether they should style him
11 priest," " abbot," or " bishop."3 His original name seems to have been
Lon, or Loman, to which the name of his place was afterwards added. It is
possible, that he may be the same as Lon or Lonn of Cill Gobhra, who is
venerated on the 24th of June.* The present Lon-garadh is said to have
belonged to Sliabh Mairge, or to have been of Magh Tuathat.s He is called
Lon-garadh Coisfinn,6 of Disert Garadh, in the north of Osraighe. He was
surnamed Garadh, from Disert Garadh, in the Queen's County, where he
probably had a cell.? Sliabh Mairge is a denomination still preserved in
Slievemargy, now a barony in the Queen's County, and a district that formerly
extended very near to the present city of Kilkenny. Towards the south, it
continued between the courses of the Nore and Barrow, forming the eastern
boundary of the principality of Ossory. This latter ridge is now better
known as the Johnswell Mountains.8 The tribe Ui-Fairchellaigh or Ui-
Foircheallain gave name to a district, now known as a large parish called
OrTerrilan, west of Mountrath, in the Barony of Upper Ossory, Queen's
County. The ancient name of the plain, in which this tribe was seated, was
Magh-Tuathat.9 The parish of OrTerlane, contains the interesting ruins of Ana-
trim, and only at present the site of the monastery of Mondrehid,I0but, it seems
not certain, that Disert Geradh, or Cill Gabhra, can be identified. Near Castle-
town," in this same parish, there is an old cemetery, enclosing the ruins of
an interesting and a mediaeval church, now called Churchtown, and of con-
siderable dimensions. Old toghers or bohers are yet traceable, and leading
from it in different directions. The original Irish name for this church seems
to be lost. Within the memory of a middle-aged man,12 the ruins were much
more perfect, and a very beautiful east-end window remained in the gable,
now destroyed.13 An old stone font lay out under the canopy of heaven in
the graveyard.14 Lon-garadh was denominated " of the White Legs," either
because they were covered with a whitish hair, or because they were smooth
and very white.15 Lon is said to have been a doctor in teaching, in history,
pp. 234, 235. son-in-law to Peter, Earl of Ormonde, took
3 See the appended note of Rev. Dr. Todd, forcible possession of this castle. He then
p. 234, n. 1. — Ibid. garrisoned and held it for some time in war-
4 See an account of him, at that date, in like opposition to the Fitzpatricks. Subse-
the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. iv. quently, he resigned it to the ancient pro-
s Of Magh Garadh, in Ui Fairchellaigh, prietors, and accepted in lieu of it the manor
and of Cill Gabhra, in Sliabh Mairge, he is and lands of Grantstown. See the " Par-
called, in old documents. liamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i., p
6 Coisfinn ; i.e., of the white foot. See 374.
" Martyology of Donegal," edited by " In May, 1870, Mr. Daniel F. Dowling,
Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves. Note by Dr. then living in Castletown, and certainly not
O'Donovan, p. 234. much over 40 years of age.
i See " Book of Obits and Martyrology I3 With many other details of an interest -
of the Cathedral Church of the Holy ing character, which he promised to put on
Trinity," edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite record, and he related the facts embodied
and Rev. Dr. Todd. Introduction, p. lxxii. in the text to the writer. Some fine sped-
* See John Hogan's " Kilkenny : the mens of its carved lime-stones were at the
Ancient City of Ossory," &c, parti., p. 30. heads of graves, and others were placed in
9 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the positions to preserve them from similar uses,
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (o), p. 560. by that respectable and highly intelligent
10 Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of man.
Ireland," vol. ii., pp. 446, 447. 14 The country people often resort to it,
11 Evidently so called from an old castle, and they use water, found in its cavity, as a
the ruins of which are still to be seen on the lotion for the cure of warts.
southern banks of the River Nore. Early js Such is the statement of the glosso-
in the sixteenth century, Sir Oliver Morres, grapher on /Engus, contained in the " Lea-
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 79
in laws and in poetry. This saint was regarded, likewise, as the Augustine
of Ireland; such was the depth and range of his ecclesiastical knowledge.16
He was passionately addicted to a love of literature; but, it would seem, he
was not remarkable for lending his much-prized books to others who desired
their use or possession. '? The most valuable codices — especially the copies
of Gospels and ritual Books — were often kept in polaire or leathern cases
and in tiaga^ or satchels. '9 These latter20 usually hung from pegs fastened
in the walls of the old Irish monasteries. In the time of St. Patrick, a legend
is related, that the Irish Apostle21 desired a skin on which he slept and stood,
while celebrating the holy sacrifice of the Mass, to be converted into a sack
or satchel, which might serve to hold books. These were then fastened to
the girdles of six attendant boys, who accompanied six Irish clerics, on a
Roman pilgrimage.22 This saint is said, likewise, to have been a great lover
and collector of books. St. Columkille23once paid him a visit ; but, accord-
ing to the legend, Lon-garad hid his books, and his visitor predicted that
after Longarad's death, no man would be able to read the works which were
in his possession,2* and which were so inhospitably withheld, from one who
could so thoroughly appreciate their value. It is a curious remark, how
many similar ancient customs have prevailed, and in countries so very far
remote, when we undertake the task of making antiquarian comparisons.
At the present time, in the Abyssinian monasteries — and notably in that of
Souriani — the disposition of the monks' manuscripts is to Europeans very
original. Those manuscripts are usually hung in leather cases or satchels,
tied with leather thongs, and having straps attached to the cases. By these,
the books contained in them depend from long wooden pegs, fastened in the
walls. 25 Those wooden pegs project underneath a shelf, carried in the
Egyptian style around the walls, and at the height of the door-top.26 Three
or four manuscripts are hung on one peg, or even on more, if the Cordices
bhar Breac " copy of his " Feilire." Art. i.
16 An ancient vellum book, which we have 22 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
mentioned under St. Brigid's life, at 1st ot Vita Septima S. Patricii, pars ii„ cap. ix.,
February, and under St. Patrick's, at the p. 130.
17th March, states, that Lon-garadh, in his 23 See his Life at the 9th of June, in the
habits and life, was like to Augustine, who Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
was very wise. 24 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish
*f It is probable, like most literary men, Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
he had found from experience, how difficult part i. On the Calendar of Oengus. By
it was to recover or recall them when lent ; Whitley Stokes, LL.D., pp. cxl., cxli.
and, at a time when copies of tracts had not 2S See the Hon. Robert Curzon's "Visit
been sufficiently multiplied, their absence to Monasteries in the Levant," part i., chap,
might have much retarded his pursuit of viii., p. 93. There is also an illustrative
knowledge, under difficulties of the period. wood-cut, representing this singular arrange-
18 Called in Irish ciaja, in the legend of ment, and the interior of the library. It
Longaradh. serves to revive in our imagination some
'9 In Latin usually called scetha, or sceta, very probable scenes of our ancient Irish
squesa or cetha, meaning in English, "a monastic community or library rooms,
sheath." 26 The Library room at Souriani was
20 The Book of Armagh has also the about twenty-six feet long, twenty wide, and
significant term of scetha, at fol. 191, a.a. twelve in height ; its roof was formed of the
It is worthy of notice, also, that in Sulp'crps trunks of palm trees, across which reeds were
Severus' Preface to his Vita S. Mcuuu., l.c laid. These supported a mass of earth and
printed text reads: " Libellum quern de plaster, of which the terrace roof was corn-
vita S. Martini scripseram scheda sua posed. The windows, at a good height from
premere." See at p. 483, in George Horn's the ground, were unglazed ; but, they were
very complete edition of the works of that defended with bars of iron-wood, or some
writer, published at Amsterdam, in 1665, 8vo. hard kind of wood. The door opened into
21 See the Life of St. Patrick in the Third the garden, and its lock was of wood, also,
Volume of this work, at the 17th of March, according to the peculiar construction used
8o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September
be small. The usual size of these books is that of a small and very thick
quarto. The books of Abyssinia are bound in the ordinary way ; sometimes
in wooden boards, which occasionally are elaborately carved in rude and
coarse devices. The straps, attached to the book cases, were intended also
to support these, and the manuscripts were carried over the shoulders.
A very interesting account is given about the manner in which Abyssinian
manuscripts are written; most usually on skins or vellum, but occasionally,
too, on charta bombycina. The ink used by the scribes is a compound of
gum, lampblack and water. It is jet black, and it keeps the colour for ever ;
while it is not corrosive or injurious, either to the pen or paper. The scribes
use a reed pen. The ink-horn is the small end of a cow's horn, stuck into
the ground, at the feet of the scribe. The Abyssinian manuscripts are
adorned with the quaintest and griraest illuminations conceivable. The
colours are composed of various ochres, and laid over the outlines of figures,
first drawn with the pen.*? The foregoing recorded facts may probably throw
considerable light on the preservation of the ancient books of Erinn, and
especially as relating to the legendary account of St. Longaradh's death. It
is said, that the book satchels of Erin, and the gospels, and the lesson books
of the students,'8 fell from their racks, on the night of Lon-garadh's death.a9
Another account states, that this happened in an apartment where St. Colum-
kille and others dwelt. St. Columkille then announced to Baethin the death
of Lon, of Garadh, in Ossory.3° It was believed, also, that no person had
such a knowledge of books as Lon-garadh ; for, it is related, he used to
understand them in a most perfect manner. Universal regret for Lon-garadh's
death was felt in all the monasteries and schools of Ireland,3T and we have
still some Irish poems extant which give expression to it.32 There is still
extant in an old Treatise some notices of this St. Longard, of Dysart Lon-
gard, whose death brought such confusion to the Libraries of Ireland, in his
in Egypt from time immemorial. That " Lon died, [Lon died]
library contained perhaps nearly fifty Garad was unfortunate ;
volumes, while the entire literature of He is a loss to learning and schools,
Abyssinia did not include more than double Of Erin's isle to its extremities. "
such a number of works. Some old Coptic — See ibid., p. lxxii. , where a somewhat
and Syiiac manuscripts were found, also, and different version is given, and where the
purchased by the Hon. Mr. Curzon, while lines are ascribed to St. Columkille.
at Souriani. 3* In the gloss to the "Feilire" in the Leab-
27 Many other curious particulars are to har Breac copy are the two following Irish
be gleaned concerning the art of writing in stanzas, with their literal English translation :
that country from the book, already quoted, If manb ton
of the Hon. Robert Curzon. See part i., i)o clulL gapA-o mop itvooti
chap, vii., viii. "O Opitvo coniL&p AcnpeAb
3*This allusion preserves the tradition of Icoich legitvo Agur fcoi.
the multiplicity of schools, which had been -oxbach Lou
established in Ireland, during the sixth 1 C1IL 5Ap<vo mop moon
century. 1)"oich le^mo Agur fcol
29 This account is also to be found in the urop Openn x>&]\& hop.
MS. Book of Fermoy. See " Proceedings Dead is Lon
of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i., part i., Of Cell garad — great the evil !
Irish MSS. Series, pp. 35, 36. To Erin with her many homesteads
30 See this curious legend in " The Book It is ruin of learning and schools.
of Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral Died hath Lon
Church of the Holy Trinity," edited by In Cell garad— great the evil !
John Clarke Crosthwaite and Rev. Dr. It is ruin of the learning and schools
Todd. Introduction, pp. lxxi., lxxii. Of Erin's island over her border."
3' It was said in an Irish stanza given by — "Transactionsof the Royal Irish Academy,"
the O'Clerys— thus translated into English— Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On
and regarding the incident of our saint's the Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes,
departure: — LL.D., p. cxlii.
September 3.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
81
time.33 Also, an abridged version of this same story is found in a copy of
the Felire /Engusa, at the 3rd of September, in the Leabhar Breac version.
It is told more at length in the notes. His private collection of books
included a curriculum of all the sciences. 34 His learning was greatly
extolled. It is said, although illegible — owing to long keeping, injury, damp,
or probably to bad ink — his books were preserved for ages after his time.35
The date for Lon-garadh's departure from this life is not recorded ; but, as
being a contemporary of St. Columbkille, he must have lived in the sixth
century.
Article IV. — Translation of St. Erentrude's Relics, at Salzburg.
Already at the 30th June — the day for her principal feast1 — we have given
the Acts of this holy Abbess of Nunberg,2 near Salzburg, in Upper Austria.
As there stated, the 3rd of September, a.d. 1305, was regarded as the date
for the translation of her relics 3 to the crypt at Salzburg, where at present
The Cathedral and City of Salzburg.
they are preserved.* The district around it in Roman times formed a part
of Noricum, and the city itself was called Juvavia,s where her brother, or,
according to most writers, her uncle, St. Rupert,6 built a celebrated monastery,
33 In the Ten Folia of the " Book of
Leinster," belonging to the Franciscan
Community, Merchants'-quay, Dublin, page
17, column 3.
34 Thus expressed in a note.
35 See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lec-
tures on the Manusciipt Materials of Ancient
Irish History," lect. i., pp. 17, 18, and
Appendix No. xvn., pp. 501, 502.
Article iv.— ' See the Sixth Volume of
this work, at that date, Art. i.
2 Latinized " Nonnarummontis Monas-
terium."
3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nian," Martii xxvii. De S. Erentrude
Abbatissa Nunbergensi, p. 770.
4 Seethe Bollandist's " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus v., Junii xxx. De S. Erendrude Virg.
Abbatissa Salisburgi in Bavaria. Commen-
tarius Prsevius, num. 6, 9, pp. 5^!» 5^2«
s See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xviii., sect, li.,
p. 611.
6 See his Acts, in the Third Volume
of this work, at the 27th of March, Art.
ii.
82 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 3.
and became its first bishop. On the northern side of the Carinthian moun-
tain-chain, it commands a most extensive view of the Bavarian plain stretching
northwards. In due course, Salzburg became an archiepiscopal see, while its
archbishop was recognised as Primate of Germany, and an Elector of
Germany. He possessed many large domains in Austria, Styria and
Carinthia.7 The archbishops adorned the city 8 with many splendid buildings,
and its situation — one of the most picturesque in Germany — presents a noble
amphitheatre of Alpine mountains as a background towards the south. The
streets are narrow and crooked, and the squares are small but regular. The
present cathedral was built in the seventeenth century.9 On the 3rd of
September, the feast of a translation of St. Erentrude's relics is commemorated
by Arturus a Monasterio,10 Dorganus," Wion,12 Menard, '3 and Ferrarius.1*
The Bollandists,1* likewise, have references to it at this date.
Article V. — Translation of the Relics of St. Foillan. The
translation of St. Foillan's body is commemorated at this date, according to
Molanus,1 Dorgan, Wion, Menard, Ferrarius, in "Catalogus generalis
Sanctorum," and Wilson, in " Martyrologium Anglicanum." On this day,
the remains of St. Foillen, Martyr, were removed from Nivelles, in Belgium,
at the instance of the Abbot of Fosse. The chief feast of St. Foillan is held
on the 31st of October, where further notices of him may be found.2 The
present feast is noticed by the Bollandists.3 Three principal feasts are
instituted in honour of St. Foillan — that of his death, on the 3 1 st of October ;
that of the discovery of his body, on the 16th of January; and that of its
translation, on the 3rd of September.
Article VI. — St. Balin or Balloin, of Tech-Saxon. The present
holy man was a brother to St. Gerald, or Garalt, whose life has been given,
at the 13th of March.1 The Martyrologies of Marianus O'Gorman, of Cathal
Maguire, and of Donegal,2 record the festival of St. Balan or Balloin, at the
3rd of September.3 It is stated, that he came from England to Ireland, with
his brothers, Gerald, Berikert* and Hubritan,s after the middle of the seventh
century. He lived at a place, called Tech-Saxan, or the House of the
i See James Bell's System of Geography, Septembris iii. Among the pretermitted
Popular and Scientific," vol. i., part ii. Feasts, p. 598.
Austria, chap, v., sect, i., p. 436. Article v. — 'In his additions to
8 The accompanying illustration, from a Usuard, issued A. n. 1573.
local photograph, has been drawn on the a In the Tenth Volume of this work,
wood, and engraved by Mr. Gregor Grey. 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i.,
Another view of Salzburg, but taken from a Septembris iii. Among the pretermitted
different direction, may be seen at the 30th Saints, p. 601.
of June— feast of St. Erentrude — in the Article vi. — ' In the Third Volume of
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i. this work. See Art. iii.
9 From 1614 to 1668, by the architect, 2 In the edition, published by Rev. Drs.
Santino Solari of Como. See Charles Todd and Reeves, at the 3rd of September,
Knight's " Penny Cyclopaedia of the Society such an entry seems to have been acciden-
for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," tally omitted ; however, in the Table
vol. xx. , p. 374. appended, it is supplied. See pp. 232 to
10 In his *' Gynseceum " is noticed : S. 235, 362, 363.
Erentrudis (al Erendrudis) abbatissa Bene- J See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
dictinse translatio Salisburgi in Bavaria." niae," Martii xiii. Vita S. Giraldi Abbatis
" In his Benedictine Menology, Elitherensis et Magionensis, n. 5, p. 602.
"In " Lignum Vitse." * He is also said to have been called Nem.
13 In his Benedictine Martyrology. See notices of him, at the 18th of February,
14 In " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum." and at the 6th of December.
■s See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., s As Uuilbrithi or Hulbriten, his name is
September 4 ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 83
Saxons, most probably because it had been founded or occupied by himself,
or by his brothers, or by some of his countrymen, who accompanied him from
England. This place is said to have been in Athenry Parish, in the Diocese
of Tuam, and County of Gal way. A house of Franciscans of the Third
Order was there in the time of Colgan. Castellan places this St. Balo in the
province of Connaught, and his feast at the present day, as noted by the
Bollandists.6
Article VII. — St. Colman, of Cluain or Druim Ferta Mughaine,
now Kilclonfert, King's County. In the Feilire of St. Aligns, at the
3rd day of September, we have an entry for the feast of Colman of Druim
Ferta.1 A commentator, on that copy contained in the Leabhar Breac,
states, that the place is to be identified with Cluain Ferta Mugaine in
OfTaly.2 It is at present known as Kilclonfert, a parish 3 in the Barony of
Lower Philipstown, and King's County. Some ruins of the old Church are
still visible. Near them may be found the well of St. Colman, but corruptly
called St. Cloman's welU It is probable, Archdall thought this Kilclonfert
was identical with Clonfert Mulloe,5 which he incorrectly places in the
King's County.6 There is an allusion to a Colman and his companions in
the Martyrology of Christ Church, but not in its prefixed Calendar, at the
iii. of the September Nones, the present day. Most likely it is this saint's
festival which is commemorated ; but, it seems difficult to account for the
introduction of his companions. ? According to the Martyrology of Donegal,8
veneration was given at the 3rd of September to Colman, of Cluain-Ferta or
Druim9-Ferta. This place is also called Mughaine, in Ui Failghe,I0or Offaly,
a district in Leinster."
Jfourtb 2Bap of September
ARTICLE I.— ST. ULTAN, SAID TO HAVE BEEN BISHOP, OR MORE
PROBABLY ABBOT, OF ARDBRACCAN, COUNTY OF MEATH.
[FIFTH AND SIXTH CENTURIES.]
DISTINGUISHED for his sanctity and learning at an early period, St.
Ultan is said to have been the founder of an ancient Irish See, at
present merged in the Diocese of Meath. He is commemorated in the
set down, in the Irish Calendar, at the 24th s See a letter of P. O'Keeffe, from Mount -
of April. rath, and dated December 1st, 1838. "Letters
6 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Sep- containing information relative to the
tembris iii. Among the pretermitted Saints, Antiquities of the Queen's County, collected
p. 600. during the progress of the Ordnance Survey
Article VII.— *See "Transactions of the in 1838," vol. i., pp. 119, 120.
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript 6 See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 379.
Series, vol. ii., part i. On the Calendar 7 See the edition of John Clarke Crosth-
of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. waite and Rev. Dr. Todd. Introduction,
cxxxvi. p. )xx. and p. 153.
3 See ibid. , p. cxli. 8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 233,
3 This parish contains 10,266a. 3r. I5p., 234.
and it is marked on the "Ordnance Survey 9 A note by Dr. Todd, at Druim, states :
Townland Maps for the King's County," " The word Droma is written as a gloss over
sheets 9, 10, 18, 19. Th townland proper C uain, meaning that we should read Drum-
is on sheet 10. fert, not Clonfert, here.
4 See Dr. O'Donova " Annals of the I0 In the Table appended to this Martyr-
Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (r), p. 914. ology, we have an Irish entry thus rendered
84
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
Felire of ^Engus, at this date,1 and with allusion to what must have been
a more ancient legend regarding him. We have already partially treated
about St. Ultan and his writings, in connection with the life of St. Brigid, Virgin
and first Abbess of Kildare.2 At the 4th of September, likewise, in the
published Marty rology of Tallagh,3 we find a festival recorded in honour of
Ultan Mac Hua Conchobar. He was therefore held to be of the O'Connor
family.4 An entry is to be found in that copy, contained in the Book of
Leinster,s and somewhat different. The words " in Ardbrec w are added, as
if to intimate, that he belonged to Ardbraccan. He is also noticed by various
writers, and among these are Archbishop Ussher,6 Sir James Ware,? Father
John Colgan,8 Bishop Challenor,9 and the Bollandists.10 The Rev. Alban
Butler," gives some account of St. Ultan, thought to have been first Bishop
of Ardbraccan, in Meath.
He was descended from the race of Irial, son to Connel Cearnach,
according to the O'Clerys." He is said to have been related to the great
St. Brigid,13 on the maternal side.1* Her mother, as we have already seen,
was Brodsecha, daughter to Dalbronaigh. St. Ultan is said to have been
the brother of Broicsech, daughter of Dallbronach, i.e., they were both of
the Dal Conchubhair.
His birth is related to have taken place so early as a.d. 467. js However,
it seems most probable— if we take into account the Acts of St. Ultan and
the year assigned for his death— that his birtli must be referred to a date long
subsequent to the period already stated. In a table appended to the
Martyrology of Donegal,16 and within brackets, it is laid down, that Ultan of
Ard-Brecain,17 was a disciple of St. Declan.18 Here, again, there seems to
into English : " Colman of Cluain-ferta
[Drom-forta in the Felire of ^Engus]
Mugaine [in Ui Failghe]. See ibid., pp.
382, 383.
"See "The Battle of Magh Rath,"
edited by Dr. O'Donovan, p. 243, n. (v).
Article i— ' In the " Leabhar Breac"
copy is the following rann : —
1n mon plAich cenecAil,
1n ■OAcblaiche becam
<*5<mc mor* mm m^ccam
1m U Lie an <Mrvo bneccAm.
Thus rendered into English, by Dr. Whitley
Stokes:— "The great sinless prince, in
whom the little ones are flourishing, greatly
play the children round Ultan of Aid
Breccain." — "Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus,
p. exxxvi.
9 See the Second Volume of this work,
at Feb. 1, Art. i., chap. i.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
4 According to Ussher " Ex eodem enim
;Conchubarensium sive Counoreorum fami-
lia." — " De Primordiis Britannicarum Ec-
clesiarum,'' cap. xvii., p. 965.
5 Thus entered, UlriAn m<vc h Conchoban
m Arvobnec.
6 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii., pp. 426, 499.
? See "De Scriptoribus Hibernise," lib. i.,
cap. 3, pp. 22, 23.
5 In "Trias Thaumaturga. " See Tertia
Vita S. Brigidae, p. 527, Prologus, and n. I,
p. 542 ; Sexta Vita S. Brigida? Prologus,
p. 582, and nn. 3, 5, pp. 597, 598.
9 See " Britannia Sancta," part ii. , p. 119.
10 See " Acta Sanctorum Septembris,"
tomus ii. Among the pretermitted Feasts,
PP- 3. 4
11 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. ix. Sep-
tember iv.
12 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,"
edited by Rev, Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
234, 235.
13 See her Life, at the 1st of February,
in the Second Volume of this work, Art. i.
14 According to the old Scholiast, on the
Irish Hymn, composed in Praise of St.
Brigid.
's Such is the entry in a more recent hand,
as found in the O'Clerys' Calendar; "467
natus." Note of Rev. Dr. Todd. See
"Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs.
Todd and Reeves, p. 235.
16 See the edition of Rev. Drs. Todd and
Reeves, pp. 478, 479.
17 To him has been ascribed the miracle
of a sunk fleet.
18 His life has been already given, at the
24th of July, in the Seventh Volume of this
work, Art i. See chap. iii. for the miracle
to which allusion has been made in the pre-
ceding note.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
«5
be an anachronism, and Ultan has probably been confounded with that holy
man, his namesake, who is called the son of Erc.x9 No connected biogra-
phical account remains of St. Ultan. Colgan is of opinion, however, that he
was bishop over the ancient See of Ardbraccan,20 in the County of Meath.
Yet, in the Kalendar of Drummond. this saint is only distinguished as a
Priest and Confessor, remarkable for his exemplary life and for holiness*.
According to very ancient legend,21 one of his usages was to feed, with
his own hands, every child who had no support in Erin.22 Another account
states, that he he had a most charitable care for the infants of those women,
who died of the Buidhe Chonaill or yellow plague. The first mention of the
Bolgach or Small Pox,23 appears in the Annals of lnnisfallen, at a.d. 569 ;
but, this is supposed 2* to have been a mistake for the leprosy, which was an
epidemic about that time ; whereas, only about a.d. 675,2s or 67a,26 did the
Bolgach first prevail in Ireland. However, the first outbreak of another
pestilence, known as the Buidhe-Chonnaill is said to have taken place in
Magh-Itha,2? in Fotherta of Leinster, in 663 ;28 while it seems to have
culminated in a still greater mortality the following year. A remarkable
eclipse of the sun preceded this public calamity in the month of May, a.d.
664. 29 According to Venerable Bede, it happened on the 3rd of May, the
same year, and about ten o'clock in the morning ; while, besides the ravages
produced throughout Ireland, that pestilence depopulated the southern
coasts of Britain, and afterwards extending into the province of Northumbria,
J9 He is said to have immediately suc-
ceeded St. Declan, as Abbot, at Ardmore.
See notices of him, in the Third Volume of
this work, at the 14th of March, Art. hi.
20 See " Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Ap-
pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, pars iii. De
Scriptoribus Actorum Sancti Patricii, p.
217.
21 See the Book of Obits and Martyrology
of the Cathedral Church of the Holy
Trinity." Edited by John Clarke Crosth-
waite and Rev. Dr. Todd. Introduction,
pp. xxv., xxvi.
22 The curious mode, by which he fed the
children playing around him, is to be found
in a note appended to the Leabhar Breac
copy of the Feilire, and there too are some
Irish verses quoted in his praise, although
their meaning is not wholly intelligible.
See "Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, by
Whitly Stokes, LL.D., pp. cxlii., cxliii.
23 This loathsome and dangerous form of
disease had prevailed in China and Hindos-
tan from remote antiquity, and it is supposed
to have originated at Mecca, about a.d. 569,
before the birth of Mahomet. Afterwards,
it extended over Africa, and reached Europe.
See Moore's " History of the Small Pox,"
p. no.
2*By William Robert Wilde, M.D., in
his historical Report on the Diseases of Ire-
land, to be found in the volumes of the Census
Commissioners of Ireland for a.d. 1851.
25 According to the Annals of Clonmac-
noise.
26 At this year we read : "Lepra gravissima
in Hibernia que vocatur Bolgach." — Rev.
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
tores," tomus iv., Annales Ultonienses.
27 A plain in the Barony of Forth, and
County of Wexford.
38 According to the Annals of Clonmac-
noise, this plague happened A.D. 660, but
this account is incorrect. The Annals of
Ulster state at a.d. 633 : " Tenebre in
Kalendis Mair in ix hora, et in eadem estate
celum ardescere visum est. Mortalitas in
Hibernia pervenit in Kalendis Augusti . . .
In campo Ito in Fothart exarsit mortalitas
primo in Hibernia. A morte Patricii cciii.
Prima mortalitas cxii." — Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
"Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus
iv., Annales Ultonienses.
29 Dr. William Robert Wilde writes :
" The second outbreak of the Buidhe Chon-
nail, or yellow plague, commenced about
the middle of the seventh century. Tigher-
nach, whose annals are more chronologically
correct than most others, dates its com-
mencement at a.d. 664, but the Annals of
lnnisfallen, and the Obits of Christ's Church,
Dublin, have assigned a date so early as 656.
Allowing for the chronological discrepancy
among early annalists, there appears every
reason to believe that this great pestilential
period was also affected by the same law
which has so frequently appeared to influence
the progress of epidemic constitutions, and
lasted ten years ; Tighernach himself gives
two entries relating to it, with an interval of
three years between. The Welsh annaals
would make it twenty."
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
it wasted the country far and near, destroying a great multitude of persons.30
Among those who died of the Buidhe Chonnaill this year in Ireland is
mentioned St. Ultan Mac h Ui-Cunga, Abbot of Cluain-Iraird or Clonard ;31
and, it is not improbable, he may have been confounded with the St. Ultan,
who wrote St. Brigid's Acts. For the exercise of his great charity, when
Fursa32 had been removed from the abbacy of old Mochta of Louth, Ultan
was elected. It is stated, he often had fifty, and thrice fifty children, with
him together, although it was difficult for him to feed them all. To St.
Bracan or Brecain33 has been attributed the foundation of Ardbraccan
Monastery, and from him the place has been named.34 It seems probable,
that Ultan was for some time under his rule in that place.35
We find it stated, that after St. Bracan36 had departed for the Arran
Islands, our saint became Abbot of Ardbraccan Monastery, in the County
of Meath. Ussher supposes Ultan to have been a Bishop at Ardbraccan. 3?
He belonged to the Third Class of Irish Saints.38 In the parish of Burry,3?
in the Deanery of Kells, County of Meath, there was a well,40 dedicated to
a St. Ultan— probably the present saint. That spring was called Tobar-
Ultan, but it no longer exists.41 This holy man is said to have lived on
terms of great intimacy with St. Fechin of Fore.43 From the latter, it is
stated he asked a request.43 His habit of penitence was accompanied by
great austerity. Cuimin of Coindeire remarked, that St. Ultan had a prison
of stone, or of boards against his side ; and that he used to bathe in cold
water, during the prevalence of a sharp wind.44
Among the Irish writers, St. Ultan of Ardbraccan has been classed. To
him is attributed an Irish Hymn, in praise of St. Brigid.45 It has been
published of late in the u Liber Hymnorum." We are informed, moreover,
that it was he, who made the Latin verse at the end of it. The Latin poem
30 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Britannicavum Ecclesiarum," cap. xvii., p.
Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. xxvii. 965.
31 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the 38 See Ussher's "Britannicarum Ecclesia-
Four Masters," vol. i., and nn. (p,q, x), pp. rum Antiquitates," chap, xvii., p. 474.
274 to 277. 39 Described on the "Ordnance Survey
32 As we have said in the Life of St. Townland Maps for the County of Meath,"
Fursey, in the First Volume of this work, sheets 16, 17, 23.
Art. i., at the 1 6th of January, another saint *° It is noticed in the Ordnance Survey
of the name seems to have been commemo- papers relating to the County of Meath, and
rated in our Calendars. But, this is inferred now preserved in the Royal Irish Academy,
rather than proved, from a difference in *l See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of Meath,
genealogical accounts. Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., chap, xvi., p.
33 His feast was held on the 16th of July, 311, n.
at which date some accounts of him may be 42 See his Life at the 20th of January, in
found in the Seventh Volume of this work, the First Volume of this work," Art. ii.
Art. i. 43 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Ili-
34 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- bernise," xx. Januarii. Secunda Vita S.
cum," p. 511. Fechini, cap. xxix., p. 136.
35 From him Ardbreccan was sometimes ** Thus runs the English translation of
called Tobar Ultain or Ultan's Well. See his quatrain : —
Edward O'Reilly's M Chronological Account ., , .. ....
of nearly Four Hundred Irish Writers," &c, " Ullan lovres *!1S children ;
p xiv# A prison for his lean side,
' 3<5 His death has been assigned to about And a bath in cold water
AD 650. In the sharp wind he loved.
3? Ussher writes : " Unde colligimus eun- « Martyrology of Donegal,"
dem hunc Episcopum Ultanum ratione J^ " Rey Drs/Tod Jyand Reeves, pp.
quidem origims Conchubarensem fuisse die- CU,LC" "j x^y- ■"•*« rr
tum ; Ardbrechanensem vero, respectu ad 2$f' ?$$' . . ,
sedem habito, quod hodiernum Miden.sis II begins Wllh :~
Prsesulis est domicilium."— " De Primordiis Dpigic be bio c maic.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
«7
which comes after the Life of St. Brigid46 by Cogitosus, was written by
him. It begins with " Cogitis me Fratres." Its style is similar to that in
the Book of Kilkenny ; yet, it is not the same production. In the time
when the two sons of Aodh Slaine were Kings,-*? Ultan is said to have com-
posed the Life, as also the Latin and Gaedhlic Poems.'*8 Others think St.
Columba4? was the author of the Hymn.
The Third Life of St. Brigid, as published by Colgan,s° is assigned to
the authorship of St. Ultan, Bishop of Ardbraccan. This Manuscript Life
was received from the learned Father Stephen White,*1 an Irish Jesuit, who was
well versed in the antiquities of his native country. The author does not
publish his name, says White ; he nevertheless, reveals himself, as being from
the Island of Hibernia,*2 and as being of Irish origin.53 After the last words,
in a life of the sainted Virgin, the author first places her proper Latin
46 The author of the above memorandum
seems to allude to the Latin verses at the
end of St. Brigid's Third Life, in " Trias
Thaumathurga." Colgan endeavours to show
it had been written by St. Ultan. See n. I,
p. 542.
47 These were named Diarmaid and Blath-
mac, who reigned jointly for seven years —
from a.d, 657 to A.D. 664 — and who died
of the great plague, known as the Bruidhe
Connail in the year 664. See Dr. O'Dono-
van's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i.
Vet, as St. Ultan Mac-Ui-Conchobhair,
according to the same authority, died A.D.
656, the statement in the text seems to be
inaccurate as to the date. See pp. 268 to
277.
48 See Introduction to the " Calendar of
the Saints of Ireland," edited by Drs. Todd
and Reeves, p. xxv.
49 His Life is given at the 9th of June, in
the Sixth Volume of this work, Art i.
soFrom an old codex, belonging to the
monastery of St. Magnus, at Ratisbonn, in
Bavaria. This was accompanied with
various marginal annotations, partly taken
from a MS. belonging to the monastery of
St. Autbertus, at Cambray, and partly from
a MS. preserved at the Island of All Saints,
in Ireland. The Cambray MS. had been
furnished by Dr. Georgius Colvenerius, who
was distinguished for his research and love
of antiquities. Besides the All Saints MS.,
received from Longford County, Colgan
obtained another MS. from the Carthusian
Collection at Cologne. The Ratisbonn MS. ,
we are told, had been written in Irish
characters, and, as supposed, six or seven
hundred years, before Colgan's time, that is
to say, in the tenth or eleventh century. A
fifth MS. was in Colgan's possession, and
he received it from Dunensis monastery, in
Flanders.
st He thought that the author of this third
life must have been, either St. Virgil or St.
Erard, Irishmen, who flourished in Bavaria
in the eighth century. However, Colgan
could not agree with White, that its author-
ship was attributable, to either of those saints
named by him ; since no writer or authority,
had heretofore stated their having compiled
St. Brigid's biography.
52 This is indicated in the first line. Col-
gan says, the Hymn which he published was
found in the Irish MS., commonly called
the Leabhar Iomaun ; in Latin, Liber
Hymnorum, by our national antiquaries.
In this MS. were contained, also, many
hymns, composed by different Irish saints.
From it, Colgan obtained the last line, which
was wanting in the St Magnus MS.
53 In the Leabhar Iomaun, an old scholiast
prefixed the following proemium, or argu-
ment, to this Hymn : " Sanctus Nemidius
Laimhoidhain, id est, Mundimanus, com-
posuit hunc Hymnum in laudem S. Brigida?
vel sanctus Fiegus Sleptensis, Audite
Virginis laudes, est ejus initium : vel S.
Ultanus de Ardbrecain composuit in S.
Brigidse laudem : ipse enim comprehendit
miracula S. Brigidse in uno libro : Ordo
alphebeticus in eo servatur et ad imita-
tionem rithmi Noscarii compositus est.
Quatuor sunt in eo capitula et quator lineae
in singulis capitulis et sedecim syllabae in
qualibet linea." Three points must here be
noted, as Colgan remarks. I. In the Hymn,
published by him, the number of sixteen
syllables, in each line, is not preserved, as
he says may be instanced in the fourth and
fifth lines. But, the Latin reader may find,
on investigation, that there are sixteen
syllables in the lines mentioned, as in most
of the other stanzas. There are, however,
five lines that either fall short, or exceed
that number of syllables. 2. As published,
by Colgan, the Hymn consists of five in-
stead of four strophes. 3. If what the
scholiast states be true, that the words,
Audite Virginis laudes, commenced the
hymn, and that there were four divisions or
parts in it, two of the last must be wanting,
and three other strophes, which are placed
before these lines, must have been intended
as a preface. Or, if we can be sure, that
absolutely speaking, there were only four
cantos in it, the fifth, which is not found in
the St. Magnus MS., must be an addition to
88
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
Hymn, and then, having completed the Latin lines, he pours forth prayers
to St. Brigid, piously invoking her intercession, in the Irish idiom and
character — a circumstance somewhat remarkable.54 There are two various
readings appended to the Hymnus de Brigida Virgine.55 That St. Ultan
was the author of this Hymn, and consequently of the Third Life, would
seem to be established, in Colgan's opinion, from certain remarks of an old
Scholiast, on the same Hymn. Those comments are given in a note.
Even, although the Scholiast doubts, whether St. Nennidius, St. Fiech, or
St. Ultan be its author, his very words are thought to be conclusive, in
showing this latter, to have been the writer, both of the Life and Hymn j
since he is said to have composed both one and the other, in praise of St.
Brigid, and both were contained in one book. The Scholiast even cites a
portion of a line, from this Hymn, which agrees -with what has been
published, by Colgan. Now, it is not known, that St. Nennidius or St.
Fiech wrote a Life of St. Brigid, whether in one tract, or in more than one
part.
Such a supposition of St. Ultan having been the author of St. Brigid's
Third Life, however, has been contravened by various judicious critics.
The Rev. Dr. Lanigan will not allow St. Ultan, or any other writer of the
seventh century, to have written the many strange fables, with which the
Third Life of St. Brigid has been crammed.*6 It differs from the two first
Lives, in many material points. Comparing this biography, with the First,
Second, Fourth and Fifth Lives of St. Brigid, in Colgan's work, it will be
found, that many particulars, there related concerning her, are not contained
in those tracts alluded to; while, the number of divisions it contains is said
the original number. Colgan then con-
cludes, that as no authority states St.
Nennidius or St. Fiech to have written St.
Brigid's Acts in a book, and as it could be
shown from this writer, and from other
sources, that St. Ultan wrote her Acts, in one
book, and also a Hymn in her praise; it
would seem, this latter must have been the
author of St. Brigid's third life, published
by Colgan, with the metrical lines post-
fixed, and that he was composer, both of
the prose life and of the Hymn. See Colgan's
" Trias Thaumaturga," Tertia Vita S.
Brigidae, n. 80, p. 545.
5+ This metrical composition is headed,
Hymnus de Brigida Virgine. The lines run
as follow :
Christus in nostra Insula, qua; vocatur
Hibernia
Ostensus est hominibus, maximis mirabi-
libus ;
Quie perfecit per felicem ccelestis vitse vir-
ginem.
Praecellentem pro merito magno in mundi
circulo.
Hymnus iste, angelica summaeque Sanctae
Brigidae
Fari non valet omnia virtutum mirabilia,
Quae nostris nunquam auribus, si suit facta,
audivimus,
Nisi per istam Viiginem, Maria; Sanche
similem.
Zona sanctre militae sanctos lumbos pre-
cingere
Consuevit diurno, noclurno quoque studio :
Consummato certamine sumpsit palman
victoria;
Refulgens magno splendore, ut sol in cceli
culmine.
Andite Virginis laudes, sancta quoque merita.
Perfectionem, quam promisit, viri liter adim-
plevit.
Christi Matrem se spopondit, diclo atque
factis fecit.
Brigida automata veri Dei Regina.
Brigida Sancta sedulo sit nostro in auxilio,
Ut mereamur coronam habere, ac lauitiam.
In conspectu Angelorum in saecula ssecn-
lorum,
Christe Jesu author bonorum miserere,
obsecro omnium.
55 In a note, attaching to these words in
the Hymn, Brigida automata, Colgan re-
marks, that in the Irish MS. Automata was
found, which should be changed for his
emendation. The Greek word avro^arov
signifies self-moving, or a mechanical in-
strument, so curiously and ingeniously
constructed, that it seems to act of its own
accord, and without any apparent cause or
motor. See ibid, p. 542, and n. 81, p. 545-
56 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. i., chap, viii., sect, ii., n. 18, p. 380.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
89
to exceed those in the Fourth Life, by about twenty-three chapters.57 That
St. Ultan wrote the Acts of St. Brigid, is asserted by an author of her Life
in Irish, by a certain Scholiast, as also by Archbishop Ussher58 and by Sir
James Ware.59 From the probability of some metrical lines appended
having been composed, by the same author, in the opinion of White,
Colvenerius and Ward, Colgan maintains, that the Life written was
identical with that published by him. This conclusion is supposed to be
further warranted, by the usual clause, " Explicit Vita S. Brigidae," postfixed
to the life of a Saint, coming after, and not before, that Hymn, as found in
the St. Magnus MS., and written many ages before Colgan's time. In the
St. Autbert MS., it comes after a Carmen,to which follows the Hymn.61
To St. Ultan has been attributed the spirit of prophecy. It is said his
prophecies remain in metre, and in the Irish language.62 A prophetic
Poem63 extant is ascribed to St. Ultan of Ardbraccan. He is said to have
foretold the arrival of the English in Ireland, and that they should annex it
to the Kingdom of England. He is stated also to have been the teacher of
Tirechan, who wrote from the dictation of Ultan,6* two Books, on the Acts
of St. Patrick. These Books are yet in manuscript, and Archbishop Usher
frequently quotes passages from them, so that we may conclude, he had
them in his possession. 6s These Annotations are in the Book of Armagh.
Ultan is said to have written a Life of St. Patrick,66 but this is uncertain.6?
It was he, as we are told,68 that collected the miracles of St. Brigid, into one
s? This is Colgan's statement. Yet, it
must refer, not to the relative numerical
divisions of Chapters, but to additional
matter, in the Third Life. Colgan's di-
visions of the six lives are as follows : viz.
First, metrical Life, 53 stanzas of four lines
each, Irish with Latin translation ; Second
Life, 36 chapters, with prologue ; Third
Life, 131 chapters prose, with supple-
mentary metrical lines ; Fourth Liie, divided
into two books, the first book containing
52 chapters, while the last, having 100, is
prefaced by a prologue ; the Fifth Life
comprises 58 chapters ; while the Sixth
metrical Life contains 68 sections, more or
less imperfect, with prefatory and supple-
mental lines. To these several biographies
are appended learned notes by the editor.
58 See " De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Bri-
tannicarum," cap. xvii., p. 1067.
59 See "De Scriptoribus Hibernise," lib. i.,
cap. iii., pp. 22, 23.
60 This piece is headed, " Carmen de
eadem (Scil. S. Brigida.) MSS. Autberti :"
its lines are as follows : —
Brigida nomen habet, gemino et diademate
fulget
Quam colimus fratres, Brigida nomen
habet.
Virgo fuit Domini, mundo et crncifixa
manebat
Intus et exterius, Virgo fuit Domini.
Despiciebat ovans instantis gaudia Vitae,
Et falsos fastus despiciebat ovans.
Horruit et fragiles mundi fallentis honores ;
Divitias, pompas horruit et fragiles
Gaudia perpetuae spectaus et prcemia vita;
Suscepit, certse gaudia perpetuae .
E superis resonat intus cum sedibus Echo
Tubarum sublimis e superis resonat.
Mitte beata preces pro nobis Virgo benigna :
Ad Dominum semper mitte beata preces.
61 Colgan remarks, that he found some
words, appended to this Carmen. These
showed it had been composed by the author
of St. Brigid's Life, and of the Hymn, which
preceded it. He also thinks, that the words
" cum tuba sublimis," should be substituted
for "Tubarum .Sublimis." The writer's
meaning appears to be, that he had a hope
of obtaining Holy Brigid's intercession,
when the trumpet should sound, on the day
of General Judgment. See Colgan's "Trias
Thaumaturga," Tertia Vita S. Brigidae, p.
542, and nn. 82, 83, p. 545, ibid.
62 Edward O'Reilly possessed copies of
these ascribed prophecies. See "Chrono-
logical Account of nearly Four Hundred
Writers," &c, p. xlv.
63 It is found in Messrs. Hodges and
Smith's collection, and in the R. I. A.marked
No. 221. This is a folio paper MS.
64 Harris' Ware, vol. iii. " The Writers
of Ireland," book i., chap, iv., p. 30.
65 Fol. xvi., Book of Armagh.
66 See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptoribus
Hiberniae," lib. i., cap. iii., p. 23.
. °? Edward O'Reilly writes : " The copy
of the Life of our Apostle, that we have
seen attributed to Ultan, is certainly the
production of a more modern pen." —
"Chronological Account of nearly Four
Hundred Writers," &c, p. xlv.
68 By the O'Clerys in the " Martyrology
of Donegal," edition of Rev. Drs. Todd and
Reeves, pp. 236, 237. .
9o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
book, and he gave them to Brogan Claen,6^ his disciple. It is said, likewise,
that Ultan commanded him to turn them into verse, so that it was the latter
that composed, " The victorious Brighit loved not," as it is found in the
Book of Hymns.?0 St. Ultan died at Ardbraccan, about three miles from
Navan, in the present County of Meath. 71 He is said to have completed
the extraordinary age of one hundred and eighty years. The O'CIerys'
Irish Calendar even adds, that he was one hundred and eight-nine years old,
when he resigned his spirit to heaven. This does not seem, however, to
rest on any sure basis of calculation. He died on the 4th day of September.
According to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, his death occurred, a.d. 653 ;
Ware has it at the date 655 ;?2 but according to the Annals of Ulster, those
of the Four Masters, and most other authorities, it happened a.d. 656.73
The Annals of Ulster again note his death, under the year 662 ; and, as they
state, according to another Book,?* which had been in possession of the
author.
In the Martyrology of Christ Church he is recorded as a Bishop and
Confessor, at the ii. Nones of September.?5 He is not noticed, however, in the
Calendar prefixed. By Greven he is set down as Vultan, at the 4th day of
September, and as an Abbot in Ireland ; while a similar entry is given in
the Florarium Manuscript, in possession of the Bollandists.?6 The Martyr-
ology of Donegal?? registers him as Ultan, Bishop?8 of Ard-Brecain, at the 4th
day of September. At this same date, he has been commemorated in
Scotland. 79 Thus, in the Kalendar of Drummond,80 he is mentioned with
special eulogy.
The feast of this Saint had been celebrated with an office in former
times, as we learn from various manuscripts still preserved.8' Even
local traditions regarding him exist. In the demesne of the Protestant
bishop of Meath, near Ardbraccan, St. Ultan's well is still shown. It is
circular, and in diameter it measures nine feet and a half. It is reputed
sacred, and to a period not far distant, stations were there made on the vigil
of St. Ultan's feast. Several other holy wells and stone crosses, bearing his
** Abbot of Rostuirc, in Osory. His could have fallen into the error of writing :
feast falls on the 17th of September. See "Non novimus hunc Vultanum aut Ulta-
Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Prima num abbatem, nisi forsan, idem sit cum
Vita S. Brigidoe, nn. I, 2, p. 518. Ultano abbate Hiberno, sed in Belgio
70 The Irish title for which is leabAp defuncto, de quo actum est I Maii." Seep,
lomann. 3. It is sufficiently plain, that the entiy
1* "Obiit apud Ardbrechain in Midia refers to St Ultan, Abbot of Ardbraccan.
pridie Nonas Septembris anno salutis 77 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
dclv., aliis DCLVi." — Sir James Ware, " De 234, 235.
Scriptoribus Hibemiae," lib. i., cap. iii., ?8 In a note by Dr. Todd, he remarks at
p. 23. this notice: "The word eappcop, bishop,
73 Colgan has his death at a.d. 656, or is inserted by the more recent hand, and the
657. See " Trias Thaumaturga," Prsefacio word ' Episcopus Midensis ' is written in the
ad Lectorem, p. 515. margin." Ardbraccan is now united in the
73 So state ths O'CIerys. diocese of Meath withsome other ancientsees.
7* Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four 79 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Masters," vol. I., pp. 268, 269, and note (d). Scottish Saints."
" See " The Books of Obits and Martyr- 8o Thus : "In Hibernia Natale Sancti
ology of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Presbyteri et Confessoris Ultani admirande
Trinity," edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite vitae ac sanclitatis viri." — Ibid., p. 23.
and Rev. James Henthorn Todd, p. 153. 8l A MS. in T.C.D., classed B, 3, 1, con-
76 See " Acta Sanctorum Septembris," tains at September the 4th, Nones ii. Ultain,
tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. Among Epis.et. Conf. ix. Lect. A MS. in T.C.D.,
the pretermitted Feasts. It seems strange — classed B, 3,12, contains at September the
especially after the entry which follows at 4th, Nones ii., Ultain, Archiepis. et Primas
the end of next column— that the editors Hiberniae, ix. Lect.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 91
name, exist in the County of Meath.82 Long after St. Ultan's time, a.d.
784, we read of a Translation of his relics at Ardbraccan.8* The monastery
and its abbots appear in our annals ; but the ravages of the Danes are often
recorded, during the ninth, tenth and eleventh centuries. At length, the
abbey of Ardbraccan fell into dissolution, and the town into obscurity, after
the English Invasion.8* However, although denuded of all ancient
buildings, which in rimes past had their own religious interest and beauty ;
still survive the memorials of St. Ultan's charitable labours for the orphan
children and the poor, united with the graces of literary endowment, and
reverence for those who were renowned as saints in the earlier eras of
Christianity.
Article II. — Translation of St. Cuthbert's Relics. We are told
that in the Sarum, York and Durham Kalendars, at this date, the com-
memoration of a feast was held for a Translation of St. Cuthbert's relics.1
We find, that on this day, also, in the Irish Church a festival was kept to
honour that Translation, made by order of Bishop Aldhune, a.d. 999. 2 For
a fuller account of the original transfer, we are referred to Simeon of Durham,
and to Mabillon. The holy founder of Lindisfame had a heavenly
prescience, that after his death, England should be over-run with a host of
invading infidels; and, before his death, he took care to admonish his
disciples, that when such calamity should be imminent, to chose some other
abode, and to fly from their ravages. They were also to take his remains
with them, and to seek some safer place for their repose. None of those
monks survived, to witness the fulfilment of that tradition in such scenes of
depredation ; and, as we have already narrated,3 over one hundred years
passed away after his death, before the Danish pirates made their inroads on
the coasts of England. Towards the close of the eighth century, the exposed
situation of Lindisfame recalled St. Cuthbert's monition to the memory of its
inmates. In the year 793,4 the Danes made their first descent on that island,
when the monastery was plundered, and almost totally destroyed. s The
treasures of the church were borne away, and many of the monks were slain,
while others were made captives.6 Such of the religious as escaped to the
main shore returned again to the island, and set about repairing those
damages. The bishops and other pious persons afterwards re-edified and
restored the monastery, which flourished until the year 867.7 In 875,
North umbria was dreadfully infested with the Danish pirates ; while the
churches and monasteries were especially devoted to destruction. Then
Eardulph, the Bishop of Lindisfame, who led a community life, Eadred the
abbot, and the community of monks, resolved upon leaving their place, and
8a See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of 3 See the Life of St. Cuthbert, Bishop of
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap. Lindisfame, at the 20th March, in the Third
vii., p. 52. Volume of this work, Art. i., chap. iv.
83 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- 4 On the seventh of the Ides of June,
cum," p. 511. s See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
84 See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of Benedicti," tomus ii., lib. xxvi., sect, xxiv.,
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap. p. 308.
vii., pp. 53, 54. 6 This was doubtless to obtain sums of
Article 11. — * See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's money for their ransom. Symeon Dunel-
" Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., September mensis gives an account of this depredation,
4th, p. 50. and of the vistole judgments, which after-
2 See Rev. John Lingard's " Antiquities wards befel the spoilers,
of the Anglo-Saxon Church," chap, viii., n. 7 See Walter Scott's " Border Antiquities
44, p. 163. of England and Scotland," vol. ii., p. 144.
92
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
on carrying with them the sacred depository of the founder's relics, before
which so many and such great miracles had been wrought. In the meantime,
coming to the Island of Lindisfarne, the barbarous Danes again burned down
the church and monastery, leaving the ruins in that wrecked condition in
which they are now presented to us.8 Still are they venerable monuments
of the grand Irish-Romanesque style of the eighth and ninth centuries ;° and
those ruins left a model for the still more majestic and glorious edifice of
Durham Cathedral. The monks wandered as did the Jews of old in the
Castle and Priory Ruins of Lindisfarne.
desert, with the Ark of the Covenant, and for seven years they had no secure
rest for St. Cuthbert's bones. Having ranged throughout all that country to
escape from the hands of their savage enemies, and being quite spent with
fatigue, Eandulf and Eadred resolved to pass over into Ireland, which even
at this time had become a prey to the Scandinavian invasions. At the mouth
of the River Derwent.they embarked, but a prodigious storm arising, they
were obliged to return to the port they had left. This was deemed a Divine
monition, which they were obliged to obey ; and accordingly, it was deter-
mined to remain in England.10 For want of food and other necessaries,
8 In the Fourth Volume of Sir William
Dugdale's *■* Monasticon Anglicanum," there
is a fine copperplate engraving of the ruined
abbey on Lindisfarne Island, with a view of
the ruined castle on its steep crag seen
through the arch in the distance. See p.
687.
9 Already have we furnished an illustration
of the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, in the
Third Volume of this work, at the 13th day
of March, under our notices of St. Gerald or
Garalt, Abbot of Eliterid and Bishop of
Mayo, Art. iii. ; but, the accompanying
illustration presents another view of the
remnants of that Priory, with the isolated
castle on the steep, out at sea, and in the
distance. Copied from an approved original,
it has been reduced, drawn on the wood,
and engraved by Gregor Grey.
10 According to William of Malmesbury,
after this failure to reach Ireland, St. Cuth-
body was honourably interred at
Ubbenford, now Norham, near the River
Tweed, where it lay for many years, until
the coming of King Ethelred. See "I)e
Gestis Pontificum Anglorum," lib. iii.,
sect. 129, p. 268. Edition of N. E. S. A.
Hamilton.
September 4.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 93
many of their followers then deserted them, so that none were left with St.
Cuthbert's remains but the bishop, the abbot, and seven other persons, who
had devoted themselves to his service. After they had shifted about for seven
years, and when Haldena, the Danish tyrant, had fled from the Tyne, the
body of St. Cuthbert was brought to the Monastery of Crec, where the
monks were lovingly received and hospitably entertained for four months."
At length, King Guthred was received as King at Oswiesdune, both by the
Danes and Northumbrians, and he gave protection to the monks. In 882,
the relics of St. Cuthbert rested at Cunecasestre or Conchester, a small town
a few miles from the Roman Wall, and now known as Chester upon the
street. There the Bishop's see continued for one hundred and thirteen
years. King Alfred and the Danish leader gave to that church all the land
lying between the Tyne and the Tees, with protection for a month to all
persons that fled to the saint's shrine.12 In 995, Bishop Aldune conveyed
St. Cuthbert's remains to Ripon for greater security from the Danes. Four
months afterwards, they were brought to Durham. Then a chapel had been
constructed on a grand elevation over the River Tyne, and a monastery had
been established near it, owing to the willing labour of the country people.
Like many of the ancient religious houses in those troublesome times, the
site was fortified as a protection against unscrupulous aggressors. In fine,
on the 4th of September, a.d. 999, Bishop Aldune had St. Cuthbert's remains
encased in a shrine, and there they were solemnly exposed for the veneration
of pious pilgrims. The Bollandists have an entry of the translation of St.
Cuthbert's relics at the 4th of September,^ as found in many ancient
Martyrologies. On the annual recurrence of this anniversary, we find it
called the Feast of the Translation of St. Cuthbert x* in various Irish
Kalendars. In the Annals of the Cistercian Monks, its commemoration
is likewise recorded.15 In the Irish Church, to celebrate this event, an
office had been instituted.16 It was comprised in Nine Lessons.1? It
would seem, however, to have been introduced into our Island by the Anglo-
Normans.18 In the Scottish Kalendars,'9 this Festival of the Translation
of St. Cuthbert's relics, is to be found, and with a concurrence that shows it
to have been one of particular devotion. Thus, at the 4th of September, it
occurs in the Kalendars of Hyrdmanistoun,20 of Culenros,21 of Arbuthnott,22
of the Aberdeen Breviary,23 and of Thomas Dempster.^
11 See Sir William DugdaleVMonasticon latio Sancti Cuthberti, ix. Lect.
Anglicanum," &c., edition of John Caley, l8 In T.C.D., a MS., classed B, 3, 18, 19
Esq., Henry Ellis, LL.B., and Rev. Bulkeley (the Sarum Breviary, England), records at
Bandinel, M.A., vol. i., pp. 221, 222. Nones ii. September(Septeniber 4th),Trans-
12 See Rev. S. Baring Gould's "Lives of latio S. Cuthberti, Lect. iii.
the Saints," vol. ix., September 4U1, p. 51. I9 See "Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
13 See "Acta Sanctorum Septembris," Scottish Saints."
tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. Among 20 Thus : "Translatio Sancti Cuthberti
the pretermitted Feasts, p. 2. Episcopi." — Ibid., p. 45.
14 In T.C.D. a MS. classed B, 3, 9, records 2I Thus : " Translatio Sancti Cuthberti."
at September 4th, Nonas ii., Visitatio Sancti — Ibid. p. 61.
Cuthberti Epis. et Conf. aa Thus : "Translatio Sancti Cuthberti
*S The Translation of St, Cuthbert there Episcopi. "—Ibid. , p. 104.
occurs, at the 4th of September, p. 398. 23 Thus : " Translations Cuthberti Epis-
16 At September the 4th, Nones ii., copi et Confessoris, ix. Lect. nisi factum
Translatio Sancti Cuthberti Episcopi et fuerit in quorundum." — Ibid., p. 120. The
Confessoris, ix. Lect., is found in the latter words we apprehend to mean, unless
Calendar list of the MS. Culdee Antiphon- the office interfere with one of a superior
arium of Armagh Metropolitan Church, and rite.
classed B.I.I., T.C.D. 24See " Menologium Scoticum," where we
* A MS. in T.C.D., classed B, 3,13, con- read : " Dunelmice Cuthberti praesulis,
tains at September the 4th, Nones ii., Trans- monachi Maelrosiensis. M A."— Ibid., p. 210.
94
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
Article III. — St. Ness, Nessa, or Munessa, of Ernaidh, said to
have been Urney, in the County of Tyrone. [Fifth Century.] Those,
who treat about the bountiful designs of the Almighty in reference to the
present holy virgin, have remarked, that she was possessed with the graces
of the Holy Spirit, through the virtues which are innate in a good disposi-
tion; and from the divers species of all created things, she understood the
Creator ;J and He being thus understood, she loved Him with all her heart,
and with all her soul. For the love and desire of such affection, she looked
down with disregard on all the riches, the delights, the splendours, and the
charms of this world's glory, while she despised them in her heart. At this
date there is a brief notice of St. Monessa, Virgin, in Rev. S, Baring-
Gould's " Lives of the Saints."2 In the opinion of Colgan, this was the
holy virgin mentioned in the various lives of St. Patrick, as having been
bora in Britain of royal parentage.3 The Bollandists have acts of St.
Munessa or Monessa, Virgin, at the 4th day of September.* Those acts are
chiefly extracted from the various Lives of St. Patrick, as published by
Colgan. There is a prefixed commentary.5- They had also a Manuscript6
formerly sent by the Jesuit Father Stephen White to Father Rosweyd, which
referred to St. Muneria or Munessa, daughter to a King of the Britons,
baptised by St. Patrick, and who died in Ireland. Munessa,? Momessa, or
Memessa,8 as she has been variedly called, was a noble and beautiful
damsel, said to have been the daughter of a prince, who reigned in a certain
part of Britain. By Probus she has been called Muneria.9 She is also
denominated Ness and Nessa. This virgin was of royal birth, and she is
generally supposed to have been the daughter of a British king.10 Without
telling us in what country the baptism of Memessa took place, Jocelyn
would fain make us believe, that St. Patrick went to Great Britain after his
mission had commenced." The saint's authority,12 however, is vastly
preferable to that of a writer, who in the same chapter has so many apparent
Article hi. — * Scotus and other theolo-
gians have taught, that from the promptings
of the natural law and reason, God may be
known and loved by the human creature,
not, however, with a love to ensure salva-
tion. In the case of the present holy virgin,
said to have known God through the natural
law, yet the concurrence ofDivine Grace
assisting her is not excluded in the words of
the writer of St. Patrick's Third Life, where
he writes, "per illas creaturas cognovit
Creatorem earum, et per auxilium Sancti
Spiritus."
* See vol. ix., September 4, pp. 47, 48.
3 See " Trias Thaumaturga," Tertia Vita
S. Patricii, cap. Ixxviii., and nn. 74, 75, pp.
27, 34. QuaitaVitaS. Patricii, cnp. lxxxviii.,
p. 46.
4 See "Acta Sanctorum Septembris,"
tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. De S.
Munessa seu Monessa, Virg. in Hibernia,
pp. 225 to 228. Edited by Father Con-
stantine Suysken.
s In eight paragraphs.
6 Marked with this title *J« MS. 167, D.
Nomina Sanctarum Faminarum quarumdam
ex Prosapia Regum Scotorum Hibernia;.
7 1 hus is this pious virgin called in
Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," by the
author of Tertia Vita S. Patricii, cap. Ixxviii.
p. 27. See also n. 74, p. 34, ibid.
8 Thus styled by Jocelyn. See Vita Sexta
S. Patricii, cap. clix., p. 100.
9 See Probus or Quinta Vita S. Patricii,
lib. ii., cap. xxv., p. 59. Colgan states, that
this writer wrongly calls her Muneria, and
that Joceline is also incorrect in writing her
name Memessa. See n. 74, p. 34.
10 This is expressly stated in various Lives
of St. Patrick ; and owing to the context, in
which allusion is made to her, it may also
be inferred from the life by Probus.
11 See Colgan's ''Trias Thaumaturga,"
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. clix., p. ioo, and
cap. xcii., p. 86.
12 It is generally allowed, that St. Patrick
did not write his Confession, until he had
established his see at Armagh, and towards
the close of his life. In it, he declares, that
he would be afraid to be out of Ireland,
even for so short a time as should enable
him to visit his relatives, lest he should
disobey the commands of Christ our Lord,
who had ordered him to come among the
Irish, and to remain with them for the rest
of his life. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Eccle-
siastical History of Ireland," vol. i., cap. vii.,
sect. 1, p. 319.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
95
misstatements.1* In the Triparite Life of St. Patrick, it is said, that the
daughter of a British king — seemingly this Munessa or Muneria — came into
Ireland. She went to Kill-na-ningen, near Armagh, to be instructed by the
saint, x4 according to the same account. As the spring-time of her youth
made her beautiful, writes Jocelyn, and the elegance of her form made her
lovely, while in her countenance the lilies and the roses of the garden were
mingled together ; very many princes of royal lineage desired her in marriage.
However, in nowise could she be persuaded or compelled to give her consent.
She had early formed the desire of becoming a Christian. Yet, had she not
been washed in the holy font, though in her manners she represented the
purity of Christian faith. Her parents being Heathens, endeavoured with
words and with stripes, to frustrate her resolution ; but the firmness of her
virgin purpose being built on the rock of Christ, could neither be subverted
by their persuasions, nor by force. Nor could she, through any of their evil
doings, be moved from her fixed determination.1* Having a long time thus
vainly laboured, by united consent, her parents brought her to St. Patrick,'6
the fame ot whose holiness was proved and published through all that country,
by many signs and miracles. Then, they unfolded to him the purpose ol
their daughter, earnestly entreating him, that he would bring her to the sight
of that God, whom she so loved, and towards whom her heart had yearned.'7
The saint hearing this rejoiced in the Lord, giving thanks to Him, whose
13 As for instance, concerning thirty British
bishops who are said to have been in Ireland.
He also states the Isle of Man had been then
subject to Britain ; not to mention the fall of
Merlin, the magician, and other absurd
narratives. See Colgan's " Trias Thauma-
turga," Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. xc,
p. 86.
14 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap.
lxxiii., p. 163.
'5 The following account of the incidents
contained in the text varies considerably in
detail, yet referring apparently to the same
subject matter. "One time there came
nine daughters of the King of the Long-
bards, and the daughter of the King of
Britain, on a pilgrimage to Patrick ; they
stopped at the east side of Ard-Macha,
where Coll-na-ningean is to-day. There
came messengers from them to Patrick, to
know if they should proceed to him. Patrick
said to the messengers that three of the
maidens would go to heaven, and in that
place (i.e. Coll-na-ningean) their sepulchre
is. 'And let the other maidens go to
Druim-fenneda, and let one of them proceed
as far as that hill in the east.' And so it
was done. Cruimthir went afterwards, and
occupied Cengoba ; and Benen used to
carry fragments of food to her every night
from Patrick. And Patrick planted an
apple tree in Achadh-na-elti, which he took
from the fort, in the north of the place, i.e.
Cengoba ; and hence the place is called
Abhall- Patrick, in Cengoba. It was the
milk of this doe, moreover, that used to be
given to the lap-dog that was near the
maiden, i.e. Cruimthir." — Miss M. F.
Cusack'b " Life of St. Patrick, Apostle of
Ireland." William M. Hennessy's transla-
tion of the Irish Tripartite Life of St.
Patrick, part iii., pp. 485, 486. Coll-na-
ningean is rendered "the hazel tree of the
virgins," but the denomination is now obso-
lete. Druim-fenneda is rendered " the ridge
of the declivity," but the name is also obso-
lete. Cengoba is explained by the Rev.
Dr. Reeves as " the hill of grief ; " and he
states, that the tradition of the country con-
nected the memory of the nine pilgrim
virgins with Armagh Breague, in Upper
Fews. Somewhat similar to the foregoing
account is that in the Latin Tripartite Life,
as published by Colgan, part iii., chapters
lxxiii., lxxiv. In notes appended, he seems
to regard Cruimthir, or Crumtheris, as a
different person from the King of Britain's
daughter, Munessa.
16 Following the context of the Third
Life of St. Patrick, it may be supposed the
baptism of Munessa must have been per-
formed in Ireland. It is there stated, that
her parents, hearing about the great reputa-
tion of St. Patrick, brought her to him. See
Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Tertia Vita
S. Patricii, cap. lxxviii. , p. 27.
•7 The author of St. Patrick's Fourth Life
states, that nine daughters of a King of the
Lombards were received, with the daughter
of a King of Britain, at this time, and that
all were recommended by the Irish Apostle
to places where they might serve God for
the rest of their lives. See Colgan's "Trias
Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Patricii,
cap. lxxxviii., p. 46. Colgan thinks those
daughters of the King of Britain are pro-
bably not different from the daughters of
Enoch, venerated on the 9th of September.
See ibid., note 69, p. 50.
96 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 4.
breath doth blow even whither and how he listeth ; and who oftentimes calleth
to Himself, without any preaching, those whom he had predestined for eternal
life. Afterwards, having expounded to the damsel the rules of Christian Faith,
he catechised and baptised her, while confessing her belief in the true Faith.
He also strengthened her with the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ.
St. Ness, or Munessa, is classed among the holy virgins, who received the veil
from St. Patrick.18 The chief incidents of her life must be referred to between
the year 432, when St. Patrick came to open his mission in Ireland, and to
about the year 460, when he is thought to have departed this life, in the
opinion of Fathers Papebroke and Suyskens. The latter supposed, that the
baptism and reception of St. Munessa happened during the last five years of
the life of Ireland's great Apostle. J9 Having received the Holy Viaticum,
Munessa fell to the ground in the midst of her prayers, and breathed forth
her spirit. Thus she ascended from the font, spotless and washed from all
sin, led by angels to the sight of her fair and beautiful beloved. Then did
St. Patrick, and all who were present, glorify God. With honourable
sepulture, they committed Munessa's holy remains to the earth.20 The
various Lives of St. Patrick do not name the place of this interment, nor
where, in aftertime, the community of holy women was established, as he
had then predicted.21 Probus, or the author of the Apostle's Fifth Life, only
tells us, that in his own day, the memory of St. Muneria had been observed
in that same place,22 which appears to have been known to him by tradition.
The death of this holy virgin has been assigned to a.d. 450, in one of the
Manuscripts,23 sent by Father Stephen White 2* to Father Rosweyde. The
Martyrology of Donegal 2S states, that veneration was given at the 4th of
September, to Ness of Ernaidh. According to William M. Hennessy, this
place is to be identified with Urney, in the County of Tyrone.26 If the
present Munissa be identical with the King of Britain's daughter, who with
nine daughters of the Lombard King, lived or died at Coll-na-ningean, near
Armagh, or at another place, called Druim-Fennedha, the foregoing statement
of Mr. Hennessy cannot be admitted. Nor can the distinction between that
foregoing daughter of the British King and the present St. Munessa be
regarded as properly established. 27
Article IV. — St. Comhgall, of Both-Conais, County of Donegal.
^'eve?tth Century, ,] At the 4th of September, we find entered in the
18 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," in ipsa vetere Scotia seu Hiberniaaut mortui
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. sunt, aut post mortem eo translati. Ex
xxiii., p. 269. quorum plurimis pauciorum, qui sequuntur,
19 See "Acta Sanctorum Septembris," nomina nic (sell. Dilingen, as seams) ubi
tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. De S. dego, reperta dabo."
Munessa seu Monessa, Virg. in Hibernia. =•» Thus written: " Muneria, quae et Me-
Commentarius prrcvius, sect. 6, p. 226. messa virg<>, filia regis, baptisata a S-
:° See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Patricio, qui ejus aniinam in coelum ascen-
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. clix., p. 100. dentem viderat circa annum salutis CCCCL."
21 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum =5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Septembris," tomus ii. Die Quarta Sep- 2t,6 237,
tembris. De S. Munessa seu Monessa, =6 See where mention is made of this place,
Virg. in Hiberma. Commentanus proevius, at lhe IIth of February, as also at the 1st
sect 2, p. 226. and 3rd of August.
"See Colgan's 'Trias Thaumaturga,' «7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quinta Vita S. Patricii, lib. 11., cap. xxvi., Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap. lxxxviii., p. 46,
P- 59- and nn. 70, 71, p. 50, and Septima Vita S.
•3 Marked ^ MS. 167 F , and having the Patricii, lib. iii., cap. lxxiii., p. 163, and nn.
title: "Octavus Catalogus Sanctorum, qui 100, IOI, p. 187.
September 4 ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 97
Martyrology of Tallagh1 the name Comgall of Boith Conais,a as having been
venerated. He is said to have been the brother of St. Cele-Christ, or
Christicola, whose family and parentage have been already noticed in his
Acts, which occur at the 3rd of March. 3 It is said, he descended from the
race of Eoghan, son to Niall. This saint must have been born sometime
about, or after, the middle of the seventh century. We read, that his place
was situated in Glean Daoile, in Inis Eoghain,* or Inishowen, and it seems
likely that he was a native of that part of Ireland. Both-Chonais, mentioned
in our Annals in the middle of the ninth century and at a still later period,
is rendered into English by " Conas' booth," " tent," or " hut." At first,
Dr. O'Donovan thought — although the former name was obsolete — it must
have been Templemoyle, in the parish of Culdaff, and barony of Inishowen.5
But, he afterwards discovered better evidence 6 for correcting his opinion ;
and he states, it is obviously the old grave yard, in the townland of Binnion,?
parish of Clonmany, barony of Inishowen, and County of Donegal.8 This
saint is recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal,9 at the same date, as
Comhgall, son to Eochaidh, of Both-Conais. According to Rev. John Francis
Shearman, Cella Comgalli,10 or Kilcomgall, now Shankhill," in the County
of Dublin, was called after this saint,12 who was the patron, and perhaps its
founder.
Article V. — St. Cummein, Abbot of Drumsnat, County of Mona-
ghan. From what has been already stated at the istof this month, it seems
probable, that the present saint may be identified with St. Cuimmen, son of
Cuanna or Cuanach. The published Martyrology of Tallagh1 inserts a
festival at the the 4th of September, in honour of Comen, Abbot of Droma
Sneachta. That copy of it in the Book of Leinster contains a nearly similar
insertion.2 This place is probably identical with Drumsnat, in Farney.3
Fearnmhagh was the ancient name of this district. It is said to mean " the
Alder Plain ;" and, it was the old Irish denomination for the barony of Farney,
in the County of Monaghan.* The Martyrology of Donegal5 likewise
registers Cummein, as Abbot of Druim Sneachta, and at this date.
Article VI. — St. Senan. No account remains, whereby we may
determine the time in which this saint lived, the place he inhabited, or the
Article iv. — * In the copy contained in Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (q), p. 722.
the Book of Leinster, at this date, we find 9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Com^elli .1. Ooch ConAir\ 236, 237.
2 See edition of Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii. I0 So called in the "Concessio," dated
3 See an account of him at that date, in 1198.
the Third Volume of this work, Ait. iii. " Near Bray.
♦The Rev. Dr. Todd states in a note, " See " Loca Patriciana, " part x., p. 258.
that this inserted clause and identification Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr.
are added by a second hand in the O'Clerys' Kelly, p. xxxiii.
Manuscript. 2 In this form, Commein 4b "Orvomm
5 See "Annals of the Four Masters," SneccAi.
vol. i., n. (d), p. 483. 3 See the notices in the Eighth Volume of
6 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," this work, concerning St. Molua, at the 4th
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. day of August, Art. i., Life, chap, ii., and
iv., p. 231. nn. 15, 16, ibid.
7 Marked on the "Ordnance Survey Town- 4 See " Dr. O'Donovan 's "Annals of the
land Maps for the County of Donegal," Four Masters," vol. i., n. (x). p. 36.
sheets 3, 10. s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
8 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the 236, 237.
G
98 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. September 4.
rank to which he attained. This is unhappily the case regarding many other
Irish saints. A festival in honour of Senan appears in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 4th of September. Colgan omits the name
of this holy man, by passing over the same date,2 where he enumerates those
saints bearing the same name in our Irish Calendars. In the Martyrology
of Donegal,3 an identical diurnal entry is to be found.
Article VII. — St. Sarbile, Virgin of Fochart, County of Louth.
As Mary, mentioned in the Gospel, loved to sit at the feet of Jesus, so do
holy virgins desire that calm and rest, in which His voice is best heard
speaking to their hearts. We find set down in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1
at the 4th of September, that veneration was given to Sarbile, Virgin of
Fochairde, or Fochart, in the old district of Murtheimhne.2 This is now a
level country in the present County of Louth. It extends from the River
Boyne to the Mountains of Cuilgne, or Carlingford.3 The Martyrology of
Donegal* simply records the name Sarbile, of Fochard, at the same date.
This may have been the St. Orbilia, Virgin, whose Acts Colgan had intended
to produce at the present day, as we have gathered from the list of his
unpublished manuscripts.5
Article VIII. — St. Peneux. {Sixth Century.] In the sixth century
flourished a holy abbot, who is known in Bretagne, as St. Peneux,1 His
feast is assigned to June 4th, and to September 4th.
Article IX.— St. Aedhan Amlonn, possibly at Clontarf, County
of Dublin. The name, Aedhan Amlonn, is the simple entry found in the
Martyrology of Donegal,1 at the 4th of September. The Genealogic
Sanctilogy 2 records a saint of this name, belonging to St. Brigid's race, and
he is said to have been the son of Lugar, son to Ernin, son of Coel, son to
Aid, son of Sanius, son to Arturus Corb, son of Cairbre Niadh, son to Cormac,
son of ^Engus Menn, son of Eochadh Finn, son to Fethlimid Reachtmair,
King of Ireland. This saint was venerated at Cluain Tarbh — now possibly
Clontarf, County of Dublin— either on the 27th of August,3 or on the 4th of
September.*
Article vi. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. "Annals of The Four Musters," vol. i., n.
Kelly, p. xxxiii. It is also in that copy (u), p. 10.
contained in the Book of Leinster, thus, 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Senam. 236, 237.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," viii. s See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
Martii. Vita S. Senani, Appendix, cap. i., quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et
p. 541, {recU) 537. Dierum."
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article viil— ' His Acts are to be found
236, 237. So he is simply named Senan, in Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de la Bre-
in the Irish Ordnance Survey MS. copy of tagne," tome i., pp. 248 to 250.
this Calendar, p. 75. Article IX.— x Edited by Drs. Todd and
Article vn. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Reeves, pp. 236, 237.
Kelly, p. xxxiii. a Chap. xiv.
a In the copy of theTallaght Martyrology, 3 See notices of St. Aedhan or Aidan, at
found in the Book of Leinster, we read that day, in the Eighth Volume of this work,
Sainbile Uin. £och<yirvoe muin. Art. iii.
3 Dundalk, Louth, Druimiskin, Faughard * See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
and Monasterboice are mentioned as having Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidae, cap. 3,
been in this place. See Dr. O'Donovan's p. 613.
September 4.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 99
Article X.— St. Failbhe. In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1
at the 4th of September, there is a Feast for Failbe Mac Ronain, of Cluain
Airbelaig.2 We have already seen, that in the Martyrology of Donegal, 3 this
saint's feast occurs on the 1st day of this month j and again at the 4th, there
is a festival for Failbhe. Some mistake or misplacement appears to have
occurred ; yet, perhaps, it may be, that this same saint had two different
festivals — one occurring on the 1st, and the other having been held on the
4th of September.
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Erentrudis, or Erentrude,
Abbess of Salzburg. In the Martyrology of Greven, and also in one
belonging to the Church of St. Martin in Treves, there is commemoration of
St. Herentrude, Virgin, at the 4th of September. In their notice of this entry,
the Bollandists state,1 that if she be identical with St. Erentrude, or Erendrude,
Abbess, and whose Translation had been recorded on the previous day, the
reader may consult her Acts, at the 30th of June, which was her chief festival.
At the same day, an account of her will be found in this work.2
Article XII.— St. Fiachrach. In that copy of the Martyrology of
Tallagh, to be found in the Book of Leinster, there is the simple entry of
Fiachruch,1 at this date. This name is omitted, however, in the published
copy.* Moreover, Fiachrach, without any further designation, is set down in
the Martyrology of Donegal,* at the 4th of September.
Article XIII. — Reputed Commemoration or Canonization of St.
Swibert, or Suitbert, Bishop and Apostle of the Frisons and of the
Boructuarians. The supposed Canonization of St. Swibert, or Suitbert,
Bishop of Verden, is placed by Greven, at the 4th of September.1 However,
it is called the commemoration — and by a better title — in the German
Martyrology of Canisius. Allusion is made to this reputed Feast, by the
Bollandists, at this date.2 The Life of St. Swibert, or Suitbert, has been
already given, at the 1st of March, 3 the day for his chief Festival.
Article XIV. — Reputed Feast of St. Veran, Confessor, at Rheims,
France. \ Sixth Century]. Already have we mentioned Veran as one of
the holy brothers, that accompanied St. Gibrian1 from Ireland, when he went
Article x. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, taken place, in the year 803 ; Pope Leo III.
p. xxxiii. being Pontiff, and in the presence of Charle-
2 Also in that copy contained in the Book magne, according to Wion, Dorgan and
of Leinster is the entry of polbe niAc Konin, Menard. This relation, however, is proved
■ at this date. to be apocryphal, by the Bollandists, as may
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. be seen in the commentary prefixed to the
236» 237- Life of St. Luger, first Bishop of Minister,
Article xi.— x See "Acta Sanctorum in Westphalia, at the 26th day of March,
Septembris," tomus ii. Among the preter- sect. 7, 8.
mittcd saints, p. 3. 2 See "Acta Sanctorum Septembris."
2 See the Sixth Volume, Art. i. tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. Among
Article xii. — « Thus : pAchraicri the pretermitted Feasts, p. 2.
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly. 3 See the Third Volume of this work, Art. ii.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article xiv. — l See his Life, at the 8th
236, 237. of May, in the Fifth Volume of this work,
Article xiil— « This is stated to have Art. ii.
ioo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 5.
to preach the Gospel in France. He was buried at a village called Matusgum,
and there his relics were greatly venerated.2 According to Camerarius,3 he
had a Feast, on the 4th of September, as the Bollandists observe, at this same
day.* However, his festival is placed, at the 3rd of December, by Ferrarius
and Saussay.
Article XV. — Reputed Festival of St. Anatolius, Bishop of
Salins, France. According to Ferrarius,1 the memory of St. Anatolius was
observed in the Diocese of Besangon, in France, on the 4th of September.2
We have already treated about him, at the 3rd of February, the day for his
chief Feast.3
jftftf) 2Bap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. ALTO, FOUNDER AND ABBOT OF ALTMUNSTER. IN
BAVARIA.
[EIGHTH CENTURY.]
LIKE the sun, which sends forth many bright and burning rays to light
and warm the land and water of his most distant and subjective
planets, so as there to spread and spend their force ; so has Ireland, as a
centre of spiritual effulgence and vitality, despatched her missionaries through
the early Christian ages, to kindle and inflame the cold and unregenerate
souls of benighted heathens and sinful men, in countries far removed from
her own shores ; while that spirit has been preserved and extended in after
times, and even to our own day, in the multitude of holy men and women,
who have parted from their country and family ties, to diffuse glad tidings and
blessings in other climes, where their bodies now repose, and whence they
shall arise glorified on the Day of General Judgment.
Already, at the 9th day of February, a Feast of St. Alto, Bishop and
Founder of Altmunster, in Bavaria, has been commemorated in the Second
Volume of this work,1 and there a reference for fuller particulars regarding
him has been deferred to the 5th day of September. Again, we record at the
5th of August, some notices of festivals, referred by Thomas Dempster2 to
the 7th of February, as also to the 5th of August, together with a fabled
account of writings attributed to him.3 Nearly all the later accounts
regarding St. Alto have been taken from a Life, written in the tenth century
by an anonymous author. The Acts of St. Alto, said to have existed in
2 A remarkable miracle, as already related, "Acta Sanctorum Septembris," tomus ii.
took place at his tomb, and it is likewise Die Quarta Septembris. Among the preter-
vecorded in Flodoard's " Historia Rhemen- mitted Saints, p. 2.
sis," lib. iv., cap. ix. 3 See the Second Volume of this work,
3 See at this date, in his work, " De Art. i.
Scotorum Pietate," lib. iii. Article i. — ' See Article xiii.
4 See "Acta Sanctorum Septembris," 2 See "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
tomus ii. Die Quarta Septembris. Among Scotorum," tomus i., lib. i., num. ii., pp. n,
the pretermitted Saints, p. 3. .12.
Article xv. — ■ In " Catalogus Generalis 3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Sanctorum." nia?," Februarii ix. De S. Altone Abbate.
2 The Bollandists notice this entry in n. 6, p. 302.
September 5.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS
Bavaria,* especially in Lessons of his office as Patron of Altmunster, were not
accessible to Colgan, who has compiled from other authorities illustrations
of his life, at the 9th of February.5 This holy /nan is found classed among
the Benedictine saints.6 His Acts are written, with previous observation, in
eleven paragraphs, 7 and illustrated with notes.8 It is there stated, that he
lived about the year 770. On the 5th of September, the Annals of the
Cistercian Monks, 9 and divers other chronicles, commemorate St. Alto. In
the "Antiquae Lectiones," Henricus Canisius has special reference to St.
Alto.10 The Bollandists11 have given his Acts,13 with a previous commentary,1'
at the 9th day of February, reputed to have been his principal feast. The
Petits Bollandistes I4 notice his festival, at this date, as a Scot venerated in
England ; although generally honoured in Germany, on the 9th of February.15
He is called a Scot, by all the German Martyrologists and Chroniclers,
and, therefore, reputed to have been an Irishman by birth, like many other
saints thus designated, at the period when he flourished. He was born in
Scotia, a little before or possibly soon after the commencement of the eighth
century; and, as the English Martyrology states, he descended from a noble
stock in that country. The anonymous writer of his Acts states, that his
name Alto, in the German language, has been derived from the circumstance
of his having been born of an ancient family ; so that his original Celtic name
— now unknown to us — may have been altogether a different one. However,
from earliest youth, he was accustomed to observe the Law of God, and to
meditate on it, both by day and night. The ancient records of Bavaria
relate, that like the ancient Patriarch Abraham, a voice from heaven came
to admonish him that he should leave his own country, and seek that. of the
Boii,16 over which Pepin, the King of the Franks, is. said to have ruled. x?
This celebrated man, having established a supremacy over Germany, began
his reign, a.d. 750, and having died on the 23rd of September, a.d. 768,18
he was succeeded by his still more celebrated son, Charles, better known as
Charlemagne.
For the scene of his future exercises, on arriving in Bavaria,10 St. Alto
sought a wood,20 near the present city of Augsburg.21 There, without
4 The anonymous writer of St. Alto's Life *3 In two sections, and in eleven para -
lived in the tenth century. See Mabillon's graphs.
"Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii., I4 See "Les Vies des Saints," tome x.,
lib. xxi., num. Ixxvii., p. 122. Jour v? de Septembre, p. 488.
s See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," l5 At this date, the Petits Bollandistes have
Februarii ix. De S. Altone Abbate Alto- noted : "En Baviere, Saint Alton, AbbeV' —
Monasterii in Bavaria, pp. 301, 302. Ibid, tome ii., Jour ix, de Fevrier, p. 404.
6 See "Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene- l6 " Ita cordi mere Numine semper Boii."
dicti," seculum iii. Pars ii. Ab. A.D. 700 — Mattheus Rader's " Bavaria Sancta," lib.
to 800. Tomus iv. ii., p. 115.
7 See pp. 217 to 220. I? However, by some it has been supposed
8 They are headed, Vita Sancti Altonis that Alto arrived in Germany, before Pepin
Abbatis in Bajoaria Superiore, Auctore had commenced his reign there.
Monacho Altomonasteriensi Anonymo, sse- ,8 For the particulars of his reign, see
culo ix., ex num. 9 and II. Ex tomo 2. " The Modern Part of an Universal History,
Metrop. Salisb. et Februario Bollandiano. from the earliest Accounts to the present
9 See this work, at the 5th of September, Time," vol. xix. The History of France,
p. 408. chap, lxviii., sect, ii., pp. 274 to 286, London,
10 See vol. i., pp. 181 and 183. 1782, 8vo.
11 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. I9 The anonymous writer of St. Alto's Life
Februarii ix. De S. Altone Abbate in states, that this province was " infra Austra
Bavaria Superiore, pp. 358 to 361. lem plagam Germanise positam."
12 From the Life, by an anonymous writer, 20 " Ubi syluam ingressus pari fere in-
who lived over 600 years before their time. teruallo Augusta Vindelicorum et Monachio
It is in eleven paragraphs, with notes. distantem, propriorem tamen Augusts, et ad
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 5.
requiring any thing from others, he laboured to supply the necessaries of
life with his own hands.22 His spirit of disinterestedness and piety caused
him to be greatly reverenced by the inhabitants. The religious, also, felt a
great interest regarding the objects he had in view, and failed not often to
visit and assist him. Alto had embraced an eremitical life, and lived as a
pilgrim near a fountain.^ This he is said to have miraculously produced
from the earth.2*
It is stated ,2s that moved with the fame of his sanctity, King Pipin gave
him a great part of that forest, in which he dwelt. According to Mabillon,26
this was rather the gift of Charlemagne, and he places the coming of our saint
to Bavaria, under the year 743. Cutting down a great part of the trees,
Alto founded his church and monastery, some time about the middle of the
eighth century.2? To effect these works, the neighbouring inhabitants, who
admired the sanctity of his life, generously aided, and freely bestowed gifts.28
Alto soon collected around him a number of religious, and he became their
spiritual director. His religious ccenobium had the honour of being
consecrated, and his fountain was blessed,2? by the holy and illustrious
Archbishop St. Boniface,*0 the Apostle of Germany.*1 It is related, that he
had a Divine revelation to perform this religious ceremony. He desired,
moreover, to impose an obligation on St. Alto, that women should be
excluded the precincts of his church and monastery. To this our saint
objected, and offered such reasons as induced St. Boniface to yield assent
to his prayer ; although he interdicted women from all approach to the
holy well. This religious establishment took its name, Alt-munster,*2 from
the founder. Ferrarius has made this saint Abbot of Salzburg,33 but this
statement does not appear to be elsewhere substantiated.
The holy anchorite lived in the forest of Bavaria, and near his favourite
fountain, where now stands the monastery of Altmunster. Contemporaneous
or nearly such with St. Alto were many of the illustrious Irish missionaries,
that spread the Gospel throughout Germany, and among those are enumerated,
St. Boniface^ St. Virgil,3S St. Rupert^6 St. Erentrude,37 St. Trudbert,38 St.
sinistram Monachium petcnti, sitam." — Mat- 740 and 760. See " Annales Boicorum,"
thaeus Rader's "Bavaria Sancla," lib. ii., pars i., lib. v., num. 10.
p. 115. a8 The old writer of his Acts states, "ex
21 Formerly known as Augusta Vindeli- oblatione fidelium quotidie ad eum confluen-
corum. It is now the Capital of the Bava- tium substantia rerum victualium feliciter
rian circle of the Upper Danube. For a excrevisset, &c."— " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis
historical and descriptive account of this S. Benedicti," tomus iv., pars ii., p. 218.
city, the reader is referred to the '* Penny 29 According to the English Marty tology
Cyclopaedia " of Charles Knight, vol. iii., and Rader.
pp. 86, 87. 30 See his Life, at the 5th of June, in the
22 See '* Acta Sanctorum Ordinis Sancti Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
Benedicti," tomus iv., pars ii. Vita Sancti 3I " Basilicam dedicaturus Bonifacius, earn
Altonis, num. 1, p. 218. more solito feminis interdictam volebat : at
23 According to Wiguleus Hundius, in repugnanti Altoni, assensit ea conditione,
" Metropolis Salisburgensis,'' p. 185. ut ad fontem quemdam basilicas proximum
24 In Rader's " Bavaria Sancta," tomus i., nulli mulieri accedere liceret."— Mabillon's
there is a picture of St. Alto, and the follow- " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii.,
ing distich announces the manner, in which lib. xxi., num. lxxvii., p. 122.
the miracle had been wrought : — 3* Rendered Alto's Monastery.
» Cui pulsata pedo sitienti praebuit vndam nf ^Ju^K!?. GeneraHS Sanct0rum'"
Etfluxit largo flumine dura silex." at the 9th of February.
s 34 Apostle of Germany, and whose feast is
2s By Rader. held on the 5th of June.
26 See "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," 3S Bishop of Saltzburgh, venerated at the
tomus ii., lib. xxi., num. lxxvii., p. 122. 27th of November.
27 According to Andreas Brunner, this 36 Venerated at the 27th of March,
foundation was effected between the years 37 Venerated at the 30th of June.
Septkmber 5.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 103
Vitalis,39 St. Cuniald,40 St. Gizilar,<n St. Marianus and St. Anianus,*2 St.
Erard,« St. Albert," St. Martinus and St. Declan.*5 It is probable, that with
several of the foregoing, St. Alto had been linked in bonds of Christian
brotherhood/6 At Altmunster he resided, and he became illustrious for the
miracles there wrought.*? Many of these were committed to writing at an
early period, but they had been taken away furtively, so that the anonymous
writer of his Acts in the tenth century remarks, his readers should not
wonder if so few of the saint's miracles were unrecorded in his own tract.
According to the English Martyrology, Alto is thought to have died, about
the year of Christ, 760. In Altmunster, and in Frisingen, St. Alto is
honoured with a public office, on the 9th of February. This is supposed to
have been the day of his dying upon earth/8 to be born in heaven/s One
of the chief benefactors of St. Alto's foundation is said to have been Etico,
Count of the Licatii,50 a tribe of the Vindelici, dwelling on the River Licias
or Licus,51 from which their name has been derived.52 There he is said to
have placed a community of religious men. He flourished about one
hundred years after the time of St. Alto, and he was brother to Judith, the
wife of Louis the Pious, King of France.
During the lapse of time, the rapine of various dynasts brought ruin on
the foundation of St. Alto, which was nearly destroyed, until Guelph,s3 Duke
of Bavaria, restored it once more,5* and brought a colony of Benedictine
religious to settle there.55 Again, the buildings fell into decay, when in the
year 1487, George, Duke of Bavaria, rebuilt the establishment, and introduced
a community of nuns, who observed the strict rule of St. Brigid.56 The
anonymous list of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullevan Beare records Alpho,
at the 5th of September. Also in the " Menologium Scoticum " of Thomas
Dempster, this festival is entered.5? It has been conjectured, that this must
38 His feast occurs on the 27th of April. s3 Also called Welf, or Welpho, from the
39 Venerated on the 20th or 24th of Octo- Teutonic word Welf, rendered into Latin by
ber. the word " Catulus," and pronounced by the
40 Venerated at Saltzburgh, on the 24th of Belgians Welp, or Wulp. Various opinions
September. have been held regarding the origin of that
41 Venerated at Saltzburgh, on the 24th of name. In later ages, the Guelphs sustained
September. the rights of the Apostolic See in Italy,
42 Venerated on the 24th of November. against the powerful faction of the Gibel
43 Venerated on the 8th of January. lines. Weingarten has written a work, " De
44 Venerated on the 8th of January. Guelfis Principibus. "
4s Venerated on the 1st of December. 54 A curious tradition is given by the
46 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- anonymous writer of our Saint's Acts regard-
nise," Februarii ix. De S. Altone Abbate ing the apparition of Alto to enforce the
Alto-Monasterii in Bavaria," and nn. 3, 4, necessity for this restoration.
5, pp. 301, 302. 5S Mabillon states : ** Direptum a quodam
4? This account, Rader obtained from the Alamannise seu Sueviae comite monasterium,
monastery itself. See " Bavaria Sancta," seculo decimo instauratum est, traditumque
lib. ii., p. 115. aliquanto post tempore Altorfiensibus sancti-
48 It is noted in the dyptics of Altmunster, monialibus Benedictinis, quae coenobium
according to Rader. suum. Alto-monasteriensibus monachis ces-
49 See Bishop Challoner's " Brittania serunt Altorfio deinde in paraecialem
Sancta," part ii., pp. 1 19, 120. ecclesiam commutato, Altorfienses in no-
s° Pliny calls them Licates, and enumerates vum Weingartense Monasterium translati :
them among the Alpine tribes subdued by ac demum saeculo quinto-decimo Altonis
Augustus. See "HistoriaNaturalis,"lib. iii., monasterium Brigittanis concessum est." —
cap. 24. "Annates Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii.,
s1 Now the River Lech. Strabo calls their lib. xxi., num. lxxvii., p. 122.
town Damasia, and he mentions them as 56 At the time when Rader wrote, that
being the most audacious of the Videlicean community was in a flourishing state. See
tribes. Lib. iv. "Bavaria Sancta," lib. ii., p. 115.
s2 See Dr. William Smith's " Dictionary of 57 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
Greek and Roman Geography," vol. ii.,p. 182. Scottish Saints," p. 210.
io4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 5.
have been a festival to commemorate some translation of his relics.*8 The
English Martyrology and Henry Fitzsimons, at this same date, enter a feast
for St. Altho.59 The Bollandists also notice this festival,60 in their great work.
Article II. — St. Faithleann, possibly of Innisfallen, County of
Kerry. At the 5th of September, the name of St. Faithleann occurs in the
Irish Calendars.1 The name Faithlenn Deochoin, or Deacon, without further
designation, appears in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,2 at 5th of
September.3 From this we can only infer, that he flourished, at an early
period. It has been suggested,* that he may be Faithlenn, Deacon, son to
[nnisfallen Oratory, Lower Lake of Killarney.
Aedh Domhain, of Munster, and sprung from the race of Core, son to
Lughaidh, son of Oilill Flannbeg, who was son of Fiacha Muilleathan, son to
Eoghan Mor, son of Oilill Olum. Yet, it would seem, the later calendarists
had some doubt regarding Faithleen having been correctly identified as
Deacon, son of Aedh Damhain. Inis-Faithlenn,s now known as Innisfallen,
on the Lower Lake of Killarney, is thought to have been named from him.6
There are still the remains of an ancient oratory 1 to be seen on the margin
58 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," Februarii ix. De S. Altone Abbate
Alto-Monasterii in Bavaria, n. 8, p. 302.
59 See O'Sullevan Beare's " Historic Catho-
licse Ibemiae Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
cap. xi., xii., pp. 50, 52.
°° See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
tembris v. Among the pretermitted feasts,
p. 486.
Article ii.-— 1 At this date, his feast is set
down in a MS. Calendar of Professor Eugene
O'Curry.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
3 In that copy contained in the Book of
Leinster is found £41 ch lean 'Oechoin.
4 By the O'Clerys.
5 Pronounced Inish-Fah-len.
6 The reader is referred to what has been
already written regarding it, at the 7th of
April, in the Fourth Volume of this work,
Art. i., where the Acts of St. Finan, Patron
and Abbot of Kinnety, King's County, are
written, chap. ii.
7 With the Acts of St. Finan, there is an
illustration of the ancient oratory of Innis-
fallen given. From a different point of view,
September 5.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 105
of that beautiful and fertile island.8 In the beginning of the present century,
the ruins of an abbey, situated at the north-eastern extremity of Innisfallen,
were much more extensive. The church, which consisted of a single aisle,
was seventy feet in length, by twenty wide. The architecture of the cloister,
and what seemed to have been the apartments of the monks, were rude,
without sculptured ornaments, lofty arches or spacious windows. The
cloister was only thirty-eight feet square, and though its walls were very much
dilapidated, the limits of its covered walk and the apertures to the interior
area might be distinctly traced. 9 By a monk of this abbey, the Annals of
Innisfallen are said to have been written, about the year 1216. However,
there seems to be good reason for supposing, they had been commenced, at
least two centuries before that period ; and a tradition has always existed in
the South of Ireland, that a learned man, named Maelsuthain O'Cearbhaill,10
had originally composed those Annals.11 The Four Masters assign his death
to a.d. 1009. I2 The foundation of a religious house at Innisfallen is usually
attributed to St. Finan Lobhar,^ in the latter part of the sixth century. The
present saint is mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal ** as simply
Faithlenn, at the 5th day of September.
Article III. — St. Eolang, said to have been of Aghaboe, Queen's
County, yet probably of Aghabollogue, County of Cork. This holy
man must have lived during an early century of Christianity in the Irish
Church, since his name has been entered in the Calendar of Oengus, where
he is designated a "fair pillar " and a "victory of piety."1 The published
Martyrology of Tallagh2 mentions, and also the copy in the Book of Leinster,3
that, at the 5th of September, veneration was given to Eolang, of Achaid-bo.
This is the celebrated Aghaboe, a parish in the barony of Clarmallagh, and
in the southern part of the Queen's County. In the Martyrology of Donegal ,«
at the same date, he is recorded as Eolang, of Achadh-bo-Cainnigh, in
and taken from a photograph, Mr. Gregor the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish
Grey has drawn the present illustration on History," Lect. iv., p. 79,
the wood, also engraved by him. " At this year is entered : " Maelsuthain
8 Isaac Weld thus writes: "This little Ua Cearbhaill [one] of the family of Inis-
building has, within a few years, been fitted Faithleann, chief doctor of the western world
up as a place of entertainment,, under the in his time, and lord of Eoghanacht of Loch-
pompous appellation of the banqueting- Lein, died after a good life."— Dr. O'Dono-
house. The walls at the inside have been van's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii.,
smoothly plastered and whitened ; two p. 761.
modern bow- windows have been opened to 13 See his Life, already given at the 1 6th
the north and south, and the floor has been of March, in the Third Volume of this work,
boarded. One cannot but deplore the frivolity Art j There, likewise, may be found two
of that taste which has thus injudiciously diflferent views of the ruined oratory on Innis-
metamorphosed it. The changes which are fanen. See chap i
effected by time command our reverence and M ^^ , Drs Todd and ReeveSf pp.
dispose the soul to contemplation ; but those g _ J
discordant alterations of the works of ancient article III.—1 See " Transactions of the
days untune the mind and interrupt that R , Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
course of thought which the remains of anti- Se/ies yoL • t L Qn the Calendar of
quity are calculated to inspire. — " Illustra- Q b Whitley Stokes, LL.D.. p. cxxxvi.
tions of the Scenery of Killarney and the ThebSchoiiast m the Leabhar Breac adds,
Surrounding Country, sect, ii., pp. 128, 129. that he belonged to Achad Bo, of Cainnech,
London, 1812, 8vo in Ossory. See ibid., p. cxliii.
4leltwa?d02S "Chronological - ' Edited by the Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii-
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish 3 Thus inserted, eoUn5 AcAvobo.
Writers," p. lxx. 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
11 See Professor O'Curry's " Lectures on 236, 237.
io6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 5.
Osraighe. The O'Clerys state, that he was descended from the race of
Conaire, son to Moghlamha, Monarch of Erin, according to the poem
beginning, "The Saint-History of the Saints of Inis Fail." After the entry
of this holy man's name in the last-mentioned calendar, a space is left, as if
to supply a notice of his ecclesiastical rank, when that might have been
better ascertained. However, such identification of his locality seems to be
more than doubtful, since Mr. William M. Hennessy states :s " There is a
Tober Eolang, near Aghabollogue,6 County of Cork, where Eolang' s name
is venerated at the 5th of September." In the table appended to the
Martyrology of Donegal, 7 this saint's name is Latinised Eulogius. Among
the abbots or religious of Aghaboe, as entered in the Irish Annals, the name
of Eolang does not occur.
Article IV. — St. Brecc-buaid or Bricin, said to have been ofTuaim-
Dreacain, now Toomregan, County of Cavan. In the Calendar of St.
^ngus,1 there is a commemoration of Brecc-buaid, who was called forth from
Ireland. It occurs at this date. A comment is found affixed,2 which very
fairly gives us to understand, that the scholiast had no precise knowledge
regarding the saint there recorded. It may be observed here — once for ail-
that the O'Clerys are too apt, in following the authority of this scribe, to
suppose that he is always reliable, and frequently they assume, that his
conjectures in notes on the Calendar of ^Engus may be resolved into state-
ments to be accepted. Accordingly, in the Martyrology of Donegal,3 we find
set down at the 5th of September, a festival in honour of Bricin. A space is
left there for an insertion , the compiler of the Calendar having been
uncertain whether Bricin should be classed as a bishop or as a priest/
It is remarkable, that in the Scottish Kalendar of Dru,mmond, he is
noticed as a Confessor, and belonging to Ireland. s According to the
calendarist, Bricin is said to have been of Tuaim Dreacain, in Breifne of
Connaught. But, immediately afterwards, he adds, it is in Breifne Ui
Raghallaigh.6 The place of this saint has been anglicised as Toomregan.
In the County of Cavan, there is a parish so called,? and a part of which
s In a MS. note to his copy of the Mar- 2 The Irish is thus rendered into English
tyrology of Donegal, lent to the writer. by Dr. Whitley Stokes : " Briccine of Tuaim
0 A parish in the Barony of East Mus- Drecoin, in Brefne of Connaught, I reckon,
kerry, in the West Riding of Cork. It is Or 'with Breccbuaid,' i.e., various victory,
described on the " Ordnance Survey Town- i c, men and women giving him victory,
land Maps for the County of Cork," sheets namely, in undergoing Martyrdom together
49, 60, 61, 71, 72. with him, for thai is a victory to him, since
^ Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, he it is that preached unto them God's
pp. 410,411. word." — Ibid., p. cxliii.
Article iv.— ' In that copy found in the 3 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
Leabhar Breac we find :— pp. 136, 137-
* Note by Rev. Dr. Todd.
La br*ecbu4it> ■oopiume 5 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
UorxogpAX) ahero Scottish Saints," p. 23.
eoUng caro cam Ai$e ° A note by Dr. Reeves states at Ui
dchATo bo buaiT> ler\i. Raghalliagh, "or East Breifne, as distin-
guished from bneipne 111 Uuai^c, or West
Thus iranslated by Whitley Stokes, LL.D. : Mreifne."
"With Breccbuaid, who was called forth 7 It lies within the barony of Lower
from Ireland, I reckon Eolang, holy, fair Loughouter, containing 2,256a. I r. 22p., and
pillar of Achad Bo, a victory of piety." — the barony of Tullyhaw, containing 5,221a.
"Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," or. 12/). See " Ordnance Survey Townland
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On Maps for the County of Cavan," sheets 9,
the Calendar of OZngu?, p. cxxxvi. 10, 14.
September 5.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 107
extends within the adjoining County of Fermanagh.8 Another conjectural
emendation for his locality, and reference to the designation Brecc-Buaid —
rendered ( various reward,'9 and applied to him — is given by the scholiast on
the Calendar of Oengus. So that Briccin seems to have been his real name.
According to the O'Clerys, this saint belonged to the race of Tadhg, son to
Cian, son of Oilill Olum. We cannot rely, however, on the accuracy of this
statement ; nor can we at all find materials, to disclose any reliable facts in
relation to him. Neither in the Martyrology of Tallagh, published by the
Rev. Dr. Matthew Kelly, nor in that contained in the Book of Leinster, is
there any entry of Brecc-buaid or Bricin, at this date. If we are to accept
the statement, that Brecc-buaid was called forth from Ireland ; perhaps he
was one of the many missionaries who left our country to spread the Gospel
in more distant lands. The names of numerous Irish saints are endeared to
grateful Catholic memories ; but, the record of a still greater number of
worthies is now wholly forgotten.
Article V. — St. Dubhscuile. At the 5th of September, veneration was
given, according to the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 to Duibsuile.
That copy in the Book of Leinster has the name written Duibscuili.2 The
Martyrology of Donegal, 3 at the same date, simply registers the name
Dubhscuile.
Article VI. — St. Elacha. A saint, named Elacha, is registered in the
published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at this date. In that copy contained in
the Book of Leinster, the name is written Elacho.2
Article VII. — St. Eolog, Anchoret. Even where certain names are
found unrecognised, the merits or genius of worthy persons who have perished
on earth, are still most likely to be registered in heaven. A festival in
honour of Eolog, an Anchoret, is found entered in the published Martyrology
of Tallagh,1 at this date, as distinct from Eolang of Achaidh-bo. The same
notice occurs in the copy of that calendar in the Book of Leinster.3 The
Kalendar of Drurnmond3 also enters a festival, at the 5th of June for a
Confessor Eulaig — probably identical with the present holy man.
Article VIII. — St. Indeacht, Deacon. In the Church of God, there
have been pious ministers and noble saints, who have even wrought wonderful
miracles ; yet, these have never been called to the trust of an episcopal
8 This portion of it is in the barony of Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr, Kelly,
Knockninny, and it contains 3,200a. 27.30/. p. xxxiii-
See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for 2 Thus, Otnbfctnli.
the County Fermanagh," sheets, 38, 41. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
9 The note in Irish is thus translated : 236. 237.
" *.<?., folk of every age he brought to Christ, Article vl— * Edited by the Rev. Dr.
or he won a victory from divers champions, Kelly, p. xxxiii.
i.e. , Briccin of Disert, Briccin in Ui-Drona, or 2 Thus, et&c ho.
Briccin of Tuaim-Drecain, in Brefne of Article vii.-' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Connaught." — "Transactions of the Royal Kelly, p. xxxiii.
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, 2 Thus, elog -Anchor*.
vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of CEngus. 3 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot-
By Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxliii- tish Saints," p. 23.
io8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September
station, nor have they even attained the grade of sacerdotal rank. We find,
in the Martyrology of Donegal,1 the name of Indeacht, Deacon, recorded at
the 5th of September. More regarding him is not known.
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Ultan. In the Townland and
Parish of Killanny,1 County of Louth, the patron saint is known as Ultan,
whose feast falls on the 5th of September. By the inhabitants of the place2
it is called Ultan's Day.3 There is also a welH named after him. Most
probably, the saint here venerated is not distinct from St. Ultan of Ardbraccan,
about whom we have treated on the day preceding.*
*fjrtb 2>ap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. BEGA OR BEES, VIRGIN, OF COPELAND, ENGLAND.
[SEVENTH CENTURY.}
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION— WRITERS OF ST. BEGA's ACTS— HER BIRTH IN IRELAND AND REPUTED
PARENTAGE— HER VIRTUES DURING THE PERIOD OF YOUTH— SHE DECLINES A
PROPOSED MARRIAGE— ABANDONS HOME AND FRIENDS TO LIVE A RELIGIOUS LIFE
IN ANGLIA — SETTLES ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF CUMBERLAND— DESCRIPTION OF
ST. BEES — THE MIRACLES OF ST. BEGA AND HER MANNER OF LIFE WHILE THERE —
SHE RECEIVES THE HABIT AND VEIL FROM ST. AIDAN-SHE FOUNDS A CONVENT AT
HERIETSEU, OR HERUTEU, AND GATHERS A RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY AROUND HER.
IT is much to be regretted, that obscurities and uncertainties have involved
the few early records, regarding St. Bega or Bees, in the Manuscript
Lives and Acts of this holy woman, which are still extant.1 In his Ecclesias-
tical History, the Venerable Bede is supposed to have called her by the
name of Heiu.2 Again, the various forms of name Bega, Beda, Vega, Heyna,
Heiu, and Hieu are supposed by some 3 to stand for this holy virgin ; while
Article viii. — l Edited by Drs. Todd S. Begse, Virginis, in Provincia Northum-
and Reeves, pp. 236, 237. broruni, M.S. Cott. Faust. B. iv. ff. 122-131,
Article ix. — 1 The townland and a por- veil., small folio, dbl. cols. xii. cent,
tion of the palish are noted on the "Ord- MiraculaS. Begae, Virginis. — Ibid., ff. 131 to
nance Survey Townland Maps for the 138^.
County of Louth," sheet 10. The greater a See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
part of this parish is within the Barony of Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. xxiii.
Farney, County of Monaghan, and it is 3 Among these maybe mentioned R. P.
shown on the M Ordnance Survey Townland Michaelis Alfordus (alias Griffith, an English
Maps for the County of Monaghan," sheets Jesuit, writing under that assumed name),
31, 32, 34. M Fides Regia Brilannica, siv6 Annales
1 See Thomas O'Conor's Letter, dated Ecclesia; Britannicae," in Annalibus Anglo-
Louth, Feb. 12th, 1836, in the County of Saxonicis, tomus ii., p. 294. lie argues, that
Louth Antiquarian Letters of the Irish to the Virgin Heyna — by Rede called Heiu,
Ordnance Survey, vol. i., p. 253. and by others more commonly Bega — are
3 In Irish written L& I UlcAin. attributed coincidences of historic incidents,
4 In Irish it is written Cobar\ Ulcam. even although different festival days be
s In the present volume, Art. i. assigned them in the English Martyrology.
Article l— • Thus do we find them The Bollandist editor of St. Bega's Acts
described by Sir Thomas Duffus Hardy : Vita adopts a like opinion.
September 6.1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
09
others hold the opinion, that those forms refer to more than a single individual.'*
To these denominations, also, Bishop Forbes s adds the names Begha,
Begagh and Bez.
St. Bega is commemorated in the Aberdeen Breviary,6 in the Anglican
Martyrology of John Wilson, 7 and by Thomas Dempster, in his Scottish
Menology.8 At the 6th of September, the Bollandists have published the
Acts of St. Bega, Abbess,^ taken from the Proper Lessons IO of the Breviary
of Aberdeen,11 in Scotland. To these they have prefixed a previous com-
mentary,12 and added notes. *3 She is also commemorated by Dean Cressy,14
by Mabillon/s and by Bishop Challoner.16 Some brief notices of her may be
found in the learned and valuable work of the Rev. Alban Butler.1? In the
First Volume of Lives of the English Saints, a Life of St. Bega is to be
found.18 At the 6th of September, in the Petits Bollandistes,1? there is a
commemoration of St. Beges, Bees, Vdgue or V£e, an Irish virgin. The Acts
of St. Bega, in English and Latin, have been published by G. C. Tomlinson,
F.S.A., at Carlisle, in 1842. 2° This is a very elegantly compiled work, and
of small compass. The English Life,21 a free version of the Latin Acts "
which follow, is annotated, with an Appendix closing the volume. The
ancient writer appears to have lived in the twelfth or thirteenth century, and
although too far removed in point of time from the age of St. Bega to have
had a very accurate account of biographical incidents regarding her,a3 still
the narrative he gives of miracles nearer his own era is made all the more
4 Among these is Castellanus, who in his
Universal Martyrology has a commemoration
at the 6th of September for St. Bega, an
Irish Virgin, and Patroness of the Kingdom
of Norway, near Egremond, in the County
of Cumberland, England ; while, at the
31st of October, he notices St. Bega, Virgin,
in the County of Northumberland, and in a
marginal note, he observes, that she is to be
distinguished from the St. Bega of Egre-
mond.
5 See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p.
278.
6 The lessons referring to our saint in this
Breviary are evidently taken from the Vita
S. Begse, contained in the Cottonian Manu-
script, Faust. B. iv.
7 Published a.d. 1608.
8 There he absurdly introduces a pure
fiction of his own, and writes, " Bega virginis
magnorum operum, quae Norvegiam labo-
ribus suis Christo lucrata dicitur, unde
Norvegia, quasi Norbegia." — Bishop Forbes'
"Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 210.
9 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
tembris vi. De Sancta Bega Abbatissa in
Cumbria, Anglise Provincia, pp. 694 to 700.
10 The I., 11., in., vii., viii., ix.
11 Printed in Edinburgh, A.D. 1509. In
it, at the 31st of October, an Office of Nine
Lessons, for St. Bega, Virgin, and St. Quin-
tin, Martyr, is proposed for recitation. The
three first, and three last, refer to St. Bega ;
the iv., V. and VI. relate to St. Quintin. To
this office is attached a prayer : " Deus, qui
cunctarum virginum castitatis es custos,
beatce virginis tuce Beghre precibus aures pro
nobis supplicantis tuas conferre dignare et
tibi fideliter servientibus omnem extingue
libidinis flammam. Per Dominum, &c.
12 In 2 sections, and 24 paragraphs.
13 The editor is Father Constantine Suys-
ken, SJ.
14 See " The Church-History of Brittany,"
part ii., book xv., chap xxi., p. 373.
js See "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
tomus i., lib. xiv., sect, xxxix., pp. 435, 436.
16 See " Memorials of Ancient British
Piety," pp. 125, 126.
*? See Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and
other principal Saints," vol. ix., September 6.
18 Written by Father Faber, in 1844, and
before his conversion to the Catholic faith.
19 See " Vies des Saints, " tome x., Jour vie
de Septembre, p. 529.
20 It is intituled, " The Life and Miracles
of Sancta Bega, Patroness of the Priory of
St. Bees, in the County of Cumberland."
Written by a Monkish Historian. To which
are appended a List of the St. Bees' Priors,
and some Explanatory Notes : by G. C.
Tomlinson, F.S.A., &c.,pp. i. toxii.,and I
to 80, small 8vo.
21 It is quoted afterwards as Tomlinson's
" Life and Miracles of Sancta Bega."
22 This has been taken from the Cottonian
Manuscript, Faust. B. iv., beginning folio
122 and ending folio 139. In the margin of
folio 124, there is a rude sketch of a female
bust, which is presumed to be intended for
a representation of St. Bega. This MS.
life is afterwards quoted as " Vita S. Begoe."
23 By some it has been thought that the
Legend of St. Bega has been composed from
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
interesting, because of the historic lights it affords regarding social manners
and customs now little known. Among those who have lately written
about St. Bega or St. Bees may be enumerated Bishop Challoner,2* Le
Comte de Montalembert,25 Rev. S. Baring-Gould,36 and the Rt. Rev. Patrick
F. Moran,2? D.D., Bishop of Ossory.28
This holy virgin, of a noble parentage,5^ was born in Ireland. 3° According
to the Legend of her life, St. Bega's father was a powerful king in Ireland.31
He excelled the kings his predecessors in riches and glory. He served
Christ, and therefore ruled the more happily. 32 His daughter Bega was
early instructed in Mysteries of the Christian Faith, and discreetly she lived
with a wisdom beyond her years. As she grew up, the more she increased in
holiness. She is said to have flourished about the middle of the seventh
century. From girlhood, Bega was remarkable for circumspection, being
pure in thought, word and action. Notwithstanding her high station, she
was humble, and imbued with a love for industry. She spent much time in
study of the sacred writings, and when this exercise was remitted, her hands
were exercised with the spindle and scissors, especially in weaving and
fashioning beautiful textile fabrics and ornaments for the Church. With
skilled and wonderful art, she interwove gems and gold through the sacred
vestments. Levity and childish sports she disdained ; a hatred of vice and
a love of virtue she sedulously cultivated ; contemning the world and its false
pleasures, altogether she was devoted to pious meditation and religious
practices. According to change of time and place, while living in a royal
palace, sometimes she was richly clothed, as her parents would have it,
although in true poverty of spirit, she wished for retirement from public gaze,
where she could best commune with Christ. But, above all the daughters of
that region in which she lived, Bega was beautiful in face and figure : so that
she was greatly admired by the sons of princes and chiefs — foreign as well as
native born — who desired to engage her in marriage, and who sent her
bracelets, ear-rings, rings, robes woven with gold, ornaments and precious
gifts. The poorer and middling class of people were likewise charmed
with her courtesy and affability, especially as her charities were chiefly
extended to them.
While Bega advanced in years, she meditated much on the law of the
Lord, and felt a most earnest resolve to lead a life of celibacy. She bound
herself by vow, that she would not contract the bonds of marriage with any
but her Heavenly Bridegroom. While determining thus, a man with comely
face and a venerable habit appeared standing before her, and he seemed to
know all her secret inclinations. He approved her design and highly
portions of the Lives of Various Saints, who mencement of the seventh century.
do not seem to be very dissimilar in name. 31 According to the " Annals of the Four
24 See " Britannia Sancta," part ii., p. Masters," the Monarch of Ireland, Suibhne
120. Meann, began to reign a.d. 6ii, and after a
25 See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome v., term of thirteen years, he was succeeded in
liv. xvii.,chap. i., sect, ii., pp. 262 to 267. the sovereignty by Domhnall, son of Aedh,
26 See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., son of Ainmire, a.d. 624, and he died A.D.
September 6, pp. 92 to 94. 639, after a reign of sixteen years. See Dr.
27 At present Cardinal Archbishop of O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp. 236 to 257.
Sydney, Australia. " This eulogy should favourably apply to
28 See " Irish Saints in Great Britain," King Domhnall, who is said to have received
chap, v., pp. 159 to 162. the Body of Christ every Sunday, and who,
29 According to the English Martyrology. after a year passed in mortal sickness, died
30 No clue to ascertain the exact year of St. " after the victory of penance." However,
Bees' birth remains ; but, it seems to have there are no Irish records left, that make
taken place a little before or at the com- him the father of Bega.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
commended her vow, admonishing her to clothe herself in a garment
reaching down to her ancles. To confirm and strengthen her vow of celibacy,
he discoursed with her on many subjects, and he gave her a bracelet,33 having
a sign of the holy cross clearly stamped on its surface. He then added :
M Receive this mark of favour, sent to thee by the Lord God, since thou
acknowledgest thyself to be ordained to His service, and that He has become
thy bridegroom. Place it, therefore, as a token upon thy heart, and upon
thine arm, that thou mayest admit no suitor but Him." Saying these words
he disappeare 1 j but whether that person was an angel, or whether he was
some saint, is held to be uncertain. Rendering manifold thanks, the virgin
did as she had been taught, and almost ever afterwards bore that bracelet.34
Not consulting her own inclinations, her parents had resolved on giving
her in marriage. A romantic story is told regarding a son of the King of
Norvvay,35 and an illustrious youth, who had heard of her beauty and
accomplishments. Having taken counsel with the nobles and friends of his
country, it was resolved, that messengers should be sent to her father's court
to ascertain the correctness of such reports, and if so, to interest themselves
in obtaining the king's and his daughter's consent for a marriage, which
should cement an union of hearts, with an alliance between their respective
nations. s6 Accordingly, they proceeded to Ireland, and soon found that fame
had not exaggerated the personal attractions and virtues of Bega.37 Her
father and his chieftains, on hearing the proposals made, judged favourably
of them, and sending back suitable royal presents, he invited the young
prince to visit Ireland in person. Having reported the successful commence-
ment of their embassy, the royal suitor had vessels and mariners soon ready
for the voyage. After a prosperous sail, they reached their destined port.
The visitors were hospitably received by the king and his council, and the
people had public rejoicings to welcome them. Soon after their arrival, a
banquet had been prepared, in advance of the negotiation relative to the
anticipated approaching nuptials. In accordance with the customs of that
age, the drinking cups passed round among the guests, and in a state of
ebriety, when the night was much spent, they all retired to rest.38
Meantime, the holy virgin was greatly disquieted and irresolute, as to how
she might escape from the projected marriage, and difficulties beset her on
every side. She knew not how to resist the wishes or command of her
father, nor how to escape the intended nuptials. Still placing her trust in
33 A somewhat similar incident is related time Harold Harrfagar united them under
of St. Germanus, when he met the youthful his sway. He was born about a.d. 853 or
St. Genevieve, passing by Nanterre, on his 854, and he lived to a.d. 931. There are said
journey to Britain. Foreseeing what she to have been no fixed points of history in the
would one day become, he blessed her, and North before his time. See "The Heims
presented a piece of brass money, on which kringla ; or Chronicle of the Kings of Nor-
he impressed a figure of the cross. He ad- way," translated from the Icelandic of Snorro
monished her to wear it continually, as a Sturleson, with a preliminary Dissertation,
memento of her religious engagement. by Samuel Laing, vol. i., Preliminary Dis-
" Sainte Genevieve Patrone de Paris se sertation, chap, ii., p. 74. London, 1844. 8vo.
faisoit gloire d'avoir eu notre Saint (scil. S. 36 No such incident is to be found in our
Germain) pour maitre." — " Histoire Lite- Irish Annals.
raire de la France," tome ii., p. 260. 3? In a.d. 620, about the period when
34 Having given this account contained in St. Bees had been sought in marriage by a
the text, the writer of her Latin acts states : Norwegian prince, Solvegia is said to have
" Sed tamen quod per armillam illam crebra reigned, and to have been succeeded by
miracula facta sint, et adhuc fiunt, satis est Eyskin Hardrade, A.D. 630.
compertum."— " Vita S. Begse," p. 48. 38 This whole account savours much of
35 Previous to a.d. 875, several petty that romance, with which several of the
sovereignties were in Norway, and at that saints' acts abound
ii2 LIVES OF 7 HE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
the Lord, she poured forth her soul in fervent prayer to the Son of God and
to the Virgin, that she would deign to preserve her chastity, through which
so many great saints had triumphed, and by which His own graces had been
magnified. Therefore to His blessed keeping she commended her virginity,
and sought His direction for her future guidance. In the silence of night,
and when all were asleep in her parental mansion, St. Bega had a heavenly
admonition, which urged her to seek in exile the destination to which she
had been called. She heard a voice from heaven, and it directed her to
leave her father's house, to go from kingdom to kingdom, and from Ireland
to Britain, where her days were to end, when she should be taken into the
fellowship of angels. It was added : " Arise, therefore, and take the
bracelet by which thou art pledged to me, and descending to the sea, thou
shalt find a ship ready prepared, and which shall transport thee into Britain. "39
She obeyed the Divine monition, and resolved to remove clandestinely
from her parents and their home. At that moment, not alone the inmates
of the castle were asleep, but even the outer guards who were appointed to
keep watch, and " the key of David, at the touch of the bracelet, opened all
the doors to the beautiful virgin going forth." Directing her course to the
seashore, and coming to a port, she found a ship destined for her departure.*0
St. Bega or Beia thus left her worldly friends and native country, for the
sake of her Heavenly Spouse. She passed over to Britain,*1 with favouring
winds and a prosperous voyage, which she obtained through prayer.*2 She
had heard, that the faith of Christ was being propagated in the province of
Northumbria, owing to the zealous ministrations of its Apostle, the holy
Bishop Aiden.*3 She resolved on leading an anchoretical life, and for this
purpose, she sought the shores of Anglia, and landed in Cumbria,** in the
province called Copeland,4^ and settled on the coast in the western division
of Cumberland.*6 Having disembarked, she explored the maritime district,
which she found covered with dense woods, and very suitable for a solitary
habitation. Desirous of devoting herself to God alone, she constructed a
cell, or perhaps appropriated to herself one of the caverns placed at a spot
sufficiently woody, and near the seashore. There she passed many years in
strict seclusion,*? conversing only with the Lord. There freed from all
worldly cares and ambitious desires, she dwelt in peace, drawn to Him
in the odour of His ointments, and altogether absorbed in His love.*8
39 See Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of 43 See his Acts, in the Eighth Volume of
Sancta Bega," pp. 6 to io. this Work, at the 31st August, Art. i.
*° See her Acts, in the Aberdeen Breviary, 44 << Nomen ab incolis traxit, qui veri et
lect- *• Germani Britanni fuerunt et se sua lingua
41 See Bishop Challoner's " Britannnia Kutnbri et Kambri indigitarunt"— William
Sancta," part ii., p. 120. Camden's " Britannia,** p. 325. Editio
** " When Bega sought of yore the Cum- Amstelodami, ANNO clD Idclix. fol.
brian coast, *s See " Vita S. Begre," p. 53. William
Tempestuous winds her holy errand Camden writes: " Cope land et Coupland
crossed : dicitur, eo quod acuminatis montibus, quos
She knelt in prayer — the waves their Kopa Britanni vocant, caput suum exerit,
wrath appease ; vel, ut aliis placet Copdand quasi Copper-
And, from her vow well weighed in land ob opulenta neris vena." — "Britannia,"
Heaven's decrees, p. 325.
Rose, when she touched the strand, 46 See Rt< Rev# patrick F. Moran's "Early
the Chantry of St. Bees." Irish Missions," No. i., p. 17.
— "Poetical Works of William Words- 47 The Aberdeen Breviary adds: "In
worth," edited by William Knight, LL.D., jejuniis et vigiliis et orationibus continuis
vol. vii. Stanzas suggested in a steamboat corpus suum castigando," lect. ii.
off St. Bees' Heads, on the coast of Cumber- *s gee Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of
land, p. 343. St. Bega," p. 12.
September 6.] LIVES 01* THK IRISH SAINTS.
113
The monastery was situated in a narrow dell, with low and marshy lands
towards the east ; while the west is exposed to storms from the Irish Channel.
The site was about four miles from the present Whitehaven.
From her the place was called St. Bega's or Bees/9 This is now a parish,
comprising the town of Whitehaven, and the townships of St. Bees, Ennerdale,
Eskdale, Wasdale-Head, Hensingham, Kinneyside, Lowside Quarter, Nether
Wasdale, Preston Quarter, Rottington, Sandwith and Weddiker. The
parish now extends for about ten miles along the coast, which in some places
is rocky and precipitous.50 The parish church is said to have been built on
the site of that conventual church, belonging to the Monastery of St. Bega,
or Begogh, an Irish female. The latter was founded about the year 650.5'
The present church is cruciform, and has a strong tower of early Norman
architecture ; the rest of the edifice is in the early English style.*2 It is
Copeland Priory, England.
built of red free-stone, and it consists of a nave, transept, and chancel only,
without side-aisles. The nave is used as the Protestant parish church, and
the transept as a place of sepulture j the east end is unroofed and in ruins.53
The great west door seems a part of the founder's building : it is ornamented
with grotesque heads and chevron mouldings. 54 The east end of the chancel,
with three long narrow windows, enriched with double mouldings and
4* See Rt. Rev. Patrick F. Moran's " Early
Irish Missions," No. i., p. 17.
50 " A lighthouse erected in 1717, and
subsequently destroyed by fire, was rebuilt
in 1822, on a promontory called St. Bees'
Head." — Samuel Lewis' "Topographical
Dictionary of England," vol. i., p. 199.
51 See Bishop Tanner's " Notitia Mon-
astica," with additions by Rev. James
Naswith, M.A. , Cumberland, ii. St. Bees'.
Cambridge, 1787, fol.
s* There is a beautiful copper- plate en-
graving of the Priory of St. Bees, Cumber-
land, N.W. view, presenting an ancient
door-way, of a markedly Irish- Romanesque
character in the " Monasticon Anglicanum,"
published originally in Latin by Sir William
Dugdale, Kt. New edition by John Calev,
Esq., F.R.S. ; Henry Ellis, LL.B. ; and the
Rev. Bulkeley Bandinel, M . A., vol. iii. , p. 5 74.
53 See ibid., p. 576.
54 The accompanying illustration of this
church has been drawn on the wool And
engraved by Gregor Grey.
ii4 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
pilasters, is apparently of the thirteenth century. Considerable remains of
monastic buildings are to be seen on the south side.
There St. Bega lived, and became illustrious on account of the many
miracles she wrought. Said to have been skilled in the use of herbs and
simples, wonderful cures were effected by her in favour of those who sought
that place of retreat. The holy virgin thus wished to soothe and comfort the
afflicted. Moreover, tradition has it, that the sea-mews brought food from
the ocean, and even the wolves abounding in that region crouched at her
sainted feet and ceased to roar, becoming also purveyors of sustenance to
the pious and solitary virgin.55 About the period of St. Bega's arrival, the
inhabitants who lived on the islands near Cumberland, held frequent inter-
course with Ireland.56 Many of them were originally Irish, while others took
wives from our Island.5? When she had lived there for a considerable time
in justice and holiness, the shores»of that region were infested by pirates, who
committed great depredations on the inhabitants. Feeling how lonely and
unprotected she was, and how dissolute were the morals of such sea-rovers,
Bega resolved to withdraw from their power, to preserve her honour and
virtue from their assaults. Moreover, she was guided by a Divine monition
to seek elsewhere a place for settlement. In leaving, however, she forgot to
bring with her the bracelet, which remained there as a sacred relic, and
which in after time was held in great popular estimation.
At this time, the illustrious Christian king, St. Oswald,58 ruled over the
Kingdom of Northumbria. He was delighted to second all the efforts of St.
Aidan in the promotion of religion throughout his dominions. To the latter,
Bega directed her course, so that she might reveal to him the secrets of her
heart, as also to seek his advice and direction for her future guidance. He
enjoined her to doff the dress she had heretofore worn, and to assume the
religious habit. With this advice she complied. She therefore received the
habit and veil from St. Aidan. She was the first nun in Northumbria, according
to the testimony of Venerable Bede,59 and she established the first nunnery in
Northumbria. It was consecrated by St. Aidan, and it is said to have been
called Heriteseia,60 which has been interpreted Hartlepool,61 and in her Latin
life " Insula Cervi."62 This place was found to be in every respect suitable
for a monastic institute, and it was asked from the religious King Oswald,
through Bishop Aidan. Soon was she joined by a number of pious virgins,
who desired to consecrate themselves to Christ under her direction. Even
many left the conjugal state to embrace a life of seclusion, and several
55 See Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of city. It is situated on a bold and nearly
Saint Bega, "p. 12, insulated promontory, which forms the
56 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the north horn of a fine bay. At present, its
Fathers, Martyrs, and other Principal import and export trade is very considerable.
Saints," vol. ix., September vi., note. Sec "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi.,
57 Similar remarks are applicable to this pp, 821,822.
English locality, even at the present day, 62 The Aberdeen Breviary calls it : "in
s8 He is honoured with a festival, on the insula quadam deserta," which the Bol-
5th of August. See his Acts, in the Eighth landist editor states to have been the place
Volume of this work, at that date, Art. ii. where the Monastery of Heorthensis had
59 Called by him Heru, and the nunnery been founded ; although he wonders, why
which she built is designated Heruteu. See it had been established on a desert island,
"Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," and adds, "an forte prima S. Begae cella,
lib. iv., cap. xxiii. quam num. 13 Commentarii Camdenus
60 See Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of collocat in promontoriolo oceani, cum
Sancta Bega," p. 14. Heorthensi confunditur, et quia in mare
61 Now a sea-port and parish in the procurrebat, insula appellatur ? " — I-ect. iii.,
Palatine of Durham, 18 miles E.S.E. of that and n. (d).
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
penitents were known to have visited her, and to have remained in her
community .63
Over all these Bega presided with a mother's care and tenderness, and
she acted the part of a servant rather than of a mistress ; by example rather
than by precept, she enforced discipline and study. She ministered as a
cook in the kitchen, and prepared food, which she served to the workmen.
She taught her disciples to avoid idleness, and with them engaged in washing,
making and mending the church vestments, and in supplying altar decora-
tions. With such offices were combined fasts and vigils, the singing of
psalms, hymns and canticles, the assiduous reading of the Sacred Scriptures
and other books of devotion. Thus, she united the busy works of Martha
with the contemplative life of Mary; she charmed all with her humility ; and
she was an object of love and admiration to the Almighty and to her fellow-
creatures. It pleased not only King Oswald, but also his successor, Oswin,6*
to bestow gifts and possessions on St. Bega's Monastery.
CHAPTER II.
ST. HRRU DEEMED TO BE IDENTICAL WITH ST. BEES— SHE RESIGNS HERETU TO THE
GOVERNMENT OF ST. HILDA — AFTERWARDS HERU RETIRES TO CALCARIA—
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ST. HILDA AND ST. BEGHU— VISION REGARDING ST. HILDA'S
DEATH — DEATH OF ST. BEES AND TRANSLATION OF HER RELICS — SUBSEQUENT
MIRACLES — FESTIVALS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF THE HOLY VIRGIN — CON-
CLUSION.
It is stated, that Heru,1 having founded the Monastery of Heruteu,3 wished
to relinquish its government, and to seek elsewhere a place for her pious exer-
cises. Heiu is also a name given to her, yet whether she is to be confounded
with St. Begu or Bees has yet to be clearly determined. 3 The celebrated
St. Hilda,* having resolved on a religious life, spent some time in the province
of the East Angles. Thence she was called by Bishop Aidan, to found a
monastery on the north side of the River Wire, and there she led a monastic
life with very few companions. So charmed was St. Bees with her virtues
and capacity for government, that she visited St. Aidan, and procured from
him the favour of retiring from her own charge, and of devoting herself in
subjection to the tranquillity of a contemplative life.5 Hilda was then set
over the monastery of Hereteu, while Heru left for the city of Calcaria,6
63 " Sic sponsa Christi quae in amore founded by Heru, identical with St. Bees,
sponsi languebat, hujusmodi fulciri floribus See his "Church History of Brittany,"
stipari malis ardenter satagebat." — Vita S. part ii., book xv., chap, xxi., p. 373.
Begse, p. 55. However, Leland makes them different, in
64 He was king of Deira, the brother of his M De Rebus Britannicis Collectanea,"
St. Oswald, and he began to reign a.d. 642. tomus hi., p. 39. Both Leland and Camden
He was slain in 651, by Oswio, the seventh think Heortu to have been Hartlepool.
Bietwalda. After a reign of twenty-eight 3 See Le Comte de Montalembert, M Les
vears, the latter died a.d. 670. See Lingard's Moines d'Occident," tome v., liv. xvii.,
" History of England," vol. i., chap, ii., chap, i., sect, ii., pp. 264, 265.
pp. 93 to 103. 4 Her festival occurs on the 18th of
Chapter ii. — ■ St. Bees, it is thought, November. See an account of her, at that
has been alluded to under this name by date, in the Eleventh Volume of this
Venerable Bede, and on his authority follows work. Other festivals have been assigned
a similar statement in the Manuscript Latin her, at the 5th of March, and at the 25th of
Life of that holy virgin. According to August.
Alford and Suysken, she was also known as 5 See the Aberdeen Breviary, lect. vii.
Heyne. 6 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
2 Sometimes written Heorthu. Dean Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xiv., sect, xxxix.,
Cressy thinks this place to have been p. 435.
1 6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
called by the Angles Kalcacestir,? and there fixed her dwelling.8 There, for
many years, she passed a life of great perfection^ and her house was under
the government of the Abbess Hilda. According to some writers, she
retired to Tadcaster ;10 yet, it is not certain, that such had been the place
denoted in her Acts. Others state, that Newton Kyme" and Aberford" —
both in Yorkshire — are the places to which reference has been made. Again,
it has been stated,1* that St. Bees visited Beal,1* alias Beag Hall, a parish in
the township of Killington, near Pontefract,xs in the West Riding of
Yorkshire.16
Meanwhile, St. Hilda had been invited to found a noble monastery, at a
place then known as Streneshalch, now called Whitby. Between the Abbess
Hilda and Beghu a firm friendship and intimacy existed ; for although they
severally lived a distance from each other, this did not prevent a frequent
exchange of visits, which were mostly employed in consultations and
conversations relating to the sanctification of their own and the souls of
others. However, a mortal distemper had seized on the Abbess, and she
bore with great resignation and patience this malady. Towards the close of
her life, a St. Bega had visited a convent of nuns at some distance from her
own.1? According to Venerable Bede, this place of habitation was called
Hacanos, now Hackness'8 — about thirteen miles distant from Whitby — and
it seems to have been founded by St. Hilda, the very year of her death, which
happened A.D. 680. While Begu1? slept in the dormitory of those sisters,
suddenly she heard the well-known sound of a bell in the air, and which
used to awake and call to prayers, when any of them had been taken out of
the world. On awaking, she saw the top of the house to open, and a strong
light to pour in from above. Then looking intently on that light, she beheld
there the soul of St. Hilda, attended and conducted to Heaven by angels.
After awaking, finding all the sisters lying around her, Begu perceived, that
what she experienced had been either a dream or a vision. In a great fright,
she arose and awoke Frigyth, a virgin who then presided in the nunnery, and
I By some of the Saxons styled Hel- bridge, on the south side of the river Aire,
cacester. See Samuel Lewis' "Topographical Dic-
8 See Venerable Bede's " Historia Ecclesi- tionary of England," vol. i., p. 182
astica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. xxiii. '5 This considerable town appears to have
9 Although Bede only states "ibique risen from the ruins of Legeolium, a Roman
mansionem sibi instituit," yet, it is reason- station in the neighbourhood, now called
able to suppose, that St. Bega had there a Castleford. By the Saxons it was known as
cell or small nunnery, in which in solitude, Kirkby, and after the Conquest, it was
or, with some nuns, she spent the rest of denominated Pontefrete by the Normans,
her life. See ibid., vol. iii., pp. 587 to 589.
10 Now a market-town and parish in the ,6 See Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of
West Riding of Yorkshire. It formed the Sancta Bega," pp. 17, 18 and notes.
Roman station Calcaria, and so called, '7 According to Rev. Alban Butler, the
because the soil abounded in calx, or lime- Bega, whom Venerable Bede places at
stone. Roman coins have been here found, Hacanos upon the death of St. Hilda, and
at different times. The town is situated on who then had served God in the monastic
the navigable river Wharfe. See Samuel state for more than thirty years, seems to
Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of Eng- have been different from St. Bees, as St.
land," vol. iv., pp. 294, 295. Aiden died one hundred years before her.
II A parish, in the West Riding of York- See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other
shire, about two miles from Tadcaster, Principal Saints," vol. ix., September vi.
towards the west. See ibid., vol. iii., p. 41 1. l8 Now a parish, in the Liberty of Whitby -
" A parish, in the West Riding of York- Strand, in the North Riding of Yorkshire,
shire. The town is built near the small The village is romantically situated in a
river Cock. See ibid., vol. i., p. 4. valley, through which the Uerwent flows.
13 By Strype, in his Life of Archbishop See Samuel Lewis' " Topographical Die-
Grindall. tionary of England," vol. ii., p. 364,
1* It is four miles eastwards from Ferry- »9 According to some statements, Frigyth.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 117
who represented the Abbess. With many sighs and tears she announced,
that the Abbess Hilda, the mother of them all, had departed this life, and
that in her sight, with a great light and with angels accompanying, she had
ascended to eternal bliss. Having heard such statement, Frigyth awoke the
other sisters, and called them to the church, where she admonished them to
pray and sing psalms for Hilda's happy repose. This they did during the
remainder of that night. When morning came, the brothers arrived from
Whitby with a message announcing her death. The nuns then related the
vision, which had already assured it to them, and also at that very hour
which the messengers had reported. Thus, adds Venerable Bcde, while
some witnessed her departure out of this world, others became acquainted
with her admittance into the spiritual and eternal life.20
According to the Legend of her Life, and to local tradition, St. Bega21
remained in that monastery of Acconos,22 in which she had such a vision.
We are told, the day of her death happened on that before the November
Kalends.23 There, too, it is said, she was interred. However, some suppose
St. Bega had not been buried at Hackness, but rather at Calcaria, and that
probably her remains had been removed to Heorthu for interment.24 But
the ravages of the Danes25 effaced all recollection of the exact place of her
sepulture. Four hundred and sixty years had elapsed after her decease,
before it had been resolved to seek that spot in the cemetery of Hackness,
so that her remains might be transferred to Whitby.26 At length, in the
twelfth century, having unearthed a sarcophagus, the workmen found
engraved on its lid : " Hoc est sepulchrum Begu." Having removed that
covering, they found within the tomb the dust of her sacred body, with the
veil upon her skull almost whole. A most agreeable odour proceeded from
the remains. Then a procession was formed, and with hymns and canticles,
they were borne to Whitby, and reverently placed in a suitable position.2?
It is possible, that this Translation of St. Bega's relics may have taken place,
on the 6th day of September. The holy Irish virgin is thought by many to
have died at Calcaria, about the year 680. 28 Father Suysken places it
after that year.20 If, however, she had been identical with that virgin, 3°
20 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis translatum est in monasterio de Witbe in
Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. xxiii. magno habetur pretio, languidis in praesens
21 As already remarked, it seems not so sanitatem prsebens," lect. viii.
probable, that she had been identical with *7 The writer of St. Bega's Life then
the Irish St. Bega, the first nun in North- declares, that as he had not sufficient know-
umberland. ledge of the miracles wrought and particulars
22 Mabillon, who calls her ' ' Heru, alias of that tranlation, he should leave the task
Bega," states " obiit apud Hacanos monas- of writing to those who were witnesses and
terium virginum, tertio apud Scardoburgo who were present. But, the miracles per-
millaria." — " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," formed at Kirkebibeghoc (St. Bees), in
tomus i., lib. xiv., sect, xxxix., pp. 435, 436. Coupland, where first she led a solitary life,
23 See the Aberdeen Breviary, lect. viii. and where her memory was held in great
The Bollandist editor is at a loss to know veneration by the people, he would attempt
whence the compiler of those Lessons had to record for the instruction of posterity,
his authority for such statement. However, and regarding which he had a more accurate
it agrees with what is related in the Latin knowledge. See "Vita S. Begse," pp. 59,
Manuscript " Vita S. Bega?." 60.
34 Seethe Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," 28 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
tomus ii., Septembris vi. De Sancta Bega Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints,"
Abbatissa, Commentarius Praevius, sect. ii. , vol. ix., September vi.
num. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, pp. 697, 698. 3» Or after the middle of the seventh
<S See at a.d. 869, R. P. Michaelis Alfordi, century. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
"Fides Regise Britannica, sive Annales Septembris vi. De Sancta Bega Abbatissa,
Ecclesiae Britannicse," tomus iii. Commentarius Praevius, sect, i., num.24,
26 The Aberdeen Breviary states, "quod p. 698.
divinitus revelatum nunc digno cum honore 3o Called Frigyth by Venerable Bede.
n8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
who had a revelation regarding the death of St. Hilda, St. Bega must have
survived beyond the year 680.31 She is said likewise, to have died, at St.
Bees, and to have been buried in the Church of her own founding ;3* yet
this statement is at variance with all her ancient Acts.
The religious establishment, formed by Bega at St. Bees, was subse-
quently destroyed by the Danes.33 From remote times, and long popular
among them, 34 the north-western inhabitants of England, used frequently
resort to St. Bees as pilgrims. Many miracles were wrought through the
Saint's intercession. After her death, as the Legend of her Life declares,
that bracelet, which had been left at the place where she lived in solitude at
Copeland, was preserved as a precious relic. This was held to be a
guarantee for the peace preservation of that place. It was customary to
swear on it in trial cases, and those who foreswore themselves, were believed
to incur the heaviest penalty of perjury and come to a speedy death. It is
related about a certain Galwaither, or native of Galloway,^ how his mother
warned him, setting out on a predatory expedition towards Copeland, that he
should not commit any theft or depredation on the land of St. Bees. This
admonition he contemptuously rejected,36 and joined by other freebooters,
he took a horse from her territory, on which he was mounted, when certain
young men, called together by the blowing of horns, pursued the robbers.
The culprit in question was shot by an arrow, when he fell immediately from
his horse and expired. This account soon spread throughout Galwathia, and
thenceforward the people of that country feared to commit any offence
against St. Bees' sanctuary, or to break the peace of her church. After
the Norman conquest, William de Meschines,3? Lord of Coupland,38
gave St. Bees to the monks of St. Mary, in York.39 There, too,
the founder built a monastery for these religious men. 4° But, after-
wards, certain envious persons persuaded him, that the monks had
extended their possessions, and had unjustly encroached on his lands.
This caused a dispute to arise, regarding the lawful bounds of their
monastery. The monks were summoned to defend their cause, which they
did by producing their title deeds. After much dispute, a day was named
for a final decision. The monks betook themselves to prayer, meantime,
and on the day appointed, a vast number of people assembled to learn what
should be the result. Then was witnessed a most extraordinary spectacle.
» This is the date assigned for the de- 36 See Le Comte de Montalembert, " Les
parture of St. Hilda. Moines d'Occident," tome v., liv. xvii.,
32 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia chap, i., sect, ii., pp. 266, 267.
Sa"3C?'"?,ar{1ii,'f 12°: „Wf.t. M 37 According to the Legend of St. Bees'
33 bee Bishop Tanners * Notitia Mon- Life, Ranuiph, surnamed Meschines, gave
astica Cumberland, 11. St. Bees lhe town of Rirkebi-oth.rwise written
<f, • ^Ccimte5. de Monta!embert s Kirkby Begog, now St. Bees -with all its
•'Moines d Occident tome v., hv. xvii., appurtenances and other things to" God and
SV^' TeVlM 5. 5' f .1 ™ mi a the Blessed Virgin> free'y and Hberally to
35 The Latin writers of the Middle Ages tne monks,
called it Gallwallia and Gallovidia, from the ,8 •- . __ „ . n . - /, , . .
Irish, who formerly occupied it, and who . 3 He is called Earl of Cumberland, and
styled themselves Gael, in their own Ian- ^ , i'" u , T °,f "u^7 k Kl"g- °i
guagc. In the tenth century, the Britons ^"fi '?? * dau-hfteur' who !n*medr
called it Galwydel, and in the Gaelic it was ^ il !an\' son of Duncan' of the r°yal lme of
Gallgaedhel. Of late, a most learned and ^coUand-
interesting work, the " History of the Lands 39 See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
and their Owners in Galloway," has been Sancta," part ii., p. 120.
written by P. H. McKerlie, F.S.A. Scot., in <° They were constituted as a Benedictine
five 8vo volumes, Edinburgh, 1870 to 1879. prior and six monks. See Bishop Tanner's
It is profusely illustrated with woodcuts of "Notitia Monastica," Cumberland, ii. St.
notable localities and objects. Bees.
September 6. J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 119
A deep snow*1 fell and covered all the ground adjacent to the bounds,
attached by the monks to the church of St. Bega, and for which they were
contending, while within them not a single flake was visible.*2 This was a
matter of great rejoicing among the multitude who had assembled.
Another remarkable miracle is related concerning certain horses
belonging to a knight, named Godard.*3 They had trespassed on a field
belonging to the monks, in which barley had been sown and reaped. But
when the keepers of the horses were appealed to by one of the brotherhood
to drive them out of the field, and to make good the damage done, he was
derided by the foolish boys. Then said he, looking towards the Church of
the Holy Patroness of St. Bees : " Oh, St. Bega, do justice to thy servants,
suffering under injuries, and avenge us on those animals." Then a wonder-
ful miracle was wrought; for the hoofs separated from the horses' feet.
Among them was a steed, on which Godard, who was Castellan of Egre-
mont, had set a special value. Moved by this incident, he gave the meadow,
from which the horses broke loose, to the monastery of St. Bega, and he
confirmed that grant in perpetuity by charter.4*
A nobleman of England, named Walter de Spec,** instigated by the
advice and importunity of Roger, his son and heir, went to law with the
monks of St. Mary, York, respecting certain lands, which had been claimed
in right of their monastery. He was one of the chief barons of the King ;
and on that account, the judges appointed to try the case were his unjust
partisans.*6 Still was it necessary to swear witnesses on the trial. How-
ever, the monks had a concession from the Supreme Pontiff, that in any
question touching their rights, the adversary should be obliged to swear on
any of St. Bega's relics, which the monks of her church were inclined to
prefer. Wherefore, her bracelet was produced, and Walter perjured
himself, in the judgment of impartial and learned persons, through the
allegations he made. To him was then awarded that possession, which of
right belonged to the church. However, only a short time elapsed after the
trial, when rejoicing at the result, and returning home with their friends,
his son Roger, who had instigated Walter to commit perjury, fell with a
restive horse on the earth, when both horse and rider were killed. Grieving
for the loss of his son, William deemed it a punishment that had been
inflicted for his crime. In atonement and becoming penitent, Walter
restored that land unjustly taken from the monastery, in perpetual alms.
41 Alluding to St. Bega, William Camden vol. iii. Cartae ad St. Begae Coenobium in
writes : " Cujus sanctitate miiacula adscri- Agro Cumbrensi, Ceilam Sanctae Mariae
buntur de tauro cicurato, copiosissima nive, Eboraci, spectantes, num. iii. iv. , v., vi.,
quae Solstitiali die, ilia precante, valles et pp. 577. 578.
montium summitates alte intexerat." — 44 The account thus concludes : 4* Ungula:
u Britannia," p. 325. vero ordeo plenae ad ecclesiam sanctae vir-
42 The old chronicler concludes the account ginis sunt deportatae, et ad judicium et testi-
in these words : " Stupent igitur qui con- monium miraculi hujus diebus multis ibidem
venerant ad tarn stupendum miraculum ; reservatae. Ut licet omnes fere patriot*
laudes efferunt in ccelum ; omniumque illud signum insigne praedicent et clamant,
judicio et favore remanserunt termini terri- specialiter tamen illud protestantur pratum
torii ecclesioe sanctae Begae usque in presens, ecclesiae collatum quod monachi in present i
sicut eos designaverat descriptum celeste possident, et carta inde facta quam habent,"
prodigium." — " Vita et Miracula S. Begae," — "Vita S. Begae," p. 67.
p. 65. 4s He fought under William le Gros, Earl
43 This Godardus is witness to the founda- of Albemarl and Holderness, in the battle of
tion of St. Bees' Priory, as also to other the Standard, a.d. 1 138. Some accounts
early grants. He appears to have given give him the command. See Young's
Whittingham and Bothale parish churches, " History of Whitby," p. 95.
and their respective tithes, to the Priory of 4<5 The old chronicler has it " judices
St. Bees. See " Monasticum Anglicanum," parti impire propitios, et injusta proclives."
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
This he confirmed by a charter, Thenceforward, he endeavoured to make
satisfaction for his past transgressions. Having lost his son and heir, he
now resolved to dispose of his possessions for the service of Almighty God.
He founded two splendid monasteries for monks of the Cistercian Order —
one at Rievaulx,4? in the North Riding of the County of York, and another
at Wardeu,*8 in the County of Bedford. He founded a third for Canons at
Kirkham,49 a small extra-parochial township, near Malton, in the East
Riding of Yorkshire. The rest of his days were spent in doing good.
A custom had existed from time immemorial, between those who
governed the territory of Copeland and the people there, that oxen should
be taxed by the lords ;5° but, in many cases, men were sued and adjudged
to pay more than they ought, and when long contested, it was at length
settled, that the case should be tried by the oaths of certain persons. A man
of respectability, named Adam, the son of Ailsus, was deemed to be an
impartial lover and a follower of truth. By agreement on the side of
plaintiffs and defendants, he was appointed umpire, to state upon oath, what
had been the custom from olden times, to regulate cases between the lords
and their tenants. The bracelet ot St. Bees was procured, and touching it,
Adam foreswore, that the lords had only demanded what was just, while the
people should render it by ancient custom. By such perjury, he conferred
a great gain on the nobles, while he inflicted a great injury on the poorer
people. However, he was visibly punished soon afterwards, having lost his
senses, and becoming a furious maniac for nine whole years. Although
unwilling and resisting, his friends brought him by force the tenth year to
the Church of the Virgin. There they watched and prayed to St. Bees for
a considerable time. Meanwhile, the maniac fell into a placid trance.
Awakening from sleep, his senses were restored, and having come to himself
he shed tears in abundance, giving thanks to God and St. Bega for his
restoration. For the rest of his life he was freed from that sad condition,
and continually repented of his perjury, frequently confessing to the people,
how he had so grievously sinned. s1
A precious covering for the bracelet had been presented by a pious
woman. At a time when the relic was exposed in public, a perverse man
sought his opportunity, and stole the precious cloth, which he thought to
have concealed in his boot. This caused great excitement, as when sought
for, the cover could not be found. However, the leg of that thief, who had
stolen it, contracted to such a degree, that it became completely paralysed.
This obliged him to reveal his crime before all, and restore the coverlet to
its proper place. He was then carried to the Church of St. Bega, and with
lighted torches, the whole night was there spent by himself and friends in
prayer to the holy virgin. She was ever merciful to the prayers of the
penitent, and that man's lirnb was restored to its former soundness. The
people who knew of it gave praise to God, who had glorified his saint by
such a manifest sign.
47 This Abbey was founded A. i>. 113 1. Latin is interpreted Persoliitio Bourn, in
48 Otherwise called De Sartis Abbey. It English, a Tribute of Oxen. William, Ear]
was founded A.D. 1135. It was furnished of Albemarle, appears to have claimed this
with monks from the then recently estab- tribute in the district of Copeland, and out
lished Abbey at Rievaulx. of the returns, he gave six cattle to the
49 This Priory for Augustine Friars was monks of St. Bees.
founded A.D. 1121. It was situated in a »' The chronicler adds: "nee tamen
vale, on the east bank of the Derwent. ejus confessio, licet publica, plebem potuit
50 In the Anglo-Saxon language, this absolveie ab imposit^ pensionis gravi
custom was known as Neutgeld, which in jugo.''
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 12
At Workington,53 a town in Copeland, near the Derwent, three men were
returning home from a booth on a certain Sunday. They had their daily
potation, and a quarrel arose among them. From angry words they came
to blows, and those three, setting on a fourth person, dragged him to a little
house, designated a torrel,53 where holding him down with their hands about
his throat, they strangled or smothered him. This villainy being soon
discovered, the villagers flocked from all parts, but taking away the dead
body, they found no wounds upon it. According to their custom there,
they sounded horns to raise the alarm, and all collected to seize the
culprits. These were captured, bound and led by officials, appointed for
such occasions, to the Castle of Egremont, in which they were committed to
prison. Their dungeon was dark and filthy; they were bound with fetters,
and in daily expectation of being condemned to death, when overpowered
by the misery of their situation, humbling their souls before the Lord, and
with falling tears, they often invoked St. Bega to effect their liberation.
When they had thus prayed daily, and with great contrition of soul, a vener-
able and beautiful female apparition addressed them in these words :
" Looking, I saw your affliction, and I heard your groans in the darkness
and shadow of death, and I have come to free you." They replied : " Who
art thou, lady, who cometh to visit us unworthy sinners ? " She replied :
u I am the servant of Christ, Bega, whom you have diligently called upon
in the day of your trouble ; I will wholly release you and free your lives from
the hands of those who complain against you. Arise, go forth and come
after me in safety ; I will bring you to my asylum." Giving thanks, and
finding their chains loosed, they followed her without molestation from the
keepers, and came to the domain of St. Bega. When they approached her
Church, their fetters snapped asunder, and the vision of the walking saint
vanished. Being thus free, with hurried steps they entered that sacred
edifice, and poured forth their souls in praise and thanksgiving. There, too,
in testimony of their liberation, they left their fetters, as a memorial and
offering to God and to St. Bega.
A certain wicked man, named John, having vainly endeavoured to seduce
Beatrice, the wife of William, surnamed the Hare, at length took occasion
with a confederate to carry her off by force on a festival day, held on the
Sabbath before Pentecost. 54 Returning home with her mother, and after
the usual devotions were over, the ruffians seized on Beatrice, bore her on a
52 This is now a sea-port town, and the tuted to honour St. Bega, as the writer of
head of a parish in the West Division of her Life and Miracles states : " homines illius
Cumberland. The monks of St. Bees, by terrse ob quaedam insignia sanctitatis sanctse
charter of Ranulf Meschines, possessed a yirginis tunc illic inventa, et signa ibidem
mill at this place. The town is situated on perpetrata solent solempnizare ; et ecclesiam
the south bank of the Derwent, and near its illius visitando orationum et oblationum
influx to the sea. After her escape from the hostiis honorare." There can hardly be a
field of Langside, Maiy Queen of Scots doubt, that Whitsuntide, and probably
landed here in 1568, and sought an asylum in Christmas and Easter, were formerly seasons
Workington Hall. The Curwens hospitably when the faithful frequented the church of
entertained her, and the room in which she St. Bees in great numbers. It seems, that
slept is still known as the Queen's Chamber. among the Anglicans, communicants still
Afterwards, Queen Elizabeth gave directions resort to the church of St. Bees, at the
for her removal to Carlisle Castle. festival of Easter, and they come from con-
53 This term applies to " a kiln." In the siderable distances, when their Eucharist is
" Leges Burgaium Scoticorum," there is administered so early as eight o'clock in the
allusion to it as " ane kill ghair comes are morning. Then the village presents an
dryed." That torrel, the scene of this unwonted appearance from the influx of
homicide, was undoubtedly connected with visitors. See G. C. Tomlinson's " Life and
(lie monks' mill at Workington. Miracles of Sancta Bega," p. 73, and
54 This was evidently some festival insti- appendix, note, p. 80.
122 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
horse ready prepared, outraged, and carried her away. She could not resist
by struggling, but calling upon the protection of God and St. Bega, she pro-
hibited the ruffians from doing her violence. Meanwhile the mother of
Beatrice quickly raised the alarm with loud cries and lamentations. The
brothers of the ill-used woman heard of this transaction, and quickly
arming themselves, set out in pursuit of the fugitives. The accomplice was
soon seized, and the woman's brothers cut off his head. The chief mis-
creant, flying for his life, concealed himself in a thick wood. But, he could
not escape the wrath of the Almighty. An evil spirit seized upon him, and
ceased not to worry him, even to the close of his miserable existence. He
wandered about a vagabond and an outlaw through various parts ; his clothes
hung about him in rags, and his flesh was torn off piecemeal among the
thickets and briars. A pitiable spectacle he became ; at length he died, and
his body was interred at Holm Cultram," in Cumberland.
Another miracle is recorded, regarding a native of Chartres, in France,
and who, having had a vision to encourage him, brought two sons to Eng-
land. One of them was a paralytic and dumb from his birth ; while the
other was afflicted with a fistula.56 In a sort of small cart, which the father
drew after him, both boys were placed, and brought through the land to
divers saints' shrines. Having reached Tynemouth, in the north of
England, the poor man was excessively wearied. In despair, he was about
to return and seek his own country, when a beautiful person appeared in a
night-vision, and directed him to visit the Church of St. Bega, in Copeland.
Accordingly he went thither, and passed the night in her church. When
the morning brightened into day, the elder son, palsied and dumb, felt a
glorified virgin touch him j when suddenly, and with renewed strength, he
stood upright, and for the first time his tongue was loosed, to give utterance
to a few words in his native Gallic tongue, and even he spoke in English, to
him a foreign language. He then went to the altar, returning thanks with
all who were present to God and to St. Bega. In the next place, vigils and
prayers for the younger son were continued. After some time, the fistula
disappeared, the boy being restored to perfect health and vigour. Again
were the praises of God and His holy servant Bega proclaimed. After some
days had elapsed, that pious father, with his two sons, returned to France,
leaving the little car which had brought them to St. Bees in the place, and
as a testimony of that remarkable miracle.57
St. Bega is thought to have founded a nunnery in the territory of Coup-
land, near Carlisle. There, also, she is said to have erected a small church. s8
This appears to have been no other than St. Bees, her chiefest foundation,
and it lay within the kingdom of Strathclyde.^ Moreover, in the " Monasticon
Anglicanum," compiled by Roger Dodsworth and Sir William Dugdale,
St. Bega is stated to have founded four monasteries.60 However, there seems
to be no certainty that she founded more than three, viz. : those of Copeland,
Heorthu, and Hartlepool.61 During an incursion from Scotland in 1315,
55 A Cistercian abbey had been founded 57 See Tomlinson's " Life and Miracles of
here by Henry, son to David, king of Scot- Sancta Bega," pp. 40 to 43.
land, a.d. 1 150, according to Dugdale's 5» See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
"Monasticon Anglicanum," vol. v., p. 593. Sancta," part ii., p. 120.
New edition. However, from an old MS., 59 According to Bishop Forbes, this
Leland has " Alanus, films Waldeff primus foundation took place in 656. See
fuit fundator." — " De Rebus Britannicis "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 278.
Collectanea," vol. i., p. 38. 6o See tomus i., p. 395.
s6 This miracle is alluded to, in the Ninth 6l See " Les Fetits Hollandistes, " Vies des
Lesson of the Saint's Office, as contained in Saints," vol. x., Jour vie Saptembre, p.
the Aberdeen Breviary. 529.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 123
the church and possessions of St. Bees sustained considerable injury.62 This
account has been left in Manuscript,^ by an unknown monk of St. Mary's
Monastery, at York.
At the 6th of September, St. Bega is venerated, according to the
11 Martyrologium Anglicanum" of John Wilson, 6* Ferrarius,6s Arthurus,66 and
Wion.6? In the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints,68 St. Bega is mentioned
at the same day. She is likewise commemorated in the Circle of -the
Seasons, at this date/9 If we are to credit Dempster's statement^0 St. Bega
was venerated in Scotland, on this day, and at a place called Kilbeg. Also
is she commemorated by David Camerarius,?1 at the 8th September. In
Scotland, she was honoured at Kilbucho,?2 and at Kilbagie.73 There is a
glebe likewise at Kilbegie ;?4 and probably Kilbagie,75 in Clackmannan is
named after her. Throughout England and Scotland, also, a feast has been
assigned to St. Bees, on the 31st of October.?6 This is the date given for
her chief festival, in the Breviary of Aberdeen, and also by Greven, in his
additions to Usuard. Under the name of St. Bees, it is said that she was
likewise honoured on the 22nd of November.77 Again, Gabriel Bucelin?8
has referred her feast to the 28th of December. Besides the Natalis for her
death — generally supposed to have been the 31st of October — the foregoing
festivals must have reference to the translation of her relics, or to some
special commemoration intended to increase popular devotion for her. Yet,
perhaps it is more probable, especially in latter times, that some errors of
date may have crept into the kalendars, or some confusion of correct identi-
fication has probably occurred.
Assuming a gifted Irish pilgrim's visit to the Shrine of St. Bees, and
enquiries there made, to be incidents of real life,?9 it would appear, that the
natives of Cumberland, in the present century, know little regarding this
stranger virgin, who had once been held by their ancestors in distinguished
honour.80 It was otherwise in those middle ages, when the chronicler of her
fame and miracles could only relate what was most clear, coming from the
evidence of many Cumbrians, and what most deserved belief. There could
62 Anno Di. 1315. Robertus Brus obsi- 73 See Statistical Account of Scotland,"
debat Carleolum. Quo tempore Jacobus vol. viii., p. 605, and vol xiv., p. 623.
Duglas multa mala fecit apud Egremont, et 74 See " Origines Parochiales Scotia,"
spoliavit eccl. S. Begae, ac maneria de part ii., p. 822.
Cletter et Stainebume prions S. Begoe 75 See "New Statistical Account of Scot-
combusserunt." — Leland, " De Rebus land " vol viii pp 3 128
Bri!Tfnifi^?nlleHtane^n°meAiMP;K4, > 76See Rt- "Rev- 'Patri'ck F- Koran's
K<Z^^L™ ^ AbbatlbuSCt "In* Saints in Great Britain," chap v.,
6<t Edition of 1608.
p. 160.
*-> In « Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum. " Jl {^ t0 S5.f?ngli? AMartyrol°gy
66 In Sacro Gynoeceo. of John Wllson' Edltlon of l64°-
67 In " Lignum Vita," lib. iii. Appendix. 1% In the " Menologium Benedictinum."
68 Published by O'Sullivan Beare, in 79 See the verses headed " Saint Bees,"
" Historise Catholics Ibernice Com- m the admirably edited Poems of Thomas
pendium," tomus i., lib iv., cap. xi., p. ci. D'Arcy M'Gee, with copious notes. Also
°' See p. 250. an Introduction and Biographical Sketch,
70 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of bv Ml's- J. Sadlier, — "Historical and
Scottish Saints," Menologium Scoticum, Legendary Poems," pp. 360, 361, New
p. 210. York, 1869, 8vo.
7' See ibid. Scottish Entries in the 8o He says :—
Kalendar of David Camerarius, p. 240.
7* See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. ii., p. " I stood within the fontless porch,
958; "Statistical Account of Scotland," I paced the empty nave,
vol. iv., p. 344 ; and " Origines Parochiales The very verger of the church
Scotiae, ' part 1.. p. 177. A false tradition gave."— Ibid.
i24 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
be no end to his narrative, states the compiler of her Acts, were all such
signs of her sanctity and miracles to be written, regarding the Virgin Bega,
who now reigns in endless glory, and with Him, who is infinite and eternal.
ARTICLE II.— ST. MAGNUS, MAGOBALDUS, MAGNOALD, OR
MAGNOBALDUS, APOSTLE OF SUABIA.
[SIXTH AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.}
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — WRITERS OF THE ACTS OF ST. MAGNOALDUS OR MAGNUS— IRELAND
THE COUNTRY OF HIS BIRTH — PERIOD OF HIS NATIVITY— HE BECOMES A DISCIPLE
OF ST. COLUMBAN — SAINTS MAGNOALD AND GALL REMAIN IN SWITZERLAND —
ADMONITION TO MAGNOALD OF ST. COLUMBAN AND PROPHECY BEFORE SETTING
OUT FOR ITALY.
While abundant light has been thrown on the incidents of modern
history, as also on the life and actions of celebrated characters who have
lived in our own times, owing to the issue of printed works, and the recorded
memoranda or correspondence of contemporaneous writers ; far different are
the old manuscript memorials of doubtful authenticity, or whose authors and
sources for information are not sufficiently accredited, when we seek to establish
facts relating to many of our old-world saints. Such, it must be admitted,
is often the case, with regard to acts, conveying to us the most remote
traditions, in reference to the present holy man. The only ancient authority
for his life is, unfortunately, not altogether trustworthy. This is a memoir,
which it is stated had been written by his companion and disciple Theodore,1
and who laid it under the abbot's head, when he had been buried. Then
the account runs, that when the body was disinterred, and on the stone
coffin being opened, in the ninth century, the book had been taken out, and
when greatly decayed by age, it was delivered to Ermenric, of Elwangen,2 to
re-edit. However, it is supposed — at least in great part — to have been a
forgery of the tenth or twelfth century.3 This Life is made up of long
extracts from Jonas, the monk of Bobbio, who wrote the Acts of St.
Columban, and from Walafridus Strabo,* who wrote the Acts of St. Gall.
Events related of others are transferred to Magnoald.s Where the composer
of this Life had genuine lives to manipulate, and convert to a memoir of St.
Magnoald, his book is interesting ; but, when he brings the abbot to that
ground where his abbey had been founded, and for which the lives of St.
Columban and St. Gall furnished no data, frequently he lapses into foolish
Article ii. — Chapter i. — ' Called by cujusdam impostoris."
Latin writers, Theodorus Campedonensis, * Pere Charles le Cointe holds the writer
from the place where he passed a part of his to have been a synchronus of St. Magnus,
life as an abbot. He was a monk of St. and to have thus flourished prior to
Gall and of St. Magnus. It is stated, that Walafridus Strabo. See "Annates Eccle-
by command of Bishop Tozzo, he wrote the siastici Francorum," tomus ii., at A.D.
lifeof his master, St. Magnus. He flourished 614.
A.D. 680. See Rev. Dr. William Cave's s Thus, the incidents told of St. Cagnoald,
" Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Historia Bishop of Laon, who flourished in the seventh
Literaria," volumen i. Sseculum Monothe- century, are related verbatim of Magnoald,
leticum, p. 595. the writer only changing the letter C into
2 He died a.d. 866. M. See Benkert's " Athanasia," vol. xi.
3 Thus Basnage states : " Nee Theodori Kritische Priifung d, Lebensgesch der Heil.
nee Ermenrici illud est opusculum, sed Magnus, p. 414. Wurzburg, 1832.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
25
legend.6 This scepticism about the bona fides of Theodore's Acts has been
drawn in a great measure from an opinion of the learned Father Mabillon,
that they were composed by some impostor i under such a shadowy title.
This, however, is too sweeping a charge, and it seems far more probable that
the writer's errors are owing to ignorance rather than to deliberate forgery.
The Bollandists have very fully treated about St. Magnoaldus, or Magnus,
at the 6th of September.8 There is a previous commentary,9 and then
follows the unauthentic life of the saint,10 attributed to the monk Theodore,
of Kempten, as taken from a manuscript " of St. Maximinus of Treves.
Afterwards succeeds an account of miracles,12 attributed to the saint's inter-
cession.^ This holy abbot's Acts have been edited by Father Constantine
Suysken, S.J., who has laboured much to investigate or unravel the obscure
and often contradictory materials that are left for enquiry. In the first
place the original life, as stated, if written by Theodorus,14 and buried with
the saint, was almost defaced and scarcely legible, when discovered in the
ninth century, and at present it is not known to exist. Again, by four
persons, that copy is said to have been given to a certain Ermenric,1^ a
monk and levite of Elewanga, to revise and restore. Neither is that
particular manuscript to be found, and we know not if the task committed to
him had been reliably executed. But, in the third place, that same work
appears to have fallen into other hands ;l6 while in the process of emendation,
the Acts of St. Magnus have become vitiated, in point of historic accuracy —
whether through ignorance or fraud remains to be solved. When and where
6 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. ix., September 6, p. 94.
7 He adds : " Qui Magnum appellat
Magnoaldum, ut Chagnoaldi sancti Colum-
bani discipuli facta personato suo M agnoaldo
affingat. Non immoror fabulis illius impos-
toris observandis, quas in actis sanctorum
nostrorum manifeste detexi. Nihil itaque
certi sive de Magno, sive de Theodoro nobis
succurrit, nisi quod eos non Columbani, sed
Galli discipulos, non Scotto-Hibernos, sed
Alamanos fuisse constat ex Walafiido
Strabone, qui eos Willimari presbyteri
clericos extitisse ait, antequam in sancti
Galli disciplinam cooptarentur." — " Annales
Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xiii.,
sect, xxxiii., p. 393.
8 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
tembris vi. De Sancto Magno Monasterii
Faucensis, Abbate Primo Fussse in Sueria,
pp. 700 to 78 x.
9 In thirteen sections, and one hundred
and seventy-five paragraphs.
10 In eight chapters, and seventy-eight
paragraphs, with accompanying notes.
11 Collated with the editions of Henricus
Canisius and of Melchior Goldast, together
with six other manuscripts-
12 Miracula auctore P. Ludovico Babens-
tuber Benedictino Ettalensi.
13 These miracles are contained in seven
chapters, and in one hundred and fifty-six
paragraphs, with illustrative notes.
M Said to have been a monk or eremite of
Campidonum or Kempten. This Theodore
is represented as the companion, or rather
disciple, of St. Magnus in his apostolic
labours, to have been witness of nearly all
the miracles he relates, and to have been a
friend, at the hour of his death.
15 By some, he is also named Ermenold,
who lived in the time of the Blessed Raban
Maur, whose life may be found in the
second volume of this work, at the 4th of
February, Art. iv. Ermenric became the
seventh Abbot of the monastery of Elewan-
gen, in the diocese of Augustana, a.d. 845,
according to Mabillon. In his epistles to
Gundramnus and Ruodolfus, he speaks very
modestly of his abilities. " An vero S.
Magni Vitam, qualis typis edita est exara-
verit, certo pronunciare non licet." "Acta
Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti," ssec. ii.
16 The third revisor or interpolator, in
reference to Ermenric, states, that the latter,
compelled by obedience, and not willing to
contemn the order of a pontiff, undertook
the patch-work, according to the best of his
ability, although little learned to amend and
insert what should be proper. However, he
accomplished the task, through Divine
assistance, renewing the writing and correct-
ing what he found in a confused state, and
making the text clearer by means of chapters.
To his emendations or possibly corruptions
of the original text, Father Suysken justly
objects, and naturally preferred he had
assumed only the role of amanuensis, and not
that of interpolator. The Bollandist editor
adds: "utinam, inquam, ipsa Theodori
verba, confusa utcumque gestorum serie,
integre fideliterque posteritate tradidisset."
26
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
the errors have crept in cannot well be determined j1? but, a suspicion remains,
that many of the mis-statements occurring are attributed to a compiler of the
eleventh century,'8 who appears to have had access to the Acts of St.
Magnus, said to have been written by the monk, Theodore, and restored by
Ermenric. Under such specious mask, not a few have been deceived, who
imagined that the Acts still preserved must have had their origin on a
respectable and trustworthy ancient authority. J9 Of the later interpolated
Acts, various manuscript copies have reached our time, and some of these
have been already printed. In the Bollandist Library there were various
copies. Among these were four distinct ones,20 taken from a Manuscript
Vita S. Magni, belonging to the Library of St. Maximinius of Treves. This
latter the Bollandist editor selected as a text for publication.21 Besides
these, the Jesuit Father Gamans had formerly sent a double copy ; one
taken from the library of Saints Udalric22 and Afra,23 Augsburg, and the
other from a monastery at Ratisbon.2* Among all of these might be found
some differences of statement. a$
From the interpolated Acts of St. Magnus, all subsequent published
accounts are chiefly drawn. Those Acts have been printed by Henricus
Canisius,26 and by Melchior de Haiminsfeld Goldast,2? while Surius 28 has
1 Mabillon supposed, that the Acts of St.
Magnus, as manipulated by Ermenric, had
been temerariously enlarged by a later writer.
Father Suysken has a suspicion of another
interpolation in the original of Ermenric,
from a reading found in one manuscript
copy, regarding a miracle related in sub-
stance, but in different words, from those
found in other codices. And that the evident
introduction of passages, from Walafrid
Strabo's Life of St. Gall, into that of St.
Magnus, should not be attributed to Ermen-
ric, seems sufficiently established.
18 There exists a copy ot the interpolated
Acts of St. Magnus, and written by an anony-
mous monk of Ratisbon. It bears the
following title : " Ex pergam. antiquiss.
codice MS. Augustae ad SS. Udalr. et
Afram ab an. 700 conscripto, in 4 Tit.
Legendae aliquot SS. lit. z. n. 36-" In his
M Vetara Analecta," Mabillon inserts a tract,
written by a certain monk, of Ratisbon,
whose name is not given, and in reference to
his own temptations. After returning from
Fulda to Ratisbon, alluding to his labours by
candlelight, the monk writes : " Postquam
vero redii Vitam S. Magni scripsi, compul-
sus fratrum duorum precihus intimis et assi-
duis, Wilhelmi scilicet ex congregatione
nostra, et alterius qui ad nos discendi causa
ex Monasterio S. Magni \enit Adalham d ic-
tus, qui nunc in S. Alfrre ccenobio abbas est
constitutus." — Pars ii. This unknown writer
had already premised, that he left the Monas-
tery of St. Einmeram at Ratisbon, A.D. 1062,
so that he must have written the Acts of St.
Magnus, after the middle of the eleventh
century. This is further established, from
certain passages to be found in a Prologue,
attached to those Acts.
*' Whether weight or consideration might
be attributable to the earliest versions, the
additions made are so faulty in chronological
accuracy, in several places, that even those
Acts are rendered self-contradictory.
20 One has for title these words : " Vita S.
Magnoaldi, qui et Magnus, discipuli S.
Columbani et Galli." The second has this
heading : " Vita Sancti Magni seu Magno-
aldi, ex Monacho Luxoviensi, abbatis monas-
terii Faucium, in dicecesi Augustana, a
Theodoro ejus socio primum conscripta,
deinde ab Hermenrico, Elewangensi mona-
cho, recensita et aucta." The other two
properly add after the foregoing announce-
ment, " denique ab anonymo recentiore
digesta et aucta."
21 By him and by Mabillon allusion is
made to the Tract, as the Acta or Vita
Pseudo-Theodori, a title by which it shall
be subsequently designated.
22 Or Waldric, Bishop of Augsburg, His
festival occurs on the 4th of July.
23 Or Afre, Martyr at Augsburg. His
feast is held on the 5th of August.
24 " Ratisbon is one of the oldest cities of
central Europe. Some of its buildings date
from the time when it was fortified by the
Romans and called Castra Regince" —
" Picturesque Europe," vol. v., p. 274.
25 See Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
tembris vi. De Sancto Magno, &c, Com-
mentarius Praevius, sect, i., pp. 700 to 702.
26 In " Antiquae Lectiones," tomus v.,
Ingolstad, a.d. 1604. This has been taken
from a vellum manuscript belonging to the
Monastery of St. Magnus, near the bridge at
Ratisbon. In the year 1725, this work, re-
printed and put into greater order by James
Basnage, was published in seven folio
volumes, at Amsterdam, under the title,
' ' Thesaurus Monumentorum Ecclesiasti-
corum." It contains prefaces and valuable
notes by the editor.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
127
likewise the Life of St. Magnus. In 1621, Martin, Abbot of Fussen, edited
the Acts of St. Magnus in Latin. Mathew Rader29 wrote a Life of the
saint, from the same compilation in "Bavaria Pia."3° Again, Father
Ludovicus Babenstuber composed the Acts of St. Magnus, in Latin, and to
these he has added the particulars of many miracles wrought through the
merits of the holy abbot. Father John Colgan had intended to issue the
Acts of St. Magnus at the present date, as we find from the posthumous
list of his Manuscripts.31 Notices of him are in the work of Father Stephen
White, S.J.32 The Benedictines 33 have the Acts of St. Magnus, in sixteen
paragraphs. In the Annals of his Order, Mabillon also has allusion to him. 34
In the year 1729, a Life of St. Magnus appeared in German, and by some
anonymous writer belonging to the Monastery at Fussen. In this are
inscribed many miracles, ascribed to the virtues of the Patron. Notices
of this holy abbot are to be found in Les Petits Bollandistes,35 under the
name of Magne or Mang, and by R«v. S. Baring-Gould.3*5
According to the old Acts, attributed to Theodorus Campodunensis —
meaning Kempten — St. Magnoald, or Magnus, was born in Hibemia.37
Such account has been followed by nearly all subsequent writers who have
treated about him. We may here observe that Magnoaldus was the name by
which he is first introduced to our notice — Magnus was a title afterwards given
him to designate his eminence and virtues. That statement of his having
been a native of Ireland, however, has been questioned by Father Suysken,
who thinks it more probable that he was born in Germany. Not believing
St. Magnus to have been a disciple of St. Columbanus, as Jonas,38 who
wrote a life of him, does not introduce such a person to the reader^ and
2? In ' ' Almanicarum Rerum Scriptores,"
tomus i., Francfort, 1606. This is intro-
duced with the following epigraph, which
Father Suysken had not discovered in any
other copy of the life: " S. Theodori ere-
mitae de Vita S. Magni Confessoris, sodalis
sui, ab Ermenrico Elewangensi monacho
emendatus et distinctus." After chapter the
xiii. is another heading, which indicates a
continuation of the work: " Ermenrici
Elewangensis monachi supplementum." On
comparing this with the edition of Canisius,
whole periods and even chapters are wanting
in the latter, not to speak of many minor
differences.
28 See "De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis,"
vol. v., vi. Septembris, pp. 73 to 81. The
Life is comprised in thirty-three paragraphs.
In the third edition of Surius, the Acts of
St. Magnus, as published by Canisius, are to
be found.
29 Born in Inichingen in the Tyrol, A. P.
1 561. At the age of twenty, he entered the
Jesuit Order. This learned man died at
Munich, on the 22nd of December, a.d.
1634. See Michaud's " Biographie Univer-
selle, Ancienne et Moderne," tome xxxv.,
P- 59.
30 The well-known work, "Bavaria
Sancta "appeared in three folio volumes,
1615-1624-1627. "Bavaria Pia " was a
supplementary volume published in 1628,
and enriched by Sadeler's beautiful en-
gravings.
31 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et
Dierum.''
32 See " Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. iv.,
p. 44.
33 See " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene-
dicti," tomus ii., sec. ii., pp. 505 to 510.
34 See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
tomus i., lib. xi., sect, xvii., p. 309 ; lib. xii.,
sect, xxix., p. 355 ; lib. xiii., sect, xxxiii., pp.
392, 393-
35 See "Les Vies des Saints," tome x.,
vie Jour de Septembre, p. 528.
& See " Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
tember 6, pp. 94, 95.
3? See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus ii., Septembris vi. De Sancto Magno
Monasterii Faucensis Abbate Prime Fuessse
in Suevia. Vita auctore, ut fertur, Theodoro
monacho Campodunensi, ab Ermenrico
Elewangensi aucta," et ab alio interpolata,
cap. i., p. 735.
38 Jonas, born about A.D. 599, " gente
Hibernus," was an alumnus of St. Colum-
ban, both at Luxeu and at Bobbio. Among
other works, he wrote " Vita S. Columbani."
He flourished about A. D. 630, and he was
living in A.D. 665. See Dr. William Cave's
" Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Historia Li-
teraria," volumen i. Saeculum Monothele-
ticum, p. 580.
39 Father Suysken, referring to the Pseudo-
Theoderici Vita S. Magni, remarks, that the
interpolator has plagiarized that portion of
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. jSeptembkr 6.
that Walafridus Strabo 4° is the mostreliable authority for making Magnoald
and Theodore disciples of St. Gall, without allusion to the country of their
birth ; such are thought to be reasons sufficient for doubting Magnus to have
been born in Ireland. In addition, Father Suysken remarks, that Notker
Balbulus,41 in his Martyrology, at this day, only regards St. Magnus as a
disciple of St. Gall.*2 The foregoing are but negative and very inconclusive
arguments, nevertheless, to counteract what seems to have been an ancient
and a prevalent tradition. In his list of saints, Convceus calls Magnus,
Abbot and Brother of St. Gallus.*3 If so, both may be classed as nephews
of St. Columban,44 according to the old Acts of our saint, attributed to
Theodore and his continuators. However involved and confused may be
the earliest records, which relate for us the Acts of St. Magnus, yet there
appears to be a very general consensus that his birth took place in Ireland.45
In what particular district is not known, and doubts regarding his family or
early life may well be entertained. According to other accounts, he was of
royal birth,46 his father being named Severus, and his mother Theoclea.4?
it, referring to our saint having been a dis-
ciple of St. Columban, from Jonas, by his
substituting the name of Magnoaldus for
Autiernus, which is deemed to have been in
the original, and again by his changing the
name of Chagnoaldus for Magnoaldus.
Then Father Suysken proceeds to show, how
the Pseudo-Theoderic Life blunders in
chronology, and is contradictory to fact, in
making Magnoaldus die a.d. 655, in the
seventy-fourth year of his age ; as in such
case, if it be alleged, he left Ireland with
Columban, who went to France, in A.D. 568,
according to Le Cointe, this latter date
should reach back to thirteen or fourteen
years before Magnoaldus could have been
born, or if the calculation of Mabillon be
adopted, that Columban parted for Gaul,
a.d. 590, then St. Magnoald must have been
too young to have accompanied him in a
missionary enterprise. However, if we allow
for very probable chronological and other
mistakes, occurring in the Tract to which
allusion has been made, to suppose that St.
Magnus had not been an Irishman and a
disciple of St. Columban, should involve
Father Suysken simply in a paralogism.
40 Walafridus Strabo, or Strabus, a Ger-
man by birth, and a disciple of Kaban
Maur, at Fulda, was Dean over St. Gall's,
a.d. 842. Me wrote many learned works,
and among others, " Vita et Miracula Sancti
Galli Abbatis," in two books. lie died
a.d. 849. See Dr. William Cave's "Scrip-
torum Ecclesiasticorum Ilistoiia Literaria,"
volamen ii. Sseculum Photianum, p. 31.
41 St. Notker, surnamed the stammerer,
was born about a.d. 830, at Elgau, in
Thurgovia. At an early age he entered
the Monastery of St. Gall, where he made
great progress in sacred and profane litera-
ture. Several elegant treatises in prose and
verse were composed by him. He died on
the 16th of April — the day for his feast — A.D.
912. See M. Le Dr. Hoefer's " Nouvelle
BiographieGenerale,"tome xxxviii.,col. 300.
42 This is his notice : " Nativitas S. Magni
Confessoris, discipuli et comitis beati Galli."
« The feast of St. Gallus is held on the
16th of October. See his Life at that date,
in the Tenth Volume of this work.
44 The Festival of St. Columban has been
assigned to the 21st of November. His
Life is given at that date, in the Eleventh
Volume of this work.
45 Henricus, Abbot of Fiissen, has left
some Manuscript Notes illustrative of monas-
tic and local tradition. " Notandam. quoad
historicos constare, S. Magnum fuisse Sco-
tum ex provincia Hybernise oriundum : sed
quo sanguine, nobili vel ignobili, sit ortus,
Legenda ejus non manifestat. Attamen ex
traditione jam inolita dicitur progenitus ex
regio Scotorum genere, cujus paler fuerit
Severus, mater Theoclea. Hoc docuit anno
MDXV, tempore abbatis Benedicti, quidam
orator regis Francioe, nomine Petrus Cordier,
episcopus Parisiensis, decretorum doctor, qui
tunc temporis ambassiator praefati regis apud
imperatorum Maximilianum aliquo tempore
hie in Fuessen propter quzedam negotia
moram trahebat, et erat abbati Benedicto
valde familiaris et homo in historiis antiquis
multum versatus. Hie ergo reliquit in
scriptis abbati Benedicto, quod S. Magnus
de pnefatis parentibus ex regio Scotia?
sanguine sit progenitus. Quod didicisse se,
ajebat, in ipsa Hybernia, quam tanquam
Francorum ambastator peragraverat."
46 This is mentioned, also, in the German
Life of St. Magnus, written by a monk of the
Monastery of Fussen, and in confirmation of
it, the writer refers to a very old picture he
had seen, in which St. Magnus is represented
in the garb of a young prince taking leave of
his parents — his father sitting on a royal
throne, and his mother as a queen being near
him. This statement is in chap, i., sect. 2.
Father Ludovicus Babenstuber has a similar
account, in his Acts of the Saint, lib. i.,
cap. i.
v Whde the royal descent of St. Magnus
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
129
So far as he could form an opinion from the materials available for the
Life, Father Suysken thinks St. Magnus was born about the year 582. If he
lived not previous to that date, it does not seem probable he accompanied
St. Columban, when the latter left Ireland for France, about a.d. 590. Nor
do we find any record to give us an account of his early training and acts.
Even his original name may have been Celtic, and different from Magnoaldus,
or Magnus, which he bore in after life. He became the disciple of St.
Columbanus, according to the old Acts, but it must be allowed there are
mistakes and obscurities of statement to be corrected or explained, in
reference to matters as related/8 It seems probable enough, about the time
when the holy Abbot of Luxeu had resolved on leaving France, and had
taken his voyage from Nantes for Ireland, a.d. 610, or soon after he had
been driven back by contrary winds, and then went to Clotaire II. ,49 King ot
Neustria, that Magnoaldus preferred his petition to St. Gall, to be received
among the company of the religious subject to so great a master of the
spiritual life. For his probation as a postulant,'0 Columban sent St. Gall,
with another young man, named Sonarius or Soniarius,51 and our saint,52 into
a desert place, with only a single loaf to refresh them. At the end of the
third day, not a morsel of it remained, and then St. Gall despatched his
companions through the wilds to search for food. This was found most
providentially in a river called Ligno, or Lignona 53 — now the Loignon or
Lougnon — in Burgundy, There they found a great many fishes. These
were brought to their superior, and gratefully partaking of this most
seasonable food, which had been so miraculously provided, they again
returned thanks to God. Then repairing to St. Columban, our saint made
his vows of obedience, and heard in return these words : " Magnus te faciat
is contended for by various writers, their
arguments are examined by Father Suysken,
who supposes it probable, that oUr saint had
been confounded with a St. Magnus, Prince
of the Orkney Islands, who is mentioned by
the Scottish writers, Hector Boetius, John
Lesley, and Thomas Dempster. In the
Fourth Volume of this work, we have in-
serted his Acts, at the 16th of April, Art.
ii.
48 After the title of Vita Auctore, ut
iertur, Theodoro Monacho Campodunensi,
ab Ermenrico Elewangensi aucta, et ab alia
interpolata, the Acts open with the follow-
ing sentence : "Tempore illo, cumbeatissi-
mus simul cum beato Gallo nepote suo
diversa loca perlustrarent, et ad diffamandum
verbum Dei, et peregrinandi causa in Hiber-
niam pervenirent, quidam frater, nomine
Magnoaldus ex proefata patria Hibernia pro-
creatus, pulsare ccepir aures beati Galli,
discipuli sanctissimi Columbani, ita allo-
quens " : &c. This passage, however, has
been thus emended by the anonymous monk
of St. Emmeiam. Katisbon : "In tempore
illo quo beatus Columbanus sanctusque Gal-
lus virtutibus magnificis pollentes, in Hiber-
nia clarissiini habebantur, frater quidam,
nomine Magnoaldus, ex eadem Hibernia
oriundus, ad beatum Galium accedans, ita
eum alloquiter," &c.
4' He was born in 583, and on the death
of his father, Childeric, in 584, he was under
Vol. IX.— No. 3.
the tutelage of his mother, Fredegonde, who
placed him under the protection ofGontran,
King of Burgundy. In 613, profiting by
the dissensions of the sons of Childebert,
and by their death, he next overcame Brune-
haut and the Austrasians, in 614, when he
became King of Neustria and Austrasia. He
waged war against the Saxons, who invaded
his territories, and he died A.D. 628, leaving
his throne to Dagobert I.
50 Father Suysken remarks, that the phrase
in this narrative, " utrum propositum animi
arripias, an non,:' isbonowed from a passage
in Jonas : " Pergentes in eremum voluntatem
Dei probemus, utrum desideratum iter arri-
pias, an in ccetu Fratrum permaneas." — Vita
Sancti Columbani."
51 The Bollandist editor remarks, that
treating about this incident, Jonas in his Vita
S. Columbani calls him Soniarius.
52 Father Suysken supposes, that to one
Autiernus, a monk of Luxeu, should be
attributed what is here related of Magnoaldus.
Autiernus had asked permission from St.
Columban to visit Ireland, and had been
brought into the desert, that he might learn
the will of God in his regard.
53 The Bollandist editor assumes, that the
interpolator of our saint's Acts had absurdly
placed this river in Ireland ; whereas the
proper inference to be drawn from the con-
text is, that he wrote concerning the country
near Luxeu.
130 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Dominus in sapientia et astutia, a cujus magno nomine Magnoaldus
vocaris."54 Again he added : " Cognita tibi sint omnia ministeria monastica,
a quibus cognomen habes Magnoaldus. "ss Then having become a monk, he
was entrusted by St. Columban with care of the monastic cellar, or in other
words, he became the bursar or econome of the entire establishment at
Luxeu.
Again, the accounts of St. Magnoald state, that while acting in that
capacity, his assistant, having brought a vessel,56 and tapped a cask of beer to
serve for the refectory, Soniarius heard the Master's voice calling him. In
the spirit of ready obedience, he ran with the bung in his hand, forgetting
to close the vent, and appeared before Columban, Gall and Magnoald.
Reminded of his neglect, Soniarius ran back to the cellar, thinking that no
liquor could have remained in the flowing cask. However, it was otherwise,
and a miracle caused its stoppage, to reward the cellarer's and assistant's exact
observance of monastic discipline. 57 On returning, Soniarius related what
happened to Magnoaldus, and the latter asking a priest, named Winigozus,*8
to accompany him to the cellar, both saw the wonder, and agreed that it
should be reported to St. Columban, A contest of humility ensued between
Soniarius and Magnoald, each seeking to ascribe the miracle to the other's
merits.59 However, it was ended by Columban declaring, that he had seen
the angel of the Lord making a sign over the vessel, and preceding Magnoald,
when he had called the boy Soniarius.60
There are legendary accounts in his Acts, of how St. Magnoald sought
apples in the wilderness, for the refreshment of Saints Colunibanus and
Gallus, and of how a bear allowed him to take a share of what had been
found.61 Again, it is told, that while the community had been in want of
food, by an order from the holy abbot, Magnoaldus procured a number of
birds, which allowed themselves to be taken by him and by the monks.62
54 Thus rendered into English: "The 59 The Bbllandist editor observes, that this
Lord make you great in wisdom and pru- contest is not to be found in the account o$
dence, from whose great name you shall be Jonas, from whom he supposes it to have
called Magnoaldus." The Goldast edition been borrowed, nor does he mention Mag*
of the Acts, and another MS. has "voceris." noald in connexion with the narrative. In
ss Thus translated : " To thee be entrusted Fleming's " Collectanea Sacra " is the fol-
all the monastic services, from which you lowing: " Hujusmodi olim in monasterio
have the name Magnoaldus." Sancti-gallensi exemplum contigit ; cujus rei
56 It is called a Typrus or a Tybrus, by testes usque in nunc diem remanent versus
ancient monastic writers ; the exact form or aliqui in porta capituli, ubi turn loci cella
capacity of which does not now seem to be vinaiia fuerat, appensi. I'erfecta obedientia
we'll understood. Compare the account sua imperfecta relinquit."
given in the text with what is related in 6o The writer of our Saint's Acts then
Fleming's " Collectanea Sacra.'.' Vita S. continues ; " O magnum divinss potential
Columbani, Abbatis, cap. xv., p. 227. donuin, qui adhuc neophitO SUO Servo tantam
57 Thus is the event related : "At ille, gratiam conferre dignatus est, ut jam Magnus
viso seraculo, recordatus negligentiae, velo- inter fratres voceris. Ad hate conticuit beat us
citer ad cellarium rediit, a>timans nihil in Magnoaldus, giatias agens Deo in corde suo
vase, de quocerevisiadecurrebat,remansisse. de tanta miseiecordia sua."
Intuitu* ergo vidit, supra tiprum cerevisiam 6l It has been observed that this miracle,
crevisse, quatinus, qualis et quanta rotun- related in the Life of St. Magnus, iias been
ditas infra tipri inerat coronam, talis in ascribed to Chagnoaldus, and a.-, having
ahum crevisse urna videretur, et ne mini- occurred near Brtgantium in Rhsetia, after
mam stillam foras cecidisse." St. Columban had been expelled from Luxeu
s8 Goldast's version and that of another in6lo. Mabillon states : '• Incautus lectores
manuscript read Winiachus, while Canisius fefellit Pseudo-Theodorus in Vita Magno*
has the name Winniacus. In Jonas' " Vita aldi, cum Chagnoaldi facta Magnoaldo tri-
S. Columbani," he mentions a " Winnocus buit." — "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
presbyter," who was a familiar of St. tomus i., lib. xii., sect, xxix., p. 355.
Columban. Perhaps he was identical with 62 In the " Vita S. Columbani " of Jonas,
the priest mentioned in the text. he relates this miracle before the former one,
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
131
This supply was sufficient for three days ; at the end of which time, those
good people 63 who lived in the adjoining cities brought food to St.
Columban's Monastery, through the ngency of Saints Gall and Magnoald.6*
At one time, a thought possessed the mind of St. Columban,65 that he
should open a mission among the Sclaves66 and Veniti/7 jn order to
withdraw them from paganism 68 and open their minds to a knowledge of
the true and living God. Wherefore he consulted St. Gallus and St.
Magnoald. The former said to the latter : "Brother, what think you of this
journey for our abbot?" Magnoald answered : "Master Superior, first ask
for Divine direction ; and afterwards, if you deem it proper to set out, let us
depart." On hearing this, Columban ordered a fast for three days, imploring
light from above on that subject. The third night, an angel appeared to all
three, and showed them a small tracing of the world's map, saying : " You
see, that the whole world is a void ; say ye to Columban, go to the right and
left, that you may reap the fruit of vour labours, but it is not expedient for
you to go thither." Tin's admonition was enough for the holy abbot, that
he was not to be the apostle of those nations ; and. therefore, he resolved
on resting where he was, content with the services of Magnoald alone, until
the way was opened for his departure to Italy.69
To the rule of St. Columban, Masnoald seems to have conformed, while
he was under the protection of King Theodebert,?0 and engaged on
missionary labours near the Lake of Zurich.?1 While in Switzerland, war
had been declared between the brothers Theoderic ?2 and Theodobert, with
and states, that it happened during a time of '
famine, "cumque jam triduo jejunio fessa
corpora essent." Here, however, there is
no mention of Magnoaldus.
63 Differently related from that in the
"Vita S. Columbani" of Jonas is the
account contained in the text: "Quarto
deinde die quidam pontifex ex vicinis urbi-
bus frumenti copiam, divina admonitus
aspiratione, ad B. Cohmibanum direxit ; sed
mox Omnipotens, qui y.enuriam patientibus
aligeros prxbuerat cibos, ut farris adeps
advenit, alitum phalanges imperavit abire."
64 In Fleming's "Collectanea Sacra," Vita
S. Columbani Abbatis, we find the name of
Magnoaldus introduced into the text, and in
the margin Chagoald is a different reading.
See cap. xxvi., p. 239.
65 Thus stated by Jonas, in his " Vita S.
Columbani :" " Interea cogitatio in mentem
ruit, ut Venetiorum, qui et Sclavi dicuntur,
terminos adiret," &c. See ibid., pp. 239,
240.
66 For a very complete account of the
Sclaves, their origin, tribal division, and
history, the reader is referred to the Articles
headed Slavonia and Slavonians, in Charles
Knight's "Penny Cyclopaedia," vol. xxii.,
pp. 100 to 128.
67 See Dean Millman's " History of Latin
Christianity," vol. ii., book iv., chap, v., p.
293.
68 According to the early Christian mis-
sionaries among the Sclaves, they worshipped
various idols. It is said, that those who
lived on the shores of the Baltic admitted
two different principles — one for good and
the other for evil. The former was known
as Biel Bog, or the "white god," from whom
all benefits proceeded, and the latter was
called Chemi Bog, or the " black god," who
caused all sorrows, and misfortunes. How-
ever, the Sixth Synod of Constantinople
(a. i). 680) enumerates Slavonians among the
Christian nations.
69 The foregoing account varies from that
given by Jonas, in his " Vita S. Columbani.'
70 Known as Theodebert II., son ot
Childebert, King of Austrasia, and who
succeeded to this Kingdom of Austrasia, a.d.
596, after his father's death. His brother
Theoderic II. was assigned the Kingdom
of Burgundy. Both were left under the
tutelage of their grandmother Brunehaut.
See " Abrege de l'Histoire de France," liv.
i. CEuvres Completes de Bossuet, Eveque
de Meaux, tome x., col. 1 1 77. Edition de
l'Abbe Migne.
71 "The situation of the Lake of Zurich in
many respects resembles that of Con-tance ;
no part of it can be said to be within the
mountain zone, though the neighbourhood
is almost everywhere hilly, and the moun-
tains are not far from its eastern end. The
scenery is diversified, bright and sunny,
rather than grand. Its shores in many parts
are richly cultivated, and studded with
goodly houses and thriving villages." —
"Picturesque Europe," vol. v. Eastern
Switzerland, pp. 87, 88.
f Known as Theoderic II., son of the
aforementioned Childebert, who succeeded
to his father's Kingdom of Burgundy, A.D.
596.
132
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6,
varied fortune j*3 and, at that very time, when the decisive battle of Tolbiac i*>
was fought, both Coluniban and Magnoald had a revelation regarding its
results.75 This they communicated to each other.76 Theodobert being
defeated was treacherously delivered up by his own men to his brother, who
sent him to their grandmother, the wicked Bt unehault.?? Having sided with
Theodoric, she obliged the vanquished prince to receive holy orders, and
not many days afterwards, she put him to death. Finding his enemy,
Theodoric, to have become master of that country in which he then lived,
Columban resolved on leaving it, and with many disciples, he went into the
territories of Agilulf,?8 King of the Lombards. However, his disciples,
Gall and Magnoald, remained behind, and after some time settled near Lake
Constance.?' Being seized with a fever, St. Gall could not prosecute his
purpose of accompanying St. Columban into Italy. Thinking his desire was
to remain in that country, and to avoid further missionary labours in a far-off
region, the latter said reproachfully, " I know, brother, it will be disagreeable
for you to be fatigued with other duties on account of me ; however, now
that we are about to part, I pronounce on you a prohibition to celebrate
Mass, so long as I live." On hearing this, Magnoald, who was present,
threw himself at the feet of the holy abbot, and cried out, " My father
73 According to Fredegarius, in his chroni-
cle, A.D. 6l2, the first battle fought between
Theoderic and Theodobert was at Toul,
where the latter was defeated with great
slaughter. Having collected fresh forces,
Theodobert attacked his brother at Tolbiac, .
where the issue was still more unfortunate for
him, as he was there thoroughly defeated.
'4 Tulpiacum, or Tolbracum, formerly a
town of the Ubii, a people of Germany, who
in the time of Claudius Caesar lived beyond
the Rhine, but who mo\ ed to the left bank,
in the succeeding reign. It is now known
as Zulch "x mil. pass, a Colonia Agrippina
in Occasum, uti xvi a Bonna, Aquisgranum
versus xviii." — Bodrand's "Novum Lexi-
con."
75 In a copy of Jonas' Life, Chagnoald is
substituted for Magnoald, in this narrative :
" Eo igitur tempore vir Dei in eremo mora-
batur, contentus tantum unius ministri Chag-
noaldi famulatu." — "Vita S. Columbani."
76 In the Acts of St. Magnus is the follow-
ing narrative of the vision, which is not to
be found in the Life of St. Columban by
Jonas : " Expergefactus ministrum vocat
Magnoaldum qui et Magnus, cruentamque
regum pugnam indicat, et humanum Ban*
guinem multum fundi suspirat. Respondit
Magnoaldus, qui et Magnus prostratus ad
pedes ejus : Et ego pater domine, sopore
oppiessus jacebam subter unam arborem
abietis, et videbatur mihi, simul eos conflic-
tum inter se habere ; arreptoque baculo,
volebam percutere Theodericus, et liberare
Theodebertum : sed prohibuit me species
quondam dicens: Non est tibi necesse emu
percutere, quoniam Dominus cito vindicabit
magistrum tuum Columbanum de eo in
interritu ignis. Illico evigilans festinabam
hue ad vos venire, et narrare hanc visionem,
vos me interim vocantem audivi." Then is
introduced the name of one Eunuchus, for
Chagnoaldus, as given by Jonas, and for
what in substance refers to the same incident,
in his " Vita S. Columbani."
77 Also called Brunechild, daughter to
Athanagild, a King of the Spaniards, and
wife to Sigebert I., King of Austrasia. She
was an ambitious and unprincipled woman,
who met her fate in the year 613, by orders
of Clotaire. " She was tied by the leg and
the arm to the tail of an untamed hone,
which, running full speed, quickly dashed
out her brains." — "The Modern Part of
Universal History," vol. xix. The History
of France, chap, lxviii., sect, i., p. 238.
78 At first he was Duke of Turin, but on
the death of Aniharis, the third King of the
Lombards, at Pavia, A.D. 590, his widow,
Theodelinde, married Agilulf. At first he
was an Arian, but afterwards he embraced
the Catholic Faith. This warlike prince
reigned twenty-five years, and he died, a. d.
615 or 616. See Michaud, " Biographie
Universelle, Ancienneet Moderne," tome i.,
pp. 225, 226.
79 Also known as the Boden See, dividing
the north-eastern corner of Switzerland from
Wirtemberg and Baden. At its lower ex-
tremity is the town of Constance, at the head
of the Unter See. It" has declined in popu-
lation since the Middle Ages, and also in
commercial importance, when its linen stuffs
were known all over Europe. Although on
the left bank of the Rhine, it forms part of
the Duchy of Baden. About the beginning
of the Christian Era, a fortress, called
Valeria, had been built on that site, and it
was rebuilt by Constantius Chlorus, in the
days of Imperial Rome. See " Picturesque
Europe," vol. v. Eastern Switzerland, p. 82.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 133
superior, what will you that I do? If I leave Gallus without attendance, he
shall be forlorn and perish ; nevertheless, if you require me, him I shall
leave, as Peter followed our Lord, having parted with his nets." Whereupon,
Columban answered : " I know Magnoald, that a great future is open for you,
and that you shall gain many of the Eastern people to to God. Therefore, I
am not willing you should come with me, but I leave you and our faithful
Theodore to obey Gallus in all his requirements, and endeavour by all
means to restore his health. Moreover, Magnoald, I tell you what I desire,
and how you should dwell with him. Having spent some days, you shall
receive the order of Deaconship from the Bishop of Constance. So I decide,
that you remain with Gallus, until the time comes when I am about to die.
Then, if it happen, that the Holy Spirit reveal to thee the fact of my last
illness, I shall feel grateful, should you come to me ; otherwise, if I die, and
that you are divinely admonished, hasten to my tomb, and to my religious.
Then shall you receive my Epistle and my Cambuta,81 which you shall bear
to Gallus, and which shall release him from my interdict. But, I tell you,
that three years 8a after the death of Gallus,83 you and Theodore shall witness
his tomb destroyed by spoilers ; and this being done, with his tomb restored,
hasten to a place, where we have heard the holy bishop Narcissus84
commanded the devil to kill a dragon, and there with Almighty aid, you
shall convert many to the Faith, and gain their souls to the Lord.85 There,
too, shall you bear the name of Magnus,86 imposed on you by God, as He
desires to exalt you; and received by the people of that region, because of
the doctrines you shall preach, you shall convert them from the folly and
worship of demons to the faith of Christ. For the demons shall bring upon
you many calamities ; but do you be comforted in the Lord, who hath destined
you there to dwell and remain."8? Saying these words, St. Columban set
out on his journey to Italy.
80 By these are to be understood the 84 His festival has been assigned to the
Suevi. i8tb of March, and to the 29th of October.
81 In his "VitaS. Galli," WalafridusStrabo 85 St. Narcissus, Bishop of Girone, in
calls it " cambotta ;" Goldast's version has Catalonia, during the persecution raised by
it " camboca ;" while Babenstiiber writes it Diocletian in the commencementof the fourth
" cambatta." The meaning is " a staff," but century, accompanied by his Deacon, Felix,
whether a pastoral or a walking staff has not passed the Pyrenees into Gaul, and arrived
been determined. The former, however, at Augsburg, where he baptized Afra,
seems the more probable, as seen under the Hilary and their servants. He conferred
words " Cambuta, Cambutta, Cambuca, orders on Denis, and returned to Spain, at
Gambutta," in Du Cange, where it is the end of nine months. There he governed
rendered : " Baculus incurvatus, virga pas- his church for about three years, and with
toralis Episcoporum. Adrevaldus de Mira- his Deacon, Felix, was crowned with martyr-
cul. S. Benedicti, lib. i., c. 22. Baculo, dom, about the year 306 or 307. See Les
quod gestabat, incurvo, more veterum Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des Saints," tome
Antistitum." — " Glossarium ad Scriptores xiii., p. 11.
Mediae et Infimae Latinitatis," tomus ii., • ^ The Bollandist editor, Father Suysken,
col. 72. notices here the contradictions of statement
fa This is to be found in all the known by the writer of St. Magnus' Acts, who first
Acts of St. Magnus, whether printed or in introduces him as bearing originally the name
manuscript. Magnoaldus, and then having had the name
Hi In the "Vita S. Galli" of VValafridus of Magnus bestowed on him,by Columbanus,
Strabo, this desecration of the holy abbot's the same holy abbot now proclaiming in the
tomb is said to have occurred forty years spirit of prophecy, that the people of his
after the time of his death. Mabillon writes : future mission should bestow on him such a
" Quamquam nee Walafridum erroris immu- name.
nem hoc loco esse viri docti existimant." — B? See the Vita Pseudo-Theodori — Boilan-
" Annales Ordinis Sancti Benedicti/' tomus dist version — chap. i. and ii., with accom-
i., lib. xiii., sect, xxxiii., p. 393. panying notes.
134
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
CHAPTER II.
ST. MAGNUS BECOMES THE ATTENDANT OF ST. GALL — HE IS SENT BY THE LATTER TO
BOBBIO— HK BRINGS BACK AN ACCOUNT OF ST. COLUMBAN'S DEATH, AS ALSO HIS
EPISTLE AND STAFF, TO ST. GALL — MAGNUS ASSISTS AT THE OBSEQUIES OF ST. GALL-
OUTRAGES OFFERED TO THE REMAINS, AND RESTORATION OF HIS TOMB BY ST.
MAGNUS AND THE MONKS— ST. MAGNUS AND THEODORE LEAVE ST. GALL'S
MONASTERY AND JOURNEY EASTWARDS — THEY VISIT KEMPTEN, WHERE A DRAGON
IS DESTROYED BY A MIRACLE — ST. MAGNUS GOES TO FUSSEN, WHENCE DEMONS ARE
EXPELLED— THERE HE FOUNDS A MONASTERY.
Thus had St. Columban prophesied, that St. Magnoald should convert the
people of the Julian Alps ' to the faith of Christ j and, full of tenderness for
the helpless condition of his new superior, after the departure of St. Columban
into Italy, Magnoald attached himself to St. Gall.2 At this time, a very
holy priest, named Willimar,3 lived at a place called Arbon, of which he had
pastoral charge and direction. About the year 612, and during the summer
or autumn season, St. Gall appears to have sought his protection.4 Magnoald
and Theodore s had then become the faithful disciples and servants of St.
Gall, so that their cares were employed with those of Willimar, to procure
their beloved superior's restoration to health. This was happily effected
after some time, when St. Gall resumed his apostolic labours among the
people, and by his preaching to them the words of truth, he also brought
Chapter ii. — * The Alps are well known
as the dominant chain of European moun-
tains. The highest of those is Mont Blanc,
15,732 feet above the sea-level. From tiie
knot or culmi. ating points, in which meet
the St. Gothard, the Vogelsberg, the
Bernardine, the Splugen and the Sep-
timer — that group known to the ancients
under the name of Mom Adtila—a.?, in a
common centre, branches are divergent,
and by which a connection is established
with the Apennines, the Pyrenees, the •
Vosges, the Hartz, the Sudetes, the Car-
pathians, and the Balkans. The highest
summits are in Switzerland. The Julian,
or Panonian, Alps send one branch north-
wards into Sclavonia, separating the basins
of the Save and of the Drave ; while the
other branches or southern Alps form a
range of bare and rocky mountains, rising
almost perpendicularly on the north-wc^i
shores of the Adriatic, and stretching thence
to the confines of Servia and Macedonia.
The course of the Julian Alps is very sinuous,
in many cases ; but, it lies generally to the
south east, and along the shores of the
Adriaiic. See " Gazetteer of the World,"
vol. i., pp. 180 to 185.
"Mud] o! what here follows is omitted from
the Acts of St. Magnus, as given by Gokiast,
and the substance appears to have been taken
from Walafridus Strabo's Liie of St. Gall.
However, in Georgius Heinricus Pertz's
"Monumenta Germanise Historica," tomus
ii., Udephonsus von Arx, Librarian of St.
Gall, has edited, in 1829, a Vita S. Galli, and
for nearly 900 years previous, it had been
noted as a codex, in the Catalogue of St.
Gall's books, as "VilaSS. patrumColumbani
et Galli, in vol. II. antiquitus dicata." This
is much more ancient than the Life of St.
Gall by Walafridus Strabo, who describes it
as rude in style, as wanting a division into
chapters, as incorrectly writing Alamanniam
by the term Altimaniam, and as not having
the Miracles which he added in the Second
Book of St. Gall's life. Nevertheless, as
Walafridus Strabo evidently used the more
ancient Life in compiling his Vita S. Galli,
it has an authenticity for particulars, superior
to his own biography.
3 So is he called in the Vita S. Galli, by
Walafridus Strabo. By Canisius he is named
Willimacus.
4 In the excess of his zeal to extirpate
idolatry, St. Gall had thrown the offerings
of the pagans to their idols into the Lake of
Zuric, and by even burning their temples,
the indignation of the idolaters was so
excited, that the missionaries were expelled
from that neighbourhood. See Dr. Dun-
ham's " Europe during the Middle Ages,"
vol. ii., chap, ii., p. 185. London, 1833,
l2mo.
5 According to Walafridus Strabo, at first,
they had been clerics of Willimarus. In the
more ancient Vita S. Galli, they are
designated Maginoldus or Maginaldus and
Theodorus. See Pertz's " Monumenta Ger-
maniae Historica," tomus ii., pp. 5, 13, 14.
September 6.) LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 135
salvation to their souls. A certain deacon, named Hiltibold,6 knew all the
passes of that rough country, and in the wilderness he selected an open and
a spacious plain, with a circle of mountains around, and a river running
through it — most beautiful and suitable for a religious establishment. But,
it was infested with wild beasts and serpents, as also by demons who haunted
the place. Thither St. Gall brought his disciples, Magnoald and Theodore,
to a mountain called Himiiinberg.? Through their united exertions and
prayers, the noxious animals were banished. Then a cell was there built.
While they were living in that place, a messenger came to the priest,
announcing the death of the Bishop of Constance,8 named Gaudentius,? and
this caused them great sorrow, but they unitedly offered up prayers for the
repose of his soul. After a short time, a letter was sent from a magnate
named Gunzon,10 who besought St. Gall to visit his only daughter " possessed
by a malignant spirit, and to release her from such an evil. The holy
superior, thinking very humbly of his own powers, refused to go ; but, pressed
repeatedly by the noble, and on being told, that for three days his daughter
could not take food, St. Gall betook himself to earnest prayer. Trusting in
God's mercy and goodness, he set. out with the Duke's messengers for his
house,12 having Magnoald and Theodore as his companions. The prayer
of Magnoald and the order of St. Gall caused the energumen's restoration to
a sound state of mind, to the great joy of her parents. The father then
offered St. Gall rich presents, and also prayed him to accept episcopal conse-
cration.^ Whereupon, the holy man answered : " Behold my witness of
this incident here, for my beloved Magnoald is aware that my blessed
superior Columban has interdicted my offering at the altar while he lives,
and I dare not accept such an office without his permission. Wherefore, I
cannot assume the weight of such government. But, if you greatly desire
this to be accomplished, wait awhile, until I shall have sent my present
companion with a letter to my abbot the blessed Columban, and if I learn
his will, and have his permission, then shall I undertake the burden of
pastoral care urged by you." Whereupon Gunzon replied : u Be it then as
you have said." Accepting the gifts offered by the Duke, St. Gall took a
courteous leave.
6 According to Walafridus Strabo, he was . she is named Fridiburga. At that time, she
a deacon subject to Willimar. is said to have been espoused to Sigebert, the
7 In his glosses to the Vita S. Galli, son of Theodoric ; but, after her cure by St.
Goldast writes regarding this mountain : Gall, she embraced a religious life, and
"Mons Coelius nonnumquam a monachis, by Sigebert himself, she was installed as
interdum Mons Cceli, olim Monkelen, nunc Superioress of the Parthenon of St. Peter,
Menkelen, dictus." According to Matthaeus in Metz. However, several particulars
Merianus, this mountain was not far from recounted in this narrative are regarded as
the city of St. Gall. See "Topographia fabulous. See Pere Charles le Cointe's
Helvetia?,'' P» 59- "Annales Ecclesiastici Francorum," tomu s
8 See an interesting account of the Lake ii., at A.D. 614.
and Town of Constance, in Rev. William 12 In the " Vita S. Galli " of Walafridus
Cox's " Travels in Switzerland, and in the Strabo, "ad Iburningas villam." To this
Country of the Grisons," vol. i., letter 3, pp. passage, Goldast has appended this note:
14 to 23. " In dextro litore lacus Pontamici, turn Ala-
9 He died ah. 614, according to Pere mannise ac Sueviae ducum sedes, nunc libera
Charles le Cointe. See "Annales Ecclesias- imperii Romani urbs, Uberlingen." In X<>.
tici Francorum, toraui ii., at a.d. 614. S.SMj among the Burgundian Library
10 " Scilicet Alamanniae seu Sueviae, .Manuscripts, Bruxelles, vol. xviii., there
auctoris illorum nummorum, qui hodieque are extracts, from the " Annales Suevici,"
a Snevis, vocantur Gunsenpfenning, de of Martinus Crucis, concerning Ireland,
quibus in libro De Nummis German- '3 Namely, for the See of Constance,
orum."— Goldast. then vacant owing to the death of Bishop
" In Walafridus Strabo's " Vita S. Galli," Gaudentius.
i36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Magnoald assumed charge of these gifts presented, and with the aid of his
helpmates, Theodore and Othmar,1* he brought them to the vessel on Lake
Constance. St. Gall had obtained from the Duke, that the Prefect of Arbon '5
should aid as desired in building his monastery. When he had come to the
fort, at that place, St. Gall desired Magnoald to collect all the poor he could
find, and distribute among them the gilts of Duke Gunzon. Then replied
Magnoald : " Father, all you have commanded I shall willingly do ; but I
have a precious silver vessel, and are you pieased I should keep it, to serve
as a sacred objeci ?" St. Gall answered : " Son, take heed to give that vessel
you possess with other valuables to the poor, lest you be in contradiction to
a salutary example, remembering what St. Peter said to the paralytic asking
for alms, 'Silver and gold I have none.' "l6 On hearing this, Magnoald gave
thanks to God for such an order, and distributed all to the poor. These
things accomplished, they retired to that chosen place in the wilderness,
where with prudent design they commenced building their religious cell.1?
Not long afterwards,18 St. Gall sent a letter to a certain deacon John x9 —
one of his disciples — requesting him to come, and when lie complied, the holy
Abbot gave him a course of instruction in the Sacred Scriptures. At length,
of approved virtue and learning, John was presented to the Duke as a man
eminently deserving episcopal promotion. Whereupon, with the approval of
other bishops and of all the people, the patron selected him for the vacant
See of Constance, and with tne customary solemn rites, he was duly
consecrated. i0 St. Gall preached a remarkable discourse on this occasion,-"
which the newly-consecrated bisiiop explained to the people in their own
vernacular language. About the year 614, with the concurrence of St. Gall,
and in the thirty-second or thirty-third year ol his age, St. Magnus, who had
lived with the priest named Wnlimar, at Aruon, near Bregentz,2-' is said to
have been ordained deacon, 23 by Bishop John of Constance. Atter receiving
that grade of Holy Orders, and with the bishop's benediction, he returned to
the ceil of his spiritual lather, St. Gall, who aitcrwards gave name to the well-
known town m and Canton 25 of Switzerland. Aided by the munificence of
King Sigibert and Duke Gunzon, St. Gali and St. Magnoald are said to have
M To this statement, Father Saysken takes 2I"Canisius est le premier qui a tire ce
exception, as the well-known Abbot discours de la poussiere. On le trove dans
Othmar could not have been a disciple to le cinquieme volume de ses Legons antiques,
St. Gall. Perhaps, however, the present qui parut a Ingolstast en 1604, et dans le
Othmar may have been quite a different premier tome cie la nouvelle edition qu'en a
person. public^ M. Basnage." — " Histoire Lheraire
15 An ancient town of Switzerland on the de la France," tome iii., vii. Siecle, p. 563.
south bank of Lake Constance, about 8 "Anciently called Brigantium by the
miles N.E. from St. Gall. See " Gazetteer of Romans, "opp. Rhoetise, in Suevia, ad
the World," vol. 1., p. 318. Brigantinum iacum, comitat. olim, urbs
16 See Acts, iii, 6. Rhcetioeprimaria,"&c.— Baudrand's" Novum
'7 There subsequently arose the celebrated Lexicon Geographicum," tomus i., p. 131.
monastery of St. Gali, called by the people JJ However, in a note, Father Suysnen
of that country St. Gallen, in the canton of points out what seems to him connecting
Switzerland so named, and near the southern statements, between what is to be found in
shore ol Lake Constance. the .lets of St. Magnus and those of St. Gall,
" The previous portion of the Acts of as related by Walalridus Strabo.
St. Magnus are omitted in tiiat veision pub- *4 An interesting account of it may be
lishett by Goldast. found in Rev. William Coxes "' Travels in
* The writers of "Gallia Chi istiana" have Switzerland and in the Country ol the
dignified him with tne title of Beatus, and Griaons," vol. L, letter 4, pp. 24 to 30.
style him the tenth bishop of Windisch and ,J 1 lie borders of Lake Zurich "embrace
Constance, in Switzerland. See tomus v., the three Cantons of Zurich, Sehwytz, and
col. 893. St. Gall."— J. S. Buckingham's " Belgium,
80 See Canisius, " Antiqu* Lectiones," the Rhine, Switzerland, and Holland,"
tomus v., p. 896. vol. ii., chap, ii., p. 26.
September 6.1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
'37
set about the construction of a magnificent monastery and church.26 Both
of these have long since
disappeared.3? To
them was added a
school, based on the
regulations introduced
by St.Columban, in his
former house at Luxeu.
The former monastery
has now been con verted
into a gymnasium, and
the old Abbey Library
still contains over
1,000 manuscripts,28
many of these being
most rare and valu-
able.^ The former
Abbey Church 3° of
later erection is one of
the finest in Switzer-
land; and the facade
especially, with its
magnificent towers on
either angle, has been
greatly admired.31 I n
the old monastic
school , a pious G erman
youth, Othmar,32 re-
ceived his early educa-
tion. By some, it has
been supposed, he had
been an early Abbot of
St. Gall,33 and to be
distinguished from the
St. Gall's Church. celebrated Abbot of
that name who governed the monastery there during the eighth century.34
26 However, this seems t o be an exaggeration,
as it was only in the eighth century the
monastery of St. Gall began to assume its
truly noble proportions, under the rule of
Abbot Othmar. At present, according to
local tradition, a chapel is shown, as standing
on the very site of St. Gall's original church.
21 The monastery has been suppressed.
The last Abbot of St. Gall, Pancratius,
having lost all his domains and revenues,
and having vainly endeavoured to interest
the Allied Powers in his favour, refused a
pension offered to him, in 1814, and claimed
the restoration of his former rights, lie
afterwards retired to the Convent of Mtiri,
in the Canton of Lucerne.
28 Among these, Poggio Bracciolini and
other learned men discovered in the Middle
Ages copies of several classic works, which
had been considered until then, as having
been lost. See Charles Knight's "Penny
Cyclopaedia/' vol. xi., p. 48.
29 A great number of Irish manuscripts are
still pre.-eived in that library, several of
which have been brought under the writer's
personal inspection, by the learned and
courteous sub-librarian, on the occasion of a
visit to St. Gallen, in September, 1886.
The Chevalier Constantino Nigra, in his
" Reliquie Celtiche," has examined and
particularly described those Irish manu-
scripts in the Library of St. Gall, in his
valuable and learned work. Firenze, Torino,
Roma, 1872, 4to.
3° Now the Cathedral of St. Gall.
31 An illustration of it, from a local photo-
graph, drawn on the wood and engraved by
Gregor Grey, is here presented as an illus-
tration.
32 According to the Acts of St. Magnus,
i38 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Septkmkkr (>.
After the recital of the midnight office, and when the monks hud retired
to their beds for a little rest, on a certain morning at day-break, St. Gall
arose. Calling the Deacon Magnoald, he said : " Prepare what is requisite
for the holy oblation, that without delay, I may celebrate the Divine
Mysteries." Magnoald asked if he were then about to offer up the holy
Mass. The Abbot answered : " After the vigils of this night, I learned from
a vision, that my Abbot and Father Columbanus has passed from the troubles
of this life to the joys of Paradise,35 and for his eternal repose I must
immolate the Victim of Propitiation." The usual sign being given, on
entering the oratory, they prayed ; then Mass commenced, and an offering
was made for the repose of St. Columban.36 Having concluded the Holy
Sacrifice, the Venerable Gallus said to his Deacon Magnoald : " My son, let
not the weight of my request be too great for you, but set out for Italy to the
Monastery of Bobbio, and bring me an exact account of what has happened
to my Abbot. Note also the day and the hour, so that if you find him to be
dead, you may know whether or not my vision has been truly fulfilled.
Learning all those circumstances, and with careful enquiries, bring the account
back to me." Casting himself at the feet of his superior, the deacon declared
the way was unknown to him. But, the venerable Abbot addressed him in
gentle tones of comfort and assurance, that the Lord would guide his steps.
Then recollecting the prophetic words of St. Columban, that he should go
into Italy, and to his tomb, as also to bring back the Cambuta, for a token
of St. Gall's absolution, Magnoald asked the abbot's benediction, and
immediately he prepared for the journey. Thus, in the year 615, St. Magnus
is said to have been sent by St. Gall to the Monastery of Bobbio,37 in Italy,
so that he might make exact enquiries, regarding the death of St. Columban.
In token of reconciliation with the great Abbot of Bobbio, St. Magnus,
after one night's stay, brought a letter and his staff back to St. Gall. This
latter was known as the Cambutta,38 and it was to serve as a token of his
reconciliation and absolution. This seems to have been a walking-stick,
used by the venerable Abbot, and the original material was wood of an
he and St. Gall in conjunction "juxta olympiade." — " Histoire Literaire de la
doctrinam magistri Columbani, disciplinam France,'' tome iii., vii. Siecle, p. 509.
Grammatical artis, seu ceterorum librorum 36 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
divinorum, eum erudientes, magistrum Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xi., sect, xvii.,
scola? constituerunt." p. 309.
33 Such is the opinion of Pere Charles 37 It was built near the River Trebbia,
le Cointe, who thinks that there had been at the foot of the Apennines, and about
two Othmars : the first a disciple of St. forty-five miles N.E. from Genoa. In
Gall and St. Magnus, and who flourished in course of time, a town grew around it, and
the seventh century ; the other renowned as it became the see of a bishop. See
the holy Abbot of St. Gall, who lived in the ** Gazetteer of the World," vol. ii., p. 787.
eighth century. See "Annales Ecclesiastici 38 Also written cambutla and cambolia.
Francorum," tomus iii., at A.D. 661, num. 2. Du Cange derives it from " cam-bot " or
34 This opinion is rejected by Father " bot-cam," used by the Armorican Britons
Suysken, who admits, however, that some to express a crooked-stick. See "Glossanum
Othmar — about whom little can now be ad Scriptores Medise ct infimae Latinitatis,"
known — had received his education from tomus ii., col. 72. But, it has other
St. Gall and St. Magnus. significations. It is used to denote an
35 St. Columbanus is thought to have episcopal or abbatial crozier, while
departed this life on the xi. of the December sometimes it seems to be distinguished from
Kalends, A.D. 615. "II est neanmoins either, although ornamented with gold and
certain qu'il avoit attaint l'age de soixante- silver, as we read, in Gestis Gaufredi
douze-ans, lorsqu'il ^crivit son poeme a Episcopi Cenoman : "Cambutam argenteam
Fedolius, qui paroit avoir et6 fait pendant magni pondeiisdeauratam et opere decoram
sa derniere maladie. II dit expressement cum baculo pastorali." — Mabillon's " Ana-
qu'il etait a la fin de sa dix-huiiieme lecta," tomus iii., p. 390.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
i39
unknown species, which, at a later period, had been covered with silver-
plating^ partly intended for ornament, and partly to preserve it from the
decay of time, especially as it was liable to be frequently used, and it bore
other relics enclosed/0 It was ornamented with a carved figure/1 supposed
to represent St. Magnus, with curious figures and designs. The staff is about
three feet, Antwerp measure, in height; whether originally curved is not
known, but at present it presents a straight appearance. This was long
afterwards preserved at St. Gall/2 and at a later time, as a relic in Fiissen.43
With all possible speed the messenger returned homewards, but it took him
eight days to accomplish that journey through a rough and mountainous
country. When the Epistle of Columban had been presented to St. Gall
and read by him, tenderly recollecting their mutual love and former relation-
ship, he shed tears. Calling the monks together, he manifested the greatness
of his sorrow, and all joined in prayer and sacrifice for the beatitude of their
illustrious Patriarch.
For ten years after this Italian visit, St. Magnus remained with St. Gall.*4
At the end of that period, seeing his superior begin to fail in strength, and
when he had contracted a fever, a message was sent to John, Bishop ot
Constance. Hearing of that illness, the devoted prelate immediately set out,
bearing with him delicacies of food and drink 4$ for his venerable friend ;
but, when he approached the town of Arbon,46 news reached him, that St.
39 A description of this staff, furnished by
the Rev. Father Columban Zeiller, a
professed religious of the monastery at
Fiiessen, to the Rev. Father Maurice
Chardon, Rector ot the Jesuit College of
Constance, had been communicated to
Father Suysken, and from his details, we
have incorporated the particulars in our
text. To make the description stilt more
intelligible to the student of ecclesiastical
antiquities, Father Suysken has introduced
an interesting copperplate engraving of the
subject, and which runs the length of a
column on page 725.
40 Whether this be of gold, or silver-gilt,
is not stated.
41 The Abbot Henry, writing on the 14th
of August, a.d. 1607, causeu the case in
whien they had been kept to be opened, in
the presence of Father Abraham Hayl,
sub-prior, Father Caspar Weber, sacristan,
and some seculars. Then were disclosed
seven particles— in German siven penggelin
— elegantly arranged ; yet no papers were
to be found, or if such had been there
placed, they were then destroyed through
lapse of time- He adds : " liac occasione
et bacuhun S. iMagni, aperire curavi, ubi,
inveni, rehquias divae Vnginis, S. Benedicti,
S. Magni, S. Galb, S. Udalrici,
S. Seba.stiani, S. Eustachi et Mauritii, cum
schedis suis, nomina contimntibus. Item
aliam particulam absque scheda legibili."
42 Among tiie sacred treasures of this
church, we are informed, that the staff of
St. Columban had been preserved at the
altar dedicated to St. Gall, and on a certain
occasion had been brought thence by the
Blessed Abbot Notker Balbulus, who
flourished there in the ninth and beginning
01 the tenth century. At this time it sus-
tained a fracture. The account is contained
in the tract of Ekkehardus Junior — a writer
of the eleventh century — "De Casibus
Monasteiii S. Galli,1' cap. iii. This is also
stated by another Ekkehardus, Dean of St.
Gall, in a Life of the same Notker, and a
writer of the thirteenth century, as found
in the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i., Aprilis vi., the date assigned for
his testival.
43 At what time it had been transferred to
this place does not appear ; but, in the
process of Notker Balbulus' Canonization,
begun on the 2nd of July, A.D. 1513,
Ulricus Herr, a professed religious of the
monastery of St. Gall, testifies, that a very
ancient staff, having a fracture, and of which
mention had been made in the Twenty-
sixth chapter of "Vita B. Notkeri,'' was
produced, "qui dicitur baculus S. Colum-
bani, cum quo idem B. Notkerus dacmonem
verberasse asseritur." However, we do not
find any statement to inform us, as to whether
the staff had been brought at that time from
the monastery of St. Gall, or from that of
Fiissen.
44 In Goldast's edition we read : " Com-
moratus est autem B. Magnoaldus cum S.
Galio fere annos decern post perpetratum
iter ab Italia ; decimo vero anno defunctus
est B. Gallus."
45 These refreshments are not mentioned
in the Acts of our saint as published by
Canisius.
46 In it, St. Gall departed this life.
t46 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Gall had peacefully expired in the ninety-fifth year of his age.4? In tears and
sorrow, Bishop John proceeded to the place where the body of the holy
Abbot lay. The usual requiem offices were religiously celebrated. Afterwards,
with prayer and benediction, the Bishop and Magnoald 48 placed the coffin on
a chariot drawn by two untamed horses, who, without driver or rein,
proceeded leisurely and in a direct course to the cell which St. Gall had
previously erected. There they came to a stand, when Magnoald and
Theodore, lifting the coffin, brought the sacred remains into the church, where
they were placed before the altar. Having, with the Bishop, finished the
prayers, in accordance with the funeral rites, St. Gall was religiously buried.
When Bishop John returned to his place, Magnoald and Theodore, with
Othmar and other monks, were left to guard the relics as a sacred deposit.
Three years alter St. Gall's death, and in fulfilment of St. Columban's
prophecy, it is related, that a certain Otwin/9 and his prefect Erchonald,50
who were men of abandoned lives, collected a multitude of spoilers, and
attacked the monastery of St. Gall. They broke in the gates, and not only
rifled the ccenobium of its gold, silver, and other precious treasures, but
destroyed the tomb of St. Gall, thinking to find therein something of value.
All those whom they met to oppose them were killed, while they left
Magnoaldus and Theodorus beaten and lying wounded in the atrium.
Hearing of these outrages, Bishop Boso,51 who then ruled over the See of
Constance, hastened to the scene of violence, and found both of those holy
servants disabled, and incapacitated from repairing their master's tomb, much
as they desired. However, the compassionate prelate consoled them as best
he could, and the comiminity of monks being assembled, chaunting psalms
and hymns, with prayers, the body of St. Gall was again buried in the former
grave, which was then filled with earth.*2 Bestowing his benediction on the
two religious brothers, Magnoald and Theodore, Boso presented his own
vestments to them, and furnishing other necessaries, he gave them permission
on the restoration of their strength, to seek whatever place of living the Lord
had destined for them.
Recollecting the monition and prophecy of St. Columban regarding the
eastern mission of Magnoald, he and his companion Theodore betook
themselves to prayer.53 The following night, Magnoald had a vision, which
indicated, that he should have confidence in the Divine assistance which
would be afforded him ; and on the following morning, both companions
prayed with all the greater fervour, that the Lord would guide their way as He
willed, and show them how their destination could be accomplished. At
47 His death has been generally assigned think him to be identical with a Huso, Buffo,
to the year 625. Obihardus or Obbaldus.
48 In Walafridus Strabo's "Vila S. Galli." 5s Walafridus Strabo thus describes the
it is stated, that the Bishop, with Wilhniar, bishop's action : "Sumens loculum, in quo
Magnoald and Theodore had desired, in sanctum corpus erat, posuit super terram,
the first instance, to inter St. Gall at inter parietem et altare, et desuper, ul
Arbon. nioris est, arcam altiorem construxit, fossam
49 Who he was seems to be unknown. vero terra replevit." — " Vita S. Galli."
In the "Vita S. Galli," the spoiler is de- bi Father Suy.skcn remarks, that the
scribed as '* praifectus et partium earumdem preceding narrative in the Acta Pseudo-
potestate pneui.us." Theodon, seems to have been taken from
50 He is also designated Erchanoldus and the lives of Saints Columban and Gall, and
Erwinus, but in any form of the name, he that what follows appears to be the product
has no historic celebrity. of the compiler or compilers. In the edition
5' Except from what is stated of him in of Goldast, Liber Secundus is prefixed, at
the Lives of St. Gall and St. Magnus, little the beginning of the sentence substantially
more appears to be known. Some writers translated in the text.
September 6.1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 14T
noon, a certain priest, named Tozzo 54 or Tosso, arrived from a distant
country to pay his devotions at the tomb of St. Gall — the fame of whose
holiness had spread abroad — and it was revealed to him, that he should make
that pilgrimage, and meet those willing to set out for the east, and whom he
should conduct thither until they reached the place desired. He brought
with him a lighted candle in his hand, which the wind did not extinguish
during the darkness of night, but which at day-break went out of its own
accord.55 After the death of St. Gall, St. Magnus and Theodore had
resolved on travelling eastwards, and now they met that stranger pilgrim. On
enquiry, they learned the nature and purport of his journey. Hearing the
circumstance related by him, they recognised the guide of their course,
promised by the Almighty, to whom they gave thanks. Having saluted
Tozzo with the kiss of peace, they brought him into the Church of St. Gall,
and to the holy patron's tomb. Afterwards, he was conducted to the guest-
house, where he was hospitably entertained, and there he spent that night.
Next morning, the two missionaries, having prayed before the tomb of St.
Gall, parted from their brother monks with a blessing, and travelled onwards
with Tozzo, leaving the Lake of Bregentz or Constance on their left.
At length, they reached Bregentz s6 itself, where they remained for
two days. While there, Magnoald cured a poor blind man, who, filled with
admiration and gratitude for the restoration of his sight, expressed a desire to
follow Magnoald wherever he went. Having obtained that permission, he
desired to serve the Lord. Conscious of the miracle wrought in this case,
the people of Bregentz are said then to have bestowed on him the title and
name of Magnus. With Tozzo for their guide, Magnoald and Theodore
resumed their journey, the poor man restored to sight following in their train.
After some days of travel, they came to a beautiful town which they
found to be altogether deserted. Magnoald enquired its name, and that of
the river running by it, and Tozzo answered : " This place, often visited by
the country-people, is called Campidona ;57 but, they dare not remain here a
single night, it is so infested with different species of serpents. The river is
called Hilara ;58 not because it disturbs many persons, on account of its swift
course, for rather it causes them sorrow than joy. It behoves us, however,
to hasten onwards, lest the serpents find us to be here, and make an onset
to devour us. For many men who have come hither to hunt, they have
devoured, not permitting them to remain even for one night." The blessed
Magnoald then answered : " Truly, our Lord Jesus Christ hath power to drive
those serpents from this place, as He had in casting out bears, wolves and
other wild beasts, nay even serpents and demons, through the prayers of our
54 The festival of St. Tozzo is held on the in Tyrol, on the Bregenzer-see, a gulf of
16th of January. The theatre of his apos- Lake Constance. In the Middle Ages, it
tolic labours was Algau, in Suabia, between belonged, with the surrounding territory, to
Lake Constance and the Tyrolean Alps. the powerful house of Montfort. In 145 1,
Afterwards he became Bishop of Augsburg. it was obtained by purchase and ceded to
See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des the Dukes of Austria. See " Gazetteer of
Saints," tome i., xvie Jour de Janvier, the World," vol. iii., p. 24.
pp. 412, 413. 57 Also called Campodunum, now Kemp-
55 Hence he is represented in art, with a ten, a German city in Bavaria. Here dwelt
lighted flambeau in his hand, and a rosary, in a fortress the dukes of Suabia, from whom
to denote a pilgrim. See Rev. Ur. F. C. descended Hiltegardis, the wife of Charle-
Husenbeth's "Emblems of Saints," p. magne. See Martinus Crusius, "Annates
205. Suevici," tomus i., lib. ix., cap. 3.
56 This town is of great antiquity, being s8 The present Iller, which rises in the
the Brigantia of the Romans. It is now the Tyrol, and flowing northwards by Kempten,
capital of the circle of Brigenz or Vorarlberg, joins the Danube at Ulm.
142 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Superior and Master Gallus", and from that place where he choose to build
his cell, and to have his sacred body buried. Therefore, with God's
assistance, it will be expedient for us to remain here during the night." The
Legend of our Saint's Acts then proceeds to state, that Magnus said to his
companion : " Brother Theodore, pray and implore God's mercy, that He
aid us to banish the dragon and demons that dwell in this place, since by
thee is it designed to be built up and restored ; wherefore let us pray
unitedly, that the Lord shall be willing to hear us and purify a spot rendered
uninhabitable for man." Then both prostrated themselves in prayer, and
while so engaged, a hideous monster, called a Boas,59 from the sound of its
voice,60 rushed upon them out of the town. In terror at the sight, the priest
Tozzo and the man restored to vision ran to save themselves by climbing up
a tree. Confiding in the Divine assistance, and while Theodore prayed,
Magnoald arose. Making a sign of the cross, he took the Cambuta and a
crucifix he bore, to meet the dragon, and crying out: "In the name of my
Lord Jesus Christ, I command that there you remain, and that the demon
you contain kill you, through the power of the true and living God." He
then struck the Boas on the head with the Cambuta, and immediately
bursting asunder the monster expired. The other vermin in and around the
town immediately fled, and never afterwards returned.
When Theodore saw the wonderful miracle wrought, he arose from his
kneeling posture, and raising his hand towards Heaven exclaimed : " Lord
God Almighty, who hath created heaven and earth, the sea, and all things in
them, I give Thee thanks, I invoke Thee, I adore Thee, I sing Thy praises,
who hath deigned to fr>ee us from such a danger, and from such a pest of
vermin." He then fell down, and kissed the knees, hands and face of
Magnoald, and in a transport of joy exclaimed, "Truly, no longer shall you
be called Magnoald, but Magnus, since the Lord hath granted such graces as
to free this place not alone from monsters but even from demons."
Whereupon Magnoald replied : " Do not so express yourself, brother, I am
not great, but the least of God's servants. He alone has freed us from such
dangers. Your own prayers were heard by the Lord, and therefore not to
my merits, but by order of the Almighty, those monsters have departed.
Now call our fellow-travellers, and let us remain here, since the Lord wills us
to build a cell in it for His greater glory. Remember how our most holy
Superior and Father Gallus came to the place he had chosen for his dwelling ;
so through his merits is it ordained by God, for there can be no doubt, he
desires this spot to be consecrated to him."61 Seeing all danger thus
removed, Tozzo and the man who had recovered sight descended from the
tree, and prostrated themselves before Magnoald and Theodore. Tozzo then
cried out: "Truly the Lord is in this place, who hath given such power to
the holy Magnus, who with his Cambuta hath wrought such a miracle :
therefore I shall now boldly conduct both of you through the deserts and
s» Pliny thus writes regarding such a (hat a similar monster was destroyed by St.
monster: '"Faciunt his ndem in Italia Ililarion, near Epidaurus, a town of
appellatae boae, in tantam amplitudinem Dalmatia : "Draco mine magnitudinis
exeuntes, ut, divo Claudio principe, oceisa. (quos gentili sermone boas vocant ab eo,
in Vaticano solidus in alvo speciatus sit qu<»d tarn grand efl sint, ut boves glutire
infans. Aluntur primo bubuli lactis succo, soleant) omnem late vastabat provincial!) ;
unde nomenhabet." — "Historia Naturalis," nee solum armenta et pecudes, Bed agricolas
HI), viii., cap. 14. quoque et pastores, tractosque ad se vi
60 In the editions of our saint's Acts by gpiritus sui absorbebat." — "Vita S.
Canisius and Goldast, such derivation is not Hilarionis."
given. One very different is to be found in 6l This latter sentence is not in the edition
the works of St. Jerome, when he relates, of St. Magnus' Acts as published by Canisius.
September 6.1 LIVES 0* THE IRISH SAINTS. 143
passes, to wherever you shall chose to dwell. I see such power is bestowed
bv the Almighty for your merits, because the various localities of this region
are purified and rendered habitable." Magnoald answered : u Here shall we
remain for the present week, and build a small oratory,62 that the people of
this district may know God's mercy to them, in this very place." During the
short time of their stay there, Tozzo visited all the neighbouring places
familiar to him, and made known to the inhabitants the great miracle
wrought. Many flocked thither, and admired the power of God. St.
Magnus preached His Word, while still a deacon, and numbers converted to
the true Faith were baptised by the priest Tozzo. They brought more than
sufficient food for the missioners' wants, and giving thanks to God, the
country people willingly aided Magnus and Theodore in the work of building
their cell. For three days they continued working, and spent the nights in
prayer. After the matutinal office on the third dawning of day, the demons
were seen flying through the air, and screaming. Suddenly they set upon
Tozzo, crying out : " Thou, hostile to our leader 63 and to us, why hast thou
brought this man and his companion to our place, who hath chased us from
where we and our confederates have subjected many souls ? Their Master
always conquers us with his agencies, as he does also those who invoke the
name of the Lord. Yet, he has not alone vanquished and expelled us, but also
our members by the awe-inspiring name of Adonai." Hearing this, the aforesaid
priest made a sign cf the cross on himself, and went to the holy man to tell
him what he had seen and heard. Then the brave athlete and elect of God,
with Theodore, prostrate in prayer, addressed the Omnipotent in these words :
" O powerful God, ineffable goodness, inestimable piety, who, according to
Thy mercy and not through our merits, hast deigned to save us from those
monsters and demons, graciously hear our prayers as You have those of our
Superior Gall, and banish the demons from this place, that it may be sanctified
in Thy name, by daily orisons."64 Then rising from prayer and going out
from the oratory, they heard evil spirits howling and crying out: "You,
Magnus, bear three names on your forehead, and with the Trinity cause
such ills to us, and you, Theodore, what do you to us? The day must come
when Magnus shall not be with you, and then we can assail you, and excite
the various passions of the inhabitants of this region against you." Magnus
then replied : " Miserable beings, acknowledge if you can the Trinity of
God." They answered : " We know it to be ineffable and immense." Then
said the blessed Magnus : " Now that you have acknowledged the Holy
Trinity, I command you, not in my own poor capacity, but through the
immense power of the Holy Trinity, that you quit this place, and go into
mountain deserts wherever the Lord permits you, and that you no longer have
permission to return." On this sentence being pronounced, the demons cried
out: "Alas! what shall we do ? Here have we met another Gallus: nay
more, this Gallus is worse than the former, who with his morning canticles 6s
62 In the Latin Acts, "aedificemus ora- shall daily resound at cock-crowing with
culum parvulum." Thy praises."
63 In the Latin Acts, "senioris nostri " 6s The text of the saint's Acts reads thus :
has many observations regarding the " Heu ! quid faciemus? alium Galium hie
signification, by Goidast, in a lengthy habemus : imo iste Gallus pejor est priori,
note. quia cum suis galliciniis nos et membra
64 The Latin phrase in the Acts of St. nostra pariter ejicit : sed nee in heremo
Magnus is, " cottidie cantantibus gallis." manere permittit." The demons are here
Goidast omits it, and Father Suysken under- allowed to have a play on the proper name
stands it to mean : " Locus iste quotidie sub of Gallus, the master of St. Magnus. Thus :
gallicinium laudibus tuis resonet." It may "gallus gallinaceus." See also Cicero pro
thus be rendered in English : " This place Murana, 29.
144
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
drives away us and our companions, not even permitting us to remain in the
wilderness." From that day forward the demons disappeared, and never
returned ; for, as the evil ones left, through the prayers of Magnus, so did
the poison of error depart from many souls there, holiness taking its place.
Thenceforth the inhabitants enjoyed peace in their dwellings.66
Magnus stayed a short time at Campidonum 67 or Campodunum,68 now
Kempten,69 as he was obliged to accomplish the prediction of his master, St.
Columban.?0 That is now a town in Bavaria, and in the circle of Suabia, on
the left bank of the Uler. Having recommended Theodore to build a church
in that place,?1 and leaving the man who had recovered sight with him,
Magnus gave him the kiss of peace and bade farewell, taking with himself
the priest Tozzo as a companion. About the year 629, St. Magnus is said
to have thus journeyed ad Fauces Julias,1* where he intended to select a site,
on which to build a monastery. On the way, a river was passed, before they
came to a place called Eptaticus,?3 where they found a bishop belonging to
the renowned Church of Augsburg,"* in Germany. He was named
Wictherpus.75 Tozzo was intimate with that prelate, and went in advance of
Magnus, to relate all he knew about the holy man, and the object of his
visit, which was to seek that spot which Providence had designed for him.
The bishop asked Tozzo from what country the stranger had come, and he
received for answer : " My lord, as I have heard from 'Theodore, who has
been left at Campidona, he was born in the province of Ireland." Having
heard the report of his virtues and miracles, the Bishop cordially received
Magnus, who remained with him a few days, and related all he knew regarding
Saints Columban and Gall, their characters, conversation, wanderings,
miracles and lives. Then Wictherp enquired about the place to which he
was going. Then Deacon Magnus replied : " The Lord willing it, I am
directed to a locality denominated Fauces,?6 near springs of the Julian Alps,
and where was a dragon killed by a demon, according to a command of
Bishop Narcissus, and there, with God's assistance, I shall do all the good
66 This sentence is omitted in the editions
of Canisius and Goldast.
67 At A..D. 752, Mabillon writes :
" Positus est hie locus in Sueviee finibus ad
Hilarem amnem, a quo inditum pago
Hilergovse noraen. Nobile in primis cceno-
bium, nobilium Suevorum seminarium, ac
totius Suevise monasterium facile princeps
cujus abbas inter principes imperii quatuor-
viros locum habet." — " Annales Ordinis
Sancti Benedicti," tomus ii., lib. xxii., sect,
lxv., pp. 159, 160.
68 It lies 61 miles W.S.W. from Munich.
It consists of two parts : the old town and
the Stifts-Siadt, having close upon 8,000
inhabitants, with a fine collegiate church,
library, and manufactures of cottonand linen.
See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. viii.,
p. 473-
69 See Baudrand's "Novum Lexicon Geo-
graphicum," tomus i., p. 154.
70 The Benedictine writers state of
Theodore : " 6 qui on rapporte la premiere
origine de la celebre Abbaie de Kempten."
— Histoire l.iteraire de la France," tome
iii., vii. Siecle, p. 635.
71 Theodore is called by Canisius the first
Abbot of Kempten. However, Hermann
states, that Audegarius was the first founder
and abbot there, A.D. 752. Sec Mabillon's
" Annales Ordinis Sancti Benedicti," tomus
ii., lib. xxii., sect, lxv., p. 159.
72 Mabillon states "ad Fauces alpiutn
Juliarum accessi-se," &c. — Ibid., tomus i.,
lib. xiii., sect, xxxiii.. p. 392.
73 Rader calls it Heptaticus, a village in
Boica, between Land-perg and Schongavie,
near the River Lich. See " Bavaria Sacra."
74 Bearing the Latin denomination of
Augusta Vindelicensis.
75 lie i- venerated as a saint, on the 18th
of April, the day for his feast. He was
bishop of Augsburg about the year 654.
See l.es Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
Saints," tome iv., xviik- Jour d'Avril, p.
470.
76 Baud rand has the following description
of the place : " Abusiacum, seu Abodiacus,
Fuessen.oppidum alias Vindeliceae in Rhxnia,
nunc Suevise, provinciae Germanise, in ipse
limiie Bavaria:. in ditione episcopiAugustani.
Distal xii. milliaribus Germanicis ab
Augusta Vindelicorum in Meridiem." —
" Novum Lexicon-Geographicum."
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 145
within my power. Now let your reverence prescribe for me, how I shall
obey you, as I desire to become your subject, and receive the Lord's com-
mand from your mouth. I am now an old man, and I desire in my closing
years, if it be your pleasure, to see that place, and prepare in it to serve God,
following the rule of my most blessed superiors, Columban and Gall." The
Bishop replied : "The place you seek is very rugged and deserted by man,
and various wild animals, such as deer, boars and bears abound there, so
that my Lord the King Pipin 77 has reserved it as a hunting-ground for his
own use. Serpents of various kinds are also to be met with." Then Magnus
said : " Father, such grace had my masters Columban and Gall, that when
they came to places where they desired to dwell, our Lord Jesus Christ
through their prayers banished the wild animals and vermin. In like manner,
through His mercies, I believe, He will not allow such pests to remain there
when I come." Giving his assent, and spreading before them some food, the
Bishop sent attendants with Magnus and Tozzo to that spot, known to the
inhabitants as Rosshaupten,?8 rendered Head of the Horse,79 where a fierce
dragon lurked in a crevice, and would not permit any man nor horse to
approach that way.
When there arrived, the Deacon Magnus said to the Priest Tozzo :
u Brother, let us set up our tent here for the night, and pray to the Lord,
that He would expe.1 the present demoniac subject from this spot, and permit
us to advance." Accordingly, they rested there, but during that night,
Magnus prayed and invoked the Divine assistance to overcome the dragon.
At midnight, however, he said to Tozzo : " Give me a man, who will lead me
to the den where that dragon lies." Tozzo replied, that he feared the monster
should devour him, but Magnus answered : " If the Lord be with us, who shall
be against us, let us therefore go in confidence, since he who released Daniel
from the lion's den 8o can also snatch me from this wicked monster's power."
Saying these words, Magnus placed some bread that had been blessed, in his
satchel, hanging a small crucifix from his neck. He took some pitch and
rosin, and the Cambuta of St. Gall, in his hands ; then he prayed, " O Almighty
Lord, who hath brought me into a distant country, send Thy angel with me,
as in the case of Thy servant Tobias,81 deliver me from the power of this
dragon, and show me the place destined for our most ardent desires." Then
having a little of the blessed bread and water in his mouth, and taking with
him a single guide, leaving all his other companions in the tent, Magnus set
out for the place where the dragon lay in wait. Immediately he arose to
attack the holy Deacon, who threw burning pitch and rosin into the monster's
mouth, with a prayer to God for the result. The dragon burst asunder, and
died on the instant.82 The man who had accompanied him, on seeing that
miracle, ran back to the tent, and brought those who remained behind to
witness it. They found Magnus engaged in prayer and thanksgiving, in
" As Pepin, surnamed the Short, did not from the town of Fussen, and in the direction
begin to reign until A. D. 750 ; no other of Augsburg.
prince of the name can here be intended, if ?9 The author of our saint's Acts remarks,
not Pippin the Senior, Major-domus of " idcirco vocatus est iste locus Caput Equi,
Dagobert I., and Sigebert, Kings of quia omnes venatores reliquerunt ibi cabal los
Austrasia. suos, et pedestres ibant, quocumque poterant
78 By the Germans ros means "horse," ad venandum."
and haupt "head." Hence Rader gives it *° See Daniel, c. vi.
the Greek rendering, Hippocephalum. In 8l See Tobias, c. v.
the map, prefixed to the " Commentarius 82 Father Suysken believes, that this
Rerum Augustinarum " of F. Charles account is taken from what is related
Stengel, the spot is shown at the River in a nearly similar manner in Daniel, xiv.
Lech, and a little more than a German mile 26.
K
i46 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
which Tozzo devoutly joined. Afterwards, they left that rugged place, and
went to the River Lech. From the neck of Magnus depended a crucifix or
case,83 containing relics of the Holy Cross, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the
holy Martyrs, Maurice and his companions, as also of the Blessed Confessors
Columban and Gall.8* Near the banks of the River Lech was found a
spacious and beautiful plain, 8s where a large apple-tree grew,86 and on its
branches Magnus hung the reliquary, and called Tozzo to him. Both
engaged in prayer, and Magnus exclaimed: " Lord Jesus Christ, who hast
deigned to be born of the Virgin and to die for our salvation, despise not the
contrition for my sins, but allow us to construct an oratory here in honour of
Thy holy Mother, and prepare also a dwelling for Thy servants."
Whereupon, they began to dig the foundations and to build a church
there. Afterwards, they invited Bishop Wictherp to come and consecrate it
to our Lord and to Holy Mary.87 Their request he complied with, and it
was dedicated to the Mother of God and to St. Florianus.88 In it, the Divine
Mysteries were soon celebrated. Hearing of the great miracle wrought through
his merits, the people flocked far and near to the cell of St. Magnus — for
such they chose to call it, on account of his virtues and miraculous powers.
It was also enriched with gifts by the faith ful.89 Leaving Tozzo there to
minister for their spiritual welfare, and commending him to the congregation,^
Magnus knew that another place not far removed was destined for his own
habitation.
Thence he went to Fauces — the present Fiissen — situated on the River
Leek, in the circle of the Upper Danube, Bavaria.91 There, too, the evil spirits
are said to have had previous possession of the locality, and while some were
buried in the depths of the River Leek, others held possession of the
mountains near it.92 They were heard mutually to lament the arrival of
83 This was afterwards kept in the monas- ecclesia non in honorem divse Virginis et S.
tery of Fiissen. The Abbot Henry, in Floriani, sed in honorem Salvatoris nostri
1607, opened this case, and found within it est dedicata."
seven different objects, but without any 88 The Benedictine Father Charles Stengel
inscription. In German they are called understood this dedication, as referring to
siven penggelin, but Father Suysken states, the monastery of Fiissen, in his " Monas-
he could not anywhere find the interpretation teriologia, in qua insignium Monasteriorum
of the words. Faniiliae Sancti Benedicti in Germanin,
84 Father Suysken rather supposes the Origines, Fundatores. Claiique Viii, &c. ,
narrative in the text to have been drawn by reri iacbae occulis subjiciuntur." Augsburg,
the interpolator from an incident of a nearly 1619, 1638, two tomes in one folio volume,
similar character related by Walafridus However, in this he was mistaken, as
Strabo in his " Vita S. Galli." Waltenhofen was really the place destined
85 Rader states, that in his day it was for St. Tozzo, as the Bollandist Father
called Waltenhofen. See "Bavaria pia," Henschenn shows in his Acts, at the 16th
p. 1S6. of January. See " Acta Sanctorum,"
80 Father Babenstuber, in his "Vita S. 'tomus ii., at that same day.
Magni," relates, that in his day it was *» In the edition of our saint's Acts by
staled this apple-tree grew in the garden of Goldast, much of what follows in the text is
a certain Adam Mayr of Waltenhofen, near omitted.
the parish church. Although from time 9° The Vita S. Magni states :" relinquens
to time that tree had been imprudently prsefatum pnvsbyterum Tozzouem in ecclesia
mutilated, still it recovered growth, and sanctze Mariae ad populum illis venturum
many strangers came from a distance to custodiendum vocavitque ipsum locum
obtain its leaves and branches, which were Synagoga, id est Congregatio populorum."
thought to drive away mice from their 9l See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
meadows and fields. See lib. ii., cap. 5. Saints," tome x., Jour vie Septembre,
87 The Abbot Henry, in annotations to p. 528.
his manuscript, writes : "Collige falli eos, 92 The Bollandist editor invites the reader
qui hanc ecclesioe dedicationem attribuunt to compare this account, with what is related
ecclesiie Faucensi : nostra enim prima regarding St. Gall, by Walafridus Strabo;
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 147
Magnus in the district, when signing himself with the cross, he said : " In the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and not through my merits, but those of the
blessed Gallus, his confessor, and through his glorious deposition, I adjure
you to depart from this place and return not, nor retiring presume to injure
anv person." Soon afterwards, the holy deacon crossed over the river 93 to the
Church of St. Mary, which he had built for Tozzo, and related all he had
heard and seen.** When the hour for vespers came, with its sacred song,
were heard the loud howls of the demons from the mountain tops, as if
terrified on departing. The servants of God gave thanks in prayer for this
victory over the wicked spirits. On the next day, Magnus and Tozzo
returned to the place already described, and there, with the assistance of the
people, a small oratory was erected. It was dedicated to our Saviour,95 by
Bishop Wictherpus.
This chapel had a ccenobium attached to it, but in the lapse of time,
both were more than once destroyed and again reconstructed ; until in the
ninth century, the bishops of Augsburg 96 — and especially Lanto97 — took
care that a larger church should be erected. This was dedicated to our
Saviour and to St. Magnus. It was also regarded as a parish church. In
the year 1 701, the Most Rev. Dom. Gerard, the fifty-second Abbot of Fiissen,
had the church and monastery magnificently renovated, and in the year 171 7,
on the 15th of February, the consecration took place, by the Most Rev. and
Serene Lord Bishop of Augsburg, Alexander Sigismund, Count Palatine.
According to the description given of this church, it was built in magnificent
proportions, being of noble design, while the materials were superior, and the
workmanship was most elaborate.98 The structure was cruciform, two
hundred feet in length, by sixty in height, whence a roof arose to the apex of
forty additional feet. The transepts were eighty-four feet in width, elsewhere
the breadth was sixty feet. Twelve columns supported the roof within, and
on each of these was the beautiful and artistic figure of an apostle carved in
fine marble ; while sixty triple windows, oblong, rounded and lunated, threw
light into the building. Within the church were four oratories ; the two
larger devoted to the choristers, and the other two fitted for the practice of
devotion. The choir was rounded off and elongated for accommodation of
the religious, who used it both by day and night, and the stalls were
elegantly carved in mottled wood. Moreover, within the church were
and, he must find, that what has been ^ Of it, the Abbot Henry writes, that in
attributed to the latter saint at Bregentz is his opinion, it rested on a rock above the
also ascribed by the interpolator to St. great church of his time, and that it was
Magnus at Fussen. Wherefore, lie deems near their conventual garden, " ubi jam
the story in the text worthy only to be re- constructa manet ecclesia nostra major."
ganled as a fable. 96 Much chronological uncertainty pre-
93 Waltenhofen and Fussen were on vails regarding the order of succession and
opposite banks of the River Lech. dates for the episcopacy of Augsburg during
94 The Abbot Henry alludes to a spot the Middle Ages, as shown by Father
near the Lech, called S. Mangen schritt. Suysken, in the " Acta Sanctorum," tomus
Regarding it, Father Ludovicus Babenstuber ii., Septembris vi. De Sancto Magno, &c,
states: "Extra suburbicen Fuessense, ubi Commentarius Przevius, sect, viii., pp. 716
est fullonia, in utraque ripa Lyci notantur to 720.
partes petra; depressiores cateris, quas vulgus 97 This prelate— also called Hanto — is said
S. Magni vestigia (S. Mangen schritt) to have presided over his see for seven years,
nominat ; quae Divusdestituerit ibiimpressa, and to have been present at the Synod of
quando omnem superavit, seu vado, seu Mayence, held A.n. 847.
portatus ab angelo. Non tamen referunt 98 We have here abridged a detailed descrip-
ea, ut satis agnosci queat, figuram plantarum tion of this grand chinch, dedicated to St.
humanarum : in causa ajunt esse vetustatem, Magnus, from that given by the Rev. Father
quae madore imbrium, niveumque adjuta, Chardon, Rector of the Jesuit College of
manifestiora lineamenta exederit." Constance, to the Bollandists.
148
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
admirably pictured incidents in his life, and representations of some miracles
wrought by St. Magnus. The high altar, magnificently and skilfully carved
from precious marble, closed the choir, and the pavement of the choir was of
black and white marble, in a varied and harmonizing pattern. There are
eight chapels within the church : two larger ones within the transepts ; and
six smaller ones — all of their altars being marble ; also, a large organ, and
two smaller ones. A few steps conduct to the entrance of two subterranean
chapels: one of these is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and there is the
baptismal font, enclosed within a marble baptistery. But, the chapel of St.
Magnus, which adjoins, is still more ornate ; for not alone is the altar of
marble, but the walls and pavement are exquisitely adorned with varied
coloured marbles, and arranged with great artistic taste. Tradition maintains,
that this latter chapel stands on the original site of the cell of St. Magnus.??
CHAPTER III.
ST. MAGNUS IS PATRONISED BY KING PIPPIN— ORDAINED PRIEST BY BISHOP
WICTHERP— MIRACLES WROUGHT AT FUSSEN— BISHOP TOZZO VISITED ST. MAGNUS
AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH— INTERMENT BY THEODORE— A MEMOIR PLACED
IN HIS COFFIN — RESTORATION OF HIS CHURCH BY CHARLEMAGNE— TRANSLATION
OF ST. MAGNOALD'S REMAINS TO A NEW SHRINE— MIRACLES THEN AND AFTER-
WARDS WROUGHT— COMMEMORATIONS AND FESTIVALS — CONCLUSION.
Some religious clerics were soon found to place themselves under the rule
of St. Magnus,1 and they were recommended to his care by the good prelate,
who also furnished the means necessary for their support. He is said, like-
wise, to have furnished a recommendation in person to the renowned King
Peppin2 or Pippin d'H£ristall,3 who then ruled over Germany and Gaul,*
» Father Chardon adds : " Sacellum S.
Magni ab initio et prima monasteni funda-
tione ereclum, antiquissime documenta
dicunt fuisse habitaculum et ipsissimam
cellam, in qua S. Magnus primus fundator
et patronus noster habitavit in vivis ; et ideo
semper in summo honore habitual, ssepius
cum monasterio et ecclesia, partim incendi,
partim devastationibus destructum, sed
semper iterum innovatum, cum ecclesia et
monasterio anno MDCCI. noviter et fundo
erecto et hoc sacellum e fundo noviter ex-
tructum et pulcherrime exornaium fuit,
ut hodie visitur ; ita tamen ut eumdem
semper locum servaverit, quern habuit,
vivente S. Magno, postcujus obitum postliac
in sacellum mutatum est. '
Chapter hi. — ' The Acts of St. Magnus,
as published by the Boilandists, state, that
he ruled over them for thirty years ; but this
account does not accord with other versions
of his Acts, which give him only twenty-
live years, as a superior. Even the aforesaid
Acts are inconsistent with their subsequent
relation of the death of St. Magnus, " ex-
pletis viginti sex annis commorationis suae
in illo ccenobio," &c.
2 He. was grandson, through his mother,
Begga, of Pepin le Vieux, or of Landen,
mayor of the palace under Sigebert III.,
son of Dagobert, who died A. I). 638, and
whom lie survived only one year. In concert
with his brother Martin, Pepin dTIeristal
declared war against the King of Neustria,
or rather against the mayor or his house,
the able minister, Ebroin. Their career
commenced by getting rid of the Merovin-
gian King Dagobert II., who then ruled in
Austrasia. However, having levied a
powerful army, they marched against Ebroin
and the Neustrian>, but were signally de-
feated near Laon, in 680, when Martin was
killed, and Pepin saved himself by flight.
Not long afterwards, Ebroin Was assas-
sinated, and. his successors gave such
offence, that many of the Neustnan leudes
sought refuge in the dominions of Pepin.
The latter then levied a confederacy of those
malcontents, together with the Saxons,
Prisons, Cattes, Hessians, Thuringians and
other Germans ; and with these he fought a
decisive and bloody battle near Testri on
the Somme, in 687. Afterwards, Thierry
III. being made prisoner, Pepin consoli-
dated his authority over all provinces
occupied by the Erancs. See Le Dr.
September 6.] LIVES OI THE IRISH SAINTS.
'49
while he presented also an epistle of St. Columban s directed to Lothaire,6
in favour of the holy men, Gallus and Magnus, 7 who had settled in his
kingdom. Whereupon, moved by that epistle, Peppin 8 enquired from some
of his German chiefs about that place, for which Bishop Witcherp preferred
his petition. Then Gungo,9 Duke of Augsburg and Rhetia, told him about
its desert character, and of its being only a haunt for wild animals and
serpents. Extolling the virtues of Magnus, Wictherp stated, so marvellous
had been his\ sanctity, while in that country, that like the first man, Adam, he
exercised an absolute power over the savage animals,10 and how in that
vicinity was a stronghold occupied by a frightful demon, which assumed
the figure of a dragon, and who, under such form, usurped the supreme
honour, due to God alone, among the poor and ignorant mountaineers.
However, St. Magnus resolved to encounter that demon, and fortified by
prayer, he touched the monster on the neck, with the end of St. Columban's
staff. Immediately, the demon's wrath was excited, but swelling up in fury,
he expired on the spot, and with him disappeared all the other demons,
that were thought to infest those mountainous regions. While there, it was
stated, that he also freed the neighbourhood from serpents.
On hearing such accounts, King Pippin declared, that as wonderful
miracles had been already wrought where the body of St. Gallus was deposed,
so should that wild district have its fame diffused abroad in after times. He
then asked Gunzon if there could be found tax-payers to the royal treasury
in that neighbourhood, who might have their tributary returns sent to St.
Magnus, instead of to the royal fisc. The king learned, that there was a
village, called Geltenstein,11 that might serve for that purpose. Whereupon,
he bestowed by charter I2 a large tract of woodland, with the village in
Hoefer's " Nouvelle Biographie Generate,"
tome xxxix., cols. 540, 54 1.
3 So designated from a celebrated villa,
in which he dwelt on the banks of the
Meuse, near Liege. See Henri Martin's
" Ilistoire de France," tome ii., liv. xi.,
p. 160.
4 In ihe year 700 he was Mayor of the
Palace for the whole of the French Empire,
" tant en Neustrie qu'en Austrasie." —
Kohlrausch's " Histoire d'Allemagne,"
traduite de l'Allemand, par A. Guinefolle,
Deuxieme Epoque, p. 77.
5 In his " Vita S. Columbani," Jonas
states, that when King Clothaire earnestly
besought the holy Abbot to return and again
preside over Luxeu, St. Columban wrote to
Eustasius — then Superior over Luxeu — that
he would excuse him to the King for not
undertaking such a charge, but only to ask
lor the assistance and protection of the
monarch on behalf of his community, that
then lived in the monastery at Luxeu.
6 Jonas adds : " Litteras castigationem
affamine plenas regi dirigit gratissimum
munus," &c.
? Jonas makes no mention of Gallus and
Magnus, and Father Suysken observes,
" non dubito taman, quin hasce litteras
interpolator noster designet."
8 " Gros et court comme son surnom le
portait, il etoit d'unc taille a n'imprimer
pas beaucoup de respect ; mais il y supleoit
par une grande force, et par un certain air
de fierte, qui reparoit en lui ce defaut de la
nature." — M. de Limiers' " Annates de la
Monarchic Francoise, depuis son Etab-
lissement jusques a Present." Premiere
Partie. Seconde Race, Pepin dit le Bref,
pp. 49, 50. Amsterdam, 1 724, fol.
9 Goldast has the name written Cuntzo.
He seems to have been the magnate, from
whose daughter, Frideburga, St. Gall is
stated to have expelled the evil spirit.
10 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Saints," tome x., Jour vie Septembre, p.
528, n. 1.
11 So written in the Acts, as published by
the Bollandists. In the edition of Canisius,
it is written Geltinstein ; in that of Goldast,
Keltinstein, and called by the Abbot Henry
Geltenstain. The latter writer notices, that
no longer was it known by such a name,
bub he supposed it to have been in the
Tyrol. Mabillon quotes a charter of Ludo-
vicus Augustus, in favour of Kempten, and
in which mention of it is thus made, "in
pago Keltenstein." See "Annate-; Ordinis
S. Benedicti," tomus ii., lib. xxxii., sect,
xiv., p. 609.
12 In the Acts as published by Goldast we
read : " Dedit ei totum ipsum saltum cum
marcha, firmitatemque in epistola," &c. At
this passage Goldast remarks, that by
i5°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
question, x3 and a yearly payment of one hundred and twenty-three pounds1*
of silver. This was to be binding on himself and his successors for ever/s
That grant was placed, also, under the jurisdiction of Bishop Wictherp and
all his episcopal successors. Receiving some royal present for Magnus, the
bishop returned with great satisfaction to urge him there to supplement the
religious services of St. Mary and of St. Afra,16 as also to regulate and
institute all canonical observances. There accordingly St. Magnus founded
his chief monastic institution, and during the life-time of King Pepin xi
enjoyed his friendship and patronage. The latter monarch was viitual
sovereign, as Major Domus, in the palace of the French kings, and he died
December 1 6th, 714,18 while Dagobert III. '9 was under his tutelage.
No sooner had he been well settled in Fiissen, than his former com-
panion, Theodore of Kempen, paid him a visit, and after the usual
religious salutations had passed between them, Magnus was informed
and consulted about the persecutions and injuries Theodore had suffered
from the people around him,20 and how he had built a small church
on the banks of the Iller. He was desirous of having it consecrated
in honour of the Holy Mother of God, Mary, by Bishop Wictherp.
Both of those attached friends then went to see the bishop at Eptaticus,21
where he then resided, and preferred their request. He was then
sitting and at prayer in his oratory. On learning the object of their
interview, the venerable prelate said: "I will first tell you what I had in my
mind before you came, and then at a proper time, in the name of God, I
shall go with you. Indeed, my most dear Father Magnus, as the Lord hath
marcha he means the village, previously
called Keltinstein, and that such term has
the modern signification of a territory or
district.
13 Henry, Abbot of Fiissen, gives the
following interpretation : " Nota saltum
ilium, quen. Pippinus S. Magno donasse
dicitur, fuisse totum ilium districtum et
fund urn, magnum et spatiosum desertum,
quod se extendit ab Hornbach et parochia
Aschauer usque ad Erspach, et quo spatio
pnecipue continetur tota parochia Aschaver,
Saxenriedt, Hohenfurch, bona in Nider-
hoffen ei Altenstat, Dienhausen, Weyssensee
et Fiiessen," &c.
14 In the Acts as published by the Bol-
landists, the text reads, " vectigalia centum
viginti tria," but in other copies "centum
et tredecim." The Abbot Henry notes:
" Si conjecturari licet, puto esse centum et
tredecim libra* argenti, qose quotannis
pendenda; erant ex Aschawensi S. Magni
ecclesia : nam centum et tredecim librae
faciunt sexaginta quatuor Morenos, triginta
crucigeros et tinum halerum. Sic hodie
dttm nobis etiamnum pendunt Aschawcn-.es
quotannis pro censu sexaginta quatuor
florenos. Quod ego pro ratione conjecturce
meas assertum volo."
'5 Father Suysken, in a note, points out cer-
tain coincidences of statement and phrase-
ology, between what is given in the Acts of
St. Magnus, and in the text of Walafridus
Strabo, in " De Miraculis S. Galli,"
cap. xi.
16 In Goldast's edition of St. Magnus'
Acts, there is no mention of St. Afra.
l? By his wife, Plectrude, he had two sons,
Drogon and Grimoald, who pie-deceased
their father. Her he repudiated, and after-
wards cohabited with Alpaide, by whom he
had two illegitimate sons, Charles and
Childebrand. However, repenting his illicit
connexion, he recalled Plectrude to the
position his religious obligation and her
virtues so justly merited. Grimoald left a
son named Theudoalis or Theobaldus, who
was styled Major Domus while still a youth ;
but, (luring his minority, Plectrude, the
wife of Pepin, took upon herself the chief
administration of public affairs in the king-
dom, which afterwards became the prey of
great disorders. See Natalis Alexander's
" Historia Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique
Testamenti," tomus xii., scec. vii., cap. vi.,
art. vi., p. 102, and saec. viii., cap. vii., art.
i., ii., iii., iv., v., pp. 382 to 388.
,8 See Georgius Heinricus Pertz's "Monu-
menta Germanise J listorica," tomus v.,
Bernoldi Chronicon, p. 417.
"SonofChildebert III., who died A.D. 711.
See J. (J. L. Simonde de Sismondi's " His-
toire Francois," tome ii., chap, xii., p. 104.
20 The Acts have it, " narravit ei Theodo-
rus diversa et innumerabilia, qua? passus est
a pagensibus Hilargaugensibus," &c. This
means either the people living near the Iller,
or in the village situated on its banks. In
the Ratisbon Manuscript is substituted " ab
incolis Canipidonensibus."
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
exalted you in this place by His great miracles, I had intended to send for
and ordain you a priest through Divine assistance, on the coming fast of
the seventh month."22 However, the humble Magnus declared himself to
be unworthy of such an exalted dignity, on account of his many sins. Still,
if on their meditated journey, the Almighty should manifest His approval of
that intention, Magnus declared, as an obedient servant, he would oppose no
further obstacle to the prelate's desire. On making that statement, Wictherp
and Theodore saw a brilliant crown of glory encircling his head. The prelate,
then rising, embraced Magnus, and cried out: "Almighty Lord, who hath
deigned in the plenitude of Thy power to show such virtues in you, who
have left your country to observe His precepts, may He cause you to
magnify and guard the place destined for you, through the grace of Thy Holy
Spirit." Theodore devoutly answered, " Amen." Again the Bishop said :
" Well has this place been called Eptaticus,23 because it lies midway 2*
between the monastery of the Blessed Afra 2s and your own cell. Therefore
shall you know, that after my departure, I desire this possession to belong to
the Blessed Virgin and to St. Afra,26 as if this place is destined to be a
mediator between thy monastery and my church of Augsburg." All three
then came to Kempten, and on the day of the church's consecration,
Wictherp preached an impressive sermon before a great number of people.
About the same time, Magnus was duly ordained a priest.2? There they
remained for two days. Leaving Theodore in charge of Kempten, Magnus
set out for Fiissen, and the venerable prelate, Wictherp, went to his own place
of residence.
St. Magnus spent six-and-twenty years of his life, at Fassen.28 The
31 Father Charles Stengel supposes he had
discovered the site of this place, not far from
the River Lech, and an hour's journey from
the village of Eppach. There in a lonely
and uncultivated situation was a small
chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and
to St. Laurence. This information he re-
ceived from a rustic. " Quo responso in
earn omnino deveni sententiam, at mihi
persuaded paterer, hanc ipse esse ecclesiam,
qua delectatum fuisse B. Wicterpum legi-
nms, ubi et postea Herluca vitam egerit." —
" Monasteriologia."
22 By this is understood the fast of Quatuor
Tense, in the month of September. It was
called the seventh month, because it is held,
that Romulus had ordered the year to com-
mence from March ; and although Numa
Pompilius placed January and February
before March, nevertheless the previous
numerical order of the months continued in
the writings of the ancients and ecclesiastical
authors. " That the year originally began
with March is shown by the names of
several of the months ; as Quintilis, Sextilis,
September, &c. : for Quintilis, afterwards
Julius, was the fifth month from Marcli ;
Sextilis, afterwards Augustus, the Sixth,
&c. : January and February were added to
the end of the year." — Thomas Henry
Dyer's History of the Kings of Rome," &c
Prefatory Dissertation, p. cxxvii.
23 The anonymous writer of the saint's
Ratisbon Acts thus finds fault with the deri-
vation of the name as given in the text,
"quasi idem vocabulum (Eptaticum) inter-
pretetur medium, et non potius numerum
sonet Septenarium, qui Grsec£ dicitur
iirra.
24 To the objection in the previous note,
Father Suysken replies : "Recte : sed quidsi
locus ille septem circiter leucis utrimque
dissitus fuerit, inter Augustam scilicet et
Fauces medius ? Turn sane nihil erit, quod
improbet anonymus."
25 Unless this be an interpolation of the
more recenr. writer, according to Father
Suysken, by the monastery of St. Afra, we
are to understand a community of Regular
Canons, that occupied it before A. D. 1012,
when the Benedictines succeeded them, as
Bernard Hertfelder states. However,
Father Suysken would hesitate to place the
Regular Canons there in the age of St.
Magnus.
26 The festival of St. Afra and Companions,
Martyrs, is celebrated on the 5th of August.
2? St. Gelasius, who flourished towards
the end of the fifth century, thus writes :
•' Ordinationes etiam presbyterorum et
diaconorum, nisi certis temporibus et diebus
exerceri non debent ; id est, quarti mensis
jejunio, septimi et decimi/'&c. — Epistola ix.
2b This town of Bavaria is about 90 kilo-
metres, south from Augsbourg, and 33
kilometres south-east from Kempten. At
present it contains about 2,000 inhabitants.
On the 18th of April, 1745, a treaty was
152 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
miracles he wrought there caused the conversion of numberless infidels, so
that he was afterwards regarded as the Apostle of Suabia.29 It is related, in
the Legend of his Life, that when he travelled through the mountains and
valleys in different places, the bears remarkable for their ferocity, through the
efficacy of his prayers, lost all their wildness, and went before him tamely as
did oxen before the herdsman. At one lime, having ascended a high moun-
tain, called Suilinc,3° through a miracle, veins of iron were discovered by him,
in that district of country where h» dwelt.31 These were afterwards worked
to great advantage by the inhabitants.32 He is said to have founded many
monasteries, in the diocese of Augsburg. It may here be observed, that Joannes
Tamayus Salazar 33 has converted this saint into a bishop and abbot of Spain ;
but, this is a ridiculous statement, and not deserving the slightest attention.
He also absurdly places Fauces in Spain, and states, that the saint had been
canonized by Benton or Lanthon of Caesar Augusta, the classic name for the
present city of Saragossa.
After the death of Bishop Wictherp, it is stated, that through the recom-
mendation of the Blessed Magnus, Tozzo was elected to succeed him in the
see of Augsburg. In the twenty-sixth year of his incumbency,3< the holy
Abbot took ill of a fever, and then Tozzo sent word to his most faithful
friend, Theodore, at Kempten, to hasten and comfort him. Immediately he
sorrowfully set out, taking with him what he supposed requisite for the aged
patient. He found the holy Abbot of Fussen in the last extremity, and then
Theodore sent a message for the Bishop to hasten with all speed. Tozzo
lost no time in coming to his bed-side, and seeing the Blessed Magnus near
death, said in tears : " Alas ! beloved Father, alas ! illustrious teacher, do
you leave me as an orphan in the midst of my dangers!" To these exclama-
tions, Magnus was able to reply : " Weep not, venerable prelate, because you
see me struggling in the storms of worldly adversity, since I have faith in
God's mercies, and that my soul shall re joice in the freedom of immortality ;
however, I entreat you, not to withhold your pious prayers for me a sinner,
nor cease to afford the aid of your intercession."
The Life of St. Magnus states, that he departed on a Sunday, about the
ninth hour, and on the viii. Ides of September^ which correspond with the
6th of this month. While Bishop Tozzo and Theodore stood weeping, they
heard a voice from Heaven saying: " Come, Magnus, come, and receive the
crown prepared for you !" Then Tozzo said to Theodore ; " Brother, let us
cease weeping, for rather should we rejoice than grieve, on hearing such
there concluded between Bavaria and 32 In his " Vita S. Magni," Babenstuber
Austria. See Pierre Larousse's " Grand states, that they had been deserted in his
Dictionnaire Universel du XIX. Steele," day, "sed cum ferritin habeant notae non
tome viii., p. 895. adeo bona-, at aliucl. quod ut vicinis nego-
29 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des ciatorilms importatur, venditurque tolerabili
Saints," tome x., Jour vie Septembre, p. pretio, piidum desectae sunt.' — Lib. iii.,
528, n. 1. cap. iii.
30 In the edition of Goldast, it is written 31 In his Spanish Martyrology. He wri'.es :
Swilinjr, and in the German Life of our "Ad Fauces, oppidum in Vettonia His-
saint Seyling. Under the latter form, it is paniae, sancti Magni, qui cum Hispanias
noted by Merianus, in " Topographia cum S. Columbano venisset, et monas-
Suevise," as being near the town of Fuessen, terium S. Martini in Placentinae urbis
on the other side of the Lech River. territorio abbas inclytus construxisset, et
*" In the Manuscript of our saint's Acts, alia plura contra haereticos machinasset,
used by the anonymous writer of Ratisbon, post hujus vitas excursum miraculis Celebris
about the middle of the eleventh century, is et sanctitate conspicuus.ad aeternam quietem
read: " ab illo igitur diversae ferri venae confessor properavit strenuus."
inveniebantur in ipso loco, usque in praesen- 3* Others have it the twenty-fifth,
tern diem. " 3s Such is the statement in the Acta
September 6.1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
153
words, since his soul is taken to immortal bliss ; but let us go to the church,
that we may prepare to immolate the Sacred Victim for our dearly loved
friend."
St. Magnus died in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and a.d. 655,
according to the best computation. The exact date for his death,
however, has divided the opinions of various writers;36 some placing
it, at 654, 655,37 665,38 670,39 673, 683, 689, and 691. <° After the
departure of the holy servant of God^his friends, Bishop Tozzo and
Theodore, found a beautifully-formed stone coffin, fashioned in ancient
times by a magnate named Abuzac,*1 who also gave the name Abuzacum*2
to a fort he had erected. In that coffin, no corpse had been previously
deposited. Having carefully prepared the interior, the body of our
saint was then placed in it, and buried in that place, where he had built
an oratory. Moreover, in the tomb was deposited a Memoir of his virtues,
written by Theodore. With this was placed a certificate in the Latin
language, and which may thus be rendered into English : " Wherefore I,
Theodorus, monk from the monastery of St. Gall, by order of Bishop Tozzo,
as I have learned from Theodegisilus,*3 monk ot St. Columban, from conver-
sations with him, as also with the Blessed Columban,** and from what I have
seen with my own eyes and heard with mine own ears, either after he left me
in the cell at Kempten, and as afterwards from the aforesaid venerable Bishop
Tozzo, I have learned about his virtues many things ; but, not all have I cared
to write in my tract,*s and I have placed at his head within the coffin for futuie
times, when the Lord revealing it, then those who shall be pastors and
rectors of the church, may rind it to be just and right ; so that those things
that should be corrected they may Correct, and what should be emended
they may emend ; moreover, may they not forget to pray for me to the
servant of Christ, so that supported by the suffrages of such a Patron, my
soul may obtain eternal rest." *6
Pseudo-Theodori. In the Goldast edition
is the reading, " in die S. Dominici." This
seems to be the error of a copyist ; for if
allusion be made to the founder of the
Dominican Order, he expired on the 6th of
August, A.D., 1 22 1. Moreover, in the
Ratisbonand other copies of the saint's Acts
we read, " in die Dominico."
36 See Matthew Rader's "Bavaria Pia,"
p. 188.
37 Father Constantine Suysken supposes
from the Chronotaxis of his Acts, that this
is the most probable date for the death of
St. Magnus. Moreover, he calculates, that
in 655, the viii. of the September Ides fell
upon Sunday, which the ancient life of St.
Magnus states to have coincided with the
day he died.
<8 Mabillon thinks he departed about this
year.
3' Bernard Hertfelder, in Basilica SS.
Udalrici et Afrae, pars Hi., in Chronico, has
this date.
40 Carolus Stengelius states, that the death
of St. Magnus occurred in a.d. 689 or in
691. See " Commentarium Rerum Augus-
tanum, pars ii., cap. iii.
41 About this chief, nothing more seems
to be known.
42 By others called Abodiacuin or Abu-
diacum. It is supposed to have been on
the site of the present town, named Ftissen.
See Philipus Cluverius, " Germanke An-
tiquae, Libri Tres, necnon Vindelicia et
Noricum," Leyde, 1616, folio.
43 He was probably the same as Theude-
gisilus, mentioned by Jonas, in ** Vita S.
Columbani," cap. xxiii.
44 This passage in the "Acta Pseudo-
Theodori," "de tanti viri conversationibus
simul cum 15. Columbano comperi," is
rightly omitted from the copies in Goldast,
and in another anonymous manuscript,
according to Father Suysken, who will not
allow St. Magnus or Theodore to have lived
under the rule of St. Columban.
45 The Acts have it, " in pitatione mea."
Canisiushas " in epitatiomeo," and Goldast
" in pictatio meo." According to Du Cange,
" pittacium," " pitacium," and "pietacium"
can be variously interpreted, and have been
by the various authors quoted, but they
have generally the signification of tablets,
papers, epistles, briefs, parchments, and
tracts. See "Glossarium ad Scriptores
mediae et infirmoe Latinitatis," tomus v.,
col. 511.
44 In the edition of Goldast, the fore-
154
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
In art, St. Magnus or Magnoald is represented with a dragon,*? trans-
fixed by his pastoral staff, or with a bear at his side,*8 in allusion to
legends contained in his Acts.
After the death of Magnus,4? Bishop Tozzo — so far as was within his
power — gave protection to the monastery and its inmates, guarding their
rights very carefully. To the last day of his life, also, the sacred remains of
the Patron were preserved with honour, lights being placed around his shrine,
and clerics reciting the Divine Of%e. Bishop Tozzo survived the death of
his friend for five years, and four months, departing this life on the xvii. of
the February Kalends. s° He had previously bequeathed some property for
maintenance of the shrine of Blessed Magnus, according to a bond and
stipulation of the German laws.51 Subsequent to the death of the glorious
King Pippin, s2 however, his sons 53 began to quarrel among themselves.54
Utilo or Odiloss became Duke of Bavaria, and Godefredusor Godefrit s6 was
King over the Germans. Their wars caused great devastation throughout
those districts where. they were waged. No longer was Theodore and his
monks able to bear the persecutions and losses he sustained 5? at the hands
of the spoilers around Kempten. Wherefore, he left the place, and sought
refuge at St. Gall, where he found the Blessed Othmar,s8 then oppressed with
the weight of ^ears. Theodore told him all about St. Magnus, as also what
going account in the text is considerably
abridged.
47 He is held to have banished such a
monster from the neighbourhood of Ffissen.
48 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. ix., September 6, p. 95.
49 What follows purports to have been a
subsequent addition to the narrative of
Theodore. In Goldast's edition it is headed,
" Ermenrici Elewangensis monachi Supple-
mentum." The Bollandist editor considers,
that it has been improperly interpolated by
a later writer.
50 St. Tozzo died about the year 66 1. The
"Vita Pseudo-Theodori " inserted " tres
menses," instead of " menses quatuor," for
such was the difference between the 6th of
September, the day of Magnus' death, and
the 16th of January, that assigned for the
death of Tozzo. The Ratisbon Acts have :
14 Post obitum B. Magni in pontificatu
annos v. et menses VI. gerens, xvn. Kal.
Feb. vitam praesentem finiit."
51 See Goldast's " Alamanicarum Rerum
Scriptores," tomus ii., pars i. The writer
of our saint's Acts adds: " sepultusque a
clero suo Augustensi sub testimonio in eadem
hatred itate."
5-! His death has been assigned to Sep-
tember 24th, A.D. 768. He ruled over
France very gloriously for forty-seven years,
having carried his arms against the Saracens,
and his conquests into Italy and Germany.
Before his death, which was caused by
dropsy, at the age of fifty-three, he divided
his dominions between his two sons, Charles
and Carloman ; a third son, Gilles, having
been educated in a monastery, became a
religious. See Henri Martin's " Ilistoirede
France," tome ii., liv. xii., pp. 250, 251.
53 Namely, Charles, who, when twenty-
four or twenty-five years of age, had been
crowned at Noyon, King of Burgundy and
Neustria ; and Carloman at the age of
eighteen was crowned, at Soissons, King of
Austrasia, which included a large part of
Germany. The latter died after a brief
reign of four years, and the Austrasian
nobles, disregarding his two infant sons,
offered the crown to Charles, who then
became sole monarch of France. Sec an
account of these events in Capefigue's
" Charlemagne," chap, vii., pp. 117 to 142.
54 Their mother, Bertha, or Bertrada, had
much difficulty in trying to reconcile then-
differences. See L. — P. Anquetil's" Hisloire
de France," Deuxieme Race dite des Carlo*
vingiens, sect, i., p. 60.
55 He died about the year 747. He was
in rebellion against Carloman and Pepin,
Majors-domi to the Kings of F ranee, but he
was conquered by them. See John George
Eckhart's " Commentarius de Rebus
Francise Orientalis et Episcopatus Virce-
burgensis," tomus i., lib. xxiii., num. 102,
Wurtzburg, 1727, fob
5(5 According to a fragment of Erchanbert,
he shook off the French yoke, and died A.D.
709. See Duchesne's " Historic Francorum
Scriptores," tomus i., p. 780, and tomus ii.,
P- 3-
57 Certain anachronisms are pointed out
by Father Suysken, in the Acta Pseudo-
Theodori, at this portion of the narrative.
58 This must have been intended for St.
Othmar, whose feast is held on the 16th of
November, and who became Abbot of St.
Gall, A.D. 720, and who presided over it for
nearly forty years, having died A.D. 759.
However, this statement in the text cannot
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
155
he and his community suffered from the pagans and bad Christians. In
turn, Othmar informed him about the losses himself had endured,5? owing to
the action of the wicked Counts Ruadhard and Warin, the tyrants of
Germany. Then Othmar selected a good and prudent member of his com-
munity, named Peretgothus,6° and four other monks, to take charge of
Kempten, until peace should be restored. He permitted Theodore to
remain at St. Gall, to the day of his death.
Affairs remained in this state of collision, until the great monarch,
Charlemagne,6' subdued the petty dynasts of Germany and the Saxons.62
Then hearing, that the religious establishments at Augsburg, Kempten, as
also the monasteries of St. Afra and of Magnus, had been utterly ruined,
that great monarch resolved on restoring them. He procured the election
of Sintpert 63 for the see of Augsburg. Afterwards, Sintpert ruled that church
for nearly thirty years. That prelate restored the monasteries of St. Afra
and St. Magnus ;6* he also enlarged the limits of his diocese,65 so as to make .
it extend,66 on both banks of the River Lech.6?
be historically accurate, as Theodore could
not have survived even to the first year of
Othmar 's incumbency.
59 See in Mabillon the " Acta S. Othmari,
at the 1 8th of November. He died A.D.
761. See J. C. L. Simonde de Sismondi's
" Histoire de Francais," tome ii., Seconde
Panie, chap, i., p. 212.
60 Canisius has the name Berthgozus ;
Goldast Perechtgozus ; and the Ratisbon
Acts have Pertgozus.
61 On the death of his brother Carloman
A.D. 771, Charles — better known as Char-
lemagne— became sole ruler of France,
having taken possession of Burgundy and
South Gaul. See Eginhard's " Vita Caroli
Magni." After Charlemagne had forced
the Saxon chiefs to give hostages for their
future obedience, "so far from observing
the treaty, they poured their wild hordes
into Franconia, burnt every church and
monastery that fell in their way, and put
every creature to the sword." — A. S. Dun-
ham's " History of the Germanic Empire,"
vol. L, book i., chap, i., p. 28.
62 The Saxons, under their brave and able
leader, Witikind, had given him a strenuous
opposition from a.d. 772 to 780. After
several sanguinary campaigns, Witikind was
at length obliged to submit. Having re-
ceived baptism, his days were afterwards
ended in peace on his domains in the north
of Germany. Charlemagne had occasion to
wage war against Tassilo, Duke of Bavaria,
a feudatory of the Frankish monarchs, who
had assisted or connived at Witikind's in-
cursions. He was subdued and taken
prisoner, but his life was spared by Char-
lemagne, who had him confined in a
convent A.D. 794. In the year 800, this
renowned monarch was everywhere vic-
torious and master of the best part of the
European Continent. In January, 814,
Charlemagne died of pleurisy at Aix-la-
Chapelle, after a reign of forty-seven years.
He was buried with great pomp in the
cathedral of that city. See Charles Knight's
"English Cyclopaedia of Biography," vol.
ii., col. 169. It is strange, that no tradition
remains, regarding the spot .where this great
Emperor's remains had been deposited in
that venerable cathedral, although the
marble sarcophagus, brought from Rome,
and in which he desired to be buried, is
there preserved.
63 He is called Simpertus, by Matthew
Rader, in " Bavaria Sancta," vol. iii.
64 See Mabillon's '• Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii., lib. xxv., sect, xiii.,
p. 255.
63 The following Latin verses commemo-
rate Simpertus, together with other religious
founders :
" Ccenobium Fuessen regali dote Pipinus
Fundavit, sancti permotus numine Magni :
Vastatum Caesar reparavit Carolus idem,
Atque Augustana Simpertus praesul in
urbe :
Austriacae posthaec Leopoldus marchio
terrae,
Guelpho Suevorum dux ampliter augmen-
tarunt."
66 In the Acts of St. Magnus, " parochia"
is the word used for " dioecesis." This is
stated by Abbot Henry, in certain notes
appended to the manuscript Life of our
saint. Also, Velserus relates, that Char-
lemagne made that extension in favour of
Bishop Simpertus. He adds : " In vetusto
manuscripto codice legere memini, Simper-
turn Augustanam dioecesim Novicorum
finibus auxisse : antiquum Noricum * * *
ad Oenum tantum, posterius ad Lycum
usque pertingit.'' — " Rerum Augustanarum
Vindelicarum," lib. iv.
67 In the editions of our saint's Acts by
Canisius and Goldast, it is stated that Leo
III., whose pontificate began a.d. 795,
authorised that extension of the diocese of
Augsburg, and that it was confirmed by
Charlemagne,
*5*
LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
After the death of Sintpert,68 it is stated ^ that he was succeeded by
Bishop Hatto,?0 who ruled for seven years, and who acquired much property
for the church through his family connexions^1 but who was not able to
effect any improvements in it during so short a term. ?a However, his successor,
Nittarius," it is said, first commenced the building of a large church in
honour of St. Magnus. A consultation had been held with the Archbishop
of Mayence, named Otgar,?4 and his other suffragan Bishops, to know if it
should be desirable, that the sac^pd remains might be translated to a more
ornate and conspicuous shrine. This project was approved of by all, and
the permission of King Ludovicus was also obtained.75 The work of church
building was prosecuted by other prelates, and especially by Lanto,'6 who
finished the nave, in the fifth year of his episcopacy, through the aid afforded
by the renowned King Ludovicus I.,?7 third son of the illustrious Emperor
Ludovicus, surnamed Le Debonnaire.?8 That elegantly appointed church"
was built over the spot, where the body of Magnus had been consigned to
the tomb.
68 He is stated to have died about A.D.
818.
^ There is much uncertainty regarding
the order of succession of Bishops over the
see of Augsburg, especially in the ninth
century, and owing chiefly to the miscon-
ceptions and opinions of writers in after
years. Their varying statements are pointed
out and critically examined by Father
Suysken in " Acta Sanctorum, ' tomus ii.,
Septembris vi., De S. Magno, &c, Com-
mentarius Praevius, sect, viii., pp. 716 to
720.
70 Besides the " Acta Pseudo-Theodori"
of our saint, two other manuscript copies
have Hatto, as in the text ; while the Ratis-
bon and another copy have the name written
Hanto ; Canisius and Goldast read Lanto.
Hatto or Hauto is said to have belonged to
the noble family of the Andecensian Counts.
71 In the Ratisbon manuscript : " Verum-
tamen ex parentela, quam in Bagoaria
habuit, quiedam bona ad episcopatum
acquisivit."
7'-' The saint's Acts stale, " minime quivit
in hiis rebus sublimari."
73 He is also named Nitcarius, Nidgarius,
and Nitkerus ; he is also called Witgarius
and Nitger.
74 The Ratisbon copy ofour saint's Acts
writes the name Otkerus, and Goldast has
it Otkarius. He ruled over the sec of
Mayence, from A.D. 825 or 826 to A.D. 827.
7= Henry, Abbot of Fuessan, states, that
this work w.is undertaken in the year 870,
with the consent and order of Pope Adrian
II. He filled the chair of St. Peter from
a.d. 867 to 872. However, in none of the
other manuscript accounts of St. Magnus is
such a statement to be found ; and, it is only
necessary to observe, that Otgai , the Arch-
bishop of Mayence, had died twenty years
before Pope Adrian II. had been set over
the Universal Church.
76 The various writers, such as Bruschius,
Bucelin, Demochares, Stengel, Joannes
Krueger, Corbinian Khamm and others,
who have allusion to Lanto, place the com-
mencement of his episcopacy over the see of
Augsberg at different dates : some have it at
869; others at 870 ; others again so late as
A.D. 878, while none of those historic writers
connect him in any way with Otmar, Arch-
bishop of Mayence. The latter date is
inconsistent with Lanto having received aid
towards the church of St. Magnus from
Ludovicus I., King of Germany, during the
life-time of that monarch, who died at
Frankfort, August 28th, A.D. 876.
77 He bears the surname of Le Pieu.\ or I.c
Vieil. He was born A.D. 806, and was
brother to Lothaire and Pepin of Aquitaine.
His father, known as Louis le Dibonnaire,
had three sons by his first wife, Ermengarde.
After her death, he espoused Judith of
Bavaria, by whom he had a fourth son,
known under the designation of Charles U
Chavce. The reign of that monarch was
remarkable for many and great disorders.
Among these were unnatural rebellions of
his sons against his authority, and sub-
sequently of divisions among themselves.
Fearing the designs and ambition of
Lothaire, Ludovicus, in league with his
step-brother, Charles le Chauve, raised an
army, and in 841, a memorable battle was
gained at Fontenoy over Lothaire and the
Francs. This gave Ludovicus supremacy
over Fiance and Germany.
1 of the Emperor Charlemagne, by
his second wife, Hildegarde. From this
father, by his first wife, Ermengarde, the
kingdom of Bavaria was obtained in the
year 817, by Ludovicus, and he had posses-
sion of all Germany to the Rhine, A.D. 843,
according to the Annalist of Metz. He died
in the seventieth year of his age, leaving
three sons, viz., Carloman, Louis, and
Charles, known under the designation of Lc
Gros. These divided the vast Empire of
Charlemagne between them. See Michaud's
" Biographie Universelle, Ancienne et
September 6J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
157
At that time, a poor student,80 the son of respectable parents belonging to
the village of Durach,81 happened to be in the monastery, and in exchange
for his manual labour, he acquired learning and a maintenance. He had
been attacked with some kind of evil, which caused sores to break out over
one side of his body, and he was so afflicted as to become almost lame.
Touched with his misfortunes, Bishop Lanto asked many of the priests in his
diocese to institute a Triduum, so that the Almighty would mercifully hear
their prayers for his recovery. At the end of three days, when the physicians
had tried their skill in vain, and all had cflspaired of the patient's cure; in
his sleep, a venerable man appeared to him, and with a benign look and
gentle tone of voice inquired the nature of his infirmity. This having been
explained to him, the senior said : M My son, ask from the Bishop, when
to-day he shall have found my body, and taken it from the crypt in which it
lies, that he would permit you to kiss that crypt, and when you shall have
done so, that you take some dust from the place, mixing it with blessed
water and oil.82 Ask, that before the new altar you be allowed to prostrate
yourself, and moreover, that your sores be anointed. If all this you do,
the Lord will restore you to former health." Immediately awaking, the
patient at early dawn went to the church, and told the care-taker what had
happened during his sleep. Afterwards, as advised by the guardian, both
went on their knees, relating what had occurred to the Bishop, whose assent
was obtained to fulfil what had been directed in the vision.
The next process was that of unearthing the remains, and soon the workers
reached that beautiful stone coffin, in which lay the relics of St. Magnus.
On opening it, the body was found to be undecayed, but with the colour
somewhat changed.8s Placed at the head was found that Life, written by
Theodore, with some faded linen. In fulfilment of the permission given, the
patient to whom allusion has been already made was brought to the tomb,
Moderne," tome xxv., 148 to 150, and pp.
294, 295-
79 Thus Father Stengel writes : " Cum
Lanto episcopus templum restauraret et
ornaret, sacrum D. Magni corpus in medio
eccleske requiescere sinens, sicut prius posi-
tum fuerat, donee cum omni diligentia ac
reverentia consensum ab Hadriano summo
Pontifice expetisset : deinde venerabilis
proesul Lanto, Othgarium seu Otgerum S.
Moguntinaeecclesias archiepiscopum accessit,
suumque illi affectum aperuit. Turn Metro-
politanus omnes fratres suos episcopos ac
suffraganeos convocavit, quatenus cum eis
consultaret, si eum ausus esset ab illo loco
in alium transferre. Concluserunt autem,
dignum fore, pretiosum ac sanctum corpus
in meliorem atque subiimiorum locum, si
Deus vellet, transponere. Sicque revevsus
est cum licentia piissimi regis Ludovici ad
propria,-' &c. — " Monasteriologia," &c.
Rerum Augustanarum, pars ii., cap. 14,
num. 2. This account, however, seems to
be inconsistent with comparative chron-
ology.
-"Although styled " frater," in our saint's
Acts, Father Suysken understands the word
rather to be interpreted " discipulus," or
scholar, in the house, and which is manifest
from the tenor of this narrative.
81 The anonymous writer of the German
Life of St. Magnus thus identifies it —
although in the text written Duria — and he
states, that the place is in the district, near
Kempten. Book iii., chap, v., sect. 2.
82 The use of oil — regarded as a symbol of
Divine Grace — had been blessed to cure
diseases, in former ages of the Church ; and
the practice was derived from that of the
disciples of Christ, who "cast out many
devils, and anointed with oil many that
were sick, and healed them " — St. Mark. vi.
13. Sometimes oil had been taken from the
lamps which burned before the shrines of
saints for the same purpose, as Mabillon
shows, in his Prrefacio ad Sceeulum Bene-
dictinum piimum, sect, ix., num. 101.
8i In the saint's Acts we read : " Pars vero
corporis in vestimento corrupta apparebat,
corpus vero tantum quasi colore mutato
jacebat candidum." This removal of the
relics must have been at least one hundred
and seventy years after the saint's death.
How long the remains afterwards continued
whole is not known ; but, the Abbot Henry
believed, that while John Hesse was Abbot
of Kussen, a skeleton was found, supposed
to have been that of St. Magnus. According
to Bucelin, John Hess was Abbot there to
the year 1480.
i5»
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
which he was permitted to kiss, and the church guardian taking some dust
from the coffin mixed it with water and oil, which were applied to the boy's
sores. Next day, the Bishop asked the care-taker to inform him regarding
the result, and on going to where the boy lodged, he Was able to report, that
scarcely a trace of the sores remained. Then having been brought by the
Bishop before the new altar of St. Magnus, the patient returned home quite
healed. As a manifestation of his gratitude, for the rest of his life, the youth
devoted himself as watchman in that monastery. The Bishop returned
thanks to God for the performandfe of such a remarkable miracle.8*
When the translation of the body of St. Magnus had thus been accom-
plished, the next care of Bishop Lanto was to examine the Life which had
been taken from his tomb. The tract was found to be almost decayed,
through the effects of damp and age; yet, was it legible for the most part.
To one Ermenricus,8* of the monastery of Elwanga,86 was afterwards com-
mitted the task of reading and emending it, although protesting his
inability and want of skill for the competent performance of that duty.
After the translation of our saint's remains to the new shrine, many and
great were the miracles wrought through his intercession. According to some
accounts, Magnus was canonized by Pope Adrian II. ;87 others have it by
Pope John VIII. ;88 while others state that Pope John IX.89 officiated on that
8* Father Suysken is of opinion, that this
translation should most probably be referred
to between the years 825 and 847 under
Bishop Lanto, who within the latter year is
thought to have assisted at the Council of
Mayence in September or October, as con-
vened by kaban Manr. In the first place, a
Bishop Lanto was present, but his see is not
named. Again, that he was Bishop of
Augsburg seems most probable, because
none of the other bishops — eleven in
number — is styled bishop of that see,
although it cannot be doubted such a
prelate had been present. Moreover,
because among the other sees, that of Augs-
burg seems most likely to have been Bishop
Lanto's, and to him it has been attributed by
Eccard, in "Francia Orientalis," tomus ii.,
P- 394-
85 In the saint's Acts we read : "Accer-
sivit quemdam monachum prudentem et
industrium ex monasterio Elewanga, nomine
Ermenricum," &e. This passage betrays
the interpolator's work, as Ermenricus
would not be likely to indulge in such self-
glorification. Ermenricus became Abbot
over the monastery of Elawangen, A.i>. S45.
and held this position to A.D. .S62, according
to the catalogue of the Abbots of Elewan-
gen. as given by Corbiuian Khamm, in
" Hierarchia Augustana, " pais i., in
Auctario. An account of his Life and
Writings may be seen in " Histoire Literaire
de la France,'' tome v., siecle ix. Ermcnric,
Abbe d'Elwangen, pp. 324 to 326.
86 From the foregoing dates, it may be
seen, that the Emperor Ludovicus, Otger,
Archbishop of Mayence, and Ermenricus of
Elwangen, could have been contempora-
neous, yet not with Lanto, Bishop of
Augsburg, the term of whose episcopacy, at
the earliest, is placed at A.D. 869, This
must invalidate the accuracy of chronology
for the statement in the text. However, it
is stated by the Benedictine writer: " Lanton
Ev&que d'Ausbourg chargea Ermenrtc de
retoucher, et de chatier les actes de vS.
Magne premier Abbe de Fuessen au merne
diocese. * * * Ermenric executa sans doute ce
dessein en homme d'esprit et de scavoir,
tel qu'il etoit. Mais il est arrive, ou que
les actes qu'il avoit revus et corriges, sont
perdus, ou qu'une main etrangere bien
diffe' rente de la sienne, les a entierement
corrum pus dans la suite." — Ibid., p. 326.
87 He filled the chair of St. Peter from
A.D. 867 to 872. In his Vita S. Magni,
Martinus, under the title, De Translatione
et Canonizatione S. Magni, ascribes the
latter process to Tope Hadrian II., probably
because he had ivad in the Manuscript Life,
that Lanto, Bishop of Augsburg, had ob-
tained permission from that Pontiff to have
the saint's relics transferred. I lenry, Abbot
of Pausen, also. Beems to be of opinion that
the translation and canonization occurred
during the episcopacy of bishop Lanto.
ruled from S72 to 882. The Bol-
landisl Jesuits had in their Library a little
Italian book, edited at Rome, A.D. 1726, on
occasion Of the Canonization ol Saints
Aloysius and Stanislaus; and the anony-
mous writer gives a double catalogue of
saints canonized by the Sovereign Pontiffs,
There he states, that St. Ampelius, Bishop,
and St. Magnus, Abbot, were canonized
A.D. 873. by Pope John VIII. However,
this statement does not appear to be sub-
stantiated.
89 I Ie was Pope only from A.D. 898 to 900.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 159
occasion.?0 But great uncertainty attends the supposition, and it does not
appear to rest on any reliable or very ancient authority. 91 Nevertheless, the
saint's cultus was well established— especially throughout Germany — in the
ninth century. In Suabia, the commemorative Translation of Magnoald's
remains is held on the 21st of March, as a festival. In concluding the
account of St. Magnus, the Acta Pseudo-Theodori states, that his solemnity —
by which we are to understand the principal one — was held on the viii. of the
September Ides,9* which corresponds with the 6th of this month.
Many of those miracles recorded, and several seemingly well authenticated,
as having occurred, owing to the merits and intercession of our saint, have
been enumerated by Father Ludovicus Babenstuber. The dates and details
of those may be found, on referring to his work. Those records have also
been re-produced by the Bollandists,»3 but must here be omitted ; the
narrative of St. Magnus having been already so much extended. They refer
to cases of Phrenesis, Rabies, Parturition, Plague among people and cattle,
Demoniac Possession, Punishment for Irreverence, Expulsion of Vermin
from Houses and Fields, Inundations suppressed, Healing from Dangerous
Diseases, Evils averted from Men and Cattle, &c. Many of these benefits
were obtained by the use of St. Magnus' staff and of his other relics. In the
church of Fiissen, the staff of St. Magnoald is still preserved, and through its
instrumentality several wonderful miracles have been wrought. It is carried
about by the people, to chase destructive vermin from their fields. Through
prayers and invocations offered to the saint, various benefits of a spiritual
and temporal character have been obtained In latter times, the once
celebrated Abbey of Fiissen has been sequestrated. 94
Towards the end of the ninth century, a nobleman, named Salomon
Ramschwagius, who as a boy had been educated in the monastery of St.
Gall, afterwards living near it as a.fraler conscriptus,^ and entering there as a
monk, at length he became Abbot over the monastery. As 2, f rater conscriptus,
he had exchanged a property of his own for one near the monastery of St.
Gall. This was a pleasant site on a hill, and on the opposite bank of the
river, formerly called Ira — at present known as the Steinach, an affluent of
the Sitter.^6 There he erected a church, in shape and honour of the Holy
An Office of St. Magnus which his Emi- 92 In the saint's Acts, as published by
nence the Cardinal Bishop Andreas of Goldast, the text runs : " Celebratur autem
Austria caused to be printed A.D. 1599, solemnitas S. Magni confessoris Christi
states in one of the Lessons : " Quern atque abbatis, quarto Idus Septembris ad
miraculis clarum Joannes IX. Pont. Max., laudem et gloriam nominis Domini." How-
qui creatus legitur anno Christi octingen- ever, the phrase "quarto Idus Septembris"
tessimo septuagessimo, Dantonis Augustani is clearly an error lor " octavo Idus Septem-
episcopi precibus in Sanctos adscripsit." bris."
It seems evident from the date, John VIII. 93 See Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
must have been intended. An Office, issued tembris vi. Miracula, auctore P. Ludovico
A.D. 1671, and again printed a.d. 1687, Babenstuber Benedictino Ettalensi, pp. 759
ascribes the saint's canonization to Tope to 781.
John IX. The Proper Office of St. Magnus 94 At present, if is the property of the
for the Diocese of Constance, printed a.d. Freiherr von Poniskau. See Rev. S. Baring-
1725, and re-issued a.d. 1739, reads : Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
"Quern miraculis clarum Joannes IX., September 6, p. 95.
Pontifex Maximus, in Sanctos adscripsit." — 95 A /rater conscriptus meant one who was
Noct. ii., Lect. 3. allowed to be an honorary member of a
90 The earliest Manuscript and Printed religious community, without being bound
Offices of St Magnus do not mention his to observe its udes, except as a matter of
canonization. choice; but, being permitted to join in the
91 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," devotions, and many of the religious services,
tomus ii., Septembris vi. De Sancto Magno, therein practised.
&c, Commentarius Prrevius, sect. ix.. num. & See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi.,
112 to 115, p. 722. p. 508.
i6o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Cross, and richly endowed it.97 Afterwards, Adalbert, Bishop of Augsburgh,
dedicated this church in a solemn manner. Through the influence of
Salomon, an arm of St. Magnus was obtained from Fiissen, and brought with
solemn ceremonies to that church, in which it was deposited.?8 This Trans-
lation of the Relic took place between the years 887 and 889.99 In the
archives of St. Gall's monastery are Latin Hymns, apparently of contempora-
neous date, and written to commemorate this event.100 Some of these have
been published by Canisius Iot and by other writers. To that church, also,
Salomon attached Canons, who were there obliged to sing the Divine praises.
When he had been created Abbot of St. Gall, and afterwards when he had
been advanced as Bishop to the see of Constance, he enriched the endow-
ment with additional possessions. Thenceforth, the church was regarded as
specially dedicaied to St. Magnus. The annual festival celebrations at St.
Gall's to commemorate his Translation were observed with peculiar
ceremonies and rejoicing. Beside the church another institute of Recluse
Virgins of St. Benedict's Order had been established. The Bishop of Con-
stance blessed a cell in which St. Guiborat or Viborade I02 lived an enclosed
life, and where she obtained the crown of martyrdom, at the hands of the
Hungarians,'°3 on the 2nd of May,10* a.d. 925, when these barbarians
brought devastation on Suabia, and on all the adjoining countries. At this
time, likewise, they burned the church of St. Magnus. This, however, was
soon restored, and the body of St. Viborade, having been in the first instance
deposited in St. Gall's monastery, was subsequently removed to the oratory
of her cell, and finally it was translated. There too were deposited the
remains of her companion, St. Rachilde, who survived her for twenty-one
years. Both were held in the greatest veneration by the faithful. In fine,
the church and cemetery of St. Magnus — which originally extended beyond
97 An interesting account of this pious Gall's monastery, has the following heading
nobleman may be found in Mabil Ion's and opening verse : —
" Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus Hi.,
lib. xxxvii., num. xl., pp. 178, 179. Versus Ratperti de S. Magno.
Such is the account given by Kkkehard " Mire cunctorum Deus et creator,
Junior in his bonk, De Cassibus S. C.alli, milis et fort is solidator orbis,
cap. i. vota servorum tibi subditoruni
9? This inference is drawn from the cir- accipe Clemens/'
cumstances, that Adalbert commenced his
episcopacy in the former year, while the x™ See an account of her life, and that of
monastic life of Saloman began in the latter her companion, St. Rachilde, in the Les
year, as the authors of " Gallia Christiana" Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints,"
state See tomus v., col. 901. tome v., ii,; Jour de Mai, pp. 268 to 273.
100 One of these hymns is published by ,03 In the commencement of the tenth
Henricus Canisius, and it was written appa- century, these barbarous people began to
rently by one of the monks of St. Gall. It extend their ravages into Germany. " L'an
seems to have been intended a> a Festival 912, ils pillerent sans resistance la Franconie
Carmen, inviting our saint to return anil be et la Turinge ; I'annee suivante ils ravage-
the patron of the monastery, where he rent l'Allemagne, e'est adire, le haut Rhin ;
formerly lived with St. Gall. The following e» il y en eut grand nomine de tues sur la
are the heading and opening Sapphic riviere d'In. par les Allemands et les Hava-
verses :— rois. En 915. ils desolerent toute Allemagne
Invitatio S. Magni. par le fer et par le feu, coururent la Turinge
"Miles, ad castrum poperes novellum, et la Saxe, et vinrent en 916 au monastere
pridem et notos repetas locellos, de Fulde. L'annee suivante par l'Allemagne
posside terrain tibi prseperatam, et I'Alsace, ill penetrerent jusqu'en Lor«
jam comes Galli, social e sibi.*' raine.'' — Abbe Fleury's " Histoire Fccl£-
— " Antique Lectiones," tomus v., siastique," tome xi., liv. liv., sect, liii., p.
pp. 750 et seq. 596.
104 This is the day assigned iot her fes-
'OI One of those hymns, by Ratpert, of St. tival.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 161
the town of St. Gallen — were subsequently embraced within the circuit of its
walls.
Besides the religious establishments at Fiiessan and at St. (Jail, dedicated
to St. Magnus, and to which allusion has been already made, a parochial
church had been erected to his memory, at a remote period, near the ancient
fortification of Sorethanum, called by the natives Schussenreidi, now a town ol
Wiirtemberg, in the circle of the Danube, about eight miles N.E. of Waldsee,
near the source of the Schussen.105 About a.d. ii88,106 Beringerua and
Conradus, in favour with the Emperor Frederick I., rarnamed Barbarossa,
and having no sons as heirs for their possessions, resolved on founding a
monastery to the glory of God and to the Blessed Virgin, lo7 near the church
of St. Magnus, and on the site of the old castle.108 This foundation w;i,
given in charge to monks of the Premonstratensian Order, '°9 to whom also
was transferred in perpetuity the aforesaid parochial church of St. Magnus,
with the care of souls. In course of time, that monastery was endowed with
many privileges, and it became a free and an Imperial Abbey, in the Germanic
Confederation. It was secularised in 1803, when the Municipal and
Ecclesiastical Sovereignties were swept away,110 and Austria lost the position,
which had given her a natural authority and pre-eminence in the Empire.
Another church and monastery, dedicated to St. Magnus,111 had been
erected at Ratisbon, in Bavaria, near the bridge which spans the Danube,112
and as stated in the year 1 138. There many miracles were wrought through the
saint's intercession.1^ That coenobium is said to have been an establishment
created by the efforts of the venerable Gebehard, a priest and canon of
Ratisbon church, and through the patronage of King Conrad and his brother
Henry, Duke of Bavaria. It was destroyed by the Swedes, in 1633, when
they obtained possession of Ratisbon, but afterwards it was restored.1'4 The
site now belongs to the Canons Regular of the Augustinian Order. Another
note-worthy circumstance, connected with this monastery of St. Magnus, was
I0SSee "Gazetteer of the World," vol. xii., Magnus, which was afterwards joined to the
p. 489. church and convent of St. Andrew, belong-
106 According to a Manuscript Chronicle, ing to the Augustinians. For authority,
of nearly contemporaneous date. Father Francis Grienwald, a Carthusian of
'°7 This was endowed with all the landed the monastery of St. Vitus, without the city
property of the founders. of Ratisbon, is cited, and also Martin, Abbot
108 The endowment took place, during the of Fiiessen, a.d. 1624.
Pontificate of Clement III., who ruled from U2 This celebrated bridge of cut-stone
a.d. 1187101191. facings, and which joins the suburb Statt-
uv See " Annales Ordinis Pramion- am-hoff to Ratisbon, was commenced a.d.
stratensis," tomus ii., p. 820. 1 1 35, according to the chronicle of Andieas,
,l0See an impartial account of these a priest of Ratisbon, as published by the
transactions, in that admirable work of learned Benedictine, Dom Bernard Fez, in
Professor J. R. Seeley's " Life and Times of " Thesaurus Anecdotorum novissimus, sen
Stein, or Germany and Prussia in the Veterum Monumentorum collectio recentis-
Napoleonic Age," vol. i., part ii., chap, iii., sima," tomus iv. This valuable historical
pp. 199 to 217 Cambridge : 1878, 8vo. work, in six folio volumes, appeared from
111 Father Babenstuber relates a legend re- 1721 to 1729. In the year 1 1 4.6, the bridge
garding St. Michael the Archangel, in the was finished, according to Matthew Meiian,
shape of a beautiful young man, and also in his "Topographia Bavaria.''
respecting St. Magnus, as a venerable old "3 See " Miracula," auctore P. Ludovico
pilgrim, appearing to the ferryman, before a Babenstuber, Benedictino Fttalensi, cap.
bridge had been there built over the Danube. vii.
I hi being passed freely over the river by the "4 In the year 1634, and on the 6th of
charitable man, they promised Heaven to September — St. Magnus' day — the §
him as a reward. This is regarded by experienced a crushing defeat at Nordling.e,
Father Suysken as only a popular tradition ; and their disaster was attributed to the
but it is held, that to commemorate that saint, whose chapel had been so sacrilegiously
legend, a chapel was there dedicated to St. violated during the previous year.
L
[62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
its containing Irish manuscripts,"* and referable to a very remote date.
Other places had erections in honour ot our saint : viz., at Chiebach or
Kuebach, in Bavaria, there was a nunnery of pious virgins ;"6 at Steinbach,
in Suevia, a chapel ; and at Huglfingan, in Bavaria, there was a parochial
church.
Besides the staff of Columban, which had fallen successively into the
keeping of St. Gall and St. Magnus, and which had been preserved in later
ages at Fiissen ; the Canons Regular or Praemonstratensian Fathers, at
Schussenreidt,IX7 procured a portion of that relic, which was kept in their
convent, but at what time is now unknown. This was inserted in a beautiful
and an artistic staff, fashioned of silver, adorned with gold workmanship and
various precious stones.1'8 It was four feet, four inches, in length — according
to the local measurement — from the top, surmounted with a figure of St.
Magnus, at the end. "9 On the breast of the silver figure is a cavity, con-
taining a particle of the cambula, and it has a crystal covering, about two
inches in length, by one inch in breadth.120 As in the case of the staff at
Fiissen, this artificial staff is held in great veneration by the people at
Sorethan, who carry it about the fields and gardens, for the destruction of
noxious insects.121 Another small particle of the staff had been obtained by
the Rev. Cistercian Abbot, Stephen Jung, ol the Salemitan monastery, in
Suevia, and Vicar General of his Order, when on a visitation of his houses,
he came to Fiissen. He then had a staff, fashioned like that at Fiissen, and
in it he enclosed the relic presented to him. This staff was used, likewise, to
drive away worms and other noxions insects from lands subject to the
Cistercian monastery.132 In the sacristy at Fiiessen were to be seen the
ornamented cowl,123 stole and maniple,12'* which St. Magnus used while he
celebrated Mass. Moreover, the silver chalice, which served him at that
time, was drank from by infirm persons, and they recovered health. ,as
Another prized memorial of St. Magnus was the cross, which hung from his
neck, while he was a Deacon, and which contained various sacred relics.
"5 Among these was an old codex Vita S. ^. Magni abbatis baculum preciosis acclusit
Brigidae, attributed to St. Ultan of Ard- hpsanis," tomus ii., col. 833.
braccan as author. He lived in the fifth 121 This was called in Latin, " prodigiosus
and sixth centuries. See his Acts, in the baculus S. Magni," because of the many
present volume, at the 4th of September, miracles attributed to its use.
Art. i., and especially n. 50, ibid. '"In a letter to Father Chardon, in 1744,
116 Hundius thinks this had been founded he writes on this subject : " Ante annos
in the beginning of the eleventh century. autem quatuor, scilicet mdccxl, die S.
See in •' Metropolis Salisburgensis," tome Joannis Baptists?, obtuli Reverendissimo
ii., p. 246. DD. nostro praesuli Constantino Muller
"'Schussenried is a town of Wurtemberg, partem de cuculla S. Magni, quam ab
in the circle of the Danube, near the source ejusdem monasterii abbate, cum sigili abba-
of the river Schussen, which flows into Lake tialis impressione obtinui supplex."
Constance. It had formerly an Imperial ,23 The lappet of this hood is said to have
Benedictine Abbey, founded in 1183, audit been applied to the sick, in former ages,
was suppresed in 1803. See " Gazetteer of and usually with the result of a happy
the World," vol. xii., pp. 488, 489. recovery.
1,8 The account here inserted had been "« Although applied to the sick, we have
received from Very Rev. Father Evermod no account of cures effected through them.
Lorinzer, of the Prsemonstratensian Order, They were woven from green silk,
by Father Suysken. I25 Father Babenstuber adds : " Illi quidem
119 A copper-plate engraving, given by the crebrius, quibus aut febris, aut venenum, aut
Bollandists, at p. 726, represents this artistic magica maleficentia perniciem conscivcrat :
staff. sed et aliis inde hausisse, multoscies remedio
120 The Annalist of the Praemonstratensian fuit praesenti, qui vertigine rotabantur, dolore
Order states, that this particle had been in- dentium cruciabantur, syncopen patiabantur,
serted by Didacus Strobele, who was elected aut aliis quibusdam a-gritudinibus conflicta-
Abbot at Sorethan, in 17 19 : '* Prodigissum bantur," lib. iii., cap. 5.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
63
At Schussenreidt, not only the Pnemonstratensian Fathers, hut the people
surrounding their monastery, were accustomed, from times very remote,136 to
celebrate the chief feast of their Patron, St. Magnus, with the obligation of
hearing Mass and abstaining from servile works. "7 Even a special Office
had been composed for him, the Lessons of which were chiefly taken from
his ancient Life. In like manner, the Hymns for the first Vespers of his
Festival128 were Proper; likewise those for Matins"? and Lauds,1?? as also the
Responses for the Nocturns, and the Antiphons for all the Hours. More-
over, in the great diocese of Constance, the feast of St. Magnus was celebrated
yearly on the 6th of September, while he was venerated and invoked as
the Thaumaturgus, and Apostle, as also the Common Father and Auxiliator
of all those suffering and in affliction. He is thus numbered among the
Sancti Auxiliatores '31 of the Germans, and they were so designated and
invoked as being their special Patrons before God, either for averting or
^removing calamities, or for obtaining particular benefits. In the old Missal '32
of the Diocese of Mayence,1" and in an old Missal1?* of Utrecht, '35 in
125 Father Evermod Lorinzer of that
Order testifies, that for about two hundred
years, in the middle ages, the special Office
lor St Magnus was sung on the day of his
Festival and during the Octave ; but, after
that lapse of time, the practice fell into
desuetude, in the year 1632, when the
fathers were obliged to fly, and their monas-
tery was burned, during the Swedish war,
waged by Gustavus Adolphus. See R. de
Prade, M L'Histoire de Gustave-Adolphe,
dit le Grand," Paris, 1686, 8vo,
,27 On the saint's chief feast, September
6th, a great concourse of people and clergy
flocked to the Prsemonstratensian church at
Schussenreidt, not only from the neighbour-
hood, but also from the churches apart, and
they formed in religious procession. The
large statue of St. Magnus, adorned wgh
rich vestments, was set up in the middle of
the church, and it was an object of great
popular veneration. A solemn High Mass
was sung by the Abbot, in pontificals, with
his assistant ministers, or by some bishop,
who had been specially invited to officiate.
A select choir was chosen for the occasion,
and usually a distinguished and an eloquent
preacher was selected to eulogise the saint's
merits and virtues. Such devotion extended
also to those cities, towns and parishes,
where benefits had been obtained through
the intercession of St. Magnus.
118 The first strophe thus commences :
11 Sydus refulget jam novum,
Magni clarum solemniis,
Germaniam et Galliam
Novo beat Apostolo."
129 The Hymn for Matins is taken from that
ascribed to Ratpert, as given by Henricus
Canisius in "Antiqux Lectiones," tomos v.
The first verse runs as follows :
" Mire cunctorum Dens et Creator,
Mitis et fortis solidator orbis,
Vota servorum tibi subditorum
Accipe clemens."
130 The following is the first verse of the
Hymn at Lauds" :
" Vos clara laudes resonet
Noctis quieto tempore,
Magni patris encomiis
Miscens devotosjubilos."
131 In the middle of the seventeenth cen-
tury, the Very Rev. Father Abbot Thomas,
of the Cistercian Order, wrote a work in
Germany, on the Holy Helpers, who were
invoked at Lanchem, in the Diocese of
Bamberg, under that title. He only names
fourteen, from which list St. Magnus is
excluded. Nor in the Mass peculiar to their
festival is his name to be found.
132 Printed A.D. 1493.
133 In it is a Mass, with the title, De
Quatuordecim Adjutoribus Sanctis, although
fifteen names are included in the Collect,
thus : " Omnipotens ac mitissime Deus, qui
electos sanctos tuos, Georgium, Blasium,
Herasmum, Fantaleonem, Vitum, Christo-
ferum, Dionisium, Ciriacum, Achatium,
Eustachium, Magnum, Egidium, Mar-
garetam, Barbaram, et Katherinam,
specialibus privilegiis decorasti ; quivsumus,
ut omnes, qui in necessitatibus eorurn
imploramus auxilium, secundum tuoe pro-
missions gratiam,petitionis nostra; salutarem
consequamur effectum. Da nobis, Domine,
veniam peccatorum, et ipsorum interceden-
tibus meritis, ab omnibus adversitatibus
libera, et deprecationes nostras benignus
exaudi. Per Dominum, &C. In like
manner, the name of St. Magnus is to be
found in the Missal of the Dominicans
printed A.I). 1550.
' I Printed at Leida, A.I>. 1514.
,35 Among the Masses for averting various
calamities, is one healed, De Ouindecim
Auxiliatoribus, and having the name of St.
Magnus included, with a Collect agreeing
with that in the previous note. In the
Secrets and Postcommunio, the same names
occur.
164 LIVES Ofi THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
Holland, the name of St. Magnus is found added as a fifteenth '36 to the
fourteen Helpers most generally enumerated. By the German writers,
BabenstuberT37 and Francis Peter,J38 Canon Regular of St. Augustine, St.
Magnus is called Auxiliator.
Although not mentioned in the Roman Martyrology, yet Notker Bal-
bulus '39 and many German Martyrologists commemorate this saint, at the
6th of September. Thus, in the Martyrologies of Rheinau,140 of Augsburg,1-*1
and of Treves,142 he is entered. At the same date, he is noticed by Galesi-
nius,I43 and by Bucelin.144 The Bollandists had in their Library a number
of German Diocesan Missals and Breviaries, which proved that veneration
for St. Magnus obtained not alone in Suevia, but also in Bavaria, the circle
of the Rhine, Franconia, Alsace, and Belgium. No less than sixteen of those
Breviaries are named, viz., Mayence, and its suffragan Sees, Augsburg,
Argentinensis, Saltzburg, Constance, Eistad, Spire, Worms ; also Vienna, in
Austria, Pataviensis and Ratisbon, in Bavaria ; Wratislaviensis, in Silesia*
Minden, in Westphalia, and Cologne, on the Rhine. To these may be added
the two Belgian Breviaries of Tongres and Utrecht. There can hardly be a
doubt, but that in other dioceses his cultus had spread, as to him was
given the title "Auxiliator Germanise." Among the Kalendars which
Dominicus Geqrgius edited at Rome, in 1745, together with the Martyrology
of Ado, two especially note this festival ; one of these called the Kalen-
darium Palatino-Vaticanum, prefixed to a Sacramentary of St. Gregory,
belonging to the twelfth century ; the other called Kalendariuin Mediola-
nense II. Both, at the present day, enter " Sanctus Magnus Confessoris."
Not less frequent are entries in the Additions to Usuard, as Father Soller
shows. Father Henry Fitz-simon '45 inscribes St. Magnus or Magdobaldus
on his List of the Irish Saints, and ascribes his feast to the 6th of September.
At the same date, he is in the Calendar of Conveus, and in that Anonymous
one, published by O'Sullevan Beare.146
A secondary festival was held on the 22nd of March, which was that for
the Translation of his relics. At Schussenreidt, the same Office, as that on
■ i
136 In his additions to Usuard, Greven at church of Treves, or perhaps of Belgium,
the 8lh of August prefixes the name of the In it is found, at the viii. Ides of September :
glorious Mother of God, to the fourteen "Ad Fauces, Magni confessoris."
Helpers ; but among these, he has not in- **3 He writes : " Ad Fauces, sancti Magni
eluded the name of Magnus. confessoris : qui sancti Galli discipulos,
137 He thus describes our saint in his divino proedicandi munere multorum animos
work, " Sanctus Magnus Algoiorum Apos- ad pie agendum inflammavit, miraculorum
tolus, Germanorum communis Auxiliator." que ac vita: religiose' arte l.uide nobilis in
138 He writes: " Etiam apud longe (lis- sanctos suinini Pontificis auctoritate ab
sitas et exteras nationes S. Magnus honoie, episcopo Augustano adscriptus est."
festoque die solemniter colitur, interque eos ' * 4 lie writes: " Decessit, ut annis, sic
Divos, quos ob speciales quasdam proeroga- meritis cumulatissimus, in SUO, quod con-
tivas Auxiliatores vocamus, prresentissimus diderat, ad Fauces Julias (vulgo Fiiessen)
patronus habetur." — "Suevia Ecclesiastica," coenobio tumulatus ; cujus memoria apud
p. 326. Germanos longe est celeberrima : ita ut
139 He states: " Nativitas sancti Magni propter continua miracula, quae per ejus
confessoris, discipuli beati Galli, mirabiliset veneramlas reliquias, tarn in agris, quam in
sanctissimi viri. j amends et hominibus, passim patrantur,
140 Thus: "VIII. Id. Sept. Natale sancti quatuordecim Sanctis, ut vocant Auxilia-
Magni confess." TORIBUS, memorabili sane meritorum com-
141 Thus, at the same day, that of the mendatione, decimus quintoa ipse adjunctus
monastery of Uldaricus records "Magni sit." — "Martyrologium Benedictinum."
conf." '45See " Catalogus Aliquorum Sanctorum
142 The Martyrology of St. Martin, which Hibcrnia:."
Father Soller places among the Hierony- I46See" Historic Catholics IbernneCom-
mian ones. This he suspects to have been pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. x., xi., pp.
originally compiled for the use of some 48, 51, 55.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 165
the 6th of September, was recited ; except that in the Lessons of the Second
Nocturn, the Sermo Venerabilis Eedae presbyteri in Natali S. Benedicti «4>
was substituted, and a few minor changes took place. Nor was this the only
honour paid to the memory of St. Magnus, as on every Thursday throughout
the year, not engaged for a double Office, a special Antiphon '*8 and
Prayer x«9 were prescribed, at Lauds and Vespers. Moreover, on every
Tuesday, on which there was no proper Office, the Missa Major or Con-
ventual Mass was sung in honour of St. Magnus, excepting the common
suffrage occurring in Lauds and Vespers. '5°
The Acts of many early saints, and those even of gr?at celebrity in the
Church, are occasionally obscure and defective, so that a critical writer must
hesitate to assert as facts, what may prove at best to be only probable or
possible conjectures. However, nearly all ancient history or biography,
even that of the Pagan writers most admired, abounds in fallacies, with the
flow of eloquent narrative. Nor would we be willing to lose the trend of
those facts preserved, even though wreathed with their unsubstantial,
imaginary and florid adornments. We have still more than enough of
interesting material interwoven with the acts of St. Magnus, to illustrate the
manners of his own and of subsequent ages ; nor should we permit to remain
uncared for and unnoticed those traditionary and ancient documents, that
have come down to our time, and that serve to perpetuate his virtues and
miracles.
Article III. — St. Mac Cuilinn, Maculinus or Maculind, Bishop
and Patron of Lusk, County of Dublin. [Fifth or Sixth Century.']
Much confusion exists in the documents and traditions which remain,
regarding the time when the patron saint of Lusk flourished, and as to how far
we can have reliance on his rather modernly transcribed Proper Office, still
preserved in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin.1 The original from
which it had been transcribed seems to have been lost. Wherefore, we have
deemed it well to present the Latin Version,2 now published, as we believe,
. »
147 " Audiensa Domino Petrus," &c. viueret : in opes alere : pauperes recreare :
l& Antiphon : " Laudemus virum glorio- nudis vestimenta triburere : esurientcs
sum et parentem nostrum sanctum Magnum pascere : peregrinis et viduis, caeteraque
in generatione sua, cujus intuentes exitum, opera miserecordiaelargiresolebat. Deuiantes
conversationis ejus sequamur vestigia." V. etiam et a via veritatis declinantes ; adspem
Justum deduxit Dominus per vias rectas. fiduciae verbo suae predicationis reuocabat.
ft. Et ostendit i 11 i regnum Dei. In Dei templo quasi Lucifer aparuit Macu-
'*9Oratio: Sancti Magni confessoris tui, linus : Quicquid enim erat in eo Dei virtute
quaesumus, Domine, mentis adjuvemur, ut atque potentia mirabiliter refulcit. In Dei
quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet, ejus seruitio in ecclesia iugiter existebat, turn
nobis intercessione donetur. Per Christum, stando, turn orando : turn legendo : turn
&c. genua flectendo : continue laborando cor-
150 Father Evermod Lorinzer, who sup- pusque suum vigiliis jeiuniisque macerabat.
plied the foregoing information to the Insistent itaque diuino operi pietatis ;
Hollandists, adds: " Et haec de cultu S. ecclesias : monasteria etoratoria iugiter con-
Patroni nostri tarn antiquo quam moderno." tinueque fabricando. Quid plura referam ?
Article hi. — ■ In the Manuscript Tantas per eum Deus operatus est vitutes,
classed E., Tab. 3, No. 8, fol. 128, 129. quas praesens libellus nequeat continere :
"On the margin of this transcript are the nee hominum linguae enucleare valeant. Tu
words Vita S. Macttlini, in a different hand- autem Domine miserere nostri.
writing. The following are the Lessons : Lfctio 2DA
Lectio ima.
Igitur de beatissimi militis Maculini vita
Venerabilem hujus diei sanctissimam admirabili, pauca reuocemusad memoriam :
memoriam recolentes quo gloriosus Christi qui multo iam tempore priusquam terris
pontifex Maculinus, deposito carnis onere, innotuit virtutibus admirandum claruit.
ad gaudia transmigravit aeterna. Qui dum Rex etenim quidem nobilissimus (brumen-
i66
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
for the first time, in the phraseology, and order here given ; but, lengthening
the contraction of words, which occasionally occurs, and including within
brackets those words which appear to be meaningless, or which probably
are mistakes of the scribe. This narrative of the saint's Acts is ill-digested
and frequently obscure, even were the statements it contains to be relied
cium ?) ortus ad Loth similitudem : ebrietate
repletus : nefando scelere sororem premendo
violauit : quae mox coYicepit in vtero : ac
duos genuit filios. Ille autem sceleris
iniquitatem celare est conatus ; inuentis illis
nequitiis grauioribus : unum ex illis dimisit :
alium mater arripuit : quem nutriuit ac
baptizari fecit, Maculinumque vocauit : qui
literarum studhs est traditus: cepit moribus
florere, virtutibus et miraculis corruscare.
Quotidie sedulo insistendo orationibus et
vigiliis : corpusque suum jeiunijs macerando
non desistit. Sicque fama sancti perad-
jacentes circumquaque prouincias aduolavit.
Quid plura. Defuncto illius regionis episcopo
Maculinus ab omni clero et populo elegitur,
et infula pontificali sublimatur. Tu autem
Domine miserere nostri.
Lectio 3TRA.
In diebus illis erat quidam rex Rath-
lunensis Tugerna nomine, qui quidam
virgunculam habuit forma et vultu pul-
cherimam : a quo etiam edictum exiit : ut
nemo thorum illius virgunculae violaret.
Vnus autem ex ejus militibus Amargen
nomine : optimus scil : faber ferrarius illam
cognouit. Quae mox concepit in vtero. Rex
autem cum illam partui proximam, inter-
rogans earn de quo concepisset. At ilia
statim confessa est. Tunc Rex valde iratus :
iussit alligari ambos, et in ignem mitti
nudos. Sed qui cuncta condidit, hoc non
permisit. Fulmina enim et toniirui
pluuiaeque de coelis, precibus sancti Macu-
lini facta sunt in ilia hora. Elementa inter
se (muicein?) repugnauere : atque edax ignis
parcendo lignis, vim negauit naturae.
Interea infans de matris vtero nouam
protulit loquelam : claraque voce dixit ad
regem. <> Rex impie, imo crude] issime
tyranne ! nequissimum sacrilegumque scelus
agere disponis. Nam ut dicam acceptabilior
fueris si hoc non consummaueris. Ac si
manifestius diceret, cur illos qui me feceruut
ad vitam, detrudis ad mortem ? Rex autem
perteritus, valdeque ad ineffabilem admi-
ratus allocutionem, ait : quid sibi vult hoc
novum prodigium ? Tunc Rex jussit fabrum
ferrarium, cum virguncula praegnante,
honorabiliter custodiri. Quae peperit (ilium
sanctitate et vita laudabilem : in bonis cepit
operibusvigere, etin Dei ecclesia mirabiliter
florere.
Lectio 4TA.
Post haec autem praedicti tresviri, beatum
puerum ad fines Laginencium perduxerunt.
Vbi inter ccetera,quae ibidem gessit miracula;
quamdiu ipse psalmos didicit : tamdiu
domum nine vestitam respexerit. Ac si de
intus crebris ardentibus flammis videretur :
nee non et de foris ardoribus solis feruen-
tibus, eodem omnino habitu permanere
fecit. Post ea vero monasterium illis
signauit : ibi aliquando tempore permansit.
Denique Laginencium relinquendo partes
Carbrinum adiuit, sancti Gregorii disci-
pulum, per cuius magisterium, evangelium
et epistolam legit. Eodem tempore Rex
quidam Acchoreus nomine sanctum Macu-
linum rogauit vt orbatum luminibus filium,
necnon et filiam, videlicet, linguae ex parte
curaret. Protinus autem orante beato
Maculino : vnus illorum munera luminum,
altera linguae, facundiam loquendi recepit.
In eodem temporis momento, ejusdem regis
coniugem diaboli sagitta subito percussam ;
idem gloriosus Dei famulus reuocauit ad
vitam. Eodem quoque die Rex nu-moratus ;
Maculinum quum postulando de miraculis
amplius faciendis rogauit. Erat enim vemale
tempus, et illius dicto nonduin finito : c:>rylus
sub cuius vmbra positi fuerant, priusquam
flores extulisset, maturos fructus protulit :
eiusque sinus vernali tempore autumnalibus
repleuerat nucibus. Tunc Rex glorihcauit
beatum Maculinum, eique partem terra.' sine
donauit.
Lectio 51A.
Post haec venerabilis Christi miles Macu-
linus Albaniam petiit ; ibique aliquanti
temporis spatio permanens innurneris
coruscauit miraculis. Erat autem eo tempore
qusedara immeusee magnitudinis, ac tantae
ferocitatis bestia, quod omnes Albaniensium
fines inuasit, ac totam prouinciam pene
euacuauit. Tunc omnes Albannnses se in
vnum congregati, ad sancti Maculini pedes
cateruatim prouoluu'ntur; qui omnes quasi ex
vno ore dixerunt, Salua nos : at) ilia etiam
die euacuata est terra, nee vsquam comparuit
Sancti Maculini meritis liberati sunt.
Lectio 6ta.
Post haec autem et alia plura miracula quae
beatus Maculinus operatus est. reliquit Al-
baniam, et ut proposuit Roman adiit.
Gregorius autem tunc Apostolicam rexerat
arcem. Cum vir Dei Maculinus peruenit
ad illam, qui cum episcopali diademate
sanctum sublimate cepisset Maculinum,
flamma cadens de ccelo intersit. Tunc
Gregorius de coelis per angelum admonitus,
sancto ait Maculino, Reuertcre ad prouinciam
tuam, et in loco quo reserecturus fueris ; a
summo pontifici pontificali infula sublima-
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
167
upon ; while the persons and places named appear not in Irish history or
topography — at least in their present form. Vague tradition and popular
legends seem to have furnished, to a considerable extent, the materials for
St. Maculin's Office ; nor have we any notification of special Matins, 1
Hours, Vespers, or Psalms, Hymns, Antiphons, Versicles or Responses, as
beris. Angelico igitur ductu peruenit beatus
Maculinus ad prouinciam de Durpconylc,
opidum videlicet in quo protinussanctificauit
monasterium. Deindeagitatus motu angelico;
Albamense monasterium fundauit ; in quo
tanto tempore permansit. Duodecim monas-
teria fundauit, ac pro suae claritatis et nomine
opere, suis proximis ea concessit.
Lectio 7 ma.
Orante autem Maculino cum turba justo-
rum in eadem ciuitate dominus noster
Ihesus Ctus angelicis ministrantibus choris;
ilium pontificali diademate, ut beatus
Gregorius iam ante predixerat infulauit :
atque in eius officio fons olei largus de terra
emanauit. Huius autem ordine pontificii
completo ; coemeterii spatium angeli sig-
nauerunt. Tunc ergo sermo exiit, quod si
quis fidelium poenitentiam agentium in illo
quiesceret coemeterio inferni cruciatibus
caret et in futuro. Corpore autem ipsius
Maculini magistri primus in illo dormire
sacro-sancto promeruit coemeterio. Post
h;vc autem gloriose ac honorabiliter beautus
Maculinus ia sua ciuitate sanctorum nimia
multitudine illius ministerio prout doctrinae
salutaris norma fuerant informati permansit.
Ac inde semetipsos cum suis monasteriis in
aeternum obtulerunt. Sanctus autem Macu-
linus desiderans subesse plusquam praeesse,
venerabilem virum Eolangum adiit, quern
presulem elegit. Igitur ad praefati senioris
beato Maculino cum suis praeueniente
monasterium, idem lcetus ineorum aduentu ;
quos antea ad suum hospitium venturos esse
pramidit in spiritu. Sic rem, tantamque
cur Maculinus aduenisset ille cognosceret ;
ministris suis ait. Hospites sancti bene
reficiantur, et in crastina die vnde venerunt
reuertantur. Ego enim non alloquar illos,
donee post septem dies ad Luske peruenero
villam. Ministris haec verba magistri
Maculino narrantibus ; ipse crastina die
sicut venerabilis senex praecepit ad suam
perrexit villam,
Lectio 8va.
Igitur cum septem transacti essent dies,
beatus Eolangus sicut praedixit Luske
peruenit villam : ac protinus ad sancti pedes
Maculini pronus procidit, dicens, Tibi,
Deoque offero memetipsum, meumque
monasterium. Tunc Maculinus amare flevit,
et dixit, non hoc ego proposui, sic ut semper
tibi subditus essem. Ille respondit, sic et
ego a te inde remunerari expostulo ; vt in
loco vno simul resurrectionem expectemus.
Cui Maculinus dixit, hoc tibi Deus prsestabit.
Si adhuc multum mouet me, quum praepo-
situm siue idoneum non habeo praesulem :
cui non dedignatus semper subditus atque
subiectus essem. Tunc Eolangus dixit,
hodie te summo committam pontifici : cui
cuncti prepositi famulantur. Sicut enim a
nullo mortalium nisi a semetipso te pontificio
concessit sublimari : ita et nemini nisi
semetipso et vult famulari. In eodem ergo
loco dominus noster I ; Cstu& cum angelorum
agmine aparuit eis : cui Eolangus dixit.
Deus meus suscipe a me hunc hominem
iustum. Qui continuo manum illius beati
Maculini contingens dexteram ; eleuauit
eum in sublime. Tunc Eolangus quasi
penitus perteritus dixit. O rex gloriose et
qui dominaris in ccelis, adhuc modicum con-
cedere digeris ilium in terris. Tunc dominus
remisit ilium, et ab ilia die nemo praepositus
nimiam claritatem illius manus cernere
potuit ; atque circa illam manicam conti-
nebat accinctam. Hinc igitur completum
est, quod Veritas protulit, qui se humiliat
exaltabitur. Quantocunque enim Maculinus
se humilem atque subiectum vniuersis
praeferrebat, tanto ilium excelsum ac per-
latum cunctis Deus dirigebat. Nemo enim
multitudinem virtutum eius enarrare potuit,
nisi qui cuncta creauit. Nam si temporum
curricula non preterirent : signa autem eius
superessent.
Lectio 9NA.
Cum dies exitus eius imminent monas-
terium de Luske adiit, quo sanctus Kuadam
discipulos antea reliquit. Ibique postquam
eisdem benedixit, acceptis tarn salutiferis
pacis muneribus. corporalem deposuit
glebam ; «edem promeruit adire supernam.
Tunc plurimus Hiberniencium chorus col-
lectus est ad Maculini corpus sanctissimum
sepeliendum : qui angelorum noua cantica
modulantium permixtus erat exercitus,
quorum numerum nouerat Deus. Sol autem
illius diei protelando spatium, perquindenos
non cognouit occasum. Postea vero sanctum
illud corpusculum, cum hymnis et canticis ad
Luske translatum erat villam ; quo cum
honore maximo in sarculo seruatur dignis-
simo : quo etiam plures sanctorum Hiber-
niencium venerandae requiescunt reliquiae ;
ab ipso Maculino priraum congregate, nec-
non hactenus venerabili successore postremo
recollects. Quam igitur veneranda est
fratres charissimi ista dies per orbem ; qua
post victoria felix Maculinus concendit ad
arcem ? Et quamuis mirabilis fulgebat in
terris, nunc multo mirabilus resplendit in
coelis. Nos autem ut sufficiant timeamus
1 68 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
connected with the Proper Lessons. A brief allusion to the particulars
furnished can only be introduced in the following account, as collated or
contrasted with notices found" in our Martyrologies and Annals. That the
present saint lived at an ancient period does not a<Jmit of dispute ; but,
whether it dates back to the fifth century is very questionable. In the
Feilire of St. /Engus.3 St. MacCuilinn of Lusk is commemorated, at the 6th
of September. Also, the Martyrology of Tallagh* registers a festival, at the
6th of September, in honour of MacCuilinn, Bishop of Luscca, now Lusk, in
the County of Dublin. 5 This place was also written Lusga.6 This holy
bishop, styled St. Macculindus, is commemorated at this date by Rev. Alban
Butler.? Bishop Forbes has a notice of him, likewise, in his u Kalendars of
Scottish Saints."8 By some writers, this saint is called the son of Cathmoga,
and by others of Cathbad. But, MacCuilind or MacCullin is the name by
which he is generally known, and hence we are allowed to assume, that he
was son to a man named Cullin. We are well inclined to disbelieve the
story of his descent horn an unknown King, and the circumstance related
regarding his origin, as found in the Second Lesson of his Office. The
O'Clerys state, that Cuinnigh was his first name,s> and that he belonged to
the race of Tadhg, son to Cian, son of Oihll Olum.10 This of course over-
leaps his genealogy for many generations. Under the head of Lusca, Duald
Mac Firbis enters Mac Cuilinn, bishop of Lusca.11 We are told, that Luachan
Moc Cuilinn was his proper name, and that Cainnigh, Caindigh, or Caindedh,
was his first name. This Saint is likewise called Cinneadh, Cuindedhe, Cuin-
nigh and Cainnech. According to the Office, from his mother when baptised
he received the name of Maculinus, and he was carefully instructed in a
course of studies. As he advanced in years, his morals were exemplary, and
his religious dispositions were manifested in prayer, vigils, and fasting. Even
while a youth, miracles are attributed to him, and his fame for sanctity was
very generally diffused. We can well afford to pass over what is vague and
obscure in his office, with the names of unknown persons and reported
verba quibus sancti Presulis congrua laude Stokes : " With Mac Cuilinn of Lusk a fair
enerramus gesta. Erat enim aspectu pair of champions divides (this clay), the
angelicus : in sermone verax et nitidus : in feast of Sciath here we have : Colomb of
iudicio iustus. Nulli odibilis ; cunctis fair Ross Glandae." — " Transactions of the
amabilis. Hie erat stabilis, et constans in Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
fide: ut Petrus doctor egregius, et vas elec- Series, vol. i., part i. On the calendar of
tionis ut Paulus : virilis ut Andreas, diuina Oengus, p. cxxxvi.
gratia plenus ut Joannes. Quid moror in 4 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
verbis ? nam omnibus Apostolis erat con- 5 In that copy found in the Book of Lein-
similis ; per omnia illorum stquens vestigia, ster, we read at this date, ttlACCulin-o epf
Qui felici commercio, caduca pro seternis. LurcA.
peritura commutauit mansuris. Vbi inter * See "Extracts for the County of Dublin."
cetcmos Dei sanctos et electos, in regno Ordnance Survey Records, p. 131.
patris sui fulget tanquam sol, et tanquam ^ See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
scintilla in arundineto discurret : nationes and other Principal Saints," vol ix., Sep-
judicabit : et cum vero justitia? sole electos tember 6.
congregabit. Qui cum patre, et spiritu 8 See p. 379.
sancto viuit in secula saeculorum. Amen. 9 See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited
3 In the Leabhar Breac copy, we find the by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 236,
following rami : — 237.
10 Oilill Olum, King of Munster, died
LufCAi la TTUcc Cuilirro a.D 234, according to Dr. O'Donovan's
Cam -oecheng Acr\enx)Ai " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp.
peil ScecVu func Im-oi 112,113.
Colum rtuirf 51L 5I&1V041. " See "Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
Thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley part i., pp. 120, 131.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 169
acts, that have no authentication in other historic documents. We may
accept, however, the traditions regarding his charity and kindness towards
the poor and strangers ; that his preaching effected the conversion of many
sinners and led them on to the path of salvation ; that he was assiduous in
study, and in his devotions. It is stated, moreover, that he laboured much,
in founding churches and monasteries ; and that he left the province of
Leinster, to become a disciple of a St. Gregory,12 who dwelt in the district
written Carbrinum ;J3 and under such direction, he read the Gospel and
Epistle, by which we are probably to understand a curriculum of theology
and of Sacred Scripture. While there, it is related, that he procured the
restoration of sight to the blind son, and the use of speech to the dumb
daughter* of a certain Regulus, named Acchoreus.1* Other miracles of his
are also reported. Next we are told, that Maculin went over to Scotland,
where he wrought many celebrated prodigies, such as that of delivering the
country from the ravages of a monstrous beast, and for which he received
the thanks and gratitude of all the Albanians. Thence he is said to have
undertaken a journey to Rome, where Pope Gregory then presided, and
where by him, through angelic monition, Maculin was promoted to the epis-
copal dignity. On that occasion, a remarkable light from Heaven seemed
to be diffused around them. Afterwards, Pope Gregory directed him to
return to his own province, and to seek the place where his resurrection was
to be. An angel led him to a province and town called Durpconyle,1* where
he erected a monastery. Again, by angelic inspiration, it is said, he founded
a monastery designated Albamense,16 and in it he remained for some time.
He is stated, likewise, to have founded twelve monasteries, but in what
particular places, we do not find mentioned in St. Maculin's Proper
Office. An ancient Life of St. Ciaran, of Clonmacnois, states, that it
was Mac Cuilinn and Odhran of Lettrech,1? who told Ciaran,18 that his
life should be a short one. As he died towards the middle of the sixth
century, if the Mac Cuilinn alluded to be identical — as would seem — with the
present holy man, our saint must have lived before that time ! St. Maculinus
became Bishop of Lusk,x9 but under what circumstances, and at what
time, we are not creditably informed. In one particular Manuscript, he is
styled an Archbishop ; but this is likely to be an error. The village of Lusk,
12 This was probably the locally celebrated •' His feast occurs, on the 2nd of October.
Gregory of the Golden month, who has been ,8 His festival occurs, at the 9th of Sep-
from time immemorial venerated along the tember. See at that date, his Acts in the
south-western and western shores of Ireland, present volume, Art. i.
although his name is not to be found in our I9 The commentator, on that copy of the
calendars. Feilire of St. /Engus in the Leabhar Breac
13 No district in Ireland is known to have Manuscript, thus attempts in an Irish note —
borne such a denomination ; but, probably translated by Whitley Stokes, LL.D. — to
it is a transcriber's error for Carbreum, and account for the origin of this name : " A
for which, in the form of Carbry, there are house of lustoc, i.e., of ragweed (?). i.e.. a
equivalents in the south and west of house and weed diustoic (?), for he had no
Ireland. house prius. A house was made of weeds
14 Such a personage does not turn up in prius, et ab eo uominatur lusca quasi weed-
our annals. house, because what is now called ttch used
15 No such name is known in Irish topo- formerly to he called ca. Whence ulcha
graphy ; but, it seems to have been incor- ' beard' quasi ol-cha 0 cheek-house'), whence
rectly written or altered, from the original also cerd-cha (' artisan-house,' ' forge ').
by the scribe who copied our Saint's Proper Lnsca, then i.e. ca. lalamlusca, i.e. house of
Office, and who was evidently unacquainted earth."--" Transactions of the Royal Irish
with the Iri>h language and history. Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol.
16 Such local denomination in Ireland is i., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, by
unknown. Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxliii.
170
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
in the parish of the same denomination, is situated in the Barony of Bal-
rothery East, and County of Dublin. It is a place of undoubted antiquity,
and the present cemetery and Protestant Church occupy the site of the more
primitive monastic establishment. The church there is of medieval erection.
Before the latest alterations, the interior consisted of two aisles, divided by
a range of seven arches, which had been built up, the east end only having
been used as a place for worship.20 Except in the eastern part, the windows
had been closed with masonry, and the whole body of the fabric wore a chill
and neglected air. The north aisle was 150 feet in length. In the west end
is a square embattled turret, and attached to three of its angles are rounded
towers, finishing with the graduated parapets, so often observable in the
Church and Round Tower of Lusk.
ecclesiastical and medieval edifices of Ireland.21 On the fourth angle there
is a fine round tower, attached to the embattled turret, and it rises near the
site of the more ancient church.22 It is of greater altitude than the other
towers, and it seems to be the most ancient part of the structure. It is of
greater diameter than is usual in most of those curious fabrics, although the
height is not equal to many of the same class throughout Ireland. 23 A very
learned authority, on subjects connected with the civil and ecclesiasttcal
History of Ireland, says, that St. Maccullinn, as he was its first bishop, is
undoubtedly the patron Saint of Lusk. The terms found in his Proper
Office lead to an inference, that when settled at Lusk, Macalin was surrounded
20 There is a spirited wood-engraving of a
sketch by Samuel Lover, Esq., R.I LA.,
showing the church of Lusk, its eastern
window, and a portion of the turret, in the
" Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i-, No. 19,
Saturday, May nth, 1832, p. 145.
21 The present illustration of Lusk church
and Round Tower is drawn from a photo-
graph on the wood, engraved by Gregor
Grey. It represents the church as lately
restored, and differing from that presented
in a previous engraving, in the Second
Volume of this work, at the 20th of February,
Art. i.
"See Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall's "Ireland :
its Scenery, Character," &c, vol. ii., p. 347.
23 See J. N. Brewer's " Beauties of Ire-
land," voli., pp. 253, 254-
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 171
with numbers of just men, who probably lived in a community life under his
direction. Moreover, it is asserted, that when he had there exercised ponti-
fical functions, Angels appeared, and marked out the boundaries for a ceme-
tery ; and therefore an impression went among the people, that whoesoever
might be interred there should escape the punishment of Hell in the future
life. At that place St. Maculin afterwards lived, while many flocked to him
as a master of the spiritual life, and others presented themselves to him with
their monasteries for his guidance. However, Maculin desired rather to be
a subject himself, than to rule ; and, he selected a venerable man, named
Eolangus,24 whom he wished to serve and select as his superior. This latter
had a presentiment of his intention, and was rejoiced to receive Maculin and
his companions. At that time, Eolang said to his disciples ; " Let our
religious guests be hospitably entertained, but on to-morrow, let them return
whence they came. I shall not address them until after seven days, when I
shall go to the village of Lusk." When this had been reported by the
ministers to Maculin, he set out the next day, and, as Eolang had directed,
towards his own habitation. Wherefore, when seven days had elapsed,
according to his promise, Eolang went to Lusk,where, falling at the feet of its
holy superior, he said : " To thee and to God, I offer both myself and my
monastery." Then, in tears, Maculin replied : " This I did not expect, as I
would desire always to be your subject." Eolang answered : " And thus I
expostulate, in demanding from you a reward, that in the same place our
resurrection shall be." Maculin replied : " This request the Lord will grant
you. If hitherto it has greatly troubled me, that I have not had a suitable
superior or prelate — to whom should I always be a subject and subjected,
without being deemed unworthy ?" Then returned Eolang : tk To-day I
commit you to the care of that Sovereign Ruler, whom all superiors obey.
For, as to no one but Himself has been given an ecclesiastical superiority
over you, so to none but Himself does He wish you to be a servant." Soon, in
the same place, our Lord Jesus Christ, with a choir of Angels, appeared to
them. Then cried out Eolang : " My God, receive from me this just man."
Immediately, taking Maculin by the right hand, our Lord raised him aloft.
Wholly astonished and filled with anxiety lest his friend was about to be
removed from this life, Eolang cried out with emotion : " O glorious King,
who reigneth in Heaven, deign to leave him for some time longer on earth !"
Then the Lord released him, and a wonderful effulgence shone about Macu-
lin's hand, which could not even be seen on account of that very brightness.
Through humility, the saint afterwards wore a glove on the hand so honoured ;
but in proportion to the great exercise of that virtue, so much the more was
he exalted in the sight of God and man. It is stated,2* that Maculin of Lusk
visited Scotland twice, and that there he was held in repute. So far as we
can understand an evidently faulty construction in the Office, St. Maculin left
the Monastery of Lusk to one Kuda and the disciples. But when the day of
his departure approached, the holy Bishop went to his former place which
he blessed ; and there having received the Sacraments for the dying, he
closed this life, while the Angels were heard singing canticles of praise.
Moreover, it is related, that on the day of his death, the sun did not set for the
fifteen days succeeding. This, doubtless, is chiefly the exaggeration of popular
24 We find two holy men of this name day ; and the other, Eolaing, of Lecan, in
mentioned in our Calendars : the one, Meath, whose festival was held, on the 29th
Eolang of Achadh-bo, whose feast occurs of December.
on the 5th of September, where we have 2S According to the Acts, preserved in the
already treated about him, on the previous Library of Trinity College, Dublin.
i7* LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
tradition. His funeral obsequies were celebrated with great solemnity, by a
multitude of Irish clergy and laity. At first, his remains seem to have been
conveyed to the cemetery, where so many of his congregation and where
other saints repose. We are unable to state, because of the involved and
imperfect composition in the account, whether the becoming coffin or shrine,
in which his body had been laid, and to which allusion is made, was
deposited in the grave-yard, or placed within the church of Lusk, owing to
a translation of the saint's body. According to tradition,26 however, it is
said his remains were deposited in a vault,2? which being termed " Luska "in
the Irish language, is supposed to have given name to the present Village of
Lusk, in Balruddery Barony, County of Dublin. In the parish of Lusk there
is a well, called Tubbercalleen, and it is supposed to have been originally a
holy well, being so called from St. Calleen, or Caillin, a former saint of the
primitive Irish Church.28 It used to be visited by people, on the 6th Sep-
tember, the day of our Saint's festival, and stations were then performed at it :
but, for over one hundred years, preceding the year 1843, these practices had
been discontinued. The water of this well was used for curing the ague ; it
is to be presumed, at a period, when that disease was more prevalent in
Ireland, than it is at present. We are told, that at this well, there were two
stones, which according to popular tradition bore the impress — one of our
Saint's hand, and the other of his foot. Other legends, connected with the
memory of this saint, were then current in the neighbourhood of Lusk.29
From certain criteria, Dr. Todd shows that the year of this saint's death
occurred in a.d. 496.3° Yet, the Annals of Ulster and the Chronicon
Scotorum have entered the death of Chinneadha or Mic Cuilind at a.d. 497. 3I
The latter authority states, that an eclipse of the sun happened on the same
year; but Roderick O'Flaherty has rightly added in the margin of the MS.
496. Again, in the corresponding entry in the Annals of Tighemach, and in
the same Codex, a similar correction has been made. Archdall mistook
Mageoghegan's translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise, and has made
St. Macculind to have died, a.d. 497, while Cuynea M'Cathmoa is made to
die in a.d. 498. 32 These are only two forms, however, of our present saint's
name. This statement of Archdall seems to have led Dr Lanigan to think,
two several persons were constituted bishops of Lusk, in the fifth century,
but on no respectable authority he could discover.33 Elsewhere he enquires,
if a certain Culeneus could have been identical with St. MacCulindus, Bishop
of Lusk, and whose feast was held on the present day. 34 The reader must
at once perceive how utterly irreconcilable are the statements, that St.
26 See the " Irish Penny Magazine," vol. Thomas Campbell, 25th August, 1843, an(l
i., No. 19, p. 146. It must be remarked, are entered in the " Dublin Memorandums,"
that the valuable " Illustrations of Irish p. 273.
Topography," in this excellent periodical, ^ See " The Book of Obits and Martyr-
are from the pen of John D'Alton — a name ology of the Cathedral Church of the Holy
honourably connected with Irish history Trinity." Edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite
and antiquities. and Rev. Dr. Todd. Introduction, n. (e)
27 At present, under the square tower, p. xlviii.
attached to the church, is a crypt or vaulted " Butler assigns his death to this year. See
chapel ; and, it may be, that within it the '• Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and other
body of St. Macculind had been formerly Principal Saints," vol. ix., September 6th.
deposited. He quotes Colgan's MSS., to which he
28 Notes by Mr. O'Donovan, in the volume appears to have, had access.
entitled, " Dublin Memorandums," pp. 278, 32 See "Monasticum Ilibernicum," p. 251.
279, belonging to the Irish Ordnance Sur- 3! lie remarks that Colgan makes no men-
vey Office, now in the Royal Irish Academy. tion of them.
*9 The foregoing particulars in the text 34 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,
are derived from a communication signed vol i., chap vii., sect, v., n. 36, p. 338.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 173
Maculind died towards the close of the fifth century — as stated by our Irish
annalists — and that he had been consecrated bishop at Rome by Pope
Gregory. The first Sovereign Pontiff bearing that name filled the chair of
St. Peter, from a.d. 590 to a.d. 604.35 The death of St. Maculind is
recorded at a.d. 497, in the Annals of Innisfallen,36 and by the Four Masters. 37
He went to his rest in the same year, according to Diuild Mac Firbis.38 How-
ever, in the "Chronicum Scotorum," at this date, we find no such entry;
but, at a.d. 544, there is notice of the "Quies" of Mac Cuilind and of
Odhran from Lethracha.39 In the Martyrology of Tallagh, at the iii. of the
Nones, or 6th of September, his feast is entered.40 What Mac Firbis says is,
"quies Cuindid son of Cathbadh, i.e. Mac Cuilind, Bishop of Lusca, &c,
September 6." At the same date, his name appears in the Martyrology of
Donegal,41 as Mac Cuilinn, Bishop, of Lusc. In the Irish Calendar belonging
to the Irish Ordnance Survey, and now transferred to the Royal Irish
Academy Library, his commemoration is at this date.43 At the 6th of
September, the Bollandists remark,^ how Greven announces the feast of a
bishop, called Mastulinus, in Ireland j while he is named in like manner, in
their Manuscript Florarium Sanctorum, but without giving him a place. Not
finding such a name in any Catalogue of Irish Saints, nor in any other
authority, they pass him over, at this date; apparently not reflecting, that
such an entry had been the error of a scribe for the name of Macculindus.
This holy man is specially commemorated among the Cistercians.44 At the
6th of September, St. Mac Cuillinn was venerated in Scotland, and his feast
is entered in the Kalendar of Drummond.45 This holy man had an office,40
specially to commemorate his virtues, and to distinguish him among our
Saints. 4? This office of nine lessons is assigned to him as a Bishop and Con-
fessor.48 In Scotland, the parish of Macalen or Macallan, now annexed to
Knockandhu, or Knockando,40 has been called after MacCallan, and dedi-
35 This was the year of his death. 4<5 According to a MS. in T.C.D., classed
36 See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hiber- B. 1-4, which records at September the 6th,
nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. Annales Ides viii., Sancti Maculini Epis. et Conf., ix.
Inisfallensis, p. 4. . Lect., &c. This is entered in a compara-
37 See Dr, O'Donovan's edition, vol i., p. tively recent hand. In T.C.D., a MS.
404, note (k). classed B. 3. I. records at September the
38 See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish 6th, Ides viii., Maculini Epis. et Conf. ix.
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part Lect. In a MS. classed B. 3. 13. in T.C.D.,
i., pp. 120, 121. we find at September the 6th, Ides viii.,
39 Thus : Quier true Cuilmt) ocur O-onan Sancti Maculini Epis. non. Lect. In T.C.D.,
O lecrvacViA. See William M. Hennessy's a MS. classed B. 3. 10. records at Septem-
edition, pp. 48, 49. ber 6th, Ides viii., Sancti Maculini Epis. et
40 Thus: "Mac Cuilinn Esp. Luscca." Conf. ix. Lect. A MS. in T.C.D., and
See Rev. Dr. Kelly's " Calendar of Irish classed B. 3. 12., contains at September
Saints," p. xxxiii. 6th, Ides viii., Sancti Maculini, Archiepis.,
41 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, ix. Lect. A MS. in T.C.D., classed B. 1.2.,
pp. 236, 237. has at September 6th, Ides viii., Sancti
42 See the viii. of the Ides of September Maculini Epis. et Conf., Duplex fin per
(September 6th). We find, "mac Cml/m constit.
erp lurga cdinij-aceT) airim aoir cr\iofC 47 This office is denominated Vita S.
An can x>o cua-it) an ceppoj; fo t>o Maculini. It is in Nine Lessons, and classed
cumeintrie. 407." — Ordnance Survey Office among the Trinity College, Dublin, Manu-
Copy, Common Place Book F., p. 75. scripts, E, 3. 8. This is elegantly and
43 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., legibly written, or rather letter-traced.
Septembris \i. Among the pretermitted 48 See " The Book of Obits and Martyr-
Saints, p. 654. ology of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
44 At September the 6th, in the Annals Dublin," edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite
of the Cistercian Monks is found, St. and Rev. Dr. Todd, Introduction, p. xlviii.,
Macuilindus, Bishop of Lusk, at p. 410. and n. (e), lxxvi., pp. 69, 154.
45 See Bishop Forbes' '* Kalendars of 49 Of this parish, a very complete account
Scottish Saints, p. 23. has been given by the Rev. George Gordon,
174 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
cated to St. Macalin. In the churchyard of Macallan, a sequestered rural
burial-ground, in the wood of Easter Elchies, there is a ruined church, but fast
crumbling to decay. s° In the year 1839, the old church of Anglo-Norman
erection at Lusk had been unroofed by a storm, and the building was allowed
to become almost a ruin. Its ancient monuments were broken, covered with
rubbish, and exposed to every indignity. Its singular square belfry, co-eval
with the Anglo-Norman Church, and its ancient round tower, supposed to
have been co-eval with the original church of St. Mac Culind, were rapidly
going to decay. Since that time, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners undertook
the work of reparation. It cannot be called restoration, as the original
church style has been changed. The Rev. William Reeves, M.R.I. A., to
whom Irish Ecclesiastical History owes so much, was Rector of Lusk for
some years ; where he laboured nobly to repair the damages of time and
accident during the period of his incumbency. In our annals are several
allusions to Lusk, and from an early age. Thus in a.d. 695, Casson, a
learned Chronographer, died, and the same year St. Adamnan held a Synod
in its monastery, at which were present all the principal prelates and clerics
of the Kingdom. In 731 died Crunnmael, son to Colman, Abbot of Lusk.
Whether the office of Bishop and Abbot had been kept distinct in this place,
we have no means left for ascertaining, owing to the very brief mention of
persons in connexion with their obits. The mortal wounding of Colman,
Bishop of Lusca, by the Hy Tuirtre, happened in 739 ; and in 784, the death
of Conall, son to Crunnmhael, Abbot of Lusk, took place; in 787, that of
Colga, son to Crnnnmhael, Abbot of Lusk ; and, in 791, that of Muireadhach,
son to Aenghus, Abbot of Lusk. In 795, Ferghil Ua Taidhg, scribe of Lusk,
died, and in 796, Maenach, son to Aenghus, Prior of Lusk. In 804, Cormac,
son to Conall, (Economus of Lusk, died, and in 805, Maenach, son to
Colgan, Abbot of Lusk. Subsequently, during this century, the Abbey was
pillaged and destroyed, by the Northmen, in 825, and again the Oratory of
Lusk was burned by them.s1 Nevertheless, in our annals, during the ninth
and tenth centuries are frequent entries of obits both of Bishops and Abbots
connected with this place.52 Tradition has preserved for us a beautiful
portraiture of St. Maculind ; viz., that he was angelic in appearance, truthful
and brilliant in discourse, just in his judgment, amiable to all, and had no
enemy. He was firm and constant in faith, an illustrious doctor like St. Peter,
a vessel of election like St. Paul, courageous as St. Andrew, full of Divine
grace like St. John ; «n fine, he was comparable to all the Apostles, since in
all things he followed their example. Thus was he admirable, both in word
and in work ; having the favours of God to guide him through life, he deserved
to change its transitory course for the company of the saints in Heaven.
There he shines as the sun, and with the Angels he rejoices for ever before
the true Sun of Justice and of Judgment.
Article IV. — St. Sciath, Virgin, of Fert-Sceithe, now Ardskeagh,
in Muskerry of the Three Plains, County of Cork. Veneration was
Minister, in the "New Statistical Account the Chronicuni Scotonim, and of the Four
of Scotland," vol. xiii., Elgin, pp. 60 Masters.
to 82. 52 For the mediaeval history of Lusk, as
s° See ibid., p. 68. also for an account of its local characteristics
s' Although there are differences as to and antiquities, the reader is referred to
dates, the foregoing instances are taken John D'Alton's "History of the County of
from the Annals of Tighernach, of Ulster, of Dublin," pp. 414 to 425.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 175
given, at the 6th of September, according to the Manuscript copy,1 as also in
the published Martyrology of Tallagh,3 to Scieth of Fiort Sceith, in
Muscraithe tre Maighi.3 Immediately afterwards is mentioned, The Arrival
of the Relics of Scethi, daughter of Mechi, at Tamlachta, or Tallagh.4
Although in a separate line, we can hardly believe it is intended to comme-
morate a different feast from the former celebration. The festival of Sciath
is to be found in the Feilire of St. ^ngus, at the 6th of September.*
Already we have noticed a feast for this holy virgin, at the 1st of January.6
She descended from the race of Conaire, monarch of Erinn, who sprung from
the seed of Heremon. Eilhue, daughter of Concraidh, was her mother, accord-
ing to the O'Clerys.7 The Muscraighe Tri Maighe, or Muskerry of the Three
Plains, in whi< h the saint's place was situated, had been regarded as the terri-
tory of the O' Donnegan's.8 The Church of Fiort Sceithe, which is placed by
the Calendars of Marianus and the O'Clerys at September 6th, in Muscraighe-
tri-maighe, is known at present by the name of Ardskeagh.9 This is a small
parish, in that part of the barony of Fermoy, bordering on the baronies of
Orrery and Kilmore. In the ancient taxation of the diocese of Cloyne, there
is a rural deanery, called Muscry-donnegan. It contains the parishes now
comprehended in the baronies of Orrery and Kilmore, with small adjacent
portions of Duhallow and Fermoy. Among the Churches in this deanery,
Orwerg, (i.e. Orbraidhe or Orrery) and Fersket/i, {i.e. Feart Skeithe,) called
Ardskagh™ are two. This latter is now known as Ardskeagh. Thus, the
identity of Muscraighe-tri-maighe and the barony of Orrery is proved to a
demonstration." Ardskeagh is now a parish, in the barony of Condons and
Clongibbons, in the County of Cork. This Parish, also called Ardskreagh,
is separated from the main body of the barony in which it is included, by the
intervention of the northern part of the barony of Fermoy. Some remains of
its old Church yet exist in the burial ground.12 In the Martyrology of
Donegal,^ at this same date, the patroness is recorded as Sciath, Virgin, of
Fert Sceithe, in Museraighe of the Three Plains, in Munster. This saint was
venerated, likewise, in Scotland, and at the 6th of September, she is entered
as Scetthe, in the Calendar of Drummond.14
Article V. — St. Colum, of Rosglan, or Domhnach-mor-Maighe-
Imchlain, now Donaghmore, near Dungannon, County of Tyrone.
Article iv. — » In that copy of the 9 It is described $n the " Ordnance Sur-
Tallagh Martyrology, found in the Book of vey Townland Maps for the County of
Leiuster, we read : Sciafc o pj\c Sceiui m Cork," sheets 3, 8.
niurqvge cru tTUij;i. ,0In 1615.
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii. " O'Brian's statement, in his " Irish
3 See what is said about this holy virgin, Dictionary," voce Muscraighe, has been
at the 1st and 15th day of January, on whuch fully established: notwithstanding the op-
days she is also commemorated. posite opinion of Dr. O'Donovan, in the
4 In the Tallagh Martyrology at this day, " Leabhar na-g Ceart," who treats it as wild
in the Book of Leinster, we find noticed, and conjectural. See n. (v), pp. 44, 45,
^■ouencuf lleliquiA|\um Sceci \Xe nieclu Dr Reeves has proved the contrary, in a
-a-o CAtnLa6. note furnished to Dr. O'Donovan, for his
s See " Transactions of the Royal Irish edition of " The Topographical Poems of
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na Naomh
parti. On the Calendar of Oengus. By O'Huidhrin." See n. 605, pp. lxix., lxx.
Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxxxvi. '-' See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary
6 See the First Volume of this work, at of Ireland," vol. i., p. 57.
that date, Art. vii. '3 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
7 See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited pp. 238, 239.
by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 238, 239. ,4 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
8 See O'Donovan's %< Leabhar-na-g Ceart, Scottish Saints," p. 23.
or Book of Rights," n. (v.), p. 42. Article v. — ■ See " Transactions of the
176
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
{Fifth Century?) The present St. Columb of Ross Glandae and St. Sciath,
are denominated a fair pair of champions, by St. ^Engus the Culdee in his
Feilire, at the 6th day of September.1 In the Martyrology of Tallagh,2 at
the 6th of September, there is a festival to honour Colum of Rosnossaire {i.e.
Col um Midisil). This is also noted as a feast, in that copy contained in the
Book of Leinster.3 The present Colum was descended from the race of
Laeghaire, son of Niall, according to the O'Clerys.4 We find, that when
St. Patricks had been repelled by the people of Fera-Gaura, he visited the
district of Imchlair. This saint was placed over the Church founded at
Donoughmore, in the present barony of Dungannon, by the Irish Apostle,6
when he had brought the people there to embrace Christianity. In the
Martyrology of Donegal,? at the same date, this saint is named Colum, of
Ros Glanda.8 We are told, that Glan is the name of a well, which was there
before St. Patrick's time, while Domhnoch mor Maighe Imchlair was after-
wards the name of that place.10 The old church stood a little to the north-
east of the present village. The only traces of its venerable antiquity now
remaining is a large and elegant cross of freestone ; on which numerous
carvings, representing various passages of Scripture, are seen.11 The people
about here, baptised by St. Patrick, were blessed by him, as also was that
well, in which they received regeneration.12 At Domnach mor, St. Patrick
founded a Monastery, over which it is said he placed St. Colum, '3 or
Columbanus. His church soon acquired grants of land and other valuable
possessions; and it continued to flourish until after the Invasion of Ireland
by Henry II.1* The parochial surface extends from the rich champaign
ground in the vicinity of Dungannon, to the bleak and dismal moorish
tableau in the neighbourhood of Pomeroy ; and, it embraces every variety
of soil, from the most fertile arable land to the spongy bog and the sterile
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., parti. On the Calendar of
Oengus, p. cxxxvi. In an Irish comment
attached, Sciath is described as of Muscraige
Tri-maige in Mumain. In another note, it
is stated, that Ross Glanda was formerly the
name of the stead, i.e., Glan (" pure"), the
name of the well that is there, and Domnach
Mor was its name, whe#the scholiast wrote.
It is stated, likewise, since Patrick sent
Colomb Croxaire of Ross GialMn in Ui-
Liathain in Munster, or Colomb of Domnach
Maige Imchlair in Tyrone ; and Glan (is)
the name of a well that is in the stead. See
ibid., p. cxliii.
'Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
3 Thus: CoUnm o nuer*onoepMr\e ix>
■Ajjuf Coltnan mi-oiril.
4 See the "Martyrology of Donegal,"
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
238, 239.
5 See his Life, in the Third Volume of
this work, at 17th of March, Art. i.
6 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. iii., n. (p), pp. 116 to
118.
7 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
238, 239.
8 The following MS. note is found in
William M. Hennessy's Copy of this
Martyrology, at this word: "Glen aium
tiobraid boi and ria Patrick agus Domhnach
mor maighe Iomchlair (Donaghmore, near
Dungannon), a ainm anin : Thir Eog-hain
ata."
9 There is yet a fine old sculptured cross,
at the Catholic church here, and it is
adorned with Scriptural subjects. See Miss
Cusack's "Life of St, Patrick, Apostle of
Ireland," p. 446, n. (4).
10 At present identical with Donaghmore,
near Dungannon, in the county of Tyrone,
according to William M. Hennessy's Copy.
"This was thrown down and mutilated in
the war of 1641. It remained in a neglected
state until Richard Vincent, Esq., caused it
to be removed and placed where it now
stands, at the head of the village, in 1776.
It is 16 feet in height, and it consists of a
plinth, a shaft and a cross. See Lewis'
" Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol.
i., p. 469.
'•' See Colgan's " Trias Thaumnturga."
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. excii.,
p. 148, and nn. 239, 240.
13 He is classed among the Disciples of
St. Patrick. See ibid., Quinta Appendix
ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii., p. 267.
14 See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. i., p. 469.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 177
mountain. 's In 1 195, the monastery here was plundered and wasted by
Rughraidhe, son of Dunsleibhe, assisted by the FLnglish.'6 In the Taxation
of Pope Nicholas, a.d. 1291, the church of Donaghmore is described as con-
taining many costly shrines. It appears to have been possessed by the
Colidei or Culdees of Armagh, in the sixteenth century. By an Inquisition
taken in the 33rd year of Henry VIII., the Colidei had their rectory and tithes,
which, with many townlands in the adjoining parishes, were granted to the
Archbishop of Armagh after the Reformation. *' We are inclined to believe,
that the Columb of St. Patrick's time must have been a different person
from St. Colum of Slanore. It seems likely enough, this latter was the
Colman, son of Eochad, who had been restored to sight at Slanore'8 by
St. Feichan, Abbot of Fore.!9 Colman's festival is assignable to the present
day,ao and it would appear, that he must have lived in the seventh century.
But, this Saint appears to have had five holy brothers, and one sister, all the
children of one father, but by two different wives. His pedigree is set down
in the Genealogies of the saints. From it we learn, that his father was
Eochaidh, and his mother Aigleand, the daughter of Lenin. Their children
were St. Fintan,21 St. Lughaidh,22 St. Coluim, or Columbanus, and a daughter
St. Comaigh.23 The father of these children was the son of Ailill ; son to
Guaire, son of Lughaidh, son of Laeghaire, monarch of Ireland, in the time
of St. Patrick. By another wife, Ligach Bredmainech, or Ligan Bregmuinech,
he had St. Nanidh,24 and St. Muiredhach.2* St. Fursa26 was also her son,
according to some accounts.2? This however must have been a Fursa, dis-
tinct from him venerated on the 16th of January, whose mother is stated to
have been Gelgesia or Gelges. The present saint is introduced, also, in the Acts
of St. Columba, as driving his chariot, and this probably took place when the
former was a young man. Afterwards, he probably founded the Monastery
of Snamluther, now Slanore, a little to the south of Lough Oughter, and
nearly opposite to Trinity Island, on the west side of the parisli of Kilmore,
County of Cavan. The Abbey field there represents the effaced site of this
monastic establishment.28 Here at least the saint lived, and he was visited
there by St. Fechin of Fore.29 It is probable, himself and his sister, St.
Comaigh, were joint occupants of that place ; for, both are venerated there —
the present saint, as has been supposed, at this day, and his sister on the
27th of May. Again, is stated, that a Columba Crossaire was patron of the
parisli of Kilrush, according to the Martyrology of Tallagh,3° and also patron
of the Church of Myshall, in the parish of St. Mary, TDounty of Wexford. 31
'5 See the " Parliamentary Gazetteer of 23 Venerated at the 27th of May. See the
Ireland," vol. ii., p. 28. Fifth Volume of this work, at that date, Art. ii.
16 See ArchdalPs " Monasticon Hiberni- 24 Venerated at the 13th of November,
cum," p. 682. where notices of him may be found.
'7 See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary 2S Venerated at the 12th of August. See
of Ireland," vol. i., p. 469. the Eighth Volume of this work, at that
18 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- date, Art. i.
niae," xx. Januarii. Secunda Vita S. Fechini, a6 Venerated at the 16th of January. See
cap. xxx., p. 136. the First Volume of this work, at that date,
19 See his Life, at the 20th of January, in Art. i.
the First Volume of this work, Art. ii. 27 As will be seen (ibid.) at the 1st of
20 Colgan thinks the present saint is iden- January, there was a St. Colman, son of
tical with the Colman, son of Eochad, Eochaich, venerated. See Art. xvi.
venerated at the 27th of October. See 28 See Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of
Secunda Vita S. Fechini, n. 19, p. 141. St. Columba," nn. (e,f), pp. 172 to 174.
21 Venerated at the 1st of January. See ^ See ibid., n. (e)» p. 172.
the First Volume of this work, at that date, ^ This, however, we are unable to find,
Art. xiii. in the copies now accessible.
32 Venerated at the 31st of January. See 3I See County of Wexford Irish Ordnance
ibid-, January 31st, Art. xv. Survey Records, kvol. i.
M
178 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 6.
In Scotland, also, the saint whose festival is held on this day was venerated ;
and, in the Kalendar of Drummond,32 the name of Colombe, without further
description, is solely entered, at the 6th of September. This entry seems to
make it doubtful, if he be not rather of St. Columkille's than of St. Patrick's
time.
Article VI. — St. Colman, Son of Eochaidh, probably of Kilclief,
County Down. We read in the Marty rology of Donegal,1 that at the 6th
of September veneration was given to Colman, son of Eochaidh. This may
be Colman, of Cill Cleitigh, says the writer, and son of Eochaidh, who
descended from the seed of Aenghus, son to Nadfraech, King of Minister and
of Caisel.2 Cill-Cleitigh, to which allusion is here made, is identical with
Kilclief, a parish in the County of Down, and where another St. Colman
Finn is said to have been venerated on the 2nd of June.3 This church is
supposed to have derived its name from having been at first built of hurdles ;
although a Doimliacc or stone church had been built at Kilclief, before the
year 935, when it was plundered and burned, by the Son of Barith.*
Article VII. — St. Caencomrac, said to have been Abbot and
Bishop of Derry, County of Londonderry. In the Martyrology of
Donegal,1 at the 6th of September, occurs the simple entry of this name,
Caencomrac. -This holy man, called the Son of Maoluidhir, was descended
in the twelfth degree from Connal Gulban, as appears from the Genealogies
of the Irish Saints. Colgan thinks he should be identified with the present
Saint.2 Under the head of Cluain-eois, now Clones, County of Monaghan,
Duald Mac Firbis and the Four Masters3 enter Caencomrac, son of Carran, or
Curan, and an eminent bishop and abbot of Cluain-eois. He died in 69 1.4
It appears, therefore, that the preceding Caencomrac lived at a time long
anterior to a distinguished bishop so called, and who flourished in the tenth
century. The authority of the O'Clerys has been wrongly quoted for the
statement, that the saint of this day had been a bishop of Derry.s However,
under the head of Daire Calgaigh — the ancient name for Derry — Duald Mac
Firbis enters, Caincomhrac, Son of Maoluidhir, bishop and abbot of Daire
Calgaigh.6 He died in 927.? He is called the Steward of Adamnan's Law.8
32 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scot- p. 503, and sect. 3, p. 506. Elsewhere, Colgan
tish Saints," p. 23. places the death of a Coencomrac, son of
Article vi.—1 Edited by Drs. Todd Sedulius, and an economeof Kildare, at a.u.
and Reeves, pp. 238, 239. 834. He adds : " Vide 6, Septem." Ibid,,
' In a note Dr. Reeves adds : Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Brigidae, cap.
" Under Mac Teil, at June 1 1, p. 166, supra. ii., p. 629.
The Saint's Genealogies give the Mac Tail 3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
of Cill Cuiliun, and Colman, of Cill clethi, Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 682, 683.
two sons of Eochaidh, son of Dargan, son 4 See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish
of Columba, son of Cronan, son of Aengus, Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i„ part i.,
son of Nadfraech. Book of Lecan, fol. 43., pp. 100, 101.
b-e." s See "Memoir of the City and North-
3 See notices at that date, in the Sixth Western Liberties of Londonderry," part ii.,
Volume of this work, Art. ii. sect. 2, pp. 27, 28.
4 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the 6 See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 632 to 635, and Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i.,
n. (k), ibid. pp. 104,' 105.
Article vil— ' Edited by Drs. Todd 7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
and Reeves, pp. 238, 239. Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 620, 621.
1 See " Trias Thaumalurga," Quinta Ap- 8 See Dr. Petrie's " History and Anti-
pendix ad Acta S. Columbae, cap. iii., sect. 2, quities of Tara Hill," pp. 147 to 150.
September 6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 179
Article VIII. — St. Dochonna. God is the fountain-head of all that is
good. This truth the Saints recognised, and, therefore, learned to practise
His holy law and obey His precepts. In the Martyrologies of Tallagh,1 of
Marianus O'Gorman and of Donegal,2 a festival in honour of Dochonna is
set down, at the 6th of September. He is called the son ofOran or Odran.3
In the former of these calendars, however, the name is entered as Tochunnus.
There is a female Saint, bearing the appellation of Dachonna, likewise, and
mentioned in the Life of St. Attracta,* as patron of a church in the diocese
of Clonfert. The Bollandists allude once more3 to their having placed St.
Dachonna or Machonna among the pretermitted Saints, at the 17th of Feb-
ruary6, and stating, that more might be related about him, at the 6th of Sep-
tember or at the 16th of November. They merely refer, at the later date,
to a notice of Colgan,? regarding a certain Dochuma, a hermit, whose feast
has been referred to the 6th of September, or to the 30th of October. Still
ignorant of his identity, a further consideration of this saint has been deferred
to the x. (? xxx.) of October or the 16th of November.8
Article IX.— Reputed Feast for the Daughter of Meachar. It
will be found a matter of no ordinary difficulty exactly to identify the correct
name of this holy woman. A festival in honour of the Daughter of Meachar,
is registered, however, in the Martyrology of Donegal,1 at the 6th of Sep-
tember. But, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,2 at the same date, we are
informed, that on this day, the arrival of the Relics of Scethi, the daughter of
Mechi, at Tamlachta,3 had been commemorated. Hence it would seem,
such entry must be regarded as a repetition of one already set down at this
date, or as an additional festival, in commemoration of the Virgin Sciath,
whose name and pedigree have been already recorded.
Article X. — St, Giallan. In the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we read,
that veneration was given to Giallan, at the 6th of September. In that copy
contained in the Book of Leinster, his name is to be found at the same date.2
Nothing more seems to be known regarding him.
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St ^gidius. In the Martyrology
of the Dominicans, there is notice at the 6th of September, regarding a
festival for St. ^gidius, as the Bollandists1 record, and at this date. Already*
his Acts have been given, at the 1st of September.2
Article viii.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. * See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep-
Kelly, p. xxxiii. In the Book of Leinster tembris vi. Among the pretermitted feasts,
copy we read Cochtmm. p. 654.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article ix.— ' Edited byDrs. Todd and
238, 239. Reeves, pp. 238, 239. In a table super-
3 See »he Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," added to this Martyrology, the commentator
tomus iii., Februarii xvii. Among the pre- bestows on her the name Eucharide. See
termitted saints, p. 3. ibid., pp. 430, 431.
4 See notices of her, at the 9th of February. 3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
in the Second Volume of this work, Art. viii., 3 The entry is thus made : " Adventus Reli-
and at the nth of August, in the Eighth quiarum Scethi filioe Mechi ad Tamlachta."
Volume, Art i. Article x. — ■ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Sep- p. xxxiii.
tembris vi. Among the pretermitted saints, 2Thus : 51AIIA111.
p. 654. Article xi. — 'See " Acta Sanctorum,"
6 See ibid., tomus iii., Februarii xvii. tomus ii., Septembris vi. Among the pre-
Among the pretermitted saints, p. 3. termitted feasts, p. 653.
7 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix " See at that day, in the present volume,
Septima ad Acta S. Patricii, pars iii., p. 294. Art. i.
180 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7
£>ebentl) 2Bai> of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. MADELBERGA, MEDALBERTA, AMALBERTE, OR
MADELBERTA, ABBESS, AT MAUBEUGE, BELGIUM.
{SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES.]
ALTHOUGH the place of this holy virgin's nativity has not been
distinctly ascertained ; yet, she has been classed among our Irish
Saints, because her religious father is held to have sought from Ireland the
shores of France, where he was renowned as a warrior, and where he attained
the distinction of being known as Count of Hannonia, or Hainault, in reward
for his services, as also because with his religious wife, Waldetrude, he visited
Ireland, on a mission entrusted to him, by Dagobert I.,1 King of France.
Moreover, on her father's side, St. Madelberta. had Irish blood in her veins,
and doubtless she inherited many of those happy dispositions, that rendered
her worthy to rank with so many other members of a truly noble and holy
family.
The ancient Acts of St. Madelberta are to be found in a Brabantine
Hagiological Manuscript of Rubea Vallis Monastery f and collated with two
other Manuscript Lives, 3 they have been published by the Bollandists,* in
fourteen paragraphs, illustrated with notes. A previous commentary5 has
been prefixed by Father John Perier, S.J. The Acts found in the Utrecht
Manuscript6 do not differ from the substance of those others, which have
been collated by the editor ; yet, the sentences are expressed in a different
substitution of \vords and order-form, so that he deemed it but a needless
iteration to have published them separately.? The name of the author is
not known, nor the period when he wrote ,' yet, it may be suspected, he
lived not contemporaneously with the subject of his biography, although his
time of writing it was undoubtedly very remote.8 Several chronological and
other obscurities are presented, which render the life of our saint very
Article i. — • Born probably soon after M Incipit prologus in Vita S. Madalbertae
A.n. 600, he died at Epinay a.d. 638, at the virginis." However, as no mention of our
age of about 36, and he was interred at Saint's name there occurs, and as it abounds
Saint-Denis, which he had founded six years chiefly in Scripture phrases, reduced to the
previously. See " Encyclopedic Catho- form of a sermon, which could be rendered
lique," &c, par M. L'Abb£ Glaire et M. Le applicable to any other holy virgin, the
yte Walsh, tome x., p. 6. editor omitted printing it.
7 This religious house is near Bruxelles. 7 Nor was it necessary to multiply Anno-
3 One of these belonged to the monastery tations for mere differences of words, where
of Bethleem, near Louvain. The other is the reader should find what was worthy of
supposed to have belonged to the house of allusion to it brought under his notice by the
St. Saviour, at Utrecht. Such are the editor.
statements of Fathers Bollandus and Pape- 8 He remarks that the Saint's body had
brochius, as handed down for the information been interred at Malbod, where miracles
of their successors. were wrought through her intercession.
4 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Sep- However, he is silent, regarding the trans-
tembris vii. De S. Madelberta Virgine et lation of her remains to Liege. Still,
Abbatissa Malbodii in Hannonia, pp. 103 to it cannot be inferred from such silence, that
III. the writer lived before the latter date ; as he
5 In three sections, and twenty-nine para- may have been either ignorant regarding such
graphs. translation, or knowing of it, he may have
' To it is found prefixed, as a title : deemed it beyond the scope of his narrative.
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 181
difficult for solution ; but, the Bollandist editor has probably given the most
reasonable conjectures to serve for elucidation. This saint is briefly noticed
by Joannes Molanus, at the 7th of September. 9 His observations are taken
chiefly from the offices, in the churches of Malbod and Liege. Alludii
the other saints of her family, St. Waldetrude, Abbess,10 and St. Aldetrude,
Abbess of Malbod,11 Colgan had intended to give the Acts of St. Madelberta,
at the 7th of September. The Petits Bollandistes,12 at the 7th day of
September, have notices of Sainte Madelberte or Amalberte, Abbess of
Monastery of Maubeuge, in the Diocese of Cambray. Some notices of her
are contained in the work of Rev. S. Baring-Gould. '3
St. Madelberga1* or Madelberta was the daughter of Saints Maelceadar or
Vincentius15 and Waldetrude.16 Already have we alluded to them and to
their sainted connections. Their children were Landric or Landry,1? after-
wards Bishop of Meaux, or of Metz, Aldetrude,18 and Malberta, their
daughters, and Dentelin,19 who was the youngest of that family. Surrounded
by such a happy circle, we can scarcely wonder, that Madelberta, or
Amalberte — as she is also called — grew up in the most happy dispositions.
Born — as seems most probable. — a short time before the death of Dagobert I.,
King of France, which happened about a.d. 638 ; from childhood, Madel-
berta loved to pray constantly, and to profit by the teaching and example of
her holy parents. It has been thought by some, that she and her sister
Aldetrudis had been twins, and born about the year 637 ; or if they were born
at different periods, one saw the light about a.d. 636, and the other a.d. 637.
Her aunt, St. Aldegundis,20 who could not have been many years older,2' was
the first foundress of a convent at Malbod,22 also known as Maubeuge. It
was then a solitary place, on the River Sambre ; and, it is now a town and
canton of France, in the Department of the North.23 There she had built
three churches, on the death of her parents. One of those was dedicated in
honour of the Queen of Angels j another to honour St. Quintin,2* Martyr ;
and the third was dedicated to the chiefs of the Apostles, Saints Peter and
9 See "Natales Sanctorum Belgii," Sep- 200r Aldegonde. Her festival is observed
tima Septembris, p. 193 £. on the 30tk of January at Maubeuge. She
10 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernian, " was born a.d. 630, in the town of Hainault,
Februarii iii., n. 5, p. 249. in the Low Countries, and she was the
11 See ibid,, Februarii xxv., n. 5, p. 412. younger sister of St. Waldetrude, whom slfc
"See Vies des Saints," tome x., viie Jour preceded in a religious profession. She died
de Septembre, pp. 553 to 555. about the year 689.
13 See " Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., 2l In her Life ascribed to Hucbaldus, a
September 7, p. 109. monk of St. Amand's, who lived in the
14 This seems to have been the more ninth century, he states : — "Anno Dominicae
ancient form of her name. Incarnationis circiter evoluto sexcentesimo
15 See his Life, at the 14th of July, in the tricesimo, in Francia regnante Dagoberto
Seventh Volume of this work, Art. i. filio Clotharii, orta est in pago Hainoensi
16 See her Acts, at the 9th of April, in the Virgo Aldegundis ex regali prosapia, patre
Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i. She Walberto, matre Bertilia." Her Acts have
and her sister A ldegond is were the daughters been published by Bolandus, in the "Acta
of Prince Walbert, descended in a direct line Sanctorum," at January 30th, from three
from the former French Kings, and the different sources.
Princess Berthille, an Anglo-Saxon. " See Joannes Molanus' " Natales Sanc-
17 See notices of him at April 17th — the torum Belgii," Septima Septembris, p.
day for his feast — in the Fourth Volume of 193 b.
this work, Art. vii. 2? Here there was a strong for t r
18 See an account of her, at the 25th of guard the northern borders of France. See
February, in the Second Volume of this " Gazetteer of the World," vol. ix., pp. 161,
work, Art. ii. 162.
'' See his life, at the 14th of July, in the 34 He was also the Apostle of Amiens.
Seventh Volume of this work, Art. ix. His feast is held on the 31st of October.
i82 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
Paul.2* Her sister Waldetrude retired from the world,26 having collected
around her a fervent and religious community. At that time, Aldegonde was
placed under her charge, at the age of eleven years, by Bertilia, as seems
likely for purposes of religious and secular instruction ; the younger children
of Waldetrude remaining in care of their maternal aunt. The parents of
Aldegonde withdrew their daughter after a brief sojourn in the monastery,
fearing that she also should take the veil, and because they had intended her
to marry a man of rank -equal to their own. However, their efforts were
unavailing ; for she soon took an opportunity to escape from the paternal
mansion, and while still very young, she had found that place of solitude,
where her religious house was afterwards established. 2?
Meanwhile, Aldetrude and Madelberta felt a growing desire to conse-
crate their lives solely to the service of Christ. At an early age,28 they had
been consigned by their pious mother to the convent founded at Maubeuge,
where they were placed for education and direction under their aunt. Thus,
it may be said, that almost from their cradle, they were familiarised with all
the monastic rules and practices. Being — as supposed — the youngest of the
daughters of St. Mauger or Vincent, and Vaudrue, or Waldetrude, Madel-
berta sought a retreat from the world with St. Aldegonde ;29 while it would
seem, that her sister Aldetrude also devoted herself to a religious life, in the
same monastery. There indeed was a union of 'souls engaged in all the
practical virtues of their state. Their chastity and humility were exercised
with vigils and largesses to the poor. From St. Amand3° and other holy
bishops, they heard frequent exhortations, and were comforted against the
trials and temptations, which fail not to test the fortitude of even the most
virtuous persons. On one of those occasions, while our saint was in great
distress, bright rays of light came through the windows of her oratory, and
seemed to cover her, as if the Divine influence had been poured on her for
a protection from the snares of the enemy.
For a long time, the holy Abbess Aldegonde ruled over her community,
on the banks of the Sambre. She was favoured in an eminent degree with
the gift of fervent prayer, and with many revelations. Under such a
superioress, we may well suppose, her nieces were schooled in all the virtues
and discipline of their religious state. The closing years of Aldegonde were
a continual martyrdom j for a cancer in the right breast was the cause of
jntense pain. This she bore, not only with exemplary patience, but with
rejoicing that she was deemed worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.
When her term on earth was arrived, a globe of fire was seen coming from
Heaven and settling over the house, in which her spirit so happily departed,
and as generally supposed on the 30th of January, a.d. 684. We have
already seen, the parents of St. Madelberta separated by mutual consent to
spend the rest of their days in religious retirement, about the year 653 ;3»
Madelgarius, or Vincent, to take up his abode in that monastery he had
25 Venerated on the 29th of June. l8 They were probably not more than nine
26 About ihe year 641. or ten years, at the time.
^ " The act of this foundation, published * See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
by Miraeus, is spurious, as mention is made Saints," tome x., viie Jour de Septembre,
therein of persons who were not living at p. 553.
that time ; neither could it have been made 30 St. Amand, Bishop of Maestricht,
in the twentieth year of Dagobert, as it con- whose feast occurs on the 6th of February,
tains facts, which cannot be reconciled with He died A.D. 684, in the ninetieth year of
the history of that prince." — Rev. Alban his age.
Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, 3t See the Life of St. Maelceadar or Mal-
and other principal Saints," vol. i., January degarius, surnamed Vincent, at the 14th of
xxx., n. July.
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 183
previously founded, at Hautmont, near Maubeuge, on the River Sambre,
and his wife Waldetrude, or Vaudru,32 at Castrilocus, or Castrilos, subse-
quently designated Mons, in the year 656. The Blessed Aldetrudis, or
Adeltrude, succeeded her aunt in the government of this religious establish-
ment. 33 For twelve years she presided over it with great virtue and wisdom,
when she was also called away to taste the fruits of life everlasting, about the
year 696.
After the death of her sainted sister, Madelberta was selected to govern
the monastery.34 Nor was she less careful to set an excellent example to the
nuns under her charge, and to foster the good seed already sown, so that
daily were pious females brought to the sanctuary, and directed by her in the
paths that led to Heaven. She ruled over her religious community for the
term of nine years. Madelberta had thus become the third abbess of
Malbod,35 and now in turn she was called to receive the eternal reward. In
the most admirable sentiments of piety she died about the year 684, or 685
according to some writers.36 However, more recent and exact researches,
by Carolus le Cointe 37 and others,38 have ascertained by certain historic
comparisons of data^ that her life had been prolonged to about a.d. 705.
Her body was deposited in the Church of St. Peter, the Apostle, with solemn
funeral rites; a great number of priests with the religious entoning the
psalms and canticles appropriate for the occasion.
Soon after the Saint's death, a remarkable miracle took place, which soon
caused the people of all that surrounding country to venerate her as their
special patroness. A very religious man, living near Maubeuge, had a deaf-
ness in the right ear, and he had often prayed to God for the gilt of sound
hearing. One night in his sleep, a voice came to him, saying: "Arise, go
to the monastery of Maubeuge and to the Church of St. Peter, where the
body of St. Madelberte, Virgin, reposes, and there you shall be healed at her
tomb." When morning had come, he arose and hastened to the monastery
as directed. He assisted at Mass with profound devotion, offering up his
prayers most fervently. Suddenly, when the priest commenced chaunting
the Gospel, the man had an extraordinary sensation. His limbs began to
tremble, his face grew pale, and some aqueous humour distilled from the ear
affected. At the same moment, he felt relieved from his infirmity, which
never afterwards returned. Another miracle is recorded regarding a certain
girl, whose lower limbs had been crooked and paralysed from the time of
birth ; but, her parents had brought her to the tomb of our saint, where she
was suddenly restored to their use. At the time of the evening office, she
32 See the Life of St. Waldetrude or Vau- 38 Such as, P. Michael Delewarde, in
trude, at the 9th of April. " Historia Generalis Harmonise," tomus i.
33 See Joannes Molanus' " Natales Sane- 39 Thus it has been conclusively proved
torum Belgii,"SeptimaSeptembris, p. 193 £. in the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
34 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des tomus i., Februarii, in a previous corn-
Saints," tome x., viie Jour de Septembre, mentary to the Acts of St. Amand, that this
p. 554. holy Bishop most probably died after a.d.
35 See Joannes Molanus' " Natales Sane- 679. After his death, St. Aldegundis sur-
torum Belgii," Septima Septembris, p. 193 b. vived him lor 'some years, and died most
36 Among these are Bartholomeus Fisen, probably in the year 684, according to the
in Floribus Leodiensibus, Arturus in Gynae- calculations of Mabillon and the Bollandists.
ceo, i-Egidius Bucherius in Chronico Epis- It is stated, likewise, that afterwards Alde-
coporum Trajectensium, as seen in an Ap- trude succeeded her aunt as abbess, ruling
pendix to " De Rebus Gestis Episcoporum for twelve years in that capacity, and depar't-
Leodiensium," by Joannes Chapeavillus, ing this life about the year 696 or 697. Her
tomus i. sister Madelberta then became third abbess
3?See " Annales Ecclesiastici Francorum," of that religious house, and governed it for
tomus iv., A.D. 684, num. 1. nine years.
84 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
was seen by the nuns, walking through the middle of the Church, and giving
thanks to God. This caused great rejoicing and admiration to all who had
known her previous condition, and who had witnessed her perfect restoration.
These are only a few of those miracles, which were wrought, at the place of
her first sepulture.*0
St. Hubert,41 who had succeeded St. Lambert** as Bishop of Maestricht,
removed the episcopal see in 721 to Liege,*3 of which city he then became
the first bishop. To honour his martyred predecessor, he had built a stately
church, which he designated the cathedral,** and thither he conveyed the
relics of St. Lambert.*s He is still venerated as chief patron of Liege. Until
the year 722, the relics of St. Madelbert reposed at Maubeuge. The fame of
her sanctity and miracles was so great, that about the same time, St. Hubert
had her body transported to Liege, with solemn ceremonies. Having encased
her relics in a shrine, in which were also enclosed the relics of St. Theodard,*6
they were placed in the cathedral church. There several miracles were after-
wards wrought through our saint's intercession. During the middle ages,
likewise, frequent broils arose among the powerful and opulent families that
disturbed the peace of Liege ; when public prayers and visitations to the
shrines of the local patrons took place, to avert those disorders. On such
occasions, the relics were exhibited for veneration to the faithful. *? In the
year 1489, those relics were well preserved, when a commission had been
appointed to examine into their state. On the 14th of April, with solemn
religious ceremonies, a number of representative ecclesiastics, deputed by the
Dean and Chapter oi Liege Cathedral, began the work of examination, which
was continued on the 18th and 19th of the same month. In that compart-
ment, in which the remains of St. Magdelberta reposed, they found her bones,
with her hood and veil, as also a black cincture remarkably wrought ; more-
over, they saw her robe and another veil, with two large portions 'of her habit,
and two small scissors, which she was doubtless accustomed to use, together
with some other ornaments — whether belonging to her or placed there by
others is not known. After this examination, the inner and outer coverings
were locked, when the keys were placed in the sacristy of the church, and in
an upper drawer, which was lettered Mechlinia.*8
40 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," 43 The capital of an important province in
tomus iii., Septembris vii. Acta auctoie Belgium so named, and situated on the
anonymo, ex Hagiologio Brabantino MS. River Maese or Meuse. At that period, it
Rubea? Vallis, collata cum duobus aliis was only an insignificant village- Near it
MSS., pp. no, in. lived Pepin, in the castle of Herstal or
41 He was passionately fond of hunting, Heristal.
when a young man of the world, and hence 44 This Gothic edifice was destroyed by
he has been regarded as the patron of the French, in 1794.
hunters. He departed this life, on the 30th *5 The beautiful shrine in gilt bronze, a gift,
of May, A.D. 727. His chief festival, how- in 1508, of Erarde de la Marck, Bishop of
ever, is kept on the 3rd of November — pro- Liege, was torn to pieces by the revolutionary
bably on account of some translation of his mob, in 1794! The head of St. Lambert,
relics. however, has been recovered, and it is still
42 He was assassinated, at the instigation preserved in Liege.
of Alpais, a concubine to Pepin of Heirstal, *6 St. Lambert's predecessor in the See of
because he had reproved their crimes. He Maestricht. His martyrdom took place a. n.
suffered martyrdom September 17th, the 668, arid his feast is celebrated at Liege on
day afterwards appointed for his festival. the loth of September.
The year of his death has been variedly 4?An account of those transactions may
stated: according to a tradition of the Church be found in Joannes Chapeavillus' work,
at Liege, A.D. 696; while the Bollandists " Gesta Pontificum Leodiertsium."
have it, at a.d. 708, or 709. See an account 48 From the Report of this investigation,
of him in Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des and from the accounts of Bartholomoeus
Saints, '' tome xi., xviie Jour de Septembre, Fisen, S.J., in his " Historia Ecclesise
pp. 172 to 179. Leodiensis," and of Anselmus, Canon of
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
i»S
The name of this holy virgin is to be found in a great number of calendars
and martyrologies. Although not contained in the oldest versions of Ado
and Usuard ; yet, from her own time has Madalberta been venerated in the
Low Countries, and mentioned in various additions to Usuard.4? At the 7th
of September, she is recorded in the Florarian Manuscript, by Castellan,s°
by CanisiiiSjS1 by Saussay.s2 and in the Parisian Martyrology.S3 Besides these,
Arnold Wion,s* Menard,ss Dorgan,s6 Bucelin,57 Molanus^8 Miraeus,59 Con-
stantine Ghinius,60 Arturus,61 and a host of other hagiographers, have inserted
the name and festival of this holy virgin in their writings. On the 7th of
September, she was venerated at Malbod,62 according to the list of Irish
saints compiled by Convseus.
The Churches of Liege and Mons had an Office and a Mass proper for
St. Madelbert, on the day of her festival. In a Breviary of Liege, printed
a.d. 15 14, at Paris, there is a Duplex Office, as also in the edition of 1520,
there printed. All the parts are from the common office of a virgin, except
the nine Lessons — comprising her Life, as found in the ancient anonymous
Acts to which allusion has been already made, only omitting those passages
that do not appertain immediately to her— and the Prayer, which may thus be
translated from the Latin : — " O God, the Creator of innocence and the lover
of charity, who hath translated to Heaven on this day, thy beatified virgin
Madelberta, grant to us Thy servants celebrating her sacred festival pardon
of our sins through her pious intercession." The ancient Breviary of Mons,
belonging to the noble collegiate Church of St. Waldetrude, contains the
office of our saint, but having only Three Lessons63— also taken chiefly from
the old Acts referred to ; while the Proper Missal of the Church . of Liege,
printed at Paris, jl.d. 1509, has a special Mass prescribed for St. Madelberta's
feast.6* These notices show the veneration in which this holy virgin had
Liege, in •' Gesta Pontificum Trajectensium
et Leodiensium," we learn, that the relics
of St. Madalbert, St. Lambert, and of other
saints, although enclosed in one and the
same great loculus, yet were placed apart in
three distinct and lesser compartments.
49 At the 7th of September, in Greven's
edition, are the words " Madelbertae vir-
ginis ;" Hagenoyensis, " Item S. Madel-
bertae Virginis ;" the Carthusian MS. at
Utrecht, "Madelbergis Virginis :" and with
these may be mentioned the Lubeck-
Cologne and Molanus additions. The
author of the Bruxelles Usuard mentions
her at somewhat greater length, in these
words: "Item depositio S. Madelbertae
virginis, quae Leodii quiescit, filiae scilicet
S. Waldetrudis et beatse Gudilse neptis."
However, the latter relationship is not so
certain, and it has been rejected by Father
Soller in his previous commentary on the
Acts of St. Amalberga, widow, and mother
of St. Gudila, at the 10th of July.
50 In Martyrologio Universali.
51 In his German Martyrology.
52 In his Gallican Martyrology.
53 Thus; "Apud Malbodium in Dicecesi
Cameracensi S. Madelbertae virginis tertiae
hujus Parthenonis^Abbatissae, cujus corpus
post aliquot annos Leodium, S. Hucberto
procurante, translatum est." In the margin
is noted "circa A. DCCV."
54 In his " Lignum Vita."
ss In his ' ' Martyrologium Benedictinum."
56 In his Martyrology.
57 In his Menology. However, he errs
greatly in the statement, that Maldeberta
flourished in the year of Christ 612. It is
certain she had not been born at that date.
Moreover, he makes a still greater mistake,
at the 25th of February, in stating, that her
sister Aldetrude flourished about the year of
Christ 840 — or more than two centuries
later ! For this statement, he incorrectly
quotes Joannes Molanus and Autbertus
Miraeus, with other Belgian writers.
58 jn « Natalibus Sanctorum Belgii."
59 In " Fastis Belgicis et Burgundicis."
60 In "Natalibus Sanctorum Canoni-
corum,"
61 In Gynaeceo.
62 See O'Sullevan Beare's " Historiae
Catholicae Ibemiae Compendium," tomus
i., lib. iv., cap. x., p. 49.
63 To these are prefixed the following
Prayer or Collect : "Beatissimae Madelbergae
virginis solempnitatem praevenientes, tuam
deprecamur Domine clementiam, ut per ejus
preces assiduas a cunciis criminibus nos
absolvas." After the Lessons follows this
Prayer : " Praesta, quaesumus Uomine, mem-
bris nostris cum exultatione proventum, ut
beatae Madelbergae, cujus diem depositionis
recolimus ejus fidei constantiam subsequa-
mur. Per/' &c.
64 From this, in the Bollandist account of
186 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
been held in times remote ; and in the Propria Festorum, printed a.d. 1623,
and the Breviarium, printed a.d. 1636, at Liege, her festival is celebrated
annually as one of a Double Rite, throughout all that diocese. About the
beginning of that century, likewise, some change appears to have been made
in her Liege Office, to render it more comformable to the Roman Rite ;65 and
much about the same time, a similar change was introduced, and for a like
reason, in the Mons and Maubeuge Offices, celebrated in their noble
collegiate churches.66 In the Low Countries, they represent St. Madelbert
in a group, with her father, St. Vincent of Soignies, and her mother St. Wal-
detrude, St. Aldetrude her sister, as also her brothers, St. Landry, Bishop of
Meaux, and St. Dentlin.6?
While the Church is irreformable in her doctrine and conservative in her
moral teaching, she always finds abuses in the world that require reformation.
To preserve evils because they are old and customary would be a great
omission of duty and a crime. Wherefore, several of her noblest children,
men and women, have from time to time figured in her annals, as reformers
of lax discipline and negligence in religious practices. Others again have
shone as exemplars of piety and fervour, transmitting holiness and constancy
of purpose in their respective states of life, preserving happy traditions, for the
edification and encouragement of numbers who desire to follow in their foot-
steps. Such were the members of St. Madelberta's holy family in their age,
and they have been lights for all succeeding ages.
Article II. — St. Elarius or Helair, Patron, Anchoret and
Scribe of Monahincha, near Roscrea, County of Tipperary.
{Eighth and Ninth Centuries.^ The published Martyrology of Tallaght1
records a festival in honour of Elair of Locha Cre, at the 7th of September.
This, however, does not accord with the ii. of Nones for this month —
although thus set down — and as found in the Book of Leinster copy.2 The
situation of Lough Crea is said first to have attracted the notice of the
celebrated St. Cronan3 before he commenced the erection of his chief
religious establishment at Roscrea. In the midst of this " Stagnum Cree"
there was an " insula modica," or moderately-sized Island — now known as
Monahincha— and here St. Cronan,it is said, first built a cell. Monahincha
lies towards the left, on the high road leading from Borris-in-Ossory to
Roscrea ; but, the old church is hidden from view, owing to ornamental
plantations which surround it in various directions. The greater religious
establishment, however, seems to have been fixed at Roscrea* — even in the
our Saint, certain extracts are given to Abbatissa Malbtdii in llannonia. Corn-
indicate the Collects, Prayers, Gradual, mentarius Proevius, sect, iii., num. 20 to 23,
Gospel, Offertory, Communion, and Post pp. 107, 108.
Communion. 6? See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
6s This is inferred by Father John Perier, Saints," tome x., viie Jour de Septembre,
S.J., from the Decree of a Diocesan Synod, p. 554.
held at Liege, a.d. 1618, by Monseigneur Article ii. — ■ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
Ferdinand, Elector of Cologne, Bishop and p. xxxiii.
Prince of Liege, at Tit. x., cap. v. These 2 Thus at ii. Hon : — elaip locha Cne.
Decrees are to be found in "Spicilegium 'See his Life at the 28th of April—
Ecclesiasticum Germanise," tomus vi„ pp. the day for his feast— in the Fourth Volume
771 et seq. of this work, Art. i., chap. ii.
66 In their Proper Offices, printed at * In the grave-yard adjoining it, the tomb
Douai, a.d. 1624, 1625, the Office of St. of St. Cronan used to be Dointed out, and a
Madelberga in Nine Lessons differed little mutilated stone cross with a figure carved on
from that of Liege, in the last century. it, but nearly effaced, is represented in the
See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Sep- " Dublin Penny Journal," vol. ii., No. 86,
tembris vii. De S. Madelberta Virgine et p. 270.
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
187
time of St. Cronan — when it is probable Monahincha became a dependent on
it, about the beginning of the seventh century. Already have we referred to
some remains of antiquity in this tovvn,s formerly a place of considerable
historic importance, especially in our ecclesiastical annals.6 After St.
Cronan, the earliest saint recorded as having connexion with Inis Loch-Cre,
■i
-
Roscrea Church Ruins and Round Tower.
is Coluim or Colum? — resolvable into Columba. His period, however, has
not been determined ; but, it is probable, he preceded the present holy
superior in point of time. St. Elarius or Helair is called the son of Fintan,
sprung from the race of Kein,8 and his brothers are said to have been Saints
Aidan and Conrach.9 His mother is called Sinacha, third sister to the great
St. Columbkille.10 This latter statement of Colgan must be rejected, if we
take into account the date assigned for the death of Elarius. While Sinacha
must have been born in the earlier part of the sixth century, the birth of this
5 In the Life of St. Cronan are views of
the Round Tower at Roscrea, and also of
the exterior of St. Cronan's dismantled
church, as it faces the public highway. The
view here presented of the interior faces the
grave-yard within and the modern Protes-
tant church. It was sketched by the writer
on the spot, May 1870, and drawn on the
-wood ; it has been since engraved by
Gregor Grey.
6 In a very interesting and learned lecture,
delivered in the Catholic Club Hall of
Roscrea, January 8th, 1888, by Rev. James
Halpin, C.C., the lecturer thus summarises
them: "In the long line of twenty- five
Abbots, extending for four hundred years, we
find men who must have been very dis-
tinguished in their times, for one was called
1 the Philosopher of Roscrea, ' in 827 ;
another ' the Venerable Elder of Roscrea,'
in 1 1 19 ; and another was styled ' Bishop of
Roscrea,' in 1161." — "St. Cronan, Patron
of Roscrea," p. 12.
? His feast was held on the 15th of May,
and in the Fifth Volume of this work, at that
date, some notices of him may be found, at
Art. vi.
8 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quarta Appendix ad Acta S. Columbae, cap.
ii., num. 5, 6, 23, pp. 478, 479.
9 According to the Sanctilogium Genealo-
gicum, cap. 36.
10 See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
188 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
present Elarius took place, it is probable, at least two hundred years later. The
feast of St. Hilair is found in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the
7th of September. In one place, Colgan notes a St. Hilarius Mocukein, a monk
of Durrow, to whom he assigns a feast at the 7th of September.11 We cannot
be assured, however, that he was identical with the present Elarius or Helair.'2
On the contrary, he and his brothers, St. Aidant and St. Conry or
Conrachus1* — stated to have been of Kein's race1* — must have lived in the
sixth century, if their mother was Sinecha, the sister of St. Columkille. The
present saint was undoubtedly of a different family, and he was principally
venerated at the place, now known as Monahincha, which the neighbouring
people still call The Holy Island. It lies in the parish of Corbally, barony
of Ikerrin, and County of Tipperary.16 The lough is now for the most part
dried up, but a bog occupies its former site. The old ruins of Monahincha
are remarkably beautiful in their architectural peculiarities.1? Moory soil
still extends around, notwithstanding that the waters of the lake have been
completely drawn off; while the land is thoroughly drained and reclaimed
into fine pasturage, and meadow. Rich grass grows over the soil.18 Its
remarkable old church is covered with a luxuriant growth of ivy, around the
whole exterior ; but this has been removed from the interior, where all the
wall surfaces may be seen. There are two most beautiful doors yet
remaining, and almost entire ; one of these enters the nave, and the other a
small choir. They are semi-circularly headed and elegantly jointed along
the jamb-stones, with zig-zag carving around the arches. The fluted columns
are surmounted by curious old sculptured heads. Through the ivy on the
exterior corners of the nave may be traced projecting columns of rounded
and chiselled stones. '9 The ruins stand in a tolerably well preserved state,
in the centre of a grave-yard, overcrowded with human remains.20 The
interior of the old church nave is occupied by a family tomb, and around it
the floor has been levelled and gravelled ; while the landed proprietor of the
estate, on which the ruins are situated, seems to have taken special pains to
preserve the existing remains.21 Beside the old Church of Monahincha are
"See "Trias Thaumaturga." Quinta ,8 Water-drains, however, appear along
Appendix ad Acta S. Columboe, cap. iv., the surface, and the old togher or raised road
sect, ii., p. 507. is yet traceable over the approaches to the
12 Although styled in the Sanctilogium " Holy Island."
Genealogicum, cap. 36, " S. Hilarius In- '9 This is a peculiarity the writer never
isensis," this island is not to be confounded observed in any Irish Church of the same
with Inis-Loch-Cre. age, although hehas minutely inspected some
13 Colgan assigns him a feast at the 27th hundreds, in various parts of Ireland. Mona-
of August, or at the 12th of October. He hincha was visited in May, 1870, and the
is stated to have been buried at Cuil-Voke, description here supplied is furnished from
and to have been venerated at Both, in the notes then made on the spot.
Diocese of Meath. 20 A stone wall, nearly circular, surrounds
14 He is said to have been buried in the the cemetery, which rises on a level with the
monastery of Durrow in Meath, and to have topmost ledge on this enclosure, and partly
been venerated, on the 23rd of February. in- the shape of a flattened cone. A flight of
,s Another brother St. Cucumue is said to steps leads to the graveyard, from the outside
have been buried in Hy. All three are made pasture. A curious old cross, dismounted
brothers of St. Hilarius of Inis-Locha-Cre, from its pedestal, lies on the right side of the
by Colgan. See ibid. Quarta Appendix ad nuns, as the cemetery is entered.
Acta S. Columbae, cap. ii., num. 5, 21, 22, 2I In the last century, these had been much
23, 24, pp. 478, 479. neglected, at the time when Arehdall pre-
16 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the pared his " Monasticon. Hibernicum," for
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 412, 413, and publication. For the history and other par-
n. (t), ibid. ticulars referring to Monahincha, and not
17 Some of the local features have been here noticed, the reader is referred to that
already described in the Life of St Cronan. work, pp. 667 to 669.
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 189
some ruins of an ancient monastery.22 Not far from the ruins, some portion
of the former extensive lake may be seen ; but the inhabitants of the sur-
rounding country have a tradition, that all the vast tract of bog, now
extending for several miles towards a range of distant hills, was formerly
covered with water, which circled the M Holy Island."2^
The Church of Inis Lough Cre was dedicated to the St. Helair or
Hilarius, whose festival is celebrated on this day, as we are informed. The
terms by which he is distinguished in our records indicate, that while he led
a life of strict observance and asceticism, he was also the writer of some
works, which at present seem to be unknown. Perhaps, he belonged to that
band of Ccelicoli or Culdees, that lived on the smaller island 2< — as distin-
guished from the greater 2* — and of which no clear traces now remain ; yet,
it is recorded, that the passage from one island to the other, in the twelfth
century, was made by means of a boat.26 Helair flourished after the middle
of the eighth, and beginning of the ninth century. The death of this
Elarius, Anchoret and Scribe, of Lough Crea, is entered in the Annals of the
Four Masters, at 802 ;2? in those of Clonmacnoise, at 804 ; in those of
Ulster, at 806 ; but, as we are told by Dr. O' Donovan, rede, it should be
807. His age at the time of his departure is not known. His name and
festival are entered on this day, in the Martyrology of Donegal.28 In the
table appended to this latter work, the name of our saint has been Latinised,
Helarius.^ Although Inis-Loch-Cre does not figure very prominently in
our Irish Annals,3° the " Holy Island " appears to have obtained celebrity as
a place of pilgrimage^1 and to have had a resident superior^2 in the twelfth
century. After the death of St. Cronan, the religious institute he. established
at Roscrea appears to have flourished in piety and learning, for centuries
succeeding his period. A copy of the Four Gospels, called Glass-Kennic, or
the Chain of St. Canice,33 is said to have been there preserved to the time of
Archbishop Ussher. Also at Roscrea was recovered -the Book of Dimma,34
22 A large chamber, arched with stone, is 27 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
now used for a private vault, and there is pp. 412,413, and n. (t), ibid.
a flight of winding stone steps ascending to 28 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
the top of this vault, now covered over with 238, 239.
soil and rank grass. Traces of a mere ele- *9 See ibid,, pp. 426, 427.
vated story may be seen, and evidently con- 3° In A.D. 921, Flaithbheartach, son of
structed for domestic purposes. Ivy surrounds Inmainen, was taken by the foreigners, and
this portion of the ruins. The whole struc- conveyed to Limerick. See Dr. O'Dono-
ture had been well and solidly built. van's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
23 The writer was told, at the time of his ii., pp. 610, 611, and n. (b), ibid.
visit, that English invaders crossed over this 3I On the 2nd of January, A.D. 1 1 38,
lake in tin boats, and despoiled Monahincha Maelpadraig Ua Duigain, paragon of the
of its former treasures.. The monks there wisdom of the Irish, chief lector of Ard-
were killed by Cromwell's soldiers, it was Macha, head of council of the West of Europe
stated; bub we find no such accc unt in any in piety and devotion, died on his pil-
authentic record. grimage at the Island of Loch Cre. See
24 Known as Inchenabo, in Irish, and in ibid., pp. 1058, 1059, and nn. (o, p), ibid.
Latin, " Insula Viventium." Probably be- 32 In a.d. 1 143, Macraith Ua Fidan,
cause the celebrities, who lived there, were head of the Island of Loch-Cre, died. See
removed to the other island to die. when ibid., pp. 1070, 1071.
overtaken by a mortal illness. 33 His festival is held on the nth of Octo-
25 See Giraldi Cambrensis' " Opera," vol. ber, where his life is given in the succeeding
v., edited by James F. Dimock, M.A., volume of this work.
Topographia Hibernica, dist. ii., cap. iv., 34 The Rev. Philip Meagher, formerly
pp. 80, 81. parish priest of Birr, found it among the
•6 It should still be possible for antiquaries books of an uncle, who had been a clergy-
to discover some traces of the minor island, man in Roscrea, and gave it to a Dr. Har-
in a portion of the lake or morass adjoining rison of Nenagh, who sold it to Henry
Monahincha. Joseph Monck Mason, esq., Librarian to
190
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
a scribe, the son of i£ngus, the son of Carthin. Another work, known as the
Annals of Roscrea, was probably composed in the monastery there estab-
lished^5 A succession of Roscrea Abbots, sometimes styled Bishops, in
our Annals, is recorded
from a.d. 800 to 1174,
when the parent insti-
tution seems to have
gradually declined, and
little account is had re-
garding it, when its an-
cient bishopric merged
into that of Killaloe.
King John built a castle
in the town, a.d. 1213.36
A Franciscan Friary37
was founded there a.d.
1490, by Mulruany na
Feasoige O'Carrol, who
was married to Bibiana,
the daughter of
O'Dempsey. Accord-
ing to other accounts,
she was the foundress,
when she had become
a widow.38 The church
was parochial, in 1 568,39
when to it was attached
a third part of the rec-
tory of Rosscuro and
the alterages thereof,
with the tithes of above
thirty acres belonging
to it.*0 The precincts
of the Franciscan
Friary contained two
acres, in which was a
house where the friars dwelt, with a dormitory, hall, the prior's chamber, a
chapel, a cemetery, a garden and two orchards, besides reprises, and in the
lands ot Roscrea thirty acres of arable and pasture land. The whole was
granted to Thomas, Earl of Ormond.41 The Franciscan Friary was situated
on the small stream which passes through Roscrea. The remains are still in
a good state of preservation.
Franciscan Church Ruins, Roscrea.
the King's Inns Society. In turn he parted
with it to Sir William Betham. It had been
long preserved in Roscrea in a most curiously
wrought and ornamented box. An account
of it may be found in the "Transactions of
the Royal Irish Academy," by Henry Joseph
Monck Mason, as also in Sir William
Betham's " Irish Antiquarian Researches."
35 Among the Burgundian Library Manu-
scripts,. Bruxelles, vol. xviii., No. 5304, there
isa verylong alphabetical Index of the Annals
of Roscrea, made by " Frater Brendanus
Conorus," and accompanied by marginal
references to the Annals of Donegal.
36 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni-
cum," pp. 672 to 674.
37 The ruins of this building, taken from a
photograph, have been drawn on the wood
and engraved, as here presented, by Gregor
Grey.
38 According to the Ware Manuscripts,
vol. 34, p. 160, as quoted by Archdall.
39 According to an Inquisition, taken on
the 27th of December, in this year.
40 According to a document in the Chief
Remembrancer's Office.
41 Here he built a large square castle, ad-
joining the military barracks of Roscrea,
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 191
Article III. — St. Sillan or Siollan, Bishop. In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 7th of September, we find a festival entered
in honour of Sillan, Bishop.2 In that copy contained in the Book of Leinster,
at the ii. day or before the Nones of this month, we find a similar record. 3
The Martyrology of Donegal/ also, at the 7th of September, simply registers
the name Siollan, Bishop.5 In the Irish Calendar, belonging to the Ordnance
Survey Records,6 we find a like notice.
Article IV. — Reputed Feast of St. Toit, of Church Island,
Lough Beg, County of Londonderry. The published Martyrology of
Tallaght1 places Toit of Loch Eachach, at the 7th of September, in its list
of holy men ; yet in such a manner, as apparently to connect the name with
that of Sillan, Bishop. In that copy contained in the Book of Leinster, at
the ii. Nones of this month, a like arrangement seems to be intended.2 This
Saint's place is now denominated Church Island, Lough beg, County of
Londonderry.3 We read in the Martyrology of Donegal/ also, that venera-
tion was given at the 7th of September, to Toit, of Inis Toite, in Loch Bee,
in Ui Tuitre.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of Siott. We find the name, Siott, set
down in the Martyrology of Donegal,1 as having been venerated at the 7th of
September. Indeed, we may doubt, if this be not some false insertion for
the name Toit, already entered at this date.
Article VI. — St. Molaissi. According to the published Martyrology of
Tallagh,1 we find it stated, that Molasi2 had a festival, at the 7th of Septem-
ber. In that copy, contained in the Book of Leinster, this entry is at ii. of
the Nones for this month. 3 It is thought, he may have been the same as
St. Lasreus, or Lazarus/ the son of Ronan, son of Loam, son to Fergus, son
to Conal Gulban, venerated at the 7th of September, or at the 16th of
December.5 In the Martyrology of Donegal,6 there appears a simple entry,
Molaissi, at the 7th of September.
Article VII. — St. Ultan. At the 7th of September, we find the name
of Ultan, without any further designation, registered in the published Mar-
and in latter times, it served as a store-house another place, he writes, " Inis toide,
for the soldiers' use. An engraving of it Church Island, in Lough beg, Derry,
may be seen, in the "Dublin Penny Jour- (Ui Tuiitre)."
nal," vol. ii., No. 86, p. 269. 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Article hi. — » Edited by Rev. Dr. 238, 239.
Kelly, p. xxxiii. Article v.—' Edited by Drs. Todd
2 To this we find added : ".i. Toitre for and Reeves, pp. 238, 239.
Loch Eachach." From such an entry, his Article vi. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr.
place should be near Lough Neagh. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
3 Thus : SiLLain epi .1. Coicae pop Loch 2 " S. vel hie Mac Culind," appears to be
ecrtAch. added through some mistake of the copyist.
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. ' Thus : nioLarfi pa uel hie mac
238, 239. Cubnt).
s See also Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum 4 See notices of him, at the 26th of
Hibernise," xv. Februarii, n. 6, p. 348. December, in the present work.
6 Common Place Book, F., p. 75. sSee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Article 1 v.— 'Edited by the Rev. Quarta Appendix ad Acta S. Columbae,
Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii. cap iii., num. 26, p. 481, and cap. x., num.
2 Thus : Sillam epi .1. Coicae pop 70, p. 491.
Loch echach. 6 Edited by Drs, Todd and Reeves, pp.
3 William M. Hennessey's note. In 238, 239.
1 92 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 7.
tyrology of Tallagh.1 In that copy, contained in the Book of Leinster, at
the ii. of the Nones, there is a similar entry.2 A like notice is in the
Martyrology of Donegal,3 at the 7th of this month.
Article VIII. — St. Boetius. In the anonymous Calendar of Irish
Saints, published by O'Sullevan Beare,1 a St. Boetius is named, at the 7th of
September.
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of St. Modocus. It is stated by
Ferarius, that on the 7th of September in Scotia, the Bishop, St.
Modocus, who lived about the year 534, had been venerated.' He is
supposed by the Bollandists to have been identical with St. Aidanus, Bishop
of Ferns,2 and whose festival is held on the 31st of January.3
Article X.- St. Grellan of Craobh-Grellain. Under the head
of Craebh Grellain, Duald Mac Firbis records, Bishop Greallan,1 at the 7th
of September.2 Mr. William M. Hennessy conjectures, that this place Craobh
GreUain, may be probably Creeve,3 in the Barony of Ballymoe, County
Roscommon. There are two Cill Greallans, in Tir Fichra of the Moy.4
This territory is comprised within the present barony of Tireragh, in the
County of Sligo.
Article XI. — Reputed Feast of St. Adamnan, or Eunan, Abbot
of Iona. Sir Harris Nicholas places the festival of St. Eunan, whom he
makes Bishop of Raphoe, at the 7th of September.1 He was identical with
St. Adamnan, Abbot of Iona. At the 23rd of this month, the date for his
chief festival, his acts may be seen, in the present volume.
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Queranus, Abbot. On the
authority of Floratius and the English Martyrology, the name of St. Queranus,
Abbot, is entered at the 7th of September, in the Calendar of Henry
Fitzsimon.1 He was Abbot of Clonmacnoise. In another place, Kieranus
is entered, and by Henry Fitzsimon, he is thought to be the same as
Queranus. His proper festival is at the 9th of this month, where his Acts
may be found in the present volume.
Article vii. — "Edited by Rev. Dr. 2See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Kelly, p. xxxiii. Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i..
2 Thus: UlcAti. pp. 102, 103.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 It is in the parish of Oran, and de-
238,239. scribed on the "Ordnance Survey Town-
Article viii.- ' See u Historise Catho- land Maps for the County of Roscommon "
licae Ibernise Compendium," tomus i., Sheet 34.
lib. iv., cap. xi., p.51. * See ''Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Article ix. — 'See the Bollandists' Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i.,
" Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., xxxi. Janu- part i., pp. 96, 97.
arii. Vita S- Aidani. Prcemium, sect. 4, Article xi. — 'See "Chronology of
p. IIII. History." Alphabetical Calendar of Saints,
2 See ibid., tomus iii., vii. Septembris. and other Festivals, etc., p. 147.
Among the pretermitted saints, p. 2. Article XII. — See O'Sullevan Beare's
3 See his Life, at that date, in the First " Historise Catholicae Ibernise Compen-
Volume of this work, Art. i. dium," tomus i., Iii). iv., cap. xii., p. 56.
Article x. — '" St. Greallan's festival is 2 Allusion is made to Jocelyn's Vita S.
set down in the Martyrology of Donegal, Patricii, cap. cxiii., p- 55. See Colgan's
at Nov. 10th." — William M. Hennessey's "Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Vita S.
note. Patricii, cap. cxiii, pp. 90, 91.
September 7.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
'93
Article XIII. — Festival of St. Summiva or Sunn i fa, Patroness of
Bergen, Norway. Already at the 8th day of July,1 we have recorded what
has been told regarding this holy Irish Virgin and Martyr, who is said to
have lived in the time of the Emperor Otho I.,2 and with other virgins
devoted to her, in the Island of Selja or Selia, Norway. She there suffered
martyrdom^ and probably before the period when Harold VI.* reigned in
Denmark. The translation of her body from the Island of Selja to the
Cathedral of Bergen took place, on the 7th of September, a.d. ii/o.s At
the same day, the Bollandists enter her festival.6
Article XIV. — Festival of St. Sinotus, Martyr. In the Feiire, at
the 7th of September, there is a festival for Sinotus.1 To this, the
glossographer has added a comment, which has a dubious meaning.2 He
is thought to have been Bishop of Capua, in Campania, Italy. Little is
known about him, or the time when he suffered martyrdom ; but, at this date,
some entries from ancient calendars, and notices regarding him, are to be
found in the Bollandist collection.3
Article XV. — Festival of St. Anastasius, at Salona, Dalmatia,
Martyr. In the Irish Church, at this day, the martyrdom of St. Anastasius
was commemorated, as we learn from the Feilire of St. iEngus.1 The
Article xiii. — 'See at that date, in the
Seventh Volume of this work, Art. iv.
2 Called the Great. He was the eldest
son of Henry the Fowler. He was born
a.d. 912, and he was crowned at Aix-la-
Chapelle in 936. He engaged in several
wars, and when victorious over the neigh-
bouring barbarian states, he took every
means to spread Christianity among the
pagans. Especially the Danes were sub-
jected to his laws, and he conquered the
Bohemians in 950, after their obstinate re-
sistance. He also established his authority
in Italy, and marching to Rome, he was
crowned Emperor by Pope John XXII. in
962. He died a.d. 973. See " Encyclo-
pedic Catholique," par M. L'Abbe Glaire
et de M. Le Vtc Walsh, tome xv., pp.
194, 195-
3 The Acts and Office of this Virgin and
Martyr are to be found in the work of
Thormodus Torfaeus, " Historia Norvegica,'
pars ii., lib. ix., cap. 2 and 3.
4 See an account of his reign in Joannis
Mevrsi, " Historise Danicse," lib. Hi., pp.
47 to 50. Amstelodami cId Iccxxxvm.
fol.
5 The Bollandists notice this translation
festival at September 7th, and advert to a
statement found in a comment on a tract,
" De Profectione Danorum in Terram
Sanctum," edited by Joannes Kirchmann, of
the City of Bergen, from a manuscript of
Lubeck. It states: "Ibi Sancta Sunnif
toto corpore in ecclesia cathedrali exaltata
quiescit."
'As the Acts and Office of this saint came
Vol. IX —No. 4.
to light, after Father Soller had briefly
written about her at the 8th of July, their
notice thus concludes : u Poterunt Acta dari
in aliquo Supplemento ad diem Vlll Julii." —
" Acta Sanctorum " tomus iii., Septembris.
vii. Among the pretermitted feasts, p. 2.
Article xiv. — 'In the '* Leabhar
Breac " copy we find : —
SLanchepvo Senocn
-Acdruillre rlechcAi
' SLU415 Anachapf or\CA
Comlun AfervcAi.
Thus rendered into English by Whitley
Stokes, LL.D. "Sinotus' pure suffering,
whose tracks are shining. Anastasius'
hosts were slain with the multitude of their
virtues." — " Transactions of the Royal Irfsh
Academy." Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
part i On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
exxxvi. Dr. Stokes adds a note: "The
scholiast regards senotii as = synodi and
slehtai as a verb meaning occisi sunt."—
ibid.
aThus: " glanchesad senotii .i. senad
nece [leg. Niceae ?] vel zenoti martir .i. in
[i] erusalem." — ibid, p- cxliii.
'See "Acta Sanctorum." tonuis iii., Sep-
tembris vii. De S. Sinoto Martyre, et
verisimiliter Episcopo Caputs in Campania,
Italia;, pp, 5, 6.
Article xr.— ' See " Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
N
i94 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 8.
Bollandists» have given his Acts, edited by Father John Stilting, S.J.,
who adds a Previous Commentary, in two sections, and in sixteen paragraphs,
with notes.2 As a Christian, he suffered in the persecution of Diocletian, and
he was condemned by the judge to be drowned, with a stone suspended
from his neck.
<g(gf)tl) 2Baj) of September
ARTICLE I.— FESTIVAL OF ST. DISIBOD, BISHOP AND CONFESSOR,
RHENISH BAVARIA.
[SEVENTH CENTURY.]
WHILE most men are filled with the ambition of acquiring distinction,
ease and wealth in this life ; those true Christians, leading
apostolic lives, seek for different enjoyments, and suffer neither undue
elation nor depression during their mortal career. Their chief desire is to
serve men, to save souls, and aspire only to secure the first prize of a happy
end here, and hereafter a crown in Heaven.
St. Disibod, Bishop and Confessor, was one of the many Irish
missionaries that laboured in the valley of the Rhine. His life has been
already given, at the 8th day of July, which is his chief festival. But, in
some Martyrologies, he has been assigned a feast, likewise, at the present
date. The Bollandists, in their "Acta Sanctorum,"1 and the Petit
Bollandistes2 have notices of this commemoration. As we have already
seen, Disibod was a holy missionary from Ireland. He lived in or before
the reign of the Emperor Mauricius,3 according to some accounts ; but, it is
most probable, that he flourished after that Emperor's rule. In the legends
into which his history has been transformed, through veneration accorded
him by succeeding ages, Disibod wandered about for ten years without any
fixed place of abode, before he settled at Disibodenberg. By some, he is
said to have been here so early as a.d. 590 j thi.-, however, is not the
prevailing opinion of most writers. He is commonly represented as the
first, who preached Christianity to the Frankish tribes of the Nahegau, and
the people of this region have a special regard for his memory. By different
writers, he is variedly called Disibod, Disibodus, or Disiboduus. He has
been always regarded as the founder of that monastery, at Disibodenberg/ and
which has been so named after him. This celebrated abbey in former times
was within the diocese of Treves. The place is situated at the confluence of
the Nahe and the Glan, near Kreuznach, and not far from the west bank of
the Rhine. Elsewhere we have seen what vicissitudes the original religious
establishment underwent. Archbishop Willigis repaired the damage which
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus Hi., Sep- viiic. Jour de Septembre, p. 564.
tembrisvii., De Anastasio Martyre, Saloncc 3 Who reigned from 582 to 610.
in Dalmatia, pp. 19 to 24, 4 An interesting account of this saint and
Article I. — 'See tomus hi., Septem- of his place has been given by the writer of
bris viii. Among the pretermitted saints, " Letters from Kreuznach," No. vi., in
p. 204. •« The Glasgow Herald " of Thursday, Sep-
2 See " Les Vies des Saints," tome x., tember 2nd, 1875.
September 8.] LIVES QF THE IRISH SAINTS.
*95
had been done by the wars of centuries; while, in n 12, Ruthard of
Mayence entirely rebuilt the church and cloister. However, there was to be
no lasting peace for the pious inmates ; for Siegfried III., of Mayence, and
the Wildgrave of Kirburg, again "destroyed the restored monastery and drove
out the monks. After this, the Cistercians once more restored the buildings,
and took up their abode in the year 1470 ; but again, the monastery was very
harshly treated, and in 1504, it was plundered by the Prince Palatine,
Philip V. The Cistercians again returned, and remained, until Gustavus
Adolphus finally drove them away.5 It is not surprising, therefore, that nothing
but ruins6 now remain to mark the site. It is stated, in the Martyrology of
Ruins of Disenbodenburg Monastery.
Raban,7 that the holy Irish missionary, Disibod, ended his pilgrimage in the
eighty-first year of his age on the festival of the birth of the Virgin. The
date for his death is unknown ; but, it occurred, probably, towards the close
of the seventh or the beginning of the eighth century. He was buried
beneath the hut in which he had lived, on the slope of the hill. The names
of his companions, whose bones seem to have lain beside his own near the
altar, tradition has preserved as Giswald, Clemens, and Sallust. They are
M the men " mentioned in the inscription who fed with heavenly bread " the
dwellers by the Glan."8 Twelve years after the death of Disibod, the com-
5 See " The Rhine from its Source to the
Sea," translated from the German, by G. C.
T. Bartley, M.P., chap, xx., pp. 206, 207.
London, 1888, 4to.
6 These are shown in their present state,
on the annexed illustration, copied from an
engraving of the scene, drawn and engraved
on wood, by Gregor Grey.
7 Thus : " Natale Sancti Disibothi con-
fessoris celebrari vi. idus Septembris in
suburbanis Magontiacensis ecclesise."
8 At the beginning of this century, under
the ruins of the church, there was found a
stone bearing an inscription in elegiac verses,
commencing —
" Hac Disibodi corpus tumulatur in urna :
Propius hie extans ara dicata Deo
Servat, ad seterni spent Judicis, ossa
virorum
Qui pavere sacris Glanicolas dapibus,"
&c, &c.
i96 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 8.
munity numbered fifty monks. After his departure, the memory of his life
and works wrought so powerfully, and for so long, that gentle and simple
emulated each other to the extent of their powers in endowing the cloisters
of Disibodenberg with whole villages and farms, lands, forest rights, teinds,
ground rents, and the like. It became, in course of time, far the wealthiest
and best endowed religious establishment in the Rhineland country. The
memory of Disibod and his companions has remained in quite a peculiar
way, sweet and sacred, for more than iooo years in the valleys of the Nahe
and the Glan. The day of his death — 8th September, when he is said to
have died at the age of eighty-one — is kept still as a holy day throughout
that whole district.
Article II. — St. Fintan or Fionntan, of Ard-Caoin. At the 8th
day or Nones of September, a festival is entered in the Martyrology of
Tallagh,1 to honour St. Fintann of Airdcain. There is a parish of Ardkecn,2
in the diocese and County of Down \ and its church was formerly styled the
Church of Holy Mary of Ardkene,3 In addition to the Ardkeen already
mentioned, there is another place bearing the same name in the parish of
Kilmeena,4 barony of Burrishoole, and County of Mayo. Burrishoole
Monastery, now in ruins, near Burrishoole lake, is a very picturesque object.
There is an engraving and a description of it in Mr. and Mrs. Hall's M Ire-
land : its Scenery, Character, &c," vol. iii., pp. 389, 390. There is -likewise
a townland so called, in the parish of Droom, barony of Eliogarty, and in
the north Riding of Tipperary County.5 Colgan also notices this saint, his
place, and his feast,6 but without throwing much light on his history. John
Capgrave notes this saint as a Bishop and Confessor, at the fifth of the
September Ides.? In the Martyrology of Donegal,8 at this same date, the
name is merely entered as Fionntain of Ardcaoin.
Article III. — St. Ferghus, the Pict. The Martyrology of Tallagh
records, that at the 8th of September, veneration was given to Ferghus
Cruithneach,' or the Pict. We may refer to the notices of St. Fergus, pre-
served in the Breviary of Aberdeen, in illustration of the witness sometimes
borne to the traditionary accounts, by facts otherwise well established.
According to the Breviary of Aberdeen, Fergus came on a mission, with
other clerics, from Ireland, to Alba. He settled near Strageath.2 He and
Article ii. — * Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, 6 See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberni*," xvii.
p. xxxiii. In that copy, found in the Book Februarii, Appendix, cap. i , p. 355.
of Leinster, at this same date, we have 7 See M Nova Legenda Anglice," fol.
pnean Airvocam. cxlviii., cxlix.
2 See more concerning its history, in Rev. 8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
William Reeves' " Ecclesiastical Antiquities 238, 239. A similar entry is found in the
of Down, Connorand Dromore," n.(n). p.21. copy of the Calendar among the Irish
3 Ardkeen and its Islands, in the Barony Ordnance Survey Records, " Common Place
of Upper Ards, is shown on the " Ordnance Book," F., p. 76.
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Article ml— ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Down," sheets 17, 18, 24, 25. Kelly, p. xxxiii. In the copy of this Mar-
4 It is described on the " Ordnance Survey tyrology, found in the Book of Leinster, we
Townland Maps for the County of Mayo," read, £eP5ur Cmichnech.
sheets 76, 77, 87, 88. 2 At this place, in the present parish of
s See "General Alphabetical Index to Upper Straihearn, in central Perthshire,
the Townlands and Towns, Parishes and there was a Roman road and camp, on the
Baronies of Ireland," p. 26. left bank of the Earn. See Francis H.
September 8.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 197
his friends erected three churches in that district. Fergus afterwards went
to Caithness, where he preached to the heathens. After a time, he crossed
from Caithness to the opposite country of Buchan.3 There he founded a
church, at Lungley. Lastly, he came to Glammis, where he made another
ecclesiastical settlement. This, at present, is a parish, in the southern part
of the Strathmore and Sidlaw districts of Forfarshire. Glammis burn rises in
the hill of Auchterhouse, at the extreme southern boundary, and traverses
the whole length of Glen-Ogilvie. It cuts its way through the central hilly
ridge, and joins the Dean river on the demesne of Glammis Castle, thus
intersecting the parish over nearly six miles of its length, and cutting it
lengthwise into two not very unequal parts.* In that place, he departed this
Life. At Glammis, the memory of St. Fergus was held in such reverence,
all through the middle ages, that his relics came to be coveted by the neigh-
bouring people. One of the Abbots over Scone carried off the saint's head,
and placed it in his church, for the veneration of the faithful.* We find,
that the three neighbouring churches of Strageath, Blackford, and Dolpatrick,
in Perthshire, were all dedicated to St. Patrick. This devotion, we might
well expect, in the acts of a missionary, fresh from Ireland. The church of
Wick, in Caithness, the church of Lungley, in Buchan, and the church of
Glammis, all own St. Fergus as their patron. The festival of St. Fergus is
recorded" in the Martyrology of Donegal6 at this date.
Article IV. — St. Maelecasni or Maeloisne. The heroic saints of
the Church have ever been foremost to vindicate the rights of oppressed men
and women. These latter especially, as the weaker sex, should ever engage
the Christian chivalry of men to assert their true dignity, and to free them
from every degrading law. -The Martyrology of Tallagh1 has a festival for a
St. Maelecasni, at this date. The Law of Adamnan states, that Maelcoisne
was one of the sureties whom Adamnan found to free the women from every
slavery and bondage that was on them. Besides the present St. Maelecaisni,
there is a Maelcoisne, at the 15th of October, and a Maelcoisne of Ros-
Brennaibh, at the 28th of December. It is not known, however, which of all
these the Law speaks of, in reference to this matter. According to the
Martyrology of Donegal,2 also, veneration was given at the 8th of September,
to Maelcoisne.
Article V. — St. Cruimther Catha, son of Aengus, of Cluain
Eossain. Upon the heads of many, this holy priest must have poured the
cleansing waters of baptism, and afterwards he must have grounded them
well in sound doctrine and holiness. At the 8th of September, a festival is
Groome's " Ordnance Gazetteer of Scot- treasurer of King James IV., which shows,
land," vol. v., p. 90. that, in October, 1503, that monarch made
3 A district of Aberdeenshire, extending an " offerand of 13 shillings to Sanct.
along the coast, from the Ythan, nearly to Fergus' heide in Scone."
the Deveron, a distance of about 40 miles. 6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
The reader will find a good account of this 238, 239. A note by O'Donovan says,
district in the Third Volume of " Prize " Cruithneach, i.e., the Pict."
Essays of the Highland Society." Article iv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
4 See "The Topographical, Statistical, Kelly, p. xxxiii. In that copy, contained
and Historical Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., in the Book of Leinster, the entry is niaeli-
pp. 619 to 621. CAipi.
s The removal of the saint's head to Scone 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
is proved by an entry, in the accounts of the 240, 241.
i98 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 8.
found entered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 in honour of Cruimther Catha,
son of Aengus, of Cluain Eorainne. Nothing further seems to be known
regarding him. The Martyrology of Donegal,2 which has a like feast for this
day, yet denominates his locality Cluain Eossain.
Article VI. — Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the ancient Irish Church, the Festival of the Birth of our Divine Lord's
Mother was celebrated on the eighth day of September, as we learn from the
Feilire of Aengus.1 On this there is a short comment.2 About the year 695,
this feast was appointed by Pope Servius. In various parts of Ireland, this
festival was celebrated formerly with very special devotion, as parishes,
churches and chapels had been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and
this was a favoured festival day. The patrons or patterns that until of Lite
were yearly celebrated very conclusively attest it. In Kilnenor parish,3
County of Wexford, there is a holy well, at which a patron was formerly held
on the 8th of September. *> According to a pious tradition, a concert of
angels is said to have been heard in the air to solemnize the Nativity or
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.s
Article VII. — Festival of St. Timothy and Three Hundred
Martyrs. In the Irish Church at this date was a commemoration of
St. Timothy, and Three Hundred Martyrs, as stated in the Feilire of
Aengus.1 It seems likely that allusion is made to the festival of St. Timothy,
who with St. Faustus suffered Martyrdom at Antioch ; but, under what cir-
cumstances, or at what particular time, cannot be discovered. Their festival,
however, falls on the 8th of September, and the Bollandists2 find it noted in
various ancient calendars. To these, Maurolycus adds three other Martyrs,
Amphion, Severus and Severianus.3 The other ancient Marty rologies quoted
have no mention of the Three Hundred Martyrs alluded to in the Feilire.
Article VIII. — The Son or Sons of Talarg. The published Martyr-
ology of Tallagh,1 at this day, has a festival to honour Mac Talaraigh, or the
Article v. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, popAichmencap put)," translated, "i.e.,
p. xxxiii. In the Book of Leinster copy we Mary's nativity is commemorated here." —
read Cpumchip Cacha mac Oengur'-A 1 Ibid., p, cxliii.
CluAin eopamne. 3 It is in the Barony of Gorey, and de-
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. scribed on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
238, 239. land Maps for the County of Wexford,"
Article vi. — ' From that copy contained sheets I, 2, 3.
in the " Leabhar Breac," we find the follow- 4 See the County of Wexford Letters,
ing Irish stanza : — vol. i., LO.S.R.
5 See " The Calendar of the Prayer-Book
£op4icrimeric4p muipe Illustrated," p. 86. London and Oxford,
mcmardyoAi popcepcpic i2mo, 1888.
La CiAmt)Ai lapfecAib Article vii. — ■ See " Transactions of the
Co. ccc. 41b mapcip. Royal Irish Academy." Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley Aengus, pp. cxxxvi., cxxxvii.
Stokes:— "Mary is commemorated (to-day); 2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
they are not dead on a scanty meal : with Septembris viii. De SS. Timotheo et
Timothy after (the world's) ways and three Fausto, MM., Antiochioe, ex Martyrologiis,
hundred martyrs." — "Transactions of the pp. 255, 256.
Royal Irish Academy." Irish Manuscript 3The Bollandists think these names to have
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of been incorrectly taken from the list of
Aengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., pp. martyrs, who suffered on this day at Alex-
cxxxvi., cxxxvii. andria in Egypt.
3 The scholiast adds : " .1. gem muipe Article viii.—' Edited by Rev. Dr.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 199
Son of Talaraigh. Who Talaraigh or his unnamed son had been, or when
and where they lived, seems to be unknown. Differently do we find an entry
in the Martyrology of Donegal,' that the Sons of Talarg had a festival cele-
brated in their honour, at the 8th of September. Whether one or more than
one brother had been venerated also appears to admit of question ; but, wt
are inclined to accept the authority of the more ancient calendar.
&intb 2B^p of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. KIERAIN, CIARAN OR KYRAN, ABBOT OF
CLONMACNOISE.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION— MATERIALS FOR THE ACTS OF ST. KIERAIN — PROPHECIES REGARDING
HIS BIRTH— HIS FAMILY AND PEDIGREE— PLACE AND TIME OF HIS BIRTH— HIS
BAPTISM BY ST. JUSTUS — HE STUDIES UNDER ST. FINIAN, ABBOT OF CLONARD.
THIS celebrated archimandrite of the Irish Church has left behind him
a national fame, because it was founded on a variety of holy enterprises,
tending to the edification of his disciples, and to the increase of piety among
the faithful. " Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time."1
This should teach us, that length of years is not always the condition attaching
to a well-spent life ; but God regards all great acts of virtue practised in the
briefest run of time, and multiplies His rewards for them, until they are finally
crowned. Even the more pleasing man's soul is to the Almighty, we
ought to regard that as a favour in being drawn away to rest, which worldlings
are slow to understand, and unwise enough not to weigh in their consideration.
Such a happy soul is removed from cares and iniquities, while the mercy of
God is thus manifested by His special graces to the saint, and by His true
respect or real favours for the elect.2 Life soon ended, and a career, unsullied
by the vagaries and vices of a careless disposition, render the saint's early
death the best increase of his anticipated heir-loom in a life beyond the grave.
Long before any regular Lives of St. Kieran had been composed, popularity
and tradition ascribed to him many wonderful miracles; but these, for the
most part, are so extravagant and incredible, that all should not be received
as authentic. Several bardic compositions were in circulation, likewise, and
with a licence peculiar to these, the true facts of St. Kieran's biography have
been stained and obscured. They obtained too wide a circulation, and
unfortunately the strange taste of the middle ages too often seized upon the
marvellous and imaginary rather than on the prosaic and authentic accounts of
history and biography. Various Manuscript Lives of this Saint Kieran are
extant j yet, are they very unreliable materials for authentic narrative. In the
Felire of St. ^ngus, our saint is commemorated at this date, and to that copy
of it contained in the " Leabhar Breac " are additions in the shape of notes,
all in the Irish characters and language.3 Several of St. Kieran's Manuscript
Kelly, p. xxxiii. Also in the Book of Article I. — ' Wisdom iv., 13.
Leinster copy we find mac CaIaj\<m5. 2 Ibid., 14, 15.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 See "Transactions of the Royal Irish
240, 241. Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
Lives are preserved in the Royal Irish Academy/ Among the Halliday
collection of manuscripts there is a copy of St. Kieran's Life, and a translation
into English, by J. O'Beirne Crowe.* There is an Irish Life of St. Ciarain
of Clonmacnoise 6 in the Book of Lismore.? Of late, among the other Irish
Texts containing Lives of Irish Saints, published from this manuscript,8
is the panegyric on Betha Chiarain Guana meic Nois, edited with a Preface,
an English Translation, Notes, and Indices, by Whitley Stokes, D.C.L. In
the published tract — rendered from the original Irish text into equivalent
English lettering — there are eighteen closely printed pages ;9 the English
translation is comprised within nineteen pages.10 This Life, contained in the
Book of Lismore, has been copied from a still more ancient manuscript."
The Book of Lismore had been compiled from the lost Book of Monasterboice,
and from other manuscripts, in the latter half of the fifteenth century, for
Finghin Mac Carthaigh Riabhach, and his wife, Catherine, daughter to
Thomas, Eighth Earl of Desmond. Hence, it is sometimes and more
properly called the Book of MacCarthy Reagh.ia It had been preserved in
Timoleague Abbey, in the beginning of the seventeenth century.1* Afterwards,
it was conveyed to Lismore Castle, where it long remained concealed, and at
length it was there accidentally found, in 18 14, by some workmen engaged in
repairing the castle. It was found lying, along with an antique crozier, in a
wooden box, taken from a walled-up passage. The manuscript had suffered
much from damp, while the back, front, and top margin was theji gnawed in
several places by rats or mice. It is now the property of the Duke of
Devonshire. The reputed Codex Kilkenniensis I4 has a Life of St. Kyaranus
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus. By
Whitley Stokes, LL.D., pp. cxxxvii. and
cxliii., cxliv.
4 Among them are the following : In the
collection of Messrs. Hodges and Smith,
there is a small 4to paper MS., No. 12, in
the K.I.A.; it contains a Life of St. Kieran.
The viii. vol. of O'Longan MSS., in the
R.I. A., contains The Life of St. Ciaran of
Clonmacnois, p. 171. In the same vol.
there is an ancient prose Legend of St.
Ciaran of Cluain Mac Nois and of Cairbre
Crom, pp. 93, 94. The first volume of the
O'Longan Manuscripts in the Royal Irish
Academy contains a curious Legend of St.
Ciaran of Clonmacnois, and two of his
clerics. It is entitled eaccrvA leifcin, or
The Adventures of Leithin, and it contains
some curious topographical references, pp.
378 to 385.
5 This translation is dated, August 12th,
1865.
6 This is a panegyric or sermon, but it is
very legendary. However, it is curious,
owing to allusions that serve to elucidate
some old customs. It appears to have been
a discourse prepared for delivery on occasion
of St. Ciaran's festival, and apparently pro-
nounced at Clonmacnoise.
7 Among the O'Longan MSS., vol. vi.,
in the Royal Irish Academy, there are some
few notices regarding the birth and death of
several of the old Irish saints, taken from
Keating, with a note to this effect : " The
Life of Ciaran of Cluain is in the great illus-
trious book, wbich Donogh Ban O'Flinn has
lately brought from Lismore, after having
coaxed it out of the hands of the Heretics,
and that by his own superior dexterity, and
with the help of God ; and he has it in Cork,
at this time, 181 5." See pp. 35, 36. This
Manuscript was written by Michael Oge
O'Longan, between the years i8ioand 1822.
8 In the " Anecdota Oxoniensia," Lives
of •Saints from the Book of Lismore. Ox-
ford, at the Clarendon Press, 1890, 4to.
9 From p. 117 to p. 134.
10 From p. 262 to p. 280.
11 This is stated in the transcriber's note,
at the Colophon, where he asserts, that he
was not answerable for the meaningless
words to be found in it, but they were owiug
to the injured or faded condition of that
copy from which he had traced it.
12 It is written in double columns on 197
leaves of vellum, 15^ inches by ieV% inches.
On an average, 40 lines are on each column.
The initial letters, with which some of the
pieces commence, have the Celtic interlace-
ment. In it, the handwriting of three diffe-
rent scribes can be distinguished : one of
these was a Friar named O'Buagachain,
while another calls himself Aonghus O'Cal-
laid.
"3 On the 20th of June, 1629, Michael
O Clary, one of the Four Masters, used it in
that religious house.
14 In Archbishop Marsh's Library, Dublin.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
201
of Clonmacnois.1* His Acts as found there are probably copied from a still
more ancient source. A Life of St. Kieran was compiled byAugustin Magraidin,
from two older ones.16 Owing to an imperfect description, it is not possible to
state, without a close investigation, whether the Manuscript Acts of St. Kieran,
and the ,l S. Kierani Confessio," to be found in the Burgundian Library at
Bruxelles,'? have reference to the present saint, or to another bearing his name.*8
In the University City of Oxford are two copies of this saint's Acts.'? They
appear to be taken from the same source.20 It was Colgan's intention, to
have issued the Acts of St. Kieranus, Abbot, at the 9th of September.
This we find from the posthumous list of his Manuscripts,*1 as also from the
Vita S. Kierani Cluana, in the u Vitae Sanctorum," ex Cod. Inisensi, yet
preserved in the Franciscan Convent, Dublin.22 We learn, that other Acts
of Saint Kieran were extant in Colgan's time ; and, he frequently alludes
to them 33 with satisfaction, promising to publish such compilation, as might
serve for a biography. This promise, however, has not been hitherto
fulfilled. In the Bollandist Collection "Acta Sanctorum,"2* Father Con-
stantine Suyskens gives a Historic Commentary2s on St. Kyran or Queran,
Abbot of Clonmacnoise, in Meath province, Ireland. The Bollandists had
a Life of this saint, in their collection,26 and by some anonymous writer.2?
In it, scarcely anything was to be found except prodigies, and these partly
borrowed from other Lives, with some original matter, but related in such a
silly manner,.that those accounts deserved little credence from the learned,
unless receiving confirmation from a more skilled and erudite author than
the writer.28 This latter Manuscript may have been identical with an Irish
Life, cited by Sirin 20 or O'Sheeran, and said to have been compiled by our
«s At fol, 145 to 148.
16 As stated, by Father Papebroke, in his
Fourth Commentary on the Acts of St. En-
deus, at the 2lst of March.
17 In the Catalogue they are classed vol.
iv., Nos. 2324-2340, fol. 86, 69.
18 There is an Irish Life of St. Kieranus
Cluanensis, in the Royal Burgundiun Li-
brary of Brussels. It was transcribed, in
the Franciscan convent, Athlone, by Brother
Michael O'Clery, from the Book of Aodh
Og Ua Dalachain of Les Cluaine in Meath,
vol. xi. (4190-4200), fol. 149a.
'9 In MSS. :— Vita S. Kiarani seu Querani
Junioris primi Abbatis Clonmacnoisensis.
MS. Bodl. Rawl. B. 505, pp. 81-86, veil,
fol. xiv. cent. MS. Bodl. Rawl. B. 485,
fol. 167, veil. 4t0 xiv. cent.
20 Incipit. — " Vir gloriosus et vita sanctis-
simus Abbas Queranus ex patre Boetio
matre Darercha, ortus fuit." — Thomas
Duffus Hardy's " Descriptive Catalogue of
Materials Relating to the History of Great
Britain and Ireland," vol. i., part i., p. 126.
21 See ." Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
quae MS. habentur, Ordine Mensium et
Dierum."
22 At pp. 104 to in.
23 Both in the "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
niae" and in " Trias Thaumaturga."
24 See tomus iii., Septembris ix., De S.
Kierano seu Querano Abbate Cluain-mic-
Noisensi in Media Hibernian Provincia, pp.
37o to 383.
25 Contained in six sections and sixty-nine
paragraphs.
26 Noticed in the Old Bollandist Catalogue,
and marked Salamancan Manuscript, P.,
MS. 11.
27 In " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Feb-
ruarii vi., sect, iii., num. 19, in his Historic
Commentary on the Holy Mel, Melcho,
Munis, and Rioch, Bolandus tells us, it was
foolishly and negligently written. See p.
780. Suyskens considered it not worth
publication.
28 That his life differed from one, possessed
by the Bollandists, appears in passages, cited
by Colgan and Ussher. Such extracts are
not found in the Bollandist copy.
29 In these words: " De S. Kierano
Cluanensi Abbate et instituta ab ipso
monastica socictate plenissimam exhibcnt
fidem Acta ipsius MS. quae cum aliis
habentur in illo codice Ardmacano, ab
ipsius sancti viri antiquis discipulis accepta,
in quibus legitur S. Finnianus, sancti viri
magister, propter institute ab ipso Con-
gregations amplitudinem Leath Nereann, id
est. dimidium Hiberniae nomen imposuisse."
— R. P. F. Patricii Flemingi Hiberni
Ordinis Fratrum Minorum Strictioris obser-
vantioe olim Sacrae Theologise Lectoris,
"Collectanea Sacra seu S. Columbani
Hiberni Abbatis," &c. Dissertatio de
Monastica S. Columbani Luxoviensis et
Bobiensis Abbatis Professione, Art. iii., sect,
ii., num. 84, p. 433.
202
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
saint's disciples. However, the want of a copy prevented Suyskens from
investigating this matter at length. The Bollandist editor regrets not being
able to find any old Life of this saint, which should be found worthy of
presentation to a studious reader. But for want of ancient satisfactory Acts
relating to St. Kieran, Father Suyskens was obliged to compile his Life from
various other sources. Especially was he obliged to make, reference to the
Lives of other Irish Saints, which were extant. Thus did he collect such
scattered notices together, and combine them in a narrative, referring to this
Abbot of Clonmacnoise and to his time.?0 The first dissertation treats on
various evidences regarding this saint, as drawn from the Martyrologies and
other writings. John Wilson ** has a notice concerning our saint, who was
descended, as he tells us, from a noble family?2 in the Scottish Kingdom,
where this holy Queran, abbot and confessor, had been buried. In a subse-
quent edition 33 of his Martyrology, and treating the same subject, we are
informed, that St. Queran 34 first became monk, and afterwards abbot over
St. Columba's monastery, in Ireland, and that his holy life and miracles have
been greatly lauded by posterity.35 Wion,3° Menard,37 and Bucelinus 38 rank
St. Kieran among saints of the Benedictine Order. However, both in his
Acts and in the Annals of this Order, Mabillon takes no notice regarding the
present saint. In the Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," at the 9th of September^0 there are some brief
notices regarding St. Kiaran, Abbot.
Long before Kieran entered the world, his birth had been predicted by
St. Patrick,*0 the great Apostle of Ireland, who then dwelt on the top of the
mountain, Cruachan Aighle,41 where he was engaged in heavenly contem-
plation. Moreover, St. Patrick told his disciple, St. Munis,*2 that where
relics had been found at Clonmacnoise, this place should remain for a holy
man, named Kieran, the son of a smith, according to the decrees of Divine
Providence ; that our saint should be born after thirty years ; that there he
30 The writer adds: "At priusquam id
agam, lectorem duo universim monitum
velim ; primum est, quod Hibernorum
Sanctorum Acta passim dubiat sint fidei, et
a Scriptoribus minime accuratis ac setate
longe posterioribus conscripta. Alterum
est, quod in iisdem frequens occurrat rerum
similimarum narratio, quas variis Sanctis
adscribunt ; ita ut nescias, cui tuto adscribi
possint."
31 In the " Martyrologium Anglicanum,"
published in 1 608.
33 We may wonder why our saint should
be represented as belonging to a noble
family, when in various other accounts con-
cerning him, he is called a " son of the
carpenter," or artificer.
33 Published in 1640.
■u He died, it is there incorrectly re-
corded, about the year of Christ, 650, and
he was buried In Scotia.
35 It cannot be admitted, that he was a
Benedictine monk, or still less could he have
been a disciple to St. Columba, or an Abbot,
in the same monastery. The first assertion
is hazarded without the least foundation,
and the second is altogether removed from
truth ; because St. Columba survived St.
Kieran more than fifty years, and it is not
correct to say, that this latter died A. i>. 650.
These conclusions must be established, on
the slightest examination of this subject.
36 In "Lignum Vitse."
37 In " Martyrologium Benedictinum."
38 In " Menologium Benedictinum."
39 See vol. ix.
40 See his Life, at the 17th of March, in
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
41 Papebroke tells us, that in the year 453,
or thereabouts, St. Patrick spent his Lent
of forty fasting days on Mount Cruachan
Aichle, and predicted that St. Kieran
would become the founder of Clonmacnoise.
Whether we agree with a statement made
in some old acts, quoted by Colgan, and to
which allusion has been made, that our saint
should be born thirty years after that date,
or as another Life of Kieran has it, fifty
years afterwards, we must set down these
respective periods to a.d., 483 and 503.
To reconcile either date, as the" year of his
birih, with the year of his death in 549,
should give our saint a life extending to
sixty-six or to forty-six years. This alto-
gether conflicts with the chronology of
Archbishop Ussher.
42 Venerated at the 6th of February, and
at the 18th of December.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
203
should erect a church ; and that he should be celebrated throughout
Hibernia and Albania.** This prediction was duly accomplished in course
of time.44 An account, somewhat different from the foregoing,4* informs us,
that his birth had been predicted by the Apostle of Ireland, and fifty years
before the accomplishment of such event. There is likewise mention
respecting a certain magician's prophecy, and immediately before our saint's
'birth ; but, this narrative appears to have been borrowed from the Acts of
St. Comgall,46 Abbot of Bangor, and it is coloured according to the writer's
fancy. These statements evidently abound in fable.47 Moreover, as we are
told, St. Brigid48 prophesied regarding him, when she beheld the flame and
the angel fifty years before Ciardn.49 Bee Mac D6S° also prophesied of him,
when he said: "There, O son of the wright, in thy beautiful chasuble,
with thy choirs, with thy melodies, with thy chariots, with thy songs."
Again, it is stated, that St. Columkille 51 prophesied of him to Aed, son
of Brandub or Brenainn, on Ard Abla.52
The name of this saint has been variously written by different
authors. Some style him Ciarain and Queranus ;53 others, Kieranus ;*4 whilst
Kyeranus.ss Keranus s6 and Cheranus 5? are likewise names applied to him.
The reasons for this variation are adduced by Colgan, in his Acts of St.
Kieran, Abbot of Saigir and Bishop. s8 Suyskens adheres to Colgan's usual
mode of spelling our saint's name, viz., Kieranus. Among more recent
writers, Castellan and the author of the Parisian Martyrology, call this saint
Kiaranus. There are many saints bearing the name Ciarain or Kiarain in
our Irish Calendars. 59
« The matter is thus related. When St.
Munis returned from Rome, and had been
overtaken by night at the present site of
Clonmacnoise, he was astonished to behold
a vision of angels, hovering around the spot,
where St. Patrick had formerly buried a
leper's body. Munia had deposited a
casket, containing certain relics, in the
hollow of an adjoining tree. When morning
dawned, the substance and bark of that tree
were found to have grown around the
precious deposit, so as entirely to conceal
it. Then Munis said: "There is some
man of God here interred, for there I be-
hold a service rendered by Angels." As-
tonished at such occurrences, axes and other
implements were procured to cut down that
tree. However, little progress was made
at the labour. It was then resolved to refer
this whole matter to St. Patrick, and his
pronouncement is above recorded.
44 Joceline adds to this account : " Est
enim locus ille inter Midiam et Connactiam
in quo sita est civitas Cluanensis, in qua
habetur hodie sedes episcopalis." " Trias
Thaumaturga " Sexta Vita S. Patricii,
cap. cxiii. p. 91. See also Septima Vita or
Tripartita S. Patricii, Pars, ii., cap. xxv. p.
132, ibid. Likewise, "Acta Sanctorum
Hibernise," vi. Februarii, Acta S. Munis,
cap. ix., p. 266.
«S In the apocryphal Acts of St. Kiarain.
46 See his Acts at the 10th of May, in the
Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
4? As the Bollandist editor remarks.
48 See her Life, in the Second Volume of
this work, at the 1st of February, Art, i.
49 This is stated in that sermon on our saint,
contained in the Book of Lismore, and the
prophecy was in the place whereon Brigid's
crosses stood — we may presume at Clonmac-
noise— on that particular feast-day of its
delivery.
s° He is venerated as a saint, on the 12th
of October.
*' See the Life of St. Columkille, at the
9th of June, in the Sixth Volume of this
work, Art. i.
52 Where this place was has not been dis-
covered. See the " Anecdota Oxoniensia."
Dr. Whitley Stokes' Lives of Saints from
the Book of Lismore, pp. 118, 264.
53 See, Usuard, Baronius and others.
54 In Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nian," Vita S. Munis Episcopi, p. 266, and
Vita S. Aidi, p. 420. Also, in "Trias
Thaumaturya," Vita S. Patricii, p. 136, and
Vita S. Columbae, p. 392, &c.
ss In the Acts of St. Finnian, at the 23rd
of February, p. 395, and in the Life of St.
Senan, at p. 610, recte 520.
s6 In Vita S. Endei, p. 708.
57 In Aleninus, carm. 246.
s8 See his Life, at the 5th of March, in
the third volume of this work, Art. i.
59 Father Sirin or O'Sheet an states, " Che-
ranos seu Kieranos viginti-sex,ejusdem stirpis
multos." — u Sancti Rumoldi Martyris In-
clyti," &c. Dissertatio Historica, &c, sect.
10, num. 21, p. 198.
204
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
Beoaidh was the name of his father, who was a carpenter, according to
ancient accounts.60 Darerca was his mother's name. She was daughter of
Earcan, son to Buachall, son to Glas,6' the poet of the Ciarraighe,62 of
Irluachair.6* The unknown author of Kieran's Acts calls his father Beord or
Boeo.6* That he descended from the race of Core, son to Fergus, son of
Ross, son to Rudhraighe, is the general account. We are informed, by Colgan,
that our saint's father was called Beoanus or Beoadus.6* He is represented^
as having been an artificer or a smith.66 He is said, likewise, to have been
of noble and religious descent, although a .chariot-maker, while the mother
of Kieran is called Darerca.6? Whatever may be thought about the nobility
of St. Kieran's descent, nearly all accounts left us agree in considering his
father as a mechanic.68 Yet, the commentator on the " Feilire" of Oengus,69
calls our saint the son of Nos. However, Colgan states, that his parents
belonged to the race of Roderick 7° in Ultonia. St. Kiaran had four brothers,
and three holy sisters -J1 viz., Cronan the Deacon, Donnan the Deacon,
Luachall the Priest, and Odhran the Priest ; Lughbet, Pata, and Raithbeo
were the three sisters.?2
60 As we are informed, our saint was called
" Kyeranus filius artificis," or Kieran son of
the artificer, which is also interpreted " Mac-
an-tsair," in the Acts of St. Finian of Clo-
nard.
61 Contrary to his own pedigree, which is
identical with that in the text, the Life in
the Book of Lismore states incorrectly, that
Glas was Darerca's grandfather.
6* Glasraige was the particular spot in that
territory to which she belonged.
63 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,"
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
240, 241.
64 The parental genealogy of our saint —
as understood at Clonmacnoise many centu-
ries back — is the following : Ciaran, son of
Beoit, son to Olchan, son of Dichu, son to
Core, son of Cuindiu, son of Cuinnid, son to
Fiac, son of Maelcatrach, son to Laise, son
of Lairne, son to Cuiltre, son of Gluinech,
son to Coirpre, son of Lug, son of Meidle,
son of Dub, son of Lugna, son to Feidlimid,
son of Eochu, son to Bresal, son of Degha,
son of Reo-soirche, son to Tigernmas, son
of Follach, son of Eithrial, son to Irial the
prophet, son of Eremon, son to Mil of Spain.
°5 The genealogy of St. Ciaran of Cluain-
macnois is contained in the ,k Leabhar
Breac," at page 16, col. I, line 26.
66 See " Acta Sanctorum Iliberniae, ' xv.
Januarii. Vita S. Itae, n. 15.
67 In that Life of our saint contained in
the Book of Lismore, we are told, that this
was the manner of their courtship : " When
Beoit went to visit his brothers, who dwelt
in the district of CeneM Fiacha, and when lie
saw the girl Darerca before them, he asked
her relations and her parents to give her to
him, and sooth she was given to him."
6H Thus, when allusion is made to our
saint, in the Fifth Life of St. Columba, at
lib. i., cap. lxxxi , as published by Colgan,
we find this note subjoined by the latter
writer, " Est hie sanctus Kieranus abbas de
Cluain-muc-nois, qui agnomine patronimico
filius saoir, id est, fabri, appellatur, ut con-
stat ex ejus vita exhibenda ad ix. Septem-
bris." See " Trias Thaumaturga," p. 402,
and n. 75, p. 451.
69 In the " Leabhar Breac " copy. See
u Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy."
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On
the Calendar of Aengus, by Whitley Stokes,
LL.D., n. p. cxliii.
7° Or Rudhraighe Mor, from the line of
Ir, son of Mileadh. The princes who occu-
pied Emania, the Ultonian seat of royalty,
were, with few exceptions, of the Clanna
Rudhraighe descent. The Dal Fiatach
family, descended from Heremon, at an
early date, had been engrafted into the
Clanna Rudraighe, and had attained con-
siderable power at A.D. 332, when it shared
their fortunes in the joint limitations of their
circumscribed territory of Uladh. See Rev.
William Reeves' " Ecclesiastical Antiquities
of Down, Connor and Dromore." Appen-
dix II., pp. 252 to 369.
'■ The Life in the Book of Lismore states,
five brothers, and •' this is the order in which
they were born, to wit, Lucholl, her first
born, Donnan, the second, Ciaran, the third,
Odian, the fourth, Cronan, the fifth, and he
was a deacon, but the other four sons were
archpresbyters. Then she bore three
daughters to him, and two of them were
virgins, even Lugbec and Rathbeo. Now,
Pata was the third daughter, and she was a
piolis widow. These are the graveyards in
which are the relics of those saints, to wit,
Lucholl and Odran in Isel Ciarain.
Donnan and Ciaran in Clonmacnois.
Deacon Cronan and Beoit, and the three
daughters in Tech Meic int-saeir."
?2 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,"
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
242, 243.
September 9.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS.
205
Some controversy has been excited in reference to the exact place of this
St. KTaran's birth. Although he is said to have been of Ultonian descent ;
yet, St. Patrick is represented, in one place, as prophesying, that St. Kieran
should be born in the southern parts of Ireland.73 Such account is thought
reconcilable, however, with a statement, that he was a native of Media ter-
ritory, as mentioned in the beginning of his acts.?* This mensal territory of
Media or Midia was anciently regarded as a kingdom, 75 or the supreme
^Monarch's portion, and one among the five divisions of Ireland or ancient
Scotia. In our Saint's Manuscript Life, possessed by the Bollandists, he is
related to have been born in the Connaught province, as an impious king,
named Ainmire, the son of Colgan, ruled over the territory of Hiii Neill, and
he imposed a very heavy tribute on its tribes and kindred. St. Kieran's
father is said to have been oppressed by that tribute which Ainmire76 exacted,
and that he had been obliged in consequence to retire beyond the Shannon.
In this province, where Crimthann, son of Lugaid, son of Dalian, reigned,
and in the plain of Ri, Queranus is stated to have been born. However,
Rath Cremthainn in Magh Ai is the reading to be found in our saint's Life,
as contained in the Book of Lismore.77 According to the account found in
the Annals of Innisfallen,78 St. Kieran was born in the year 506. Another
learned writer declares, that the most probable account should assign his
birth to a.d. 507. In this case, he should have lived to the age of forty-two,
supposed to have been sufficient for the various transactions of his life, and still
not long enough for ranking him among persons much advanced in years.7'
In the Annals of Ulster, his birth is set down, under a.d. 511, 8o in which
" See " Trias Thaumaturga." Vita Tri-
partita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. cxxiii., p. 145.
74 Referring to St. Patrick's reputed pro-
phesy, Dr. Lanigan writes: "Whether it
was pronounced or not is of little conse-
quence ; but the denomination of Southern
parts seems to show, that Kieran's birth-
place was not only in Meath, but in a dis-
trict of it far to the south of Armagh ; and,
it is very probable, that it was somewhere
in the neighbourhood of where he afterwards
established his great monastery of Clon-
macnoise. This tract was comprised in the
ancient Meath. Ware and Harris (Bishops
at Clonmacnois) say, that he was of the
sept of the Arads, or of a /amily from the
part of Ulster called Dalaradia. This, how-
ever, does not prevent his having been born
in Meath. — " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land," vol. ii., chap, x., § xi., n. 165, p. 53.
75 Afterwards the English divided this
territory into Meath proper and West Meath.
76 Regarding this King, the Bollandist
editor observes, that Anmereus or Anmire
seems to have been identical with him
named in the Vila S. Columbae, in "the
M Trias Thaumaturga," and in the Acts of
St. Gildas Badonicus, and who is denomi-
nated Anmericus. However, he was not
King of Ireland before St. Kieran's birth, as
may be collected from the aforesaid Vita S.
Columbse, and from Colgan's annotations at
page 374, and nn. 39, 40.
77 In it is stated, that Ciaran was conceived
on the sixth of the calends of June, and that
he was born on the sixth of the calends of
March. It is also said, that his birth was
foretold by Lugbrann, who was the wizard
of King Crimthann, as it is recorded in Irish
verse. "On a certain day, when the wizard
heard the noise of the chariot, he said this,
' Look,' saith he, ' my lads, who there is in
the chariot ; for here is a noise of chariot
under king.' When the gillies went out,
they saw nothing save Beoit and Darerca in
the chariot. When the lads laughed at the
wizard, he said this : ' The child that lies in
the woman's womb,' saith he, ' will be a
mighty king ; and as the sun shineth among
the stars of heaven, so will he shine on earth
in miracles and marvels that cannot be
told.' "
78 Thus : u A. D. 506. Nativitas Ciarani
filii artificis."
79 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's u Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect,
xi., p. 50, and n. 166, pp. 53, 54.
80 See Extracts from the Annals of Ulster,
in Johnstone's " Antiquitates Celto-Xor-
manicse," p. 57. "This date," says Dr.
Lanigan, "would give us 37 years for the
whole life of Kieran, which number of years
is little enough to enable us to account for
his various transactions, and for the extra-
ordinary estimation in which he wa§ held
before his death." — "Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., n.
1 66, pp. 53, 54.
206
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
year an eclipse of the sun is also recorded.81 It is referred to the year 5.1 6,82
by Ussher, who appears to have calculated such date from the Book of
Navan,8^ which states, that our saint only lived thirty-three years.8* If this
account were true, Ussher's calculation should be right, because it is well
known that Kieran died in 549. In the apocryphal Life of our saint, pos-
sessed by the Bollandists, there is mention made of his captivity under a
King Turbithus.85
According to report,86 Kieran was baptized by a certain man named
Justus.8? This title also accurately determined his character.88 Whether
or not, he be the person alluded to in the Vita Tripartita S. Patricii, and
in connexion with our saint, can hardly be determined. The word used
seems to indicate, only a popular report or tradition, and afterwards com-
mitted to writing ; however, we may naturally suspect, that his years could
have been so prolonged, as to confer baptism on St. Kieran.89 Moreover,
much doubt has been thrown9° on the story of St. Patrick moving down to
the district of Hy-maine, and placing a deacon, named Justus,?1 over a
church he founded, at a place called Fidhart.*2 He was a disciple of St.
Patrick, distinguished as well for his prolonged years, as for his great sanc-
tity.93 He is said to have baptised St. Kieran, in the one hundred and
fortieth year of his age ; and to have read the form and rite of baptism, from
a Ritual book, left him by St. Patrick.94 But, in the doubtful Acts of our
81 See the annals uLvoh or Annals of
Ulster, edited by William M. Hennessy,
M.R.I. A., vol. i., pp. 36, 37.
82 See Ussher's " Index Chronologicus "
at A. u. dvi., and Rev. Dr. Lanigan's
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i.,
chap, v., § x., n. 91, and chap, viii., § xiii.,
pp. 246, 419.
83 The Annala Ul<voh or Annals of
Ulster, also state, that according to another
book, the birth of Ciaran happened in 516.
See vol. i., pp. 38, 39, edition of William
M. Hennessy.
84 " The authority, however, of that book
is of little weight, and it is more than pro-
bable, that those 33 years were merely
guessed at to make his life the same length
with that of our Saviour, as is observed in
said book. In Kieran *s Life it was remarked
that he died rather young ; and hence a
conjecture was started that his age might
have been 33." — See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's
M Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
chap, x., § xi., n. 166, p. 53.
85 Probably a misprint for " Furbithus."
86 The word used is " fertur," in the
account of this circumstance. See Colgan's
'"Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S.
Patricii., lib. ii., cap. xlix., p. 136.
8? In the Acts of St. Patrick, edited by
Papebroke at the 17th day of March,
Suyskens observes, that a certain holy
hermit, named Justus, is said to have been
kindly received by St. Patrick, the Apostle
of Ireland.
88 The Life of St. Kiaran, in the Book of
Lismore, calls him Deacon Justus.
89 The Bollandist editor adds : " Ut tamen
admittamus, sanctum Abbatem ab aliquo a
Patricii discipulis eo Sacramento initiatum
fuisse, non propterea necesse est tarn singu-
larem in eo longe vitam adstruire ; quippe
cum magnus ille Hibernorum apostolus
anno 460, ut in ipsius Actis ostendit Pape-
brochius, ad supros emigraverit, sanctus
vero Kieranus anno 516 natus perhibeatur, ut
intelligitur, hanc baptizari potuisse ab illius
discipulo, qui octogenario non esset major."
»° By Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
91 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. i., chap, v., sect, x., p. 244.
91 In his usual manner, Archdall gives us
an abbey of Fidhart, "and to make the
story better, places it both in Roscommon
and Galway ; founded, he says, by St.
Patrick, who consigned it to Justus. Besides
the incorrectness of the latter part of this
statement, Archdall was mistaken also in
calling it an abbey ; for the church of
Fidhart, according to even the Tripartite,
was no more than a deaconry, although
afterwards it became a parochial church, in
the diocese of Elphin, as Colgan says it was
in his time." — Ibid., n. 91 pp. 246, 247.
91 In reference to this saint, Dr. Lanigan
remarks, that what has been ridiculously said
about the 140th year is more than sufficient
to show Justus could not have been placed
over a church so early as the Tripartite-
states. It is also to be observed, that in
Kieran's Life, Justus is said not only to
have baptised Kieran, but likewise to have
instructed him.
94 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Vita Tripartita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. xlix.,
p. 136.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 207
saint, possessed by the Bollandists, it is related, that Kieran of Clonmacnoise
was baptised and brought up, by a very holy man, Dermitius by name.95
Which of these accounts — if either statement be accepted — is more correct,
it would prove a difficult matter to decide.
As usual in the Acts of all our most celebrated Irish saints, where no
authentic accounts have been preserved of their youth, the legend-mongers
are quite ready to supply incredible fictions. So in the Life of St. Ciaran,
many of these are thoroughly ridiculous j and it may even be questioned, if
some allusions in such narratives tend to exhibit the social customs and
habits of his time, or whether they serve to elucidate matters connected with
contemporaneous history. Only in such cases do we regard them as worthy
of enumeration, and most certainly requiring much abridgment of circum-
stantial details. Thus, for bringing to life a horse belonging to Oengus, the
son of Cremthann, our saint received a tract of land denominated Tir-na-
Gabra, or the Land of the Steed ; honey, which he miraculously procured
for his mother, was given as a fee to Justus for baptizing him ; when a hound
attacked him, he chaunted this verse, " Ne tradas bestiis animam confitentem
mihi," and the hound fell dead; after the manner of Jacob, of David son of
Jesse, and of other patriarchs,96 his parents set him over herds, and the
Almighty knew that in future times he would be a faithful herdsman over the
faithful j he also kept the herds of his foster-father, the Deacon Justus, at
Fidarta ; likewise, allusion is made to the preparation of blue dye-stuff, as a
practice of his mother j moreover, while herding kine, a wolf came and
devoured a calf, which the saint brought once more to life ; besides, on a certain
day, robbers from Offaly raided the district of Cenel Fiachrach, and among
others, they attempted to kill St. Ciaran, but they were struck with blindness
and could not move, until after repentance they were released ; again, his
father sent him with the present of a caldron to king Furban, but he bestowed
it on some poor men he met on the way, so that he incurred the king's dis-
pleasure, and was condemned to grind at a quern, when lo ! it began to turn
of its own accord, and the angels of the Lord were supposed to have been
the agents ; not long afterwards, smiths came from Munster bearing three
caldrons as a present for Ciaran, and these he presented to the king, who
released him from slavery.^?
In the Monastery of Clonard, on the confines of Leinster and Meath, it
is stated, that St. Kieran received his early education. 98 Another legend
relates, that when about to proceed thither, Ciaran asked his parents for a
cow as a present for his master, but this was refused ; yet the cow99 with her
calf followed the youthful scholar to Clonard, where she gave milk to twelve
95 The Bollandist editor remarks, that in cap. xix., p. 395. The Bollandists deferred
the Acts of St. Columba, Abbot of Iona, and giving the Acts of Saint Finian to the 12th
published at the 9th day of June, there is a of December ; but, in their previous corn-
certain " Diermitius " mentioned, and he mentary on the Life of St. Kyran of Saigir,
was a disciple to that Abbot. But, as St. and published at the 5th of March, sect. 2,
Columba is said to have died A.D. 597, and it is shown, that no chronological objection
St. Kieran is supposed to have been born can fairly be offered to the statement, that
A.D. 516, this last-named must have St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise could have been
been a junior to the "Diermitius" in a disciple to St. Finian of Clonard.
question. 9' St. Ciaran blessed this cow, and after-
96 As found in the Book of Lismore. wards it bore the name of Odar Ciarain, or
9? See " Anecdota Oxoniensia," edited Ciaran's Dun. In the narrator's day, the
by Whitley Stokes, D.C.L., pp. 265 to hide of that cow was said to have beer* pre-
267. served in Clonmacnoise, and whatever soul
98 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- separated from its body on that hide was
nige." Februarii xxiii. Vita S, Finiani. thought to possess eteinal life.
208
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
bishops and other guests, who lived in St. Finian's establishment.100 By
others, it is said he received from St. Justus his first lessons.101 In case we
admit Ussher's chronology regarding his birth, Kieran of Clonmacnoise could
not have been advanced beyond his years of early infancy, when he entered
the school of St. Finian at Clonard. However, it is generally admitted, that
our saint was a disciple of St. Finian, Abbot of Clonard,103 and contempo-
raneously with him were his namesake Kieran of Saigre,10^ Columkille,10*
Columba mac Crimthaind,10* Brendan son of Finlog,106 Brendan of Birr,10?
Laistrian108 son of Nathfraich, Sinell son of Maenac,100 Cainec of Daland's
posterity,110 Ruadan of Lothra,"1 Nannyd Lamdere,"2 Mugenoc Killicu-
mulus,"3 Bishop Sennach,"* and many others."5 These were all holy men,
and highly distinguished for their great virtues. We are told, that St. Kieran
gave certain possessions to Finian, his teacher, and to his successors, as like-
wise to Clonard he left much of its landed property."6 This statement"7 is
supposed to have reference to our own St. Kieran, known as the younger,"8
and who became a respectable abbot, both in Clonmacnoise and in Aingen.110
But, as St. Finian lived to a.d. 565, "° and according to the Acts of St.
Columba, as he exceeded the one hundred and tenth year of his age, Pape-
broke thinks, that Ussher's authority may be disputed, and that there can
be some reasons assigned for a different opinion. Suyskens considers, if this
donation were made by either of the Kierans, it should seem rather referable
100 An Irish verse alluding to this legend,
is thus translated into English :—
" Full fifty and a hundred
Ciaran's Dun used to feed,
Both guests, and weaklings,
And folk of the refectory and upper
,01 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," xviii. Januarii, Vita S. Nennidhii, cap.
vii., p. 113-
102 His festival occurs on the 12th of De-
cember, at which date his Acts may be found.
103 His feast is held on the 5th of March.
See his Life, at that date, in the Third
Volume of this work, Art. i.
104 See the Life of St. Columba or Colum-
kille, at the 9th of June, in the Sixth
Volume of this work, Art, i.
105 Otherwise Colum Mac Ui Cremhthan-
nain of Tir-da-glas, whose feast is held on
13th of December.
106 His feast occurs on the 16th of May.
See at that date his Life in the Fifth Volume
of this work, Art. i.
107 His festival occurs on the 29th of
November.
108 His feast-day has not been ascertained.
109 His festival is held on the 12th of
November.
1,0 His feast occurs on the I ith of October.
111 See his Life, at the 15th of April, in
the Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
1,2 Not identified.
"3 Not identified.
"« Not identified,
"s In the Life of St. Ciaran of Clonmac-
noise, as found in the Book of Lismore, they
are enumerated from an Irish poem, and the
account is thus translated into English :
11 Now the twelve bishops of Ireland abode
in Findian's school at Clonard, as (a poet)
said :
1 Two Findians, two chaste Colombs,
Ciaran, Camnach, fair Comgall,
Two Brenainns, Ruadan with beauty,
Ninnid, Mobi, Nat-fraich's son.' "
i.e.t Molaisi of Devenish.
1,6 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii., p. 471. See also p.
495-
"7 Taken from certain documents belong-
ing to the Diocese of Meath.
1,8 Papebroke, also, seems inclining to
the same opinion. He remarks that it
suffices for such a state of things, if Finan
returned to Ireland, before the end of the
fifth and in the beginning of the sixth cen-
tury, and then admitted scholars to his
school. Thus both of the Saints Kyran
could have attended his lessons, although
not in Clonard monastery.
"9 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Martii
v. Commentarius Praevius, § ii., num. 12.
Papebroke adds to the foregoing account,
" tantum liberalitate principum profecisset
ut de eo, quod sibi abundabat, tain amplos
fundos possit magistro suo, velut pro miner-
uali, rependere."
120 Uasher, however, places his death at
a.d. 552, on the authority of the Innisfallen
Annals, See " Britanicarum Ecclesiarum
Antiquitates," Index Chronologicus, p. 531.
September 9.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 209
to Kieran of Saigir than to him of Clonmacnoise. For, although the opinion
be not admitted, that our Kieran died in the thirty-third year of his age,
whilst Papebroke thinks, Kieran of Saigir died in 520; this latter cannot
have frequented Clonard school with the former. The record cited by
Ussher does not determine this point satisfactorily,"1 since it fails to dis-
tinguish which of the Kierans is there mentioned,123 Manual labour is said
to have been practised at this school of Clonard, and each of the bishops
there had his task assigned alternately to grind a day at the quern. "3 But,
when our saint's day came, angels u$ed to grind at the quern for Ciaran. ,24
While he war, there, and having dedicated her maidenhood to God, the king
of Cualann's daughter was entrusted to the care of Findian, who brought her
to Ciaran, and with him she used to read the psalms. So long as he was
engaged in teaching her, he would not look at the face of the young lady,
and he saw only her feet. So great an opinion had Findian of the disciple's
sanctity, that when twelve lepers came to be healed by him, the abbot sent
them to Ciaran, v/ho, taking a sod from the earth, caused water to flow, and
pouring three waves of it over each of the men, they were immediately
cleansed from their leprosy. Again, it is related, that while Ninnid Slant-eye
of Locha Eime #as a student with him at Clonard, he had no book, and was
directed by Findian to borrow from some one among the scholars. They
refused to lend him, and this he stated to the abbot, who said, " Hast thou
gone to the tender youth who is in the north of the green?" Ninnid said
he had not, but that he should then go, and meantime Ciaran had arrived
at the middle text of St. Matthew's Gospel : " Omnia quaecumque vultis at
faciant homines vobis ita et vos faciatis illis."I25 Ninnid then said, " I have
come to borrow a book." "Mercy come to us !" replied Ciaran, "it is for
this I read, and this the text saith to me, that I should do unto everyone
what I desire should be done unto me." He then gave that book. On the
morrow, his companions asked Ninnid regarding his procuring of the book,
and they were told the circumstances already related. One of the class then
said, " Let Ciaran Half-Matthew126 be his name." " Nay," replied Findian,
" but Ciaran Half-Ireland,12? for half of Ireland shall be his, and ours shall
be the other half."128 Other legendary accounts are given regarding his
121 Notwithstanding the foregoing state- says, he could not determine the particular
ment, Ussher distinctly lays it down from the St. Kyran here meant. But, he suspects,
old Life of St. Finian, that the two Kierans, also, that this account must have been trans-
" Kieranus filius Artificis qui iriAcicAein ferred from the acts of other saints. As for
dicitur, et Kieranus Saigre " attended his instance, an angel is said to have worked a
school at Clonard. And the Kieran, who mill for St. Senan, as recorded in the " Acta
bestowed Clonard and its possessions on his Sanctorum," tomus i., Martii viii., nn. 13
master, has been identified with him of et seq., p. 771.
Clonmacnoise. See TJssher's " Britanni- ,2s Somewhat similar to this account is one
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., related in the Life of St. Gildas Badonicus.
p. 471' There reference is made to some ancient
133 However, TJssher's conjecture seems Life of St. Finnian, who was the master of
far more probable, taking into account the Kieran.
dates, position and circumstances of these ,2<5 In Latin " Dimidium Matthaei." The
early events. Irish words are Leth Matha.
123 This account— substituting mill for ,27 The Irish words used were Leth
quern — is given by Colgan, from the biogra- nErionn. Having been honoured and en-
pherof St. Kyran, whom he cites, in u Trias dowed by Irish princes, many farms, cells
Thaumaturga." Vita S. Columbia, n. 12, and monasteries became subject to him ; so
p. 457* that Kieran and his succes*ors might be re-
124 Again we are informed, this same pro- garded, as having the half of Ireland subject
digy had taken place, during his captivity to them.
under King Furbithus. Not having seen ,28 To this the writer of St. Ciaran's Life
the document cited by Colgan, Suyskens in the Book of Lismore adds, and with an
O
2io LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
miracles and spirit of prophecy, while at Clonard j but, we shall only refer
to them as introducing the domestic and social usages of wheat and oats
being carried to a mill, loaves of wheat, bacon, flesh, vessels of ale, mead,
nocturns and prime, reaping and reapers, being mentioned. Certain of the
clerics asked Findian, who would give out the prayer, when himself should
be no longer on earth. " Yonder youth," replied Findian, pointing to
Ciaran. 1S9 " Thou givest the abbacy to him," saith Brenainn, M in preference
to everyone." Findian replied : " It hath been given, it is given, and it shall
be given." This saying caused Ciaran to#be envied by all the saints, except
Columkille. Then one of those present asked Ciaran, which of the saints
should have the greatest reward in Heaven. " Mercy come to us !" returned
Ciaran, " it shall be known in our convents on earth." Then Brenain of
Birr prophesied for him : '* We will take two convents on two streams
between chief cities, and the difference that shall be between them in size
must be the difference between both rivers."
CHAPTER II.
ST. KIERAN LEAVES CLONARD FOR THE SCHOOL OF ST. NINNIDIUS— MIRACLES RECORDED
— HE GOES TO ST. ENDEUS, ON THE ISLAND OF ARAN— HIS ACTS WHILE THERK—
HIS VISIT TO ST. SENAN OF INISCATHY— ADMONISHED IN A VISION TO BECOME THE
FOUNDER OF A GREAT MONASTERY.
We are told, that having obtained permission1 from his former master, St.
Kieran went to St. Ninnidius,2 the abbot of a monastery built in a wood,
near Lough Erne. Other accounts have it, on an Island,3 called Inis-
muigh-samh.4 This permission he obtained in 530, according to Archbishop
Ussher. The Irish Life, contained in the Book of Lismore, states, that ■
after learning reading and wisdom at Clonard, he left the Dun with holy
Ninnid, but said that her hide should come to him afterwards, and he
declared, that although numbers might be nourished by her milk, still there
must be many more to whom her hide should give help.5 In referring to
Ussher's statement, that our saint left St. Finian's School in 530, Dr.
Lanigan observes, that the date ill accords with that assigned for the birth
of Kieran, as, according to such hypothesis, Kieran should have been then
only fourteen years of age.6 However, it is generally supposed, that the
Irish verse commemorating it ; from that xi., n. 170, p. 54. A similar passage is
the famous word was taken to Rome to quoted by Ussher, from a somewhat different
Alexander, " Non legam Marcum quo Life. See ** Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
usque compleveram Mattheum." Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 495.
129 The Irish Life of our saint in the Book 2 Saint Ninnid's Life has been compiled
of Lismore states, that before taking leave from the acts of other saints, and published
of his pupil, Finian offered his monastery to by Colgan, at the 18th of January. He is
Kiaran. This offer was refused, but thence- there called Ninnidius, Nennidhuis or
forward a unity of friendship was estab- Nennius, abbot and bishop. See " Acta
lished between them. Sanctorum Hiberniae," xviii. Januarii, num.
Chapter ii.— ' "Accepta magistri sui 8, p. 113.
licentia et benedictione " occurs in a life of 3 On Lough Erne.
St. Kieran, cap. 7. These words accepta 4 See notices of this saint, at the 1 8th of
licentia, in Dr. Lanigan's estimation, alluded January, the day for his feast, in the First
to a certificate or testimonial for learning Volume of this work, Art. ii.
and good conduct, such as was often given s He said " Every soul that shall go out
in universities to deserving students, who are of its body on the hide of the Dun "—a cow
thence named liceticiates. See " Ecclesiasti- so called—" shall not be punished in hell."
cal History of Ireland, "vol. ii., chap, x., sect. 6 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan adds: "Who
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS. 211
school at Clonard could not have been established much earlier than about
such a date.? But, that our saint had spent three or four years there, the
year for his departure most probably may have been about 534, which can
fairly well accord with the time necessary for the completion of his theolo-
gical studies at the age of twenty-six or twenty-seven.8 His new master is
said to have been surnamed Laobh-dearc, and to have been a fellow-disciple,
probably with St. Kieran, in the school of Clonard.9
In his Life, we are told, that St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise, a great Ii^ht
of Ireland, appeared among other distinguished scholars, like the moon
amid less luminous orbs. Finian had a vision of him and of Cclumkille,
and of two moons in the air, with a hue of gold upon them. One of the
twain went by sea towards the north-east, and this was Columkille to Iona,
with the radiance of his nobleness and high birth ; the other went west-
wards to the Shannon, and shone over the middle of Ireland, with the
radiance of his charity and mercy. This latter was Ciaran of Clonmacnoise.
Again, from the Life of our saint, compiled by Augustin Graidin10 or Mac
Graidin,11 we are informed, that having spent some time at Clonard, he
obtained his master's blessing and leave to depart, and he was afterwards
received with great joy and kindness by St. Ninnidius. Whilst here, it was
customary for three monks, with their senior, to cut and remove wood, for
the use of their monastery. These duties recurred to them at stated times.
In accordance with that rule, our saint and his attendant brethren were
sent to an adjoining wood, during a period his course of religious discipline
continued. However, while the monks were prosecuting their labours on
an island, our saint retired to pray, in a more distant place. Meantime,
some robbers passed over in a boat. Rushing on the monks, these outcasts,
as we are told, killed them, and took away their heads. After some time,
Kieran wondered why he did not hear the sound of axes. He went to
ascertain the cause for this cessation in their labours. On witnessing the sad
spectacle presented of bodies decapitated, he felt grievously afflicted.
Following closely on the traces of their murderers, he found them
endeavouring to launch their vessels from the haven into the water. This,
however, they were unable to effect, by any effort. Experiencing such a
striking and miraculous manifestation of the Almighty's displeasure, they
penitently besought pardon from our saint. Mindful of his Heavenly
Master's great example, in praying for the Jews that crucified Him, Kyran
will believe that he was so young at a time Ussher states, he should have been only
when he had completed his theological seventeen or eighteen — an age too premature
studies, and was probably already a monk? for the attainment of such an object.
In what is said of him on his arrival at the 9 See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His-
monastery of Nennidius he appears as such. tory of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi.,
He was, I dare say, much more than 14 p. 51, and nn. 171, 172, p. 55, ibid.
years old, when he first went to Finian's ,0 This writer is mentioned by Sir James
school ; whereas, besides its being related Ware, as an Augustinian Canon, as also a
that he was then grown up, adultioris cetatis, learned and prudent man, who died A.D.
it can scarcely be supposed, that he was less 1405. Among his principal works we find
than 18 or 20 when properly qualified for enumerated, Vita Sanctorum Hibern'uc.
the biblical and theological studies cultivated See " De Scriptoribus Hibernice," lib. i.,
at Clonard." — " Ecclesiastical History of cap. xi., p. 75.
Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., n. 170, " Although Mac Graidin is praised for
p. 54. his judgment and learning, by Sir James
7 See ibid. vol. i., chap, ix., sect, viii., and Ware ; yet, Papebroke seems to have formed
notes, pp. 464 to 469. a far different opinion in "Acta Sanctorum,"
8 This too should coincide with the date tomus iii., Martii xxi. De S. Endeo Abbate
for his birth, as given in the Annals of Innis- Araniensi in Hibernia. Commentarius
fallen, but, had he been born in 516, as praevius, num. 5, p. 268.
212
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
was also ready to offer his prayers for those wicked robbers. He demanded
the heads which had been carried away. Having obtained such restoration,
their vessel then floated Out on the water. Our saint returned with the
heads to where their bodies lay. Then praying the Almighty to manifest
His great mercy, by the restoration to life of his slain brethren, Kieran placed
the heads near their bodies. Owing to the efficacy of his prayers, those
monks were once more restored to life. They afterwards carried the wood
cut down towards their monastery ; and, so long as those religious lived,
marks of decapitation were traceable around their necks.'2
It is related in the Irish Life,1* that while Tuathal Mael-garbh1* ruled over
Ireland, Kieran went to request the manumission of a slave-girl, and he
offered to place his hand on the quern to supply her place. Whereupon,
the King not only released that slave, but bestowed his royal raiment on
Ciaran. This gift our saint afterwards parted with, in favour of the poor. It is
said, likewise, that he went to King Furbaide15 to ask for another slave-girl,
when one man brought him a cow as his offering, another man bestowed on
him a mantle, and another brought a kettle ; but, these he gave to the poor,
on that same day he received them. However, to reward his charity, the
Almighty gave three offerings that were better ; viz., a cauldron in lieu of
his kettle, twelve mantles in lieu of his single mantle, and twelve cows
instead of his one cow. Seeing this, the King released the slave-girl, in favour
of St Ciaran's interposition.
After remaining with St. Nennidius for some time, our Saint16 went to
St. Endeus of Aran.1? According to one account,18 our Saint paid two
distinct visits to him, and at* different times. We may suppose, that after
the first of those visits, Kyran went to St. Senan,'9 and that after some
experience of Iniscathy, he desired to return again to St. Endeus of Aran, in
order to become one of his professed monks, and to close his life under
such discipline. With him for some years, Kyran faithfully served in
threshing out grain.20 Archbishop Ussher states, that Kieran passed seven
years under the direction of St. Endeus, Abbot of Aran. Such were the
diligence and industry of Kieran, during that period he spent in Aran, that
no roof could be constructed to cover all the grain, which he had threshed.21
12 Remarking on the unusual character of
this prodigy, Suyskens considered it might
appear more authentic if found in an earlier
record. lie observes, also, that Macgraidin
as in the instance of St. Endeus' acts, had
possibly in his possession still older acts of
our Saint, from which the foregoing prodigy
might have been taken ; yet, using his dis-
cretion as a compiler with such little judg-
ment, it is to be feared, he considered un-
authentic or very recent acts as trustworthy
documents. Suyskens adds : " Nolim tamen
hinc inferre, hax aut quoecumque alia ad
fahulas certo esse rejicienda, cum antiquis
monumentis revera hinc inde potuerit usus
fuisse."
13 As found in the Book of Lismore.
'* The O'Clerys place the accession of
Tuathal Maelgarbh, whose name has been
Latinised Tutlialius Calvoasper, at A.D. 528,
allowing him a leign of eleven years, and
placing his death at A.D. 538. See Dr.
Q'Donovan's ''Annals of the Four Masters,"
vol. i., pp. 176 to 181. However, Roderick
O'Flaherty places the accession of Tutlialius
Calvoasper in the year 533, which agrees
with the computation in the Annals of Ulster.
These latter assign his death to A.l>. 543.
See " Ogygia," pars iii., cap. xciii., p. 430.
15 No Ard-Righ, bearing this name, is to
be found among the monarchs of Ireland.
16 Called " filius fabri."
17 See his Life, at the 21st of March, in
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
18 That of Augustin Magraidin.
'9 See his Life, at the 8th of March, in the
Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
20 In the old Life, we find, "in monas-
terii territorio." The Bollandist editor
suggests, u forte teritorio.'' It may be
observed, that this term seems to imply, a
threshinzfloor.
21 In the old Acts of St. Endeus by
Magraidin, we are told, that the walls of
this threshing place might be seen in Aran
Island, at the time of their composition.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
213
After the lapse of his term, St. Kyran had a dream, which was thus related
to his Master. One night he saw a tree, which grew near a large river called
the Shannon, and it seemed so large, leafy and spreading, that it covered the
whole of Ireland. Endeus said, that Kyran himself was that flourishing tree ;
that before God and man should he grow great and fruitful in good works ;
and, that he would be honoured throughout the whole of Ireland. Endeus
added, M Now therefore approach, and fulfilling the will of God, build there
a monastery."22 Having lived for some time under the religious discipline
of St. Senan of Iniscathy, St. Kieran founded his establishment at Inis
Aingin, during the life-
time of the former. A
good deal of conjec-
ture has been expended
on an attempt to locate
exactly this monastery
of Aingin or Angina.
However, it appears to
have been situated on
an Island, 23now known
as Hare Island, and
anciently called Inis-
Aingin or Inchinneen,
in the lower region of
Lough Ree, on the
River Shannon. It
consists of 1 10 acres —
at present altogether
grown over with large
torest trees, and thickly
tangled brakes of
brush-wood, in the
parish of Bunown,
barony of Kilkenny
West and County of
Westmeath. On it are
to be seen the ruins of
an old church, built of
solid masonry blocks,
and exhibiting in its
lonely and sylvan sur-
roundings all the ap-
remote erection.2* It lies near the south-east shore of
It is thought,26 that in MacGraidin's account, he probably
Old Chur
pearances of
Lcugh Ree.as
Aingen, Lough Ree.
23 It will naturally be supposed, that the
religious foundation alluded to must have
been that of Clonmacnoise, Latinized,
Cluanense. But, the reference was to a
more remote period, as Papebroke states, in
editing his Acts of St. Endeus.
23 See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. hi.,
chap, lxxiv., p. 570.
24 The accompanying illustration of the
ruined gable and window of this primitive
church was sketched on the spot by William
F. Wakeraan, and tiansferred to the wood,
engraved by Mrs. Millard.
25 Some improvements of a modern cha-
racter have been there introduced by a
former proprietor, Viscount Casilemaine.
See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland,''
vol. ii., p. 295.
26 Suy^ken supposes it to be very likely,
that, finding the same vision differently
described in both copies of St. Kyran's
Acts, which he possessed, and conjecturing
that they were different visions, MacGraidin
2i4 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
confounded a double visit of St. Kieran to St. Endeus ; and there-
fore, that his prophesy might be referred to the later one. The
purpose of St. Kyran to remain as a monk on Aran Island was probably
frustrated by the vision known to St. Endeus. Owing to its occurrence, our
Saint was directed to establish his monastery near that place on the River
Shannon, and specially pointed out by Heaven's decree. Whether this was
on the Island of Aingen or at Clonmacnois may be questioned : if the former
be meant, the account must appear to be more in the order of narrative ;
but, the latter site is generally supposed to be intended, since it became the
place for his more celebrated establishment. 2? While under St. Endeus, we
have accounts of the charity, spirit of prophecy, and miracles of St. Ciaran ;
while allusion is made to a place called Isel, which a certain Cobthach
granted to God and Ciaran.28 We are informed, that it was near a lake,29
but further identification seems to be wanting. Nor does there appear to be
order or sequence in the narrative of his acts, as they have come down to
us, so that it is impossible to state when or where many of them occurred. 3°
In a Life of our Saint, 31 we are told, that St. Kyran left the Island of
Aran,32 and visited St. Senan, bishop and abbot of Iniscathy.33 When Kieran
obtained leave to depart from Aran, its holy abbot saw in a vision all the
guardian angels that attended on the saints of his community accompanying
him. Hereupon, St. Endeus felt depressed in mind, lest these blessed
spirits" should not again return. 34 Having fasted and prayed with devoted
fervour, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, " O man of God,
for what reason do you feel sad and so greatly afflicted ?" Endeus replied,
" Tiie reason for my grieving <s because all the angels have left us and have
gone with Kieran." The angel thus returned : " As Kieran is most dear to
God, therefore He hath sent those angels to accompany that Saint. Do not
in consequence be afflicted, for they shall again return to thee; then, in the
Lord's name, cease from fasting." These testimonies seem indications of St.
Kieran's extraordinary sanctity ; but, on what original authority they rest
has not been sufficiently manifested. Thus accompanied, Kieran reached
the shore, and foretold the unhappy state to which that spot and the neigh-
bouring islands should be reduced at a future time. Endeus returned to
the monastery.35 There, after recommending his soul to Almighty God,
Enda happily departed this life.36
The arrival of St. Kieran at Inniscathy, after his departure from St.
Endeus of Aran, is placed at the year 538,37 by Archbishop Ussher. How-
ever, this date is probably conjectural, and it cannot be reconciled with other
dates, particularly with those laid down by himself. Thus, it is more than
might have thus referred them to distinct St. Enda of Avian may be assigned, to about
periods. It this latter conjecture hold good, the year 542. He died, not long after
the difficulty can easily be solved. Kieran of Clonmacnoise left his monastery.
27 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., 33 Regarding the site and history of Inis-
Septembris ix., Acta St. Kierani, sec. iii., cathy, we have already treated, at the 8th
pp. 374 to 376. of March.
28 Afterwards, it was known as Isel Ciaran. 5* According to Augustine Magraidin's
■9 This would seem to make it identical Life of St. Endeus.
with Inis Aingen, which was situated on » This is stated in the last chapter of St.
Lough Kee, an extension of the River Enda's Acts.
Shannon. 36 §ee Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
30 Allusion is here made to the Life of History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, as found in the xiii., and n. 213, pp. 69, 71.
Book of Lismore . 3? According to this computation, he
31 As mentioned by Ussher. should have remained but one year with
32 According to Dr. Lanigan, the death of Nennidh.
September y.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 215
probable, that Kieran did not go to the monastery of Ninnidh so early as
530. Again, we can hardly account for the time between 538 and 544 ; this
latter being the year to which Ussher assigns the foundation for Kieran's
first monastery. Also admitting that Kieran went from Aran to Inniscathy,
it is plain, from the account given of what occurred in this latter place, that
he remained there only a short time.38 It is thought, that Ussher's motive
for making these occurrences earlier than he ought was a wish to reconcile
them with the wrong date,39 which he had assigned for Enda's foundation in
Aran. 4° Such computation only gives us eight years for the period of time
our Saint spent, both with St. Ninnidh and St. Endeus. From St. Senan,
he received a position in the monastery of Inniscathy,'*1 which was that of
guest-master. We may rest satisfied, that he exercised great liberality, so
soon as he had acquired such authority. It would seem, that Kieran was
usually considered St. Senan's most intimate companion and confidant, from
what we find related in the metrical Life of this latter holy man.*2 Such
intimacy not only endured, it is stated, while Kiernan was a disciple of
Inniscathy's abbot, but even after he had been released from that jurisdic-
tion/3 In the opinion of Dr. Lanigan, half a year had not elapsed, until he
incurred the displeasure of its monks.** However, it must be observed,
that in neither of St. Senan's Lives, as published by Colgan, do we find any
record concerning Kieran having belonged to the house of Inniscathy,
although he is mentioned more than once ; for, in the Metrical Life^ it is
said, Kieran and Brendan** waited on St. Senan to make their confessions
to him. In one Life, we read, that they called on this Saint to request him
to become their director, as he was older and-a superior in rank, he being
a bishop, whilst they were only priests.*6 Although Papebroke considers *?
that our saint founded the monastery of Aingin, before a.d. 540; yet,
Ussher thinks this event did not happen until after Senan's death, which is
generally assigned to the year 544. *8 But, it is evident, from both of St. Senan's
38 In the Life of Enda, Kieran is repre- Acts relating to the same saint, written after
sented, when leaving Aran, as bent upon the twelfth century. It is said, that Colman,
erecting a monastery for himself. It seems son to Lenin, wrote St. Senan's Acts in
strange, that Ussher fixed upon the year 538 verse, before the end of the sixth century,
for his leaving Aran, having placed Kieran's 43 We have no very certain account,
birth in 516; whereas he must have sup- regarding the exact date or length of time
posed, that Kieran arrived in Aran seven Kieran remained on Inniscathy. Hut a
years before, that is, in 531, when he was cause assigned for his departure therefrom
only fifteen years old. We can hardly shows, that he did not continue there for any
imagine, that St, Enda would have ordered considerable period.
a boy of that age to employ himself in 44 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
threshing corn. vol. ii.,chap. x., sec. xi., n. 176, p. 57.
39 Namely, A.D. 449. See " Britannicarum 4S Whether St. Brendan of Clonfert, or St.
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 451, Brendan of Birr, be here meant, cannot well
and Index Chronologicus, p. 519. be determined.
40 Thus reasons Dr. Lanigan, who states, 46See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
that Ussher drew back, so far as he thought nice," Martii viii. Secunda Vita S. Senani,
advisable, the transactions of Kieran with cap. xxxvi., p. 53s {rede 531). As Colgan
Enda, lest he should be obliged to consider, observes, it was usual with the holy men of
that the latter attained an extreme old age. that period to seek an Anmchara, i.e., a
See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," spiritual friend or ^father, as a particular
vol. ii., chap x., sect, xi., n. 175, pp. director of conscience.
56, 57« *7 See his previous commentary, prefixed
41 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi- to the Acts of St. Senan, at the 8th of March,
arum Antiquitates," Index Chronologicus, "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i., Martii viii.,
a.d. dxxxviii., p. 529. sect, iii., p. 760.
42 This Metrical Life of St. Senan is sup- 4BSee Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
posed to have been written in the twelfth or quitates, cap. xvii., p. 454, and Index
thirteenth century ; and, there are prosaic Chronologicus, p. 530.
216 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
published Lives, that during his time, Kieran had a monastery and disciples
under his own rule. Therefore, it may naturally be conjectured, that religious
establishment was no other than Aingin. On another occasion, it is related,
that on Kieran's way to visit St. Senan, he gave his cloak to a poor man,
whom almost naked, he met when on the banks of the river near Inniscathy.«9
Then, Senan sent a boat to carry him over, and ran forward to welcome him,
bringing a cloak instead of that one he had given away.s° Notwithstanding
the silence observed in the Lives of St. Senan, still Kieran might have lived
for some time at Inniscathy in the above-mentioned capacity.51 To avoid
the envy of the monks at Inniscathy, and while Senan was still living, Kyran
went away from this island, about a.d. 540 ; s2 and again he visited St.
Endeus, on the Island of Aran. In doing so, it was his intention to become
a monk by profession, there hoping to end his life. St. Finian, Abbot of
Clonard, was then on that island. At the time when our saint was coming,
Endeus had a vision, in which he saw a tree growing in the middle of Aran,
and its branches extended even to the sea. Then, he beheld several men
approaching, and having taken it up by the roots, these raised it in air, and
brought it to the wide-spreading Shannon's banks, where, having set it down,
they planted it a second time. Again, the same tree grew to a very
unusual height, and extended its branches out towards the sea. This
remarkable vision Endeus related to the Senior, St. Finian, and to other
persons, worthy of trust. He also said, " Dearly beloved, this vision, which
I have described to you, has reference to our brother Kieran, who shall
become a father over many monks. Wherefore, he ought hasten towards
the place divinely indicated with our blessing, and found a monastery on the
aforesaid river's banks, so that many other monasteries may extend from it,
like branches sprouting from a flourishing tree." On hearing these words of
St. Endeus, Kieran and many others, who were present, shed tears.
Accordingly, he was resolved on leaving Aran. Endeus and Finian, with a
great number of monks, accompanied him to the port,S3 where a vessel had
been prepared for his departure.54 Having recommended himself to the
prayers of those holy men living on Aran, in the presence of all assembled,
our saint said to Endeus, " O Father, receive me with my place of habitation
under thy care, that all my disciples may be recognized as thine own." ' To
49 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Iliher- ' Go to the sea, and you shall find a guest
nice," Martii viii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, there, and bring it with you with honour
cap. xxxviii., p. 536 (recle 532). and veneration.' When the monks went
50 The matter is thus related in the Life out, they found that robe on the sea. It was
of ^t. Ciarah, as found in the Book of dry, as they carried it to Senan, who gave
Lismore : " When Ciaran went out of Aran, thanks to the Lord. " At the time of the lore-
a poor man meets him on the path. Ciaran going narrative, that robe was preserved, and
gives his linen chasuble to him, and goes to it was called Cassal Senain, or Senan 's Robe.
Inis Cathaig to bid farewell to Senan. Since SI In the metrical Life of Senan, in the
he had nothing on but his one mantle, that twenty-first strophe, we find Kieran is called
was revealed to Senan : and so he went to a companion of Senan, thus, "comes
meet him with a linen robe under his armpit, semper et socius ;" still, these words seem
and he said to Ciaran : ' Is it not a shame for to mean nothing more than that they were
a priest to go about without a robe ?' constant friends.
'Mercy come to us!' saith Ciaran, 'God 52 According to Suysken.
will take pity on my nakedness. My elder S1 This is stated, in the Acts of St. Endeus,
hath a robe for me in keeping.' When "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Martii xxi.,
Ciaran came to Clonmacnois, he desired to p. 273.
send another robe to Senan. This he sent 54 It is probable, that Magraidin alludes
down the stream of the Shannon, and it to this same departure, after having 1 elated
floated without getting wet to the harbour a nearly similar vision, which our saint is
of Inis Cathaig. Senan said to his monks, said to have had on Aran Island.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 217
this petition, Endeus replied ; " The Almighty hath not thus decreed, that
all in that small island should live under my discipline, but our Lord Jesus
Christ shall give the half of Ireland as a lot for your inheritance, on account
of your wonderful humility and perfect charity." When they had thus
mutually conferred with each other, as a sign of that perfect fraternity they
contracted between themselves and their disciples, a cross was then erected.
They afterwards said, " Whoever shall interrupt our fraternal union on earth,
even after our time, may he want our fraternity and society in Heaven."
Then St. Endeus went to a place, called Medraighe,55 and to a part desig-
nated Luaban.s6 Here, we are told, St. Endeus besought Kieran to visit
an adjoining place named Acadh-Draighnich,57 whence he was requested to
expel a certain beast, which had devastated all the adjoing country. One of
St. Endeus' disciples, named Gigneus.s8 lived there. The beast having been
expelled, a hermitage, in which that monk and our saint resided, was no
more disturbed.^
It is said, that having obtained the benediction of Endeus, our Saint
afterwards prepared to found Clonmacnoise monastery ; although it may be
questioned, if the writer did not intend to mean Aingin or Anginense for the
place mentioned.60 A conjecture has been offered by Sir James Ware that
this islet, Aingin or Inis-Aingin, was identical with the Island of All Saints,
in the River Shannon.61 This conjecture has been accepted as a positive
statement of fact, by his editor, Harris,62 and after him by Archdall.6^
Grounding his opinion on that of Colgan ,6* the Bollandist editor thinks
Aingin was situated in the tract Breaghmuid, called by Colgan Breghmuine,6*
in Westmeath. We are informed,66 that from Diermot King of Ireland, our
Saint obtained Clonmacnoise and Inis-Aingin, an Island, together with one
hundred churches or cells, situated in Midia and Breaghmuid.6? This must
have been a little district, in that part of the country, bordering on Lough
Ree.68 While the Bollandist editor Suysken places the foundation at Inis
Aingen about the year 540, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan prefers the date of 542 ;
as, in this case, we might account for the seven years he ruled as abbot,
55 Colgan tells us, that this was a maritime century; because he thinks their founder,
district in the County ol Galway, and that St. Kieran, had been born in the Island of
it lay towards the southern part of Con- Clear, A.D. 352. But, here it is evident,
naught. See " Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," that Alemand confounded our Saint with
Martii xxi. Vita S. Endei, cap. xxii., xxiii., St. Kieran, bishop and abbot of Saigir, ai-
xxiv., p. 709, and nn. 40, 41, p. 711. though elsewhere, he clearly distinguishes
s° Neither of these localities, however, has both of these persons,
been correctly identified. 6l See " De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus
57 It has not been identified. ejus," cap. xxvi., p. 172.
58 Nothing more is known concerning 62 See Harris' Ware, vol. ii., "Antiquities
him. of Ireland," chap, xxxviii. County of Long-
s' But the Bollandist editor of St. Kieran 's ford, p. 265.
Acts justly rejects this narrative as fabulous, 63 See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 441.
and clearly borrowed from that occurring in 6i See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernia?,"
St. Senan's Acts. It has parallel relation- Januarii xvi. Vita S. Dunchadi, sect, v.,
ship with many other fictions, unhappily and n. 20, pp. 105, 108.
disfiguring recorded and traditionary inci- 65 In the Latin Topographical Index, it is
dents, told about our Irish saints. denominated Bregmania.
60 In his "Histoire Monastique d'Irlande," w By Archbishop Ussher, who takes his
L. Aug. Alemand fell into a great error, account from the Book of Navan.
when he says that Aingen and Clonmacnoise 6? See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
were founded in the fifth century. See pp. quitates," cap. xvii., p. 495.
40, 48, 49. He endeavours to convict 68 Here also Louis Aug. Alemand places
Ussher of an anachronism, when ascribing this foundation. See " Histoire Monas-
their erection to the middle of the sixth tique d'Irlande," pp. 48, 49.
2i8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
according to the best authorities.6? He considers that Deirmit might have
given the grant, before he became King of all Ireland,?0 if, as seems probable,
Inis-Aingin was a part of his patrimonial inheritance, and formed one of the
Lough Ree Islands,?1 which afforded him a place of security, when persecuted,
by King Tuathal, his predecessor. However, it does not even appear to be
certain, that Kieran obtained Inis-Aingin from King Diarmit ; since another
authority — quite as reliable as Ussher's Book of Navan — tells us, that a priest
named Daniel,?2 filled with God's grace, presented for ever to the Almighty
and to St. Kieran Angin Island, which belonged to him.?3 According to
Ussher, this first establishment of our Saint had its foundation in the year
544,74 and this statement apparently is made on the supposition, as Diermit's
reign over Ireland did not begin until that year, Kieran could not have
obtained his grant from him before such date.
CHAPTER III.
ST. KIERAN LEAVES INIS AINGIN AND PROCEEDS TO CLONMACNOISE — TUATHAL AND
DIERMIT, KINGS OF IRELAND— FOUNDATION OF THE GREAT MONASTERY OF CLON-
MACNOISE—ST. KIERAN'S PREDICTION — HIS VIRTUES AND MIRACLES— GROWTH OF
AN EPISCOPAL CITY AT CLONMACNOISE— ST. KIERAN THE FIRST ABBOT THERE.
While residing in Aingin, our Saint is said to have visited the Abbot Senan
of Iniscathy, which shows, that it had been founded before the death of the
latter. This we find related, in the metrical and prose Lives of St. Senan,
where Kyran's miracles and virtues are specially recorded ; and from those
accounts it would appear, that he was not then subject to Senan's spiritual
jurisdiction, although he was received by the latter as a guest. Probably
** Thus, Tigernach states in his Annals, " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
that Kieran, having founded the monastery chap, x., sect, xi., n. 179, p. 58. See, also,
of Clonmacnoise, was abbot for seven yeaes. sect, xiii., n. 213, pp. 71, 72.
According to every other account, however, 72This latter account is contained in a
he founded it only one year before his death. Life of St. Kieran, as quoted by Colgan, in
It seems probable, that Tigernach must be "Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S.
understood as referring to the whole time, Patricii, pars, ii., n. 55, p. 175.
during which he governed, both at Inis- ?3 The Life of St. Ciardn, in the Book of
aingin, and afterwards at Clonmacnoise. Lismore, states the mode of his coming to
7° He reigned from a.d. 539 to 559, ac- Inis Aingin, a pet stag carrying his books,
cording to Sylvester O'llalloran, who gives and the saint following behind until he
the particulars of his reign in the " General came to the island. Therein dwelt an arch-
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, iv., pp. presbyter, named Daniel, and a Briton. At
69 to 75. first, he did not wish to receive Kieran, but
7* " The name and recollection of Inis- as our saint presented him with a royal cup
aingin were in course of time swallowed up of great value, the priest wondered greatly
in the greatness of Clonmacnois, insomuch and asked forgiveness. He then prostrated
that in some documents, ex c. the Acts of himself before our saint, and gave the island
Knda, Kieran is spoken of as setting about up to him.
the establishment of the latter very soon ?4 In the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
after his departure from Arran, without any tomus iii., Martii xxi., Papebroke. in his
mention being made of Inis-aingin. As to Annotations to the Life of St. Endeus, at
the whole period of Kieran 's abbotship, cat). 4, n. (b.), also recognizes our saint to
Tighernach is a respectable witness, having have been abbot and founder of Aingin
lived at Clonmacnois, where he was an monastery. Suyskens says he probably
Erenach, or as others say, abbot in the stated these things, on the authority of
eleventh century." — Rev. Dr. Lanigan's Ussher, and on that of St. Kieran's Life,
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 219
they held many spiritual conferences together, on the occasion of each visit.1
While he dwelt in Inis-Aingin, Ciaran one day heard a noise in the harbour.
He then said to the brethren there, " Go to meet your future abbot." When
reaching the harbour, however, they only found a heathen youth, and this
they reported to Ciaran. " Nevertheless," he replied, "go again for him,
since it is manifest to me from his voice, that he shall be your abbot after
me." Then the youth was brought to Ciaran. His name was Enna Mac-
Hui-Laigsi, and having received Tonsure, he read under Ciaran. He was a
holy man, admirable in the Lord's sight, and he succeeded Ciaran as abbot
in Inis Aingin.
It so happened, that Ciaran's Book of Gospels was dropped into the lake
by a careless brother. There it remained for a long time. On a certain day
in summer, cows went into the water, and the strap of that Book stuck to
the foot of one animal, who brought it quite dry to the landing place. When
opened, not a single letter was defaced, and afterwards the landing place was
called Port in Sosceoil, or Harbour of the Gospel. A certain man, named
Donnan,2 came from Corco-Baiscin to St. Ciaran. He was son to a brother
of Senan, son of Gergenn, while he and Senan had the same mother. Senan
said to him, u What dost thou wish or why dost thou come ? ' He replied :
" To seek a place wherein I may abide and serve God." When Ciaran had
resolved on leaving Aingin, after a residence of three years and three months,
he intended Donnan should there succeed him. He also left with him as
reliquaries, that Book of Gospels which had been recovered from the lake,
his bell, and his bearer Mael Odran. Afterwards, Ciaran went to Ard
Manntain, beside the Shannon. When he saw how delightful was that
situation, he said to his monks : M If we tarry here, we shall have abundant
wealth of this world, but few souls shall go hence to Heaven."
Before Diermit became the supreme ruler over Ireland,3 he had been
persecuted by King Tuathal.4 In consequence, he was obliged to seek
safety by concealing himself en Lough Ree, and on the Lough Derg Islands,
in the River Shannon. At this time, St. Kieran desired a site for the
erection of his religious establishment. The ground on which Clonmacnoise
now stands, then belonged to Diermit. One day, while passing near the
place in a boat, he met St. Kieran, who sought an interview with the prince.
Then he was endeavouring to escape from one island to another. Our Saint
thus addressed the prince, " Thou art descended from a kingly family, the
son of a king and queen ; this place is rightly thine, therefore grant a site for
building a church, as the house of God ; mark out its dimensions, and begin
its first foundation." Diermit replied that he was not a king. Then said
Kieran, " Thou shalt be a king to-morrow." While this conversation took
place, finding that his rival Diermit sought refuge in the place, King Tuathal
which he praises. In the time of Suyskens, Hare Island, in the First Volume of this
this life was not to be found in the Bol'landist work, and at that date, Art. xi.
Library. 3 Among the contemporaneous saints of
Chapter hi. — • In the Life of St. Kieran, his reign— the beginning of which is placed
which Ussher had seen, at cap. iii., num. 20 at A.u. 536 — is mentioned " Sanctus
and 21, "dicuntur quinquaginta monachi in Kieranus Episcopus," by R. P. F. Anthony
Hiberniam appulisse, quorum aliqui, at in Bruodin, in " Propragnaculum Catholics
votis habebant, a S. Senano ad S. Kieranum, Veritatis, Libris X. Coiistructum," lib. v.,
jam utique Anginensium abbatem, dimissi cap. xii., I)e Reg: qui post Christum reg-
sunt." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., narunt, pp. 892 to 894, Pragce, 1669, sm. 4to.
Septembris ix. Acta S- Kierani, sect, iv., 4 This is mentioned by the writer, in the
p. 277. Tripartite Life of St. Patrick. See Colgan's
2 His feast is held on the 7th of January. u Trias Thaumaturga," lib. ii., cap. xxviii.,
See notices of him and of Inis Aingin or pp. 132, 133.
220
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
came against him, with a great force. A battle ensued, in which Tuathal
fell.5 After his rival's death, Diermit succeeded him in the kingdom.6 So
far as we can follow the order of narrative, after St. Kiarain left Ard Mann-
tain, he went to a place, then called Ard Tiprat, or the Height of the Well.
" Here then will we stay," he said to his monks, " for many souls shall go
hence to Heaven, and there shall be a visit from God and men for ever
on this place." It was the site chosen for his future great monastery of
Clonmacnoise. We are told, that King Diermit laid the foundations of
Clonmacnoise church. This appears to have been at first a small one.
While, returning to Temoria, the king alighted from his horse three different
times; and wherever he alighted, Diermit assigned a tract of land in each
place, as an endowment for the new religious establishment.? He also
bestowed the state of Druim-raithe on God and on St. Kieran.8
As Irish historians differ, regarding the year when King Diermit I.
reached the throne of Ireland, we are in doubt, as to the exact date for this
foundation at Clonmacnoise. According to the Annals of the Four Masters,
a.d. 538,9 and to the Ulster Annals, a.d. 544, originated the earliest year of
his reign : the latest assigned being 565. IO Although Ussher would assign
the donation of Diermit" and his accession to a.d. 544 ; nevertheless, he
thinks Kieran did not found his monastery at Clonmacnoise, until a.d. 448."
This is inferred, from what is stated, that our saint lived only one year at
Clonmacnoise, he having died in 549. I3 For certain reasons assigned, the
5 He was pierced with a deadly wound,
inflicted by Maelmorus, a relative of Dier-
mit. " Et hinc natum proverbium en
Moelmori palma ; quando facinus aliquod
brevis lsetitia? et gloriae, ad quod mox
tristitia, vel adversitas subsequitur, deno-
tare volumus." — Ibid.
6 Dr. Charles O'Conor, who has published
the Irish Poem attributed to Gildas Modu-
dius of Arcibraccan, and beginning Eire
ogh Inis na Noimh, with a literal Latin
translation, has at the xii. strophe these
lines : —
Diarmitius bis decern annorum,
Filius Cearballi cum mansuetis Legibus,
Aodhus Niger armis eum jugulavit, cruci-
avit,
Occidit, combussit, in cinerem redegit.
In a note on this passage, the editor adds :
" Ecclesia? Cluanmocnoisensis prima funda-
menta jecit, et agros monti Usnacha:
contiguos, antea Druidicos, S. Kierano,
istius Monasterii primo Abbati, contulit."
O'Duvegani Codex MS., fol. 132. Evinus In
Vita Patr., p. 3, c. 28. — " Rerum Hiberni-
caruni Scriptores Veteres,'' tomus i. Epistola
Nuncupatoria, pp. cxlvii. to clxviii.
7 There is an interesting Legend regarding
St. Ciarain of Clonmacnoise and two of his
clerics in vol. i. of the Betham Manuscript
Collection, belonging to the Royal Irish
Academy. It is entitled, eaccpa leifjin,
or the Adventures of Leithin, and it contains
some curious topographical references. See
pp. 378 to 385. This Manuscript of 401
numbered folio pages was written by
Michael Oge O'Longan, between the years
1 791 and 1799, in various parts of Munster.
8 See Septima Vita, seu Tripartita, S.
Patricii, pars ii., cap. xxviii., pp. 132, 133,
in Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," and nn.
63, 64, ibid., pp. 175, 176.
9 See Dr. O' Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp.
180, 181. These authors place the death of
Tuathal at a.d. 538; while allowing Diermit
a reign of twenty years, from A.D. 539, his
demise occurring under the year 558. — Ibid.,
pp. 200, 201.
IOThis was the year of King Diermit's
death, according to Ussher. See " Primordia
Ecclesiarum Britannicarum," cap. xvii., p.
94 7f and Index Chronologicus ad ann, Dl.xv.
11 Under this Monarch occurred two
celebrated events in Irish history ; viz., the
foundation of the great Monastery of Clon-
macnoise by St. Kieran, and the desertion of
the palace of Tara. — Wright's " History of
Ireland," vol. i., book i., chap, iv., p. 30.
" In a note to the Acts of St. Cronan of
Roscrea, at the 28th of April, the Bollandist
editor promised, at the 9th of September, it
should be proved, that the monastery of
Clonmacnoise had been founded so early as
about A.D. 519, and that St. Kieran lived
there until 570, or even later. It may be
observed, that this promise has not been
fulfilled, as indeed it would have been
absurd to make such an attempt in the face
of so many contradictory authorities.
M The Bollandist editor remarks, that
there are certain difficulties connected with
this account, which render such a statement
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 221
Bollandist editor of our Saint's acts refuses to accept the computation of the
Four Masters, in reference to those circumstances, which appear to determine
the date of Kieran's foundation. This he seems desirous of placing at a.d.
544.14 If it could be established, that Eogain Bel I5 died in 537 ;'6 it must
seem, that St. Kellach was then living at Clonmacnoise, and consequently,
that St. Kieran had founded his establishment there, at or before such a
date.17 This grant was probably made, after the death of King Tuathal,
while Diermit reigned, and about the year 540, when Finian was ninety years
of age. It could not have occurred much sooner, unless we wish to assert,
against the opinion of Ussher and other authorities cited by him, that St.
Finian owed his possessions, not to the liberality of St. Kyran of Clonmacnoise,
but to that of St. Kyran of Saigir.
In the Life of St. Kellach,18 son to Eogain Bel, King of Connaught, we
are informed, that this holy man spent some time at Clonmacnoise, under
St. Kieran's spiritual guidance. While aspiring to the monastic state, news
arrived regarding the death of Eogain Bel. His son was induced by certain
chiefs to leave Clonmacnoise in a private manner. This was done without
the consent of St. Kieran. Then Kellach hoped to succeed as ruler in his
father's kingdom. That dignity he enjoyed only for a short time, when he
felt a desire to abandon objects of worldly ambition to seek the solitude of
a wood, where he appears to have led an eremitical life. After a year
penitently spent in this manner, and with some degree of self-reproach, he
returned to St. Kieran at Clonmacnoise. There Kellach was kindly received.
Being initiated to the priesthood, he afterwards lived a holy life, under our
saint's rule.1^
It is said, that Diermit had a great esteem for our saint. But, it is
scarcely probable, that Kieran obtained one hundred churches or cells from
him.20 Such an account most likely became current, long after the time of
our saint, when his rule and institute had been embraced in a great number
of religious houses. During the course of ages, these communities gradually
multiplied ; yet, with the exception of Inis-aingin and Clonmacnoise, we
cannot find reliable testimony concerning any other houses of his order,
which existed during the life-time of Kieran.31 From occasional illustrations,
contained in other saints' lives, we learn that Clonmacnoise was the head of
other flourishing houses throughout Ireland, and that it was richly endowed.
improbable. He thinks it can be estab- l8 See the Life of Ceallach, bishop of
lished, from the Life of St. Kellac, bishop Killala, at the 1st of May, in the Fifth
in Ireland, and which in tomus i., Maii i., Volume of this work, Art. i.
at p. 104, is to be found in their great collec- I9 Suyskens thinks the foregoing cir-
tion, that St. Kiaran presided for more than cumstances, if reliable, should require at
a year over Clonmacnoise, '" cum nihil vetet, least more than one year of incidence,
quominus ejusdem mors in annum 549 aut and should represent at least two or three
forte 548 incidisse dicatur, necesse pariter years.
est, ut Cluain-mic-noisia prius condita 20This is stated, in the Book of Navan.
fuisse credatur." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus See " De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Britanni-
iii., Septembris ix., sect, v., num. 48, p. 379. carum," at p. 957, and Index Chronologicus,
14 This is the year given by Ussher, for St. ad A.D- 544.
Kieran's foundation at Inis Aingin. 2I Indeed, it is not probable, that our
'5 King of Connaught. saint would have accepted very rich endow-
16 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- ments, even if offered by Diermit. The
nioe," xxvi. Martii, n. 10, p. 755. grants usually given in those primitive
17 But, in Suysken's opinion, as the Four times were such tracts of lands, as the
Masters, who assign such year for his death, monks could conveniently till by the
had antedated the reigns of Tuathal and labour of their own hands. See Dr.
Diermit by five years, so these same authori- Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
ties may have committed a like mistake in land," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., n. 181,
this present instance. pp. 58, 59.
222
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
Whatever credit we may be disposed to give such accounts, one thing appears
certain, our ancestors considered this establishment to have been one of
great extent and importance. This is shown, from the vision and prophecy
of St. Endeus, to which allusion has been already made. Again, we find it
recorded, that while St. Columba had been engaged transcribing a book of
Gospels, he asked St. Kieran to aid him in writing some middle portion of
this work.22 Assenting to such a proposal, St. Columba predicted : " On
the part of God, I also promise and pronounce, that the central parts of
Ireland shall be connected with your name, and become tributaries for the
future to your monastery." 23
When leaving for Clonmacnoise, St. Ciaran is said to have previously
resigned Aingin Monastery2* to the care of Adomnan or Domnan, a native of
Munster. He took with him eight disciples: viz., Ciaran, Oengus, Mac-nisse,
Inis Aingin Ruins, Lough Ree.
Cael-colomb, Mobeoc, Mo-lioc, Lugna Mac-hui Moga-Laim, and Colman, son
of Nun. After they had come from the waves of the water, all are compared to
Noah, son of Lamech, who took possession of the world with his octad, when
coming from the waves of the Deluge. According to Archbishop Ussher,
Kieran went to Clonmacnoise in 544. The Irish Life of our saint, as found
in the Book of Lismore, mentions the eighth of the Calends of February, on
the tenth of the moon, on the tenth of the lunar month, and on a Saturday,
as the data for his setting up the first stake there, but the year is not men-
tioned. At that time Diarmait, son of Cerball, is said to have been along
with him.'s Anciently Clonmacnoise is said to have been called Druim-
" This seems to be only another version
of an anecdote already related, but in a
different form.
33 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Vita Quinta S. Columbx, n. 88, p. 403.
24 Already we have presented an illustra-
tion of the ancient church on Inis Aingin
or Hare Island. To the kindness of the
Very Rev. Thomas Langan, D.D., Admin-
istrator of St. Mary's Church, Athlone, we
have been presented with a photograph of
the ruins there remaining, and from an en-
tirely different point of view. This repre-
sentation has been drawn and engraved on
the wood by Gregor Grey.
25 The narrative thus continues : Said
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
223
tiprad,26 and it has been thought to have got its present name from a
Connaught prince.2? The first establishment of St. Kieran here is referred
by Ware, to a.d. 548. a8 That Clonmacnoise monastery had been founded
in the year just mentioned appears from the general testimony of our old
writers.2?
Regarding the arrival of Kieran, at Clonmacnoise, we are told,30 that our
Saint predicted as follows : M Here shall I dwell, in this place many souls
shall go to the Kingdom of God, and in this place shall my resurrection be."
Then, we are informed, that with his disciples, St. Kieran dwelt there, and
began the foundation of a great monastery. Many flocked to him, when his
monastery had been founded at Clonmacnoise. His district embraced a
wide circuit. Soon his fame became celebrated throughout the whole ot
Ireland. 31 A very ancient old vellum book states, that Ciaran of Cluain was in
his habits and life like unto John the Apostle. His great virtues and
miracles made him be known as a remarkable saint, both at home and
abroad. His love for chastity and truth is thus traditionally recorded by
Cuimin of Coindeire,3' who states, in the poem which begins, u Patrick of
the fort of Macha loves," etc., that Ciaran never looked upon a woman, from
the time he was born, and that he never told a lie.33 Nor indeed is it to
be a subject for wonder, that brief as had been his rule at Clonmacnois,3* he
Cianin to Diarmait when setting the stake,
"Let, O warrior, thy hand be over my
hand, and thou shalt be in sovereignty over
the men of Ireland." " I agree," saith
Diarmait, "provided thou givest a sign to
me in confirmation." " I will say it then,"
replied Ciaran, " though thou art alone to-
day, thou wilt be king of Ireland at this
hour to-morrow." That promise was real-
ized, for Tiiathal Maelgarb, King of Ire-
land, was killed on that night, and Diarmait
took the kingdom of Ireland on the morrow,
and offered a hundred churches to Ciaran.
This is followed by confirmatory verses,
taken from an Irish poem.
26 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nian," Februarii vi. De S. Mune Episcopo
Forgnagiensi, cap. ix., p. 266.
27 The Annals of Innisfallen have : " A.D.
547 (548) Fundata est Clonmacnois, i.e.,
Nois Muccaid regis Connacie a quo nomina-
tur Cluain." The meaning of this seems to
be that it was so called from a son of Nois
Muccaid, King of Connaught. Perhaps
his name was Tiprad. I find this name
among these of the ancient princes of that
province."— Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesi-
astical History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x.,
sect, xi., n. 180, p. 58. Reference is there
made to Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nian," p. 346.
28 " S. Kieranus, sive Ciaranus junior, ex
Aradensium familia ortus, sed Boe'tii, alias
Beonandi fabri lignarii filius, unde et vulgo
dictus est Maciteir, sive filius artificis, cceno-
bium condidit Clonmacnoisan prius Tipraic
dictae, in ipso quasi Hibernian umbilici) sive
meditullio, anno Domini dxlviii., locum
concedente Dermitio Cervalli fdio, rege
Hibernian. Huic ccenobio secundum pluri-
mos Kieranus unico solum anno, secundum
nonnullus (perperam opinor) annis septem
prsefuit abbas, morte ibi ereptus v. Idus
Septembris, anno salutis per Christum
dxlix., in ipso aetatis flore, cum annos
vixisset solum triginta ties." See " Com-
mentarius de Prsesulibus Hiberniae," p. 95.
29 These state, moreover, that Kieran died
the year immediately succeeding its founda-
tion.
30 By O'Sheerin, in "Collectanea Sacra."
Dissertatione de S. Columbani Monachatu,
art. hi., sect, ii., num. 84, pp. 433, 434.
31 O'Sheerin adds: "Clara civitas et
sancta in ipso loco in honore S. Kiarani crevit,
cujus nomen Cluainmicnois vocatur, quae est
in Occidentali plaga regionis nepotum Neill,
super ripam Orientalem fluminis Sinna, con-
tra provinciam Connachtorum, in qua sive
reges sive duces nepotum Neill et Connach-
torum apud S. Kiaranum sepeliuntur."
32 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,"
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 240,
241.
33 The Irish verse is thus rendered into
English :—
" The holy Ciaran, of Cluain, loves
Humility, from which he did not rashly
swerve ;
He never uttered a word that was false,
Nor looked upon woman from his birth."
—Ibid., p. 243.
34 Alemand writes : '* A Cluain-Mac-nois%
autrement Chines ou Kilcom, il y a eu une
ancienne Abbaye que les Annales d'Ultonie
appellent noiiUssimum Afotmsterttim^ &c.
— " Histoire Monastique il'Irlande," p. 40.
Alemand has some mistakes in his short
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
was ranked among the foremost Patriarchs of Irish monks.*5 On a certain
day, as Ciaran was sowing seed at Iseal Chiarain, a poor man came to ask
alms from him. Ciaran threw a handful of the grain into his breast, and it
was immediately turned into gold. At this time the king, i.e. Aenghus, son
of Crimthann, sent two horses and a chariot to Ciaran. Our saint gave those
horses to the poor man for the gold, and the gold was turned into grain
immediately, while the field was sown with it afterwards, so that there was
not in the whole territory corn better than what grew there.*6 We are
informed,3? that on a certain occasion this holy man visited some female
religious, who were under the guardianship of our Saint Kieran. For the
latter holy abbot, according to this legend, a meal had been prepared,
but of this St. Aedus partook. Knowing the poverty of those nuns, when
their patrons arrived near the place, Aedus said, " Lay your vessels of
meat and drink as before, and they shall be replenished." 38 This being
done, the prediction was fulfilled, and St. Kieran was suitably entertained by
his religious sisters.39
The chief foundation of St. Kieran, as mentioned in old Latin
documents, is usually written Cluanense. In our times, it is better known
as Clonmacnoise, and after St. Kiarain's monastery had been there estab-
lished, it grew to the dimensions of a considerable city or town. In due
course, it became an episcopal see. Yet, Sir James Ware confesses himself
uninformed, regarding the exact period, when St. Kieran's foundation was
merged into a Cathedral Church. The ruins of this establishment are yet
traceable on the Shannon's eastern banks, and on the western borders of the
old Meathian province. From the ancient name Ath-Luain,*0 the present town
of Athlone,*1 situated chiefly on the Connaught side of the river, is about eight
or nine miles northwards from Clonmacnoise. It is the most central town
in Ireland ; and although from the denomination regarded as a ford on the old
Shannon, it had a bridge which spanned the river, at a very early period, and
afforded a means of communication between the provinces of Leinster and
Connaught. 42 A strong castle, to command the passage of the Shannon,
was built at Athlone, so early as the reign of King John. Walls around the
paragraph relating to St. Kieran. Thus he 4° However, we are told, that the original
seems to confound Clunes or Clones with denomination was Ath-more, or "the great
Clonmacnoise, and where he found Kilcom ford." It was afterwards changed to Ath-
as an alterative does not appear. Also he Luain, or the " ford of Luan," a man's name,
remarks of St. Kieran, " encore Evesque de formerly very common. In an old Irish
Clunes, est appelle par des Historiens tale, known as the " Fate of the Children of
Episcopus Coloniensis, ce qui a donne oc- Tuireann," the place is called Ath-Luain-
casion de croire qu'il avoit este Evesque et mic-Luighdheach, or the "Ford of Luan
Archevesque de Cologne en Allemagne, mais the son of Lewy." See Dr. Patrick W.
il n'a este appelle Coloniensis que par erreur Joyce's "Origin and History of Irish
au lieu de Cloniensis." Names of Places," part iii., chap, v., p.
35 See " Collectanea Sacra." Dissertatio 342.
de Monasiica S. Columbani Luxoviensis et 4I Athlone has two parishes, viz. : St.
Bobiensis Abbatis Professionc, art. iii., Mary's, in the barony of Brawny, containing
sect, ii., num. 84, p. 434. 37-a. ir. 3p., and it is marked on the
36 See the " Martyrology of Donegal," "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. the County of Westmeath," sheet 29 ;
240. 241. and St. Peter's, containing ilia. 2r. 3p.,
37 In the Acts of St. Aedus, Bishop of in the barony of Athlone, is noted
Killare, at the 28th of February. on the " Ordnance Survey Townland
3S See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Maps for the County of Roscommon,"
nice," Vita S. Aedi,cap.xix., and n. 18, p. 420. sheet 52.
39 Yet this account is so patently fabulous, ** A very complete and an interesting
in Suysken's opinion, that it is placed on re- account of Athlone may be read in the
cord, merely to satisfy the curiosity of some " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol.
readers. i., pp. 95 to 101.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
225
land sides of the two divisions of the town were probably soon afterwards
constructed : and they appear to have been either enlarged, or at least
repaired and strengthened, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The castle
and a portion of the fortifications still remain.** Here, too, were former
religious foundations; but of these no traces at present remain. The bridge
North Gate, Athlone.
which spanned the Shannon at the close of the seventeenth century, has long
since been removed.** With lapse of time, nine churches, besides the original
foundation, are said *s to have stood within the cemetery,*6 at Clonmacnoise.
This contained less than two Irish acres.*? Eastwards from the cemetery
enclosure certain episcopal buildings had been erected. Formerly Clonmac-
noise See had been enriched with abundant revenues. However, the former
episcopal city lias now dwindled to an insignificant village/8 After the
introduction of the Reformation to Ireland, by an Act of Parliament, the
independent See of Clonmacnoise had been added to that of Meath, a.d.
i568.'49 At the present time, some curious ancient inscriptions still remain.
The claim of St. Kieran to be considered first Abbot of Clonmacnoise has
been invariably admitted. By others, he has been regarded as its first bishop. It
43 The accompanying illustration, drawn
on the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey,
represents the North Gate of Athlone.
** In allusion to Athlone, Father Francis
Porter writes, "quod suum habet Castrum
et Pontem e vivo saxo pulcherrimum.'.' —
" Compendium Annalium Ecclesiasticorum
Regni Hibernia\" Sectio Prima, cap. iii.,
P- 44-
45 By Sir James Ware.
46 There are three exquisite steel engrav-
ings of the Antiquities at Clonmacnoise to
be seen in Bartlett's "Scenery and Anti-
quities of Ireland," vol. i. Letterpress
descriptions serve to illustrate them. See
chap, xiv., pp. lot to 105.
v See Mr. and Mrs. Hall's " Ireland : its
scenery, character," &c, vol. ii., pp. 1 9 1, 192.
48 This had occurred over two hundred
years ago, as we find in a note of Colgan,
appended to St. Molagga's Life. See " Acta
Sanctorum Ilibernire," Januarii xx. Vita S.
Molagg.x, n. 26, p. 150.
49 According to Sir James Ware.
P
226
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
seems to be more than doubtful, however, if Clonmacnoise had been erected
into an episcopal See during the life-time of our saint. Neither Archbishop
Ussher nor Colgan favour any idea, that he ever rose above the rank of Abbot.
The latter writer gives St. Kieran this title only, while distinguishing
Ailbeus,s° as archbishop and bishop of Emly, in Munster,$x In one of the
old Irish Epistles,s»published by Ussher,53 nothing seems clearly demonstrable,
regarding the rank held by our saint, in the Irish Church. 54 When treating
of the monastery at this place, Sir James Ware leaves us doubtful, about the
time when a cathedra! church had been there erected.55 It is observed, by
him,56 that a certain Baitan, first noted as abbot and bishop of the place, died
on the 1st March, 663. 5? Allemand,58 who flourished at a period still later
than Sir James Ware, does not hesitate to make our Saint a bishop, citing the
authority both of Ussher and Colgan. 59 Harris seems to make our Saint bishop
of Clonmacnoise, owing to an obvious mistake he has committed, by placing
Tighernach there, as immediate successor of Kieran.60 This latter mistake of
Harris has been followed by Archdall,61 whilst adding another, when he intro-
duces Oedhlugh, abbot of this place, as having died on the 26th day of Feb-
ruary, a.d. 551. However, noting the silence of all ancient Irish Martyrologists
and writers on the subject of Kieran having been bishop of Clonmacnoise; also,
the prose Life of St. Senan describing when this holy man had been visited
by Kieran, the latter being represented only as a priest, nor, do we learn
elsewhere, that he became bishop : wherefore, we must probably regard him
as having been simply an abbot over Clonmacnoise. This seems to be most
likely, as he is generally allowed to have lived there only for one year, which
could scarcely suffice for its growth and consolidation, to require its erection
into a See, or as the chief seat for a diocesan district. It has been supposed,
that the idea of St. Kyran having been the first bishop over Clonmacnoise,
arose, either from an erroneous opinion of his namesake, St. Kieran, abbot
and bishop of Saigir, having been confounded with the abbot of Clonmac-
noise,62 or that Kieran of Saigir had been reputed first founder of
s° His feast occurs on the 12th September.
See his life at that date, in the present
volume, Art. i.
51 "Successor Queraini Coloniensis, vel
rectius . . . Kierani Clonensis seu Cluan-
ensis, abbas de Cluain, alias Cluain-mic-nois,
in limite Mediae." — " Acta Sanctorum
Hibernise," Februarii xxiv. Vita S.Cuminwi,
n. 16, p. 41 1.
52 This is attributed to Cummian, who
wrote to Segienus, abbot of Iona, in the
seventh century, regarding the Paschal
controversy ; and, it has a great historic
value, as referring to individual Irish saints
oi an earlier period, and to the traditions of
the ancient Irish Church.
s* Cummian says : " Juxta Duteronomion,
interrogavi patres meos, ut annunciarent
nnlii. successores videlicet nostrorum patrum
priorum, Abbei episcopi, Querani Coloni-
ensis, Brendini, Neesani, Lugidi," &c. —
•• Sylloge Yeterum Epistolarum Hiberni-
carum, num. xi.
54 In the Epistle of Cummian, it must be
remarked, that where Albeus is styled a
bishop, no such distinctive title follows for
St. Queran, whose connection with Clon-
macnoise is simply stated.
55 " Hujus ccenobii ecclesia postea, sed quo
tempore, me latet, in ecclesiam cathedralem
commutata est. Non desunt quidem, qui S.
Kieranum episcopum fuisse Cloinmac-
noisensem, diserte tra:lunt. Hoc si vetum,
de ecclesioc cathedralis initio, non est quod
ulterius disquiramus." — " Commentarius de
Prsesulibus Hibernian," p. 95.
s* " Ultrum recte, non inquiro ; ut velim,
saltern paucis recensuisset scriptoris, a
quibus sancti episcopatum Cluain-mic-
noisensem diserte traditum repent."
57 In Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," while his death is placed at
this date, he is only styled Baetan Mac-Ua-
Cormaic, Abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois. See
vol. i., pp. 274, 275.
58 See his "Histoire Monastique d'Irlande,"
p. 40,
59 However, neither of these authors posi-
tively assert such a statement.
60 See Harris' Ware, vol. i. "Bishops of
Clonmacnoise," p. 167. But Tigernach was
bishop at Clones, and not at Clonmacnoise.
61 See "Monasticon Ilibernicum," p. 380.
62 This seems to have been done by Sir
James Ware, who in treating about the
Ossorian bishops says, that Kieran of
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 227
Clonmacnoise episcopal See, and this for no better reason, than because its
precise erection as such can be referred to no exact date.63
CHAPTER IV.
VARIOUS POETICAL PIECES STATED TO HAVE BEEN THE COMPOSITIONS OF ST. KIERAN —
HE WAS AUTHOR OF A SPECIAL RELIGIOUS RULE— THE YEAR OF ST. KIERAN'S
DEATH— HIS BURIAL AND RELICS AT CLONMACNOISE— COMPOSITION IN PRAISE OF
ITS FOUNDER ATTRIBUTED TO ST. COLUMBA — COMMEMORATIONS AND CELE-
BRATIONS OF ST. KIERAN— MEMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
To St. Kiaran have been ascribed the gifts of a poetic genius ; and even
various compositions attributed to him are handed down to our time. It
was Ciaran, we are told, that composed the celebrated poetical lay which
begins : " An rim a ri an richid rain," &c, asking of God a prolongation of
his life, that he might perform more labour and service to Him. There is a
Poem attributed to St. Kiarain, among the Manuscripts of Trinity College,
Dublin.1 The Kierain intended is probably the Patron of Clonmacnoise.
Among the Poems, ascribed to St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, there is one,
" On the two Daughters of the Priest Isacar, Anna and Mary." 2 There is
a supposed Poem of Ciaran, invoking the protection of an Angel or an
Archangel, for each day of the week;3 and another Poem, invoking the
Saints of the Four Seasons of the Year.* A Poem of St. Ciaran, containing
32 verses, is to be found among the O'Longan Manuscripts. 5 He is made
the author of certain prophecies by Sir James Ware.6 An ancient prophetic
poem, ascribed to St. Ciaran, is to be met with among the O'Longan
Manuscripts? preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.
From various passages in Colgan, it would appear, that Kiaran had been
regarded as one among the principal Irish Saints. We are told, that in some
Manuscripts, he is called one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.8 Some
doubt seems to exist about our Saint being the Cieran, mentioned in
Ussher's Catalogue^ as belonging to the Second Class of Irish Saints, rather
than the less celebrated St. Kieran of Saigir.10 When setting forth the old
catalogue of Irish Saints, among those of the second order, who observed
different rules, we find the name of St. Kieran, St. Ciaran, or St. Queran,
Saighir died- in 549, thus making him iden- 8 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Notes
tical with Kieran of Clonmacnoise. to the Life of St. Finian, at the 23rd of
63 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., February, p. 398. Also, see n. 4, p. 402.
Septembris ix. Acta S. Kieranii, sect, vi., 9 According to Rev. Dr. Lanigan. " It is
num. 66, 67, 68, 69, p. 383. proper to caution the reader against an error
Chapter iv. — ' It is classed H. I. II. of the press in the London or folio edition,
2 It consists of 36 verses, and it is to be p. 474 of Ussher's Primordia, where in the
found among the O'Longan MSS., of the list of the Second Class, Ceranus occurs
Royal Irish Academy, vol. iv., p. 281, paper instead of Cemanus. This erratum might
folio. induce a person at first sight to think, that
3 It is in 32 verses, and found in a folio Kiaran of Saigir was mentioned in that list,
paper Manuscript, written by Michael Oge The sequel, however, shows, that the name
O'Longan, in and after the year 1799. This was Cemanus.'1'' — " Ecclesiastical History of
is in vol. iv. of the O'Longan collection, Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., n. 164,
in the Royal Irish Academy, pp. 40, 41. pp. 52, 53.
4 It is in 30 Stanzas, p. 42, ibid. I0 This latter was omitted, by Ussher's
5 In vol. xiv., p. 1S4. authority, as also many other saints of the
6 See " De Scriptoribus Hibernine," lib. i., period; for the author of the catalogue
cap. 2. only named holy persons most generally
In vol. Li v., p. 173. celebrated.
228 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
mentioned by Ussher. And quoting the Book of Navan, we are further
informed, that this Saint wrote a monastic Rule." This was called the Law
of Kieran. Nearly all our ancient and modern authors are agreed, that
St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise, who was also known as son of the Artificer,
must be reckoned amongst the eight principal Irish Saints, who wrote special
monastic rules, for the government of religious houses12 Moreover, he is
enumerated among the eight principal founders of regular monasteries in our
Island. x3 Among these institutions, the following gradation brings us to our
abbot : viz., the first rule was that of St. Patrick ; the second that of
St. Brigid ; the third that of St. Brendan j the fourth that of St. Kieran, &C.1*
Thomas Siring with various Irish writers, mentions this Special Rule of our
Saint. At the year 743, Archbishop Ussher remark's, that the monastic
Rules of St. Kieran, son to the artificer, and those of St. Brendan, son to
Finlog, were propagated in Ireland.16 Again, another testimony is produced
from a Hymn, attributed to his holy fellow- Apostle, Columba. In this, our
Saint's eulogy is pronounced ; he has been regarded as one of Ireland's
principal sons, and justly considered one of its great Apostles.1? In
O'Donnell's Life of St. Columba, we are told, that when the holy abbot of
Iona visited Clonmacnoise, he showed St. Kieran, abbot of this monastery,
a hymn which he had before composed in praise of God.18 This he wished
Kieran to read.1^ It is said that contemning this world's vanities and
entering a monastery, he became a venerable monk of the Benedictine Order,
and afterwards an Abbot.20 However, it must be observed, that the special
Rule of St. Benedict had not been brought into Ireland, until many centuries
after the death of our saint. It is stated, in a silly legend, that the saints of
Ireland fasted to cut short Ciaran's life, when he drew nigh unto death, and
because he alone had the half of Ireland.21 However, their petition was not
"He adds: " Neque alia est ilia lex js See " Collectanea Sacra-" Dissertatione
Ciarini, * * * cujus amplificatum usum ad de Monachatu S. Columbani, sect. 2.
annum dccxliii., in Annalibus Ultonien- l6See Index Chronologicus ad annum,
sibus observavimus." — " Britannicarum Ec- lxxii, p. 1170.
clesiarum Antiquitates," Addenda quaedam li The following verse is quoted : —
et emendanda, p. 1050
12 Edward O Reilly states : " He wrote Quantum Christe 6 Apostolum
a Rule for Monks, in Irish metre, said Mundo missiti hominem ;
to be amongst the MSS. of Trinity Lucerna hujus insulse,
College Library ; but in the present im- Lucens lucerna mirabilis, &c.
perfect state of the Catalogue of MSS. in
that library, we have not been able to See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,''
discover it." — " Chronological Account of Tertia Appendix ad Acta S. Columbse,
nearly Four Hundred Irish Writers," pp. secunda pars., pp. 471 et seq.
xxxv., xxxvi. ,8 See ibid., Vita Quinta S. Columbw,
13 In this same sense, Thomas Sirin, an Lib. lxx., pp. 400, 401.
Irish Minorite, in his Dissertation on St. ,9 The Bollandist editor would not under-
Columbanus, art. iii., § 2, quotes Alcuinus, take to deny, that a hymn, in praise of our
carm. 246, thus : — Saint, had been composed by Columba, and
presented to the inmates of Clonmacnoise.
Patricius, Cheranus, Scotorum gloria Buut> h seems to have been composed after
„enti5 b the death of St. Kieran.
Atque Co'lumbanus, Comgallus , S'The Aberdeen Breviary, and the fol-
Adamnanus atque lowers of the Benedictine rule, greatly
Praclari patres morum, viUeque venerating him, likewise seem to con-
magistri : slder nim as tneir f°uncler and spiritual
Ilinc'pietas/precibus horum nos father in Ireland.
adjuvet omnes. 2,It, 1S related, that the three worst
counsels acted on in Ireland through the
advice of saints were : First, the cutting
M See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." shert of Ciarain's life ; secondly, the banish -
Qnarta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii pars ment of Columkille ; and thirdly, the ex-
ii., p. 214. pulsion of Mochuda from Raithin.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 229
granted by the Almighty, until he fasted with them, and for their intention.
Then Odran" of Lettracha Odrain and Mac Ciiilin^ of Lusk, together with
an angel, went to tell him for what the saints fasted. Whereupon, he sang a
hymn, and left an injunction on his monks, never to promise ought before
they knew that purpose had in view.2* In the Life of St. Kevin,3* we have
related some particulars, taken from the old acts of that holy Abbot of
Glendalough, and which refer to St. Kyrain's death. Those statements are
seemingly regarded as apocryphal, by Baert and Suyskens ; although this
latter writer allows some truth may be concealed under a legendary garb.
If credit attach to this account, St. Kevin was present at St. Kyran's decease.
According to Tighernach, our saint died a.d. 549, in the thirty-first year of
his age.26 This seems, also, to have been the generally accepted popular
tradition for many centuries at Clonmacnoise.2? According to the Life of
St. Kiaran, he was called to the kingdom of eternal glory, in the thirty-third
year of his age. He is compared to Christ in this regard, as also in the cir-
cumstance, that he was known as the son of a carpenter.28 The same short
term of life is given to him, by Colgan.29 The Book of Navan and the Ulster
Annals only allow thirty-three years, as the term of his life : while the former
record states, that he only lived one year in his city of Clonmacnoise ; the
latter places his death at 548. According to the Ulster Annals, he departed
in the thirty-fourth year. 3° The Annals of Cambria 31 place the death of St.
Kieran at a.d. 544.3s The Annals of the Four masters 33 assign the
departure of St. Kieran to a.d. 548. This was the year of that great mortality
known as the Chron Chonaill ;34- and although many of the Irish saints suc-
cumbed to it, according to the latter authority, yet Ciarain and Tighearnach
were the exceptions. 35 This is also the date given by Colgan,36 who states,
that in the great pestilence of the Cronchconnuil or Cromchonnail, which
22 His feast occurs on the 2nd of. the Calendar of Oengus. By Whitley
October. Stokes, LL.D., p. cxliv.
23 See his Acts at the 6th of September, 28 As Joseph, the husband of Mary, the
in the present volume, Art. ii. reputed father of Jesus Christ, worked at
24 See "Transactions of the Royal Irish the carpenter's trade, so did Beoiadh, the
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., father of Kieran. This too is noticed by
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus. By the Donegal Martyrologists, who call St.
Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxliv. Joseph Cele muipe. Dr. Reeves remarks
25 Already written, at the 3rd of June. here in a note, that in such compounds as
%See the Sixth Volume of this work, Cele De, Cele-Christ, C£le-Petair, Cele-
Art. i. Clerich, &c, the primary meaning of Cele
26 Dr. O'Conor thus renders the Irish entry is "companion." It is so interpreted by
into Latin, at a.d. 559 : u Ciaranus filius Zeuss, in his " Grammatica Celtica." pp.
artificis obit 31 anno retatis suae, hoc est 22, 23, 245, 371.
septimo postquam Monasterium, dictum 29See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe."
Cluain-mac-Nitais, i.e. Seccessum filiorum Februarii vi. Vita S. Munis Episcopi Forg-
Nobilium, construere coepit." — "Rerum nagiensi, n. 15, p. 267.
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii., Tiger- 3°SeeDr, O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
nachi Annales, p. 138. The Annals of carum Scriptores," tomus iv. Annales
Innisfallen have his death so early as A.D. Ultonienses, p. 19.
538. "Quies Ciarani filii Artificis." Ex 3I Edited by Rev. John Williams ab Ithel,
Autographo Bodleiano. — Ibid., p. 6. The M.A.
Codex Dubliniensis does not give the year 32 See p. 3.
of his death, yet notices it as occurring 33 They state, on the 9th of September.
during the reign of King Diarmit, son of 34 This is Latinised Flava Ictericia^ or the
Ceribheoil, at p. 16. yellow jaundice, by Colgan, in "Acta
27 In the scholion to that copy of the Sanctorum Hiberniae," p. 831, col. 2.
"Feilire," preserved in the " Leabhar 35See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Breac," we are informed, that three and Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 184 to 189.
thirty was his age when he died. See 36See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae."
" Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy." Januarii xx. Vita S. Mollaggoe seu Molaci,
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On n. 31, p. 150.
230 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
carried off several of the saints of Ireland, with many other persons, St.
Kieranus Cluanensis was one of those victims. However, the Annals of
Boyle differ from all the* foregoing accounts, both in stating, that he died so
early as 523, and that he attained the age of thirty-six. 37 Sir James Ware
agrees with Ussher, regarding the dates for his age and year of departure,
but adds, that according to his biographer, the holy abbot only lived one
year, as superior over Clonmacnoise, while according to Tighernach, he
presitled over it seven years. 38 From which statements, Suyskens infers,
that our Saint died a.d. 549, in all probability; nor does he greatly regard
what Colgan adduces from the Annals, since almost all other authorities are
agreed concerning this epoch ; nor have we any decisive data, for consider-
ing it erroneous ; wherefore Suyskens thinks we may regard the sense of the
annalist, who says he died of the plague which occurred in 548, to be, that
Kyran had been carried off during its continuance through the following
year.39 A date very generally given for his death is a.d. 549. 4° Having
incorrectly, or without good authority, stated that St. Kieran had preached
in Kyntire, Smith tells us,*1 that he died a.d. 59442 For this, he refers to
Sir James Ware, but without citing any particular page or passage ; how-
ever, Ware is altogether silent on these matters. 43 Suyskens thinks it much
more probable, that St. Kieran lived to the age of sixty-six, than that he
died, at the early age of thirty-three ; since such conjecture seems better to
accord with the Acts of other saints cited by him. Is it to be supposed, he
enquires, that so young a man could have been founder of the many
monasteries, over which it is said* he ruled, if we admit he only lived to be
thirty-three years of age.44 But, even conceding that our Saint's death
occurred in 548 or 549, the Bollandist editor cannot unhesitatingly admit some
earlier dates, for that short life Kieran is said by Ussher to have lived.45
An ancient Registry of Clonmacnoise,46 states, that St. Kieran had
obtained from the Almighty the favour that no soul belonging to a body
37 Thus runs the entry : ' ' An. D. xxiii. subjects appears from his supposing (p. 10)
Ciaranus filius Artificis xxxvi etatis sue that Columba, when in his 28th year,
annon in Xpo quievit." — Dr. O'Conor's founded the monastery of Darmagh about
" Rerum Hibernicariim Scriptores," tomus the time of Kieran's death. Now the 28th
ii. Annates Buelliani, p. 4. year of Columba's age was A.D. 549, which
38 See "De Scriptoribus Hibernicc," lib. i., was also that in which Kieran died." — Ibi<f.
cap. 2. 44 Speaking about the monasteries, Aingen
j9He adds: "Corrigendum itaque est and Clonmacnoise, and the date for their
Martyrologium Parisiense, quod Sancti erection, Suyskens observes, "ostendimus
mortem plus integro sseculo serius statuit, utriusque fundationem justo serius ab
scilicet circa annum 669." — "Acta Sane- Usserio statui."
torum," tomus iii., Septembris ix. See 4S According to this latter writer, the holy
Acta S. Kieran, sect, vi., num. 61, 62, p. man went to St. Senan when only twenty-
382. one years old. At this early period of life,
40 It is rather remarkable, that Dr. he was made guestmaster ; at the age of
Lanigan's own history contains a misprint, fourteen, he first entered upon a religious
which makes our saint's death fall in a.d. life, under St. Ninnid at Lough Erne ; then
459, instead of in 549. The latter date he he was under the discipline of St. Endeus at
obviously meant. See ibid.,\o\. ii., p. 52. Aran, when dining a tender age he exer-
41 In his " Life of St. Columba." cised the humble office of artificer or
42 " Yet to do every man justice, this 594 labourer ; meanwhile, we are to consider,
is perhaps an erratum for 549. But the that before the year 530, he had St. Finnian
fable of Kieran having preached in Kintyre as a master. That all these offices were
is not so. It is taken from such stories as exercised, at such early age, and within such
those of Dempster and others, concerning a limited number of years, the Bollandist
that great saint. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's editor does not consider to be probable.
"Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii., 46This had been transcribed by Dudley
chap. xi„ sect, viii., n. 92, p. 121. Mac Firbis, for the use of Sir James
43 " How little Smith had examined these Ware.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
23 1
interred at Clonmacnoise should be deprived of salvation. The peasantry
in its neighbourhood preserve such a tradition, to the present day. Yet, this
pious belief is not to be received in an unqualified sense. It had origin,
doubtless, in the merits of their great local patron, St. Kieran. It could
only have reference, however, to those souls who departed this life in the
state of grace. From another source we learn, that the holy Abbot Kyran
was interred in the church he had founded at Clonmacnoise. His monastic
establishment there had been ruled over by a succession of venerable
Abbots from the time of his decease, through several subsequent centuries.
Indeed, it is thought, that their names are in many instances decipherable in
the Irish characters which have been found on monumental stones disinterred
Teampul Figneen and Round Tower, Clonmacnoise.
and of unquestionably remote antiquity/? Many chiefs and bishops were
likewise interred in this cemetery. It has been stated, that Hebrew as well
as Irish inscriptions were discovered on many of the tombs. Owing to this
circumstance of our saint's interment and domicile, the monastery of Clon-
macnoise had ever since been reckoned noble and venerable48 Even yet,
where only the ruins of former churches and round towers are to be seen,*9
47 The reader is referred to that invaluable,
elegant and profusely illustrated work, edited
by Miss Margaret Stokes, ''Christian In-
scriptions in the Irish Language," and
especially to volume i.. which principally
treats on those found at Clonmacnoise.
Many of these were collected and drawn by
George Petrie, LL.D. ; and since his time
several of the original monuments have
disappeared. However, the extraordinary
research and antiquarian knowledge dis-
played in every page of the work by Miss
Stokes, and her accomplishments as an
artist, in the hundreds of drawings it con-
tains, place the Irish antiquary and scholar
under the greatest obligations to her for the
accuracy and completeness of that noble
task to which her talents have been devoted,
and which to her was truly a labour of love.
48 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quinta Vita S. Columba?, lib. iii., cap.
xvii., p. 434. The Hollandist editor adds,
"Quamdiu vero sacrum istud depositum
ibidem permanserit, non legi : at cum Col-
ganus in Appendice 5 ad Vitam S. Brigidse,
pag. 663 sciibat, Cluain-mic-noisiam ab
anno 719 usque ad 1155 quater et trigesies
seucombustamseuspoliatamfuisse.verendum
est, ut tarn multiplici cladi superfuerit.'
See De S. Kierano seu Querano, sect, vi.,
num. 55, 56, 57, p. 381.
45 As in the former volumes, we have had
232 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September g.
the religious pilgrim and intelligent visitor are carried in thought to those
ages when that solitary place was distinguished as the chief school for piety,
learning, and art in Ireland. As compared with the larger cathedral, the
earlier church of St. Kieran was named the smaller ; and in it a great
number of relics had been preserved. s° A piece of bone, said to have
belonged to one of St. Kieran's hands, was preserved in the cathedral of
Clonmacnoise, in 1242.51 In Archbishop Marsh's Library manuscript Life
of St. Kiaran, we find mention made of the " sarcina citha."52 This was a
covering for the Book of Gospels which belonged to him, and which a cow
is said to have drawn uninjured from the waters of Lough Ree.
Among the literary productions of St. Columba, Colgan enumerates four
hymns composed in the Latin idiom ; and the first of these was written to
eulogise St. Kieran's virtues. The only portion of this hymn, which reached
the Bollandist Suyskens, has been already given in a note, affixed to the
earlier portion of this memoir. We are told, on his hearing about St.
Kieran's death, St. Columkille, Abbot of Iona, declared, that it was a
providential circumstance, he had been called away from life at an early age ;
for, had he lived to an advanced term of years, the envy of many would be
excited against him. It is said, that St. Columba composed a Hymn in
honour of our saint. This seems to indicate, that he had been at Clonmac-
noise, when it was written ; since the successor of Kieran said to him : " O
father, this is a beautiful and eulogistic hymn ; what return can we make for
its composition?" Columba answered, "Give me two hands full of earth,
taken from the grave of Father Kieran, because that I desire and love, more
than pure gold or precious stones.';53 Wherefore, St. Columba, taking this
earth from the sepulchre of St. Kieran, returned to his own island of Hy.
But, while on his voyage thither, a great sea-storm arose, which carried his
ship towards a most dangerous whirlpool, known as Corebreacyn.54 While
drifting towards this whirlpool, so much dreaded by mariners, St. Columba
frequent reference to saints connected with subject of his biography was under St.
Clonmacnoise, and have given different Kieran's direction at Clonmacnois. All that
illustrations of various ruined churches there ; can be found regarding Columba's visit there,
so in the present instance, a view is presented refers to his return iiom Iona to Ireland,
of Teampul Figneen, and the adjoining many years after Kieran's death. There
Round Tower, from a photograph, copied on can be little doubt, however, that both of
the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey. these Saints were personally acquainted. In
50 See Colgan 's " Acta Sanctorum Iliber- his Acts of St. Columbkille, Prince O'Don-
niae," Februarii vi., Vita S. Munis, cap. ix., nell tells us, that Saint studied with St.
p. 266. Kieran, in the school or monastery of
51 This year allusion is made to it, a Chapter Mobby Clairineach. See Dr. Lanigan's
being held at Louth, by Albert of Cologne, " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
archbishop of Armagh. See Rt. Rev. chap, xi., sect, viii, n. 92,#pp. 120, 121.
Richard Mant's "History of the Church of 54 This is the great whirlpool of the
Ireland, from the Reformation to the Revo- Western Hebrides, to which the poet,
lution ; with a preliminary Survey from the Thomas Campbell, makes such happy allu-
Papal Usurpation, in the Twelfth Century, sion in his beautiful poem, "Gertrude of
to its legal Abolition in the Sixteenth," vol. Wyoming."
i., chap, i., sect, v., p. 64.
52 It is thus described : " quae erat de " Green Albin ! what though he no more
pelle facta in qua evangelium positum erat survey
[quae] circa pedem vaccae adhesit et sic Thy ships at anchor on the quiet shore,
vacca in pede cetham traxit secum ad terrain, Thy pellocks rolling from the mountain
et inventus est liber evangelii in cetha lay,
pellicea putrefacta siccus et aridus atque Thy lone sepulchral cairn upon tfie
candidus sine ullo humore ac si conditus moor,
esset in biblioteca." — Cap. 27, fol. 147, aa. And distant isles that hear the loud
53 In his "Life of St. Columba," p. 8, Corbrechtan roar."
Smith has a fable, which states, that the — Part i., stanza v.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 233
threw a portion of the earth taken from St. Kieran's tomb into the sea.
Immediately, the waves subsided, the tempest was stilled, and the ship
escaped from that menaced danger. Thereupon, St. Columba returned
thanks to God, and called his fellow-passengers to witness what a favour had
been obtained, through the relics of Blessed Kieran. 55 But with regard to
the miracle already recorded, respecting the rescue from shipwreck,*6 there is
another version, still less probable. It is stated, that while the ship in which
Iona's Abbot sailed from Ireland to Britain was about to reach the whirlpool
of Core Brecain,57 the bones of Brecan, grandson to Niell the Great, Kini; of
Ireland, seemed to float on the waves. s8 Seeing these relics of mortality,
Columba is said to have offered a prayer, that the soul of Brecan might be
released from the pains of purgatory. The saint and his companions were
soon afterwards rescued from the dangers of the ocean. 5? Before proceeding
to analyse the Chronotaxis, between our Saint's birth and death, the
Bollandist editor of his Acts very properly remarks, that those fragmentary
accounts previously given must be examined in connexion with the lives of
saints there introduced.
In the earliest Irish Martyrologies and Calendars, the feast of St. Kieran
of Clonmacnois is to be found recorded, at the 9th of September. He is
noticed with distinguished eulogy, in the "Feilire" of St. ^ngus.e°
Especially, in that monastery where his life ended, and in the church
attached to it, for several succeeding centuries after his death, his festival
attracted crowds from all the surrounding districts.61 In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,62 it is mentioned, that Ciaran mac an t-sair was
venerated, at the 9th of September.^ In the Calendar, prefixed to the
Martyrology of Christ- Church, his feast is commemorated on this day.6-*
The Bollandist Soller considers, it was owing to Usuard's singular diligence,
55 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga. " "Leabhar Breac" copy, is the following
Appendix Secunda ad Acta S, Columbae, stanza : —
pars prima, sect, xiii, pp. 457, 458. This
account purports to be taken from the tttO]\ l/ich Imaf qucriA
thirty-third chapter of an old Life of St. Cv\och<Mr I0115A IuacVia
Kieran. It is not to be found in the UIac 111 c pjeir ^TM^S^
Irish Life, contained in the Book of £eil CAiri Chiaruvin ChbuAii-a.
Lismore.
s6 Given in the Life of St. Columba, by Thus rendered into English by Whitley
Prince O'Donnell, lib. hi., cap. xxi. Stokes, LL.D :— "A great solemnity that
57 This is Latinized Charybdis Brccani, filleth the borders, that shaketh swift ships,
for it was called after Brecan, who had been the wright's son beyond kings, the fair feast
drowned there, many years previously. of Ciaran of Cluain." — " Transactions of the
58 It would seem, the ancient Britons Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
entertained an opinion, that it was a great Series, vol. i., part i., p. exxxvii.
disgrace or misfortune for the dead to want 6l This is shown from the scholion on the
the rites of sepulture in a grave, "as they " Feilire," which represents everyone coming
believed that without it their bodies could in ships from the head of the lake (Ree) and
enjoy no rest or happiness in a future state." from below, on the annual recurrence. It
— Mylius' "History of England," book i., is called, likewise, a great festival that fills
chap, v., p. 43. It is probable, this same territories. See ibid, p. cxliii.
belief also prevailed among the ancient Irish 63 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
and Caledonians. 6j Also, in the Book of Leinster copy, we
59 "Nulla hie de sepulcrali S. Kiarani read Ciaran fllac 111 Craen. To this is
pulvere fit mentio, quamvis de eodem added : i.e. bpoetmea.
naufragii periculo agi videatur : at prior 6* Yet, it is not inserted in the Martyrology
narratio simplicior et vere similior apparet." itself. See John Clarke Crosthwaite's and
— "Acta Sanctorum," tomusiii, Septembris Rev. Dr. Todd's edition of " The Book of
ix. De S. Kierano seu Querano, sect, vi., Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral
num. 58, 59, 60. pp. 381, 382. Church of the Holy Trinity," Introduction,
60 At the 9th of September, in the p. xlix., and p. 69.
234
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS [September 9.
that this Saint obtained a place in sacred records j 6s as there had been no
mention made concerning him, in the more antient Martyrologies. In the
Florarian Manuscript, belonging to the Bollandists, at the ninth of September,
there is a notice' relating to St. Kyran, with an eulogy borrowed from the
words of St. Paul.66 The Martyrology of St. Jerome, belonging to*
Reichenaw,6? also mentions our Saint.68 In the anonymous List of our
Saints, as published by O'Sullivan Beare, and at the same date, we meet
Queranus/9 His festival is recorded, in the Roman Martyrology,70 at the
9th day of September. The Martyrology of Aberdeen commemorates our
Saint, at the 9th of September.?1 He is recorded at the same date in the
Martyrology of Donegal,72 at still greater length, as Ciaran, Son of the
Carpenter, and Abbot of Cluain-mic Nois.
In Scotland, as in Ireland, the present Saint was held in especial venera-
tion, under the names of Ciaranus, Kyranus or Queranus.73 His festival
is recorded at the 9th of September, in the Kalendar of Drummond,7* in
the Martyrology of Aberdeen,7* in Adam King's Kalendar76, and in Thomas
Dempster's Menologium Scoticum.77 This veneration of our Saint in Scot-
land is to be accounted for probably and chiefly owing to the circumstance
of his having been known to the great St. Columkille.78 In the vicinity of
Campbelltown, in Kintyre, there is a remarkable cave, in which St. Ciaran
is said to have lived. It still bears his name in the traditions of the country.70
Many churches were dedicated to our Saint in various places throughout Scot-
land. Mr. Chalmers names several of them.80 He tells us, that an islet bears
St. Kiaran's name, on the coast of Lorn, a maritime district in Argyllshire,81
which got its name from Loarn, one of the three brothers, sons of Ere,
who immigrated from the Irish Dalriada, towards the end of the fifth
century, and founded the Scottish Monarchy.82 Chalmers shows, that the
Saint in question was Kieran of Clonmacnoise, from the circumstance of his
festival having been held on the 9th of September. This is also confirmed
65 In the genuine text of Usuard, we
read: " In Scotia Querani abbatis."
66 Ephesians, chap, iii., 17, 18, 19. It
reads as follows : " In Scotia, natale sancti
Querani abbatis. I lie Vir Sanctus, in
caritate radicatus et fundatus didicit, quae
latitudo, quae longitudo et sublimitas et
profundjum ; scire etiam superemintem
sciential caritatem Christi,impletus in omnem
Dei plenitudinem."
67 A town in Suabia, Germany.
68 This has been published by Soller, as
an appendix, after the seventh tome for the
month of June. At the v. of the September
Ides, omitting the place of his veneration and
his title of Abbot, we read : " Alibi, Sancti
Kerani Confess."
69 See Historian Catholicae Iberniae Com-
pendium," tomus i., lib- iv., cap. xi., i* 51.
7° Thus: In Scotia Sancti Querani abbatis."
71 It says at v. ldus Septembris : — "In
Ybernia Sancti Kyrani viri Dei cuius vita
Claris miraculis in Christi ecclesia refulsit."
— Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries
of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 267.
t Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
240, 241.
73 See Dr. Forbes' " Kalendar of Scottish
Saints," pp. 377, 435-
74 Thus : " Pvodem die in Hibernia Natale
Sancti Presbyteri et eximii Abbatis Ciarani."
— Ibid., p. 24.
"Thus: "v. Idus Septembris. — In
Yybernia Sancti Kyrani viri Dei cujus vita
Claris miraculis in Christi ecclesia refulsit."
— Ibid., p. 134.
76 Thus : " S. Queranus abot in Scotland
vnder King Ethus."— Ibid., p. 161.
77 Thus : " In Scotia Querani abbatis." —
Ibid., p. 211.
78 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga."
Tertia Appendix ad Acta S. Columba,
secunda pars, num. 4, pp. 471. 472.
79The most ancientchurch at Campbeltown
was dedicated to St. Ciaran, and hence it
had the name of Kil-Kerran. From him
also was derived the name of Kil-Kerran, in
Ayrshire.
80 See "Caledonia," vol. i , book ii., chap,
vii., p. 317, 318
61 The parishes comprised in it are Lis*-
more and Appin, Ardchattan and Muckairn,
Kilmore and Kilbride, Glenorchy and
Innishail, Kilbrandon and Kilchattan, Kil-
chrenan and Dalavich, Kininver and
Kilmelfort.
82See Francis II. Groome's "Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., p. 558.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 235
by Keith. 83 He was venerated at Strathmore in Caithness. Also, at
Feteresso,8* and near it in Glenbervie, where was his well ; at Kilker-
ran,8s in Kintyre ; at Kilcheran, in Lismore ;86 at Kilchieran or
Kilkeran,87 in Kilchoman parish, Islay ; at Barvas,8* in the Island of Lewis,80
and at Dalkerran or l)alquherran.,/J in Dailly parish, Ayrshire.'1 Apparently
this saint is- confounded with his namesake, whose festival occurs on the
5th of March, by Thomas Dempster.'3 He went still further, by stating,
that St. Kieran, a holy bishop, lived chiefly in the Western Isles of Scot-
land^ and that after a holy life he suffered martyrdom, having been slain by
robbers.0* But such accounts are manifestly absurd, and Colgan shows, that
the statements of both Camerarius and Dempster are false. 95 However,
if Colgan had been aware of the great veneration paid to St. Kieran in that
country, and of the 9th of September having been the true date for the
festival, he could have cleared up the matter better than has been done.06 In
the eastern parts of France we find a Saint Quiran — most probably an Irish-
man— venerated : pilgrimages to his shrine appear to have been customary,
before the time of the French Republic, and even after the Restoration of
Louis XVIII., in 1814.97 We cannot be sure, however, that he was identical
with the Patron of Clonmacnoise.
In the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, a Proper Office 98 has been
composed by its former venerated Bishop, Most Rev. Bartholomew Wood-
lock, for the Patron Saint Kiaran ; while it is there recited on his chief
festival, by authority and prescription of the Holy See.99 Among the proper
Masses for Holy French and Irish Patrons, and in a Missal edited by order
of Pope Clement XII., we find a festival strangely prescribed for a Kiaran
on the xi. of September.100 Suyskens says, he would be inclined to
identify this Saint, with the Kieran of whom we treat, but for a dubious
phrase, about his belonging to Foilen Monastery ; since it nowhere appears,
that the monastery styled Cluanense or Angicnse, of which our saint was
founder and abbot, had ever been known by this denomination of Foilense.
There are circumstances, however, that might induce a suspicion of their
83 See his " List of Bishops," p. 233. 660, which is not true of either Kieran, who
84 "The plain but very ancient church, St. lived more than a century earlier.
Caran's, at Feteresso hamlet, is still repre- 93 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
sented by its walls or shell, and by its large Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. x,, num. 774, p. 420.
kirkyard, one of Stonehaven's three cemete- 94 How Dempster gleaned his information
ries." — Francis H. Groome's "Ordnance is not revealed, since he adds :" Nee plura
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., p. 18. ejus acta supersunt, ita et scripta in teriere."
85 See " Origines Parochiales Scotia?,'' vol. 9S See Acta Sanctorum Hibernian," Manii
ii., p. 12, and "Old Statistical Account of v. Appendix ad Vitam S- Kierani, cap i., p.
Scotland," vol. x., pp. 534, 535. 470,
86 See "Origines Parochiales Scoriae," ■" |g " He might have learned from the sup-
vol. ii., p. 163. plement to Kieran's Acts quoted by himself
87 See " New Statistical Account of Scot- (ib., p. 266) that his name was exceedingly
land," vol. vii. Argyle, p. 647. celebrated in Scotland ; "Nomen per Hiber-
88 See Origines Parochiales Scoriae," vol. niam et Abaniam longe celeberimum." — Dr.
ii., p. 387. Lanig.ui's " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
89 See "The Topographical, Statistical, land," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, xi., n. 187, p. 61.
and Historical Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. 97 See an interesting narrative in French,
i., p. 115. entitled, "Waterloo, suite du consent de
90 See " New Statistical Account of 1813," sect, viii., pp. 100, 101. Troisieme
Scotland," vol. v. Ayrshire. At Kilkerran edition.
are the ruins of a former strong castle, ^ In Nine Lessons.
p. 384. 9» Obtained through application of Dr.
91 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Wood lock.
Scottish Saints," p. 436. ,00Thus : "In festo Sancti Kirani, abbatis
90 He is said to have flourished in the year Foilensis et patroni."
236
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
identity.101 The Bollandist editor of our Saint's Acts gives several extracts,
which explain the Mass of our Saint, as printed in that Missal, to which
allusion has been already made. The editor of the aforesaid Missal certifies
in his preface, that no saints, except those well known, and of no doubtful
reputation, were to be found in it.102 According to Father Suyskens, it is
quite evident, that by the Kieran there mentioned, we must understand the
Abbot of Clonmacnoise.103 He offers some conjectures, which do not appear
to be very conclusive, to account for a festival to St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise
being placed at the nth of September.10* We find too that his festival ios
had been celebrated with an office, comprising nine lessons.106
Both in ancient and modern times, churches and chapels have been built in
Ireland to honour this saint. A chapel in Aran was dedicated to St. Kieran —
most likely the present holy Abbot — and it stood on the site of a church
which had been demolished. This latter was called Mainister Connachtach
or the Connaught Monastery.10? It is said, a church, called Temple
Macateer, in the parish of Ardnurcher, situated partly in the barony of
Kilcoursey, but chiefly in that of Moycashel, County Westmeath, had been
founded by this saint. It was named after him Teampull mhic ayt saoir,
"the Church of the Son of the Artificer." The ruin yet stands on a town-
land, to which it gives name. Hence, our St. Kieran is supposed to have
been the ancient Patron Saint of Ardnurcher.108 There is a place called
Temple Kieran, in the County of Meath. It is said to have been dedicated
to a St. Kieran,100 but whether or not to the present one seems to be
unknown. This old church was pulled down, and a Protestant edifice had
101 On examining various catalogues of
Irish and Scotch saints, and authors who
have treated on the holy man of Ireland and
Scotland, Suyskens declares he found no
one named Kirianus Foilensis abbas, or
bearing any similar title, in whose honour the
Mass already mentioned could have been com-
piled. First, a manuscript copy of the Aber-
deen Breviary, possessed by the Bollandists,
mentions Queranus, at no other day but the
9th of September. Secondly, Augustinus
Lubinus has a peculiar entry : u Erat abbas
Foilensis in Scotia," in his Geographical
Tablet to the Roman Martyrology. Again,
Camerarius, in " De Scotorum Pietate,"
lib. iii., and who, among the Martyrologists
alone commemorates Kieran, at the nth of
September, seems to admit that he was
identical with that saint, referred by others
to the 9th of September. These ar% the
words of Camerarius : " Sanctus Queranus
abbas Foilensis in Scotia. De ipso vide
Martyrologium Romanum, ad ix. Septem-
bris, Wionem lib. iii-, Lignum Vitas Usuar-
dum et alios."
102 He writes, that all saints were ex-
cluded from it, "quas celebrant prgeconiis
et laudibus efferunt ipsa Martyrologia, et
quorum memoriam celebrate usus fuit olim,
ut attestatur turn Usuardi Martyrologium,
turn Historia Bedse, turn denique Eccle-
siarum aut Ordinum et Congregationum
Missalia antiqua aeque ac recentiora."
103 The Martyrologists, after Usuard, seem
referring to him.
104 He supposes that a reason may be
sought for, in the fact, that as the 9th of
September had been dedicated to St.
Osmanna, an Irish Virgin, who spent her
last days in Gaul, having been venerated in
Ireland and France ; it is thought she could
not properly be disturbed from that place.
And again, in the Roman Missal, used by
the Irish, as the 9th of February (?) — rather
the 10th of September— had been pre-occu-
pied by a double office for St. Nicholas of
Tolentino, and as the nth day of this
month had been left vacant, it might have
been thought a suitable day to be assigned
for St. Kieran's festival. See " Acta
Sanctorum," tomus iii. Septembris ix. De
S. Kierano seu Querano, Abbate Cluain-
mic-noisensi, Commentarius Ilistoricus,
sect. 1, num. 3, 4, 5, 6, p. 371.
I05At the 9th of September.
106 The Manuscript in Trinity College,
Dublin, classed B. 3, 12, contains a notice
of it in the Calendar, at v. Ides of Septem-
ber : "Kerani. Conf. ix. Lect."
107 According to Archbishop Keely's List
of Churches at 21st of March. See Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum Hibernian'1 Vita S.
Endei, Appendix, cap. 7, p. 715.
108 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., chap.
xix.,p. 497.
109 Possibly to St. Ciaran of Castlekieran,
who was venerated at the 14th of June, where
an account of him may be found in the Sixth
Volume of this work, Art. iii.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 237
been erected on its site.110 The ruins were situated in the parish of Loghan,
and there was a termon -cross at the place.111 Another old church, now in
ruins, and situated in the barony of Demifore, County of Meath, seems to
have been dedicated to this St. Kieran. It was called Loughcrew.112 At
Castledaly, near Moate, County of Westmeath, a new church, under the
title and patronage of St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise was solemly dedicated
to Catholic worship with the full and impressive ritual prescribed by the
Church for such occasions On Wednesday, February *i 6th, 1876. The
parish of Moate, in which the new edifice is situated, is nearly one of the
largest in the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.1^ The Church con-
sists of a single nave with a heptagonal apse, in the gothic style."4
The servants of God, by their daily and hourly toil in His service,
resemble the builders of lofty structures, who, placing tier of masonry above
tier, and on a solid foundation, gradually advance above earth's level
towards the upper skies. So, their industry attains nearer its object by
constancy and perseverance. Within a short period, our Saint wrought
incessantly, and therefore gradually became more perfect, as he advanced
towards the limit of life. The spiritual edifice he erected was not on sand ;
neither were the winds or torrents of temptation able to destroy his work.
From the interest attaching to his name and memory, we may regard him as
having neglected no portion of his allotted labours in the Irish Church ; and
therefore his virtues and merits were rewarded with the meed of his people's
approbation and reverence. As his works were still better approved by his
Divine Master, this Saint has accordingly secured a distinguished place
among the host of heavenly citizens.
Article II.— St. Osmana, or St. Osmanna, Virgin, Abbey of St.
Denis, France. What has often happened in the case of many venerated
saints, having their true acts mingled with obscurities, uncertainties and fables,
must be predicated of St. Osmanna ; for, although some old Lives of her are
extant, they are negligently and injudiciously composed, while they are of a
character not to merit implicit belief. Of those, a Life written by some
anonymous author, and apparently founded on accounts still more ancient, is
to be found in a Manuscript, belonging to the church of St. Denis, near
Paris ; but, it is imperfect or unreadable in some passages. St. Osmana is
entered in the Calendars, at the 1st of April;1 but this festival only has
reference to a Translation of her relics. Again, at the 25th of August, a
feast is said to have been assigned her, in a Breviary of St. Denis, near
Paris,2 by Breulius. This holy virgin has been celebrated by many writers.
Her earliest known manuscript Acts appear to be those found in the former
Benedictine Library at St. Denis, near Paris ; but, in some passages, they are
illegible or imperfecta Another manuscript Life of St. Osmanna was
110 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of After the first Gospel this learned and
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., chap. eloquent prelate preached the dedication
xv., p. 242. Also, chap, xvi., p. 281. sermon. A very full report of it and the
111 See ibid. proceedings is contained in the Free/nan's
112 See ibid., chap, xvi., p. 334. journal of Thursday, February 17th, 1876.
113 This church owes its erection to Very Article ii. — 1 On this day, notices of her
Rev. Canon Kearney, P.P. of Moate. are given in the Fourth Volume of our work,
1,4 The ceremony of dedication was per- Art. ix.
formed by the Most Rev. Dr Duggan, Lord 2 At that date, the Bollandists, among the
Bishop of Clonfert, and directly afterwards pretermitted feasts, have some notices of her.
commenced a Pontifical High Mass, the 3 A copy of this MS. had been sent by Cas-
Most Rev. Dr. Conroy, Lord Bishop of tellan, Canon of Paris, to the Bollandist
Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, pontificating. Fathers, in a communication, dated A.D.
238 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
preserved at Anisolensis,* in the church of St. Carilefus, Carilulphe or
Marculf, diocese of Mans.' As this is fuller in matter than the former one,
and yet frequently coincides with it in phrases and order of narrative ; Father
Suysken thinks its compiler used the former, so that he not only supplied the
lacuna, but enlarged its narrative, occasionally by conjecture, or otherwise
from a different source, or possibly from the fallacies of his own imagination.
Evidently taken from some old codex, the writer's name not known, John
Capgrave has fuller notices of this saint,6 and differing from the St. Denis
Life in certain places. This narrative is closely followed by Dean Jacques
Doublet,? a Benedictine Father, in his work on the History of the Abbey of
St. Denis.8 John Wilson,' Robert Buckland,10 Saussay,11 and Lobineau12
have accounts of St. Osrnana. The Bollandists give her Acts,13 at the 9th of
September.1* These are taken from an old Life of the saint, by some
anonymous writer, and they were found in a Manuscript belonging to the
former Benedictine Abbey of St. Denis, near Paris. This Life has been
collated, by the editor, Father Constantine Suysken, with a more lengthy —
yet not more correct— one sent to the Bollandists in 1630, which was copied
from a Manuscript belonging to the church of St. Carilefus, '5 in the diocese
of Mans.16 Again, also, he makes use of that Life published by John
Capgrave. A Previous Commentary is given in two sections and twenty-
seven paragraphs, while the Acts and Appendix are comprised in eleven
paragraphs, with accompanying notes. There are notices of St. Osmanna
in Rev. Alban Butler's1? work, and in that of the Petits Bollandistes.'8
She was the daughter of an Irish prince, according to the Legend of
her Acts,1' and from her very infancy, she was remarkable for her
innocence, and for observing all the Divine precepts. We are told, also,20
that the name by which she was first known in Ireland was Agariarga, and
which she bore to the time when Osmanna was given her in baptism. Her
1691. The original manuscript — now pro- James I. See Joannis Pitsei " Relationvm
bablylost — had been traced in Gothic letters. Historicarvm de Rebus Anglicis," Aetas
The imperfect -passages were marked with decimaseptima, p. 816.
dots, by Castellan. " In his " Martyrologium Gallicanum."
4 This Latin name is not to be found in the I2 Se Lobineau's "Saints de Bretagne,"
"Novum Lexicon Geogiapliicum," edited tome ii., cent, vii., Septembre ix., pp. I to 4.
by P. Ferrarius and M. A. Baudrand. '3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
s A copy of this had been sent to the Bob ix. Septembris, pp. 417 to 425.
landist Fathers in 1638, by Father Jean ,4 Headed : " De S. Osmanna Virgine,
Daide of their Society. quae colitur in Abbatia S- Dionysii prope
6 In " Nova Legenda Anglise," fol. ccxlvii., Parisios in Francia."
ccxlviii., at quinto Idibus Septembris. ,s Ex Anisolensi, St. Carilefus, also called
7 He was born in 1560 and he died in Cariulphe of Bayeux, and Masculphe or
1648, at the age of eighty-eight. See M. Le Mascoul, is venerated on the 1st of May.
Dr. Hoefer's "Nouvelle Biographie Ge*ie- l6 Cenomanum, now le Mans, was the
rale." tome xiv., col. 672. chief city of the Cenomani, a people of
8 See "Histoire de l'Abbaye de Saint- Gallia Celtica, their country being now
Denys en France, contenant les Antiquites known as le Maine.
d'icelle, les Fondations, Prerogatives et '7 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
Privileges," Paris, 1625, two tomes, 4to. and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
9 In " Martyrologium Anglicanuin." tember ix.
10 According to Ferrarius in " Catalogus ,8 See "Vies des Saints," tome x., ixe
Generalis Sanctorum." The Bollandist Jour de Septembre, p. 595.
Suysken does not know who this Robert '• And likewise by John Capgrave.
Buckland had been, unless he may be con- " Beata virgo Osmanna clara stripe ac regali
sidered identical with one Rudolph Buck- Iliberniensium progenita," &c.
land, a Priest, who is said to have translated 2° The Anisolensen Manuscript Life states :
into English all the volumes of Surius and "Tunc baptizavit illam episcopus, vocans
to have prepared them for the press. He earn OSMANAM, cum antea gentili nomine
died in the year 161 1, during the reign of vocaretur Agariarga."
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 239
parents were idolaters, and were opposed to her inclinations for becoming a
Christian. However, she required them to answer, could she be compelled,
as a believer in the one true God, to adore mute idols having no power to
aid her, and to follow the pagan customs. This reluctance on her part, to
continue in the old superstitions, caused them great sadness, and they devised
a means, as they thought, to divert her from leading a Christian life. They
wished her to marry a pagan prince, in her country, which is called Hibernia.
But, to avoid their importunities, Osmana left her home and native island,
accompanied only by one of her female attendants, named Aclitenis.21 Their
destination was to Armoric22 Britain.23 Having embarked on board a vessel,
they were wafted towards the shores of Gaul, and there they disembarked on
the coast near Saint-Brieuc.2^ They sought a very solitary place, far from
human habitation, and* near the banks of the River Loire.25 In that part of
the country, they constructed a sort of shieling, with the branches of trees ;
and in it, for a long time, they passed a life of meditation and penance. The
place of their retreat was at length accidentally discovered by a hunter, who,
with his dogs, followed a boar, that fled before them, and sought refuge in
the hut of St. Osmana. The animal lay down at her feet, and in that position
was found by the hunter, who would not heed the pathetic remonstrances of
the virgin. But, neither his hunting spear nor dirk was able to penetrate even
the skin of the prostrate animal. Astonished at such an adventure, the
hunter returned to a city or town called Briscis or Brisis,26 where he related
what had occurred. Whereupon, the bishop of that see, to be better
informed, went with a number of his clergy and people to the holy virgin's
hermitage. There they found her, covered only with the rudest kind of garment,
woven from rushes and long grass into a sort of camlet, while her bed was
covered with thorns on which she lay, so as to expose herself to the utmost
bodily mortification. The bishop enquired if she believed in the Christian's
doctrine, and desired to receive baptism. On signifying her earnestness to
have that sacrament conferred on her, a vessel of water was procured, and in
presence of those assembled, she was made a member of Christ's fold. At
that time, also, she wrought a remarkable miracle ; for a man who had been
blind for three years was restored to sight, by her touching him. All present
greatly rejoiced, and proclaimed Osmana a true sen-ant of Christ and a most
holy virgin. We are informed, that after her baptism, the bishop employed
a peasant to prepare a garden and lawn around Osmana's place of habita-
tion, 27 while another man was engaged to construct an oratory in which her
21 The Anisolensen Manuscript reads Ac- between the embouchures of the Seine and
lytenis. However, Father Louis Jobert, the Loire. All Bretagne in France was
S.J., Wrote to Father Papebroch in 1678, comprised within it. See Pierre Larousse's
that there was a village called St. Cerota, in "Grand Dictionaire Universel du xixe
Le Vendosmois, diocese of Mans, and about Siecle," tome i., p. 671.
eight leagues distant from Le Mans. St. 24 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Cerota was there venerated, on the 22nd of Saints,'' tome x., ixe Jour de Septembre,
June, and she had an office from the Common p. 595.
of Virgins. She was considered by the 2= Latinized Liger or Ligeris.
people there, to have been the female ser- 26 Such place denominination was un-
vant of Osmanna, the daughter of an Irish known to Father Suysken. By Doublet
king, revered on the 9th of September, and and Saussay, it was thought to have been
whose relics had been preserved in the St. Brioc or Brieu, on the British Channel,
Church of St. Denis, near Paris. On the and so called from its Irish patron saint,
high altar of her place was the image of St. wtfose feast occurs on the 1st of May.
Cerota, clad in the Benedictine habit. 2? In the Anisolensen Manuscript, there is
" This Celtic word signifies " On the a legend of this man having yielded to the
sea-borders." seductions of the Evil One, and of having
~3 This territory of ancient Gaul lies entered into a compact with him to renounce
»4o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
devotions could be practised. It is related in her Acts, that she wrought
many miracles, in restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech
to the mute. One in particular was known to have been effected, in the case
of a rich man's daughter, whose name was Androchildis. A bone had
accidentally stuck in her throat, which caused the loss of speech. Hearing
of St. Osmana's gift of miracles, her parents had their daughter brought to
the holy virgin, who, having offered a fervent prayer to God, touched her
throat, and the bone was ejected with some effusion of blood. Although we
have no record or notice to divine her period ; yet, that she flourished in the
sixth or seventh century seems most probable. The time or place of St.
Osmana's death is not recorded. According to one statement,28 she dwelt
and was buried in a place called Jotrum, 29 in the province of Bria ^° and
these facts are said to have been made known through a revelation accorded
to St. Lutgarde^1 the holy virgin and religious of Aywieres, which lies about
two leagues from Liege, in Belgium. Nor does Father Suysken think it at all
improbable, that St. Osmana, who at first lived in Lesser Britain, afterwards
went to Bria, and that there she died and was buried in Jotrum, where she
has been so long held in special veneration. Another opinion prevails, that
our saint departed this life in Aremoiic Britain, and that about the time of the
Norman Invasion, her remains were removed to Jotrum to save them from
desecration. 32 After the death of St. Osmana the place of her burial became
celebrated for the performance of many miracles. In the ninth century, a
church was built over the site of our saint's hermitage. Somewhat later, at a
little distance from that church, there was another oratory, and this gave rise
to the parish of St. Osmane.33 A considerable portion of this holy virgin's
relics for many centuries has been preserved in the Abbey Church *of Saint
Denis,3* near Paris. In the opinion of Arturus, her remains were translated
thither from Jotrum. However, by others it has been held, that during the
the service of St. Osmana. As a punishment, quondam regis Sotiae et per miraculum
the peasant was deprived of sight, and then Domini ad partes Gallirc adducta, sancte
he began to feel remorse for his error. He vixi, defunctaque ibidem ac sepulta solemni-
applied to the holy virgin for his restoration, ter, mei tandem per negligentiam temporis
and Osmana praying fervently, he recovered incolae obliti sunt. Haec itaque cum pia
the favour of seeing as before. Lutgardis dicto viro referret, subjunxit :
28 That of Thomas Cantipratanus, or Vellem, ut hcec eadem tibi Dominus in
Cantimpre, in his Life of St. Luitprande. testimonium veritatis ostenderet. Et ille,
He was a contemporary and friend of that Non sum, inquit dignus, ut mini talia de-
holy Cistercian abbess, who died in the year monstrantur. Cui ilia : Etsi forte minus
1246. His Life of the saint has been re- dignus sis, tamen ilia digna est, cujus
published, by Surius, who has changed, in digne pneconia revelenter. Nee mora, super
several passages, the terminology of the hoc pia Lutgarde orante Dominum, eadem
original Acts. Thus, in the story there nocte dicto viro per somnum tribus vicibus
related of Osanna, by Thomas Cantipratanus, Virgo apparuit, et quod Osanna [Sttrit
she is called Osinanna, by Surius. Osmanna) vocata sit, indicavit. Qui vidit
29 About four miles from Meldensis or testimonium perhibuit, et scimus, quia verum
Meaux. While here a certain priest is said est testimonium ejus."
to have entered a crypt, in which the bodies 3° La Brie, a province of France, between
of several saints had been buried, and there the Seine and Maine rivers, not far from
he prayed during night. One of the tombs Paris. See " Novum Lexicon Geographi-
formed from alabaster he found open ; but, cum," tomus i., p. 131.
being unable to discover the name and 3' Her feast is held on the 16th of June,
merits of the occupant, he afterwards asked 3* This seems to be the opinion of Arturus,
St. Lutgarde -to obtain from the Almighty in Sacro Gynecoco, when noticing this saint
the favour of such a discovery, and his at the 1st of April, and at the present day.
request was granted. The sequel is thus " In Sarthe, arrondissement, and canton
related by Cantipratanus. " Apparens enim of Saint-Calais.
ei prsedicta Sancta dixit : Ego vocar Osana 34 Originally called Catolacum or Catul-
{apud Surium legit ur Osmanna) virgo, filia liacum by the Romans. A chapel was
September 9.] LIVES OJF THE IRISH SAINTS.
241
Northmen Invasions of Britanic Aremorica, the body of St. Osmana had been
brought direct and tor better preservation to Saint-Denis. In the examina-
tion of this question, the Bollandist Father Suysken supposes, that her relics
had been there deposited, before the middle of the twelfth century, as in the
dedication of that great Abbey Church, which the Abbot Sugerius 35 enlarged
and magnificently adorned, mention is made of a chapel then in it, and
dedicated to St. Osmana. Her body was again transferred to a new shrine,
towards the middle of the thirteenth century, and an inscription to that effect 36
was to be found on a tablet placed behind the reliquary. It is said, that St.
Osmanna's remains were deposited in a shrine of iron, richly gilt. Her
precious relics were profaned and dispersed, owing to the disorders
occasioned by the Calvinists, in the year 1567. The former shrine of St.
Osmana appears to have been spoiled of all its rich ornaments, and it no
longer exists. In its place was substituted a wooden shrine painted, in
which probably the relics of various saints were indiscriminately placed, so
that it remains doubtful, if the several portions could be properly distin-
guished. Moreover, during the frenzy of the French Revolution, by a
decree of the Convention in 1793, the royal tombs in the church of St. Denis
were destroyed, and the valuable relics and other treasures 37 0f the Abbey
were carried away. This holy virgin is greatly venerated in the dioceses of
Paris, of Saint-Brieuc, and of Mans.38 Among the Masses Proper for the
Patrons and Tutelary Saints of France and Ireland, edited by order of Pope
Clement XII., and published at Paris in 1734, there is a special Mass for our
saint, at the 9th of September.39 In that copy of Usuard, belonging to the
Queen of Sweden, at this date*0 is commemorated St. Osmanna, and also in
erected here in the third century over the
tomb of St. Denis the martyr, and thence-
forward it bore his name. At present, it
forms an arrondissement, canton, commune
and town of France, in the department of
the Seine. The town is situated about 4^
miles north of Paris, and near the right
bank of the Seine. The church, founded in
the twelfth century, is a grand specimen of
Gothic architecture, and rebuilt by St.
Louis, in 123 1. See the " Encyclopaedia
Britannica," vol. xxi., p. 161. Ninth
edition.
35 He wrote an account of this solemnity,
which has been quoted by Dom Michel
Felibien in his " Histoire de l'Abbey royal
de St.- Denis," published at Paris, in folio,
1706. We are informed there, that on the
Second Sunday of June, viz., the iii. of the
Ides, and on the feast of the Apostle, St.
Barnabas, A.D. 1 144, among the various
altars consecrated was one of St. Osmanna,
while the relics of different saints were
placed in their respective shrines. Also in
the year 1243, and on the vii. of the Ides of
October, an altar was dedicated in the
chapel of St. Osmanna, to her and other
saints, and during the same century, a
beautiful shrine was fashioned, in which her
relics were placed, according to James
Doublet, in his History of the Monastery of
St. Denis, tome i., cap. xlii., p. 314.
36 The following is the record : " Anno
MCCXLVI., Kalendis Aprilis, sanctissimo
Resurrectionis Domini nostri die, vene-
rabiles praelati Aturensis, episcopus Leo-
nensis et Guilielmus abbas S. Dionysii,
corpus sanctse sacraeque virginis Osmannse,
panno serico involutum composuerunt in
splendida ex argento deaurato preciosisque
monilibus decorata theca, donata per fratrem
Theobaldum de Milly, religiosum et the-
saurarium S. Dionysii, qui singulari pietate
erga hanc sanctam afficiebatur." However,
Father Suysken seems to doubt the genuine-
ness of the foregoing inscription.
37 Among these were the crown and sword
of Charlemagne, the sword of Toan of Arc,
the great cross, &c. The buildings of the
Abbey are now used as an establishment for
the education of 500 daughters of the mem-
bers of the Legion of Honour. See
" Gazetteer of the World," vol. ii., p. 870.
38 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Saints," tome x., ixe Jour de Septembre,
P- 595-
39 It is headed : " In festo S. Osmannse
virginis ac Hibernise regis filiae, necnon
patronae ecclesiae abbatialis et regalis S.
Dionysii O.S.B. prope Lutetiam Parisio-
rum." Some portions of this Mass are given
by Father Suysken, in his Previous Com-
mentary to the Acts of St. Osmanna, at this
day. See sect, i., num. 6, 7.
40 Thus : " Ipso die, beatissimae Osmannae
virginis."
242 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
the Martyrologium Parisiense.41 Among the Additions to Usuard, mentioned
by Father Soller, the Codex Hagenoyensis has her feast at this day, but in a
peculiar entry/2 Without authority, Andrew Saussay has made this virgin
also a martyr, "while stating, that at the 9th of September, the day of her
triumph took placed John Wilson, in his Martyrologium Anglicanum,
published in 1640, places the feast of St. Osmanna, at the 9th of September.
Her name appears, at the 9th of September, in the list of Irish Saints,
published by Father Henry Fitzsimon." In the Circle of the Seasons,** her
festival is entered, at the present date.
Article III. — St. Cera, Virgin, of Killahear, Parish of Aghna-
mvllen, County of Monaghan. \_Sixth Century!] Purity, charity and
energy, of a high order and a wide range, always vital and effectual, charac-
terize the Virgins of Christ. Their lives and conversation give edification to
the world ; but, we must often, as in this instance, regret the loss of materials
to illustrate their holy practices. The name of St. Cera, Virgin, is to be
found in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at this day, and in this
form : Findbarr Cille Cunge, i Broednea et Sae Cerae, Vir. In the Book of
Leinster copy, the entry is more correct.2 We are indebted to the Very
Rev. Daniel O'Connor, P.P., of Newtownbutler, for the following interesting
identification, regarding the relationship, locality and period of this holy
woman. 3 Killahear marks the site ot the cell and capella of one among the
most venerated saints of Clogher diocese. St. Cera was the spiritual sister
of St. MacCarthan4 and St. Tighernach,* and in a special manner the
patroness of the territory, variously called Crichmugdorn6 and Donagh-
moyne. To most readers the name of Killahear will appear quite new ;
and, yet it is the designation by which is known a largely used graveyard in
the parish of Aughnamullen,8 barony of Crernorne, and near the ancient
town of Ballytrain.9 The place is referred to by Shirley, but not under that
name.10 He merely says, that in the townland of Corlat" a graveyard is
situated. It has also escaped the notice of Irish hagiologists. At the time
in which St. Cera lived, namely, during the episcopate of St. Tighernach,
Donaghmoyne was included in the territory of the Mugdorne, and indeed for a
41 Thus : "Eodem die, sanctae Osmannae * See the Eighth Volume of this work at
virginis, cujus reliquiae in basilica S. 15th of August, Art. i.
Dionysii in Francia asservantur." 5 See Volume the Fourth of this work, at
4'Thus : " In Hybernia, sanctae Osmannae 4th of April, Art. i.
reginae Christianissimae." 6 Modernised, Cremorne.
43 Thus, at the Kalends of April, he states, 7 Like many another well-known town-
in the Martyrologium Gallicanum : "In land name, this denomination has been
agro Parisiensi, ccenobio San-Dionysiano, omitted from the Ordnance Survey Maps of
Elevatio corporis sanctae Osmannae virginis Ireland.
et martyris, cujus triumphus colitur die IX. 8 This larger parish is outlined on the
Septembris." "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps of Ire-
44 See "Historiae Catholicae Iberniae land for the County of Monaghan," Sheets
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
p. 51. s Omitted from the Ordnance Survey
« At p. 253. Maps of Ireland.
Article hi.—' Edited by the Rev. Mr. ,0 See Evelyn Philip Shirley's " History
Kelly, D.D., p. xxxiii. of the County of Monaghan/' chap, xii.,
* Thus : SAticcAe Cepae. p. 349.
3 Extracted from an article, " St. Cera's " Described on the " Ordnance Survey
Church, Killahear," which appeared in the Townland Maps for the County of Mona-
reopWs Advocate of Monaghan, January ghan," Sheet 27.
2nd, 1892, and written by Father O'Connor, I2 In Evelyn Philip Shirley's "History of
then P.P. of Emyvale. the County of Monaghan," the feast of St.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
243
considerable period, the two names were convertible terms. Therefore, the
name of this cemetery has been handed down traditionally by the people,
who always Call it Killahear, which means neither more nor less than the
cell or Church of St. Cera, Virgin, whose feast is kept, according to the
Martyrology of Tallaght, on the 9th of September." Killahear13 is situated
on the summit of a round hill near Corlat lake and in the vicinity of scenery
both varied and attractive. Local tradition says of it and of Chapel Moyle
— which latter is situated in the townland of Latton-faskey, in the eastern
Killahear Graveyard, Parish of Aughnamullen, Diocese of Clogher.
division of Aughnamullen14 — " that they are registered in Rome as being two
of the most ancient burial-places in Ireland." We are told on the authority
of the Register of Clogher, one of our lost books, but of which many extracts
are preserved, that the deanery of Clones is called after the church of St.
Cera of Donaghmoyne, the spiritual sister of the blessed bishops of Ergal,
MacCarten and Tighernach. It is stated, that St. Tigernach consecrated a
church for the aforesaid virgin ; and in honour of the bishop himself a stone
cross was erected there, as was manifest to those visiting the church.15 The
stone cross referred to is possibly the venerable cross at present to be seen
in the Diamond at Clones. It would appear, that St. Tigernach placed the
Cera, patroness of the church of Donagh-
moyne, is placed at the 5th of January. See
chap, xii., p. 358, and n. 2, ibid.
13 The accompanying illustration of the
Cemetery of Killahear was obtained from a
photograph, taken by Mr. Philip Mulligan,
a student of Maynooth, in August, 1895.
It was sent by Very Rev. Daniel O'Connor,
P.P. of Newtownbutler. The view of the
grave-yard is looking west. From the
photograph it has been drawn on the wood
and engraved by Gregor Gray.
14 On the shore of Lough Egish. A de-
scription of the surface and statistics of this
parish, in 1846, may be found in the " Par-
liamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i.,
p. 110.
15 See Evelyn Philip Shirley's " History
of the County of Monaghan," chap, xii.,
P. 358.
244 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
deanery of Clones under the patronage of the holy virgin, St. Cera, and
that he dedicated a church for her, which was probably the church erected
near her cell at Killahear, in the land of " Owenagh of the Mills."16 In the
published Martyrology of Donegal,17 we do not find her mentioned —at least
under such a name as Cera — at the 9th day of September.
Article IV. — St. Bertellinus or Eettelin, Hermit, and Patron
of Stafford, England. [In the Eighth Century.} In the list of saints left by
Colgan,1 it would seem he had intended publishing the Acts of St. Bertel-
linus, at the 9th of September, or at the 12th of August. For a nearly
similar notice, the reader is referred to this latter date, in the Eighth Volume
of this work,* where we have deferred further notices of him to the 9th of
September. His Life has been written by John Capgrave,* but it is hardly
anything more than a collection of popular legends/ An earlier Life of
Bettelin, by Alexander, is regarded as possessing little credit in the latter of
its statements. Two other writers, Ingulphus and Felix, preserve incidental
mention of him, and it is more trustworthy.s The Bollandists have pub-
lished his Acts 6 at this date ;? but these are regarded as being unauthentic
and abounding in fables. They have been edited by Father Constantine
Suysken, and" have a Previous critical Commentary of seventeen paragraphs.
They seem to have been composed after the year 1386, if we are to judge
from the relation of a miracle wrought in that year, and attributed to the
merits of our saint.8 This composition has been used by John Capgrave in
compiling a Life of St. Bertellinus.9 By Molanus,10 it is thought the author
had been Alexander Essibiensis Prior," and John Pits states, that he
flourished a.d. 1220 ;12 however, this can hardly be reconciled with the
account of a miracle, attributed to the merits of St. Bertellin in those acts,
and stated to have occurred in a.d, 1386. A very elegant biography of this
saint, called Betellin, has been compiled by one of the Anglican writers in
the rare and much admired work, " Lives of the English Saints.1* There is
,6 The foregoing is mainly taken from a 8 It is possible, however, as this is in a
letter, written by Very Rev. Daniel concluding paragraph, that it may have been
O'Connor, P.P., and dated Emyvale, 23rd an addition to an older copy of St. Bertellin's
August, 1892. Acts.
f Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves. 'See " Legenda Sanctorum Angliae,"
Article iv. — * See Catalogus aliquorum fol. 1.
Sanctorum quae MSS. habentur. ,0 In his notes, he says : " Alexander
2 See at August 12th, Art. vi. Essebiensis Prior Regularium scripsii Vitam
3 He died at Lynn, the place of his birth, Bertellini eremite, lib.i. Incipit : Quoniam
on the 12th day of August, a.d. 1464, at the quantum intellectui nostro." These are
age of seventy years. See Introduction to the very words beginning that Manuscript
the " Chronicle of England," edited by the Life published by the Bollandists, and
Rev. Francis Charles Hingeston, B.A., they begin likewise that Life issued by
p. xxi. Capgrave.
4 The " Nova Legenda Angliae " was first " He was born in the west of England :
printed in London by Wynkyn de Worde, some state he was a chronographer of
A.D. 1 5 16. Copies of this work, in black Somersetshire, and others of Staffordshire.
letter, are now very scarce. He was a Canon Regular of St. Augustine.
3 See " Lives of the English Saints," vol. He is praised for the elegance of his writings,
v., Hermit Saints, p. 61. both in prose and verse.
6 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., " See an account of himself and his re-
Septembris ix. De S. Bertellino vel Becce- puted writings in Joannis Pitsei, " Relatio-
lino Eremito in Anglia, pp. 446 to 453. num Historicarum de Rebus Anglicis,"
7 They are the compilation ofananony- tomus i. Aetas Decimatettia, a.d. 1220,
mous author, and were found in a Manu- num. 319, pp. 295, 296.
script of the monastery, Rubra Vallis, near ,3 Among the Hermit Saints, vol. v., pp.
Bruxelles. 57 to 72.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS. 245
a brief notice of this holy hermit and confessor, called Bertellin, or Bercellin,
or Bertelmus, called in French Bertaume, in Les Petits Bollandistes,1* at this
date. Also, in the work of Rev. S. Baring-Gould,15 there are notices of him.
If the published Acts of Bertellinus — as there called — are to be relied on, he
was of royal origin.16 and of a beautiful form. Bred up in the Catholic faith,
he sailed over to Ireland, and there he became companion to an Irish King,
whose confidence and affection he gained. How long this continued, or
how long he remained in Ireland, is not stated ; but, in consequence of an
intrigue with the King's daughter, both absconded, and sought a place of
retirement in England. This was in the midst of dense woods, where, on
giving birth to a child, wolves attacked them, and devoured herself, as also
her offspring. When Bertellinus returned, and found them dead, believing
this to be a punishment destined for their unhappy transgressions, remorse
filled his soul, and from that time forward, he resolved on leading a penitential
life. With this purpose in view, he retired to a rocky place called Bertelmesley.1?
There he loved and served God with true earnestness, believing, with
Magdalen, that his former many sins would be iorgiven him because he
loved much ; and soon the neighbouring people who learned his course of
life regarded him as a prophet and one dear to Christ. At this time, likewise,
a noble scion of the Mercian province, who was named Guthlac,18 had
embraced a military career, in which he had the reputation of being
courageous and daring to a degree, but in which he had to regret the
ravages and crimes of the wars in which he had been engaged. Reflection
on those disorders caused him to renounce that profession, and devote
himself to a spiritual warfare against the devil and the flesh. He too had
resolved on leading a religious life, and with that intention he retired to a
place known as Reppington,T9 where he embraced the monastic state and
received the clerical tonsure. However, after serving God in that condition
for a time, Guthlac desired to become an anchoret, and leaving Reppington,
he took with him two young men,20 one of whom was Bertellin.21 They
sought a certain island, named Croyland,22 interspersed with woods, marshes,
and sedgy grass. There they set up a hut with earth-sods; while for
14 See "Vies des Saints," tome x., Jour died a.d. 714 or 715. His life has been
ixe de Septembre, p. 596. written by one Felix, a contemporary.
'5 See " Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., '' In the old Life of St. Guthlac, it is
September 9, pp. 139, 140. called Ripadum, and by Tohn Capgrave,
16 In the Acts, his father is said to have Repyngdonam. In this place, according to
been a king and to have had jurisdiction John Leland, there were monasteries of re-
over Stafford, now the chief town of Stafford- ligious men and women, in his time,
shire in England. By William Camden it 20 The ancient life of St. Guthlac has a
is said to have been called the " Tertia Cor- similar statement, but it does not give their
naviorum regio." — "Britannia," Stafford- names.
iensis comitatus, vulgo Stafford-shire, p. 2I The Bollandist Father Suysken is at a
244. Editio Amstelodami, 1659, fol. By loss to know from what source of informa-
Venerable Bede, its ancient inhabitants are tion this name had been inserted,
called Mediterranei Angli. See " Historia 22 Croyland was formerly in East Mercia.
Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii.,cap. It is now known as Croyland or Crowland,
xxi. in the parish of St. Bartholomew and St.
'» The Bollandist Father Suysken was Guthlac, county of Lincoln. The island of
unable to find on the Maps or in the Geo- Croyland was formed by the four waters of
graphical Dictionaries of England the deno- Shepishea on the east, Nena on the west,
mination of Bertelmesley. If such place Southea on the south, and Asendyk on
ever existed in England, it cannot now be the north. The town there, lying on a flat
identified. surface, is liable to be flooded after con-
18 The feast of St. Guthlac occurs on the tinual rains. See Samuel Lewis' " Topo-
Iith of April. He lived in the seventh and graphical Dictionary of England," vol. i.,
in the beginning of the eighth century. He p. 738.
246
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
covering they assumed sheep and goat skins, fasting in a rigorous manner,
with constant vigils and prayer. Thus, they lived in that island for many
years, and wrought various miracles.23 In that same place were other holy
men, regarded as disciples of St. Guthlac,2* as they were his familiars and
imitators.25 At length, it pleased the Almighty to call Guthlac2* away from
earth about the time of Easter. Bertellin was overwhelmed with grief while
attending during his final illness to the revelations and directions of his dying
superior.26 These were in part, that only Guthlac's sister Pega,2? and an
anchoret named Egbert,28 should be brought to take charge of his obsequies.
Then he said, " The time has come, my son, that I should go to Him, whose
servant I am, and do you set out on your journey." 29 Afterwards extending
his hand to the altar, which was near, he partook of the Holy Communion.
Then raising his eyes and hands to heaven, he slept happily in the Lord.30
Having religiously complied with the instructions given him, Bertellin went
to the king, his father, and asked from him a desert island, where he might
live in penitence the rest of his days. This was known to the ancients as
Bethney, and in after times it was called Stafford.31 Such request the king
readily granted, and there Bertellin long lived in the practice of penitential
works. He also performed many miracles. We may well treat as a fable,
that account given in the anonymous Acts, as to how he had been disturbed
in possession of that place, and the means he employed to retain it.3a There
23 Guthlac is stated to have retired thither,
in the reign of Cenred, eighth King of
Mercia. See ibid.
24 Among these was one named Cissa, a
person of noble birth and having hereditary
wealth, as likewise a convert to the Catholic
faith. Another confidant was Egbert, and
also Tatwin. All of these lived in separate
cells, not far apart from the oratory of their
holy father Guthlac. See " Historia In-
gulphi Abbatis Croylandensis, " p. 53, in
Annotatis, lit. a.
as Among these, in the Vita S. Guthlaci,
is mentioned one Beccelinus, a cleric, who
lived of choice under his discipline, and who
became his faithful servant. He seems to
have been regarded by subsequent writers,
as having been identical with our St. Bettelin
or Bertellin, and the names are much alike.
It is thought, that Beccelinus had been
afterwards changed into Bertelinus, as found
in his Acts by John Capgrave and by others.
26 The Anglican writer states : " Bettelin
was a disciple of St. Guthlake's, in the
eighth century, and one of four who followed
him in a hermit's life, in the island of Croy-
land, on the southern border of Lincolnshire.
Cissa had been a pagan, of noble blood and
great in the world ; but had left all to follow
Christ and St. Guthlake, and succeeded him
as Abbot. Till the Danes came, he lay in
a high marble tomb, on the right of his
spiritual father in the Abbey of Croyland.
Egbert was more in St. Guthlake's con-
fidence than any of his brethren ; he may
have been his confessor. Tatwin had for-
merly been ferryman at the passage from
the mainland to the island. These, with
Bettelin, who made the fourth, and came
nearer the saint's person than the rest, lived
in separate cottages, close to Guthlake's
oratory and under his guidance. All this
we learn from Ingulphus, himself Abbot of
Croyland, towards the end of the eleventh
century." — "Lives of the English Saints,"
vol. v., Hermit Saints, p. 61.
*? Her feast is held on the 8th of January,
and frequent mention of her occurs in St.
Guthlac's Acts.
28 In the Historia Ingulphi, Abbatis Croy-
landensis, he is represented as " Egbertus,
seqretorum ejus prae ceteris conscius." After
the death of Guthlac, Egbert is said to have
lived in a cell, not far from his oratory.
29 Much of what precedes in the text seems
to have been derived from the old Vita S.
Guthlaci, by Felix.
3° In 716, it is said, that Ethelbald founded
in Croyland a Benedictine monastery, in
honour of St. Mary, St. Bartholomew, and
St. Guthlac. It was built upon piles, and
it was destroyed by the Danes in 870 ; but, it
was rebuilt by King Edred, in the year 948.
31 " Where the town now stands, the river
Sow formed in those times an island which
was called Bethney." — " Lives of the English
Saints," vol. v., Hermit Saints, p. 66.
32 By the Anglican writer of St. Bettelin's
Life this legend has been rendered in rhyme,
and it thus begins : —
" St. Bettelin's wonted prayers are o'er,
And hi» matins all are said,
Why kneeleth he still on his clay-cold
floor
By the side of his iron bed ?
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
247
he is said, as a woodsman, to have travelled through deserts and mountains,
despising the world's vanities, while addicted to vigils, prayer and fasting.
At length, on the v. Ides of September, the penitent servant of Christ was
taken away from this to a life of eternal happiness. According to some, the
Bettelin, Bettelmus, Bertellin, or Beccelin— as variedly denominated33 — who
lived with St. Guthlac at Croyland, was also buried in that same place ;34 and,
according to Ingulph, in the year 871, the Danes came thither, and destroyed
with mattocks and knives all the tombs of the saints buried there. When
they found not treasures such as they expected, all the bodies of those holy
men were taken from their sepulchres, and collected into one heap, when
they were burned, together with the church and monastery. 35 The body of
St. Bertellinus was deposited in the church of Stafford, according to other
accounts ; and for a long time after his death, it became au object of great
veneration for the faithful.36 Of the miracles wrought in his church, adds
the Anglican writer of Bettelin's Life, the record of one remains, appended
at a later date to the history of Prior Alexander, and its matter-of-fact tone
curiously contrasts with a wild fable which goes immediately before it. 37 This
holy penitent is noted, at the 9th of September, in the Martyrologies of
Usuardus auctus a Molano,38 of Arnold Wion,39 of Hugo Menard/0 of
Gabriel Bucelin,*1 of Philip Ferrarius,*2 and of Castellan.43 In the first
edition of John Wilson's " Martyrologium Anglicanum," *+ he has a feast for
St. Bertelmus, at the 12th of August; but, in the second edition,** the name
is changed to Bertellinus, and his festival is strangely placed at the 29th of
September, contrary to the position of all known authorities.*6 The feast of
Ah ! well may he kneel to Christ in prayer,
For nought is around him but woe and
fear ;
By to-morrow's sun the saint must roam
Far from his cell and his long-lov'd
home."
—Ibid.
33 Various writers speak of Bettelin, Bec-
celin, Barthelon, Bertelin ; whether he
owned all these at once, or whether but
some of them, whether a portion of his his-
tory belongs to another person, or whether
it is altogether fabulous, is not known." —
" Lives of the English Saints," vol. v., The
Hermit Saints, pp. 60, 61.
34 We are told, by Ingulph, that on the
right of St. Guthlac's tomb were the tombs
of St. Cissa, priest and anchorite, and of St.
Bettelmus, the man of God, and former
servant of St. Guthlac, as also the tomb of
St. Tatwin, his master and conductor to
Croyland.
35 This devastation took place on the vii.
of the September Kalends — August 26th —
and on the third day after their arrival at
Croyland.
36 See Les Petits Bollandistes, ** Vies des
Saints," tome x. Jour ixe. de Septembre,
P- 596.
37 "There was, says the anonymous writer,
M in the town of Stafford, a man named
Willmot, a cook by trade. This man, for
many years, almost sixteen, had lost his
sight, so as not to be able to go out of doors
without someone to lead him. At length,
after many years, he was brought to St.
Bertellin's church in the same town, for the
purpose of recovery ; and while he knelt in
prayer, before the altar of St. Bertellin, and
the priest, whose name was John Chrostias,
offered up the Eucharist in the name of the
Supreme Father, the aforementioned blind
man regained his sight, and first saw that
Venerable Sacrament, rendering thanks to
the Supreme God, who had renewed His
ancient miracles, for the love of Blessed Ber-
tellin. This miracle took place in the year
of our Lord 1386." — " Lives of the English
Saints," vol. v., Hermit Saints, pp. 71, 72.
38 Published a.d. 1583. He states : "In
Bethnei, quam villam recentiores Stadford
nominant, sancti Bertellini, eremitse et con-
fessoris."
39 See ibid, in " Lignum Vitae," lib. iii.
40 See "Martyrologium Benediclinum."
41 In Menologio sui Ordinis.
42 In " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum,"
he has "Statfordiae in Anglia S. Berthelmi
eremitse." In a note, he adds, that some
write the name Bertelinus, but he deems this
to be through error.
43 In his Universal Martyrology, written
in French, he notices Bertelmus the penitent,
at Statefurt, in England, but known in
France as Berteaume.
44 Printed in 1608.
4s Printed in 1640.
46 Father Suysken knows not the reason
for such departure from received accounts,
unless, perhaps, Wilson has confounded the
248
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9
Bertellin, hermit, is referred to this day in the Circle of the Seasons.*? The
English writer of his Acts ends by stating, " this is all that is known, and more
than all — yet nothing to what the angels know — of the life of a servant of God,
who sinned and repented, and did penance, and washed out his sins, and
became a saint, and reigns with Christ in heaven."*8
Article V.— St. Moctean, Abbot of Clonard. [Probably in the
Tenth Ctntury.'] The true saint is never surprised, at the approach of
death ; when it comes, he is prepared, and he passes happily to the joys of
our Lord. There is a festival entered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the
9th of September, in honour of Mochota of Droma, i.e. mac Dergain.2
Many places in Ireland are called Droma or Drum, either simply, or in
composition. The present locality is therefore difficult to be identified with
accuracy. St. Moctean, sometimes called Mal-Moctaeus, was distinguished for
his learning and piety ; and, on the death of Abbot Ferdomnach, in the year
930,3 he was probably appointed successor, over Clonard Monastery. Such
had been the reputation of our saint, that he was called, the Fountain of
Religion and of Wisdom, among the Irish, according to the Annals of the Four
Masters.* It is possible, he may not be different from the present Samt.s
He was, also, a most accomplished scribe. Towards the close of his life,
and in the year 937,6 Ceallachan, assisted by the Danes of Waterford,
plundered Clonard Abbey. Our Saint was gathered to his fathers, on the
9th day of September,? in the year of grace, 940. 8 The name Mochta, son
of Dergan, occurs in the Martyrology of Donegal,? at this same date.
Article VI. — St. Aithgein or Maclaithgein, Bishop of Moville,
County of Down. The good bishop makes himself singularly acceptable
Lives of two Bertillins, neither of whom
belonged to Stafford, nor were venerated on
the v. Ides of September. Another con-
jecture may be allowed, that as Wilson
uses the term commemoratio, there may have
been at Stafford some local festival in his
honour, at both days, and not known to
other martyrologists. In the margin of his
work, Wilson takes occasion to praise
" Registrum ecclesioe StafFordensis et monu-
menta antiqua ejusdem provincial."
* See p. 253.
48 See "Lives of the English Saints,"
vol. v., Hermit Saints, p. 72.
Article v.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
p. xxxiii.
2 In the Book of Leinster copy we have
mochocAe ■OrioniA, i.e. mac Deng^m.
3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 626, 627. "The
year 930 of the Annals of the Four Masters
corresponds with 931, alias 932, of the
Annals of Ulster, and with 926 of the Annals
of Clonmacnoise, which give a few of the
events of that year (ccrcc communis 932) as
follows : " A.D. 931 " [at. 932]. " Fer-
dovnach, mac Flannagan, prince of Clon-
Iraird, scriba optimus, quievit" .&c. — Ibid.,
n. (9).
4 At the year 940, when his departure is
recorded, we read : " Maelmochta, scribe
and Abbot of Cluain-Iraird died ; he was the
head of the piety and wisdom of Ireland.
Maelmochta of the plain of Meath, —
Great grief is the beauteous sweet
branch, —
The chief of spiritual direction,
The centre of the praise of Mugain." —
Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. ii., pp. 644, 645. To the
word Mugain Dr. O'Donovan appends the
following note : " This is probably intended
for Bealach-Mughna, or Mughna Moshenog,
near Carlow."— Ibid., n. (9).
5 See Rev. A. Cogan's " Diocese of Meath,
Ancient and Modern," vol. i., chap, ii., p. 17.
6 In Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," at this year, the foreigners
and the men of Munster, under the com-
mand of Ceallachan, King of Munster, are
said to have plundered Clonenagh and Kill-
achaidh churches, with the territory of Meath,
as far as Clonard. See vol. ii., pp. 638, 639.
7 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 644, 645.
8 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nioe," Februarii xxiii. Vita S. Finniani,
Appendix, cap. v., p. 407.
» Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
242, 243.
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 249
both to the clergy and laity of his flock. He wins their esteem and their
respect, without at all sacrificing the authority of his position. An entry of
this Saint's name as Aithgein is found in the Martyrology of Tallaght,1 at
this same date, with the addition Eps. Maigh Bile.2 However, in the published
Martyrology of Donegal,3 we cannot find any corresponding account, at the
9th of September ; but, probably Maclaithgein is to be taken for it. The
year of his death has not been recorded ; nor can we ascertain the time when
he flourished.'* Under the head of Magh-Bile, Duald, Mac Firbis enters
Maelaithghin, bishop cf Magh Bile, at September 9th.5 The Martyrology
of Donegal,6 records a festival at the 9th of September, in honour of
Maclaithgein, Bishop of Magh-bile. In the table superadded to this work,
his name is Latinized, Malachenus.?
Article VII. — St. Findbarr or Fionnbharr, of Cill-Cunga. — Many
Irish Saints may have a local celebrity in their former places of which we are
not aware, through reference to known records. At the 9th of September,
in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we find that veneration was given to Findbarr
of Cille Cunge,2 i.e. Brcednea.3 The nearest denominational equivalent, we
can find to this latter name among the parishes of Ireland, is Kilcoona parish,
in the barony of Clare, and County of Galway. Among the townlands are
Kilcooney,* in the parish of Clonrush, in the barony of Leitrim, County of
Galway ; another Kilcooney,5 in the parish of Ballykean, in the barony of
Upper Phillipstown, King's County, and another yet,6 in the parish of
Seskinan, in the barony of Decies without Drum, County of Waterford.
There is also a Kilcoony,? in the parish of Ballyclog, barony of Upper Dun-
gannon, and County of Tyrone.8 Some mistake, regarding the latter proper
name and its application, appears to have occurred, either in the foregoing or
the following entry. In the Martyrology of Donegal,? at this same date,
appears the name Fionnbharr, that is, Brodna, of Cill Cunga.
Article VIII.— The Daughter or Daughters of Enach. — [Supposed
to be of the Fifth Century.'] At the 9th of September, the Martyrology of
Tallagh1 registers a festival in honour of Naebh ingena Enaigh loeg.2 Colgan
thinks it possible, these were nine daughters of the Lombard King, who,
Article vi.— « Edited by Rev. Dr. Book of Leinster copy, and as already
Kelly, p. xxxiv. noticed, in his Acts. We think it is here
2 In the Book of Leinster copy we read, misplaced,
-Aichgen epr iruige bile. * Described on the "Ordnance Survey
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves. Townland Maps for the County of Leitrim,"
4 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesiasti- Sheet 135.
cal Antiquities of Down, Connor, and s See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
Dromore," Appendix A, p. 152 ; and for the King's County," Sheet 26.
Appendix LL, p. 380. 6 See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
5 See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish for the County of Waterford," Sheets 13, 22.
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i„ 1 See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
pp. 120, 121. for the County of Tyrone," Sheets 39, 47.
6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 8 See " General Alphabetical Index to the
242, 243. Townlands and Towns, Parishes and Baro-
7 See ibid., pp. 440, 441. nie's of Ireland," pp. 555, 556 and 930.
Article vii.— l Edited by Rev. Dr. » Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Kelly, p. xxxiii. 242, 243.
2 In that copy in the Book of Leinster we Article viii. — • Edited by Rev. Dr.
find, pnt)bApn C1II1 Cunge. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
3 This follows immediately the entry of 2 In the Book of Leinster copy written
St. Ciaran's name, of Clonmacnoise, in the noeb mgenA en^ig loeg.
j5© LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
leaving their kindred and country, set out with the daughter of a British
ruler to visit Ireland and St. Patricks and they may be identified with the
daughters of Enoch, a name not unfamiliar to the Irish.* Before the Roman
conquest, the country, now known as Lombardy, had been occupied by a
powerful colony of Gauls, who, settling along the banks of the Po, from Pied-
mont to Romagna, carried their arms and diffused their name from the Alps to
the. Apennines.5 When conquered by the Romans, it was called Gallia Cisal-
pina ; and Christianity was early established in its cities and towns.6 Where-
fore, we can detect no historic inaccuracy in supposing that as Christians, the
nine daughters of a Lombard prince may have resolved on emigrating to
Ireland. However, Jocelyn does not mention the country or rank of those
so-called Lombardic princesses ; for, he only calls them nine holy maidens.?
Still, it may be urged, that the disorders, which reigned in Northern Italy
during the fifth and succeeding centuries,8 might have driven many Christians
to leave that country and seek religious peace and security as exiles in far
distant lands. The Lombardic princesses are said to have journeyed to a
place, called Ferta minor,? whence they sent a notice of their arrival to St.
Patrick. He received them very graciously, and assigned different places
for their residence. They are classed, moreover, among the holy women
veiled by St. Patrick.10 These holy virgins served God most religiously in
the various places assigned for their residence to the latest day of their lives.
There were preserved the relics of those holy virgins, to the time when the
author of the Fourth Life of St. Patrick wrote, and God wrought many
miracles through their intercession." In another form and in a later
Calendar, this Saint has been differently entered. The Martyrology of
Donegal," at the same date, records the Daughter of Enach, whom, as we
are subsequently told, the Martyrologies appear to commemorate on this
day, under the name of Osmanna.1^
Article IX. — St. Teiccess or Tecce, Tega or Tegan, said to have
been of Kiltegan, County of Wicklow. [Possibly Fifth and Sixth
Century.] Teicess is an entry found in the published Martyrology of
Tallagh,1 at this particular date.2 In the Book of Leinster Copy, it is inserted
in small letters,3 between the name of St. Darerca, immediately preceding,
and that of Conali Mac Oengusa, immediately following. Most probably,
3 See his Life, in the Third Volume of Christianity," vol. i., book ii., chap, iv., pp.
this work, at March 17th, Art. i. 273 to 275.
4 See " Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta 9 In the Tripartite Life, it is said they
Vita S. Patricii, cap. Ixxxviii., p. 46, and came to Coll-naningean, where three of the
nn. 69, 70, 71, p. 50. company remained, while the rest went to
s See Edward Gibbon's u History of the Druim Fennedha. See Colgan's " Trias
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S. Patricii,
vol. i., chap, i., p. 157. Dr. William lib. iii., cap. lxxiii., p. 163.
Smith's edition. I0 See ibid. Quinta Appendix ad Acta S.
6 Towards the middle of the fifth century, Patricii, cap. xxiii., p. 270.
Attila over-ran that district : but, later still, " See ibid. Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap.
in the next age, the Lombards — a people of Ixxxviii., p. 46.
German or Scandinavian origin — under their " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
king Alboin effected the conquest of all the 242, 243.
region, which from them afterwards retained '3 See ibid., pp. 430, 431.
the name of Lombardy. See Muratori's Article ix. — ' Edited by the Rev. Mr.
" Annali d'ltalia," tome v., pp. 164 to 180. Kelly, D.D., p. xxxiii.
7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," 2 Thus placed, Conali mac /Engusa i. an
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. clxv., p. 101. Teicess.
• See Dean Milman's " History of Latin 3 In this form : i.e., m Ceicer\
September 9.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
251
however, this is the Tecan or Tegan,* alluded to by Miss M. F. Cusack,5 as
having been a distinguished disciple of St. Fiacc of Sleibte or Sletty, near
Carlow, and whose feast — if he be in the Calendars — appears to correspond
with the present date. If so, he may have lived at Domnach-Fiac, and he
must have flourished, towards the close of the fifth or beginning of the sixth
century. There is a small village, known as Kiltegan, a few miles south-east
from Baltinglass, within the parish so named, barony of Talbotstown, and
County of Wicklow. Near it is a lonely grave-yard, still much used for
interments, and crowded with graves. It has been lately enclosed, and in a
tasteful manner, with a high ditch, thickly set with flourishing hawthorn
quicks, and some young trees, rising at intervals around the fence. This is
circularly shaped, at one side, and obtusely-angular at another ; the cemetery
Kiltegan Grave Yard, County of Wicklow.
being isolated amid pastures ; near the village.6 According to Mr. John
McCall,7 here St. Tagan or Tecca, the third named in order of St. Fiac's
disciples, at Minbeag, founded a little church in the fifth century, and his
festival was formerly observed, in this place, on the 9th of September. The
surrounding country is fertile and picturesque, while a screen of elevated
hills encircles the site, in a south-westerly direction. In the Martyrologies of
Marianus O'Gorman, M'Guire and Donegal,8 the name of Tecce, Tega or
Tegan occurs, as having been venerated on the 9th of September.
Article X- St. Conall, Son of ^Engus. Veneration was given, at the
9th of September, as we read in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 to Conall Mac
4 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap.
xxii., p. 153, and n. 39, p. 185.
s See "Life of St. Patrick, Apostle of
Ireland," chap, ii., p. 47.
6 The accompanying sketch was taken by
the author, August 23rd, 1882. It has been
drawn on the wood and engraved by Gregor
Grey.
? In a communication made to the writer.
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
242, 243.
Article x. — ■ Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
p. xxxiii.
252 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 9.
^Engusa, i.e. an Teiccess. In that entry found in the Book of Leinster Copy,
Conall Mac Oengusa follows the entry of i.e. in Teices, and seems to have no
particular connexion with it. A conjecture has been offered by Colgan, as
to whether this Saint,2 who was a poet or an antiquary, might be identified
with St. Onchu or Onchuo, venerated at the 8th of February j 3 yet, this sup-
position does not seem to be probable. The Bollandists have a notice of
him at this day,* and allude to Colgan's doubt, as to whether he might not
be identified with Onchuo, whose feast occurs at the 8th of February. The
writer adds, he shares the doubt, nor . does he know that either of the
persons alluded to should have a festival assigned. There was, also, another
saint having the like name, viz. Onchuo, son to Blathmac, who is venerated,
at the church of Killonchon, in Corcomroe territory, on the 9th and 14th of
July, according to St. ^Engus, Marianus O'Gorman, and the Martyrology of
Tallagh.s At this same date, in the Martyrology of Donegal,6 appears,
Conall, Son Aengus.
Article XI. — St. Ferdacrich or Fer-da-chrioch. The simple record,
Ferdacrich, is found in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 9th of September.
At this same date, he is entered, likewise, in the Martyrology of Donegal.3
Article XII. — St. Fialan, Fertach. It is impossible not to sympathize
with those, who are unable to carry their recollections far back into the dim
past;1 for, especially, in a religious point of view, much lost biography
should tend, not alone to gratify intellectual curiosity, but to edify the pious
soul. According to the Martyrology of Donegal,2 veneration was given to
Fialan, Fertach, at the 9th of September. The latter epithet admits as a
meaning, in English, either " the Virtuous," or the Miraculous.3 But more, we
are unable to report concerning him.
Article XIII. — Reputed Festival of St, Babolen, Abbot of Fossey.
At the 26th of June, his chief festival, we have already treated about this
holy Abbot.1 By Camerarius, he has been given a festival at this date, as
noticed by the Bollandists.2
2 According to Colgan, he is thus entered elaborate and elegantly illustrated volume,
in the Martyrology of Tallagh, at this date : " The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons
M Conallus filius Aengussii nempe va^es and Ornaments, of Great Britain," chap,
sive antiquarius." xxv., p. 622.
3 See his Life ay given at this date, in the 2 Edited by Drs, Todd and Reeves, pp.
Second Volume of this work, Art. i. 242, 243.
4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Sep- 3 A note by Rev. Dr. Reeves, at this word
tembris ix. Among the pretermitted Saints, Fertach, states : "That is, 'Virtuous, and
p. 326. Miraculous.' "
5 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Iliber- Article XIII. — ' See the Sixth Volume
nise," Februarii viii., n. 2, p. 277. of this work, and at Art. ii.
6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. ' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus Hi.,
242, 243. Septembris ix. Among the pretermitted
Article xi. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Saints, p. 326.
p. xxxiii. Also in that copy contained in ARTICLE XIV. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
the Book of Leinster we have |?er* x>& cjuch. Kelly, p. xxxiii.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 2 In the Book of Leinster copy we find
242, 243. Sanccae ■Oapepcae.
Article xii.— ■ See the concluding re- 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
marks of John Evans, F.R.S.F.S.A., in his 242, 243.
September 10.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 253
Article XIV. — St. Darerca. — The Martyrology of Tallagh,' mentions,
that S. Darerca was venerated, at the 9th of September.2 The Martyrology
of Donegal has her feast, at this same day.
Article XV. — St. Diomman, — The simple entry, Diomman, without
further designation, is met with in the Martyrology of Donegal,1 at the 9th
of September. No corresponding notice is found in the published Martyr-
ology of Tallagh.
Article XVI.— St. Cainchomrach, Abbot of Iona. {Tenth Century.}
Cainchomrach, Abbot of Iona, is said to have been venerated at the 9th of
September.1 He seems to have exercised that office, while Robhartach,
Coarb of Columkille and Adamnan, presided over Iona and Raphoe.2 He
is also called Caenchomhrae, by the O'Clerys, who state that he died
a.d. 945.3
Article XVII. — St. Boisil, Prior of Melrose, Scotland. — A festival
of St. Boisil, who is called Basilius, by Hugh Menard, has been placed by
him, and by Castellan, at the 9th of September.1 Already have we treated
about St. Boisil, at the 23rd February.*
Centb JBap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. FINIAN, FINNIA, FINNEN, FINNBARR, OR FINNIAN,
BISHOP OF MOVILLE, COUNTY OF DOWN.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I .
INTRODUCTION— WRITERS ON ST. FINIAN's ACTS— HIS FAMILY DESCENT — EARLY
INSTRUCTORS — SAID TO HAVE BEEN IN SCOTLAND, AND A DISCIPLE OF NENNIO OR
NENNI US— RECORDED VISIT TO ROME, WHERE HE HAD BEEN ORDAINED — RETURN
TO IRELAND.
THAT this illustrious saint deserves to be admired and loved, is clear
from a comparison made,1 that in. manners and life he was like unto
James the Apostle.8 This, indeed, is conferring on him a very great
encomium. That he was greatly reverenced, in the early Irish Church, is
Article xv. — * Edited by Drs. Todd iii., Septembris ix. Among the preter-
and Reeves, pp. 242, 243. mitted Saints, p. 325.
Article xvl— 1 See Colgan's " Trias 2 See the Second Volume of this work, at
Thaumaturga," Quinta Appendix ad Acta that date, Art. x.
S. Columbse, cap. iii., sect, v., p. 501. Article i., Chapter i. — ' This is to be
2 See Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life of found in the folios of an ancient vellum book
St. Columba." Additional notes, O, —known as the Book of Leinster — and now
p. 393. preserved in the Franciscan Library, Dublin.
3 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. ii., Among these, also, the Martyrology of St.
pp. 656, 657. Maelruain of Tallagh is included.
Article xvii. — ' This is noticed by .the z See "The Martyrology of Donegal,"
Bollandists. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 44, 45.
*54
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September io.
proved, not only from the regard in which he was held by exalted contem-
poraries ; but, also, from the fact, of not less than four distinct festivals
having been noted, by our hagiologists, to revere his memory, viz., the nth
of Februarys the i8th of March/ the ioth of September, and the 18th of
November. His name, however, takes different forms, and hence, too, it is
probable, some mistakes have been admitted, in this order of festivals ; or
rather, as we may assume, because two saints, whose names closely correspond,
may have been confounded in the accounts of different writers.* Thus, with
the present Bishop of Moville, St. Fridian or Frigidian, Bishop of Lucca, has
been considered identical.6 However, to us it seems well established, that
both were distinct persons ;? and while the present date is the chief festival
for St. Finian, Abbot of Magh Bile or Moville; the 18th of November is
that for the feast of St. Fridian or Frigidian, Bishop of Lucca. It is no diffi-
cult matter to understand, how the medieval writers may have erred, in
seeking materials for the acts of St. Fridian, and by assuming they were in
part to be found in those Irish traditions, which had reference to the present
St. Finian. However, it must be allowed, that his acts have been greatly
confused, and in some respects they seem conflicting and contradictory.
There is a Latin Vita S. Finiani, among the Burgundian Library Manu-
scripts, Bruxelles ;8 but, from Mr. S. Bindon's brief description, it is not
possible to determine which of the Finians is there meant, as many so called
are in our Irish Calendars. In the " Feilire " of St. ^Engus,9 at the ioth of
September, this saint is commemorated with a high eulogy. The scholiast
has added two explanatory comments.10 The Life of this holy man is to be
3 See at that date, in the Second Volume
of this work, Art. xvi.
4 See Art. viii. in the Third Volume of
this work, at that date.
s Colgan accounts for the nominal changes,
by stating, that where Irish writers have a
double nn, in place of the letter n, they are
used to substitute d : hence for Finn and
Finnian, they write Find and Findian.
Wherefore, the Italians, by transposing the
letters n and i, have converted n into r,
so that for Findianus we find Fridianus,
and by a further corruption, they have con-
verted Fridianus into Frigdianus and
Frigidianus. This supposition, however, is
too fanciful to be readily accepted.
6 Such seems to have been the opinion of
Colgan, in " Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae."
Vita S. Fridiani Episcopi, Appendix, cap. i.f
p. 642. The following are his inconclusive
reasons : first, because, Fridian is said to
have been of royal Ultonian origin, in his
Acts, and by Franciotti, Ghinius and Per-
notti, with other writers treating about him ;
while a similar origin is assigned for the
present Finnian by Capgrave, the Sanctilo-
gium Genealogicum, cap. 9, by Selbach,
by the Psalter of Cashel, and by others.
Secondly, because Fridianus and Finnian
flourished about the middle of the sixth
century, in the time of Pope Pelagius 1.
Thirdly, because Fridianus has been called
by the Irish writers Finnian and Findbarr,
as also by Franciotti in his Life ; while
Finnian and Findbarr are names indiscrimi-
nately applied to the Bishop of Magh bile ;
Fourthly, Fridian and Finnian are said to
have had the same master, Mugentius, as
Maguire and the Commentator on yEngus
state. Fifthly, both are stated to have ruled
over the monastery of Maghbile or Macbil.
Sixthly, because, some circumstanc«s related
in their acts apply to one and the other.
7 At present, it is only necessary to state,
that while Fridian or Frigidian was buried
at Lucca, Finnnian of Maghbile is said to
have been interred in Damh-inis.
8 In vol. xxii., at fol. 83.
9 In the Leabhar Breac copy is the fol-
lowing stanza : —
Clii •oengoin conglAme
ConiAchc cA^f aI fit>e
Sui tna n&j\iu mmatl
pnt)bApr» muigebile.
Thus rendered into English by Whitley
Stokes, LL.D. : "A body of red gold with
purity ; over a sea came he : a sage for
whom Ireland is (was) sad : Findbarr of
Magh Bile." — "Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
vol. i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
cxxxvii.
10 One of these, at the word congL&ine,
has in Irish and Latin what is thus rendered
into English, " with purity, i.e., with the
Gospel which is the new law ; for it is he
September io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
255
found, in Capgrave's u Novo Legenda Angliae,"11 and it is copied from some
acts written by John of Teignmouth. John Bale,12 Protestant Bishop of
Ossory, includes this saint in his work, but confounds him with St. Finan'3
who succeeded St. Aidan,1* Bishop of Lindisfarne, on the death of the latter
in 651. Archbishop Ussher gives us some account of this St. Finnio, Find-
barrus, or Vinnianus.15 Colgan intended his Acts for publication, at the 10th
of September,16 and also at the 18th of November.^ The Breviary of
Aberdeen has Lessons recording this holy man.'8 In Ussher's Antiquities
of the British Churches,1? he treats about our St. Finian. The Bollandists,20
who notice the festival of St. Finanus, Bishop and Confessor, at the 10th of
September, think it not improbable, that he is the same person as Finbarr,
mentioned by some as having been venerated on this day.21 There is an
account of St. Finian, or Winnin, in Bishop Challenor's " Brittania Sancta."22
The Rev. Alban Butler has some notices of him,a3 as likewise the Rev. Dr.
Lanigan,24 and mention likewise in the Petits Bollandistes.2s
The Welch writers call him St. Winnin.26 Thus, the word Fin of the Irish
is changed by the Cambro-Britons into Win and Gwin.2? Under this form of
the name Bishop Forbes also treats of St.'Finen.28 The birth of this great
man, and his future sanctity, are said to have been revealed to St. Patrick, a
long time before his birth. He sprung from a most noble parentage. His
father's name was Carpreus,29 and his mother's Lassara. According to some
accounts, he was the son of Ultach, King of Ulster. 3° His parents seem to
have been Christians. Probably, they received the faith, when St. Patrick
had been engaged evangelizing that part of Ulster, where they dwelt. They
belonged to the illustrious Aradean stock. St. Finnian is said to have sprung
from the race of Fiatach Finn, or " Fiatach the Fair," monarch of Erin. He
ruled, only, for the very short period of three years, or from a.d. 37 to 39.31
that first brought the Gospel into Ireland."
Also, on the word JTiTTOOApp, there is an
Irish comment thus given in English : " i.e.
white hair was on him, i.e. Finden." — Ibid.,
p. cxliv.
11 See fol. 147, 148.
" See " Scriptorum Illustrium Majoris
Britanniae," &c. Centur. i., cap, 74, and
cent, xiv., cap 19.
13 See the Second Volume of this work,
at the 17th February, Art. xxvi.
'* See the Eighth Volume of this work,
at the 31st of August, Art. i.
's See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii., pp. 493, 494.
16 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
quae MS. habentur, Ordine Mensium et
Dierum."
*' See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Martii
xviii. Vita S. Fridiani, Appendix, cap. v.,
p. 649.
18 In Pars Hyemalis, fol. xxxviii.
19 See M Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii., p. 494.
*° See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Sep-
tembris x. Among the pretermitted saints,
p. 483.
21 The Bollandists remark, likewise, that
in his " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Colgan
not only confounds Finanus or Finnianus
with Finbarrus, venerated at this day, but
also with a Fridianus or Frigidianus, Bishop
of Lucca, who is marked in the Roman
Martyrology, and whose festival occurs on
the 1 8th of November.
22 See Part ii., at September 10th, pp.
124 to 126.
23 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
tember x.
24 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii., chap, x., sect. vi. and nn., pp. 25
to 28.
23 See " Vies des Saints," tomexi., xe Jour
de Septembre, p. 2.
26 See Bishop Challenor's " Britannia
Sancta," part ii. September 10th, p. 124.
87 See Archbishop Ussher's "Britanni-
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii.,
p. 494-
28 See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
pp. 463 to 466.
29 St. Finnian of Movilla was son of
Cairbre, one of the Dal Fiatach, the royal
family of Ulster, and he became the patron
saint of the Ultonians. See Rev. William
Reeves' "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Down, Connor and Dromore." Appendix
A, sect. iii.
3° See Mr. and Mrs. S. C Hallt
" Ireland : its Scenery, Character," &c,
vol. iii., Down, p. 16.
256 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS. [September io.
From this King, the Dal Fiatach32 descended,33 and our saint therefore
belonged to the seed of Heremon. St. Finnian was the son of Corpre, son
to Ailild, son of Trichem, son to Fieg, son of Imchad, son to Bressal, son of
Serchad, son to Fiathach, Finn, 34 the monarch of Ireland, already alluded to,
who flourished in the beginning of the first age of Christianity. 35 He was
born in Ireland, about the beginning of the sixth century.
The lustre of St. Finnian's virtues, however, was far greater that that dis-
tinction drawn from his family and race. It seems likely, from early youth,
he desired to lead a religious life. He is set down among the very foremost
Saints of the second Class, in that ancient-Irish Catalogue, published by
Ussher. Among those old Irish Saints,36 classed in three orders, we find the
two Finnians : viz., he of Clonard, and the present Saint. St. Finnian's first
instructions in Christian piety and learning were drawn from a saintly Bishop,
known as Colman of Dromore.37 He was recommended by his parents, to
the care of that holy director, with whom he lived for some years, in the
practice of entire obedience and humility. Afterwards, St. Finnian was
directed to Coelan,38 the holy Abbot of Noendrum, or Endrum. This
venerable Abbot on first seeing young Finian, discovered by a prophetic
light his eminent sanctity. Therefore Coelan sought to excuse himself from
receiving that disciple, whom he considered to be greatly his superior, both
in virtue and grace.
However, he recommended St. Finnian to St. Nennidh or Nennio,39 a
celebrated British Prelate. He lived at Candida Casa, in Scotland. This
See was then called the great monastery/0 St. Nennio is said to have sent
his ships to Ireland, with which country, after leaving it, he still maintained
close and friendly relations. In one of these Finnian was conveyed to Scot-
land. This was agreeably to what Finian had previously foretold/1 That
holy Prelate received the young man, who soon became one of his most
beloved and favoured disciples/2 There, the bishop gave him the religious
habit, and trained him, for some years, in monastic discipline, and in the
instruction of sacred letters. This course was intended to aid his career. In
the study of these literary and religious exercises, he made great progress ;
31 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the i6th of September, where an account of him
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 96 to 99. may be found in the present volume.
32 The Tribe or Race of Fiatach Finn. *° See Archbishop Ussher 's " Britanni-
This warlike tribe was seated in the present carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates,;' cap. xvii.,
county of Down. p. 494.
33 Mac Donlevy, who, in the twelfth *l See Bishop Challenor's " Britannia
century, offered such a brave resistance to Sancta," part ii., September 10th, p. 125.
Sir John De Courcy, in Ulster, was head of *3 The Breviary of Aberdeen has an
this family. ' account of St. Finnin's or Winnin's arrival
34 Such is the pedigree made out for St. and acts in Scotland, which does not accord
Finnian or Findian of Magbile, in the with what we believe to be the more
" Genealogic Sanctilogy," chap. xix. probable one here recorded. It relates,
35 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum that when Winnin landed with his com-
Hiberniae," xviii. Martii. Appendix ad panions, they came to a river called Gar-
Acta S. Fridiani, cap. v., p. 649. nock for the purpose of fishing, as they had
36 See that tract, " Incipit Catalogus bo means of subsistence, and were there
Sanctorum Hiberniae, secundum diversa disappointed in taking fish. He declared
Tempora," published by Archbishop that no person should thenceforth catch
Ussher, in " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum fishes in it, and accordingly the stream
Antiquitates," cap. xvii., pp. 473, 474. changed its course. This tradition is
37 See his Life in the Sixth Volume of preserved by the people, that the Garnock
this work, at the 7th June. Art. i. in Stevenson has left its former bed dry.
0 # See his Acts at the 23rd of June, in the See the " New Statistical Account of Scot-
Sixth Volume of this work. Art. i. land," vol. v. Ayrshire, pp. 427, 428.
» Or Ninian. His festival comes on the Thence he is said to have sought Sacrum
September jo.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 257
but, more especially was he a proficient in the science of the Saints.43
His intellect was illuminated with holy lights from on high. He
was already favoured with the gift of miracles; and of these, some
instances are recorded. ♦« For the sake of further improvement,
Finian travelled to Rome,45 after he had spent some time under Nennio's
direction. There, he spent seven years, in the continual study of true
wisdom. His faculties were doubtless further developed by his residence
in the Eternal City. At the end of the time indicated, he was ordained a
Priest.*6 This is referred to about the year 540/7 Returning homeward, he
preached the gospel, it is said, to some Pagans, in the neighbourhood of Italy.
His preaching was confirmed with extraordinary miracles.
On arriving in Ireland, he founded the Church and Monastery of Magbile,
and most probably not later than a.d. 540/8 Having been consecrated Bishop,
by his preaching and life, he very much edified that portion of God's church,
and there planted the Gospel seed, destined in after times to fructify and
greatly to increase.
CHAPTER II.
TIME WHEN ST. FINIAN FLOURISHED— HIS MIRACLES — FOUNDER OF MAGHBILE AND
DRUIM-FIONN MONASTERIES — HIS RELATION AS MASTER TO SOME DISTINGUISHED
IRISH SAINTS— HIS LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH — HIS FESTIVALS AND COMMEMORA-
TIONS—CONCLUSION.
St. Finian flourished during the reign of Tuathal Maelgarb, King of Ireland.1
The spirit of prophecy was not wanting in this saint; since he foretold that
king's unhappy death. He lived also, during the reign of the succeeding
monarch, Dermitius or Diarmaid.2 His miracles were numerous and greatly
celebrated. He restored a nun to life, it is said, in a church, which was
called the Cell of the Mount. The servant of a certain Bishop, that had
been drowned, St. Finnian also resuscitated. He recalled to life, by his
Nemus — now Holywood — where he praying, and laid the sick man down before
selected a place to dwell with his disciples. him. After a little rest, the infirm youth
There as a result of his prayers a clear well recovered, and when they carried him home
bubbled up. In a good and holy age, we his pristine health was restored.
are told, he was chosen bishop by the clerics 4s Such is the account left by John Cap-
and people of his country, and having grave. v
wrought many miracles, he was honourably 46 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
interred in Kilwinne. This account ends arum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 494.
with the sentence — " ubi nunc monachorum 47 See ibid.> Index Chronologicus ad a.d.
viget claritas et illorum virorum sanctitas dxl., p. 529.
perpetua." 48 gee Tjr# Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
43 See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect.
Sancta," part ii., September 10th, p. 125. . vi.,p. 25.
44 The Aberdeen Breviary states, that in Chapter ii. — 'According to Capgrave,
Kilwinnin, Scotland, a certain person Tuathal Maelgarbh reigned from a.d. 528
laboured under wliat was supposed to be an to 538, according to Dr. O'Donovan's
incurable disease, but his friends brought "Annals of the Four Masters,'' vol. i., pp.
him to the basilica of St. Winni'n that he 177 to 181.
might be cured. Now there stood outside 2 The " Chronicum Scotorum," however,
of the church a stone cross marvellously places the death of Tuathal Maelgarbh, at
constructed, which during his lifetime A.D. £44, wljen Diarmaid Mac Cerbhail
Blessed V\ innin had erected in honour of began his reign to A.D. 565. Then he was
blessed Brigida the virgin. To it they slain at Rath Bee by Aedh Dubh, King of
fixed the sick youth. By advice of the Uladh. See William M. Hennessy's edition,
priests, his friends entered the church pp. 48 to 57.
" Vol. IX— No. 5. R
*58
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 'September io.
prayers, Nathus,3 a Bishop, who died without having received the holy
sacraments. He even raisecl to life a widow's son, who had been dead for
three days, and wht> had departed this life without baptism. These are only
a few of the signs and wonders which he wrought.* The place, where his
Abbey had been founded, was at the head of Strangford Lough, in the
County of Down. It is rendered into Latin, as Campus arboris sacri.
Magh-bile, or Moville, also Movilla, may be literally translated " the field of
Moville Abbey, County Down.
the aged tree." s This word also signifies the plain of the tree or trees.6 In
our Calendars, Martyrologies, and Annals, Maghbile is often mentioned, in a
general and absolute manner, without any allusion to a second monastery
bearing that name. After the year 731, Moville is noticed in our Annals
only, as having been governed by Abbots.? Domnagh-bile, in the County
of Donegal, was afterwards called Magh-bile, and modernized Moville.
Archdall 8 has strangely confounded Colgan's account of Magh-bile,9 or
3 This form of name seems resolvable into
the Irish Nathi or Nathe. There was a
Bishop Nathi, of Cuil Saccaile, in Dala-
radia, County of Down, venerated at the
1st of August. For notices of him, at that
date, see the Eighth Volume of this work,
Art. iv. A still more celebrated Patron of
Achonry Diocese is venerated, at the 9th of
August, where his Acts are to be found. Sec
ibid., Art. i. There is also a Nathe Bishop,
whose feast occurs at the 28th October.
However, in none of their Acts do we find
a relation of the miracle recorded in the
text.
4 See Bishop Challenor's " Britannia
Sancta," part ii., September 10th, pp. 125,
126.
5 Close to the burying-ground, and in a
place occupied by a garden attached to Mr.
Jamison's house, three or four Irish yew
trees of immense size and age might be
seen, and are said to have been much older
than any of the buildings in their immediate
neighbourhood. It is possible, that one of
these may be the sacred tree, which gave
the name to the place, or at all events, that
the present trees are the descendants of the
original ''aged tree." See Mr. William
Hugh Patterson's " Notice of some Ancient
Tomb Stones at Movilla, County Down,"
P- 5-
6 According to Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
7 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesias-
tical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and
Dromore," Appendix A, p. 152.
8 See Monasticon Ilibernicum, p. 103." It
September io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 259
Moville of Donegal,10 with that of Moville in Down, the well known monas-
tery, which was governed by St. Finnian in the sixth century, and continued
in a flourishing state to a still later period. The 'remains of a later
monastery — said to have been Augustinian11 — are yet te be seen,12 at Moville,
in the County of Down. T3 Traces of its extensive foundations may still be
clearly made out ; and of the ruins that remain, there are some, parts of
which indicate a high finish of workmanship. However, the original monas-
tery and church remains of St. Finian have at present totally disappeared. The
Index Topographicus x* affixed to Colgan's Acta Sanctorum, represents
Finnian as having lived at both Maghbiles ; viz., that in the County of
Donegal, and that in the County of Down. This led Harris astray,rs for
when alluding to those distinct places, he has both houses under the one St.
Finian.16 Sir James Ware was right in marking but one Maghbile or Moville,
which was situated in Down. His authority ought to have been adhered to
by Harris.
This Saint is said to have been called Finnbar1? or " white top," from the
colour of his hair, which was light, or inclining to golden.18 At Maghbile, a
famous school was attached to his monastery, and there several eminent
scholars were educated in the science of the saints. Although St. Nathy,
Bishop and Patron of Achonry Diocese, is said to have been brought up in
the School of St. Finnian, Abbot of Clonard ; yet this seems irreconcilable
with the time when that school had been established, towards the middle of
the sixth century.1? It is more probable, that the Finian under whom Nathy
studied had been the present saint. Also he was the illustrious St. Columkille's
preceptor ;3° while he is said to have brought the Mosaic Law, and the whole
Gospel, into Ireland. The early years of St. Columba were spent under the
guidance and instruction of our saint. While there, and as a deac6n,
Columba had been obliged to procure wine for the celebration of the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass, and this was brought as water in the first instance from
the fountain. However, on blessing it, the water was miraculously changed
is there wrongly stated, that Colgan ascribes of the Rev. Archibald Warwick, the Presby-
to St. Patrick the establishment of a monas- terian minister of the parish, hung for his
tery at Domnach-bile, in Donegal; nor participation in the rebellion of 1798. He
does he exhibit it as placed by St. Patrick was greatly beloved and respected by his
under Aengus, son of Olild. people, and regarding him, a most pathetic
' See "Trias Thaumaturga," p. 181. story is told in the work of Mr. and Mrs.
I0Colgan states,that a monastery was there. Hall.
As to Moville, in Donegal, Dr. Lanigan much '4The compiler of that Index was deceived,
doubts, as to whether it had ever been a owing to the identity of the names,
monastery ; for Colgan, although he thought lSIn his list of Monasteries,
so, yej; could not make out any one abbot l6 Yet, Archdall goes further, and he even
placed over it. pretends to give the names of abbots at
" At the Dissolution, it appears to have Moville in Donegal, such as Finnian,
been possessed of seven townlands, and the Siollan, Aengus M'Loingsy, &c. Now,
spiritualities of sixteen and a half besides. these are the same identical persons, he
Its possessions were granted to Viscount reckons at Moville in Down, with some
Claneboys. others named. There alone they ought to be.
12 There is a wood-cut illustration of this J? In the Irish character written ponn
ruin, drawn by Mr. Burgess, a Belfast bA^.
artist, with a very interesting narrative in l8 According to Magu ire's " Calendar," he
connexion, to be found in Mr. and Mrs. had yellow hair.
Hall's " Ireland ; its Scenery, Character," 19 See what has been stated already, in the
&c, vol. iii., pp. 16 to 18. This has been Life of St. Nathy, Patron of Achonry
faithfully copied and engraved by Mr. Gregor Diocese, at the 9th of August, in the Eighth
Grey, to furnish the subject of the present Volume of this work, Art. i., chap. i.
illustration. *°See Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Vita S.
'3 In the grave-yard attached is the grave Columbae," lib. ii,, cap. i., lib. iii., cap. iv.
260 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September io.
into wine. St. Finian and his community gave thanks to the Almighty for
that miracle, which through humility the holy young deacon chose to ascribe
rather to the merits of his superior than to his own.21 According to the Irish
Life of St. Columkille, St. Finian had been the celebrant,32 and he enquired
afterwards from the assistants how such a highly superior quality of wine had
been found.
Besides Movilla, he was the founder of Druim-fionn, in the territory of
Conall Muirthemne, and now Dromin in Louth -p here the dispute between
him and St. Columba respecting the manuscript of the Gospels is said to h'ave
occurred.24 Allusion has been already made25 to the circumstances related
in this fable,26 and which are reported to have fomented the battle of Cuil-
Oremne,2? near Sligo, in the province of Connaught.*8 That battle took place
two years before the coming of St. Columba to Scotland. ^ In his Life of
St. Columba, Adamnan relates a miraculous occurrence in connexion with
him, of a young man learning the Holy Scriptures in Scotia, and of a bishop
Findbarr. Could this refer to the teaching of St. Finnian of Movilla,3° it
renders the legend, regarding the quarrel between him and St. Columba,
both as to cause and effect, extremely improbable. 31 When St. Columba32
was a young man, and under the tuition of Finnion his master, the latter saw
an angel in his company,33 and this he said to his other disciples : rt Now
behold Columba coming, who for his merits deserves to have a denizen of
Heaven for his companion.'^ The Irish Life states, that on leaving St.
Finnian of Maghbile, St. Columba placed himself under a senior called
Gemman.35 In the Life of St. Fintan of Dunbleisch,36 there is a story told
of this same St. Finnian refusing to lend him a copy of the Gospels. 37 The
particular account has already been given, in the Life of the former saint.38
This holy bishop of Maghbile was a contemporary .of St. Comgall,39 Abbot
21 See the Life of St. Columkille or tures. See the various testimonies collected
Columba, in the Sixth Volume of this work, by Colgan from the Lives of his disciples,
June ix., Art. i., chap. ii. in Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
23 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Appendix ad Acta S. Finniani, cap. ii., iii.,
Vita Quinta S. Columbae, lib. i., cap. xxxix., iv. and v., pp. 403 to 407.
p. 395. 3I See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Adamnan's Life
23 Called "Ecclesia S. Fintani de Dro- of St. Columba," lib. ii., cap. i., and n. (b.),
myng." — Fleming's "Registrum," fol. 44 a. pp. 103, 104.
24 For the particulars relating to this 32 See his Life at the 9th of June, in the
legend, see Prince O'Doniiell's Life of St. Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
Columkille, in Colgan's "Trias Thauma- 33This anecdote appears to have been
turga," lib. ii., cap. i., p. 408 et seq. Also, borrowed from Cummian's Life. See Col-
the Rev. Dr. Keating's "History of Ire- gan's " Trias Thaumaturga." Vita Secunda
land," at the reign of Aodh. S. Columba, cap. iv., pp. 325, 326.
=5 See the Life of St. Columkille or 34 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Adamnan's Life
Columba, in the Sixth Volume of this work, of St. Columba," lib. iii., cap. iv., pp. 195,
June 9, Art. i., chap. vii. 196, and n. (a.)
96 See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire- 3s From him, St. Columba removed to St.
land," vol. i., chap, xii., pp. 243, 244. Finnian of Clonard. See Colgan's "Trias
2? See an account of the assigned causes, in Thaumaturga." Vita Quinta S. Columbse,
Archbishop Ussher's "Britannicarum Eccle- lib. i., cap. xl., p. 395.
siarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., pp. 467 to 36See him noticed, at the 3rd of January,
469. First Volume of this work, Art. i.
28 In Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the 37 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Four Masters," the battle of Cul-Dreimhne nioe," iii. Januarii. Vita S. Fintani, Abb.,
is set down at a.d. 555. See vol. i., pp. 192 cap. v., p. II, and Vita S. Fridiani, Appen-
to 195, and accompanying notes. dix, cap. iii., pp., 643, 644.
3*See the Second Preface to Rev. Dr. 38 See ibid. , chap. ii.
Reeves' "Adamnan's Vita S.Columbae," p. 9. 3«See his Life.at the 10th of May— the date
30 The other St. Finnian, hovvever, was for his festival — in the Fifth Volume of tlm
confessedly a famous teacher of the Scrip- work, Art. i.
September io.J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIN1S. 261
ot Bangor, and was accustomed to visit hiui. On a particular occasion,
which is related in the Acts of this latter Saint, lie induced Comgall to relax
the austerity of his rule, especially as regarded the old and inhrm monks of
his monastery/0
The present St. Finian has been styled Bishop of Moville, and he is con-
sidered to have been the first founder of a religious establishment there.
According to Camerarius, before he became bishop, he was abbot of some
monastery in Fife.*' The Breviary of Aberdeen states, that he often visited
foreign regions, and desired to lead a solitary life away from his parents. In
this connexion, he is said, to have been accompanied by some fellow warriors,
and to have been carried to Scotia Minor, where they landed at a place
called Coninghame. In the Saltair-na-rann attributed to St. ^ngus the
Culdee, it is affirmed, that he was honoured as principal patron in all the
province of Ulster, as St. Brigid42 was in that of Leinster, St. Kieran^ of
Cluain-mic-nois in that of Connaught, and St. Ailbeus44 in that of Munster.
In the list of the chief Irish Saints as Patrons, and in that metrical composi-
tion's the name of St. Finnian of Maghbile is introduced as special Patron of
all Ulster. However, his memory was more especially venerated in that
district of Ulster, called Ullagh, or Ulidia, comprising some parts of eastern
Ultonia,and chiefly including the present county of Down/6 He is regarded,
too, as one of the chief Patron Saints belonging to the diocese of Down.
He was visited, in fine, by a painful illness, which confined him for twelve
months to his bed.4? Having prepared himself for an exit to the happiness
of Heaven, by receiving the divine mysteries, the day at last came, and St.
Finnian breathed out his pure soul, into the keeping of his great Creator.
Having then received the Sacred Viaticum, in holy resignation, that Bishop
fell asleep in our Lord. St. Comgall, Abbot of Bangor, who survived
him,48 had a miraculous intuition regarding his death, as one night, while his
monks were assembled in the church, he said : " Let us pray, dearly beloved,
for the soul of our father Bishop Findbarr. He is now borne to Heaven by
the Angels.40 On the following day, authentic intelligence arrived of our
saint's happy departure.
He died on the tenth of September, and on this day, his festival was
celebrated. At the iv. Idus Septembris — corresponding with the 10th of this
month — John Capgrave has that account, regarding St. Finan, Bishop and
40 See ibid., chap. iii. Momonii omnes cum suis proceribus, sub
41 See " De Scotorum Pietate," p. 88. patrocinio Ailbei :
42 See her Life, in the Second Volume of Archipraesules sancti cum suis monachis
this work, at the 1st of February, Art. i. finanliter quacumque procedunt via, omnes
43 See his Life, at the previous day, in the sub patricinio Patricii.
present volume, Art. i.
44 See his Acts, at the 12th of September, — "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," Martii xviii.
in the present volume, Ait. i. Vita S. Fridiani. Appendix, cap. iii., p. 646.
45 The following is Colgan's rendering of
some lines in Latin :— *6 see Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, x., sect, vi.,
Posteri Nielli sub patrocinio Columbae, non and n. 90, pp. 26, 28.
subrubo: 47 See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sub patrocinio Finniani Magbilensis Ultonii Sancta," part ii., September 10, p. 126.
universi : 48 st. Comgall of Bangor survived to about
Conatii omnes sub patrocinio Kierani, esto the year 602. See Rev. Dr. Reeves'
sine perditione : " Adamnan's Life of St. Columba," lib. i.,
Dal-Aradii nobiles et inclyti, sub patrocinio cap. 49, n. (e), p. 93.
Comgalli : 49 See the Bollaudists' " Acta Sancto-
Lagenii sub patrocinio Brigidse nomine rum," tomus ii., Maii x. Vita S. Comgalli,
famosse : cap. ii., num. 27, 28, p. 585.
262 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September io.
Confessor. 5° The Annals of Innisfallen refer his death to the year 572 ;51
and at that date, we find such an entry, as Quies Finniae Moigebile," in the
Codex Bodleianus,s2 yet not in the Codex Dubliniensis. In the Annals of
Ulster at a.d. 578,53 under the form of Vinniani, the rest of this saint is
announced. This is also the date found in the " Chronicum Scotorum,"54 for
Finnian Ua Fiatuch the Bislfbp. His obit is recorded by Tighernach.ss at 579.
We find no entry in the Annals of the Four Masters, regarding the year when
he died. Colgan confounds this Finian with St. Frigidianus,s6Bishop of Lucca,
and he supposes our saint had been buried in that city.5? The Irish writers
maintain, that he was buried, either in the church of Magbile, or in that of Dair
Inis. Cap'grare and John of Tinmouth affirm, that he was interred in
Kill-Winning8 in Cunningham of Scotland.
In the Marty rology of Tallagh, s° we find it mentioned, that a festival was
celebrated at the 10th of September, in honour of Ennio mac h. Fiatach. In
the anonymous list of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullivan Beare, the name
Finianus occurs at the same date.60 Under the head of Magh-Bile, Duald
Mac Firbis enters, Finnen,61 bishop of Magh-Bile. Finnia Mac Ui-Fiatach
was his other name, as likewise Fionnbar of Magh-Bile.02 In the Martyr-
ology of Donegal °^ at this same date, Finnen, Bishop of Magh-bile, is
registered. The Rev. William Reeves also notes him, in that Calendar he
compiled, for the three Ulster dioceses, about which he treated, in his very
learned and researchful work.6* In that copy.of the Martyrology of Tallagh,
found in the Book of Leinster, there is an entry of Finnio mac h. Fiatach65
for the vii. of the Ides of September — but intended for the 10th of this
month. That notice in the published Martyrology66 is Ennio (Finnio) mac
h. Fiatach. More correctly than the Martyrology of Tallagh, at the iv. of
the September Ides — 10th day — the-O'Clerys enter Finnen, Bishop of Magh-
bile.67 This saint was also venerated in Scotland, and his festival is noticed,
at the 10th of September, in the Kalendarium Drummondiense.68 At this
date Finian, bishop, is noted in the Circle of the Seasons.6^ In Scotland, his
feast used to be observed on the 21st of January, at Kilwinning, and a little
50 See "Nova Legenda Anglise," fol. grave's "Nova Legenda Anglise, " fol.
cxlviii., cxlix. cxlvii.
51 See Dr. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical Anti- 59 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
quities of Down, Connor and Dromore," ^ See " Historic Catholicse Iberniae
Appendix A, p. 151. Compendium," tomus. i., lib. iv., cap. xi.,
s2See Rev. Dr. Charles O'Conor's p. 51.
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus 6l Finnin is the same as Finnian or Finnia.
ii., p. 8. William M. Hennessy's note.
53 Thus : Quies Vinniani episcopi, unc 63 See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
[filii] Nepotis fiiatach as in the Dublin MS.; Academy," Irish MSS. series, vol. i., part
though O'Conor's text unmeaningly gives i., pp. 120, 121.
Umaniain as the Saint's name. ^ Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
54 See William M. Hennessy's edition, 242, 243.
pp. 60, 61. 64 See " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
55 Thus: "Quies Finniani episcopi Nepotis Down, Connor and Dromore," Appendix,
Fiatach." There, Rev. Dr O'Conor cor- LL., p. 380.
ruptly for Finniani reads Mani. 6s Thus : pnnio mac h pleach.
s6 See his Life, at the 18th of November. *5 See Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition, p. xxxiv.
Colgan has published two different Lives of ^ See The " Martyrology of Donegal,"
this Saint, at the 18th of March. edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
57 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise/'xviii. 242. 243.
Martii, Vita S. Fridiani, sive, Findiani, 68 Thus : " Et in Hibernia Natale Beatis-
Epis. pp. 633 to 651, and especially in the simi Episcopi et Confessoris Sancti Fin-
Appendix to St. Frigidian's Acts, cap. vii., niani." — Bishop Forbes' M Kalendars of
p. 650, ibid. Scottish Saints," p. 24.
5* ** Wallice nomine Kilwinnin." —Cap- 6? See p. 254.
September io.J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 263
south of the manse there is St. Winning's Well. The feast was afterwards
represented by an annual fair, and known as St. Winning's Day.?0 At Holy-
wood, in Dumfries-shire, was St. Winning's Well, and the place was anciently
called Dercongal. There are ruins of an old abbey in Holy wood.?1 There
is a hill, with a fort on the top, apparently having had three concentric
circles, and it is called Caer-Wmning.73
Naturalists tell us, that the Aloe plant flourishes in the most rocky and
sandy African soils -p but it only blooms after a long series of years,?* and
then a wonderful bud at its crown breaks into a thousand flowers, but the
plant often becomes a sacrifice to these flowers and dies. Each one of the
flowers, however, as they drop, is said to form a new plant; on the spot, and
it lives to produce other blooming buds. Thus dying in a fruitful state of
virtue, the saints leave behind them in their places those germs, which in the
lives of others perpetuate flowers fit for Heaven.
Article II. — St. Otger or Odger, Deacon, at Rurimond, Bel-
gium. [Eighth Century.'] The holy deacon, St. Otger or Ogder, being the
missionary companion of St. Wiro,1 Bishop in Ireland, and Apostle of
Gueldres, as also of St. Plechelmus, Bishop of Odensal and Rurimond, in
Belgium ; a reference to their Acts must serve to illustrate his career, and
the incidents which were connected with it. At the 10th of September, the
Bollandists3 have published a Life of St. Odgerus 3 — as he is there called —
by some unknown writer, who evidently indulges his imagination in a
rhetorical fashion, so as to overload those few facts of the saint's history
that are really known. To this has been prefixed the Commentarius Praevius,*
written by Father John Boland, S.J. ; while there is an Appendix to the
Life, added by Father John Stilting, S.J.5 The anonymous Life of Odger
seems to have been chiefly drawn from an older Life of St. Wiro. In the
M Acta Sanctorum Belgii Selecta," 6 we have these same Acts of St. Otger,
Deacon, who is venerated on the 10th September, republished. There is a
previous commentary by Father John Bollandus,? and the Life,8 by some
anonymous author. It would seem, that Colgan had intended publishing
some notices of this saint, at the 10th of September, as we learn from the
posthumous list of MSS.° In various collections of saints' Acts, the festival
70 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of tembris x. De S. Odgero Diacono Rime-
Scottish Saints," p. 466. mundse in Belgio, pp. 612 to 616.
71 See ibid. Also " New Statistical Ac- 3 This is comprised in six paragraphs, and
count of Scotland," vol. iv. Dumfries, pp. it is taken from a manuscript which formerly
553 fo 559- belonged to the church of St. Martin at
72 See ibid,, vol. v. Ayr, p. 219. Utrecht ; but, afterwards, it was transferred
73 See " Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire to the monastery of the Carthusians at
Naturelle," dirige par. M. Charles Cologne.
d'Orbigny, tome i., pp. 290, 291. * It is comprised in nine paragraphs.
74 It has been incorrectly supposed, that 5 This is headed, Appendix de Ecclesia de
the great American aloe does not blossom Berg. SS. Wironi, Plechelmo et Odgero
until it is 100 years old. However, its consecrata, tianslatisque in earn illorum
flowering depends almost wholly on the Sanctorum reliquiis : ac de distinctione S.
rapidity of its growth, always slower in cold Plechelmi ab alio fere synonymo. This is
than in warmer climates. See "Popular contained in eight paragraphs.
Encyclopedia," vol. i., p. 124. 6 See vol. vi., pp. 219 to 225.
Article ii. — • His Acts have been 7 Sections 1 to 9.
already published, at the 8th of May— the 8 Sections I to 6.
date for his feast — in the Fifth Volume of 9 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
this work, Art. 1. quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., Sep- Dierum."
264 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September io.
of this pious man is entered. Thus, in the u Hystoria Sanctorum," I0 printed
at Louvain," at the ioth of September, Molanus has an account of this
holy deacon.12 Thomas Dempster has a few notices of St. Otgerus ; '3 and
he is also mentioned at this date, in the Petits Bollandistes.1* His Acts,
which do not mention where he had been born,1* only state, that Odgerus
was of noble birth, and that he lived in Britain.16 Finding that he was
religiously disposed, and while he was yet young, his parents placed him
under the charge of religious brethren, so that he might apply to the
study of sacred learning.1? Then he was remarkable for his obedience,
patience, charity, and a desire to imitate those, who were already advanced
in the spiritual life. Soon his virtues were extolled by his relations and the
people of that province in which he lived. He laboured much, as he
advanced in years, to overcome temptations against purity, by avoiding all
dangerous occasions ; while, by great self-denial and application, he became a
proficient both in sanctity and learning. The bishop of that place, knowing his
happy dispositions and the grace in which he abounded, readily yielded to
his wishes, in advancing him from the lowest grade of ecclesiastical orders to
the dignity of deacon. Like all truly great men, he deemed the state he
attained to required still greater exertion on his part ; so that he became most
assiduous in prayer, in study, in learning, in wisdom, in moral propriety, in
alms-giving, in the love of God and of his neighbour. Having been elected
Bishop among the Scots or Irish, together with the holy Priest, St. Plechel-
mus,'8 St. Wiro'9 had resolved on leaving their own country, to visit the
Sovereign Pontiff, and to receive his directions for their future course. We
are told, that while on their way from Ireland, and while passing through
England, they received Otger, then a Levite, which bears the signification of
a Deacon.20 At that time, he had been uncertain, as to whether he should
become a religious and settle down permanently under the rule of that house
in which he had received his early education, or reserve himself for a
missionary career, by leaving his family, friends and country for the sake of
Christ. Through the fervent desire of gaining his heavenly country, and of
quitting all earthly hopes, he was induced to follow those men of God, and
with them, he made a pilgrimage to Rome,21 in his capacity of Deacon,22
10 There we have an account headed, *f Arnold Wion, Benedictus Dorganius a
Otgeri diaconis et confessor, fol. cxxvii. S. Joanne, Hugo Menardus, Gabriel Buc-
11 a.d. 1485. clinus, in their respective Martyrologies ;
12 See " Natales Sanctorum Belgii," as also, Edward Maihew, in " Tropceis
Decima Die Septembris. De Sancto Od- Congregationis Anglicana," tome ii., not
gero diacono, in two paragraphs, pp. 198, only make him a monk, but a member of the
199. Benedictine Order. Constantine Ghinius
13 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis numbers him among the holy canons ; but
Scotorum," tomus ii., lib. xiv., num. 970, all the foregoing statements are not yet
p. 509. proved.
** See " Vies des Saints," tome xi., xe Jour ,8 See his Life, at the 15th day of July, in
de Septembre, p. 2. the Seventh Volume of this work, Art. i.
■3 For want of contradictory evidence, ,9 See his Lite, at the 8th of May, in the
and as it seems most probable, it has been Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
assumed he was a native of Ireland, being 2* Bishop Challenor considers, that the
the companion of St. Wiro. present St. Oiger was by birth an English
16 John Wilson, in the first edition of Saxon, and that for his virtues he had been
his " Martyrologium Anglicanum," states, already advanced to the degiee of deacon in
" monachum fuisse in Boreali Angliae plaga, the primitive English Church,
ubi et natus erat." However, in the second 2I See Miraeus, " P'asti Belgici et Bur-
edition, he omits the place of St. Otger's gundici," p. 526.
birth, but asserts he was a monk. Never- " Some writers have incorrectly described
theless, neither of these assertions can be him as a bishop. See Les Petits Bolland-
admitted, without some better authority, ist'es' "Vies des Saints," tome xi., xe jour
nut yet found. de Septembre, p. 2.
September io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 165
There, with great devotion, he visited the monuments of the Apostles and
Martyrs. Being consecrated Bishops by the Pope, Saints Wiro and
Plechelm returned home. Otger was still their inseparable com-
panion. With his usual effrontery, Thomas Dempster asserts, that
the Deacon Otger wrote a book " Pro Synodo Germanica." 23 Those
holy missionaries, who accompanied him, passed the seas again, and
went into Belgic Gaul, to advance by their preaching the Kingdom of Christ.
In his capacity of deacon, Otger was authorized to announce the Gospel,
and this he did in life with excellent effect. Those apostles of salvation were
men of God, and that whole country was edified by their doctrine and
sanctity.2* Pepin, who ruled there, gave them a retired place for their abode.
It lay near Ruremond,25 and, it was formerly called St. Peter's Mount, but
now it is known as Mount St. Odilia. There they built an oratory, in honour
of the Blessed Virgin, and a monastery was erected under the name of St.
Peter — hence was derived its earliest denomination. Here also they led a
most heavenly life, and Otger was distinguished among his holy companions
for love of retirement ; as also by his preaching and teaching the truths of
Divine wisdom to the people. In all their labours, he most willingly and
faithfully shared, and through humility he had no ambition greater than to
learn how he could be of use to second their desires and plans for the salva-
tion of souls. In this solitude, after having by word and example brought
many souls to despise earthly vanities, and to aspire after everlasting goods,
St. Otger had a presentiment, that his last hour on earth was approaching,
and so informed his religious brethren. Having received this warning, they
took care that the Viaticum should be administered, and then he exclaimed
" Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. " Having bid farewell to
his fellow-religious, he happily passed to his eternal rest. He died some time
in the eighth century, but the exact year is not known ; neither has it been
recorded whether he predeceased his companions, Saints Wiro and Plechelm,
or survived them. His body was buried on St. Peter's Mount, also known
as St. Odilia, or Berg. Afterwards, his relics and intercession were rendered
illustrious owing to the miracles there wrought. Already in the Acts of St.
Wiro and St. Plechelmus, we have given account of the vicissitudes of time
and change, in connexion with their and the relics of St. Otger. When the
Church of Berg26 had been rebuilt, through the liberality of the Bishop of
Rurimond, the Canons of the Cathedral, and the faithful at large, it was
solemnly consecrated, on the 10th of May, 1686. Then a shrine had been
there prepared for the reception of their relics. The occasion was a remark-
able one, as not only the neighbouring inhabitants, but a great concourse of
people from all the adjoining districts, assembled at Rurimond, where with
hymns, canticles and magnificent ceremonies, the remains were placed in the
new shrine, and solemnly deposited in the church of Berg. So great was the
congregation, that the dedicatory sermon had to be preached in the open
air. At this celebration, likewise, a remarkable miracle took place. A girl
See ** Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Pope Pius V. made it an episcopal see,
Scotorum," lib. xiv., num. 970, p. 509. which was uniied to that of Liege in 1801.
24 See Molanus' •« Natales Sanctorum See Pierre Larousae's " Grand Dictionnaire
Belgii," Decima Die Septembris, 2°. p. Universel du xixe Siecle," tome xiii.,
19* ^ p. 1527.
25 In Flemish called Roermunde, a town •* A commune in the province of Gueldres,
in the province ot Limburg and Kingdom of and having over 5,000 inhabitants. See
Holland, at the confluence of the rivers* ' Elisee Reclus ' ■• Nouvelle Geographie
Meuse and Roer. In 1290, the Count of Universelle," tome iv., liv. iv., chap, iv.,
Gueldres erected it into a city. In 1561, sect, v., p. 315.
266 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September to.
named Catherine, from the adjoining village of Kerchen, and who had two
years before contracted a disease, which left her completely blind, having
with her pious mother Afra been present, and devoutly imploring the inter-
cession of the local patrons, the pains she had previously felt were removed,
and she'was restored to the full enjoyment of vision. No trace of shadow or
obstruction was afterwards experienced, while her eyes were bright and
lustrous as in her youth. About one thousand years having elapsed after
the departure of the saints, the Lord Bishop Angelas d'Ongnyes of Rurimond
obtained Indulgences from the Sovereign Pontiff, and he caused a Jubilee, to
open at the Church of Bergh,2? in the year 1706. It commenced, on the
nth day of July, with an octave ; and during that period, such an affluence
of devout worshippers prevailed, that not alone was the church filled, but
even the hill upon which it was built resembled the encampment of a large
army. Moreover, the bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to
about five thousand persons.28 The feast of St. Odgerus, Deacon and
Confessor, is noted at the iv. Ides of September — 10th of the month — in the
old Manuscript Marty rology of the Church of St. Mary at Utrecht, in the
Manuscript Martyrology of the monastery of St. Martin, at Treves, and
printed at Cologne, a.d. 1690, by Herman Greven in his Additions to Usuatd,
printed a.d. 1515, as also in 152 1, by Canisius, in his German Martyrology,
and by John Molan, in the first edition of his Auctuarium to Usuard.2^
Moreover, Andreas Boeyus,3° Philip Ferrarius^1 and Balduin Willot,32 have
notices of this saint, and at the same date. His name has been written
variedly Odgerus, Otgerus, Othgerus and Ogerus. In the Menologium
Scoticum of Thomas Dempster is entered the feast of St. Orgerus (recte
Otgerus) on tiie ioih of September.33 Besides mis-spelling the name, our
Saint is here made a bishop, although he was not even advanced to the
priesthood. By nearly all other writers, he is called simply a Deacon. We
find Otgerus, in that list of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullivan Beare.3*
On the authority of Molanus, at the same date, Otger Diaconus is entered
by Henry Fitzsimon, at the 10th of September.35 His festival is kept, on
this day, in the Dioceses of Ruremond and Groningen. Both Sees honour him
as their patron. 36 The quaint writer, Fuller, has remarked : '* Where there
be many priests and little meat, the same dish must go clean through the
board; and Divine Providehce ordered it, that in the scarcity of preachers,
one eminent man, travelling far, should successively feed many countries."
87 This town at present contains nearly Ferrarius states, " Raremundae in Geldria
1,000 inhabitants. See M. Vivien de Saint- S. Otgeri Diac."
Martin's" Nouveau Dictionnaire de G6ogra- 32 In his " Martyrologium Belgicum,"
phie Universelle," tome i., p. 415. Willot has the notice : " In Monte S. Petri
28 For the foregoing particulars, the reader et Ruraemondae colitur S. Otgerus diaconus,
is referred to Joannes Knippenberg's socius SS. Wironis et Plechelmi."
" Historia Ecclesiastica Geldriae, lib. viii., 33 Thus : " In Brabantia Orgeri episcopi,
cap. iv. apostoli, Ruremundoe patroni." — Bishop
3» In the later additions, Molan more Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints, p.
fully writes : " Item S. Otgeri confessoris et 211.
diaconi, qui ex Britannia comes peregrina- 34 See " Histories Catholicoe Iberniae
tionis fait Sanctis episcopis Wironi et Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi.
Plechelmo, atque post multa pietatis exer- 3S See ibid., cap. xii., p. 56. He is also
citia, sepulturam accepit in ecclesia Montis entered in Convaeus' list, at the 10th of Sep-
Petri juxta Ruraemundam. tember : " S. Otguerus Levita, Celebris
30 In his " Martyrologium Flandricum," Rurimondse." See ibid., cap. x., p. 48.
he writes : " In ecclesia Montis S. Petri, S. 3<5 See Molanus' " Nataies Sanctorum
Odgerus diaconus et confessor." Belgii," Decima Die Septembris, p.
31 In his ' 'Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum, " 1 98 b.
September io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 267
The exact meaning of these allusions may escape the comprehension of most
persons ; but, it is certain, the powers of Otger as a herald of Christ were a
compensation for other deficiencies in the duties of pastoral lectures and
instructions.
Article III. — St. Senach, son of Buidi. {Possibly in the Fifth
Century.'] Veneration was given to a Senaig Gairbh — as he is called — at
the 10th of September, according to the published Martyrology of Tallagh.1
In that copy contained in the Book or Leinster, while we have Senaig Gairb
on one line in large letters, mac buidi seem to follow in smaller characters in
the space underneath, and immediately over Findbair.2 There is a saint
of this name, who was placed by St. Patrick^ to rule over the church of
Achadh-fobhuir as a bishop. This lay in the western part of Connaught.4
In our Ecclesiastical Calendars, there are several persons bearing the name
of Senach. s One occurs in Tirechan's List. It is not improbable, that he
may have been Senach of Aghagower. This was in the territory of Umalia
or Hymalia.6 Yet, it is not certain, that he can be identified more with the
present, than with any other bearing the name and mentioned in our
Calendars. The following account is given by Jocelyn, in his Life of St.
Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. In the place, which is named Achadfobhair,
St. Patrick had built and endowed a church with fair possessions ; and, over
it he appointed and consecrated as bishop Sennach, who, for the innocency
of his heart, was called the Lamb of God. And he, being so consecrated,
entreated of the saint that with unceasing prayer, he should labour with the
Lord, to shield him in his office from the commission of all sin. Further-
more, he suppliantly besought, that the church over which he presided
might not be called by his name, as was in many places the custom among
the Irish people.? And this he did, to preserve his lowliness, and to avoid
vain glory, which is the fretting moth of all virtues. Then, understanding
the worthiness of Sennach, and the simplicity of his heart, St. Patrick pro-
mised to him the fulfilment of all his desires. Blessing him and his flock, St.
Patrick prophesied, that therefrom should proceed many holy and eminent
priests.8 Serving in exceeding holiness the Holy of Holies, and being
renowned for his miracles and for his virtues, Sennach entered at length into
the heavenly sanctuary.9 More than once, Colgan calls Aghagower merely
the locality of a bishop's see.10 Archdall places a monastery under Senach
of Aghagower.11 But, in whatever account we have regarding him, no such
Articlk 111. —'Edited by Rev. Dr. 7 Near this place, too, there was a holy
Kelly, p. xxxiv. well, regarding which a popular belief is
"Thus: SetiAic 5<My\b recorded, by a writer of St. Patrick's Acts.
Trie OU101 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." Sep-
pn-obAin. tima Vita S. Patricii, pars ii., cap. Ixiii., p.
3 See his life, at the 17th of March, in the 138.
Third Volume of this work, Ait. i. 8See the account concerning this St.
* See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga, " Senach already given, in the Life of St.
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. cxxxi., p. 94. and Patrick, chap, xii., in the Third Volume of
nn. 132, 133, p. 114. Also Septima Vita this work, An. i.
S. Patricii, li>. ii., cap. Ixii., pp. 137, 138, 9 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturgi."
and nn. 118, 119, pp. 178, 179. Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. cxxxi., p. 94,
5 See at January 10th, February nth, and nn. 132, 133, p. 114.
May nth, June 22nd, August 2 1st, Novem- ,0See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical Ilis-
ber 2nd and 10th. tory of Ireland," vol. i., chap, v., sect, x., n,
6 The territory of the O'Malleys. See Rev. 101, p. 248,
Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of "See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p.
Ireland," vol. i., chap, v., sect, x., p 245. 492.
268 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September id
thing is mentioned. It the holy man be identical, as Colgan thinks, with the
former mentioned, the present Senach was greatly distinguished as a virtuous
disciple of the Irish Apostle.'2 The name of Senach, son of Buidi, appears
in the Martyrology of Donegal,^ at this same date.
Article IV. — St. Segen or Seighin, son of Ua Cuinn, Abbot of
Bangor, Countv Down. [Seventh Century^\ Colgan has a saint of this
name, the son of Ronan, son to Loarn, son of Fergus, son to Conal Gulban.
He seems to think him identical with an abbot of Bangor,1 so named. St.
Segen, Abbot, is set down in the Martyrology of Tallagh,2 as having been
venerated, at the ioth of September.3 This holy man was one of the Irish
clergy addressed in an Epistle ♦ written from Rome a.d. 640, regarding the
Paschal usage.5 This seems to have varied in Ireland itself: for we are
informed, that the First6 and Second? Order of Irish saints celebrated Easter
on the' fourteenth day of the moon after the vernal Equinox, while the Third8
Order of Irish saints celebrated it, either on the fourteenth or sixteenth day
of the moon. 9 While in the school at Bangor, the monks appear to have
followed the former usage ; it is thought, other monks in Ireland had adopted
the Great Cycle of Victorius of Aquitaine, who there introduced it before the
end of the sixth century. However, St. Columbanus,10 who left Bangor for
the Continent, about a.d. 590, writing to Pope St. Gregory the Great,"
states,12 that his masters, who were most sage computists of Cycles, so far
from receiving the calculations of Victorius, deemed them to be- worthy of
derision rather than authority.'3 At this same date, the present saint is
entered in the Martyrology of Donegal,14 under the designation Seighin, son
of Ua Cuinn, Abbot of Bennchor. He died a.d. 659. li according to the
Annals of Clonmacnoise, and in 662, according to the Annals of the Four
Masters,16 and of Ulster,1 7 Archdall,18 and Rev. William Reeves.1? Archdall
tells us, he was called the Arch-Abbot.20 At that time, Bangor had attained
the highest consideration for the learning in its schools.
12 See " Trias Thaumaturga." Quinta Ap- " " Scias namque nostris magistris et
pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii., p. 266. Hibernicis antiquis, philosophis et sapien-
13 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. tissimis componendi calculi computariis,
242, 243. Victorium non fuisse receptum, sed magis
Article iv. — 'See Colgan's "Trias risu vel venia dignumquam auctoritate."
Thaumaturga.'' Quarta Appendix ad Acta ,3See the very learned disquisition on this
S. Columboe, cap. iii., p. 482. subject, by the Very Rev. Bartholomew
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. MacCarthy, D.D., in the " Todd Lecture
3 In that copy found in the Book of Lein- Series," vol. iii., lect. iv., pp. 362 to 369.
ster the reading is Segem -Ab. M Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
4 See Utther's " Veterum Epistolarum 242, 243.
Hibernicarum Sylloge," Epist. ix., pp. 22, ,s A.D. 659, Segan Mac Ikwind, Abbot of
23. Bangor, died.
s See allusion to it, in the Life of St. l6 At a.d. 662, they styled him "Segan
Diman or Dima Dubh, Bishop of Connor, Mac h Ui-Chuinn." See Dr. O'Donovan's
at the 6th of January, in the First Volume edition, vol. i., pp. 272, 273.
of this work, Art. i. xl At a.d. 662 they enter "Quies Segain
6 That Order flourished a.d. 432-544. mice U Chuind."— See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
7 That Order flourished a.d. 544-598. " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus
8 That Order flourished A.D. 598-665. iv. Annales Ultonienses.
9 See Archbishop Ussher's " Britanni- ,8See "Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 107.
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates." cap. xvii., *» See "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down,
pp. 473, 474. Connor, and Dromore," Appendix LL., p.
10 See his Life at the 21st of November. 380.
11 He ruled over the Church from a.d. 20 For this statement, he cites Colgan's
590 to 604. See Berti's " Ecclesiastical " Acta Sanctorum Hibernian," p. 17, where
Historian Breviarium," Sseculum vi., cap. i., there is no such observation, and Ward, p.
lxvi., p. 152. 354.
September io.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 269
Article V.— St. Finnbar Mac Bindi or Fionnbharr. In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 a festival is recorded, at the 10th of September, in
honour of Finnbar Mac Bindi.2 (? Buidi.) The Martyrology of Donegal*
Calendar has the simple entry, Fionnbhar, at the same date.
Article VI. — St. Ferghus, Son of Guaire. Our Blessed Saviour
has taught the saints to yield up the love of life for the sake of a life of love,
which sweetly draws all hearts to Him. The Martyrologies of Tallagh1 and
of Donegal3 register the name Ferghus, son of Guaire, as having been
venerated, at the 10th of September. Little more seems to be known
regarding him.
Article VII. — St. Odran or Odhran. The name Odran occurs in
the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 10th of September. In the Martyrology
of Donegal2 we find the entry Odhran.
Article VIII. — St. Dachuimmne. The Martyrology of Donegal1
mentions, that Dachuimmne was venerated, at the 10th of September.
Article IX. — St. Ailbe Imligh or Elbe. According to the Martyr-
ology of Tallagh,1 Ailbhe Imligh had a festival, at the 10th of September.2
It would se*em, therefore, that it must have reference to the saint, who has
been regarded as the patron of Ernly diocese. The Martyrology of Donegal*
simply enters the name Elbe, without further designation, at the same date.
His proper festival seems referable to the 12th of this month, when we
shall treat more fully regarding him.
Article X. — St. Lucill or Luiceall. At the 10th of September, the
name Lucill is found entered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 and in that of
Donegal,2 the register is Luiceall.
Article XL — Reputed Feast of St Egidius. In a certain manu-
script Benedictine Menologium,the Bollandists1 found a feast for St. ^Egidius,
Abbot, at the 10th of September. His Life has been already given, at the
first day of this month.2
Article v. — l Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Article vill.— * Edited by Drs. Todd
p xxxiv. and Reeves, pp. 242, 243.
J Likewise in the copy of the Book Article ix. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
of Leinster we read pn-obar* mac Kelly, p. xxxiv.
brnoi. 2 In the Book of Leinster copy the read-
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. ing is <Vilbi Imbig.
242, 243. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Article vi. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. 244,245.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster Article x. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
copy ^er»5«f mac 5u<M]\e. p. xxxiv. Also, in that copy contained in
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. the Hook of Leinster Lucill.
242, 243. 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Article vii. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. 244,245.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the cony contained in Article xi. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum,"
the Book of Leinster, the reading seems to tomus hi., Septembris x. Among the pre-
be Oor\n. termitted feasts, p. 481.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 2 See, in the present volume, at that date,
242, 243. Art i.
270 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September ii.
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of Gisilarius, a Priest. In that
catalogue of Irish saints, compiled by Father Henry Fitzsimon, he has noted
at this day, Gislarius, a Priest. Professing to quote the Carthusian Martyr-
ology,1 at the ioth of September, Thomas Dempster notices 2 in Boiaria
Gisibarius, a priest, who had been sent by St. Rudbert into Britain, to
labour there with some holy men in the Lord's vineyard. In a Life of St.
Rupert, published by Canisius, there is an allusion to him. The Bollandists —
who are doubtful regarding his ctdtus as a saint — notice him at the ioth of
September, and state, that he is praised in the Subense Marty rologium.
Article XIII. — Reputed Festival of St Bertellinus. At the
ioth of September, Colgan intended to insert the Acts of St. Bertellinus, in
his collection.1 We have already treated about him, on the previous day,
which seems properly to be regarded as his chief festival.
OEIfbfntl) IBap of September
ARTICLE I.— ST. LOARN OR LOARNN, BISHOP OF BRIGHT, COUNTY
OF DOWN.
[FIFTH CENTURY.]
OUR early Pastors and teachers were truly Apostolic men. The
spiritual father, as a ghostly adviser and director of his people,
always attracted his flock to the practice of virtues, which he preached, not
less by word, than by example. Even after death, his influences remain,
and affect religiously generations that survive. Colgan promised to treat
about St. Loam, on the day for his festival, which by Marianus O'Gorman
and others has been placed, at the i ith of September.1 This intention he did
not live to accomplish, and we are not aware, that any special acts of St.
Loam now exist. According to the O'Clerys, the present holy man was the
son of Darerca,2 sister of St. Patricks and consequently he was a nephew of
the great Irish Apostle. However, we cannot place too much reliance on
this statement. But few particulars have been preserved, in reference to
Article xii.— ■ Martyrologium Carthu- Article xiil— ' See " Catologus Actuum
sianum aut Canisii, Adami Vvalasseris. Sanctorum qua? MS. habentur, ordine Men-
a Thus in Menologium Scoticum : "In sium et Dierum."
Boiaria Gisibarii presbyteri, qui a S. Rud- Article i.—' See "Trias Thaumaturga,"
berto in Britanuiam missus, cum Sanctorum Vita Secunda S. Patricii, n. 54, p. 20.
virorum qui in vinea domini laborarent, sup- 2 Her Feast is celebrated, on the 22nd of
plemento rediit."— Bishop Forbes' " Kalen- March, where notices are to be found, in
dars of Scottish Saints," p. 211. the Third Volume of this work, and at that
3 See the "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii., date, Art. ii.
Septembris x. Among the pretermitted 3See the " Martyrology of Donegal," pp.
feasts, p. 482. 244, 245.
September ii.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 271
him. Incidentally we are told, in the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,* that
when the Irish Apostle was in the North of Ireland, and returning from his
unsuccessful visit to his old master Milcho at Slemish, he went to Saul, and
thence set out southwards towards the residence of a chief named Ros,s who
was brother to his first convert, Dichu. That Ross or Rus lived in -Derlus,
to the south of Dun-leth-glaise, now Downpatrick.6 Whether Loam lived
there at that time or not seems doubtful ; but, it is probable, that soon after
the conversion of Ros, he was appointed to rule there in the capacity of a
chorepiscopus. This saint is classed among the disciples of St. Patrick -p
and, it is likely, he was a convert to the Faith, at an early stage of the Irish
Apostle's mission. The ancient fort of Ros, known as Durlas,8 formerly an
earthen rath, probably stood where the Castle of Bright 9 may now be seen.
The parish of Bright,10 in the County of Down, was formerly known as
Brettain or Brettan. In old documents, this place is variously called Brict,
Brich, Brett, Bratten, Brettain, and Brichten.11 We are informed,12 that the
townland, in which the Protestant church of Bright was situated, is named
Ballintubber — the town of the Well — from a remarkable spring a quarter of
a mile to the north of the church, and which is supposed to have been the
ancient holy well, where Ros-mic-Trichim had been baptised. This church
was built in 1745,13 by the distinguished Protestant Dean of Down, Dr.
Patrick Delany,14 and the friend of the still more celebrated Dean of St.
Patrick's, Dr. Jonathan Swift. rs St. Loam, who was contemporaneous
with St. Patrick, presided over it, in the capacity of a bishop.16 The church
of Bright stood beside the ancient fort called Derlus,1? where, it seems
probable, the Anglo-Normans of Lecale afterwards erected the Castle of
Bright.18 Colgan very incorrectly infers, that the author of St. Patrick's
Tripartite Life must have lived contemporaneously with this saint, from an
equivocal phrase introduced.10 Archdall has it, that Loarne was bishop or
4 See the Life of St. Patrick in the Third hereafter stated, was transmitted in a letter
Volume of this work, at the 17th of March, from the Very Rev. James O'Laverty, P.P.,
Art. i. of Holy wood, to the writer, and dated July
5 He is venerated as a Saint, on the 7th 21st, 1898.
of April. See an account of him at that ,4 His talents and general character are
date, in the Fourth Volume of this work, best set forth in that most interesting work
Art. ii. of his wife, edited by Lady LLanover, in six
6 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's " His- 8vo volumes : three appearing in 1861, and
torical account of the Diccese of Down and three in 1862, the Autobiography and Cor-
Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, pp. 147, respondence of Mary Granville, Mrs.
148. Delany.
7 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," 'SHis Life has been written by many
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. authors, Rev. Dr. Sheridan, Sir Walter
xxiii, p. 265. Scott, William Monck Mason, Forster
8 According to Dr. O'Donovan, this may Craig, &c.
be translated " a strong fort," and he tells l6See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
us the word is Anglicised in Thurles. Vita Secunda S. Patricii, cap. xxxi., p. 14.
9 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's "His- *? Treating about Derlus, the Irish
torical Account of the Diocese of Down and Tripartite Life of St. Patrick, states, that
Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, p. 148. there is a small city (cathair, i.e., civitas,
10 See "Ordnance Survey Townland but also meaning a bishop's see) there this
Maps for the County of Down" sheet 45. day, " i.e., Brettain, ubi est Episcopus Loam
11 See Rev. Wm. Reeves' "Ecclesiastical qui ausus est increpare Patricium," &c. See
Antiquities of Down, Connor, and Dromore," Miss M. F. Cusack's " Life of St. Patrick,"
p. 35, and n. (v). pp. 383, 384.
12 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's " His- l8 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's " His-
torical Account of the Diocese of Down and torical Account of the Diocese of Down and
Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, pp. 148, Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, p. 148.
149- I9The words are "ubi est Episcopus
J3 This statement, with several particulars Loarn." See " Trias Thaumaturga," Sep-
272 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September ii.
abbot at Bretain.20 In the Acts of our national Apostle, a curious legend is
related regarding St. Loam, who was present at the grave of St. Patrick,
when the top, belonging to a boy who was there playing with other boys,
rolled into a hole made in the holy man's sepulchre. One of these
playmates endeavoured to draw forth the top, but found his hand firmly
held. St. Loarn was sent for and he came to the spot. Then addressing
St. Patrick, he cried out : " Why, O holy senior, do you hold the hand of
this innocent child?" Immediately the boy's hand was loosed from this
thrall.21 The modern Protestant church of Bright occupies the original site
of the ancient structure, and near it are the ruins of an old castle. The
church itself was a dependency on the See of Down before the Anglo-
Norman Invasion; and about a.d. 1178 John De Courcey confirmed its
possessions to Malachy, Bishop of that See. Shortly afterwards, under the
name of Brichten, Malachy annexed it to the Abbey of St. Patrick, of which
he was ex officio abbot.22 The church and the grave-yard surrounding it are
situated on a high natural bank of earth, from which the descent is very
rapid on the north and south sides ; but the other sides are on a level with
the adjacent fields. 23 The church-yard is about an acre in extent. A fosse,
about twenty feet broad and ten or twelve feet deep, was on the northern
side.24 This fosse extended from the western termination of the high bank
to the end of that same bank. On the south side and with the banks, it
enclosed about two and a half Irish acres.25 Some notices of this church
occur in our mediaeval rolls and annals.26 In the Taxation of Pope Nicholas
IV.,2? the Church of Brich was valued at Eight Marks ; or rather in that of
Pope Clement V.,28 and carried out a.d. 1306. 29 During the Invasion of
Ireland, by Edward Bruce, the Scots and Irish 3° burned the Church of
Bright, it being full of persons of both sexes at the time.31 After the
Dissolution, the tithes of Bright were leased in 1583 to the Earl of Kildare.
In 1609, Bright alias Beaten was annexed, by charter, to the Deanery of
Down. In 1622, its church was returned by the Protestant Bishop as in
ruins. These were removed when the Protestant church was built. In the
adjoining fields stone-lined graves are frequently found. 32 According to the
tima Vita S. Patricii, lib. i., cap. Hi., p. enclosed a little town and formed its de-
125. See also, nn. 1, 37, pp. 169, 172, fences.
where more is said about this saint. 26 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesiasti-
20 See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. in. cal Antiquities of Down, Connor, and
21 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," Dromore," n. (v.) p. 35, Appendix A., p.
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xxxi., p. 14. 142, and Appendix LL., p. 380.
Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap, xxxvii., p. 39. 3? Me reigned from a.d. 1288 to a.d.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. i., cap. Hi., 1292. See Sir Nicholas Harris' " Chrono-
p. 125. logy of History," p. 202.
22 See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's " His- 2§ He ruled from A.D. 1305 to 1 3 14. See
torical Notices of the Diocese of Down and ibid.
Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, pp. 149, 2' A full account of this Taxation will be
150. found in the Preface to the work of Rev.
"3 On the adjoining farm, now in tlieoccu- William Reeves, already quoted,
pation of his brother Edward, the Very Rev. 3° According to Pembridge's Annals. He
James O'Laverty was born. calls it Bright.
24 About the year 1840, the Very Rev. 3« See Jacobi Grace, Kilkenniensis, "An-
James O'Laverty's father opened this fosse, nales Hibernian," edited by the Rev.
and found it completely filled with the Richard Butler, M.R.I. A., pp. 76, 77, and
shells of fish, which should have proved ex- n. (c).
cellent for top-dressing land, but he had 3* See Very Rev. James O'Laverty's
not material for filling up the hollow, which "Historical Account of the Diocese of
must have resulted fiom their removal. Down and Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright,
25 The cliffs and fosse seem to have p. 150.
September ii.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
273
Martyrology of Donegal, 33 a festival was celebrated at the nth of September,
in honour of Loarnn, Bishop of Cill Chunna. The only modern parish
denomination we find resembling Cill Chunna is the present Kilcooney, in
the barony of Clare and County of Galway ;34 yet, it does not seem this had
any special connection with the present Saint. In a passage of the
Martyrology of Donegal,35 St. Loarn is called Bishop of Inrec Nechtain.36
However, the correct reading is Inrechan,37 or Inreathan.38 This is
described as a " civitatula "39 or little city, and it has been identified with
Breatain or Bright.4^ The site of 'his ancient church is now occupied by
the Protestant house of worship. 4I According to Colgan's conjecture, in all
probability, St. Loarn did not survive beyond the middle of the sixth
century, or the year 540 ;42 but as we have already seen, his opinion rests on
the false supposition, that the second writer of St. Patrick's Life ^ lived
contemporaneously with Loarn. However, it seems likely enough, this holy
man lived into the earlier part of the sixth century. At the iii. of the
September Ides — corresponding with the present date — his feast is entered
by Marianus O'Gorman, and in the local Calendar, compiled by the Rev.
"William Reeves.44
Article II. — St. Sillan or Siollan, of Imleach Cassain, in
Cuailgne, or of Imleach-caoin, in Tir-Aedha. This holy man lived at
an early period. He is commemorated in the " Feilire " of St. yEngus,
at the nth of September, and with praise.1 However, the scholiast has
added a foolish and incredible legend2 in reference to him. A festival is
also recorded in the Martyrology of Tallagh,3 at the nth of September^ in
honour of Sillan in Imlig Cassain, of Cuailgni. The district of Cuailge —
now Cooley — was a mountainous tract in the north of Louth County.
Although now in the Leinster province, it once formed a part of Uladh.s
33 Edited by Drs.Todd and Reeves, pp.
244, 245.
34 See "General Alphabetical Index to
the Townlands and Towns, Parishes and
Baronies of Ireland," p. 930.
33 See Drs. Todd and Reeves' edition, pp.
434, 435-
36 The Twelfth Chapter of St. Patrick's
Life, as found in the Codex Alnensis, is
incorrectly quoted as authority for this
statement ; but, in a subjoined note, Dr.
Todd remarks, that the right reference is, not
cap. 12, hut cap 37.
3? See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Vita Quarta S. Patricii. cap. xxxvii, p. 39.
38 See ibid. Secunda Vita S. Patricii,
cap. xxxi., p. 14.
39 See ibid.
40 See ibid., nn. 53, 54, p. 19.
41 See Rev. James O'Laverty's " Histori-
cal Account of the Diocese of Down and
Connor," vol. i. Parish of Bright, p. 147.
42 See '-Trias Thaumaturga," Secunda
Vita S. Patricii, nn. 53, 54, p. 20.
43 See ibid. Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap.
xxxvii, and nn. 30, 31, pp. 39, 49.
44 See "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Down, Connor, and Dromore," Appendix
LL. p. 380.
Article 11.— 'In the 'iLeabhar Breac"
copy is the following stanza : —
bar- Ppochi lAqumui
h& conimuT> 3al4ir\
Sillan fAim cech lobxvip
-An Imliuch cAm canxvip.
It is thus rendered into English by Whitley
Stokes, LL.D : " The passion of Protus and
Hyacinthus which was with abundance of
sorrow. Sillan the psalm of every sick man
in fair Imblinch (Cassain) is sung." —
" Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. On the
Calendar of Oengus, p. cxxxvii.
2 It states, that in Sillan's eyebrow was a
poisonous hair, and that whoever saw it first
each day died, until Molaissi of Leighlin
took out that hair, when he died imme-
diately afterwards. It is also stated, that
every wretched man in a heavy disease
desired to see the hair, so that he might die
at once. The comment adds, that the
present saint was Sillan of Imbliuch Cassain
of Cualinge. See ibid., pp. cxliv., cxlv.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. In
the Book of Leinster copy is SilUvm m
Imlich Car-fAin in Cu^lingi.
4 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise." xv. Februarii. Vita S. Berachi. Sup-
plementum, n. 6, p. 348.
5 See " Topographical Poems of John
O'Dubhagain and Gilla nanaomh O'Huidh-
S
274 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September ii.
Imleach Cassain's modern equivalent must be sought for in some townland
denomination not far from Carlingford Lough or Dundalk Bay. By Marianus
O'Gorman, the festival of Sillan has been set down at the nth of September.
At the same date, in the Martyrology of Donegal,6 his name also appears, as
Siollan, of Imleach Cassain,in Cuailgni; or of Imlach-caoin,in Tir Aedha, and, '
he is said to have been interred or honoured, at Inis Cameda, in Loch Eirne.
Tir Aedha is now commensurate with the barony of Tirhugh, in the
southern part of Donegal County, and there Imleach-caoin was situated,
state the O'Clerys. The ancient name of Inish Coimeda may not at present
be easily discovered, among the many modern designations that are applied
to the numerous islands, which dot the surface of the beautiful Lough
Erne. Veneration for this saint prevailed in Scotland, and his name is
registered in the Kalendarium Drummondiense,8 at the iii. of the September
Ides, corresponding with the nth of the month.
Article III. — Reputed Festival for the Transfer of St. Bathen's
Relics, and the Miracle of St. Duthac's Arm. At the nth of Sep-
tember, Thomas Dempster * has a Festival to commemorate the Removal
and Deposition of the Relics of St. Bathenus, Abbot of Himba. They were
borne to the Monasterium Divini Ruris, according to his account ; and for
this statement he seems to quote the Scotichronicon2 and Raphael Holinshed,
or Roger Hoveden. In Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, allusion to the
Island of Hinba or Himba frequently occurs,3 and that it was one of the
Hebrides, lying to the North of Iona, has been ascertained, yet it has not
been satisfactorily identified by modern archaeologists.* Father Innes
supposes it is probable, that Himba was what is since known as Ouyst or the
Long Island.5 Writing about the Parish of Jura, and treating on the Islands
of Colonsay and Oransay, the Rev. Alexander Kennedy, minister, states :
" Previously to the occupation of the Western Islands by the Scandinavians,
the larger island, (if not both,) seems to have been called Hymba." 6
Thomas Dempster states, that in the town of Thana, St. Duthac was vene-
rin." Edited by John O'Donovan, LL.D., work quoted— if it exists — is now to be
(n.) 183, p. xxviii. found.
6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 See the Rev Dr. Reeves' edition of that
244, 245. work, at lib. i., cap. 21, pp. 50, 51, and n.
7 In a Note, Dr. Todd says, at the same (a), cap. 45, pp. 86, 87, and n. (b), lib. ii.,
words, " He is," in the edited work ;" i.e. cap. 24, pp. 134,135, and n. (a), lib. iii.,
is buried, or honoured."— /£*>/. cap. 5, p. 197, and 11. (b), cap. 17, p. 219,
8 Thus: " Et in Hibernia Sancti Sillani and n. (a), cap. 18, p. 222, and n. (a), cap.
confessoris." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars 23, p. 237, and n. (f.)
of Scottish Saints," p. 24. 4 Dr. Reeves thinks it may not be dififer-
Article hi. — ' In the " Menologium ent from the Elena insula, mentioned by
Scoticum" is the following entry for this Adamnan, in lib. ii., cap. 18; and, if so,
date: " Monasterio di.vini ruris Batheni he would be inclined to identify it with
abbatis Insula Himba reliquiarum adpor- Elachnare, or Eileannnaomh, " holy island,"
tatio eo, et reconditio. C. ad pontem Sterui- one ©f the Garveloch Isles, lying north-
lini miraculum Duthaci, quo Angli clade west of Scarba, and the Helant Letieow of
ingenti fusi. U.S.'' — Bishop Forbes' Fordun's " Scotichronicon," vol. i., lib. ii.,
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 211. . cap. x., p. 43. William F. Skene's edition,
a " A Magno Maculone excriptum." It Edinburgh, 1871, 8vo.
must be remarked, that in the " Menologium s See his " Civil and Ecclesiastical His-
Scoticum," Dempster neither gives chapter tory of Scotland," p. 189.
nor page of a writer or his work, to verify 6 See "New Statistical Account of
the generally questionable references he Scotland," vol.. vii., part ii. Argyle,
makes. We know not where the present p. 544.
September ii.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 275
rated on the 8th of March, 7 according to Adam King's Kalendar, 8 and
that the Miracle of his Arm takes place on the xi. of September.9
Article IV. — Reputed Festival of a St. Batheneus. Henry
Fitzsimon, in his Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum Iberniae,1 cites the Life of
St. Columba 2 and the English Martyrology, for placing the Festival of St.
Batheneus, at the nth of September. There are many forms of this saint's
name, such as Baithan, Boetan, Baoton, Buadan, Boedan, Da Buedoc,3
Baotan, Baothan, Baothin, Baoitin, Baoithin,* Baitan, Bathan, Baithon, and
Bothan.s It may be questioned, if Beoan and Bean — the names of saints in
Ireland and Scotland — be not other forms of it. In like manner, there
are various festivals for saints so distinguished: thus, at January 9th/ 12th,7
14th,8 and 29th; 9 at February 5th10 and 19th;11 at March 1st12 and
23rd ;*3 at May 22nd;14 at June 9th js and 18th;16 at October 6th,17 12th,18
12th,19 and 26th;'-'0 and at December 16th.21 Among all these saints and
feasts, there is no such name on record at the nth of September; but, this
entry most probably refers to the festival for the Transfer of St. Bathen's
Relics.
Article V. — St. Daniel, Bishop of Bangor, County of Down. In
the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we find the name of Daniel, Bishop of Benn-
chair, entered, as having been venerated, at the nth of September. We are
informed, that according to the custom of the time when he lived, several
bishops exercised their office in the Church of Ireland, while discharging the
functions of Abbots.2 These belonging to Bangor were usually styled
successors of Comgall.3 In the Martyrology of Donegal,4 at this same date,
is the entry, Daniel, Bishop, of Bennchor. The time when he lived is not
7 See an account of him, at that date, in I0 See in the Second Volume of this work
the Third Volume of this work, Art. iii. Baothan, Art. vii.
8 1 do not find this Translation of Relics " See ibid., Baoithin or Baetin, Art. ii.
noted, in any of the published Scottish '2 See in Jhe Third Volume of this work,
Kalendars, at the nth of September; nor Art. iii.
is the town of Thana mentioned by Adam I3 See ibid., Baetan or Boetan, Art. xiii.
King, at the 8th of M^rch. ** See in the Fifth Volume of this work,
9 For the foregoing notice, Dempster Baoithin, Art. ii.
quotes Boece. ^ See in the Sixth Volume of this work,
ARTICLE iv. — l See O'Sullivan Beare's Baithine or Baoethine, Art. iii.
" Histjrice Catholicse Hibernice Compen- l6 See ibid., Baithin or Baothan, Art. ii.
dium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xii., p. 52. ^See in the Tenth Volume of this work,
2 It is difficult to find in any of St. Baoithin.
Columba's Lives, where the authority can l8 See ibid., Baoithin.
be found, for placing St. Bathenus and his '» See ibid., Baoithin, Lesi.
Festival at this day. 20 See ibid., Beoah.
3 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- 2I See in the Twelfth Volume of this work,
niae," Martii i. De S. Baitano sive Boetano, Bean.
n. 1, p. 437. Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly.
4 See the "Martyrology of Donegal," p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster copy we
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. read "Daniel epr* ben.
362 to 365. 2 See in his Commentaries on the Life of
s See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of St". Comgall, Fleming's "Collectanea
Scottish Saints," pp. 274, 276. Sacra," pp. 315, 316, num. 68.
•See in the First Volume of this work, at 3 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesias-
that date, Baithin, Art. viii. tical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and
7 See ibid., Baothin or Baithin, Art. viii. Dromore," Appendix A., p. 152.
• See ibid., Baetan or Baoden Mor., Art. i. 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
9 See ibid., Baeithin, Art. vi. 244, 245.
276 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September it.
mentioned. At this date, Marianus O'Gorman notices the good and great
Daniel. Under the head of Bennchor, Duald Mac Firbis also enters
Daniel, Bishop of Bennchor, at the nth of September.6 He is noticed,
moreover, in the Calendar compiled by the Rev. William Reeves.7
Article VI. — St. Conamhail, Son of Failbhe, Abbot of Iona. —
[Seventh and Eighth Centuries] Set down in the Martyrologies of Tallagh1
and of Marianus O'Gorman, at the nth of September, we find the name of
Conamhail or Conomal. He is somewhat differently described, elsewhere,
and an account of his family line distinguishes him. By Tighernach,2 he is
called Conmael. This holy man was the son of Failbhe. He belonged to
the Clann Colla, and therefore he was of the Airghialla or Oriellians. He
descended from the race of Colla Uais,3 monarch of Erin. Conamhail
seems early to have embraced the religious state of life, and to have lived as
a member of the community at Iona, while the celebrated Adamnan* was
Abbot. On the death of this latter, he immediately succeeded, being the
first Abbot of Hy, whose descent is referred to a different house from that of
Conal Gulban.s During the term of his office, Dunchad is stated to have
held the principatus of Hy, in a.d. 706 6 or 707;? by which we may
understand, either that he had been appointed in consequence of the age or
infirmities of Conamhail to administer the affairs of the society as a ianist
abbot ;8 or that some schism arose in the Monastery, possibly on the Paschal
question, and which led to a rival appointment. 9 This Abbot of Iona died
a.d. 708, IO according to the Annals of the Four Masters.11 The Martyrology
of Donegal,12 at this same date, records, Conamhail, son of Failbhe.
Article VII. — Reputed Festival of a St. Queranus, Abbot of
Foilen, in Scotia. Among the Scottish Entries in the Kalendar of David
Camerarius,1 there is a festival at the nth of September for a St. Queranus,
Abbot of Foilen, in Scotia.2 This statement is given by the Bollandists, on
his authority, at the present date,3 with a reference to the 9th of September.
As we have already seen, at the latter day, Father Suyskens* and others have
5 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- -OmnAlA nla-oh, edited with translation and
cum," p. 108. notes by William M. Hennessy, vol. i., pp.
6 See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish 156,157.
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., parti., 7 According to Tigernach.
pp. 88, 89. 8 He was a promoter of the Roman
7 See " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, observance for Easter.
Connor, and Dromore," Appendix LL., p. 9See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum
380. Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv., n. p. 72.
Article VI.— 'Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, I0See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
p. xxxiv. In that copy contained in the Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Columba?, cap.
Book of I.einster is the entry Con am Ail. iii., sect, v., p. 501.
e Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum " See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i., pp.
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. Tiger- 30S, 309.
nachi Annales. "Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
3 He began to reign in a.d. 323, and in 244, 245.
326, he and his brothers were expelled to Article VII. — ' Thus entered : "11 Die.
Scotland. They returned to Ireland the year Sanctus Queranus Abbas Foilensis in
following, and accepted service under Scotia."
Muircadhach Tireach, the reigning king. 3 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Scottish Saints," p. 240.
Masters," vol. i., pp. 122, 123. 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.
* See his Life, at the 23rd of this month, Septembris xi. Among the pretermitted
in the present volume. feasts, p. 744.
5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life 4See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.
of St. Columba." Additional Notes, O, p. Septembris ix. De S. Kierano seu Querano,
378. Abbate Cluain-mic-noisensi, Commentaries
6 According to the Annals of Ulster. See Hisloricus, sect, i., num. 3, 4, 5, 6, p. 371.
September ii.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 277
given reasons for supposing him to have been confounded with St. Kiaran of
Clonmacnoise. However, Camerarius s and Lubinus,6 who scarcely distinguish
between both, make the abbot of Clonmacnoise different from him of Foilen.
In a Missal, published by order of Pope Clement XII., there is a festival
prescribed for a St. Kiran, Abbot and Patron of Foilen. 7 It seems difficult
to find any place bearing such a name in Ireland, or in any part of Great
Britain. Although Father Suyskens adopts the opinion, that through some
mistake, this festival had been intended to commemorate St. Kyran of
Clonmacnoise, and whose true feast had been fixed for Sepember 9th, where
we have already treated about him ; he still allows it might be conjectured,
that there had been some one bearing the name of the patron of Clonmacnoise
in a monastery which followed his rule, or perhaps the editor of the Missal
adopted the authority of Camerarius or Lubinus, notwithstanding the unknown
sources from which their statements had been derived. At the 5th of March,
when treating the Life of St. Kyran of Saigar,8 Colgan takes exception to
Camerarius placing a St. Kieran or Queran, abbot, at the nth of September,
and at the end of October.9
Article VIII. — St. Colman, Bishop. It is a necessity of our nature
to love something; but it is a duty to discover the right objects to which
our souls should cling with affection. The Martyrology of Tallagh1 registers
a festival, at the nth of September, in honour of Colman, Eps. Ailbi, is
found appended to this notice ; but, we are under the impression it has been
misplaced, and refers to the next day, owing to some inadvertence on the
part of the scribe. At the same date, the Martyrology of Donegal2 simply
enters the name, Colman, Bishop. Marianus O'Gorman only enters Colman.
His see or the time when he flourished has not been recorded.
Article IX. — St. Mosinu or Moshinu. Veneration was given to
Mosinu at the nth of September, as we find entered in the Martyrology of
Tallagh ;z and in that of Marianus O'Gorman and of Donegal,2 the name is
written Moshinu. Further, he does not seem to be known.
Article X.— Reputed Feast of St. Columbanus, Abbot of Luxeu.
In a Florarian Manuscript of the Saints' Lives, according to the Bollandists,1
a Commemoration of St. Columbanus, Abbot of Luxeu, took place on the
nth of September. However, in the Roman Martyrology, his feast is on
the 2 1 st of November; and, at the latter date, his Life may be found in the
present work.2
5 In "De Scotorum Pietate," lib. iii. the Book of Leinster we read ColttiAin
6 He writes : " Erat abbas Foilensis in epf <MLbi.
Scotia," in Tabulis geographicis ad Mar- 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
tyrologium Romanum, at the nth of Sep- 244, 245.
tember. Article ix.— • Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
7 In it is the announcement, "In Festo p. xxxiv. In like manner, in that copy in
Sancti Kirani, Abbatis Foilensis et Patroni." the Book of Leinster, the name is written
8 See his Life at that date, in the Third mopnu.
Volume of this work, Art. i. 2 Edited by Drs- Todd and Reeves, pp.
9 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- 244,245.
niae, v. Martii. Vita S. Kierani, Appendix, Article x — ' See " Acta Sanctorum,"
cap. i., p. 470. tomus iii., Septembris x. Among the pre-
Article VIII.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. termitted feasts, p. 746.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In that copy contained in 3IntheEleventhvolume,atNovember2ist.
278 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September \i
Article XL — Festival of St. Eata, Bishop of Lindisfarne. In a
Manuscript Calendar of Antwerp, according to the Bollandists,1 St. Eata,
Bishop of Lindisfarne, was venerated. However, they refer his chief feast
to the 26th day of October.
Ctoelfti) JBap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. ALBEUS OR AILBE, PATRON AND BISHOP
OF EMLY.
[FIFTH AND SIXTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION— MANUSCRIPT AND PRINTED ACCOUNTS OF ST. AILBE — HIS DESCENT
AND PARENTAGE — PROBABLE DATE OF BIRTH — LEGENDS REGARDING HIS INFANCY
— SAID TO HAVE VISITED ROME, AND TO HAVE BEEN SENT BY THE SOVEREIGN
PONTIFF TO PREACH THE GOSPEL IN IRELAND— HIS ARRIVAL THERE AND
SUCCESS OF HIS MISSION.
THE acceptance of ancient traditions, which are uncritical and incredible,
is only for the purpose admissible, to arrive indirectly at some true
historical criticism. In the present instance, it is extremely difficult to
rectify the errors caused by popular superstitions, which have displaced in
our records the knowledge of facts. However ineffective the attempt, con-
jecture and doubts must obtrude on our efforts to shape a rational biography
for the present saint, and excuse some misconceptions which are probably
unavoidable in the process.
Manuscript Acts of St. Ailbe are extant, and to some of these we shall
here allude. In the Codex Kilkenniensis, we meet St. Albeus' Life at fol.
x35 t0 J39- However, fol. 137 is wanting. A manuscript in Trinity
College, Dublin, classed E. 3. 11., contains Vita S. Albei, S. Patricii suc-
cessors, fol. 132, and also another Vita S. Albei Archiepiscopi et Confessoris.1
There is an Irish Life transcribed by Michael O'Clery from an older copy.
It is among the Burgundian Manuscripts in the Bruxelles Library.2 There is
a Latin Life of St. Albeus, Episcopus, in the Franciscan Convent, Dublin,?
and another among the Manuscripts of the Burgundian Library, at Bruxelles.4
St. Aileran the Wise,5 Jocelyn,6 the Tripartite Life,? and Stanihurst,8 when
treating about St. Patrick,? make allusion to Bishop Albeus. Also, the Acts
of St. Kiearn of Saigir10 and of St. I bar,11 have notices regarding him.
Article xi — • See " Acta Sanctorum, 6 Ibid., Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap, lxxxiii.,
tomus iii., Septembris x. Among the pre- p. 84, and n. 90, p. 112.
termitted Feasts, p. 745. 1 Ibid., Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii.,
Article i— Chapter i.— ' See a Manu- cap. xxxiii., p. 156, and n. 66, p. 186.
script at Trinity College, Dublin, at p. 53. "In "Vita S. Patricii."
"Classed vol. iv., part ii. 9 See his Life, at the 17th of March, in
3 In the Manuscript, intituled, " Vitse the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
Sanctorum," ex Cod. Inisensi, pp. in to 10 See his Life, at the 5th of March, in the
123. Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
4 Vol. xxii., at fol. 91. " See notices of him at the 23rd of
sSee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," April, in the Fourth -Volume of this work,
Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap. lxxviii., p. 45. Art. i.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
279
Archbishop Ussher gives us various notices of St. Ailbe or Albeus.12 Also,
Dr. Meredith Hanmer,z3 and Sir James Ware1* have accounts of him. It
was Colgan's intention, to have published the Acts of St. Albeus at this
date.15 It would seem, that this Irish Minorite friar of the Franciscan
convent, in Louvain, had Acts of St. Ailbe, drawn from the Codex Kil-
kenniensis and the Codex Inisensis, or copies extracted from these manu-
scripts.16 The Acts of St. Ailbe have been published,1? by the Bollandists,*8
at the 12th of September, which is the day for his festival. The editor of
these scattered memoranda is Constantine Suyskens, who very properly
rejects many fabulous accounts, which came under his observation.^ It
would seem, that at an earlier period in 1634, the celebrated Hugh Ward,
the Irish Franciscan Minorite, wrote a letter20 to the still more celebrated
Father John Boland, regarding this holy bishop, whom he calls Albeus.21 In
this letter, Ward appears to have stated, that the Irish Martyrologies concur
in assigning the feast of St. Ailbe, to the 12th of September.22 The writer
had given the Bollandists three different manuscript copies of St- Ailbe's
Acts ; but, he did not state to them the source whence these had been
obtained.2^ The Bollandists had a parchment Salamancan manuscript Life
of St. Ailbe, marked P. MS. II. 24 However, Suyskens regrets, that although
these Acts may be of sufficient length, and abounding in incidents ; they are
usually filled with fables and anachronisms, which render them altogether
unreliable in many particulars. He remarks with truth, that such was
generally the case, where the Lives of Irish saints have been found written
at great length. Nor are the Acts of St. Ailbe, attributed to St. Evin2* as
12 In " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvi., pp. 409, 412, 414, and
cap. xvii., pp. 450, 451, 452, 476.
13 See Chronicle of Ireland," pp. 71, 72.
14 See " De Scriptoribus Hiberniae," lib.
i., cap. i., pp. I, 2, and " Archiepiscoporum
Casseliensium et Tuamensium Vitae," p. I.
15 See " Cafalogus Actuum Sanctorum
quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et
Dierum."
16 See his Second Appendix to the Acts of
St. Brigid in " Trias Thaumaturga," num.
9, 10, p. 604. One among these Lives of
our saint begins with the following sen-
tence: "Albeus virorum Mumenensium
pater beatissimus, ac totius Hyberniae insulae
post S. Patricium secundus patronus, ortus
est ex Orientali parte regionis Cliach, quae
est in Mummonia." Another Life of our
Saint thus commences : " Helveus episcopus
beatissimus, Hyberniae insulae alter Patricius,
ex Orientali parte regionis, quae Arycliach
dicitur oriundus fuit."
17 In a Sylloge Historico-Critica of two
sections, comprising thirty -four paragraphs.
18 See ''Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv.,
Septembris xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo
Episcopo Imelacensi, pp. 26 to 31.
x9 The editor remarks, that it is not a little
surprising, when Irish writers regard our
Saint as another Patrick, Martyrologists
appear to have made so many mistakes
regarding him.
20 From Louvain.
21 Ward adds : " Uti ex Martyrologio
metrico S. /Eneae Unifabri constat, et altero
metrico B. Mariani Gormani abbatis Collis
Apostolorum ; quorum primus ante octin-
gentos annos floruit, alter ante quadrin-
gentos. Item ex Martyrologio metrico
O Bresseani, alio antiquissimo in prosa, et
libro, quern Psalterium carminum vocant, a
S. ./Enea eodem conscripto, et Psalterio
Casselensi ac libro per Possidium, archi-
poetam et historicum, inde et ex aliis
collecto."
22 These statements fell into the hands of
Suyskens, who does not undertake to ques-
tion Ward's critical accuracy concerning the
authors and times, to which the respective
Martyrologies are referred.
23 In a letter accompanying this present,
Ward wrote : " Item ex ejus vita, quam
habes ex duobus diversis codicibus Hiber-
nicis, et aliis Latinis ; quorum unius auctor
est S. Evinus abbas monasterii S. Albani
(recte Abbani) in Lagenia, coaevus discipulis
Alvei." And after a few other remarks, the
writer continues: "Ipsa Vita, quam fecit
Latinam D. O'Sullevanus ex codice D.
comitis de Birhaven, etiam est penes me,
inde extracta ante annos octo."
24 It thus begins : " Albeus Sanctus episco-
pus, sanctorum virorum, Mumenentium
praeses beatissimus, Hyberniae insula altar
Patricius, ex orientali parte regionis Cliach
oriundus fuit."
25 Suyskens appears to have had no dis-
tinct knowledge regarding this saint.
However, he was the same as St. Emhim,
28o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
their author, free from such defects. They are regarded as a farrago of
unbearable figments ; and specimens are only given from them to prove the
truth of Suysken's observations. There are notices of this saint, in the works
of Bishop Challoner,26 of Rev. Alban Butler,2? of Rev. S. Baring-Gould,28
and of Alfred Webb.2?
Many years before the time of St. Patrick^0 a Christian Priests1 is said to
have been sent to the Island of Hibernia, that he might there propagate the
true faith. The learned Ussher cannot agree with the opinion of those
writers, who think the priest baptising our saint could have been no other
than Palladius,32 sent to announce the Christian faith in Ireland, immediately
before St. Patrick commenced his mission in 432.33 When that priest came,
the Irish are said to have been Gentiles, and with very few exceptions, they
rejected his mission and teaching.?4 When the priest travelled into Munster,
it is stated, that he found the boy Ailbe praying out of doors, and intently
regarding the Heavens above, while asking earnestly for the light of truth, in
these terms : " I pray, that I may know the Creator of all things, and I will
believe in Him, who made Heaven, earth and all creatures ; for I understand,
that all these elements were not formed without an artificer, nor could any
human agency create them." As the holy child, Albeus, had offered up this
prayer, the priest, who had been near, heard it and accosted him. Then
the boy was taught all he wished to learn respecting those great subjects.
Afterwards, he was baptised, by the name he had already bome.35 Another
account has it, that St. Albeus was born in the eastern part of the land of
Eliach, and that he was brought up by Britons who dwelt in that territory,
until a priest of the British nation, who had made some efforts to convert the
Irish nation to Christianity, came thither, and finding the child desirous of
knowing and serving God, instructed him in the faith, and baptised him.36
The date of St. Ailbe's baptism appears to be referred by Ussher, with some
hesitation, to a.d. 360.37 However, this early date is altogether irreconcil-
able with the subsequent statements which have been set forth in reference
to him. Colgan has adopted some of these accounts ;38 but, he has been
bishop of Rosglass, and whose feast occurs with that in the text ; and, in the Salaman-
on the 23rd of December. can and Island MSS., which the
26 See "Britannia Sancta," part ii., pp. Bollandists possessed, that priest who
126 to 128. Also, " A Memorial of British baptised our Saint is called Palladius. He
Piety," pp. 128, 129. is said, also, to have been sent into Ireland,
27 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, by Pope Celestine, before the time of St.
and other Principal Saints," voL ix., Sep- Patrick,
tember 12 3S Ussher adds a comment, on the fore-
5,8 See '• Lives of the Saints," vol ix., Sep- going account, that the Christian priest
tember 12, pp. 180, 181. here mentioned as sent from the Roman
29 See " A Compendium of Irish Blogra- See to Ireland is said to have been there
phy," p. 3. many years before St. Patrick ; nor could he
3° See his Life, at the 17th of March, in coincide with those who thought him to have
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i. been identical with Palladius, who received
31 This statement is taken from the Kil- his mission the year before St. Patrick came
kenny Manuscript, and buyskens doubts to preach in Ireland. See " Britannicarum
not this priest must have been Palladius, Ecclesiaium Antiquitates," cap. xvi.,
unless we are to imagine some other, and p. 409.
without sufficient authority, to have been sent 3> bee Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
from the Roman See. Sancta," part ii., p. 126.
3* See his Life at the 6th of July, the date 3? See "Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
for his festival, in the Seventh Volume of Antiquitates." Index Chronologicus, p. 512.
this work, Art. i. If we are to take the received date for his
3J See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum death, A. i>. 527, St. Ailbe should have
Antiquitates," cap. xvi., p. 409. lived 167 years, in such hypothesis.
34 The Kilkenny Manuscript, quoted by 38 Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Ap-
Suyskens, gives an account corresponding pendix v. ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xv. De
September 12.I LIVES OF 7 HE IRISH SAINTS. 2$:
obliged, as a consequence, to contradict himself in other places. Sir James
Ware39 and Dr. Lanigan40 are of opinion, that Ailbe was not prior to St.
Patrick, in the prosecution of missionary enterprises, although they admit
him to have been contemporaneous with the Apostle of Ireland. 4I
There can be no doubt regarding the veneration in which Ailbe had been
held in former times ; for, he is dignified with the title of saint in various
Irish hagiographies. Among the manuscript materials, in the Bollandist
Museum, and which related to Ireland, was to be found a certain Irish
composition/2 referring to the principal Irish Saints.43 In this manuscript
their virtues were especially characterized.44 However, a great difference of
opinion exists, among our native writers, regarding the exact period when
St. Ailbe flourished. By certain historians, we are told, that he was living in
Ireland, with Saints Declan45 of Ardmore, Ibar46 of Beg Eri, and Kieran*7
of Saigir, before the arrival of St. Patrick in this country.48 In these
accounts, they seem to have followed implicitly some old tracts or legends,
which abound in absurdities and contradictions.4? Hanmer alludes to these
rhapsodies, and copies their fabulous statements.50 Ussher also draws his
accounts of our saint from such sources.
It is related in St. Ailbe's Acts, as published by the Bollandists, that his
descent was from the Dalaradians in the north of Ireland. Ailbhe belonged
to the race of Fertlachtga, son to Fergus, son of Ross, son to Rudhraighe.
It was he that composed in verse the rule which begins51 " Say for me [to
the son of Saran]'; Cuimin, of Coindeire, cecinit : —
u Ailbhe loved hospitality ;
He was not a false devotee ;
There came not into a body of clay,
One more generous of food or raiment."
The foregoing words within brackets have been added by Professor O'Curry,
as serving to complete the first line of the poem quoted.52 The father of
our saint is called Olcneus," by some writers, and by others Olcnais. His
S. Patricii Patria et Genere, pp. 250, « See his Life, in the Seventh Volume of
et seil- .this work, at July 24th, Art. i.
39 See, Sir James Ware's " Opuscula 46 See his Life, in the Fourth Volume of
adscripta S. Patricio." Annotationes, this work, at the 23rd of April, Art. i.
p. 106 Londini, 1656, iamo. 47 See his Life, in the Third Volume of
40 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- this work, at the 5th of March, Art. i.
land," vol. i., chap, i., sect, x., pp. 21, 48 Thus, Hanmer states, on the authority
^ seil- , of a Legend, and on very slight grounds,
41 Harris followed Ussher, in this matter, that with their disciples, preaching the
appearing to prefer the latter writer's Gospel of Christ before Patrick, there were
authority to the account of his author, Sir four bishops, Albeus, Declanus, Ybarus and
James Ware. See his observations, at the Kyaranus in Ireland.— " Chronicle of Ire-
Lives of Irish Bishops, viz., Ailbe, Kieran and land," p. 69.
St. Patrick. Harris' Ware, vol.. i., pp. 10, 4* Even Lloyd, in his work on Church
400,490,491. Government, says, he dared not wholly
42 Attributed to St. Cummin. reject these Irish Legends, fcee chap. ii.
43 Dom. Philip O'Sullevan sent a Latin 50 " Chronicle of Ireland," pp. 71, 72.
version of it to the Bollandists, in the year 51 See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited
x°35- by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 246, 247.
4* The following eulogy, on St. Ailbe's S» Dr. Todd adds in a note : " There is a
great chanty, is thus pronounced: good copy of this poetical rule in Mr.
Albius sterna ruerit mihi laude canendus ; Curry's copy of the Brussels MS., contain-
Haud scio, num vivat largior ulla manus. ing the Felire of Aengus, &c. The poem is
Unicus ille quidem semper patronus addressed to Eoghan, son of Saran, of
egentum, ' Cluain Coelain, Co. Tipperary."
Vestibus hos, lllos adjuvat aere, cibo. 53 in the Kilkenny MS. By Ussher, he
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS: [September ti.
mother was named Sandith, Handith or Sant.54 She is said to have been a
maid-servant, in the house of Cronan, the Lord of Eliach.ss He was also
regarded as a king, over the territory known as Eliogarty, and this is said to
have originally included Ely O'Carroll,56 which formerly was in Munster, as
also the baronies of Ikerrin and Eliogarty,57 now in the County of Tipperary.
It is said, that St. Ailbe was born in Eliach.s8 This name is supposed to be
derived from its signifying a level tract of country; while others have it as
being identical with Aileach, Elagh or Ellagh, meaning a stone-fort. 59 But
we must not wholly confound it with Ely O'Caroll, as Hanmer60 did ;
although that district formerly belonged to the Munster province.
The Legend of our Saint's Life, as found in the Bollandists' collection,
relates, that Ailbe's birth caused such displeasure to Cronan, that he would not
allow the infant to be brought up in his house. Cronan ordered the child
to be exposed to dogs and wild beasts, that he might be devoured. His
father had been obliged previously, to fly from the anger of this petty ruler.
Then we have a story regarding the exposed child being carried away by
a wolf from a great stone under which he had been laid, and brought to this
wild animal's den. There he was tended and preserved with the wolf's
offspring. Thence a gentile, named Lochan,61 admiring his beautiful
appearance, is said to have drawn the child, and as having brought him
to his own home.62 From the circumstance of this babe having been
found living beneath a rock, his name is said to have been derived.6^ But,
indeed, as the Bollandist editor yery justly remarks, the whole of this fable
is called Olcnais, and he is said to have
dwelt " in regione Artrigi." — " Britannica-
rum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvi., p.
409.
54 According to a Salamancan Manu-
script, and the O'Clerys.
55 The Eliach or Elia here alluded to is
known as Eliogarty, derived in denomina-
tion from Eile, the seventh in descent
according to some accounts from Cian, son
of Oiliol Olum, King of Munster. See Dr.
P. W. Joyce's " Origin and History of
Irish Names of Places," part ii., chap, ii.,
p. 130. According to others, Cian left no
posterity.
56 This district has been formed into the
baronies of Clonlisk and Ballybritt, in the
present King's County. The O'Carrolls
were for many centuries chieftains over this
country.
57 After the Anglo-Norman Invasion,
these divisions were withdrawn, and added
to the Earl of Ormond's country, the native
chiefs, O'Meagher and O'Fogarty, becoming
his tributaries. See Dr. O'Donovan's
LeAbharv na 5-CeA|\c, or " Book of Rights,"
pp. 78, 79 n. (i).
58 The Southern Eile, known as Eile
Ui-Foghartaigh or O'Fogarty's Ely, are said
by O'Huidhein to have descended from
Eochaidh Bailldeirg, the son of Carthainn
Fionn, King of Thomond, in the time of St.
Patrick. According to this account O'Fogarty
was not of the Elian race, but descended from
the Dal-Cais of Thomond. See Dr.
O'Donovan's "Topographical Poems of
John ODubhagain and Giolla na Naomh
O'Huidhrin," pp. 134, 135, and p. Ixxxvi.,
nn. 777, 778. Also Roderick O'Flaherty's
" Ogygia," Part iii«> caP- Ixxxii., pp. 386 to
388.
59 See Dr. P. W. Joyce's "Origin and
History of Irish Names of Places," part iii.,
chap, i., p, 283.
60 See " Chronicle of Ireland," p. 71.
61 In the Legend of St. Ailbe's Life, from
which Ussher quotes, this man is called the
son of Luider.
6iThis silly legend thus proceeds : " Tunc
lupa post eum ad catulos revertens, et
Puerum inter suos non inveniens, e vestigio
sequuta velociter virum est. Cumque homo
demui suae appropinquaret, fera irruit in eum
ac pallium ejus tenuit, et non permisit eum
domum intrare, donee in sinu ejus prospexit
puerum. Tunc Lochanus ad lupam ait ; Vade
in pace; quia Puer deceteroerit apud me, et
non relinquam eum tecum. Tunc lupa rugi-
endo ac ululando reversa est ad speluncam
suam ; Lochanus vero Puerum nutriens, ejus
curaro quibusdam Brittonibus Christianis
commiserat, a quibus hoc nomen Helveus ei
imponebatur, eo quod vivus sub rupe est
inventus."
63 The Bollandist editor says he found
the following marginal note, affixed to his
copy of the legend : " Alveus, quasi Albeo ;
Ail Ilibernica sonat Rupem aut Saxum ;
* * * Beo vero vivum. " This etymology,
however, he desires to leave for judgment
to others, better skilled than he was in the
Irish language.
September 12.] LIVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS.
*«3
seems borrowed from a still older legend concerning Romulus and Remus,64
the illegitimate sons of Rhea Silvia,6* they having been saved and suckled by
a wolf.66
However, in the Acts of St. Ailbe, quoted by Ussher,6? we have a much
more reasonable narrative concerning Lochan's giving St. Ailbe, when
rescued from beneath the rock where he had been exposed, to certain
Britons, who lived with him in the eastern part of Eliach. There, he was
tended with great care by his guardians. The grace of God soon became
manifested in him. Even while a boy, he desired to be enlightened con-
cerning the Creator of the Universe.68 It would seem, in the different copies
of St. Ailbe's Acts, which fell into the hands of Suyskens, there were even
contradictory statements regarding him that cannot be regarded as facts.69
The Acts of our Saint, to which Ussher had access, tell us, that Ailbe
went to Rome.?0 There he learned the Sacred Scriptures from Bishop
Hilarius.?1 The ancient author does not favour us with any account of whom
this Hilarius must have been.?2 He is said to have been a holy man, who
64 See Livy's " Historiarum ab Urbe
condita Libri," lib. i., cap. 4.
65 See Thomas Henry Dyer's " History
of the Kings of Rome," sect, ii., p. 43.
66 It is greatly to be regretted, that in this
case, as in so many other instances, our
Irish Saints' acts should have been not
alone overloaded with fiction, but that these
have been so preposterously disedifying, as
to bring discredit on the birth and parents
of this Saint. We cannot but admire the
just severity with which Suyskens condemns
such inelegant compositions.
67 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvi., p. 409.
68 A curious story is told by the people of
Emly, that when St. Ailbe was a little
*school-boy, his master directed him to look
alter the sparro>vs, and see that they did not
encroach on the harvest fields. Ailbe did
as he was told, and he confined all the
sparrows to the nouses adjoining. Then he
presented himself at school with his books,
and the schoolmaster, thinking he had for-
gotten the duty assigned, questioned him
regarding it. He was then told, to go out
and judge for himself. He therefore went
out, and found that no sparrow was to be
seen. To the present day, when the people
of the neighbourhood begin to reap the
harvest, far and near they send for water to
St. Ailbe's Well, which they sprinkle over
their grounds, believing, as they do, that no
sparrows shall come near their corn. See
"Emly of Old, and Emly as it is," p. 6.
This is a small pamphlet, conjointly drawn
up by the late Maurice Lenihan, author of
the " History of Limerick," and by the Very
Rev. Maurice Canon Power, P.P.
69 After giving a few extracts, by way of
specimen, the learned and judicious editor
remarks : " Possem hie et alia non minus
insulsa nugatoris commenta recensere,
cujusmodi est predigiosa ilia pomorum
mirae magnitudinis melleique saporis pluvia,
quae ad sancti preces totam urbem Roma-
nam, ut habent MSS. Inisense ac Salman-
ticense, aut saltern tota nescio cujus, in
eadem urbe monasterii septa repleverit ;
item quinque alias pluviae, videlicet mellis,
piscium, olei, frumenti seu panis optimi ac
vini prasstantisimi, quas in eamdem urbem
Romanam, ut habent duo priora MSS., aut
in sancti penum, ut Killkennensi praaplacet,
ipso, quo episcopus creatus est, die tarn
copiose dilapsas nugatur, Romanus Pontifex
omnisque populus Romanus prodigiosis illis
dapibus ties dies totidemque nocfes abunde
satiati fuerint. Hasce, inquam, similesque
nugas recensere hie possem, at fabularum
satis est." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv.,
Septembris xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo
Episcopo Imelacensi. Sylloge Historico-
Critica, sect, i., num. 15, p. 28.
70 See Archbishop Ussher's "Britanni-
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates, cap. xvi.,
p. 412.
71 The Bollandists state that the Hilarius
here mentioned was no other than Pope
Hilarius, or rather Hilarus, who, they say,
ordained, a.d. 464, Ailbe, bishop, as also
Declan. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Martii xvii. De Sancto Patricio, Commen-
tarius Praevius, sect. 4.
72 Should there be any truth in what is
said of Ailbe's expedition to Rome, Dr.
Lanigan was inclined to think, that Hila-
rius, bishop of Aries, who lived until
the year 449, was the person alluded to,
particularly as St. Patrick had spent some
time among the celebrated monks of Lerins,
of whose congregation Hilarius had been a
member, and who probably had been a
contemporary there with St. Patrick.
Accordingly he might have sent Ailbe, and
perhaps others, for their theological educa-
tion to that renowned school. Yet, Dr.
Lanigan does not mean to insinuate, that
Ailbe was ordained bishop during the life-
time of Hilarius, Bishop of Aries. His
284
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
found our Saint distinguished for his great virtues and learning, as also for
miracles wrought through the Divine assistance. The account adds, he sent
Ailbe to the Pope, that he might be consecrated as a bishop. 73 In the Acts
of St. Declan,74 it is said, our saint had been many years a disciple of
Bishop Hilarius75 at Rome, and that at his request76 the Pope consecrated
Ailbe a bishop. The ingenious Papebroke, who supposes the Acts of St.
Declan and of St. Ailbe as published to have been written by the same
person, thinks that account probable,77 and he conjectures, that the Hilarius
in question was himself a Roman Pontiff, and identical with that St. Hilarius
or St. Hilarus,78 who discharged the functions of Pope, from a.d. 46179 to
46 7.80 This Pope was remarkable for his great mental capacity and learn-
ing.81 The opinion of Papebroke appears likewise to have met the approval
of Suyskens.82
One of the Saint's Lives has the absurd statement, that Ailbe received
episcopal consecration from Pope Clement. But, this is not only irrecon-
cilable with fact, but with every other account regarding him, and may be
dismissed as not worthy of consideration. If we allow, that he had been
consecrated by Pope Clement, we should be obliged to refer the period in
which Ailbe lived to the end of the first century, when Clement I. occupied
the Papal chair ;83 or afterwards, to nearly the middle of the eleventh
century, when Clement II. was Sovereign Pontiff.84 During this intermediate
period, no Pope, bearing the name of Clement, sat in the Chair of St.
conjecture goes no further than that,
perhaps, Ailbe when young had been sent
to Hilarius for his education. See " Eccle-
siastical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, i.,
sect, xi., n. 84, p. 24.
73 In reference to this statement, the Rev.
Dr. Lanigan remarks, that if Hilarius sent
Ailbe to the Pope, it would seem that
Hilarius was not then a resident in Rome. —
See ibid.
7* Published by the Bollandists. See "Acta
Sanctorum," tomus v., Julii xxiv. De S.
Declano Episcopo Ardmoriae in Hibernia,
pp. 590 to 608.
75 See ibid. Vita S. Declani, cap. iii., p. 597.
76 <« Whoever that Hilarius was, he is ex-
pressly distinguished from the Pope of that
time, both in Ailbe's and Declan's Lives,
and consequently must not be confounded,
as has been done by the Bollandists, with
Pope Hilarius. The whole matter is in-
volved in such obscurity, that it is useless to
attempt an elucidation of it." — See Dr.
Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. i., chap, vi., sect, viii., and
n. 76, p. 290.
77 See the Bollandist Appendix to St.
Patrick's Acts, at the 17th day of March, in
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Martii xvii.
De S. Patricio Episcopo Apostolo et Primate
Hiberniae, sect, i., num. 8, p. 582.
78 His festival is celebrated " quarto Idus
Septembris."
"Through a typographical error, the
Bollandists insert a.d. ccccxli., in the
paragraph to which allusion has been made,
at p. 582.
80 See an account of this distinguished
Pontiff in R. P. Natalis Alexandri, ■• His-
toria Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique Testa-
menti," tomus x., Saeculum Quintum, cap.
ii., Art. vii., pp. 17 to 19.
81 The -AntiAlA ul<Yoh, or Annals of
Ulster, state, the Hilary, bishop of the
Church of Rome, died a.d. 465, having
occupied the Chair of Peter 6 years, and 3
months, and 10 days. See William M.
Hennessy's edition, vol. i., pp. 20, 21.
82 Who writes : " etenim licet memoratse
Albei Declanique Vitae Hilarium suum a
Romano pontifice distinguant, cum tamen
eundum et episcopum fuisse et Romae habi-
tasse velint ac praeterea Romani Pontifecis
ab Hiiario S. Albei institutore diversi
nomen aut non memorent, aut S. Clementem
per immanem parachronismum imperite
obtrundant, multasque futiles fabellas immi-
sceant, non est, cur ipsis hac etiam in parte
assentiamur ; praesertim cum in opposita
opinione praecipua, quae de S. Albeo
traduntur, conciliari possint, alioquin minime
cohaerentia. — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i v.,
Septembris xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo
Episcopo Imelacensi. Sylloge Historioo-
Critica, sect, ii., num. 22, p. 29.
83 From A.D. 89 to 98, according to a pro-
bable computation. See Berti's " Ecclesias-
ticae Histotiae Breviariuin," pars i., sec. i.,
cap. i., sec. iv., p. 63.
84 Only for a short term after Gregory VI.
had abdicated this office. Clement is said to
have died, a.d. 1047, and on the 7th of the
October Calends. — Ibid., pars ii., sect., xi.,
cap. i., p. 45.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 285
Peter. The Pope who was in Rome, when Ailbe arrived there, is said to
have very graciously received our Saint, who remained with him for a year
and fifty days. Then it is related, that fifty holy men from Ireland followed
Ailbe to Rome. They went to where the Pope and Ailbe were. The
Sovereign Pontiff bestowed on them a remote cell, and he directed Ailbe to
preside over them. Among these disciples of our Saint, we find enumerated
St. Declan, with some others, bearing identical names \ as for instance,
twelve Colmans, twelve Coemgens, and twelve Fintans.83 According to the
Acts of St. Kiaran, which Ussher saw, St. Ailbe was sent by the Apostolic
See to preach the Gospel of Christ as an Apostle, among the gentiles, before
the time of St. Patrick.86 Where the scene of his labours lay we are not
told ; but. a great number of pagans are said to have received the faith, and
to have been baptized at his hands. Moreover, in that country, St. Ailbe
built a monastery, in which he left the holy sons of Guill. He blessed the
whole of this region, and then quitted them.87 After this, our Saint is com-
pared to a sagacious bee, loaded with honey, and returning to his own land
of Hibernia.88
When he had reached the sea, he blessed it. He and all his companions
embarked in a vessel by no means seaworthy. Yet, after a serene and"
prosperous voyage they reached some port in the northern part of Ireland.
There one of his fellow-passengers and familiars, named Colman, built a cell,
at the desire of St. Ailbe. This was afterwards called Chell-ruaid.89 It is
said,90 that this place was situated within the territory of Dalaradia, and that
St. Ailbe derived his descent from people belonging to this district. The
King then ruling over it was a gentile, and he was named Fintan.91 He had
just waged war with the people of Connaught, and had been defeated.
Three of his sons were slain in that war, but the father brought their dead
bodies to St. Ailbe and said : " O ! Saint of God, I, a miserable man, have
come to you for aid, for I have heard that you work great miracles." To
him St. Ailbe replied : " If you believe and be baptized, I will ask the
Divine clemency on behalf of yourself and your three sons." This King
received instruction in the faith of Christ, believed, and was baptized. St.
- Ailbe approached the spot where his dead sons lay and prayed for them
before the Lord Jesus Christ. All were restored to life and to the embraces
of their father. They also became Christians. Then St. Ailbe blessed them,
and he predicted, that as they had embraced the true faith they should
prevail over their enemies. In accordance with such prophesy, when the King
afterwards warred with the Conacians, he fully avenged his former reverses.
Having received hostages, he returned home in triumph. Then it is said
St. Ailbe went through all Ireland^12 preaching on baptism and converting
many, but not all of its people, to the true faith. 93 Notwithstanding the
85 " In reference to these accounts, the 88 In his Chronological Index, Ussher
Bollandist editor writes : " Quod autem refers this mission to A.D. 412. See ibid.,
sanctus noster nondum Episcopus Romse p. 514.
degens, a S. Hilario sive Hilaro jussus 8' Probably Killroot, in the County of
fuerit tribus annis illius porcos pascere, Antrim, is here meant, and about it we have
messemque colligere, inter nugatoris fabulas already treated in a previous Article.
reputamus. Nee credimus, socios ejus quad- *> In the old Life of St. Aiibe, which
raginta vel quinquaginta numero, et inter Ussher quotes.
hos duodecim Colmannos, et duodecim 9t He does not seem otherwise to have
Coemgenos, et duodecim Fintanos, ut Acta been historically commemorated.
volunt, fuisse." 92 Of the assumed incidents related in the
86 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti- text, we have no account in any of our Irish
quitates,'"' cap. xvi., pp. 408, 409. Annals.
87 See ibid., p. 414. 93The foregoing accounts are taken by
286 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
foregoing relation, it is not at all credible, that our Saint could have
preached even a single year, not to speak of some years, before a.d. 432,
the year when St. Patrick's apostleship commenced.94
CHAPTER II.
ST. PALLADIUS AND ST. PATRICK RECOGNISED AS THE FIRST APOSTLES OF THE IRISH
CHURCH — ST. AILBE A DISCIPLE OF ST. PATRICK— FIRST MEETING OF ST. PATRICK
AND ST. AILBE— THE IRISH APOSTLE AND KING /ENGUS FIX THE SKE OF ST.
AILBE AT EMLY — DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCALITY — THE RULE OF ST. AILBE —
MISSIONARY INCIDENTS OF HIS CAREER— HIS DEATH AND PLACE OF BURIAL —
FESTIVALS AND COMMEMORATIONS— CONCLUSION,
•Among those, who contend that St. Ailbe preached the Gospel in Ireland
before the time of St. Patrick, Colgan asserts the affirmative, relying on some
ancient Lives of Irish Saints in his possession. These, he asserts, were
written at least a thousand years before his day. On their authority, not
only were many believers in Christ to be found in various parts of this
Island, but several were eminent for sanctity.1 In the Acts of St. Declan,
published by the Bollandists, at the 24th of July,2 it is stated, that the four
bishops, Saints Ailbe, Declan, Kieran and Ibar were in Ireland, before St.
Patrick. While St. Ailbe, St. Declan, and St. Ibar formed ties of fraternity,
social intercourse and affection amongst themselves, and their respective
disciples; a union between the two former was so close, as St. Declau's
Acts tell us, that they were scarcely ever separated, except in cases of extreme
necessity. It is strange, after all the various efforts made by Protestant
writers in our days, to prove that St. Patrick had not received a mission
from the Roman See,3 that they have not resorted to more ancient accounts
for an earlier apostleship, and their peculiar theory of an independent
system in church government and doctrine. However circumstantial the
details already related may be, it is expressly stated by our best authorities/
that Palladius was the first bishop sent by Pope Celestine from Rome to
Ireland.5 In the dispositions of Divine Providence, the Holy Bishop, St.
Patrick, who is said to have come after St. Ailbe to Ireland, converted this
whole Island to Christianity.6
Ussher from a Life of St. Ailbe in his pos- 24th of July, in the Seventh Volume of this
session. See " Britannicarum Ecclesiartun work, Art. i., chap, i., ii.
Antiquitates," cap. xvi., p. 414. 3 See the Rev. Mr. Phelan's " Case of the
94 See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical His- Church of Ireland stated by Declan."
tory of Ireland," vol. i., chap, i., sect, xi., *This is related in St. Prosper's Chronicle,
pp. 23, 24. at the year 431.
Chapter ii.— ' Among these, he enume- s See, likewise, the " Acta Sanctorum" of
rates Kiaran, Albeus, Declan, and Ibar, the Bollandists, where the Acts of St.
with many others, that flourished in Ireland, Palladius are written. See toinus ii., Julii vi.
before the time of St. Patrick and St. Pal- De S. Palladio Episc. et Conf. Scotorum
ladius. See " Trias Thaumatur^a," Quinta Apostolo. Sylloge Historica, sect, ii., num.
Appendix, ad Acta S. Patricii. De Patria et II, 12, 13, p. 288.
Gcnere S. Patricii, cap. xv., pp. 250 to 6 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
252. arum Antiquitates," cap. xvi., p. 414. Some
2 See, also, the Life of St. Declan, at the such account appears to have been contained
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 287
It seems to be most probable, that Ailbe's mission in Ireland did not
commence until after the arrival of the great Irish Apostle in 432. Thus we
find him in Colgan's list, and classed among St. Patrick's disciples.7 By
some, it has been supposed, that Ailbe had not received the gift of Divine
Faith, until St. Patrick visited the province of Munster during the course of
his Irish mission. Thus, one of his most ancient biographers8 has recorded
the incident of our saint having received priestly ordination from the Apostle
of Ireland. Again, in the Tripartite life of the latter, Ailbe and Ibar,
bishops, are mentioned, as observing a particular injunction of their father
Patricks Jocelyn, also, especially calls those saints his disciples.10 But,
the most convincing argument, which might be alleged, is an account of St.
Ailbe's death, referred to a.d. 527, by the usually accurate Annals of Ulster
and Innisfallen. This statement appears to have convinced both Sir James
Ware" and Ussher.12
The opinion most generally received is, that St. Patrick and St. Ailbe
met for the first time, when the Irish Apostle visited the south of Ireland,
and converted ^Engus, son to Natfraich, the Prince of Munster. At this time,
according to some writers, Ailbe received the faith under the instruction of.
St. Patrick ; while others state, he had been ordained priest, and subsequently
consecrated bishop, for the work of the ministry. It is said, that King
^Engus and St. Patrick greatly rejoiced at Ailbe's arrival, in the royal city
of Cashel ; and while our saint remained there with other holy men, many
Christian laws,13 regarding ecclesiastical rule and discipline, were framed.
These tended much, as we are told, towards a future propagation of the
faith. T* The meeting of St. Patrick and St. Ailbe is referred by Ussher, to
the year 449. 15 Although at first, not in accord with the Irish Apostle, it is
said that Ailbe, Declan, Ibar and Kieran were afterwards his friends. Among
them, we are told, that St. Ailbe went to the City of Cashel, where he met
St. Patrick. While in the beginning disinclined to submit in the presence of
King ^Engus ; nevertheless, Ailbe afterwards made obeisance to the Irish
Apostle, acknowledging him as a master with all humility. By a truly learned
historian of the Irish Church, it is thought to be quite improbable, that any
question ever arose between them about the matter of disputed precedence
or jurisdiction.16 It is related, how the King of Cashel, with all his people,
and St. Patrick, resolved, that the See of Ailbe should be fixed at Imleach-
Jubhair,1? now known as Emly. Moreover, by appointment of St. Patrick
in the Kilkenny MS., belonging to the Patricii, Ibernorum Apostoli, Synodi,
Bollandists. Yet, Suyskens observes : " Sed Canones, Opuscula," &c., might engage the
ex eod«m apographo cum duobus aliis collato investigator of this subject,
contrarium evincitur." *< Yet, if such events took place, we may
7 See " Trias Thaumaturga.," Quinta Ap- regard it as very strange, that they are not
pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. p. recorded in any of St. Patrick's Lives,
265. which are accessible.
?Tirechan, as quoted by Sir James Ware. ]s See Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
9 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," quitates," Index Chronolcgicus, p. 517.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap. xxxiii., l0 See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical Ilis-
p. 156- tory of Ireland," vol. i., chap, vi., sect, vii.,
10 See ibid., Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. pp. 283, 284.
1 xxxiii., p. 84. '7 Rendered into English, by Dr. O'Dono-
11 See, " Opuscula adscripta S. Patricio," van, " the Helm or Strath of the Yew." —
Annotationes. "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., p.
12 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti- 182, n. (c). In Latin documents, this see is
quitates, cap. xvii., pp. 451, 452. usually called Imelaca. It also bears the
13 Whether any of these are to be found names Emely and Imleca-Ibar. See
in the work, so learnedly edited by Father Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
Joachim Laurence Villaneueva, " Sancti Antiquitates, cap. xvii., p. 450.
288
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
and King iEngus or ^Eneas, son to Natfraich, the church and city of St.
Ailbe are stated to have been regarded as Archiepiscopal for all Minister.18
Near a lake, which is now nearly dried up, St. Ailbe built his Cathedral
Church. In course of time, Imleach or Emly grew up to be a famous city; but,
at present, it has declined in population, and is only a small village. The
site of the old cathedral was within the graveyard, and on it a Protestant
church had been built, in the year 1825, which replaced a mediaeval
structure.1? At this time, great Vandalism had been practised ; and several
Old Cathedral Church, Emly.
old monuments were mutilated ; while, in the surrounding walls of the en-
closure are some extremely ancient sculpturings, including the mitred head
of a bishop and the heads of two priests.20
Formerly the lake covered 200 acres or more of what is now excellent
pasturage. A ferry was kept there, so that people might be conveyed over
that lake to the church. Although drained almost dry in the year 171 7 or
1718,21 there was a Lane, called Bothar-y-Coit, i.e., "Lane of the Cot or
Boat," and this led from Emly to the low bottoms, covered by water. Long
after the ferry-boat ceased plying, and even when the lake had been com-
pletely drained, a Crown-Rent was charged for such obsolete service.22 The
18 Such statements are to be found, in the
Acts of St. Declan.
19 A pencil sketch of this building, and
while it stood, was taken by a member of a
Protestant family, who have since become
Catholics. A true copy of the original was
drawn by an English convert lady, in 1847,
at Aix-les-Bains, in Savoy, and presented
to the Very Rev. Maurice Canon Power,
the present Parish Priest of Emly, who
kindly lent it to the writer, for the purpose
of giving the illustration here presented. It
was drawn on the wood and engraved by
Gregor Grey. It represents the church as
it appeared, about the year 1650.
20 " Inserted in the walls are portions of
ancient tombstones, carvings, sculpturings,
shamrocks, all built into the walls, and
utilised by the Vandals without decency or
respect." — " Emly of Old, and Emly as it
is," p. 6.
31 By Robert Reeves, Esq.
""About the year 1703," writes Harris,
" some people digging turf in the neighbour-
ing bog, discovered a large post standing in
the ground, and an iron ring fixed in it
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
289
country around is very fertile, and the scenery beautiful. Formerly this see
was rich in landed possessions. Emly lies within the County of Tipperary,
in South Munster, near the River Glason.23 It is doubtful, however, whether
this city was ever properly regarded as an archiepiscopal see. That it was
an ancient episcopal town seems certain ; but, with the exception of Cashel,
no other Munster city at any time enjoyed such rank.2* Yet, we occasionally
find a prelate of Emly dignified in old records with the title of Archbishop.2*
Although there would seem to have been some sort of pre-eminence annexed
to Emly, as it had been a bishop's see, the first erected in Munster ;26 still,
there is no clear evidence of any jurisdiction attaching to an archbishopric
established in its favour.
Before the rise of Cashel city, Emly had been regarded as the most
respectable see in Munster. It is thought to have been founded by the
great Irish Apostle and by King ^Engus.2? Ailbe has always been recognised
as its first bishop; and, he is said to have been actively engaged, while a
prelate, in forwarding the interests of religion throughout Munster, during
the reign of King ^Engus.a8 Moreover, it is asserted, 29 that the " Law of
Ailbe " was embraced in Munster. It has been stated by Sir James Ware, 3°
that a Manuscript " Regula Monastica," written by our Saint, had been
extant in the seventeenth century. Among our Irish Manuscripts, in the
Royal Irish Academy, there is in verse A Rule of Ailbhe Imbleach or St
Ailbe of Emly, instructing Eoghan, the son of Saran.31 It is probable, St.
Ailbe could not have been a bishop before the middle of the fifth century,
as he lived on to the year 527. He must have been very young, therefore,
when St. Patrick took him in charge, which we cannot suppose to have been
prior to his arrival in Munster.32
which was supposed to be placed there for
fastening the ferry-boat to." — Harris'
Ware, vol. i., " Bishops of Emly," pp. 489,
490.
23 According to Gough's Camden's " Bri-
tannia," vol. iii., County of Tipperary, p.
520.
24 See Keating's " History of Ireland,"
book ii. Because the archbishop and
clergy of Cashel had been obliged in the
ninth century to quit that city and seek a
refuge from the Danish persecution of Tur-
gesius, in the fastness of Emly, where they
remained for a time ; therefore it had been
supposed, by Keating, that Emly had
become an archiepiscopal see.
25 In an ancient Life of St. Pulcherius, we
find that in the sixth or seventh century an
archbishop of Emly is there mentioned.
Among the Emly episcopacy is also men-
tioned Maelbrigid, Archbishop of Munster,
who died A.D. 895. See Harris' Ware, vol. i.,
" Bishops of Emly," p. 492.
26 Sir James Ware, treating about the
Archbishops of Cashel, writes : " Cum
Casselia per annos cccclx. S. Albei et
successorum Episcoporum Emelacensium
jurisdictioni subfuisset ; Cormacus filius
Culinani (iam regno Casseliensi potitus)
Casseliae novam Ecclesiam Cathedralem
erexit : ubi ipse Episcopi munus (quod
mireris) obivit."— " Archi Episcoporum Cas-
seliensium et Tuamensium Vitse," p. I.
Dublinii, 1626, sm. 4to.
27 Sir James Ware, quoting the old author
of the Life of St. Declan, has the following
statement : " Rex iEngusa et Sanctus
Patricius cum omni populo ordinaverunt
archiepiscopatum Momonise in civitate et in
sede S. Albei, qui tunc ab eisdem archie-
piscopus ordinatus est." — "De Scriptoribus
Hiberniae," lib. i., cap. i., p. 2.
28 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, vii., sect,
vii., pp, 347, 348.
29 By the compiler of tbe -AnnAlA uLvoh,
or Ulster Annals, at the year 792. See Wil-
liam M. Hennessy's edition, vol. i., pp. 272,
273-
3° See " De Scriptoribus Hiberniae," lib.
i., cap. i. , p. 2.
31 It contains 216 verses, and is to be found
among the O'Longan MSS., vol. xiv., p.
186.
32 "If it be true that Ailbe studied under a
Bishop Hilarius on the Continent, the most
probable conjecture is that he was Hilarius
of Aries. Besides other circumstances there
touched upon, the time answers very well ;
for Ailbe might have been sent about 446
to Hilarius, who lived until the year 449." —
Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. i., chap, vi., sect, viii., n.
76, p. 290.
T
2Q0 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
The Bollandists have imagined, that our saint became a bishop so early
as 464,33 but Dr. Lanigan regards the computation on which they founded
such a date as extremely doubtful. Nevertheless, considering that he might
have been under the Irish Apostle's tuition so early as 445, and that he was
then ten years old, it cannot be denied, Ailbe might have attained episcopal
rank about 465. For, being a man of extraordinary merit, we may suppose
his promotion took place, when the canonical age admitted it. Then,
allowing he was thirty years of age in 464, Ailbe must have attained his
ninety-third year in 527, when he is said to have died. This hypothesis
implies nothing very extraordinary, especially when referring to individuals
of religious and abstemious habits, as such persons generally live much
longer than people following a different manner of life.34 There is no
possibility for ascertaining by whom St. Ailbe had been consecrated ; yet,
it can scarcely be doubted, that he became a bishop before the year 492,
when a violent end befell King ^ngus.ss Moreover, the period of St. Ailbe's
episcopacy is referred by our most intelligent writers, to the latter part of the
fifth or beginning of the sixth century. Our Saint has always been regarded
as one of the Irish fathers of the Church, and he is enumerated first, in the
Paschal Epistle of Cummian.36 There is no good foundation for the asser-
tion, that St. Ailbe belonged to an order of Canons Regular.37 But, it
would seem, that he had left behind him some sort of Religious Rule.38
Colgan mentions, that St. Ailbe was the first abbot and bishop of Emly,
which is also called Jobhairand Imleach Jobhuir.39 But, whether the afore-
said Rule for Canons Regular was written by the founder of Emly monastery
or not is a matter which cannot be easily detei mined. The Rule in question
has not yet been published.40
Among the disciples of St. Ailbe, we find St. Colman of Dromore41 and
St. Nessan of Mungret42 particularly noted.43 From these accounts we are
led to suppose, that he kept a famous school, in which they were instructed
in sacred learning, their master being regarded as a wise and religious man.
We are told,44 that when St. Patrick was in the territory of Hy-Cuanach,4s
he was at first very much opposed by a dynast, named Olild. But, this
chief, his family and subjects are said to have been converted and baptised,
after St. Patrick had ordered Ailbe and Ibar to offer their prayers to God.46
33 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv.,Sep- scutellis ; item poma, cervisia, et exalveario
tembris xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo Epis- m'ellis ad latitudinem policis : id est, aliquot
copo Imelacensi, Sylloge Historico-Critica," favi." Num. 37.
sect, ii., num. 26, pp. 29, 30. 3* See ibid., Vita S. Molaggre, n. 27, p. 150.
34 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical 4° In Harris' Ware, vol. ii., " Writers of
History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, vii , sect. Ireland," book i., chap, ii., we are told,
vii., p. 347, and nn. 79, 80, p. 349. ''of his work there is vet remaining— A
35 In the " Chronicum Scotorum," the Rule for Monks, in MS.'" See p. 5.
battle of Cill Osnaigh, in Magh Fea, where 4I His Life is given at the 7th of June,
he fell, is placed at A.D. 487. See William the day for his feast, in the Sixth Volume of
M. Hennessy's edition, pp. 30, 31. this work, Art. i.
36 See Ussher's " Veterum Epistolarum 42 His feast occurs at the 25th of July,
Hibernicarum Sylloge." Epistola xi., p. 33. where notices of him may be found in the
37 Such is an account contained in the Paris Seventh Volume of this work. Art. ii.
Missal, to which further allusion shall be 43 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Eccle-
made. siarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 497.
38 This is a statement made by Colgan, in 44 See, Colgan's "Trias Thauniaturga "
his " Acta Sanctorum Iliberniye," xiii. Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap. xxxiii.
Februarii. De S. Dominico. nn. 7, 8, p. 4S Now the barony of Coonagh, in the
328. He quotes the following extract from north-eastern part of the County of
it : " Cum sedent ad mensam, adferantur Limerick.
herba sive radices, aqua lotse, in mundis 4<s " Here, " says Dr. Lanigan, " they are
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 291
It is stated, that while St. Ailbe had been returning from Cashel to Emly, he
was met by Enna or Enda.*? This latter requested our Saint to return
with him, and supplicate King yEngus, to grant him the Island of Arn or
Aran/8 Here Enda intended to erect a monastery. Ailbe is reported to have
complied with this request, and he obtained for Enda the Island. w When
this matter had been brought under his notice, JEngus declared, that he had
not before heard about such an island existing within his dominions. We
are told, that ^Engus afterwards saw it in a vision.50 Suyskens did not regard,
as worthy of his notice, many miracles attributed to St. Ailbe, and which
were found recorded in his old Acts. Nor did he think those fables, found
in the Lives of other Irish Saints, regarding him, as deserving more credit.
With Papebroke, he is ready to conclude, that St. Ailbe probably came to
Ireland, after the great St. Patrick's demise.51 If we are to credit an old
writer of Ailbe's Acts,52 our Saint, after obtaining the gift of Aran Island for
his friend, St. Enda, wished to avoid the worldly honours heaped on him by
men. Many suitable places of retirement offering to his notice, he resolved
to select an Island in the Ocean named Tyle.53 Here he intended to serve
God in perfect solitude. But yEngus, King of Cashel, was inspired by
Heaven to prevent this seclusion. He placed guards on all the sea-coast
ports, so that Ailbe could not escape from the people he had regenerated in
baptism, and who formed his spiritual charge.5* The whole of Ireland was
blessed by St. Ailbe's evangelical labours, and the Almighty was pleased to
bestow on him a most welcome reward. By his example, not less than by
his teaching, many of its chiefs and people embraced the faith of Christ.55
Recognised as another St. Patrick, and regarded as the second Patron of
Munster, after the great Irish Apostle, he was acknowledged, moreover, to
have become the great ornament of his newly established Church.
It has been supposed,56 nevertheless, that the great Apostle of Ireland,
called bishops ; but, that must be under- est, cum hujus Acta pariter fabulosa sint
stood of their having been so, not at that quemadmodum ad diem vii. Junii, ubi edita
time, which was probably A.D. 446, but at a sunt, dictum est."
later period. They were then in a state of 52 As cited by Archbishop Ussher.
scholarship, and belonged to that class of s3 This Island was» called Thule by the
young gentlemen, whom their saint was ancients, and as Ussher believes, it was
wont to have in his suite as pupils." identical with the present Iceland, situated
He adds, that Ibar was, in all likelihood, on the verge of the Arctic Ocean. It is
older than Ailbe, having died long before generally supposed to have been first dis-
him, viz., in the year 503. See " Ecclesias- covered by a Norwegian pirate, named
tical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, vi., Naodr, about a.d. 860, and to have been
sect, viii., n. 76, p. 290. colonized by two Norwegian noblemen,
4? His Life has been already given at the Ingulf and Hiorleif. " It is asserted in
2ist of March, the date for his festival, in the some of the Icelandic Sagas, that there
Third Volume of this work, Art. i. were actual settlements in the island before
48 It is the largest of the South Isles of this period, and that as early as the fifth
Arran, which are three in number, and lie century Iceland had been colonized from
in the mouth of the bay of Galway. Scotland and Ireland. — " Gazetteer of the
49 It has been called Ara-na naomh, or World," vol. vii., p. 201. See further
Aran of the Saints. In Ailbe's Life ; accounts regarding this Island, in the Acts
" Magna est ilia insula, et est terra Sane- of St. Buo, Missionary in Iceland, at the
torum; quia nemo scit numerum Sanctorum 5th of February, in the Second Volume of
qui sepulti sunt ibi, nisi solus Deus." See this work, Art. ii.
l)r. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of 54 See Ussher's Britannicarum Eccle-
Ireland," vol. i , chap, viii., sect, vii., and siarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 451.
n. 81, pp. 396, 397. 55 See Sir James Ware's " De Scriptori-
50 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi- bus Hiberniae," lib. i., cap. i., p. 2.
arum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 451. s^By Father Papebroke. See the Ed-
s' Suyskens adds : "Quod de erudito landists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Colmano additur, nullius quoque momenti Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Episcopo Apos-
292 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
St Patrick, had departed this life when St. Ailbe and St. Declan returned
as bishops from Rome. A conjecture has been hazarded5? that after the
great Apostle of Ireland had preached the faith throughout that Island, St,
Ailbe and St. Declan, with many others, went to Rome, in order to perfect
themselves in sacred learning. After the Saints already mentioned had
given proof of their ecclesiastical knowledge and virtue, it has been supposed,
they might have been consecrated Bishops by St. Hilarus, Pope, and after-
wards sent by him as missionaries to Ireland. This possibly occurred, when
the successor of the great St. Patrick,58 who was also named Sen-Patricius,59
ruled over Armagh See.60 Consequently, whatever transactions of St. Ailbe
with St. Patrick may be found in these old lives are thought referable more
to Sen-Patricius,6' than to our more celebrated Irish Apostle.62 The Annals
of Connaught refer the death of Sen-Patraic, or Old Patrick, to a.d., 453 j
while the "Ulster Annals," 63 the " Chronicum Scotorum,"6^ and the Four
Masters,65 refer it to a.d. 45 7. 66
Assuming the episcopal consecration of St. Ailbe and St. Declan at Rome,
and the probability of that dispute with St. Patrick at Cashel, perhaps those
missioners supposed, that his prerogative of Apostle departed with him, and
that they were not subject to a bishop, who had not consecrated them.
Wherefore, they refused to acknowledge the primacy of the Bishop of
Armagh, although he called himself Comorbhan, or successor to St. Patrick.
Then, without recognising his supremacy, St. Ailbe might have established
missions in Munster, or St. Declan possibly preached among the Desii ; until
Sen-Patricius, not so much by his authority and rule, as by his piety, humility
and other virtues, moved them to submission. To avoid possible schism, to
procure the common good and Christian peace, as also because the supremacy
of Armagh had been established through the great Irish Apostle's authority,
tolo et Primate Hiberniae. Appendix, sect. Armagh, which he believes to have been
i., num. 8, p. 582. founded about the year 445, by the great
57 By Father Papebroke, in his Appendix St. Patrick. " •' Hie enim videtur esse qui in
to St. Patrick's Acts, at the 17th of March. Vita S. Benigni ejus successors vocatur
s8 According to Papebroke, this great Senchonanus." — " Trias Thaumaturga."
saint died, a.d. 461. 'See Chronotaxis Com- Septima Appendix ad ActaS. Patricii, pars
mentarii Prsevii. secunda, and pars tertia, pp. 292, 293.
59 The Very Rev. John Shearman has 62 The Acts of both Patricks are so inter-
endeavoured to investigate the history of woven and contemporaneous, that it is very
three Patricks, who were nearly contem- difficult to resolve them.
poraneous in Ireland and Great Britain, in 63See the AnnalA tlla-oh, or Annals of
his " Loca Patriciana," part xiii., pp. 395 et Ulster, vol. i., pp. 16, 17, William M. Hen-
seq. nessy's edition.
60 " In the Psalter of Cashel, Secundin, 64 See William M. Hennessy's edition,
by some called Sechnall, St. Patrick's sister's where at A.D. 457 is chronicled the Repose
son, is mentioned for his next successor; of Old Saint Patrick, Bishop, i.e., of the
and Patrick the Elder, by some called Sen- Church of Glastonbury, pp. 24, 25. It may
Patrick, or old Patrick, a domestick of our be asked, had be been previously Arch-
Patrick, is said to have succeeded Secundin. bishop of Armagh, and did he afterwards
But Secundin was bishop of Dunsbaglin in retire to Glastonbury? Or was he a distinct
Meath, where hedied on the27ih of Novem- person from Sen- Patrick, thought to have
ber, 448, in the 75th year of his age [or 447, been the third Archbishop of Armagh ?
according to the Annals of Inis-fail ; when, 65 See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the
past question, St. Patrick was himself Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 142, 143, and
Archbishop of Armagh], and San-Patrick, n. (e.)
who is confounded with our great Patrick, 66 His festival has been assigned to the
died ten years after." — Harris' Ware, vol. 24th of August. See at that date in the
i., " Archbishops of Armagh," pp. 34, 35. Eighth Volume of this work, notices of St.
61 According to Colgan, he bore the name Patrick, Abbot and Bishop of Ruis Dela,
of St. Patricius Senex or Senior, having probably Rossdala, County of Westmeath,
been the third bishop over the see of Art. i.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
293
a regulation might have been effected,6? whereby the Decies were assigned to
St. Declan, while St. Ailbe was set over the Minister bishops, having certain
exalted metropolitan privileges and rule among his suffragans.68 This con-
jecture is pronounced by Suyskens69 to be sufficiently probable, as writers
living near the time of both Saints Patricks might confound their respective
transactions. As a consequence, they probably attributed to the more
renowned Saint, what especially referred to his immediate successor, who
bore a like synonym. 7° This would necessarily lead to great confusion, by
mixing together dates, acts and names, referring to various Irish Saints
similarly named. Hence, if we consider two distinct Patricks, both of them
Saints, and nearly allied in point of time, while both were bishops over
Armagh ; it is thought, that many difficulties to be found connected with St.
Ailbe's acts may be more satisfactorily solved.?1 Suyskens agrees with
Papebroke, that the arrival of St. Ailbe in Ireland, after St. Patrick's death in
464, may well accord with the foregoing conjectures and reasons. Thus, if
we credit an account, that when a mere boy, St. Ailbe received baptism in
431, he might probably have episcopal consecration and his Irish mission
conferred on him, after he had exceeded by a few years the age of thirty. ?2
However ingenious these conjectures may be, yet they do not avail, to clear
up the chronological and circumstantial difficulties that beset our Saint's
biography.
The life of this holy prelate was spent in preparing students for the
sacred minstry, in preaching the Gospel, and in forwarding the best interests
of religion. It is probable, that he lived to a ripe old age.73 Notwith-
67 In Papebroke's opinion. See his Ap-
pendix to the Acts of St. Patrick, at the
17th of March. — " Acta Sanctorum," tomus
ii., Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Episcopo
Apostolo et Primate Hibernise, Appendix,
sect, i., num. 8, p. 582.
63 Suyskens thinks, there is sufficient
reason for rejecting an account contained in
certain old Lives, that the origin of their
supposed dispute is to be found, in their
having evangelized Ireland before St.
Patrick's arrival.
69 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv., Sep-
tembris xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo. Sylloge
Historica-Critica, sect, ii., num. 24, p. 29.
70 Such, also, was the opinion of Pape-
broke, in his Appendix, sect, i., num. 7.
71 Suyskens observes, in connexion with
these hints, that in the first place, that as the
Acts relate, St. Ailbe when a boy might
have been instructed in the Christian Faith
and be baptised by Palladius in Ireland, but
that if such a contention be allowed, his ton-
version cannot be placed very long before
the apostleship of St. Patrick in the same
Ireland. Moreover, since the Irish Annals
refer the death of St. Ailbe to a.d. 527, and
that he must have reached an age much
over one hundred years, his baptism by Pal-
ladius is not admissible, especially on the
authority of such fabulous Acts. Besides,
it is to be suspected, that he had not been
born when St. Patrick, the Irish Apostle,
arrived, and that such account had been
owing to the circumstance of another Patrick
succeeding him. In the second place, it
must be admitted, that with other com-
panions he went to Rome, when St. Hilaius
was Pope, and that he returned to Ireland
invested with the episcopal character. See
" Acta Sanctorum, ' tomus iv., Septembris
xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo Episcopo
Imelacensi. Sylloge Historico-Critica, sect.
' ii., num. 25, p. 29.
72 According to Suyskens such arguments
would seem to accord best with the date
assigned for St. Ailbe's death. In fine, he
says, when the great St. Patrick had vacated
Armagh See, and when after his death, the
primatial chair had been occupied by Sen-
Pa tricius, many simply called him Patrick,
could it not have happened, that St. Ailbe,
already consecrated bishop, had come to
Ireland, while the latter was Primate ? This
might serve to explain, in a more probable
manner, those accounts left us in some Lives
of our Irish Saints, regarding controversies
about the Primacy, which took place be-
tween St. Ailbe and St. Patrick. However,
the Bollandist editor ignores the date of
Sen- Patrick's death in 457, which was some
years before the supposed death of the great
St. Patrick in 464, even were we to allow —
what is by no means certain— that Sen-
Patrick had ever ruled over the See of
Armagh.
"See Harris' Ware, vol, i., " Bishops of
Emly," p. 492.
294
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
standing, we are told, that his faculties of mind and strength of body were in
no manner impaired. The Annals of Ulster?* and of Innisfallen refer his
death to the year 526.75 The Annals of Ulster repeat this entry, at the
years 533 and 541. The O'Clerys refer his death to the same date.?6 In
Harris' Ware we have the same account. 77 He remarks, that some have put
off his death to a.d., 541. 78 This, too, agrees with the statement of the Four
Masters. 79 The 'k Chronicum Scotorum " has the rest of Ailbhe of Imlech
Ibhair at a.d., 531.80 While taking Ussher's authority for the year of our
Saint's death, the Bollandists think it will not well accord with about the year
412, which the same writer gives for Ailbe's arrival in Ireland. In such case,
the Saint must have been over 140 years old, when he died.81 He is said to
have been buried in his own church at Emly,8z and the site for his grave is
yet traditionally held by the people there to have been about six feet in a
line from a Celtic cross of red sand-stone, thought to have been one of the
oldest in Ireland, and even reaching back to the time of St. Ailbe.8^ It is
within the graveyard, and said to be twenty feet in length, but buried so deep
in the clay, that not more than six feet are now above the ground.84 In the
church-yard at Emly, this large cross of rough hewn stone, stood about
eight feet from the ground, during the last century. Near it was St. Ailbe's
well. Both of these objects were held in great veneration by the country
people, vvho used to flock annually in vast numbers, to celebrate their
patron's festival, every 12th day of September.^ St. Ailbe's well is deep
and surrounded by a circular-cut stone rim, on which the knee-marks of
devout pilgrims may be seen. There they take their rounds, and pray to the
glorious Metropolitan patron saint of Emly.86
In the " Feilire "87 of ^Engus, the Festival of St. Ailbe is commemorated,
74 See -ArmAlA tlLAoVi, or Annals of
Ulster, pp. 42, 43, and 44, 45, and 48, 49.
William M. Hennessy's edition.
75 See " Ussher's Britannicarum Ecclesi-
arum Antiquitates." Index Chronologicus,
p. 528-
76 See the " Martyrology ot Donegal,"
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 246, 247.
77 See Harris' Ware, vol. i. "Bishops of
Emly," p. 492.
78 Dr. Lanigan, however, says, that he was
unable to discover such date assigned for it,
in any of our Annals. Perhaps on this
point, Ware confounded St. Ailbe of Emly
with an Ailbe of Senchus, who died A.D.
545, according to the Annals of the Four
Masters. Dr. Lanigan thinks, that some
documents might have entered 541, instead
of 546. See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. i., chap, ix., sect, vii., n. 105,
pp. 462, 463.
79 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition of their
Annals, vol. i., pp. 182, 183.
80 See William M. Hennessy's edition,
pp. 44, 45.
81 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv., xii.
Septembris. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo
Episcopo Imalecensi. Sylloge Historico-
Critica, sect, ii., num. 32, pp. 30, 31.
82 See Harris' Ware, vol. i. ** Bishops of
Emly," p. 492 ; and vol. ii., " Writers of
Ireland," book i., chap, ii., p. 6.
83 Several of the Parish Priests of Emly
have been interred close to the spot sacred
to the patron saint.
84 "It is said to have a miraculous power of
curing those who place their backs against
the shaft and of strengthening them ; and it
is the custom to this day of persons to go
and place their backs against the shaft and
pray to the patron saint ; and those in
America and Australia, who feel ill, write
to friends at home to perform the office for
them." — " Emly of old, and Emly as it is,"
p. 6.
8sin the time of Archbishop Palliser,"
writes Harris, "two neighbouring magis-
trates obtained a licence from him to
demolish the cross and stop up the well, as
being encouragements to idolatry, and
the causes of some disorders in the
country : yet they never put their design
in execution ; and the cross and well con-
tinue there to this day." — Harris' Ware,
vol. i. " Bishops of Emly," p. 490.
86 See " Emly of old, and Emly as it is,
p. 6.
87 In the " Leabhar Breac" copy is the
following stanza, at this date : —
Ceilebain peiL nAiLbe
La peiL tAippen I15A15
O ,OAim Imp •04L415
Septkmber 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
295
at the 1 2th of September. The glossographer on this notice is brief.88
There appears in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,89 at the 12th of
September, a festival in honor of Aeilbhe, Bishop of Imlecha. In the Book
of Leinster copy it is also entered.**0 In the anonymous List of Irish Saints,
published by O'Sullivan Beare, we find Albius, at the same date.?1 The
ALutyrology of Donegal^2 registers him, at the same date, as Ailbhe, Arch-
bishop of Imleach Iobhair, in Minister. Also, Castellanus records his
memory, at the 12th of September.^ Father Ward declares, that at the
period when he wrote the letter to Bollandus in 1634, the feast of our saint
was kept on the same day, in the diocese of Emly. In the second edition of
John Wilson's English Martyrology, at the 27th of February, a St. Elvius,
confessor and bishop of Menevia in Pembroke, Wales, is set down j but the
Bollandists have observed at that day " in Prsetermissis," and elsewhere,
they have no doubt of Wilson's error, both as to St. Elvius' day of veneration,
and as to his identical episcopate.94
Certain relics of our saint seem to have been carefully preserved in Emly,
for many centuries after his death. 95 A mitre of St. Ailbe was burned by
robbers, when the City of Emly had been plundered, in the year 1 1 23. On
that occasion, the reigning successor of our Saint, Bishop Maelmorda
Mac-Inclodnai, saved himself by flight.96 This Saint seems formerly to have
been honoured with an office of Nine Lessons.0? A Missal, printed at Paris,
a.d., 1734, and edited by order of Pope Clement XII., comprises the proper
Masses for patrons and guardians, both French and Irish Saints. Among
others, at the 12th of September, a Mass for the feast of St. Albeus, bishop
and confessor, general patron of Emly Church and diocese,08 is found.
Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :—
" Celebrate Ailbe's feast, with Fled the
luminous, buoyant : with the feast of Laisren
the beautiful of multitudinous Daim-inis." —
"Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On
the Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes,
LL.D., p. exxxvii.
88 He has only -Ailbe .i. imlech ibair, i.e.,
of Imlech Ibair. — Ibid., p. cxlv.
89 Edited by Rev. Mr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
90 Thus at the v. Ides, *Mlbei epr* 1tn
teAcha.
91 See " Historian Catholicse Ibernise Com-
pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., p. 51.
Also, Father Henry Fitzsimons' " Catalogus
Aliquorum Sanctorum Ibemiae," where he
is called Elbeus, bishop, and identified with
Albius, although his festival is not given.
See ibid., cap. xii., p. 54.
92 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
246, 247.
93 " In Momonia Hibernia regione S.
Albous episcopus Emelicensis, in comitatu
Tiperariensi."
94 Suyskens adds : " quemadmodum etiam
monuit Michael Alfordus in Annalibus His-
toric Ecclesiasticae Britanniae ad annum
Christi 462, num. 7. Corrigendi pariter
sunt Henrici Fitzsimon Catalogi Sanctorum
Hiberniae, in quibus S. Albius recte quidem
ad diem xii. Septembris refertur, sed epis-
copus Stanihurstus perperam appellatur." —
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv., Septembris
xii. De S. Albeo seu Ailbeo Episcopo
Imalecensi. Sylloge Historico-Critica, sect,
i., num. 3, p. 26.
55 The Third Volume of O'Longan MSS.,
in the Royal Irish Academy, contains a
short account of the Discovery of St.
Ailbhe of Imliech's shrine, by St. Colman
Mac Leinin, p. 14.
96 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., "Bishops of
Emly," p. 493.
9? A MS.' in T.C.D., classed B. 3. 12,
contains at September 12th, Ides ii., Elbe
et Molesea, Conf : ix. Lect.
98 Our Saint is also said to have belonged
to the order of Regular Canons. The follow-
ing form of prayer here occurs : " Deus,
qui beatum Albeum pontificem ad regna
ccelestia transtulisti, ejus intercessione tuo-
rum excita corda fidelium,ut ad ejus sacra vir-
tutum exempla fideliter apprehensa, aeterna
gaudia consequi mereantur. Per Dominum."
Again, at the Secret : " Ipse nostrum
offerat tibi, Deus, Sacrificium, qui beatum
Albeum pontificem suae charitatis ministrum,
et suae gloriae in ccelo participem esse voluit,
Dominus noster Jesus Christus, qui tecum
vivit," &c.
At the Post Communion : " Populum
tuum, Domine, bonis tuis adimpleant divina
Sacramenta, quae animam beati Albei ponti-
ficis inebriarunt pinguedine ccelesti. Per
Dominum," &c.
296 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
Among the sees in the South of Ireland, during remote ages, if Emly had
some honorary precedence, its jurisdiction was never of that really metro-
politanical nature, which afterwards had been conferred on Cashel. Keating
laboured under a mistake, in assigning archbishops to Cashel in the ninth
century. It is yet very doubtful, if Cashel had been a bishop's see, at that
early period,00 St. Celsus,100 in the year 1 1 1 2, presided over a Synod held at
Fiadh-mac-Aengusa, now known as Usneagh, in the county of Westmeath.
Among other prelates who assisted at it, we find mention of Milar O'Dunan,
who is styled Archbishop of Cashel. At the commencement of the twelfth
century, Cashel is said to have been made an Archiepiscopal see by the
existing primate, St. Celsus. With the exception of Armagh,101 no other
truly archiepiscopate was then to be found in Ireland. St. Malachy
O'Morgair,102 his immediate successor, influenced Pope Innocent II.,,03 to
confer such a decision.104 According to Sir James Ware,10* in the year 1568,
Emly was annexed to the See of Cashel, by an Act of Parliament.
When the Protestant Cathedral after the Church Disestablishment became
a remembrance of the past, and had become derelict, the Very Rev. Maurice
Power, Parish Priest of Emly, resolved on the erection of a new Catholic
church in the village. He offered the large sum of ,£2,000 — far more than
the building was worth — to the Church Commissioners, in order that he
might enlarge, restore and beautify the structure, as it then stood. He
greatly desired to have it consecrated once more to the olden memories and
to the ancient faith. However, the Church Commissioners absolutely refused
that liberal offer ; and soon afterwards, some of the revered old monuments
were removed, the land-marks of Catholicity were pulled down and dragged
away, so that the old place was deprived of many time-honoured relics. Still
it was determined, that the religious renown, for which Emly had been so
distinguished, in successive years of Irish history, should be revived, in the
building of a new Catholic church, and on an eligible site in the neighbour-
hood.106 Accordingly, Mr. George Ashlin, Architect, of Dublin, was entrusted
to prepare plans and elevations. With appropriate religious ceremonies,
the first stone was laid on May 30th, i88o,io7 by His Grace the Most Rev.
Thomas W. Croke, Archbishop of Cashel, in the presence of a large concourse
of the clergy and laity, and again he was present on the opening day, the Feast
of the Epiphany, 1883, when the energetic and respected Pastor celebrated the
first Mass within the building, which had been dedicated to St. Ailbe. It
w See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical Bernard's account in "Vita S. Malachi.e,"
History of Ireland," vol.i., chap, vi., sec. cap. x.,xi.
vii., n. 67., pp. 285 286. ,0SSee " Commentarius dc Praesulibui
100 See his Life at the 6th day of April, in Hibernian"
the Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i. lo6 The particulars contained in the text
101 The Most Rev. Dr. MacMahon, Arch- are drawn from " Emly of old, and Emly as
bishop over this city, states that Celsus it is. The new church of Emly." Tralee,
transferred the archbishopric from Emly to 1 880, 8vo.
Cashel. See "Jus Primatiale Ardmacha- *°7 The foundation stone bore the follow-
num, in omnes Archiepiscopos, Episcopos, et ing inscription : —
Universum Clerum, totius Kegni Hiberniae.
Assertum per H. A M. T. H. P. Sect. 62,
p. 43. Anno Dom. 1 728, 4to.
w See the life of this great Saint, at the
3rd of November, in a subsequent part of
this work. The Metropolitan diocese newly
erected was called Cashel.
103 He ruled over the Roman See, from
A.D. 1 1 30 to a.d. 1 143.
,0* However, this does not agree with St.
Sub invocatione Sancti
Alhei, Mense Maii. a.d.
MDCCCLXXX.
Thorn a Gul. Croke, Archiepo.
Mauritio Power Parocho.
September 12.I LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
297
measures 108 feet in length, and in the clear ; the transepts are 76 feet, in
the clear ; the nave and aisles are 45 feet, clear ; the columns interiorly are
2 feet 7 inches, in diameter. The ashlar masonry is of the best dark lime-
stone, while the mouldings and dressings are in Tralee white limestone.108
The tower, as at present built, and fitted with a peal of bells, is destined
with crowning spire to reach an elevation of 150 feet. After an interval of
rest, to allow the parishioners breathing time, when the church had been
roofed, the interior decorations were commenced, in April, 1885, and
elegantly completed, in April, 1887. This building is now one of the finest
parochial Catholic churches, within the archiepiscopal diocese of Cashel.
St. Ailbe's Catholic Church, Emly.
Thus it is meet, that worth and holiness be recognized and honoured, in
places rendered celebrated by association with our Saints and their influences
on earth. A time-honoured personality always demands the veneration of
mortals. In the case of St. Ailbe, Divine grace seems to have prevented
his earlier youth from wandering into the dangerous paths of error. His
natural good dispositions were enriched with many blessings. He soon
renounced these pagan delusions which surrounded him ; while his strong
purpose and earnest desires led him perforce to the light of truth. Afterwards,
faith and the love of God conducted him to a sublime degree of perfection ;
he grew in wisdom and in holiness, even when moral darkness had over-
spread the land.
108 The accompanying illustration, from a
photograph kindly furnished by the Very
Rev. Maurice Canon Power, P.P. of Emly,
was drawn on the wood, and the engraving
is by Mr. Gregor Grey.
298 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
ARTICLE II.— ST. MOLAISSI, OR LAISREN, OF DEVENISH ISLAND,
COUNTY OF FERMANAGH.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION— MANUSCRIPT AND PRINTED LIVES OF ST. MOLAISSI OR LAISREN—
HIS FAMILY AND BIRTH — HIS EARLY TBAINING — HE SELECTS DEVENISH AS A
PLACE FOR HIS RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION — DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND AND OF
ITS ANTIQUITIES.
Those individuals, who rely on such perishable possessions as rank,
ability, affluence, or human position, for their permanent sources of happi-
ness, must be regarded in the light of unreasoning persons, like the lunatic,
who often conceives his cell to be a palace ; deeming a wreath of straw to
be his coronet ; and whose chains become golden ornaments ; his ideal of
greatness consisting solely in the extravagancies of his own absurd fancies.
Yet, such complacency only proves the imbecility of his mind, and follows
as the effect of its infirmity. How much more reasonable and exalted are the
ambitions that engaged the Saints in God's love and service, and taught
them to disregard the perishable pursuits of worldlings. Although it might
be a difficult matter to remove such delusions of pride and self-love, we are
yet aware, it should be necessary to succeed in this effort, before the mind
can be thought really sane or capable of exercising its proper faculties.
However, this is a mental task all true saints engage upon, when applying
its practice to themselves, in the first instance, so that they may become
instrumental in removing human idiosyncrasies and clouds from the minds
of their fellow-mortals. There are various manuscript Lives of St. Molassius
or Laisren of Daimhinis yet extant.
Among the Royal Irish Academy's Manuscripts, there is an Irish1 Life of
St. Molaise. It is full of rare Irish poems and curious information, in
reference to its immediate subject.8 This is a copy in the hand-writing of
Edward O'Reilly. 3 There are a few small chasms in the text, as if the
original had been broken or illegible at those places.4 There is a Manuscript
Lite of this Saint, preserved in the library of the Royal Irish Academy.5 Also,
in the Bodleian Library, at Oxford, there are Manuscript Lives of this saint.6
There is a manuscript Life, in the Burgundian Library at Bruxelles.?
Among the Franciscan Records, in the Convent at Dublin, is a Latin Life
of St. Molassius Damhims.8 Colgan had a copy of our Saint's Life, from
which he gives a few meagre extracts. s> We can ascertain from these,
Article 11.- -Chapter i. — ' Headed 6 See Vita S. Molasi, alias Laseriani,
beaca ttlolAife. Abbatis Dairainiensu sive Devenishensis,
2 In a small 8vo. paper MS., classed No. noticed as MS. liodl. Rawl. 13. 505, pp.
41, 4. It consists of 115 written pages. 95-100, veil, folio, xiv. cent, and MS. Boil.
3 Prefixed to it is a note : " This life of Rawl. B. 485 and 169, veil. 4to, xiv cent.
St. Molaisse was copied by me from a very 7 It is a transcript, in Irish, by Brother
ancient vellum MS., the property of Robert Michael O'Clery, fol. 91.
Lemon, Esq., of His Majesty's State Paper 8In the Manuscript, intituled, " Vitae
Office." Sanctorum," ex cod. Inisensi, pp. 31 to
4 See Eugene O'Curry's "Catalogue of 39.
MSS. in the Royal Irish Academy, ' series 9See " Trias Thaumaturga.'' Tertia
i., vol. i., p. 208. Appendix ad Acta S. l'atricii, pars ii. sect.
5 It is classed, 23. A. 43., among the vi., p. 209. And Secunda Appendix ad
Manuscripts. Acta S- Columbae, pars i., sect, xxxx., p. 461 .
September 12. J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 299
however, that it had been a panegyric pronounced on the festival day of St.
Molassius. Our Irish hagiographer intended to publish St. Molaissi's Acts,
at the 1 2th of September.10 The Bollandists" have a few observations
regarding Molassius of Damhinis, Abbot and Bishop, otherwise called
Lasreanus. But, so far was the writer from having a distinct knowledge of
the Irish Calendars, and the duplex nature of entering Irish Saints' names,
that he thinks it to be not unlikely, the present holy man may have been
identical with St. Molassius or Lasreanus, Abbot and Bishop of Leighlin,
venerated at the 18th of April. He remarks, that recent authors
affirmed them to have been distinct persons, relying on authorities of an
uncertain kind, which not clearly to him establish the distinction.12 There
are various notices of St. Laisrean or Molaissius in Ussher's work,T3 by
Bishop Challoner,1* and Rev. Dr. Lanigan,^
Like many of the pioneers of Christianity in Ireland, the very distin-
guished Cenobiarch, whose festival occurs at this date, descends through a
very exalted lineage.16 Belonging to the race of Irial, son to Connal
Cearnaigh,1? he was seventh in descent from Crum Badhraighe, son to
Eochaidh Cobha, son of Fiacha Araidhe.18 St. Molaise or Molaisi, called
also Laisren or Laisrean,10 was the son of Natfraich, and born in Carberry,
near Sligo, according to the most probable accounts ; while Dr. Lanigan,
with some others, states it as not improbable, that he was a native ofBrefifny.
Monua was the name of his mother, as the account is found in his own
Life.20 The Virgin Osnata21 was daughter to Nadfraic, and sister to St.
Molassius of Damhinis, and to the Saints, Talulla and Muadhnata, according
to Marianus*, at the 6th of January, on' which day the feast of these three
sisters was celebrated.22 Marianus adds, that St. Muadhnata was comme-
morated at a place called Caille, in the territory of Cairbre, and that St.
10 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum through whom it is carried up to Adam,
quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensium et This mistake must have crept in at a
Dierum." modern period, but that it is an error is
11 See Acta Sanctorum." tomus iv., evident by a reference to the pedigrees of
Septembris xii. Among the pretermitted the Irish Saints in the Leabhar Breac and
saints, p. 2. Mac Firbis, where this St. Molaise of
12 He adds : " Praeterea, si forte aliis sit Damh-inis, on Lough Erne, is set down as
ille, qui hodie obiisse dicitur ab aliquibus, of the race of Fiacha Araide, from whom
refregantibus tamen aliis, de ejus cultu nobis are the Dalaradians. See Eugene O'Curry's
non constat. Vide igitur dicta de Lasreano " Catalogue of MSS. in the Royal Irish
sive Molassio adxvm. Aprilis." Academy," series i., vol. i., p. 208.
13 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti- l8See Dr. Reeves, quoting the "Annals
quitates,'' cap. xvii., pp. 497, 498. of Ulster."— Ibid.
14 See "Britannia Sancta," part ii., pp. I9 " The name Molaise in the Irish is also
128, 129. written Molaisre, and Laisre, and Latinised
15 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," Molassius and Lasserianus, and hence he is
vol. ii., pp. 183 to 185, and pp. 218 to mentioned by several writers as St. Lasse-
221. rian." See Owen Connellan's translation of
*'See a very admirable article by W. F, the "Annals of the Four Masters," at a.d.
Wakeman, " The Antiquities of Devenish," 1505, note 3. In the same note, our Saint is
with appropriate and correct drawings, styled "a native of Breffney," pp. 354,
in "The Journal of the Royal Historical 355.
and Archaeological Association of Ireland, " 2° According to the O'Clerys, in the
vol. iil., Fourth Series, No. 17, p. 60. " Martyrology of Donegal." Chapter v. is
17 The Irish Life in the Royal Irish Aca- quoted for this statement,
demy commences with the Pedigree of 2I See the notice of her, at that date, in
Molaise, son of Nadfraoch, son of Barrain, the First Volume of this work, Art. xi.
son to Conbrain, son of Tuaislein mac 23 The Martyrology of Tallagh and the
Deaga, son of Crunn badraoi, and so far it continuator of /Enguss treat regarding
is correct ; but afterwards, it is ingrafted on them at the same day, while observirjg, that
the pedigree of Natfraich, King of Munster, they were venerated in Enac-ard.
300 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
Talulla was Abbess of Kiklare.23 Molasi is falsely said, by some authors,
to have been a brother of Aengus, the first Christian King of Munster.
His education and religious instruction were received at the celebrated
school of Clonard, and under St. Finian,2* as we find these circumstances
related, in the Acts of this latter holy Abbot. He was'one of the twelve
chief disciples of that saint, and these were commonly called the Twelve
Apostles of Ireland. Having planted the seeds of piety and ecclesiastical
learning deeply in his mind, a fixed object appears to have been the desire
of embracing a religious life, and the training up under his own direction a
community of men, who might be induced to follow his example and emulate
his virtues. In the Life of St. Maidoc of Ferns,"* we find the following
legend, that he and St. Laisrean were bosom friends j and one day, while
both saints sat under the shade of two trees, they asked from God a mani:
festation of His holy will, as to whether they should live together or separate.
Then, by a Divine decree, the two trees under which they were seated fell.
That tree, under which Lasserian sat, inclined towards the North, and that
under which Maidoc had been seated fell towards the South. Then, being
filled with the spirit of God, they concluded those signs to have been an
admonition from Heaven, indicating the course each was destined to take.
Tenderly embracing each other, and in tears, Maidoc set out for the
Southern part of Ireland, where he afterwards founded the monastery of
Ferns ; while Laiserian directed his course towards the Northern parts,
where he could prosecute his intention of promoting God's greater glory,
and of attending to the interests of his own immortal soul.26
With a view to attain his cherished purpose, St. Molaise selected a
charming site for the foundation of a religious establishment. At an early
age, our saint fixed his habitation on the lone Island of Devenish, at the
entrance to Lower Lough Erne, and about two miles distant, from the
present town of Enniskillen.3" The situation — one of romantic beauty —
was equally distinguished for retirement, which excluded in a great measure
the presence of externa and a knowledge of the every day occurrences in
life. According to the pseudo-antiquarian writer, Ledwich, the religious
foundation on the Island was originally a Culdean establishment,28 where
the celebrated disciples of St. Columba29 continued to exercise their
piety and virtue, till overborne by superstition and an intolerant religion. 3°
Devenish is remarkably fertile, comprising nearly one hundred acres, and
the shores slope gently down to the surface of that placid, expansive, and
lovely lake, by the waters of which it is surrounded. At what precise
period St. Molaise established himself on this island cannot be accurately
ascertained.
The Island of Devenish is undoubtedly one of the foremost and most
a3See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- ruins on that island, is given in Ledwich's
niae," xv. Februarii, n. 36, pp. 339, 340. " Antiquities of Ireland,'' p. 517.
34 See some notices of him at the 23rd day 'For this statement, Ledwich quotes
of February — one of his festivals — in the Ussher and Ware.
Second Volume of this work, Art. ix. His "»See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the
chief feast is at the I2th of December, where Sixth Volume of this work. Art. i.
his Life may be found. " Eie adds the following wholly gratuitous,
2s See his Life, at the 31st of Ianuary, in ignorant and false statement : " The Augus-
the First Volume of this work, Art. i. tinians, who seized everywhere the Culdean
26 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- churches, began an abbey here, bat not so
niae,"' xxxi. Januarii, pp. 208, 209, Vita S. early as stated in the Annals- The Culdees
Maidoci, cap. vii.( pp. 208, 209. Also, notes were not expelled, but lived tor some ages
10, II, 12, p. 216, ibid. in subjection to their new masters."— " An-
a7 An* Engraving of Devenish, and the tiquities of Ireland," p. 517-
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
301
interesting of the Lough Erne Archipelago.31 As the visitor sails down the
lake from Enniskillen, after turning the point of Derryinch,32 the Round
Tower tops, with the upper windows and the square Bell Tower of a more
modern priory, appear over the Island's highest ridge towards the south.
On proceeding, wooded promontories throw their broad shadows across the
still bays ; the fair slopes and lawny knolls stand greenly out from among
the dark sylvan scenery ; while islands seem to be floating, as on a chrystal
sea, until the tourist reaches Devenish Island.33 The soil is exceedingly
fertile and covered with the rankest and greenest grass. Over this the
pilgrim, landing from his well appointed pleasure-boat, will be sure to turn
his steps in the direction of various old buildings, lying in proximate position,
and yet somewhat separated, in some instances. The ruins, which yet
remain on their insular situation, are of extraordinary antiquarian interest. 34
Although frequently presented to the public in engravings,35 until of late,
these have been copied from inaccurate drawings, 36
The buildings upon Devenish may be enumerated as follows : firstly, the
foundations and a portion of the walls of the House or Oratory of the saint ;
secondly, the Round Tower; thirdly, the Great Church ; fourthly the Abbey ;
fifthly, the foundations of an unknown enclosure — probably the aherla or
burial place of the early abbots.3? There are two cemeteries — called
respectively the "upper" and "lower " on Devenish. These are upon aline,
running nearly east by north. The intervening space is about 128 yards,
and right between the cemeteries stand the ruins of St. Molaise's House —
as it is locally called — and the Round Tower. The stones belonging to St.
Molaise's Oratory38 are of immense size, laid in the Cyclopean style, and
31 See Sir Cusack P. Rooney's " How to
spend a Month in Ireland," pp. 144, 145.
32 Deny has the meaning "wood," and
inch means "an island" or "a peninsula."
33 The well-known English traveller and
writer, Henry D. Inglis, states : — " I confi-
dently assert, that lower Loch Erne, take it
all in all, is the most beautiful lake in the
three kingdoms ; and but for the majestic
Alpine outline, that bounds the horizon on
the upper part of Lake Leman, — Lake
Leman itself could not contend in beauty,
with this little-visited lake in the county of
Fermanagh/' — "Ireland in 1834," vol. ii.,
chap, ix., 1 p, 163, 164.
34 In the " Dublin Penny Journal,"
vol. i.( No. 35, pp. 273 to 275, will be
ft and a very interesting notice appended,
w ith a wood-engraving representing the
ruins.
35 An officer of the Royal Engineers on
the Irish Ordnance Survey, who happened
to be in charge of the Enniskillen district,
took a sketch of the ruins on Devenish in
the summer of 1835, while the Round Tower
was undergoing a process of repair. After-
wards, Dr. George 1'etrie reproduced some
of these .drawings in the published wood-
cuts of his celebrated work on the Round
Towers and Ancient Architecture of Ireland.
However, those purporting to represent the
graven cornice, which supports the cap of
the very beautiful floigtheach, are said by his
accomplished pupil — as artist and anti-
quary— William F. Wakeman, to want " the
unvarying truth and archaeological creme of
Petrie's original drawings." Again Mr.
and Mrs. S. C. Hall, in their beautifully
illustrated work, " Ireland ; its Character
and Scenery," have given engravings some-
what similar, and as acknowledged, from
the same source.
35 However, we rely on the accuracy of
those taken on the spot by William F.
Wakeman, and we desire in this connexion
to refer the reader to his admirably descrip-
tive article, on the " Antiquities of
Devenish," published in " The Journal of
the Royal Historical and Archaeological
Association of Ireland," for 1874, fourth
series, vol. iii., part i., pp. 59 to 94. This
shall be our chief authority for the succeed-
ing archaeological notices, both in the text
and notes.
3? Much of the descriptive particulars
which follow are taken from personal
inspection, and local tradition, as commu-
nicated on the spot. The caretaker on this
Island of Devenish, and the herd for Mr.
Denny, the proprietor, was named Henry
Corn, at the period of our visit, in the
month of July, 1868. He had been living
there, and with his family solely, for seven-
teen years. He usually officiated as guide
and. informant to parties visiting his secluded
home.
3°2
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
appear to have been rudely hammered. The walls were of great thickness39
— on account, probably, of the weighty stone roof they were designed to
support. No trace of window or other feature now remains — indeed, little
is left but the foundations, and some three feet in height of the side-walls.*0
The local guide told the writer, that his aunt recollected the building known
as St. Molaise's Kitchen,*1 to have been roofed over with stone.*2 Eighty
years or even later, previous to the period of his visit, the writer was
informed, the whole of this building was quite perfect, although it is now
sadly disfigured43 and in ruins.44
St. Molaisse's House, like that of St. Columba still remaining at Kells in the
county of Meath, was a small oblong edifice, roofed with stone. In the
beginning of this century, it stood in a tolerably perfect state.4* Tradition
was possibly right in referring it to the time of Molaisse — the sixth century —
when it might have been the dwelling and oratory of the saint, afterwards
converted into a church. The Round Tower, which in point of age ranks
next to the little Oratory — if indeed it be not nearly coeval — may be
considered as one of the most beautiful and perfect structures of its class
remaining in Ireland.*6 All of it that had ever been constructed of stone
remains perfectly preserved.47 The wooden floors are gone, the bell or bells
have disappeared, and the door, and external and internal ladders with it,
have left no trace of their former existence. Without and within, its sides
3b This building was a rectangle, measur-
ing thirty feet by eighteen, placed east by
north.
39 Measuring four feet six inches. Upon
the interior they rose vertically to about
half the extreme height of the structure, at
which point the sides sloped towards each
other, forming a kind of ogee arch, upon
whicli a ponderous high pitched roof of
stone rested. There was no croft.
40 It is a melancholy reflection, that in the
memory of persons still living, or but re-
cently dead, this inestimable relic of ancient
Irish architecture, Su intimately associated
with the name of one of the most illustrious
fathers of the Irish Church, stood as it had
remained for nearly 1,300 years, and that
now we can do little more than trace its
dimensions on the ground.
41 Near this old building, the writer copied
from a Hat tomb stone the following inscrip-
tion : — Here lyeth the body of Doctor
Patrick Cassidy, who departed September
27th, 1720; 1702, Rev. Maurice Cassidy ;
17.55, Kev- Phelim Cassidy : 1744, Doctor
Patrick Ca>sidy. The foregoing inscription
is only substantially and not literally given,
for many of the letters were then obliterated.
However, it seems the oldest legible epitaph
to be found over any of the graves.
42 A round-headed door-way had been in
the centre of the west gable, and built in
plain Hiberno- Romanesque style. Mr.
Wakeman's description of this door- way
and the roof was drawn from a sketch by
Mons. Besaucle, a French gentleman, and
professor of drawing in the Royal Belfast
Academical Institution. This sketch was
reproduced in the " Ulster Journal of
Archaeology," vol, iv. It was accompanied
by a paper on Devenish.
43 As described to the writer, it must then
have greatly resembled St. Kevin's kitchen,
now to be seen at Glcndalough.
44 This house had been covered and roofed
with cut stone on the outside ; until Bishop
Ash or Sterne of Clogher ordered it to be
stripped of the cut stone to flag the floor of
Enniskillen Protestant church. On the 20th
of January, 1803, a violent storm threw down
more than half of what remained. Such is
the account given by one John Frith,
Philomath, in a paper entitled " A Descrip-
tion of Devenish, a.d. 1808."
45 Since then, it has been wantonly pulled
down. From the portion remaining, it is
evident that the house was one of the
earliest ecclesiastical structures composed of
lime and stone in our Island.
46 On this subject the reader is referred to
a learned article on "The Round Towers of
Ireland," written by Rev. Matthew Kelly,
D.D., and published in •' The Dublin
Review," for 1845. It gives a critical
analysis and notice commendatory of Mr.
Petrie's celebrated work, and his conclusions
on the subject. It has since been
republished. See " Dissertations chiefly on
Irish Church History.'' Edited by Rev.
Daniel MacCarthy, D-D., pp. 137 to 219.
47 The presented illustration, from an
approved engraving, represents the Round
Tower and some of the deserted ecclesiasti-
cal ruins, now remaining on Devenish.
It has been drawn on the wood and engraved
by Gregor Gray.
September i2.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
303
are quite smooth.*8 The stones are so admirably laid and fitted one to
another, that at a little distance from the ground the interstices of the
masonry can scarcely be detected. The doorway is semicircular, with a
prominent architrave and inclined sides j nearly all the stones forming its
casing run the whole thickness of the wall. The Tower from base to cap
is a marvel of masonry. At the joining of the roof may be seen a unique
feature- a cornice running round the whole summit, ornamented with four
human heads,*? well executed in stone. These are placed at the cardinal
points, and each surmounting one of the four large apertures, through
which the bells of old sounded.*0
Devenish and Lough Erne, St. Molasi's Island.
Of the monastic remains, that called the Abbey or the Upper Church is
the most perfect, and the most modem, or probably it has been re-edified at
a later period, than when first built.s1 This abbey churchs2 is at a consider-
able distance from the Round Tower, and near the highest part of the
48 The structure exteriorly, and the interior
section, with details of the Round Tower,
are drawn by Mr. Wakeman, and minutely
described ; while he was indebted to
Roderick Gray, Esq., C.E., for most of the
measurements from top to bottom. The
total vertical height of the tower is 84 feet
10 inches : the thickness of the wall at base
is 4 feet, 1 inch, and the circumference of
the Tower at base is 49 feet, while interiorly,
there were formerly five floors. The acute
apex over a cornice, and which tops the roof,
rises 16 feet to the upper point.
49 The beards of the heads are interlaced,
and resemble those on the western door-
way capitals of Killeshin Church, near
Carlow.
50 An alder of considerable dimensions
had taken root, just at the point of the shaft
under the cone ; and, during a high wind in
1834, it was blown down, carrying with it
several tons of stones. However, the Hon.
and Rev, J. C. Maude, then Rector of Ennis-
killen, inaugurated a subscription to restore
the roof, which was effected in 1835. It
was then discovered, that the topmost
stone contained an aperture, in which was
found a piece of iron. This was probably
a portion of the cross, which it seems
probable surmounted the whole structure.
51 It was erected by Matthew O'Dubha-
gain in the early part of the fifteenth century,
as stated by an inscription, which still
remains on the wall of the interior.
52 According to tradition it had been dedi-
cated to St. Mary.
3°4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
island. That building measures ninety-eight feet, by twenty-eight — the
breadth of the nave. At present, little more than the great central square
tower and some side-walls of the building remain." The nave had been
divided by a wooden floor, into two apartments ; the upper story, as well as
the tower, having been intended apparently for 'the purposes of a dwelling.
In the northern wall of the chancel a niche or door- way appears, the head of
which is singularly decorated with foliage, having interlacing stems. 54 The
basement story of the tower55 is groined, and it rests on beautifully moulded
ribs. In the ceiling are two apertures, coeval with the building, through
which bell ropes were formerly passed. A small pointed doorway leads to
a spiral staircase, by which the battlememts of the tower are reached. The
masonry — or sculpture it might almost be called — is very remarkable for its
excellence. The angles of the architraves, being delicately fluted and
finished equally at top as at bottom, produce an effect both light and graceful.
There is a second doorway in the south wall, with an ornamental architrave ;
above which, in a canopied niche, were the arms of the founder, or of some
benefactor to the priory.56 A small transept extends to the north, and on this
side were a number of attached edifices, which are supposed to have been
the residences of the monks. The stone used in the building of the tower is
a beautiful gray limestone, susceptible of a high polish, and one of the
varieties found in that district adjoining the lake.57
Looking over the graveyard adjoining the abbey, we see many very
old carved stones, now buried in the grass. Among those, one may be
noticed, but at present broken through ; it has a carved cross on the surface,
and it was probably intended to mark the resting place of an abbot or of
some ecclesiastical dignitary.58 Lichen-covered flag and head-stones dot the
swards of old burial places,59 which extend near the ruins. The Nunnery —
according to local nomenclature — or the Lower Church is of a more ancient
date than the priory, and much more dilapidated.60 The eastern window
was still perfect, until a comparatively late period ; it was rudely executed,
and divided into three compartments, with lancet heads, and banded on the
53 The eastern gable, and its traceried
window, have been destroyed ; but, some
sculptured stones of the latter may still be
found among the tombs, and evince taste
and skill on the part of its builders.
54 Similar designs, but of later date, occur
in the old buildings of Galway. It is
interesting to observe how long this pecu-
liar Irish style of ornamentation continued to
be used.
55 The Tower is supported on two
admirably designed arches, the capitals of
which rests on tongue-shaped corbels of a
patters almost peculiar to Ireland.
; in the upper windows of the Round
Tower, or even from those of the square
Beil-Tower, a most enchanting range of
vision, over the Lower Lake and its sur-
rounding shore, must open upon the eye, if
surveyed on a clear summer day.
57 About the year i860, or 1861, several
human bones were dug up from a hollow,
pointed out by the caretaker on Devenish
Island, and which lies some distance apart
from the more modern abbey church and its
graveyard. No graves seem to have ex-
tended to that spot, as connected with the
adjoining burial-ground. Those bones were
afterwards re-interred, and stones were
heaped over them.
S*A fine sandstone shaft of an ancient
cross long remained covered with earth,
until recently, when the Rev. Mr. Hughes
of Carrickmacross had it exposed to view by
digging around it. Over eight feet were
uncovered, and still he did not come to the
end of this cross where it joined to a soffit
and pedestal rooted near it, and yet to be
Been embedded in the earth. There was a
very beautiful and perfect carving on one
side, according to the caretaker's account.
The Rev. Mr. Hughes again covered that
antique cross, intending, at some future time,
to have it raised and placed in its proper
position.
59 These were a favourie sepulchral site
for the Maguires of Portora, and their clans-
men.
6oThe length of this church is eighty feet by
twenty-three — a fact that in a few years more
must be gathered exclusively from the
records of its fate.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
305
inside ;61 while in the southern wall were two circularly-headed windows,68
and illuminating, it is said, a baptistery just below them. The Upper and
Lower churches possessed the advantage of a bell suspended in each, for
many years ; but, at the suppression, it was directed that they should be
carried to the cathedral of Armagh.6* Like most of the old churches in
Ireland, the ruins of Devenish have not escaped the ravages of Vandalism.6*
CHAPTER II.
PERIOD OF ST. MOLATSSl'S SETTLEMENT IN DEVENISH— RULE DRAWN UP BY HIM FOR
THE REGULATION OF THAT MONASTERY — HIS MIRACLES — VIRTUES AND LEARNING
OF THE SAINT— HIS DEATH AND BURIAL AT DEVENISH — COMMEMORATIONS —
CONCLUSION.
The story of St. Columba's having been ordered by Molaisse to leave
Ireland, however fabulous, yet pre-supposes that the latter was a renowned
Abbot about 561,1 the year assigned for the battle of Cul-dremni,2 or Cul-
drebhni. The account of its origin is of ancient date, however, and the
tradition has long survived in the compositions of our bards and chroniclers.
In conjunction with Saints Finian and Brendan, 3 St. Molaisse is said to have
advised his school-fellow, St. Columkille, to pass over into Britain. St.
Molaisi is known to have lived at Damh-inis, before the departure of St.
Columkille from Ireland, in the year 563, the second year after the battle of
Culdrebhne, and in the forty-second year of his age/ By some writers, the
foundation of St. Molaisi's monastery has been referred to the latter date.5
61 These are represented in a drawing by
John Frith ; the slender lights were sepa-
rated by massive piers of stone.
6* The only one of these now remaining
has been represented, exteriorly and in-
teriorly, by Mr. Wakeman, and the dimen-
sions given, in his article on "The
Antiquities of Devenish."
6i The following is a local tradition.
Boats were procured for the purpose. The
bell of the upper church was conveyed
safely to shore, and carried to the place of
destination ; but the boat in which was
Molaisse's bell sunk, with its load, to the
bottom, and has never since been recovered.
" If a day can influence a deed, it may have
.done so in this instance, the 12th September,
St. Molaisse's festival, having been the date
for this singular occurrence." — " The
Scenery and Antiquities of Ireland, Illus-
trated," vol. i., chap, viii., pp. 60, 61.
64 This is proved from the following
evidence of the Rev. Romney Robinson : —
" While Rector of Enniskillen, about
twenty years ago, I caught the tenant of
Devenish building a barn with the fragments
of the east window of the monastery, and
pulling down parts that were comparatively
uninjured." — Report of the Commissioners
appointed to inquire into the Facts relating
to the Ordnance Memoir of Ireland ;
together with the Minutes of Evidence.
Appendix and Index, presented to both
Houses of Parliament by order of her
Majesty, p. 23, n. 218.
Chapter ii. — 'See the "Chronicum
Scotorum,"at that date, in which it is stated,
that the battle of Cuil Dremne was gained
over Diarmaid Mac Cerbhaill for his trans-
gressions against St. Colum Cille. Edition
of William M. Hennessy, pp. 52, 53. These
transgressions are supposed to have been
his judgment pronounced against Columba,
respecting the transcript secretly made of a
copy of the Gospels belonging to St. Finian
of Magh Bile. See ibid., nn. 4, 5.
2 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., cap. xi., sect,
ii., chap, xii., sect, ix., n. 129, p. 220.
3 See his Life, at the 1 6th of May, in the
Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
4 See James Mackinnon's "Culture in
Early Scotland," book iii. , chap, i., p. 152.
London, 1892, 8vo.
5 William Cobbett thus writes : "An
abbey, built in Daimb-inis about the year
563, by St. Laserian : it stood until the
general plunder." — " History of the Pro-
testant Reformation in England and
Ireland," vol. ii., County Fermanagh.
U
306 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
Many holy men, and among others St. Aidus of Killare,6 visited him in his
retirement. We are told in the legendary Life of St. Aidus, that when this
Saint came to Devenish, he found St. Laisrean at work with his monks. The
visitor then asked what he could do to assist them. St. Laisrean told him
to move a tree of great size and age from its position in the earth, when he
ordered the tree in the name of Christ to be uprooted. On the instant, it
was miraculously raised from the earth into air, and carried off into the sea.
All who witnessed this miracle gave thanks to God.? We have already seen,
that St. Daigh or Dagcus8 — said to have been a nephew of our Saint — was
also a pupil of St. Laisrian and of his brother, a Deacon, who taught in the
school at Damh-inis. With that Deacon and uncle, the boy paid a visit to
St. Mochta, of Louth,9 and afterwards, having had his future sanctity and
eminence predicted by that patriarch, both returned to the lesser monastery,
which was the school at Damhinis. There he learned fully the arts of
writing, and he acquired a knowledge of polite learning, while he became
celebrated for his skill as an artist in metal work,10 before he became bishop
over Iniskeen, in the County of Louth. So that we may conclude, a school
of repute had been established on the island, so early as the sixth century.
There the very crypt or cell inhabited by St. Molaise is said to be still
standing, but unroofed. Its walls are of massive solidity, and traces of the
covering-roof remain.
It has been stated, that St. Molaisse or Laiserian made a pilgrimage to
the Eternal City, after he became Abbot over Devenish. However, the
learned Dr. Lanigan thinks, that the journey Laiserian is said to have made to
Rome rests on no sure foundation, and that he was probably confounded
with his namesake of LeighUn." We have already seen, that St. Moedoc,
Bishop of Ferns and St. Molaise of Devenish were intimates and friends.
After their first separation in Ulster, it is said, St. Molaise, before he under-
took that journey to Rome, resolved on visiting his beloved acquaintance at
Ferns. Then a pact of amity was again confirmed, not only between the
principals, but also between the members, of their respective communities,
and this bond of union, it was agreed, should be perpetual. From Rome,
our saint had resolved to bring back some clay and relics to hallow his
cemetery at Devenish.13
An ancient hymn states, that St. Molaisse shone forth as a bright lamp,
illustrating all Ireland by his sanctity and learning. He drew up a Rule for
the instruction and guidance of his religious, over whom he presided as
Abbot. Under his training, the monks aspired to the most sublime practices
of devotion. The Life of Ciaranx3 of Cluain states,1* that the Order of
Molaissi was one of the eight Orders that were in Erinj's but perhaps, adds
the calendarist, it speaks of some other saint bearing the same name.
6 See an account of him, at the 28th of "Venerated on the 18th of April, where
February, in the Second Volume of this his Life is given, in the Fourth Volume of
work, Art. viii. Further particulars regard- this work, Art. i.
ing him are reserved for the 10th of Novem- '2 See an article, written by His Eminence
ber. Cardinal Patrick F. Motan, Archbishop
7SeeColgan's " Acta Sanctorum Iliber- of Sydney, in the First Series of the
niae.' xxviii. Februarii. Vita S. Aidi, cap. "Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. vii.,
xxvii., p. 421. p. 318.
8 See his Life, at the 18th of August, in '3 See his Life, at the 9th day of this
the Eighth Volume of this work, Ait. i. month, in the present volume, Art. i.
9 See his Life, at the ic/.h of August, in I4 According to the " Martyrology of
the Eighth Volume of this work, Art. i. Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and
10 See chapter i., in the Life of St. Daigh, Reeves.
at the 18th of August. l> Chapter XLVii. is quoted.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 307
Cuimin of Coindeire, in the poem which begins, " Patrick of the Fort of
Macha loves," relates that Molaissi desired to be in a stone prison, and also
to keep a house of hospitality for every one in Erin.16 These abodes of
hospitality were usually known as the guest-houses, attached to nearly all
the celebrated monasteries in Ireland. Generally speaking, a more generous
refreshment was served up in them for the pilgrims and travellers, who were
accustomed to visit those places held in such popular veneration, than was
allowed for refection of the monks. On a certain occasion, as Molaisse and
his monks were taking their scanty meal, the refectory in which they were
caught fire. The monks rose suddenly to fly from the house, on seeing it
lighted with red glowing flames. Their Superior requested them to remain,
to go on their knees, and to pray, while he did the same, while reaching
forth his hand towards the fire. Then the ridge-pole of the house fell in, and
the fire did them no further injury. Afterwards, he permitted the monks to
rise from their posture of prayer. St. Laisrean, it is stated, converted to the
faith a certain Conall or Colman Derig, a King of Ulster, who had been
struck with blindness.^ Of him we find no further historic account,
So highly esteemed was Saint Molaise or Laisren both for his piety and
learning, that he is said to have been created Bishop of Clogher,18 coming
next in succession to Crimir-Rodan. It has been stated, moreover, that he
administered the ecclesiastical affairs of that diocese, with prudence and
edification. x9 With other holy men, our saint is represented20 as one of the
Twelve Apostles of Erin, and he is named, as having assisted at
Congal's feast. He is said to have been present at the Banquet of Dun-na
n-Gedh. However, either the narrator was a very inaccurate historian,
or the transcribers have corrupted his text. The present holy Abbot
is numbered among the Irish Saints of the second class, as noted in the
ancient Irish Catalogue.21 Among the Irish saints, no fewer than eleven
bear the name of Laisrian or Molaisse. St. Laserian, the patron of Leighlin,
and the present holy man, were the most eminent among these. An Alpha-
betical Latin Hymn, addressed to Laserian or Molaisse, of Daimh-innis or
Devenish, is to be found in the " Liber Hymnorum," a Manuscript preserved
in Trinity College, Dublin.22 This was first published in the '* Irish Eccle-
siastical Record "23 of 1869, and it has been again printed with some
inaccuracies. 2* The latest issue of it is that by the Henry Bradshaw
,6 Thus he says : — accession of Laisrean, which should have
been prior to a.d. 570. See " Ecclesiastical
" Molaisi of the Lake, loves History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap. xii.. sect.
To be in a prison of ha*d stone, i., and n. 5., pp. 183 to 185.
To have a house of guests for the men of ^ In Dr. O' Donovan's translation of the
Erin, ancient historical tale of the " Banquet of
Without refusal, without a particle of Dun na n gedh and the Battle of Magh
churlishness." Rath." The entire difficulty could be got
over by substituting bishops for Apostles,
'7 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia and by inserting the word cotnharba — *'.<?.,
Sancta," part ii., pp. 128, 129. representative or successor — before the
18 According to Sir James Ware, in his names of these Saints. The probability,
Lists of the Bishops of Clogher, taken from however, is that the anachronism is an
the Register of that See. original blunder of the writer himself." — See
19 However, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan denies pp. 27, 28, n.
Ware's statement, concerning St. Molaise 2I See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
having been a Bishop over Clogher. He arum Antiquitates, cap. xvii., p. 474.
says, that even supposing Laisrean had been 22 It is classed E. 4. 2.
bishop there, it cannot be believed, that nine 23 See vol. v., p. 224.
prelates of that see lived between Tigernach, 24In Dreves' *' Analecta," vol. xix., p.
who died a.d. 549, and the pretended 222.
3o8
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
Society,2* under the editorship of J. H. Bernard, D.D,26 and R. Atkinson,
LL.l).2? This Hymn28 is probably derived from an Office for the Feast of
St. Molaise, of which a fragment is extant as a marginal note in the
Martyrology of Donegal, at the 12th of September. 29
After a life usefully and religiously spent, St. Molaisse was called away to
receive the crown of his labours and virtues, on the 12th day of September.
He was buried, in the cemetery, on the Island of Devenish. His stone
coffin30 is said to have been found, embedded in the earth, near one of the
ruins. The lid, which had been long taken for the shaft of an antique cross,
lay at the eastern side of what is called the Lower Church. To the north of
the oratory, within a small quadrangular enclosure, which appears to have
been the aherla, or Saint's burial-place, was to be seen that very rude stone
coffin, now broken into pieces. 31 The material is sandstone, and the bottom
seems to have been composed of three separate stones. 32 The lid has been
carried away — a fact greatly to be regretted33 — as by an examination of its
style, a very correct idea might be formed regarding the date of the
sarcophagus.
The festival of St. Molaisse is kept on the day of his death. For a long
time, it had been religiously observed by those, who dwelt in the vicinity of
Lough Erne. During the last century, and in the beginning of the present,
25 See the " Irish Liber Hymnorum,"
edited from the MSS., with Translations,
Notes and Glossary, vol. i., p. 158. London,
1898, 8vo.
26 Fellow of Trinity College, and Arch-
bishop King's Lecturer in Divinity in the
University of Dublin.
2? Professor of Sanskrit in the University
of Dublin.
28 The following is the text :—
Abbas probatus omnino
Benedictus a domino
Cum caritatis fructibus
Doctor seclesiasticus
Elect us dei anthleta
Fidelis sine macula
Gregis pastor subagrinus
Humilis supplex submissus
Jeiunus largissimus
Kastus cum rectis moribus
Lucerna erit in tota
Macculasrius Hibernia
Nadfraich et sanctus filius
Optimus dei filius
Probatus sapiens peritus
Quern coronavit dominus
Kequiescit post obitum
Securus in perpetuum
Tenebrarum rectoiibus
Uictis atque principibus
Xristo cum suis omnibus
Ymnum canit celestibus
Zelus in quo fait missus
dei prae particibus.
Oratio.
Per meritum Macculasri summi sacerdotis
adiuna nos Christe saluator mundi qui
regnas.
29 See ibid., vol. ii , pp. 220, 221.
30 This stone-coffin measured about six
feet, two inches in length, exteriorly, and in-
teriorly, five feet, six inches, by one foot,
ten inches.
31 Mr. Wakeman ascertained, that a stone
bearing an extremely rude effigy, and now
used as a headstone in the upper cemetery,
was popularly believed to have been the lid
of this coffin.
32 One end has been hollowed to meet the
contour of the head and shoulders of a very
small person ; but altogether, the work
presents a particularly mediaeval look. Of
those objects drawings have been furnished
by Mr. Wakeman, with the article to which
jrilusion has been already made.
33 The bed of St. Molaisi was shown as a
small square enclosure of walls, but now
broken, at the time of our visit to Devenish,
in July, 1869. About eighteen or nineteen
years previously, a certain Vandal, named
Robert Watkin, »broke this tomb— then
perfect— as we were told by the guide. A
week afterwards, he shot off his own thumb
by an accident, but this was attributed to
the Saint's displeasure : he got into prison
three several times, proved most unfortunate
in all his dealings, and in fine, he emigrated
to Ameriea. During the wintei of 1865-
66, three English soldiers, stationed
at Enniskillen, and belonging to the 93rd
Regiment, visited the Island. While one
of these looked on passively, the others broke
St. Molaise's tomb, in two distinct places.
Soon afterwards, one of the wreckers named
Davis, was drowned in the Lake, with two
other soldiers. It was not known, if either
or both of his companions had shared his
watery grave, after that wanton and base act.
September 12! LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
309
countless numbers repaired to the Island to practise various devotions on St.
Molaise's festival day. The local guide pointed out another object of interest,
viz. the exact spot on the North side facing down towards the Lough, where
St. Molaise's well flowed, although it was then covered up with stones.
Stations were formerly carriecl on near it. There is a tradition, that in the
olden time Devenish was connected with the mainland by a causeway. A
portion of this work appears to remain, and upon it there is a very well
defined crannogue, or artificial Island. Except in very dry summers, this
islet is covered with water.3* The exact year of St. Molaisse's death has not
been determined. However, the Annals of Boyle place it so early as
a.d. 544. 35 By some authors, it is referred to 563.3s After completing thirty
years, we are told, that he went to Heaven, a.d. 563, according to the Annals
of Ulster, and again this record assigns it to 570,37 which other writers
adopt. Again, the year 571 is thought to be the latest date that can be
noted for his departure.38 Some authorities name the 13th of April, 571, as
the day for his departure.39 In the " Feilire " of ^Engus, at the 12th of
September, 4° there is an encomiastic notice of Laisren, called the beautiful,
of multitudinous Damh-inis. There is a comment, having an Irish verse
attributed to him/1 The published Martyrology of Tallagh42 records a
festival, at the 12th of September, in honour of Molaissi Daimhinsi, i.e.
MacNatifraich. It is also entered in the Book of Leinster copy.*3 In the
Irish poetical Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,4* which has been edited by
Whitley Stokes, D.C.L.,4* and which contains several Biblical, Continental,
34 The foregoing description has been
written by W. F. Wakeman, for the " Irish
Chronicle," of May 29th, 1869. This
accomplished artist and antiquary enters
upon a more minute and complete descrip-
tion of those antique objects in his elegantly
written and illustrated Guide Book,
intituled "Lough Erne, Enniskillen, Belleek,
Ballyshannon and Bundoran," &c. First
Excursion, pp. 39 to 52.
35 " An dxliv. K. Molasi Daminsi
quievit." — Annales Buelliani, in Df.
O'Conor's " Rerurh Hibernicarum Scrip-
tores," vol. ii., p. 4.
36 See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol i., pp. 202, 203.
37 See the Annals of Ulster.
38 See the " Irish Ecclesiastical Record,"
vol. vii., p. 363.
39 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., ** Bishops of
Clogher," p. 178.
40 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
part i., on the Calendar of Oengus, by
Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxxxiii.
41 The following English translation is by
Dr. Whitley Stokes : " Laisren, i.e.,
Molaise, son of Natfraech of Dam-inis on
Lough Erne. Molaise sang : — *
" Well found was the land we found —
A broad lough (was) its mountain-field,
A common cemetery for Irishmen,
God the Father's own domain."
— Ibid., p. exlv.
42 Edited by Rev Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
43 Thus molAr'p true ruopnaich T>&m
mp.
44 All that is really known of Marianus
O'Gorman — commemorated as an Irish
Saint at July 3rd in the Martyrology of
Donegal — is derived from the Preface to his
Martyrology, and from it we learn, that his
Irish name was Mael-Maire hua Gormain,
Abbot of Cnoc na n-Apstol, or Hill of the
Apostles, a monastery belonging to the
Canons Regular of St. Augustine at Knock,
close to the town of Louth. The place was
otherwise called Cnoc na Sengan or Hill of
the Pismires. He composed his Martyrology
while Roderick O'Conor was King of Ire-
land, while Gelasius or Gilla mac Liac was
Archbishop of Armagh, and while Aed hua
Caillaidhi was bishop of Oriel, i.e., the
present Counties of Louth, Armagh and
Monaghan, as stated in the Preface. Where-
fore, we may conclude from the dates
given in our Annals for their several reigns,
that Marianus must have written between
a.d. 1 1 66 and 1174. Colgan thinks about
the year 1 167. See " Acta Sanctorum Hi-
bernise," Januarii i., p. 5.
4srhe " Felire Hui Gormain," or the
Martyrology of Gorman, edited from a
Manuscript in the Royal Library, Brussels,
with a Preface, Translation, Notes and
Indices. It has been issued, by the Henry
Bradshaw Society for editing rare Liturgical
Texts. Published in London, 1895, 8vo.
It contains a Preface, explanatory of the
3io
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
Anglo-Saxon, British and Aremorican Saints, besides the Irish Saints,*6 Lasrian
is commemorated with a eulogy for his meekness,*? in that Irish metre, called
the Rindard mor, or Great Rindard. The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman48 professes to enlarge the number of Irish Saints in the Calendars
of Tallaght and of Oengus, and to arrange the festivals of a great number of
them in those days on which the Church celebrates their festivals. The only
copy of this composition known to exist was that transcribed by Brother
Michael 0'0ery,49 about the year 1630, in the Franciscan Convent of
Donegal.s° We find him mentioned, at still greater length, in the Martyrology
of Donegal,*1 at the same date, as Molaissi, son of Nadfraech, Abbot of
Daimhinis.s2 On the 15th day53 of this same month is celebrated the festival
and holiday of Molaissi, in his own parish, and termon, at Bealach Ui
Michein.5* This exact locality is not easily ascertainable at the present
text, pp. vii. to lii., by the learned editor,
and also, pp. 1 to 411.
46 This Martyrology commemorates two
Saints — Gilla mac Liacc at March 27th,
who died in 1 173, and Gilla mo Chaidbeo
at March 31st, who died in 1174; so that
either the statements in the Preface appear
not to be correct, or the commemorations
just mentioned were added after the conclu-
sion of the poem. They may have been
subsequent emendations by the author him-
self. In 1 181, according to the Annals of
the Four Masters, Maelmuire Hua Dunain,
Abbot of Cnoc na Sengan in Louth, died ;
and Colgan supposes him to have been
identical with Marianus O'Gorman, and
Rev. Dr. Lanigan agrees with him in con-
jecture. See "'Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. iv., chap, xxx., sect, ii.,
p. 251.
4?With the other Saints noticed at the
1 2th of September, he is thus extolled in the
Irish stanza : —
" Iuentus soer, Sirius, .
mac Natfraich ro fromad,
Lasrian cain cen chinaid,
Mace Lasre, Fled fuillem,
do rindnim coa ragam
Ailbe Imlig Ibair."
It is thus rendered into English : —
" Noble Juventius, S*irius ;
Natfraech's son, who was proven.
Gentle, crimeless Lasrian. Mac
Lasre, Fled, an increase. To the
starry heaven whither we shall
go (belongs) Ailbe of Imlech
Ibair." See pp. 174, 175.
48 It is a paper Manuscript in the
Bibliotheque Royale, Brussels, marked
5100 — 4. It is bound in vellum with a
piece of calf-skin stitched on the back,
which is inscribed thus : Martyrologia et
Carmina hibernica, and on the left cover is
the following note in a seventeenth century
hand : Continens Martyrologia S. /Engussij
Mariani Gormani et Tamlactense et
Genealogias Sanctorum et plura alia Opus-
cula. It is a thin 4to, almost wholly in the
handwriting of Michael O'Clery, and it con-
tains 214 leaves.
49 However, through a loan of the Belgian
Government to the Very Rev. Dr. James
Henthorn Todd, of T.C.D., a transcript by
Eugene O'Curry was made from it. After
the death of Dr. Todd, that transcript came
into the possession of Right Rev. William
Reeves, late Protestant Bishop of Down,
Connor and Dromore. Heretofore, the
present writer was obliged to take his
references to Marianus O'Gorman chiefly
from the works of Colgan.
50 The frontispiece engraving to the
present volume represents the ruins of that,
convent, as they now stand, near the sea-
shore, adjoining the town of Donegal.
s1 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
pp. 244,245.
52 In a comment, at mention of his name,
in the Table, it is said, that at Daimhinis
there was a secular priory of Colidei,
belonging to the great church, or cathedral
of the parish church of St. Molash — so it
was in old times — and a vicarage of the
same church. See ibid., pp. 452, 453.
53 The 15th day, " over the word
ceui5e<v6, is written as a gloss, feipoTD,
which makes it the 16th day." Note by
Dr. Todd.
54Juxta fratrem Michen, "As brother
Michen says," is appended to the foregoing
account . The following note is written here
in the more recent hand : " Antiphona
communis. Vir Dei dum veil mm vitje
populo prcedicaret, vfsusesta terra paululum
sublimari, et in cere pendere, et mirati sunt
universi. Adesto nobis qutesumus Domine,
ut beati Lasreani confessoris tui atque
ibbatis interventu ab omni inquinatione
mundemur corporis et mentis per Christum."
This is evidently taken from some ancient
office for St. Molaisse, who is also called,
S. Laserian, or Lastianus. The foregoing
remarks are found in a note, inserted by Dr.
Todd.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. ' 311
time, among the modern townland denominations in Ireland. St. Molaise was
Patron Saint to the O'Flannagan family of Tuath-Ratha, or Toora.ss There
is a curious account of the tribes of Dartry in the time of Molaisse.56 In an
Irish PoemS7 introduced into the Rife of St. Molaise, the tributes and contri-
butions from the Chiefs and people of Toora are set forth and in full, as also #
the spiritual and temporal benefits which they in turn were to receive from
him. They are told that if they undertake a just battle, and carry the Gospel
of Molaise before them as their standard, they shall be victorious. At the
time of the suppression of religious houses,58 the possessions of Devenish are
specified in a particular manner. 59 The veneration of this holy Abbot
reached the South of Ireland. The old church in the Parish of Kilmolash,60
county of VVaterford, means " the church of St. Molash," the celebrated Saint
of Devenish in Lough Erne.61
The tourist and antiquary more frequently visit the early scene of
Molaissi's holy retirement, in the present age, than the pilgrim, who cannot
find the long-displaced Saint's cell or shrine. But, for all persons of true
feeling and taste, an indescribable charm is produced in the soul, and
awakened in the recollection of all who resort to the island. The scenery is
gloriously grand, and yet softly diversified, around the former home of this
holy abbot. As we take a tourist's leave of the place, numberless islands
seem to float over the wide surface of that placid lake, with its waters
spreading out to the blue outline of mountains and swelling slopes on the
distant horizon.
Article III. — St. Mac Lasre or Maclaisre, Archbishop and
Abbot of Armagh, County of Armagh. [Sixth and Seventh Centuries.']
Although bearing the patronymic, which was tlie same name, and having a
festival on the same day, the present must be distinguished from the former
saint. At the 12th of September, in the Martyrologies of Tallagh,1 and of
Marianus O'Gorman,2 we find the entry of Mac Lasre's feast. The name
may be interpreted the son of Laisre. He was born sometime in the sixth
century. The calendarist of the O'Clerys thinks he descends from the race
of Eoghan, son to Niall ; or, it is added, that he may belong to the race of
Corbmac Cas, son to Oilioll Olum. Already we have noticed the festival of
a St. Maclaisre, Abbot of Bangor, at the 16th of May,3 and whose death is
recorded in the Annals of Ulster at a.d. 645 ; 4 but he seems to have been
55 See Eugene O'Curry's " Catalogues of of Waterford, collected during the Pro-
MSS., in the Royal Irish Academy," series gress of the Ordnance Survey in 1841,"
i., vol. i., p. 208. p. 133.
56 At p. 80 of his Irish Life. R.I.A. Article hi.— * Edited by Rev. Dr.
57 Mr. O'Curry thinks this poem had been Kelly, p. xxxiv. Also distinct from the
written about the middle of the fourteenth moLar-p of Dam Inis in the Book of
century. Leinster copy is this entry trUcLarpe.
58 We are told, that Henry VIII. 's "first 2See Colgan's " Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
attack was levelled at the smaller institu- x. Januarii. Vita S. Thomiani, nn. 4, 5,
tions or those whose yearly income did not p. 53.
exceed two hundred pounds."— Butler's 3 See at that date, in the Fifth Volume
" Historical Memoirs of the English, Irish of this work, Art. viii.
and Scottish Catholics," vol. i., chap, xvii., 4 " Mac Laisre Abbas Bennchair
sec. 4., p. 205. , quievit." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
59 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- carum Scriptores," tomus iv. Annales
cum," pp. 260, 261. Ultonienses, p. 49. Dr. O'Conor remarks
60 Called in Irish C1II molAife. in a note (j) that Molassius of Devenish
61 Such is the statement of John O'Dono- died 563, and Lasrean of Leighlin died
van in " Letters containing Information 638. They are often confounded by late
relative to the Antiquities of the County writers ignorant of Irish history.
3i2 • LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
a different person from the present saint. His proper name is nowhere
mentioned ; but, he is supposed to have sat in the See of Armagh from a.d.
610, and to have died on the 12th oi September, in the year 623.5 This
saint is thought possibly to have been identical with a St. Terenan, Arch-
bishop6 of Ireland, as mentioned by John of Tinmouth,' and by Capgrave.
This latter saint is said to have heard St. Laurence,8 Archbishop of Canter-
bury, dispute upon the dissonance regarding the Easter Festival Celebration,
and about other Apostolic Institutions. He thus laid hold of the truth, and
afterwards took a great deal of pains, referable to those matters, in reforming
his own people. As Laurence was advanced to the See of Canterbury in
611, and died February 3rd, 619, he seems to have been contemporaneous
with the present Saint.9 At the 12th of September, Mac Lasre is entered by
Marianus O'Gorman in his Fdlire. The present holy man is described in
the Martyrology of Donegal,10 at this same date, as Maclaisre, Bishop and
Abbot of Ard Macha. According to the Annals of the Four Masters," he
died in the year 622.
Article IV. — St. Fledh, Virgin, of Tech-Fleidhe, County of
Wicklow. In the " Feilire " x of ^Engus, at the 12th of September, St.
Fled is called the luminous and buoyant. There is a comment in Irish
attached.2 According to tradition, she was daughter to a King of Leinster.
We are told, that he belonged to Tech Fleidhe, in Ui-Garchon, of Leinster.
The district of Hy-Garchon — within which her Church was situated —
belonged to the territory of Forthuatha. This is thought to have represented
Ui Mail, in the barony of Upper Talbotstown, and County of Wicklow.3
Elsewhere, an opinion has been given, that the district of Hy Garchon may
have extended through the barony of Newcastle, in the same county.* In
the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, Fled is entered at the -12th of
September. According to the Martyrology of Donegal5 veneration was
given at the same day to Fledh, virgin, daughter to the King of Leinster.
Article V. — St. Colman, Bishop of Abhla. The Martyrologies of
Tallagh1 and of Donegal2 register a festival in honour of Colman, a Bishop,
s See Harris' Ware, vol. i. "Arch- Article iv. — 'See "Transactions of
bishops of Armagh," p. 39. There is the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu-
evidently a printer's error, in the 2nd of script Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar
September, as found in that passage. of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
°By Harris. cxxxiii. •
* The " Vita S. Laurentii," is quoted. 2 Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
•He is said to have visited Ireland, and "'with Fled,' i.e. daughter of a King of
with a view of persuading the Scots to Leinster of Tech Fleide in Ui-Garrchon." —
observe the custom of the Universal Church Ibid. p. cxlv.
in observing the Easter Festival. See Dean 3 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar,
Cressy's " Church History of Brittany," na gCeart, or Book of Rights," n. (<1.)
book xiv., chap, x., sect, i., p. 327. p. 207.
9 See Harris' Ware, vol. i. " Arch- * See notices of St. Ernin, at the 18th of
bishops of Armagh," p. 39. Yet St. August, in the Eighth Volume of this
Terenan might have been confounded with Work, Art. ii.
St. Thomian or Toinian Mac Ronan, who 5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
succeeded this present Saint as Archbishop 246, 247.
of Armagh, in 623. Article v. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr.
10 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster
246, 247. copy, we find also CobniAm Opi <VbleA.
11 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp. 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
246, 247 and n. (1.) 246, 247.
September 12.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 313
at the 1 2th of September. Abhla is said to have been his place, but only in
the former of these calendars.
Article VI. — St. Kenan, surnamed Colledoc, Bishop. [Fi/t/i
Century. ~] A life of this Saint has been written by M. Maurice,1 but it is not
of much authority. To his life of St. Joavan, Colgan has some notes
attached, relating to St, Kenan;2 while from him, as a guide, the Abbe
Tresvaux, editor of the latest issue of Lives of the Saints of Bretagne, by the
learned Benedictine Priest, Dom Gui Alexis Lobineau* has added notices
about St. Kenan, « surnamed Colledoc, a Bishop, He was born probably
after the commencement of the fifth century ; but Albert le Grande, s who
states that his birth took place in Great Britain, and that his father was
named Ladanus, and his mother, Tagua, has been corrected by Colgan,6 who
maintains, that Kenan 7 was born in Ciennact— -not in Connaught, as had
been incorrectly stated 8 — while his father was really Sedanus and his
mother Ethnea.9 Some writers have thought him not to be a different
person from the St. Cienan or Kenan, Abbot, whose feast is marked at the
25th day of February, and about whom we have. already treated.10 Others
have supposed him to be identical with St. Kenan, an early Bishop of
Duleek.11 The story goes, that having subjected Ireland to his sway, in the
fifth century, in order to secure the fidelity of the chieftains, Laoghaire,
King of Tara, demanded fifty of their children, as hostages. Among these
was Kenan, who remained for some time under the control of that Pagan
king. However, from that sort of captivity he was released by St. Kieran,
who then instructed him with care in the Christian religion. Afterwards, his
young disciple passed over to the Continent. The Bretons of France have
a tradition, that about a.d. 450,12 this native of Ireland sought their country,
and that? he early embraced a religious life, in the monastery of St. Martin of
Tours.'3 His zeal for the salvation of souls caused his return to Ireland,
where he preached the Gospel in the Province of Connaught, and gained
many souls to Christ. Thence he passed to Leinster, where he built a
church in a place called after him the Forest of Kenan. There too he
collected around him a large congregation of believers, whom he had brought
Article vi. — *Vicaire of the Paroisse who lived in the time of St. Martin of
de Cleder, in the old diocese of Leon. Tours.
2 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," 8 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
Martii ii., Vita S. Jaova, Episcopi Leonensis, arum Antiquitates," cap. xvi., and Addenda
cap. xiii., xiv., and nn. io, II, pp. 441 to Quaedam omissa, pp. 411, 508.
444- 'According to the Calendar of Cashel,
3 See " Les Vies des Saints de Bretagne," at the 24th day of November, and the
Nouvelle edition, revue, corrig£e, et consi- Sanctilogium Genealogicum, cap. xxxvi.
derablemenl augmented, par. M. L'Abbe I0 See the Second Volume of this work,
Tresvaux, tome i., pp. 62 to 64. at that date, art. i.
4 This Saint has been altogether omitted "Hisfeastisheld on the24thof November,
from the work of Lobineau, but the account I2 Ussher thus writes at that year :
has been added by the Abbe Tresvaux. " Kenanus gentis Connacticae puer a
5 See his work, on the Saints of Armoric tyrannide Regis Leogarii, cui obses fuerit
Britain, in his Life of St. Jaove, Bishop of traditus, S. Kierani Episcopi opera
Leon, liberatus, et bonis literis a Nathano viro
6 See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," religio>issimo eruditus, postea Gallias adiit ;
Martii ii. Vita S. Jaova, Episcopi et apud Turonenses in ccenobio S. Martini
Leonensis, nn. 10, 1 1, p. 443. habitum induit monasticum."— " Britanni-
? Hugh of Kirksted, a Cistercian monk, carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," Index
is supposed by Archbishop Ussher to have Chronologicus, p. 519.
substituted the term S. Renanus for our S. I3 His feast is celebrated on the nth of
Kenanus, in treating of the Irish monk, November.
3i4 LIVES OJ- THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 12.
into the true fold. Afterwards, lie visited the Eugenian district, so called from
a king named Eugene,1* and there he destroyed an idol and the altar erected
to him by the Pagans. On the site he erected an altar to the living God ;xs
and he gave it in charge to his beloved disciple, St. Comgell,16 It is said,
that St. Kenan became Bishop of Duleek.'7 Next he retired to a place in
his own country, which was called Ros-ene, The site of this locality has not
been discovered, nor is it known, how long St. Kenan remained there, or if
he had erected a religious house, or had ruled over a community of monks.
However, it seems most likely he led the life of an anchoret, which did not pre-
vent him from ministering to the wants of converts from paganism, that during
his time must have largely prevailed in Ireland. Afterwards, he returned to
Aremoric Brittany, and established himself in the country of Leon, where he
desired to remain in solitude. He fixed on a place called Cleder, where he
lived for many years in companionship with his fellow-disciple, the hermit
St. Kerrien. To him, our Saint rendered the last religious offices, when he
had been called away from life.18 Also, he administered the last Sacraments
of the Church to Jaove,1* the holy Bishop of Leon, before his departure.
The death of St. Kenan occurred, towards the year 495. He was interred at
Cleder,20 in the canton of Plougeved^, arrondissement of Morlaix, where the
site of his tomb is shown.21 It is thought to be possible, that in whole or in
part, his relics had been translated to his former monastery of Ros-ene in
Ireland. Many churches in greater and lesser Britain have been dedicated
to St. Colledoc — said to have been another name for St. Kenan.22 His
feast is assigned to the 12th of September. We do not find his name men-
tioned in the " Histoire de Bretagne," by Lobineau. Festivals are instituted,
also, in his honour, at the 1st and 7 th of October.
14 The old chronicler adds, " cujus neptis been derived from Ethne, the mother of St.
Ethne ipsius Kenani mater fuisse memo- Kenan of Duleek. This enquiry, Colgan
ratur." promised further to develop, at the feast
15 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Eccle- day of the latter Saint, November 24th. See
siarum Antiquitates." Addenda Qusedam " Acta Sanctorum Hibernke," Martii ii.
omissa, p. 508. Vita S. Jaove, Episcopi Leonensis, nn. 10,
16 Who the Saint had been that bore this II, p. 443.
name, we have no means left for determining. ,8 Nothing more seems to be known,
17 This conjecture is hazarded by Colgan, regarding St. Kerrien of Bretagne, than
who supposes that the Kenan, named what is related in the text.
Calodoc by Albert Le Grand, could have '9 See his Life in the Third Volume of
been no other than the bishop of Duleek, this work, at the 2nd day of March,
who flourished in the fifth century, and Art. iii.
chiefly for the following reasons. First, w " II fat inhume dans le cimetiere, d'ou
the identity of names, as among the Britons, on a sans doute leve son corps pour le placer
no other Saint similarly called is to be found. dans un lieu plus honorable." — L'Abbe"
Secondly, the concurrence of place and Tresvaux's edition de " Les Vies des Saints
period, as we read of Kenan having been in de Bretagne, par Dom Guy-Alexis Lobineau,
Gaul about the year 450, where it seems tome i., pp. 63, 64.
probable he remained until A.l>. 472, besides 2I See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
other subsequent years. Thirdly, because Saints," tome xi., xiie Jour de Septembre,
Kenan, surnamed Calodock, had a disciple p. 48.
named St. Kerian, who was probably St. "The Abbe Tresvaux adds : "son tombeau
Kieran of Saigir, by whose means St. se voit encore dans une petite chapelle qui
Kenan of Duleek had been liberated, and porte son nom et se trouve dans un coin du
who then went to Gaul. Fourthly, that in cimetiere de Cleder." — Edition de "Les Vies
Ireland there was a place known as des Saints de Bretagne," par Dom Guy-
Ros-ene, which denomination seems to have Alexis Lobineau, tome i-, p. 64.
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 315
Cbtrteentb Dap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. DAGAN, BISHOP OF ACHAD-DAGAIN, OR ENNER-
REILLY, COUNTY OF WICKLOW.
[SIXTH AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.]
THAT the present holy man had been greatly venerated while he lived
does not admit of question. His acts have not come down to us,
however, so that Colgan's Life of him is extracted, for the most part, from
biographies of other saints, or from ancient documents, with a few italicised
sentences of his own!1 Already we have given some notice of St. Dagan, at
the 1 2th day of March f but, the present day is his chief festival.3 In the
" Acta Sanctorum" 4 of the Bollandists, at the 13th of September, some brief
notices of Dagan occur ; but, it is to be regretted, that the writer should have
manifested such little knowledge and consideration of matters relating to the
saint's history, as to throw aspersions and doubts on the veneration in which
he was formerly held in Ireland. The father of this saint5 was Colmad, or
Colmadan, son to Conall. He was the son of Enan, son to Sinill, son of
Conall, son to Cathar, son of Armor, son of Nazar, son to Fothad, son of
Lamderg, son to Messincorb,6 son to Cucorb, etc., according to an Irish
Life of St. Mochoemoc,? translated into English by Professor O'Looney.
Thus, Dagan was descended from the noble family of Dalmessincorb, in
Leinster.8 Another name for the father of our saint was Colman. The
Sanctilogic Genealogy of the Irish Saints9 likewise derives him from the
renowned Messincorb.10 Again, his mother was named Coeltigherna,
daughter to Coemlog, and sister to St. Coemhgen or Kevin." According to
a Tract, said to have been composed by St. ^Engus the Culdee, besides St.
Kevin, the mother of our Saint had two holy brothers, viz., St. Coeman12
Santlebhain of Ardne, and St. Mochoemius or Natchoemius^ of Tirdaglas,
Article i. — * See Colgan's " Acta Sane- Genealogicum, cap. 20, and from the Genea-
torum Hibernise," xii. Martii. De S. logies of Leinster.
Dagano, Abbate et episcopo, pp. 584 to 587. 7 At chapter 28.
2 In the Third Volume of this work, Art. ix. 8 See Colgan's ' ' Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
3 According to Marianus O'Gorman, nise," xii. Martii, n. 1, p. 586.
Maguire, and the Martyrology of Donegal. ' There we read : " S. Daganus de Imb-
Colgan states, it is allowed by all, that St. herdeaile in regione de Hi-Kennseluigh
Dagan's festival is referred to the 1 2th of filius Colman, filii Conalli, F. Enani, F.
March, and to the 13th of September. Sinelli, F. Conalli, F. Cacherij, F. Anmorij.
See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xii. F. Nazarij, F. Fothadij, F. Eochadij
Martii, nn. II, 12, 13, p. 586. Laimhdeirg, F. Messincorbi, F. Cucorbi,"
4 See tomusiv., Septembris xiii. Among &c. — "Sanctilogium Genealogicum,"cap.xx.
the pretermitted Saints, p. 50. I0 See Colgan's Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
5 Maguire and the Sanctilogium Genealo- nise," xii. Martii, n. 2, p. 586.
gicum refer to St. Dagan, as a descendant " See his Life, in the Sixth Volume of
of Messincorb, founder of the Dal messencorb this work, at the 3rd of June, Art. i.
family, in the southern part of Leinster. I2 His feast occurs on the 12th of June.
6 This Messincorb, who was also called See at that date in the Sixth Volume of this
Niacorb, was son to Cucorb, Prince of work, Art. vi.
Leinster, and uncle on the father's side to I3 His feast is kept on the 1st of May.
Cathair, the last Leinster King over Ireland, See, at that date, the Fifth Volume of this
as would appear from the Sanctilogium work, Art. iv.
316
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
and a holy sister named St. Coemoca.1* All of these were illustrious for
their virtues and miracles. According to a Tract, attributed to St. ^ngus
the Culdee,15 Coeltigerna, the sister of St. Coemgen was the mother of four
sons : viz., of Uagan of Innbherdaoile, of Mobai, of Molibseus, and of Menoc of
Glennfaidhle.'6 Thus, he had three brothers, Molibba,1? Bishop ofGlendalough,
Mobai,18 and Menoc,1? Abbot of Glennfaidhle; all these were distinguished
for their sanctity. Lastly, Dempster and Camerarius incorrectly state, that
St. Dagan was a British Scot by birth.20 St. Dagan was born in or after
a.d. 565, according to the conjecture of Dr. Lanigan,21 who adduces good
reasons to support his conclusion. This learned historian also shows, that
the birth of our saint cannot be placed at a much later period than a.d. 570,
while Colgan says, he was born, about the close of the sixth century.22
At a tender age, St. Dagan was brought to the school of St. Pulcherius
or Mochoemoc of Liathmore.2^ Here he remained for some years, pursuing
those studies which were required to fit him for the ecclesiastical state. Our
Saint was distinguished for mildness and suavity of disposition, 2< although
not naturally devoid of a certain warmth of temper. In St. Puleherin's Life,
we are informed, that during the time our Saint remained under his tutelage,
certain monks came to Liathmore monastery, being desirous of seeing and
14 See notices of her, in the Seventh
Volume of this work, at the 22nd of July,
Art ii.
*s At lib. iv., cap. 16.
16 However, Colgan says, that a certain
interpolator of ^Engus, who writes as fol-
lows, at chap. 88, is in error : " Coemaca
soror S. Coemgini, fuit mater Dagani filii
Colmadii et Mobaii filii Colmadii et Menoci
de Glennfaidhle et de Ros-mor, Menoic et
Molibsei filii Aridii de Dal-aradiis oriundi."
But, as Colgan shows, St. Molibseus, son to
Aradius, of the Dalaradian family in Ulster,
who is venerated at Enach Elte, in the
same province, was not brother of the pre-
ceding Saints, but St. Molibaeus, Bishop of
Glendalough, as shown at the 8th of
January, the festival day of St. Molibseus,
son to Colmad, and at the 18th of February,
the natalis of St. Molibreus, son to Aradius.
See " Acta Sanctorum Ilibernise," xii.
Martii, nn. 8, 9, 10, p. 586.
*> His feast is celebrated, on the 8th of
January. See in the First Volume of this
work, at that date, Art. viii.
18 According to the Martyiology of Tam-
lacht, Marianus O'Gorman and others, the
Natalis of St. Mobai was celebrated, on the
3rd of December.
19 St. Menoc's feast occurs, on the 29th of
December. He is also called Einanus.
20 Colgan challenges them to prove St.
yEngus guiity of error or deception, having
written over tight hundred years before that
time when he wrote, adding, that many
other writers treated on our Saint's paternal
and maternal genealogies ; on his education
from his tender years under St. Pulcherius
of Liathmore ; on his being buried at the
monastery of Inbher-Dagan, in the Leinster
province ; on the year of his death ; and on
the day for his festival. See " Acta Sanc-
torum Hi Demise," xii. Martii, nn. iS, 19,
pp. 586, 587.
21 The principal reasons adduced by Dr.
Lanigan are, that the monastery of Liath-
more did not exist, at least, until about 576.
"Now supposing, which, however, there is
nothing to prove, that Dagan was placed
there soon after its commencement, and
allowing him ten or twelve years of age at
that time, his birth cannot be assigned to an
earlier period than 565. On the other hand,
it cannot be placed much after 570 ; for he
was a bishop before the death of Molua of
Clonfertmolua, who died, at the latest, in
609." — "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii., chap, xiv., sec. xvi., n. 229, p. 366.
2J See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xii.
Martii. Vita S. Dagani, cap. 1., p. 584.
33 The feast of this Saint is observed, on
the 13th of March, according to our native
calendars. At that date, see his Life in the
Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
34 By Marianus O'Gorman, the entries for
this day are :
Maurilion nos Molaimm,
l'ilip, Amait. idna,
Mael Tolaig tenn fedma :
Feil inghen caid Coluimm,
Naeman, Caemnech cunnla
I lagan aebdrech ergna.
The following is the English version : —
" Maurilion, I praise him, Philippus, and
Amatus the pure ones. Mael Tolaig of the
strong effort. The feast of Colomb's cliaste
daughters. Noeman, prudent Coemnech,
fair-laced, wise Dagan. ' — Whitley Stokes'
" F?liie Hui Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 317
conversing with its Abbot. They beheld this holy man with his brethren,
who were at work in a field near the monastery. On asking for St.
Pnlcherius, the visitors were directed to him, where he was found at work
upon his knees, and with due admiration they accosted him. St. Pulcherius
prophesied to them, in these following terms — " Brethren, think of the
remedy for your souls, for death threatens you, and in a short time all of you
shall die, excepting this little boy who is with you." Not doubting the ful-
filment of this prophecy, they did penance, and died after a few days. We
are told, that these monks were five in number, and that the boy who accom-
panied them was kept by ' St. Pulcherius, who diligently instructed him,2*
together with another youth, who received lessons from the same master.
On another day, it is related, that this holy father Pulcherius said to St.
Dagan : u My son, if you read well, you shall receive from my hand, before
your death, the Communion of Christ's body and blood." A few days after-
wards, the boy came by his death, in the following manner. The people of
Ossory spoiled the country of Eile, whilst Dagan and his companions were
tending calves belonging to the monastery. Then, too, other monks were
engaged in various occupations. The Ossorian chieftain's followers, having
surprised the pious herdsmen, beheaded St. Dagan. His companion con-
trived to escape with life. St. Canice26 was stopping in Liathmore monastery,
at the time of this accident. A herd who had escaped — most probably with
some wounds — ran to St. Pulcherius, St. Canice and the other monks. He
was restored, it was said, by God's grace manifested through the saints
already named. But the decapitated trunk of St. Dagan's body, together
with the head, had been brought to the monastery. Then St. Pulcherius
said to St. Canice : " Holy father, I have promised to give Communion to
this youth before his death, but as yet I have not fulfilled my promise — let
the power of God be shown in him through us. Wherefore, father, join his
head to his body, or entreat the Lord, that he may be restored to life." St.
Canice said : " In the name of Christ, I will join his head to his body, but
do you beseech the Lord, that life will revive in him." The holy Canice
placed the head in its proper position, and it became once more firmly united
to the body, and life was restored ; 2? but, to the day of Dagan's subsequent
death, a circular mark was to be seen around his neck, to indicate that line
of junction. On the instant, Dagan gave thanks to God for his miraculous
recovery, and afterwards he received Holy Communion, at the hands of St.
Pulcherius. Thus was the prediction accomplished ; and after this event,
St. Dagan lived for a long time in lnverdaoile, as superior over a great
number of monks.
We are told, however, that before our Saint became an Abbot, he was
under the care of a wise and holy senior, named Petrocus,28 for some years.
This Patrocus was a Cambrian29 and of royal birth. On the death of his
25 The Life of Pulcherius adds : " Et postea was under an impression, that our Saint had
in sanctum virum, quern sanctum Daganum been buried at lnverdaoile.
Abbatem vocavit, qui jam suo Monasterio 26 His Life is given, at the nth of October,
nomine InbherDaile in Oriente Hiberniae in the Tenth Volume of this work, Art. i.
plaga in regione Lageniensium, scilicet in 2? While St. Canice held the youth in his
plebe Dalmascorb posito juxta mare hands, St. Pulcherius prayed, and Dagan
jacet, et alius puer cum S, Dagano, apud was restored to life, and to his former state,
Patrem Pulcherium legebat." — Colgan's according to the Acts of St. Pulcherius.
" Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xii. Martii. a8 He is venerated on the 4th of June,
Vita S. Dagani, cap. ii., pp. 584, 585, and where notices of him are to be found in the
ibid., xiii. Martii- Vita S. Mochoemoi, cap. Sixth Volume of this work, Art. ii.
xxviii., p. 594. It would seem from this 29 " Petrocus genere Camber." — Ex Vita
statement, the writer of St. Pulcherius' Acts Petroci. " The Itinerary of John Ltland
3i8
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13,
father, the chiefs and people of the principality sought to elevate him to a
vacant throne. But Petrocus, who disregarded the pomp of royalty, with
sixty of his companions entered a monastery, and assumed the religious
habit.3° After some considerable time, he went to Ireland, where he spent
twenty years, in the study of the Scriptures, and acquiring other courses of
learning. He was animated with such a love of study, that he even excelled
the celebrated masters who taught him ; 31 and having hoarded treasures of
science with laborious application, he transferred these riches obtained in
Ireland to Corinia or Cornwall in England. 32 Harris has .also copied
Colgan's statement that our Saint studied under Petrocus.33 There this Abbot
founded a monastery, near the Sabrinian Sea,34 and had for disciples,
Credanus,35 Medanus,36 and Dacanus,37 who were celebrated for their learn-
ing and sanctity. Colgan, who makes Dacan identical with St. Dagan, says
the latter was subject to Petrocus' discipline for some years. From his mode
of relation, it would seem, that these years of discipline and instruction had
been spent in Ireland. 38 It would appear —if different persons — that these
were Irishmen, from the circumstance of St. Petrocus having been twenty
years before in Ireland, 39 as also, because their festivals had been observed
and commemorated in Ireland, and not in Britain. However, Dr. Lanigan
states, that Colgan errs, in confounding our Saint with the other, named
Dacan, that studied in Cornwall under the British Petrocus. 4° The same
writer supposed it probable, that Petrocus was dead before the birth of our
Saint, as it can hardly be allowed that he lived to the time of Dagan's man-
hood, that is until near the end of the sixth century.41 However, some mis-
apprehension has prevailed, that Dagan had been a student at Bangor,
which a Scotch story has placed in Scotland, and hence the Rev. Dr.
Lingard alludes to him as a Caledonian Bishop.42 Another opinion has been
hazarded, that Dagan belonged to Bangor^ in Ireland. But these assump-
tions are all incorrect.44
the Antiquary," vol. viii., p, 52. Second
edition.
30 See John Capgrave's " Nova Legenda
Anglise."
31 According to Leland, "S. Petrocus
monasticam professus vitam sub Regula D.
Benedicti apud Bodminam tunc temporis
vocatum." — Joannis Lelandi Antiquarii.
" De Rebus Britannicis Collectanea, vol.
i., p- 75- Thomas Hearn's Editio altera.
32 "Quaesitus hac laboriosa scientise
thesaurus cura, tandem inventus est : qui
jam ne deliteret, inventor Hibernicas
gazas in Coriniam transtulit, et videndas
omnibus exhibuit." — Commentarii de Scrip-
toribus Britannicis," auctore Joanne Lelando,
Londinate, tomus i., cap. xxxv., p. 61.
33 Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of
Ireland," book i., p. 24.
34 Leland says : " In ccenobio vero Apos-
tolici oidinis, quod in Cornubia aliquot
passuum millibus a Sabrino littore
cedificabat, discipulos habuit, Credanum,
Medanum et Dacanum, viros doctrina et
vitse sanctitate illustres."
3s Thus, Cridan is venerated in Leinster at
Achadh Einnich Church— probably Agha-
vannagh — on the nth day of May. See at
that date, the Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
36 St. Medan, son to Fechina, is commemo-
rated, on the 17th of February. See in the
Second Volume of this work, at that date,
Art. xx. Another St. Medan, son to Moil,
was venerated on the 16th of September.
37 Leland, however, does not name the
country of their birth, in his account of St.
Petrocus.
38 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum
Hibernise," xii. Martii. Vita S. Dagani,
cap. iii., iv., p. 585.
39 " Petrocus 20 annis studuit in
Hibernia." — Ex. Vita Petroci. See
" Itinerary of John Leland the Antiquary,"
vol. viii., p. 52, second edition.
40 For many years, he lived in Ireland,
and he had been master to Dagan's uncle,
St. Kevin, or Coemgen, when the latter was
a child.
41 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii , chap, xiv., sect, xvi., n. 229 , p. 366.
42 See the " Antiquities of the Anglo-
Saxon Church," chap, i., p. 39.
43 Smith, the editor of Bede, says, that
Dagan had been* deputed from the
Monastery of Bangor in Ireland, to confer
with Laurence on the points then in dispute.
See note in loco citato. This is also an
incorrect statement.
44 That Dagan was an Irish bishop is
evident from a well-known letter of the
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
3i9
After spending a long novitiate under the direction of his holy instructor,
at Liathmore, Dagan left this place, and sought a spot, whereon to erect a
religious house. He selected Inverdaoile,4^ near the sea-coast, in the south-
eastern part of Wicklow County. The signification of Inverdaoile means
the Mouth of a River called Daoile.46 In was situated in the territory of
Hy-Kenselach. Inverdaoile is now known as Ennereilly, a townland in the
parish so named,47 and containing the ruins of an old church, situated close
to Mizen Head, in the barony of Arklow, and County of Wicklow. It is
about four miles and a quarter, north-north-east from the town of Arklow.
The river Dall or Deel is now called the Pennycomequick River.48 In the
Down Survey, Ennereilly is written Newville, In the year i839,49 two
Ennereilly, County of Wicklow.
portions of the side walls belonging to the old church were still standing in
the old burying ground of Ennereilly. It is near the sea-shore, on a bleak
and an exposed elevation, topping the North bank of what is usually called
by the peasantry Redcross River. Some fine land and sea-views may thence
Roman prelates. It was written to the
clergy of Ireland, and in it, Bishop Dagan
is spoken of as one of them. Then it re-
presents Dagan as " coming into this
Island " (Britain) ; " Daganum episcopum
in hanc insulam venientem." Accordingly,
we may conclude, that he did not come
from Caledonia or any part of Britain.
45 According to the " Sanctilogium Genea-
logicum" and other Irish authorities, Harris
was wrong in calling the place Inverdagain.
For this, he had no authority, except an error
of the Press, in "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise,"
at p. 586, where this name occurs instead of
Inverdaoile.
46 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii., chap, xiv., n. 232, p. 367.
47 It is bounded on the north-east by
Dunganstown parish, on the north-west by
Red Cross parish, on the south-west by
Kilbride parish, and on the east by the Irish
Sea.
48 In the Feilire Aenguis, at 13th Septem-
ber, Inbher-Doeli is described as in the
territory of Dal-Mescorb, in Leinster, and
Doel, as " nomen amnis," in the East of
Leinster. Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of
the Four Masters," vol. i., n. (d), p. 256.
49 See a Letter of Mr. O'Connor, dated
Arklow, January 31st, 1839, " Letters con-
taining Information relative to the County
of Wicklow collected during the Progress of
the Ordnance Survey in 1839," vol. i., pp.
408, 409.
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
be obtained. The ruins of the old church are in the middle of what was
until of late an unenclosed grave-yard, having no ancient monuments. s° The
church plan is still discoverable, as having consisted of a nave and chancel ;
the former 30 feet in length, by 20 in width interiorly — the latter is 13 feet
in length, by 12 feet in breadth. The walls remaining average two feet ten
inches in thickness. Only small portions of the nave-walls stand, and with-
out any feature of a door or window visible. The choir is level with the
foundations. The field around is very green and fertile. The grave-yard is
still much used for interments. Apparently the church is of g*eat antiquity.
It is built of very rude materials. At a more recent period, a clumsy buttress
appears to have been built at the south-west angle of the nave, as if to prop
the walls, which have fallen round their bases, at various points. A hollowed
holy water font lay outside the cemetery in a field adjoining. A well of pure
water flows below the grave-yard into the river. No patron was there re-
membered51 at the time when first visited by the writer. The cemetery
was then unenclosed. At present, it has a wall surrounding it,52 and built
witli the rough flag-stones, found in a quarry adjoining, and set on edge, out-
side a hawthorn hedge, which crowns the whole fence." Few fragments of
the side-walls now remain in the church-ruins, and only portions of the gables
are to be seen.
It is supposed, that the name Inverdaoile, afterwards had been changed to
that of Achadh-Dagan, /.<?., the Field of Dagan ; or that a part of this tract,
so called, was subsequently distinguished by the name of Achadh-Dagan, as
a consequence of its being the place chosen for our Saint's religious founda-
tion. There, having erected a monastery, he soon collected a community of
monks, and he was regarded as Abbot over his own .foundation. For
their government, he seems to have adopted the Rule of St. Molua.s*
St. Dagan was promoted to the Episcopacy of Achadh-Dagain, sometime
before the death of St. Molua, ss which took place in or shortly before the
year 609. With the latter saint he was on terms of great intimacy ; and, he
was visited by Molua immediately previous to his own death, that Dagan
might direct the Abbot of C Ion fert- Molua in the appointment of a successor
for his monastery. St. Dagan named Lactan,s6 as a suitable person to
succeed ; and St. Molua was highly pleased with this choice, which in every
respect accorded with his own wishes and judgment. Then, St. Dagan
besought the blessing of his venerable visitor, both for himself, and for that
See, with the government of which he was charged. St. Molua replied,
" Thy benediction will always come from on high." After mutual prayers
and blessings, both separated, and having given the kiss of peace, Molua
bade farewell to his friend and to Achad-Dagain.57 The Abbot of Inverdaoile
and the Bishop of Achadh-Dagan bore a similar name, while no distinct
evidence has been adduced for their having been different persons. If such
s° Crossing the "fish-abounding river," 54See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
near the old church, is Pennycomequick arum Antiquitates," cap. xvii , p. 476.
bridge. ss His Life is to be seen, in the Eighth
51 Such are the descriptive particulars and Volume of this work, at the 4th of August —
information, collected at the spot, by the the day for his feast, Art. i.
writer, in April, 1871. s6 Probably identical with Laidgen or
'' Erected by the Poor-Law Guard ians^of Laidcend of Clonfert Molua, and whose
that Union. * festival is set at the 12th of January. See
5) On the occasion of a second visit to this at that date, some account of him, in the
spot, in July, 1897, the writer took a sketch First Volume of this work, Art. i.
of the ruins and enclosure as here presented. 57 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
This drawing was transferred to the wood niae," xii. Martii. Vita S. Dagani, cap. vii.,
and engraved by Gregor Grey. p. 585.
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 321
were the case, both personages were certainly contemporaneous. St. Dagan
is named the Traveller,*8 because of the different journeys he made to the
neighbouring Island of Britain, and likewise one to Rome. This latter, how-
ever, might have been only a continuation of the former journey. This circum-
stance of our saint being called Dagan the Traveller, in the calendars, seems
to indicate, that he visited distant countries, and amongst other places the
capital of the Christian world.5? His visit to Rome has been referred to a.d.
599.60 He is said to have had an interview in Rome with Pope Gregory
the Great, to whom he presented that rule which St. Molua had drawn up
for his monks. This Rule being read by the Pope, it received his warmest
approval, and elicited from him the highest public encomiums upon its
author.61 Dr. Lanigan, however, seems disposed to doubt St. Dagan's visit
to Rome,62 but he adduces no reason to sustain his opinion. That he had
been in Britain appears from the letter written to the Irish Clergy, in 6oq,63
by the Bishops Laurentius,6* Mellitus,65 and Justus.66 Our Saint was an
ardent supporter of the Irish practices regarding the Paschal computation,6?
and it would seem that he had an interview with them, which did not change
his opinions and position on that subject. Laurence Archbishop of Canter-
bury is said to have had pastoral charge, not only over the English Church,
but even over the Britons or inhabitants of Wales, and over the Scots or
Irish, who inhabited the neighbouring Island. This Laurence was chiefly
desirous of bringing over the Irish and Britons to the English and Roman
Easter observance. Besides he wished to render them amenable, in some
other respects to canonical decrees.68 Accordingly, in conjunction, with
Mellitus and Justus, these servants of the servants of God united in addressing
a joint letter to their most dear brethren the lords, bishops and abbots
throughout all Scotia — which at that time had reference solely to Ireland 6? —
58 Our Saint appears to have been called the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who
Itinerator, on account of his journeys to died on the 26th of May, A.D. 605.
Britain and to Rome; most probably the 6sHe was Bishop of London, and in the year
latter journey was taken on the question of 610, he went to Rome during the reign of
the Paschal controversy. Pope Boniface IV. to confer with him on the
59 Britain's neighbouring island was affairs of the English Church.
within easy reach of Ireland, and intercourse 66 Justus was consecrated bishop and set
between both countries was so frequent over Kent by St. Augustine Archbishop of
and uninterrupted, in the time of Dagan, Canterbury. He was the first bishop «f
that his visits merely across the Irish Rochester. Both he and Mellitus were
Channel could hardly have obtained for afterwards obliged to fly into France, when
our Saint his distinguishing appellation, had the southern Saxons had relapsed into
he not also passed over to the Continent. Paganism.
60 Archbishop Ussher, at the year dxcix., 6? See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
says : Daganus abbas Regulam monasticam History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect,
a Lugido sive Molua conditam ad Gregorium xvi. , p. 365.
.1. Roraam detulit : qui ea coram omnibus 68In continuation of his account, Bede
summopere 'laudata, salutem authori per describes the Irish mode of celebrating
internuncium ilium retulit." — " Britanni- Easter and this letter addressed to them by
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates." Index the English bishops, in these terms : " Sed,
Chronologicus, p. 535. ut supra docuimus, a decima quarta luna,
61 See. Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum usque ad vigessimam Dominicae Resurrec-
Hiberniae," xii. Martii. Vita S. Dagani, cap. tionis diem observandum esse putarent,
vi., p. 585. scripsit cum coepiscopis suis exhortatoriam
feSee "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- ad eos Epistolam, obsecrans eos et
land," vol. ii., chap, xii., sect, vii., n. 94., p. contestans unitatem pacis et Catholicae
209. observation is cum ea, quae toto orbe diffusa
63 This letter may be seen, in the Vener- est Christi Ecclesia tenere." — " Historia
able Bede's " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum." lib. ii.,
Anglorum," lib. ii., cap. 4. cap. 4.
64 This bishop succeeded St. Augustine, *» No doubt, also, it applied to the Scots,
Vol. IX.— No. 6. x
322 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
and the terms of which were to the following effect : — According to its custom
throughout the world, the Apostolic See had sent us to those western parts
to evangelize the Pagans, it has occurred, and also, into this island called
Britain, without a previous knowledge of it. We believed that the people
acted according to the custom of the Universal Church ; having great respect
for their sanctity, we have reverenced them, whether Britons or Scots. But
on knowing the Britons, we thought the Scots had been better. However,
through Dagan the Bishop 7° coming into this island we have named, and
through Columbanus,?1 the Abbot in Gaul, we have learned, that the Scots
differ not in conversation from the Britons. For on Bishop Dagan coming to
us, not only was he unwilling to eat with us, but even he would not dwell in the
same house in which we were entertained. That Dagan had gone to Britain,
for the purpose of conferring with Laurence, is very probable, and it seems
to be hinted at in the letter, where he is said to have come to the Roman
prelates.?2
A phrase in their letter conveys the idea of his having paid the Roman
Bishops a visit, whether to do so was his chief object in passing over to
Britain, or, that happening to be there, he thought it right to call upon them.
Nevertheless, his interview with them had not been productive of inter-
changing harmonious opinions, so much to be des-ired at the meeting of
Christian Prelates. The subject of their conference regarded the proper
time for celebrating Easter ; and Dagan, who was attached to the Irish
practice, refused to eat,?3 not alone in company, but even to live under the
same roof with those British Bishops, who favoured a different discipline.
After conferring or disputing with the Roman Bishops, whether Dagan
became determined, besides shunning their society, not to communicate
with them in divinis, is not sufficiently clear. If so, he went further than he
ought to have done ; as whatever difference occurred between the parties
regarded neither faith nor any essential article of ecclesiastical discipline. 74
Wherefore, it is an absurdity on the part of certain writers 75 to represent this
matter as tantamount to a real excommunication, and an irreconcilable
difference between the Church of Ireland and of Rome. Even in the supposi-
tion that Dagan proceeded so far as a separation in divinis, this is to be
understood, not as if he considered them excommunicated in the full sense
an Irish colony, then settled in the Southern after his paying the visit. The best manner
parts of the present Scotland. to account for the matter is to admit, that
70 Sir James Ware says, it is possible, that in their conversation concerning the dis-
the Bishop Dagan to whom Laurence puted points, some hot words were uttered
addressed his epistle, was identical with and that Uagan felt himself so hurt, that
Dagan, the contemporary of St. Fintan he refused to partake of their hospitality.
Munna, who died in 634 or 635. See "-De To suppose that he was previously resolved
Scriptoribus Hibernise," lib. i., cap. hi., p. to keep up no sort of communion with them
17. is directly opposite to the fact of his visit,
71 His festival occurs on the 2ist of and would indicate a line of conduct very
November. unbecoming a bishop. Surely he would not
?' In the letter we read : " Danganus have prejudged them before he had heard
episcopus ad nos veniens," &c. their proposals and what they had to say in
73 The Rev. Dr. Lanigan observes :" It their defence." — "Ecclesiastical History of
will be asked, how could he have induced Ireland," vol. ii, chap, xiv., sect, xvi., n.
himself to visit persons, with whom he would 223 , pp. 367 to 369.
not condescend to take food. To this I 74 in a similar case, St. Columbanus, firm
answer, that, if, as in all appearance was the as he was on those points, did not cease to
case, he did really visit those bishops, his hold communion with the Gallican clergy,
refusing to eat or even stay in the same notwithstanding his being constantly teased
house with them could not have been in by them.
consequence of any pr .'determination to 7S See the remarks of Dr. Ledwich, in his
that effect, but of something that occurred " Antiquities of Ireland," p. 369.
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 323
of the word, that is, as quite out of the Church ; but it may indicate that sort
of partial separation, of which we have innumerable instances in Ecclesi-
astical History, and according to which some particular bishops or churches
declined communicating together, while at the same time both parties were
in communion with the great body of the Catholic Church. ?6 It is said, our
Saint wrote a book to defend the Irish mode of celebrating Easter ;77 but, if so
written, this book is not known to be extant, at the present day. This work
had for its reputed title : " Ad Britanorum Ecclesias," lib. i.?8 It has been
stated, 79 that our Saint subsequently embraced the Roman rite,8° which he
had so earnestly opposed in previous debates. According to Lesley,81 with
difficulty he was induced to make the change.
An opinion has been offered, that our Saint was not raised to the
episcopacy, until he had visited the Eternal City, or after his return from
Rome. Although no account has come down to us of our Saint having
visited Rome in the time of Pope Gregory the Great, on this subject regard-
ing the Pashal controversy; yet, such an idea has been suggested by Colgan.82
It is by no means improbable, if Dagan was in Rome, that the principal
object he had in view was to obtain correct information on this point, at the
centre of Catholic Unity. It is stated, moreover, that he was present at the
Synod of the White Field, where he strenuously supported St. Fintan
Munnu83 in a controversy, regarding the time most appropriate for celebrat-
ing Easter. 8« The particulars relating to this remarkable convention are
more fully set forth in the Life of St. Laserian, Bishop of Leighlin, at the 18th
of April.8*
Our Saint performed many miracles ; and many virtues of an exalted
character also distinguished him, during his career upon earth. This holy
Abbot died in the year 639, according to the " Chronicum Scotorum," 86 and
the "Annals of the Four Masters." 87 Tighernach has named a.d. 641, for
that event.88 According to John Leland, the three disciples of St. Petrock,
Credan, Medan and Dachun — interpreted Dagan — were interred at
Bosmanach near the Sabrinian Sea.89 However, this is an incorrect state-
ment, and contrary to our Irish traditions. In the " Feilire " of St. ^ngus,9°
76 One of the penalties or censures used in festival occurs at the 2ist of October, in the
the African church was, that in certain cases Tenth Volume of this work, Art. i.
a bishop was suspended from communion s* See Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of
with other bishops, still, however, re- Ireland," book i., chap, iv., p. 24.
taining the government and communion of 8s See at that date, the Fourth Volume of
his own particular church. See Tillemont's this work, Art. i.
" Memoirs pour servir a l'Histoire Ecclesi- 86 See William M. Hennessy's edition, pp.
astique des six premiers Siecles, avec une 86, 87.
Chronologie et des Notes," tome xiv., p. 412. 87 " The Age of Christ, 639, St. Dagan of
77 Such is the statement of Bale, centur. Inbher-Daeile, died on the 13th day of
xiv., n, 13. September." — Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol.
78 See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptoribus i., pp. 256, 257.
Hiberniae," lib. i., cap. hi., p. 17. 88 Thus : " Quies Dagain Imbhir Daile." —
79 By Hanmer, in his "Chronicle of Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
Ireland," p. 60, and Huntingdon, lib. iii., tores," tomus ii. Tigernachi Annales, p. 194.
p. 187. 8» " Extat Petroburgi libellus de Scpultura
80 See Dempster's " Historia Ecclesiastica Sanctorum Anglorum ; ex quo liquet Cre-
Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iv., num. danum, Medanum et Dackunum, viros
382, p. 209. sanctitate vitaeillustreis,et Petroci imxtztoxcs,
81 See " De Origine Scotorum," lib. iv., in Bosmanach fuisse sepultos." — M Com-
p. 153- mentarii de Scriptoribus Britannicis,"
82 See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xii. auctore Joanne Lelando Londinate, tomus
Martii. De S. Dagano Abbate et Episcopo, i., cap. xxxv., p. 61.
cap. vii., p. 585. 9° In the " Leabhar Braec" copy is the
"3 Abbot and Bishop of Clonenagh. His following stanza ; —
324
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
at the 13th of September, our Saint is commemorated as u the champion of
battle Dagan of Inber Doele.', Brief notes by a scholiast are appended.'1
The 13th day of September was the date of his festival, as marked in the
Irish Calendars. At this day, the published Martyrology of Tallagh02 notices
Dagan Sac. Mac Colmada Inbir doile ; Marianus O'Gorman,03 and Maguire0*
also commemorate him ; likewise, the Calendar of Cashel,0^ and Annals of
the Four Masters, so place the date for his death. St. ^Engus calls him,
Dagan, the victorious'6 leader of Inbher-daoile. At this day, he is comme-
morated, in the Martyrology of Castellan.'? Also, corresponding are the
Ides of September, when his feast is found entered in the Kalendarium
Drummondiense.98 The day before the Feast of the Cross" in harvest is the
festival day of Dagan,100 as related in an Irish Life of St. Mochoemoc.101
Colgan has his acts written for the 12th of March, which he asserts corre-
sponded with Calendars in his possession.102 This latter would seem to have
been the commemoration of a translation of our Saint's relics, or some other
festival, referring to him. It is not certain, whether our Saint had been first
interred at Inverdaoile, or at Glendalough : for yEngus tells us, that St.
Dagan of the former is enumerated among Saints reposing at the latter place.
This scatement seems to indicate, either that his remains had been translated
from Inverdaoile to Glendalough, or if he had been buried in the first instance,
at this latter place, that his body afterwards had been removed to Inver-
daoile.10^ The circumstance of the two different festivals for our Saint
appears adding some weight to the foregoing opinion, and to the statement
of ^Engus. Were there only one festival day for this Saint, we should still
be inclined to suppose, that he was buried at Glendalough, and venerated at
"OLotn t>nf Archie
rYlAj\cif\ cotneic noebi
lar-in cinrit> baige
1)45411 Inber* "Ooebi.
Thus translated by Whitley Stokes, LL.D. :
11 Declare two and twenty martyrs with
much of holiness ; with the champion of
battle, Dagan of Inber Doele," — "Trans-
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish
Manuscript Series, vol i., part i., on the
Calendar of Oengus, p. exxxvii.
91 These only inform us, that Dagan, i.e.,
"in Dal Mescorb he is." And again, that
Doel is a river in the east of Leinster. See
ibid., pK cxlv.
92 Thus : "Dagan Sac Mac Colmada
Inbir doile." Dr. Kelly's edition, p. xxxiv
The Book of Leinster copy has TjAjjAn epr
bi mac Colma'OA 1nbir\ T>oiLe.
93 Marianus O'Gorman has, '* Daganum
praeplacidum nobilemque de Inbher-daoile in
Orientati Lagenia."
94Maguire has, " Daganum itineratorum,
de Dalmessincorbiorum in Lagenia."
95 On this day, the Calendar of Cashel
calls him " Bellatorem, qui et in regione
de Dalmacorb in Lagenia." The name,
however, is suppressed, perhaps through
the oversight of a transcriber, in Colgan's
copy. This title of "bellator," he would
seem to have obtained, owing to his advo-
cacy of the Irish practice for celebrating
Easter in public assemblies ; and his defence
of ancestral traditions rendered him con-
spicuous among those of our countrymen,
who engaged in similar controversies. In
these he also appeared to bear away the
palm of victoiy not unfrequently, even
although his opinions did not finally
prevail.
96 So called, probably, for the reason
assigned in the previous note.
9? Thus : " In Hibernia, S. Dagani, qui
titulo episcopi colitur in paroecia Dalmas-
corb in I^agenia, ubi fuerit abbas monasterii
Inber- Daoile, postquam ab infantia instruc-
tus erat per S. Mochoemocum."
98 Thus : " in Hibernia Sancti Confessoris
et Presbyteri Dagain."— Bishop Forbes'
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 24.
9» The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross at Jerusalem, in 335, was celebrated
by the Greeks and Latins as early as the
fifth and sixth centuries. See Rev. Alban
Butler's " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
tember xiv.
100 Professor O'Looney's translated Life
of St. Mochoemoc, chapter 28, has such a
statement.
101 See his Life,at the 13th of March, Art. i.
101 The Martyrologies of Tallagh, Marianus
O'Gorman, Maguire and Donegal treat of
St. Dagan, whom they call a bishop, at the
1 2th of March.
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 325
Inverdaoile. However, in that admirable but almost unknown poem of John
D'Alton, intituled, " Dermid ; or Erin in the Days of Boru," special allusion
is made to St. Dagan's cell,10* the ruins of which he says were to be found in
the valley of Glendalough. If this be a local tradition, it may have been the
vault, wherein his remains had been deposited. Seemingly without a shadow
of authority Dempster states, that our Saint was venerated on the 22nd day
of March ; I05 and Ferrarius in his Catalogue falls into the same error, relying
on such a statement.106 In treating of the Scottish Saints, Camerarius is at
variance with all other writers.10? He says first, that St. Dagamus — supposed
to represent the present Daganus — was venerated on the 29th of May;
secondly, that he flourished in Gallouidia ; and thirdly, that from his tender
years, he inbibed the principles of piety in Benchor Monastery, which was
celebrated among the Scots.108 We are told, that the letter m is often con-
founded with // in the Scottish lists of saints, and therefore Dagamus is the
same as the Daganus of Beda. The Dunkeld -Litany has Dagamach.I09
On the southern bank of Three Mile Water — not far from Ennereilly —
there is an ancient cemetery, still largely used for interments by the people
of the surrounding country, and within it are traces of the old church founda-
tions, with two fragments of side-walls still remaining. One of these is
clothed with ivy. The river running through a deep glen beneath has en-
croached on the cemetery bounds, so as to cause a considerable land-slide of
the enclosure. To prevent the repetition of such an accident, in June 1897,
a wall was in course of erection beside the water-course, and the grave-yard
has been of late enclosed by a stone-wall, at the expense of the rate-payers
and by order of the Poor-law guardians. The interior of the old church is
greatly crowded with head-stones over the graves. The bank on the opposite
side of the stream rises very steeply over the course of the river, and on the
summit has a hedge-row crowned with a range of finely grown trees.
Article II. — The Daughters of Colum, of Tech-inghen-Coluim,
in Cremhthann. At the 13th of September, according to the Martyrology
of Donegal,1 veneration was given to the Daughters of Colum, of Tech-
inghen-Coluim, in Cremhthanna. We are told, that the territory of Cinel
Crimthainn extended around the fortress of Dunamase, and comprised the
103 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hi- of David Camerarius, at the 29th of May,
berniae," xii. Martii. Vita S. Dagani, cap. we find : " Sanctus Dagamus Episcopus et
ix., p. 586. Confessor in Galloidia Scotise provincia." —
104 In the following lines :— Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
"No more shall Glendalough repeat Saints," p, 237.
The martial clang, the choral hymn,. Io8 However, Colgan remarks, that the
The warrior's sun of glory's set, celebrated Monastery of Benchor, was
The light of piety is dim, situated within Down diocese, in the well-
The ivy wraps St. Dagain's cell, known Ulster province of Ireland, and that
That gave a patron to the vale." before his time no author said there had
— Canto v., sect, iii., pp. 123, 124. been another monastery bearing this name,
105 Thus : " Clarus habetur anno salut. nor even in Colgan's time was any such to
DLV,.Ye,! utvenusalii I anno dcix. die xxn. be found in Scotland. Neither did any
Martii." — " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis writer before Camerarius state, that St.
Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iv., num. 382, Dagan derived the rudiments of piety and
P* 209- learning from Banghor, that he even set
105 According to his careless and loose foot in Galloidia, or in fine, that he had been
want of method, Dempster says, that Bede venerated on the 29th day of May.
alone speaks of our Saint ; when even him- I09 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
self relates that Huntingdon and Lesbey in Scottish Saints," pp. 320, 321.
certain passages refer to Dagan. Article II.—1 Edited by Drs. Todd and
I0? In the Scottish Entries in the Kalendar Reeves, pp. 248, 249.
326
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
barony of Maryborough East, in the Queen's County.2 This territory was
a part of Leix.3 It would seem, that owing to some mistake, the daughters
of Colum have been noted in the Martyrology of Tallagh,* on the day follow-
ing, as Inghena Coluira i Caillifollomon.s There is a small parish known as
Killenny,6 situated in the barony of Stradbally, Queen's County, and just
adjoining a part of the barony of Maryborough East ; so that even this parish
may have constituted a portion of ancient Cinel-Crimthainn of Leix, as
already described. There is an old ruined church? covered with ivy, and a
Old Church of Killenny, Queen's County.
cemetery adjoining it.8 The latter is nearly circular, and within a hawthorn-
ditch enclosure.0 The old name Killenny10 may have been somewhat
contracted in pronunciation, and in English the equivalent translation seems
to stand " the church of the Daughters."11 In the Martyrology of Marianus
2 See " The Topographical Poems of
John O'Duhhagain and Giolla na Naomh
O'lluidhrin." Edited by John O'Donovan,
LL.D., n. 424, Appendix, p. lii.
3 See John O'Donovan's " Leabhar n.
g-Ceart, or Book of Rights," n. (9), p. 216.
4 Edited by the Rev. Mr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
5 But, this appears referable to a territory
in Meath, as seen in the subsequent account
ofCoemhan Breac.atthe 14th of September.
6 It is described en the "Ordnance Sur-
vey Townland Maps for the Oueen's
County," sheets 9, 13, 14. The townland
proper is on the two latter sheets.
7 The old ruins are quite near the Great
Heath of Maryborough, where a rather
modern Catholic Church has been erected
beside them. They stand, moreover, just
at the dividing line between the baronies of
Maryborough East and Stradbally.
8 The rude old church measures 36 feet in
length, by 16 in breadth, interiorly. The
south side-wall is almost destroyed. In the
middle of the eastern gable there is a small
window. The remaining walls are massive,
and built, in a great measure, with large
hammered stones. A small square recess in
the side-wall was probably to the right of
the former altar
9 The accompanying illustration, drawn on
the wood and engraved by Mr. Gregor Grey,
is from a sketch taken on the spot by the
author, July, 1873.
10 Although thus written, it is pronounced
Killinny, by the native peasantry.
11 A writer employed on the Irish Ord-
September 13.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 327
O'Gorman,12 at this date, is entered a festival forColumb's chaste daughters ;
while a scholiast states, they were from Tech Ingen Coluimb in Cremthain.
These holy daughters of Coluim are noticed in the Life of St. Daigh, which
occurs at the 18th of August ;13 but their place is said to have been in Ui
Crimhthann, in the Barony of Slane, and County of Meath.
Article III. — St. Neman or Naemhan Mac Ua Duibh. {Probably
in the Seventh Century^ We find entered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1
the feast of Neman Mac h. Duibh, at the 13th of September. Marianus
O'Gorman has a commemoration of this holy servant of God, at this same
date, with the designation of his being prudent, while a commentator calls
Noeman the great-grandson of Dub.2 According to Colgan, this holy man
accompanied St. Fechin, Abbot of Fore,3 when the latter went to obtain the
liberation of one Aid or ^Edus from Blaithmaic and Diermit II., joint
Sovereigns of Ireland.-* Hence his period must be assigned probably to the
Seventh Century. We have recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal,5 the
name Naemhan Mac Ua Duibh, as having a festival, at the 13th of Septem-
ber. In the Table appended to this latter record, we meet the Latin word
(sanctanus) introduced, after the entry of his name.6
Article IV. — St. Maeltolaigh, of Drumbeg Parish, County of
Down. The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman1 enters the feast of Mael
Tolaig, "of the strong effort," at the 13th of September. In the Martyr-
ology of Donegal,2 it is mentioned, that Maeltolaigh, of Druim Niadh, in
Ulster, 3 was venerated at the same day. The place is now known, as being
included within the present parish of Drumbeg,* intersected by the River
Lagan, and situated partly in the County of Down5 and partly in the County
of Antrim. The Protestant church occupies the ancient site, on a hill, com-
monly called the Drum, in the County of Down.6
Article V.— Reputed Festival of St. Batheneus, Confessor.
Camerarius inserts a festival for St. Batheneus, at the 13th of September.1
At this same date, the Bollandists,2 quoting him as an authority, state, that
this saint has been noticed in the Life of the great Abbot of Iona, St.
nance Survey supposes Killenny to have 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
derived its name from a St. Ethne. This, 248, 249.
however, does not merit much attention. 3 A commentator on Marianus O'Gorman
12 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui has a similar local identification.
Gormain," pp. 176, 177. 4 That portion of it, in the Barony of
13 See the Eighth Volume of this work, at Upper Belfast, is described on the " Ord-
that date, Art. i. nance Survey Townland Maps for the County
Article hi.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. of Antrim," sheet 64.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster s That portion of Drumbeg parish, in the
copy, we read lleniAii mac h 'Ouib. Barony of Upper Castlereagh, is described
2 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui on the " Ordnance Survey Townlands Maps
Gormain," pp. 176, 177. for the County of Down," sheets 9, 15.
3 See the Life of this Saint, at the 20th of 6 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesi-
January, in the First Volume of this work, astical Antiquities of Down, Connor and
Art. ii. Dromore," n. (e), p. 46, and Appendix LL.,
4 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xx. p. 380.
Januarii. See the Second Life of St. Fechin, Article v. — ' See Scottish Entries in the
chap, xxvii., p. 136, and n. 16, p. 141. Kalendar of David Camerarius. Bishop
s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
248, 249. p. 240.
6 See ibid.) pp. 456, 457. 2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv., Sep-
Article iv. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes' tembris xiii. Among the pretermitted
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 176, 177. saints, p. 50.
328 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Columba,3 whose successor he became,* and that both of these holy men had
been treated of, at the 9th of June.
Article VI. — Reputed Festival of St. Columban, Abbot of Lure.
At the 13th of September, Saussay1 has an account of a St. Columban, a
disciple, an abbot of Lure,2 and a successor of St. Deicolus.3 He flourished
in Lesser Britain. See his Life, at the 22nd of November. The Bollandists4
allude to him, at the 1 3th of February, and again at this present date.5
Article VII. — St. Caemnach, The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman1
enters a feast for Coemnech, at the present date j but there is no other infor-
mation afforded regarding him. The simple name Caemnach, without any
further designation, appears in the Martyrology of Donegal,2 at the 13th of
September.
Article VIII. — Reputed Festival of Twenty-two Holy Martyrs.
The commemoration of two and twenty unnamed Martyrs of great holiness
occurs at the 13th of September, in the Feilire of St. ^Engus.1 We are unable
to find a corroborative entry in any known Kalendar, and consequently we
cannot more particularly notice them.
jfourteentl) JBap of September,
ARTICLE I.— ST. CORMAC MAC CULLINAN, KING OF MUNSTER AND
BISHOP OF CASHEL.
[NINTH AND TENTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — SOURCES FOR ST. CORMAC MAC CULLENAN'S BIOGRAPHY — HIS BIRTH
AND EDUCATION— HE BECOMES BISHOP OP CASHEL— DESCRIPTION AND EARLY
HISTORY OF CASHEL— CORMAC IS ELEVATED TO THE THRONE OF SOUTH MUNSTER —
HIS VISIT TO LORCAN, KING OF THOMOND.
ONE of the most celebrated characters, noted in the civil and ecclesias-
tical history of Ireland, was the renowned Monarch and Bishop, St.
Cormac Mac Cullinan. The possession of the sceptre and the crozier, the
3 See his Life at the 9th of June, in the Menardus, Galesinius vero et Dorgainius
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i. Columbinum breviter memorant. Redibit
4 See also the Acts of St. Baithine or memoria Columbini seu Columbani Junioris,
Baoethin, at the same date, ibid., Art. iii. ut alias vocatur, quemadmodum observatum
Article vl — x In his " Martyrologium est in Prsetermissis 13 Februarii, ad diem,
Gallicanum," in Supplemento. quo cultus ipsius accuratiiis examinari poterit
3 Sutrensis is written, through mistake. XXI. et xxn. Novembris."— ibid., tomus iv.
Wion puts this word, likewise, for Lutrensis, Septembris xiii. Proetermissi et in alios
at the 18th of January. Dies relati, p. 52.
3 See his Life, at the 18th of January, in Article VIL — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
the First Volume of this work, Art. i. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
tomus ii., Februarii xiii. Prsetermissi et in 248, 249.
alios dies rejecti, p. 644. New edition. Article viii — ' See " Transactions of
s Thus : " Columbini abbatis Sutrensis in the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Britannia (imo Lutrensis in Burgundia) Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
meminerunt hodie Ferrarius in Catalogo Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
Generali et Saussayus in Supplemento. cxxxvii.
Eumdem rectius in Burgundia annunciat Article i.— Chapter 1. — ' See Dr.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 329
wearing of the crown and the mitre, by the same individual, were familiar to
Christendom in the persons of a continuous line of Sovereign Pontiffs, who
ruled over the Universal Church, and the small States allotted as the
Patrimony of St. Peter; nevertheless, a union of temporal and ecclesiastical
power in the same hands, and a capability of wielding both for the mutual
interest of Church and State, in other instances, were found to be of excep-
tional occurrence in most Catholic countries. Such was even the case in
Ireland, as may be discovered by the historical student, in reference to the
long list of her ecclesiastics. Although in a variety of cases, these were
descendants of a royal lineage, and the rightful inheritors of a crown ; as we
see recorded in their Lives, they usually preferred renouncing advantages of
birth and regal honours, in the pursuit of a more worthy ambition. However,
exceptions were presented to this general state of distinct civil and ecclesias-
tical rule, even in our country. Broken into a number of small principalities,
and ruled by several petty and virtually independent princes ; the objects,
policy and ambition of those, rulers were frequently discordant, as their
relations towards each other were often abnormal. Provincial and family
feuds were as frequently inherited as excited, by each successive recipient of
the sword and the sceptre, and the firm grasp of this latter with clannish rule
was a usual result of the vigorous use of the former appendage. Circum-
stances over which those rulers seem to have had little control often forced
them into positions, irreconcilable with their social position, sound views of
policy, and the dictates of their better judgment, as we shall here find
exemplified. Thus, it happened, that while the nation itself appeared
verging towards a suicidal dismemberment, still owing to God's particular
providence, the Church of Ireland interposed a barrier between continual
assaults upon social order, and the maintenance of civilization. It would
seem, however, that the influence of ecclesiastics was all the more powerful
and effectual, when unstained by the sword, or by the attainment of secular
sway.
The case of Cormac Mac Cullman is an instance, but by no means a
solitary one, of regal and episcopal rule, even in the particular province, where
he was recognised as King and Bishop. One of the first remarkable instances
where such powers has been found united in the same person, was in the case
of Olchobar, son to Cinaedh, King of Cashel or Munster, and Bishop of
Emly. In conjunction with Lorcan, King of Leinster, this prince and
prelate gained a signal victory over the Danes at Sciath-Neachtain, near
Castledermot, in the year 846. In this battle, Tomhrair, Earl and Tanist to
the King of Lochlann, and twelve hundred of his followers, were slain.1
Olchobar died in the year 8492. Coenfelad, at the same time King of Cashel
and Bishop over Emly, died in the year 872.3 Eogan, son to Ceannfaeladh,
and abbot ofEmly, died in the year 886, according to the Annals of the
Four Masters f .but, as Sir James Ware states, this ecclesiastic, called Prince
of Imleach-Ibair or Emly, was slain in the year 889. Tibraid Mac Maelfin,
Bishop or Abbot, and Prince of Imleach-Ibair, died in the year 912.5 Again,
with the subject of this present memoir, and his successor on the throne of
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," 3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
vol. i., p. 370, note (b), pp. 474 to 477, Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 480, 481. But,
nn. (a, b). the death of this prince and bishop is placed
2 See Sir James Ware. According to the at a.d. 850, in the Annals of Ulster.
" Chronicon Scotorum," however, his death * See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
is placed at A.D. 851. See William M. pp. 538, 539.
Hennessy's edition, pp. 150, 151. s See ibid., vol. ii., pp. 578, 579.
330 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Cashel, named Flaithbheartach or Flaherty, and who died in the year Q42,6
we find a union of civil and ecclesiastical power vested in the hands of a
single individual.
In the Book of Lecan or of Sligo — an Irish Manuscript to be
found in Trinity College Library — we are told,? that Cormac's Life —
doubtless the Life of St. Cormac Mac Cullinan — is to be found.8 Several
modern Irish writers have- allusion to him in their works, such as Rev. Dr.
Jeoffry Keating,9 Rev. Dr. La*nigan,'° Thomas Moore,11 Rev. James Wills,12
Eugene O'Curry,^ Alfred Webb/* and Thomas D'Arcy McGee.'s There is
also an interesting account of him in the u Irish Penny Magazine."16
Although his public career is alluded to in nearly all the general Histories
of Ireland; yet, little seems to have transpired, which tends to illustrate the
period of Cormac's childhood and adolescence. That he was son to
Cuileanan, the etymology of his name indicates. We are informed, that he
was descended from the Engenian branch of the Munster Royal family,1?
and that he was descended from Aengus, the first Christian King of Munster.18
Again, it is stated, that Cormac was born, in the year 837. We are told/9
that he received tuition from Sneidhuis, a wise man, living at Disert-Diarmada,
or Castledermot, in the present County of Kildare. This tutor died in the
year 885.20 It is but reasonable to suppose, that Cormac's instruction pre-
ceded the latter event by many years. The acquisition of so much learning,
as he is reported to have possessed, shows how the education of seculars, as
well as clerics, had not been neglected in the ninth and tenth centuries ; but,
whether or not he received his chief training at Castledermot is rather
doubtful, although sufficiently probable.
It has been stated — but on no very trustworthy evidence — that Gormlaith
or Gormflaith, the daughter of Flann Sinna,21 Monarch of Ireland, had been
thrice married ; in the first instance, to Cormac Mac Cullenan, King of
Munster ; afterwards to Niall Glandubh, Monarch of Ireland, and lastly to
Cearbhall, King of Leinster.22 To her are attributable certain Irish verses,
6 See ibid., pp. 650, 651. sect, iv., p. 349, and ibid., note 37, p.
7 See Lhuyd's " Archaeologia Britannica," 350.
p. 435- l8 See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti
8 At p. 58. Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i. Province of
9 See "General History of Ireland," Munster, p. 4.
part ii., pp. 439 to 451. Duffy's edition. I9 See the "Annals of the Four Masters,"
10 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i., pp. 536, 537. Dr. O'Donovan's
vol. Hi., chap, xxii., sects, iv., v., vi., pp. edition.
348 to 361. *• See ibid. However, in William M.
11 See " History ^of Ireland," vol. ii., Hennessy's edition of the " Chronicum
chap, xvii., pp. 44 to 52. Scotorum," his death is placed at A.D. 883.
"See Wills' "Lives of Illustrious and See pp. 170, 171.
Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i., part i., 3I His reign commenced in 879, and ended
second period, pp. 185 to 188. A.D. 916, according to Roderick O'Flaherty :
13 See "Lectures On the Manuscript " Flannus Sinna Malachise regis filius R. H.
Materials of Ancient Irish History," Lect. i., triginata septem annos. Regnavit annos 36,
pp. 19, 20, et seq. menses 6, ac dies 5. Obiit 8 Calendas
14 See "Compendium of Irish Biography," Junii, anno 916, aetatis 68. War." —
p. 96. " Ogygia," pars iii/, cap. xciii., p. 434.
15 See " Popular History of Ireland," 2' However, the order of those marriages
vol. i., book ii., chap, iii., pp. 75 to 77. must be incorrect, since Cormac Mac Culli-
16 Published in Dublin, 1833. See vol. i.. nan was slain in 908, Cearbhall in 909, and
No. 24, for June 15. Ancient Irish Bio- Niall Glandubh in 919. If we lake it for
graphy, No. xxiv. Cormac Mac Cuillenan, granted, that Niall Glandubh had been her
pp. 187, 188. second husband, he must have repudiated
17 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical her within or before the year 909, when
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xxii., Cearbhall had been killed-
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 331
which profess to relate the deaths of her two latter husbands.23 Notwith-
standing her three royal marriages, it is related, 2* that afterwards she begged
from door to door, forsaken by all her friends and allies, and glad to be
relieved by her inferiors. Should we credit the foregoing statement, we may
conjecture, from its being stated, that he was married to Gormlaith, the
daughter of Flann, son to Maelsechlain, and son of Domhnall,2* that Cormac's
earlier training was not intended to prepare him for the ecclesiastical profession.
However, such account does not accord with What is afterwards related, that
he was always a virgin. Neither does it seem consistent with the general
tenor of his life, as Flann and Cormac were declared enemies, and even
hostile opponents, to the end of Cormac's career.
That the subject of this present memoir was made bishop over Cashel,
an account of his great merits and virtues,26 we can have no doubt. It is
no easy matter to determine, at what time, under what circumstances, or in
what place, Cormac had embraced the clerical profession, and had been
advanced to the episcopacy ; yet,. it seems quite certain, he became a bishop
before his elevation to the throne of South Munster.2? If Cormac had been
married, either his wife had died previously, or by mutual consent both had
agreed to embrace a religious state. His life is said to have passed in
the practice of great austerities. The O'Clerys relate, that he used to
sleep in a hair 28 tunic, which he wore at Matins. He was accustomed
to sing his psalms frequently immersed in water, according to the same
authority.
Before the time of Cormac, it is asserted, that Cashel had not enjoyed its
subsequent pre-eminence of becoming an episcopal see — this city having
been comprised within the limits of the more ancient Emly diocese. This
see continued to exist, for centuries before and after the time of Cormac
Mac Cullenan.29 Its bishops also were for a long period distinct from those
of Cashel. It is thought to be probable,30 that Cormac was bishop over
Lismore, before he removed to Cashel j because a Cormac, son of Cuillenan,
is said to have been bishop of Lismore, about those times.31 He is related
in the Annals of Clonmacnoise to have died in 915, or according to another
account in 918,32 while the date for the death of Cormac, son of Cullinan, is
23 See "Three Fragments of Irish Annals," "The Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i., No.
copied by Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh, and 24. Ancient Irish Biography, No. xxiv., p.
edited by John O'Donovan, LL.D., pp. 187.
222, 223, and n. (6). 28 William M. Hennessy substitutes "very
24 In Mageoghegan's Translation of the thin," for " hair," as a translation.
Annals of Clonmacnoise, at a.d. 905. There 29 It has been remarked, that no quarrel
she is said to have been a fair, virtuous and or schism is known to have occurred, between
learned woman. Emly and Cashel ; and that Cormac, while
25 See "The Martyrology of Donegal," bishop and King, had been on friendly
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 248, terms with that prelate, governing the
249. former see.
26 This was also in accordance with an 30 By Rev. Dr. Lanigan.
Irish custom of promoting distinguished 3I The "Annals of the Four Masters"
persons to the episcopal rank, in places place his death at A.D. 918 ; but their
where no bishop had previously been. editor, Dr. O'Donovan, notes, that he is to
s? Alluding to this union of the ecclesias- be distinguished from Cormac, son of
tical and regal dignity in Ireland, a writer Cuilennan, King of Munster and Archbishop
of Cormac Mac Cuillenan 's memoir of Cashel. See vol. ii., and n. (w.) pp. 598,
remarks : — " In no case, however, was the 599.
regal dignity conferred upon ecclesiastics, 32 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
except when they succeeded by hereditary nice," Febuarii xvii. De S. Cormaco
right, and thus far are the individuals free Episcopo Athtrumensi. Appendix, cap. i.,
from all imputation of sinister ambition." — p. 360.
33*
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
known to have been in 908.33 The " Annals of the Four Masters,"34 assign
it, however, to a.d. 903. If these dates were correct^ it should follow, that
there were two distinct persons, each named Cormac McCulinan. Notwith-
standing, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan attempts to show, that there is no sufficient
reason for the admission of two distinct Cormacs, bishops and both sons of
Cullenan — the one belonging to Cashel, the other to Lismore.36
Various derivations have been given for the denomination of Cashel :
some writers stating it to have the primitive designation of Sidh-druim,37 or
u fairy ridge," afterwards changed to Caiseal, " a circular stone-fort, "38 and
such probably it was called, before other less ancient buildings crowned the
site. It is a simple word, and in Irish local nomenclature often applied
where ancient stone-forts are known to have stood,39 while it is moreover
very frequently compounded with other designations. To the present saint
is attributed another derivation for it.*° Next, we are told, that the ancient
name was Carsiol, or " the habitation on the rock," being compounded of
Gar, or Carrick, and Siol.41 Moreover, Cashel has been called Cajshil-na-
clog, or " Cashel with the bells," and in other copies Cashel-na-Cnoc, or
" Cashel-of-the-hill."*2 Again, this place was known as Drum-feeva, because
it had been surrounded by extensive woods. «
In the midst of the rich champaign country of Tipperary, stretching away
from the hills of Kilkenny to the Galtee mountains, and from Slievenaman
to the Devil's Bit, crowned with its noble ruins, the Rock of Cashel stands
33 See the " Three Fragments of Annals "
copied from ancient sources, by Dubhaltach
Mac Firbisigh, edited by Dr. John O'Dono-
van, pp. 200, 201.
34 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, pp. 564
to 571.
35 But, at least, argues Dr. Lanigan, the
former date is not ; for Cormac of Cashel died
in 908, and as to 918 for the one of Lismore,
it is perhaps a mistake for 908. The Four
Masters, when searching in old Annals and
documents, might have found Cormac Mac
Cuilenan called in some bishop of Lismore,
and in others of Cashel, and thence have
supposed, that they were different. Their
calling Cormac of Lismore, prince of the
Desies, does not furnish any argument
against his having been the same as
Cormac of Cashel ; whereas, in conse-
quence of being bishop of that great See,
situated in the Desies country, while there,
he might have got that title, in the same
manner as some bishops of Emly, ex.gr.,
Eugene Mac-Cenfoelad, who died A.D.
872
36 Dr. Lanigan suspects, that the epithet
Theasalescop, which had been applied to
Cormac before he became King of Cashel,
alludes to a see more southerly than Cashel,
such as Lismore, by calling it the Southern
place or establishment, much in the same
way as Alcuin spoke of it, in his letter to
Colcu. See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, iv., n.
39, P- 350.
37 Pronounced shee drum.
38 See Dr. P. W. Joyce's " Origin and
History of Irish Names of Places," part iii.,
chap, i., pp. 276, 277.
39 The assertion of Ebel, followed by
others, cannot be admitted, that the word
could have been derived from the Latin word
castellum ; rather it is probable that the
latter term had been derived from the older
Celtic root.
40 In the "Sanas Chormaic," or ''Cormac's
Glossary," attributed to the authorship of
St. Cormac Mac Cuoillionain, Translated
and Annotated by Dr. John O'Donovan,
and edited by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., we
find the following derivation : " Caisel,
'Cashel,' i.e., a casula ; or cis-ail, i.e., ail
c/dsa, rock of tribute, which used to be
brought by the men of Ireland to that place ;
or ail chise .i. ro-cheis ?" See
P- 33-
41 See Seward's " Topographia Hibernica,"
at the word Cashel. There, we are told,
that there was a dun or royal fort of the
chieftains of Egonach Cashel, in which terri-
tory it is situate ; and, moreover, that from
their habitations on this insulated rock, its
possessors were called Ily-Dun-na-moi, or
the " Chiefs of the royal fori of the plain,"
by corruption O'Donohoe. In latter ages,
it is stated, that they were distinguished by
the name of Cartheigh, or "Inhabitants of
the rock," whence descended the Mac
Carthys, hereditary chiefs of this district.
These statements, however, are quite fanciful.
42 In the Poem known as " Terna Egis."
43 See Richard Rolt Brash's " Ecclesias-
tical Architecture of Ireland, to the Close
of the Twelfth Century," chap, vii., p. 91-
September 14.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS.
333
out to the eye a most conspicuous and the grandest object in that vast plain.
In addition to those elevated surroundings, from the Rock itself may be seen
the Limerick and Waterford mountains with the distant Slieve Bloom, on the
horizon's verge. It seems probable, that the royal residence on the Rock of
Cashel solely occupied that site, until the year 1 101, when Morough O'Brien
convened a great assembly of the clergy and people, in which he made over
that hitherto royal seat of
the Munster kings to God
and St. Patrick.44 The
buildings, civil, military,
and ecclesiastical, towering
from the summit are on a
position of surpassing gran-
deur. The Cathedral, the
Teampul Cormaic, the
Regal Palace, the Fortress,
the Round Tower, all form
a group of ruins, which
must engage the eye of an
architect, antiquary and
man of taste, as having few
rivals of equal interest in
this, or perhaps any other,
land.45 Again, the rich
plain surrounding Cashel
contains the ruins of many
ancient religious edifices.
Among these may be men-
tioned, Hore Abbey,*6
situated near the city, and
called St. Mary's of the
Rock, originally a Bene-
dictine, afterwards con-
verted into a Cistercian,
monastery;4^ Athassel
Priory,*8 a foundation for
Canons Regular of the
Athassel Abbey, near Cashel. Order of St. Augustine,49
by William Fitz Adelm de
Burgo ;s° besijjes, the ruins of many still more ancient Irish Churches.5'
44 See the Annates IV. Magistrorum, at
a.d. 1101, in Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hiber-
nicarum Scriptores," tomus hi., pp. 677, 678.
45 There is an interesting account of
Cashel and its religious foundations by John
S. Sloane, C.E., among his " Antiquarian
Rambles in Ireland," written for the Irish
Literary Gazette, vol. ii., pp. 228, 229.
Woodcuts illustrating some of the scenes
accompany this paper.
46 It gives name to the parish of Hore
Abbey, in which it is situated, both town-
land and parish being in the barony of
Middlethird, and shown on the " Ordnance
Survey Townland Maps for the County of
Tipperary," sheets 60, 61.
47 In the year 1272, David Mac-Carwill,
Archbishop of Cashel, took the lands in
possession of the Benedictines near the
Cathedral Church of St. Patrick on the
Rock, and bestowed them on the Cis-
tercians. Moreover, he attached to this
Abbey a Hospital for Lepers, which one
David le Latimer, Knight, had erected in
Cashel. See Sir James Ware " De Hibernia
et Antiquitatibus ejus," cap. xxvi., p.
204.
48 It is situated in the townlands of
Athassel Abbey north, and of Athassel
Abbey south, in the parish of Athassel, or
Relickmurry, barony of Clanwilliam, and
described on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
334
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
On the Rock of Cashel the Eugenian kings s2 of Munster had their Royal
Palace, and on its summit they used to be crowned. On the ascent of the
hill, a large stone is pointed out, on which, according to tradition, the kings
of Cashel had formerly been inaugurated with the customary ancient cere-
monies. About the beginning of the fifth century, Core, King of Munster,
took possession of this place, and it has been supposed, that he erected on
the Rock a stone fort, which caused it to lose the original name.53 The Irish
Annals have no account of his death. However, his grandson, Aengus Mac
Nadfraich, who is regarded as the first Christian King of Munster, and who
held a council in Cashel,5* at which St. Patrick, 55 St. Declan.s6 and St.
AilbeS7 are stated to have been present, died in the year 487,5s In subse-
quent ages, Cashel of the Kings and of the Bishops was identified with the
glorious memories of the country, as also with the story of its misfortunes.
Those public transactions, relating to Cormac, have greater reference to
the civil than to the ecclesiastical history of Ireland. The Four Masters tell
us, that in a.d. 897,59 Finguine, *.*., Cenngeagain, King of Munster, was
slain by his own tribe.60 Again, in the " Annals of the Four Masters," we
are informed, at a.d. 896, there was a change of Kings in Cashel, Cormac
Mac Cullenan having succeeded to Cemghegan or Finguine.01 About the
year 900, has been assigned for the rule over Munster of Cormac, the Prince-
Bishop.63 One account states, that Finguine, who got possession of the
throne of Cashel,63 a.d. 895, had been dethroned in 901, when Cormac was
land Maps for the County of Tipperary,"
sheets 60, 68.
49 The ruins still remaining are of great
interest, and several portions of them are
still fairly well-preserved. The illustration
given in the text represents the part in
which a beautifully-recessed Gothic door-
way remains. The drawing from which the
illustration was at first taken has been trans-
ferred to the wood, and engraved by Gregor
Grey.
50 About the year 1200. By charter King
John confirmed its possessions, April 20th,
1205. It was the burial place of the De
Burgo family. See Sir James Ware, " De
Hibernia et Antiquitatibus ejus," cap. xxvi.,
p. 205.
51 See Archdall s ** Monasticon Hiberni-
cum," County of Tipperary, pp. 639 to 677.
s2 So called from their common eponymous
Eoghan or Eugene Mor, who flourished as
supreme King of Munster, in the earlier part
of the second century of the Christian era.
He is also called Mogh Nuadhat — probably
the first name he bore. It is strange, that
Thomas Moore should style him " the
heroic Mogh-Nuad, King of the province of
Leinster." — "History of Ireland," vol. i.,
chap, vii., p. 129.
53 Roderick O'Flaherty thus writes : —
11 Corcus Olilli Flannbeg ex Lugadio filio
nepos rex Momoniae et regum Momoniae
stirps primus Casiliae regiam fixit in jam
Tiperarise comitatu, Corca-eathrac dicitur
regio, in qua sita est, quam Amergini filii
Milesii posteri olim tenebant a Tipraid-
farmnn juxta Monasterium S. Crucis
Huachtar-lamhann dictum ad Dunandreas,
et Borealem partem de Knockgrafann in
longum protensam." — " Ogygia," pars iii.,
cap. lxxxi., p. 382.
s4 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga. "
Appendix III. ad Septima Vita S. Patricii,
pp. 200, 201.
»5See his Life, at the 17th of March, in
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
56 See his Life, at the 24th of July, in the
Seventh Volume of this work, Art. i.
57 See his Life, at the 12th of September, in
the present volume, Art. i.
s8He was killed in the battle of Cill
Osnaigh in Magh Fea. See William M.
Hennessy's " Chronicum Scotorum," pp.
30, 3««
s' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 556, 557.
^The Annals of Ulster, at the year 901,
state, that Finguine, King of Cashel, " a
sociis suis occisus est per dolum." — Dr.
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip*
tores," tomus iv. Annales Ultonienses, p.
242.
61 The Annals of Ulster refer this occur-
rence to the year 900, which is said to
correspond with a.d, 896 of the " Annals
of the Four Masters." See Dr. O'Dono-
van's edition of the latter work, vol. i., pp.
554. 555. and note (c>-
62 See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's " Popu-
lar History of Ireland," vol. i., book ii.,
chap, iii., p. 76.
63 Dr. Lanigan follows the Annals of
Innisfallen, as authority for the foregoing
and subsequent accounts. See Dr.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 335
nominated by the prevailing party. It is related, that Fionngaine64 — also
called Kinngeagan6s — who is said to have been son to Gorman,66 King of
Cashel, was killed in 902, during the contest among his own people.
In the year 903, it has been stated,6? that Cormac then became King
without opposition. While admitting the Annals of the Four Masters have
earlier dates for these transactions ; Dr. Lanigan is yet of opinion, that their
authority has not equal weight, especially with regard to the affairs of
Munster.68 But, there is no valid reason for supposing, after his being called
to the throne of Cashel, that Cormac Mac Cullenan had been engaged in any
contest, necessary to secure its peaceable possession. Others think, that
some time had elapsed, before Cormac was peaceably seated on the throne of
Cashel. While there and officiating in his episcopal capacity, it is likely the
very ancient Cathedral occupied a site beneath the Rock, which was then
crowned solely by the royal residence.6? Of that primitive church no traces
now seem to have remained.
During the earlier years of King Cormac's reign, the Kingdom of Ireland
enjoyed a degree of comparative repose, after previous calamities owing to
intestine wars and foreign invasions. Contests and animosities between the
native Princes became less frequent, and the people of Ireland were in con-
sequence more united. Fearing the effects of such reconciliation, the Danes
seemed unwilling to engage in hostilities, although their savage dispositions
and desires for plunder were not altogether appeased. Apprehending that
the union of natives and chiefs would be directed towards their own expulsion
from this island ; many of them embarked on board their vessels and
voluntarily retired from a land, which seemed no longer destined to become
their prey.?° Those sacrilegious Danes, who had plundered and destroyed
Churches and Monasteries, being now expelled, such ruins were again
restored. Moreover, many sacred edifices were newly built, to satisfy the
religious requirements of clergy and people. Schools and academies were
erected and endowed, for the education of youth, in arts and sciences, so
that learning began to revive with the progress of peace and prosperity.?1 We
are told, that the lands were again manured and cultivated, that the earth
produced most abundant crops, while the fields were covered with numerous
herds and flocks.
Some time after Cormac had been proclaimed King of South Munster, he
went on a visit to Lorcan, King of Thomond.?2 The throne of Cashel had
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- Kinngeagan and Fionngaine were names
tores," tomus ii. Annales Inisfalenses, indifferently applied to one and the same
Dublin copy, p. 37. person.
64 It has been stated by Colgan, that he 66By the Annals of Innisfallen, Dublin
was the son of Kenngegan, called King of copy..
Cashel, in the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick. 6? In the Annals of Innisfallen, Dublin
This, however, is an error on the part of copy.
Colgan. See ''Trias Thaumaturga," Sep- *8 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
tima Vita S. Patricii, pars iii., cap. xxx., p. vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, v., n. 43, p. 352.
156, and n. 57, p. 186. 69 According to Rev. Dr. Ledwich, a
65 Not suspecting the identity, Colgan Mandra was on the rock and within a wall
wonders why he cannot be found enume- surrounding the summit. See "Antiquities
rated among the Kings of Cashel. This has of Ireland," p. 149. However, this existed
also puzzled the Rev. Dr. Lanigan. See only in the pseudo-antiquary \ imagination.
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii., ?° See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His-
chap. xxii., sect, v., n. 42, p. 352. In this tory of Ireland, chap, vii., pp. 519, 520.
connection, it must be remarked, that Dr. 7X See Ferdinando Warner's " History of
Lanigan was deceived by the false statement Ireland, vol. i., book ix., p. 363.
— it is to be supposed inadvertently — given ?2See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
by Colgan ; and, it may be found from the ral History of Ireland," vol. iiM book x.,
."Annals of the Four Masters," that chap, v., p. 184.
33*
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
then begun to assume the portentous aspect of a growing power in the
southern province ; and its demands of tribute were extended even beyond
such a limit.73 On the occasion of Cormac' s visit to Lorcan, the prince-
bishop, with his retinue, was magnificently entertained. Cormac returned to
Cashel, with hostages, taken from eleven out of the twelve districts?* of which
Thomond was then composed. 75 On leaving, he is said to have indited a
poem in praise of Lorcan.76 For the seven years, that Cormac Mac Cullenan
ruled over the province of Southern Munster,77 he was universally respected
and admired by friends and enemies. He attained the character of being a
learned and an accomplished scholar, a devout ecclesiastic, and a just, politic
prince. His enemies feared his prowess ; while his subjects revered his many
virtues.78
C HAPTE R II.
THE INVASION OF THOMOND BY FLANN SIONNA, MONARCH OF IRELAND— HIS DEFEAT—
CORMAC SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN AUTHOR OF THE PSALTER OF CASHEL — COMPOSI-
TIONS ATTRIBUTED TO ST. CORMAC MAC CU1LLENAN— CORMAC'S CHAPEL ON THE
ROCK OF CASHEL — VISIT OF KING LORCAN TO CORMAC — THE SANAS CHORMAIC —
CORMAC'S CELEBRATION OF EASTER AT CASHEL— HOSTILITIES BETWEEN THE PEOPLE
OF MUNSTER AND THOSE OF LEINSTER.
The peace oT Ireland did not continue for any long period, until it was
again disturbed by civil commotions. The chief monarch of Ireland, Flann
Sionna, had unjustly and insolently invaded the territories of Thomond, over
which territory King Lorcan ruled.1 In his expedition he was joined by
Cerbhall, son of Muiregan, King over the Leinster province. At first, success
attended their arms ; for, they ravaged the whole of Mumhan from Gabhran
to Luimnech. Nevertheless, these insults and injuries were not destined
to pass unpunished.2 After a desperate engagement, which lasted, it is said,
for three whole days without intermission, the forces of Flann were almost
entirely cut to pieces. This monarch, with the remainder of his shattered
army, was obliged, covered with confusion and disgrace, to retreat. By
way of reprisal, Lorcan equipped a fleet of sloops and small vessels on the
Shannon, and with these he afterwards made many incursions into the Meath
and Connaught territories, on either side of the river. The forces of Cormac
Mac Cuillenan, together with those of Flaithbhertach or Flaherty, the warlike
Abbot of Iniscathy, united with Lorcan, a.d. 906 ; and marching to Magh
Lena, they gave battle to the monarch Flann, who was defeated. The latter
"See Wills' " Lives of Illustrious and
Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i., part i.,
second period, p. 186.
74" There were twelve Cantreds in the
division belonging to thecrown of Thomond,
and their territories extended to the
walls of Cashel." — Ferdinando Warner's
" History of Ireland," vol. i., book ix.,
P- 365.
75 See Dr. Sylvester O'llalloran s
"General History of Ireland," vol. ii., book
x., chap, v., p. 184.
76 The Manuscript Collection of the Royal
Irish Academy includes a poem, attributed
to Cormac Mac Cullenan, King and Arch-
bishop of Cashel and Thomond, on his
departure from Lorcan's house. It is in ten
stanzas, pp. 1, 2.
77 According to Selbach the Elder, in his
Elegy, " Pity that Cashel should be without
Corbmac."
78 See Dr. Sylvester O'llalloran's
" General History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
book x., chap, v., pp. 181, 182.
Chapter ii. — ' In this invasion, assigned
to a.d. 905, in the " Chronicum Scotorum,"
his confederate is said to have been Cerb-
hall, son of Muiregen. See William M.
Ilennessy's edition, pp. 180, 181.
2 See Wills' " Lives of Illustrious and Dis-
tinguished Irishmen," vol. i., part i., second
period, p. 186.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 337
was compelled to give hostages, in token of submission j while following up
their victory, Cormac and Flaithbhertach destroyed the islands on Lough Ree
from their fleet, which obliged the men of Connaught, as well as the Ui Neill,
to submit, and also give hostages to insure their future peaceable behaviour. 3
Cormac Mac Cullinan is generally supposed to have been author of the
celebrated work, known as the Psalter of Cashel, and1 which chiefly treated
concerning the history and Antiquities of Ireland. It is thought, also, that
this work was called Psalter because it was principally written in verse.*
However, Edward O'Reilly tells us, it contained a collection of Irish records,
both in prose and verse.5 It included many original pieces, written by
Cormac ; but, it does not appear, nevertheless, to have been exclusively his
composition. Keating had a copy of it, which he often quotes, and he alludes
to it more than once, in the Preface, as a work to be seen in his days. Also,
Colgan states it was preserved in his time.6 Sir James Ware makes mention
of it,7 as extant when he wrote, and that it was held in great esteem. He
says, that he had some collections from it, in an old parchment codex,
intituled Psalter-narran.8 This volume has been considered one of high
authority on matters of Irish History, and it seems yet to be extant.* It is
said to have been originally transcribed from the Psalter of Tara, and from
other ancient documents. We are told, that there is a part of it in an old
Manuscript of the Bodleian Library at Oxford.10 Some writers pretend that
Cormac was not the author of it, and that it was compiled after his times. In
fact, there are some circumstances mentioned as taken from it, which belong
to a later period ; for instance, the latest part of the Catalogue of the Arch-
bishops of Armagh,11 which comes down to the latter end of the eleventh
century.12 In his work, which was published at Oxford,'3 Lhuyd
enumerates the Saltair Chaisil, among Manuscripts then to be found in
3 See William M. Hennessy's " Chroni- Archbishop. The original Psalter of Cashel
cum Scotorum," pp. 180, 181. was long supposed to be lost, but it is now
4 Dr. Lanigan, however, tells us, his said to be deposited in the British Museum."
deceased worthy friend, General Vallancey, " Chronological Account of nearly Four
informed him, that this was a mistake, as Hundred Irish Writers," vol. i., parti., pp.
the original title of the work was Saltair, 60, 61.
which, he said, signified a chronicle, and 6 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe,"
that he states the same in his Prospectus of Januarii i. De S. Fanchea Virgine, sect,
a Dictionary of the Ancient Irish, at Taireac. ix., p. 5.
See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," 7 See " De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus
vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, vi., n. 58, p. 356. ejus," cap xxi., p. 92,
However, though he would wish to agree 8 This had been written, he stated, three
with Valiancy in everything, says Dr. hundred years before his time, as appeared
O'Donovan, yet Dr. Lanigan was too pro- from the antique form of its letters,
found a scholar to be led astray by his 9 Lhuyd, in his " Archaeologia Britan-
veneration for the memory of his departed nica," mentions it, in his catalogue of Irish
friend, and too honest to pass any opinion Manuscripts. Also, see Bishop Nicholson's
without some authority. Also, he had the " Irish Historical Library," chap, ii., p. II.
courage to add : " Yet Saltair signifies also I0 See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
Psalter, and the Psaltair or Saltair-na-rann, carum Scriptores," tomus i. Epistola Nun-
was not a chronicle." — See " Leabhar na cupatoria, pp. xi., lv., lxiii. to lxv. Also,
g-Ceart or Book of Rights.''' Introduction, Prolegomina, pp. clxv. to clxviii.
n. c, p. v. "See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
5 "This book was extant in Limerick, in Septima Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii,
the year 1712, as appears by a large folio Pars Secunda, p. 292.
MS. in the Irish language preserved in the " Such additions have been made with
library of Cashel, written in Limerick in regard to numbers of ancient historical works,
that year, and partly transcribed from the especially during the middle ages, and
original Psalter of Cashel. The writer of many remain without distinctive date or
this account was indulged with a perusal of names of the writers,
the Cashel MS. by his Grace the present 13In 1707.
V
338
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Ireland, as he had been informed in a letter lately received from that
country ; although no reference was made therein, to places where it, and
other Manuscripts, were to be found. x* Moreover, in the enumeration of
Manuscripts contained in the Bodleian Library, as referring to Ireland, that
writer also mentions, an old Manuscript on Parchment, consisting of 292 pages,
in a large folio,15 comprising, among other matters, a copy of part of the Saltar
Cassail. This had been transcribed in 1453 by Seaan or John Buidhe
O'Cleirigh, and others, at Rath an Photaire,16 for Edmond, the head of a
Sept of the Butler family, who assumed the Irish Chieftain name of Mac
Richard, This Manuscript remained in the possession of Mac Richard till
the year 1462, when he was defeated in a battle fought at Baile an Phoill,1?
by Thomas, Earl of Desmond, to whom he was obliged to give up this very
copy of the Psalter of Cashel — then more perfect than it is at present — and
also another Manuscript called Leabhar na Carraige, i.e., the Book of Carrick
[on Suir].18 This Manuscript was examined by the Rev. Dr. Todd, who
published an account of its contents, with observations on its age and
history.1^ In the year 1844, and again in the year 1846, Dr. O'Donovan
went over it with the most anxious care, to see how much of the Psalter it
might preserve ; and he has come to the conclusion, that it contains a very
considerable fragment of that work.20 When perfect, this Manuscript must
have been very large.21 In a work since published, Dr. O'Donovan only
deems it necessary to notice such parts of it as he thinks were transcribed
from the Psalter of Cashel.22 He did not intend to give the reader an idea
14 See Lhuyd's " Archaeologia Britannica,"
P- 436.
'5 It is marked among the Manuscripts
classed Laud.
16 Now called in Irish fUc a' phocAin, and
Anglice Pottlerath, a townland in which are
some ruins of a castle, situate in the parish
of Kilnamanagh, barony of Cranagh, and
County of Kilkenny.
'7 Now Anglicised Piltown, in the barony
of Iverk, and County of Kilkenny.
18 This appears from a memorandum in
the margin of folio no, p. b., of which the
following is a literal translation : "This was
the Psalter of Mac Richard Butler, until the
defeat at Baile an Phoill was given to the
Earl of Ormond, and to Mac Richard by
the Earl of Desmond (Thomas), when this
book and the Book of Carrick were
obtained in the redemption of Mac Richard ;
and it was this Mac Richard that had these
hooks transcribed for his own use, and they
remained in his possession, until Thomas,
Earl of Desmond, wrested them from him."
This memorandum was written in the
Manuscript while it was in the possession
of Thomas, Earl of Desmond, whose name
" Thomas of Desmond," appears in English,
in his own handwriting, on folio 92, a. For
a very curious account of this battle fought
between the Butlers and the young Karl of
Ormond, see the Annals of Duohaltoch
Mac Firbisigh, " Dudley Firbisse," pub-
lished in the " Miscellany of the Irish
Archaeological Society," p. 247, and the
editor's notes at pp. 295, 296.
19 In the "Proceedings of the Royal
Irish Academy," vol. ii., p. 336.
20 This Manuscript as it now stands con-
sists of 146 folios, or 292 pages, and paged
consecutively in modern figures, though it is
evidently defective by many folios, in
different places.
-' It appears, from various notices of the
scribes, that it contained a transcript of all
that could then be read of Saltair Chaisil ;
Leabhair an Phreabain Chunga, i.e.. the
Book of the " Shred " of Cong; the Book
of Rathain, now Rahen, near Tullamore,
King's County ; and the Leabhar Buidhe
Fearna, i.e. the Yellow Book of Ferns.
" These are his words : " The first notice
of the Saltair Chaisil occurs, at fol. 42, b..
where the limits of Ur Mhumha, or Ormond,
are given.
"At fol. 58, b.| the scribe writes that he
had then transcribed all that he found
together (consecutive or without chasms) in
the Psalter of Cashel (a SaIcai]\ Ch*ifil*),
and much from Leabhar Rathain, and
Leabhar an Phreabain.
" At fol. 59, a.a , commences the Fclire
Aenghuis or Festilogium of Aenghus Ceile
De, which is accompanied, as usual, by an
interlined gloss. This, which is in very
good preservation, ends on fol. 72. It was
evidently copied from the Saltair Chaisil.
This is immediately followed by a poem
headed Fingin cecinit 00 ChopmAc in AC
CuilenAn, Finghin sang for Cormac Mac
Cuileannain, and beginning ; •
" ' Da m<v6 tnip da ni ne'il.'
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
339
of the general contents of the Manuscript, for that should occupy many pages ;
but, simply to show how much of that Psalter is preserved, as it had been
copied for Edmond Mac Richard Butler, in 1453. At fol. 14, a.a., line 29
of this Codex, the transcriber states, that there ends the part copied from the
" ' Were I a King, manifestly.'
" Fol. 73, a.a. A poem on the genealogy
of the Kings of Munster, beginning :
" ' Cam cine tnaccu Crvimchuirro rr\eirh ?'
" ' Who were the five sons of Crimhtham
Sreimh ?'
" This is undoubtedly copied from the
Saltair Chaisil.
" Fol. 73, a., line 16, begins a poem on
the descendants of Oilioll Olum, King of
Munster.
" 'CbArm 4ilella Obuim uiU,.'
" ' The sons of the great Aileall Olum.'
" Between the folios now consecutively
marked 74 and 75 there is an evident
chasm.
" Fol. 75, a.a., line 16, begins the genea-
logy of the race of Eireamhon (Heremon),
undoubtedly copied from the Saltair. Chaisil.
' Hibernia insola, inter duos filios princi-
palis Militis, id est Herimon et Eber, in
duas partes divisa est .' This article is also
to be found totidem verbis, in the Books of
Leacan and Baile an Mhuta (Ballymote),
in which it is distinctly stated that it. was
transcribed from the Saltair Chaisil.
" At fol. 78 there is a chasm of many
folios, though the modern pagination runs
consecutively.
u Fol. 79, a. A part of Cormac's Glos-
sary beginning with the word 1mbur
for\ornoi. The remainder is perfect, but
two folios are misplaced. On the folio
marked 81 is a short account of the seats of
tie Kings of Caiseal. The Glossary ends
on fol. 86, col. 3, where Seaan Buidhe
O'Cleirigh writes a memorandum that he
had finished the transcription of the
Sanasan or Etymologicon of the Saltair
Chormaic, on the fifth day of February and
eighth of the moon, for Edmund Butler Mac
Richard.
u Fol. 80, b. A tract on the derivation of
names of places in Ireland, stated, on the
second last line of col. b., to have been
transcribed from Leabhar Buidhe Fearna,
i.e., the Yellow Book of Ferns.' The
matter, from this down to fol. 93, was pro-
bably taken from the Leabhar Buidhe
Fearna, but from thence to folio 123 is
evidently from the Saltair Chaisil. The
principal contents are as follows :
" Fol. 93, a.a. Genealogy of the Race of
Eibhear. The language very ancient.
" Fol. 93, b.a. line 29. A curious
account of the sons of Eochaidh Muigh-
mheadhoin, monarch of Ireland in the
fourth century, and of their father's bequest
to each of them.
" Fol. 93, b.b. An account of the cause
of the expulsion of certain families from the •
North of Ireland, and their settlement in the
South, beginning in Latin thus : ' De causis
quibus exules Aquiloniensium ad Mume-
nenses. '
"Fol. 94, b.b., line 17. A historical
tale relating to Mac Con, monarch of
Ireland, and Oilion Olum, King of Munster.
" Fol. 96, a.a. An account of the Battle
of Magh Mucruimhe, fought near Athenry,
County Galway, between the ex-monarch
Mac Con, and Art, monarch of Ireland, in
the third century.
" Fol. 98, a.a., line 22. Curious hi-torical
stories, in very ancient language, relating to
Crimhthann Mor Mac Fidhaigh, monarch
of Ireland, and other Munster King^ of the
race of Eibhear.
" Fol. 99, b.b. An account of the expul-
sion of the people called Deise from Meidhe
(Meath), and their settlement in Munster.
The language is very ancient.
" Fol. 106, b., col. 3. A genealogical
account of the race of Ir, seventh son of
Mileadh or Milesius. This is very copious
and the language very ancient, as is mani-
fest from its grammatical terminations and
obsolete idioms.
" Fol. in, b.a. A list of the Milesian or
Scotic Kings of Ireland, from Eireamhon
(Heremon) down to Brian Borumha. This
affords strong evidence that the Saltair
Chaisil was enlarged or continued by that
monarch.
" Fol. 115, a., cols. 2, 3. A list of the
Bishops of Ard Macha (Armagh)*
synchronized with the Kings of Caiseal.
Colgan has published this list in his Trias
Thaum., p. 292, as " ex Psalterio
Casselensi." It is carried down to Domhnall,
who succeeded a.d. 1092, and who was
living when this list was made out. Lanigan
remarks, in his Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land, vol. iii., p. 357, n. 59, that some writers
pretend that Cormac was not the author of
this, and that it was compiled after his
times ; and he acknowledges that ' there
are some circumstances mentioned as taken
from it, which belong to a later period ; for
instance, the latter part of the catalogue of
the archbishops of Armagh (apud Tr. Th.,
p. 292), which comes down to the latter end
of the eleventh century. But this proves
nothing more than that some additions have
been made to the original work of Cormac,
as has been the case with regard to numbers
of historical works, particularly those
written in the middle ages.'
340
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Book of Cong, called Leabhar an Phreabain. Afterwards, succeed the portions
said to have been extracted from the Psalter of Cashel. However, there appears
still to be a good deal of misconception existing with regard to the identity
and authorship of this so-called Psalter of Cashel. a3 According to a work pub-
lished, by the Celtic Society, in i847,24 and edited by that most learned and
researchful Irish scholar and antiquary, Dr. O' Donovan, it has been proved,
that the work known as the Psalter of Cashel, had been commenced by St.
Benean or Benignus,25 who died a.d. 468, and that Cormac Mac Cullinan
continued it to his own time. There is another account, given by Connell
Mageoghegan, in a dedication prefixed to his translation of the " Annals of
Clonmacnoise," that the Psalter of Cashel had been compiled by direction
of the celebrated Irish monarch, Brian Borumha. Hence, it is supposed,
that King Brian had a continuation of the Psalter of Cashel composed, and
which followed down to his own time.26
Several poems, some of them on historical and some on religious subjects,
have been ascribed to Cormac Mac Cullinan, as their author. However,
many of these are the production of authors since his time. Yet, it may be
necessary to enumerate such compositions.27 There is a poem, attributed to
Cormac Mac Cullinan, King of Cashel, and Archbishop of Thomond, on
his departure from Lorcan's house.28 It contains ten stanzas. There is a
peem, attributed to Cormac Mac Cullinan, on the Three Sods or Spots.29
It contains ninety-six verses. There is also a poem called Cormac Mac
Cullinan's Rule of Discipline^0 It contains fifty-six verses. There is a poem,
" Fol. 115. A list of the Kings of Dal
Araidhe, which is followed by a list of the
Christian Kings of Ireland, down to
Maelseachlainn II., who died in 1022.
"Fol. 116, a., col. 2. A list ot the
Christian Kings of Connaght.
"Fol. 119, a., col. 3. A list of the
Kings of Aileach. At the bottom of this
folio the scribe writes :
" ' jjAch ni peomAic •o'pAJbAib 'pA
penlebup .1. a SaIcaip CAipl aca AgAirm
'fA leAbAJA ro riA TIaca.'
" i.e. ' Everything we could find in the old
book, i.e., the Saltair Chaisil, we have
[preserved] in this book of the Rath.'
" From thence down to fol. 146 would
appear to have been taken from a different
MS."—
Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na-g-Ceart,
or the Book of Rights." Introduction, pp.
xxx. to xxxiii.
23 In the Psaltar Mac Richard, Bodleian
Library, Oxford, at fol. 83, commences an
imperfect, but very ancient, copy of
Cormac's Glossary, beginning with the word
mmoech. It ends at fol. 86, a. ; after
which is an entry, by Rev. Dr. Todd, u from
which we learn a very remarkable fact,
hitherto, I believe, unnoticed by our his-
torians, that Cormac's Glossary was com-
piled from the notes or glosses, added by
Cormac Mac Cuilionan, the celebrated
King and Bishop of Cashel, to the miscella-
neous compilation called the Psalter of
Cashel." " In the margin of fol. 117, b.,"
adds Dr. Todd, " there is written, in faint
red ink, fAbc CAipl : by which we may
infer, that the tract there transcribed was
preserved, also, in the Psalter of Cashel,
This is apparently the only reason for sup-
posing, that the present Manuscript contains
extracts, from the Psalter of Cashel.
24 The LeAbhAp riAg-CeApc, or the Book
of Rights.
25 The Psalter of Cashel is also referred
to, in the Book of Rights, as the work, in
which St. Benean entered the traditional
History of the Tributes of the Munster
Kings.
26 " It is quite evident from the notices in
this MS. that the Saltair Chaisil was not
then perfect, and that even of what was
then transcribed from it, the Bodleian MS.
contains but a small fragment. It affords
no evidence whatever as to Leabhar na g-
Ceart except the fact that the Psalter of
Caiseal, in which a certain form of it nm-t
have been preserved, was continued down
to about the year 1020." — Dr. O'Donovan's
" Leabhar na g-Ceart or the Book of
Rights." Introduction, p. xxxiii.
2? Our references in the following account
are chiefly to the Volumes of the O'Longan
Manuscripts, now preserved in the Library
of the Royal Irish Academy.
28 This is in vol. iii., which is a fragment
of a larger volume, and consisting of 83
written pages, transcribed by Michael
O'Longan, in the year 18 10. It is part of
what is commonly called, the LeAbAp
muiriimeA6, or the Book of Munster, pp.
I, 2.
2s Vol. xiv. p. 180.
3° Vol. xiv. p. 190.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 341
on the Final Judgment, ascribed to Cormac Mac Cullinan, King of
Munster.31 There are metrical Proverbs, ascribed to Cormac Mac
Cullinan.32 There is a poem of nine stanzas, attributed to Cormac Mac
Cullinan, among the O'Longan Manuscripts.33 There is a poem, in praise of
the Islands of Aran, off the coasts of Clare and of Galway.34 It appears to
be of some antiquity, but probably it has been incorrectly ascribed to Cormac
Mac Cullinan. It consists of sixty-four stanzas. 35 Cormac Mac Cullinan
is said to have composed a Poem, on the Rights of the Delcassians.36 It
contains twenty stanzas. A curious Poem is attributed to Cormac Mac
Cullinan, on Mogh Ruith, the famous Munster Druid of the third century.
It consists of forty-four verses.37 An ancient Poem, said to have been com-
posed by Cormac Mac Cullinan, on the nineteen Sons of Oilill Oluain, and
their descendants. 38 There is a Poem, by Cormac Mac Cullinan, on the
Keys to various Requirements and Achievements.39 It consists of twelve
quatrains. 4° There is a Poem, ascribed to Cormac Mac Cullinan, which
contains an Invocation of the Saints for the Four Quarters of the year/1 It
contains seven quatrains. There is a Manuscript Tract, called The Three
Wishes of St. Cormac. Son of Culennan, in the Burgundian Library, at
Bruxelles.43 The large 4to parchment MS.43 of Messrs. Hodges and
Smith's collection, R.I. A., has a Poem, ascribed to St. Cormac Mac
Cuillenan. In a portion of the Martyrology of Donegal, but written in a
more recent hand than that of the original, it is said Cormac composed a
poem, which is thus Englished at the title, "Arise, O daughter of the
King. 44 There is a poem, attributed to Cormac Mac Cullinan, and said to
have been written in his fifty-ninth year. The subject is on the propriety of
turning his attention from temporal to eternal matters.45 It has been stated
by those writers who have treated about this holy bishop, that he left various
bequests to different churches before his death. This document is said to
have taken the form of a metrical composition. There is extant a poem,
termed Cormac Mac Cullinan's WilU6 It contains thirty-two verses. This
is said to be a bad copy of the will. There is a poem, said to have been
composed by Cormac Mac Cullinan, on his going forth to engage in the fatal
31 This is in vol. liv., a 4to paper Manu- Michael Oge, about the year 1784. It is a
script, written by some member of the folio paper Manuscript containing two
O'Longan family, of Cork, p. 166. hundred and thirty-eight written pages. P.
32Vol. iv„ p. 37. 179.
« Vol. iv., p. 37. 41 Vol. viii. of the O'Longan MSS. R.I.A.,
34 This is found in vol. iv., a olio paper p. 204. The contents of this MS. are
Manuscript, written by Michael Oge chiefly of a religious character. It is a folio
O'Longan, in and after the year 1799. It paper, of 273 written pages, transcribed by
contains four hundred and seven pages, p. 36. Michael Oge O'Longan, in the year 1795 —
35 There is another copy in vol xiv., p. 1805, and 1815.
178. 42 in the Catalogue vol. iv., nos. 2324 —
36 Vol. iii., Catalogue ot the O'Longan 2340, fol 77.
MSS., belonging to the R. I. A., p. 21. 43 it is marked, No. 223.
37 See the O'Longan Catalogue ot 44 a note by Dr. Reeves states at this
Manuscripts belonging to the Royal Irish ending of the account, that the whole
Academy, vol. vi., p. 104. passage which precedes it within brackets is
38 Vol vi., p. 97. written in the more recent hand.
39 This is found in vol. vi., fol. paper, 4SVol. liv., p. 175.
written by Michael Oge O'Longan, between 46 This is found in vol. v., written by Michael
the years 1 8 10 and 1822. It contains three Oge O'Longan, of the Counties of Cork,
hundred and sixty pages. P. 13. Limerick, and Kerry. It was transcribed,
4° There is another copy of this Poem between the years 1796 and 1818. It has
in vol. xiv., transcribed by Michael 467 numbered pages, with a few at the
O'Longan, son of Peter and father of beginning, not numbered, p. 209.
342 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Expedition to Leinster.47 It contains forty-four stanzas. There is a
poem «8 ascribed, with apparent propriety,*? to Cormac Mac Cullinan, among
the O'Longan Collection. There, the introduction of the Anglo-Normans
into Erinn, by Dermod Mac Morrough, is foretold, as also their defeat, in
several battles, by Donnell Mor O'Brien, King of Munster. That poem is
addressed to Sealbhach, the priest, and a Secretary to King Cormac. It
consists of 72 verses. In the Psalter Mac Richard, Bodleian Library,
Oxford, there is a Poem,5° regarding the Duties of a King, and addressed to
Cormac Mac Cuillionan, King and Bishop of Cashel, in the ninth and
beginning of the tenth century. There is an anonymous poem of con-
siderable antiquity, and which appears to have been written for some King of
Cashel— possibly by or for Cormac Mac Cullinan.51 It contains one hundred
and eight verses. A poem, reciting the names of Irish Saints, and the tribes
to which each Saint belonged, is ascribed to Cormac, by some writers ; but,
it is more usually attributed to his secretary Sealbhach. 52 Copies of this poem
are in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, and other copies were in
possession of William Monck Mason, as also of Edward O'Reilly. This
latter writer tells us, that one of these poems contains the monarch's will, and
that he forbears giving a particular accouut of each poem, because not
serving to illustrate the history or antiquities of Ireland.53 Bishop Nicholson
fell into a strange mistake,5* in ascribing to Cormac Mac Cullinan a poetical
tract, which is said to have been composed by Cormac Ulfada, a King of
Ireland in the third century. He confounded this King, who lived in pagan
times, with the bishop and King of Cashel..55 This mistake has been com-
mented on, likewise, by Walter Harris. s6
It is more than questionable, if any of the existing ruins on the Rock of
Cashel date back to the time of this holy bishop. Still, popular tradition and
poetic fancies57 delight to indulge in such a belief.58 The beautiful and well-
known stone-roofed church called Cormac's Chapel has been popularly but
erroneously ascribed to the king-bishop, Cormac Mac Cullenan. However,
it is much later than his time and by more than two centuries.5? Its erection
« See O'Longan's "Catalogue of Irish McMullen, (Una), such traditions are ex-
Manuscripts belonging to the Royal Irish pressed. There we find an exquisite
Academy," vol. iv., p. 38. There is another apostrophe to old Cashel : —
copy of this in vol. xiv.. p. 181.
48SeeO'Longan MSS., vol. viii., p. 266, " Majestic pile, whose hoary forehead rises
R.I. A. In proud defiance of the storms of time,
« In Eugene O'Curry's opinion. Great King of ruins, on thy rock-throne
50 At folio 72. seated
51 Vol. xiv., O'Longan's Manuscripts, p, In lonely grandeur, solemn, sad, sublime.
76. The footsteps of a thousand years have
5* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- trodden
nise," Januarii. Supplementum, num. x., The changing universe since thou wert
p. 5- young;
53 Edward O'Reilly's " Chronological Since through thy sculptured aisles and
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish lofty arches
Writers," vol. i., part i., p, 61. In solemn strains Jehovah's praises rung.
54 In his "Irish Historical Library." Thou seemest left, to tell our race to-day
Appendix, num. i., pp. 66, 67. Of power destroyed, of glory passed away. '
55 Dr. Lanigan very truly remarks, " that ' — "Snatches of Song," p. 61, St. Louis,
Nicholson was very poorly acquainted with U.S.A., 1874.
Irish history." — " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. iii., chap. xxii.,sect. vi., n. 61, ssjhe reader is referred to what has been
p. 358. already stated, on this subject, in the Life
s6See Harris' Ware,- vol. iii. "The of St. Albert, bishop of Cashel, at the 8th
Writers of Ireland," book i., chap, i., p. 5. day of January, in the First Volume of this
57 In a varied and admirable collection of work, Art. i., chap. i.
national poems and versicles, by Mary A. 59 It has been observed, by Sir Winston
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
343
is owing to Cormac Mac Carthy, who flourished in the twelfth century, who
was also King— and it has been stated bishop63— of Minister, and of the
same tribe as our king-bishop.61 Being similarly named and having similar
powers— remarkable, likewise, for his piety and zeal to promote religion63— it is
easy to conceive, how both could have been confounded. According to the
Munster Annals or,
as they are generally
called, the Annals
of Innisfallen, Cor-
mac, son of Muir-
eadhach, son of
Carthach, was de-
throned by Tur-
lough O'Conor,
King of Ireland, in
1127,63 and obliged
to go on a pil-
grimage to Lismore,
while his brother
Donogh was inau-
gurated in his place.
To this period, like-
wise, has been
ascribed the erec-
tion of Teampull
Chormaic, and so
named from the
founder.64 How-
ever, he was after-
wards restored to
the throne of Mun-
ster, and in 1134,
the same record
chronicles the con-
secration of Cormac
Mac Carthy at
Cashel, by the
Archbishop and
Bishops of Mun-
ster, and the mag-
nates of Ireland,
both lay and ecclesiastical. This pious, brave and liberal prince had con-
tinual contention for the sovereignty of Munster during the term of his reign ;
and in 1138, he was treacherously murdered by Dermod Sugach O'Conor
Kerry, at the instigation of Turlough O'Brien, who was his own son-in-law,
gossip and foster-child.
Both exteriorly and interiorly, Cormac's Chapel is one of the most perfect
and interesting ecclesiastical structures of that period now existing within the
King Cormac's Chapel, Exterior.
Churchill, that the armorial ensign of King
Stephen— who ruled in England from a.d.
1135 to 1 1 55— had for device Mars, a
Sagittarius, and Sol. See in the " Divi
Britannici : being a Remark upon the Lives
of all the Kings of this Isle, from the year
of the world 2855, unto the year of Grace
1660," p. 209, and Kent's "Grammar of
Heraldry." Appendix 1. Herlim's Cata-
logues, 1674, P« 4°« There is a curious
representation of the stone over the door-
way entering Cormack's Chapel on the
344
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
limits of the British empire. In the general plan, it has many points of
resemblance with the earlier stone-roofed churches of the Irish, as in its
simple division into nave and chancel, and in the crofts or apartments placed
over them ; but in other respects, it is unlike them ; and, taken as a whole,
it may be considered unique in Ireland.6* This building, which is evidently
the earliest ecclesiastical one on the Rock, stands in close proximity to
the Cathedral, which latter has been built against it, with an entrance from
the south transept, the intention being to convert the chapel into a chapter-
house.66 It consists of a nave and chancel, with two quadrangular towers at
the east end of nave ; the latter has a deeply -projecting north porch, and
the chancel has a recess or sub-chancel at the east end. Both nave and sub-
chancel are roofed with stone, as also the north tower and porch,6? while the
lines of each roof have been kept parallel to produce symmetry in the barge-
courses.68
The southern elevation of the nave is divided into four storevs.69 The
Rock, on which has been carved, the figure
of a Centaur and Sagittarius combined,
aiming an arrow at an animal presenting the
appearance of a lion. See "The Irish
Penny Magazine," vol. i., No. 24, p. 189.
60 Dr. George Petrie thus writes: "It
will be recollected that in one of the passages
already cited — that from the Annals of
InnisfalUn, at the year 1 127 — it is stated,
that on his expulsion from the throne of
Cashel in 1127, Cormac was obliged to take
refuge in Lismore, where lie was forced to
receive a bachall, or crozier : but though
there is nothing improbable in ihe circum-
stance that a deposed prince, ot his high
character for piety, should have received ihe
episcopal rank to reconcile him to his 1. 1 lien
condition, the statement in the Annals is
not sufficient to establish that such was the
fact, as the word bachall is used in the Irish
authorities not only to denote the crozier of
a bishop, abbot, or abbess, but also the
penitential staff of a pilgrim. But there is
another historical evidence of much higher
authority, because a contemporaneous one,
which would go far indeed to establish the
fact that Cormac had received an episcopal
crozier, and enjoyed the dignity of a bishop,
when he was restored to his throne. This
evidence is found in the last of the following
entries of a manuscript copy of the Gospels
written in Ireland, and now preserved
amongst the Harleian MSS. in the British
Museum — n. 1802." " Ecclesiastical Archi-
tecture and Round Towers of Ireland,"
part ii., sect., iii., subs. 1, p. 307. This
writer afterwards cites the Irish passage of
a scribe, who called Cormac MacCarthaigh
royal bishop of Munster and of all Ireland
in his time, where he asks for a prayer at
the end of St. John's Gospel, as contained
in that Manuscript. See p. 308.
61 Dr. O'Brien has published the fore-
going Irish extract in his Irish Dictionary.
Also Dr. Charles O'Conor gives a fac-simile
of the original in " Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus i. Prolegomena, p.
cxliii.
62 However, Dr. O'Brien, who correctly
translates rxig-efcop mum^m "royal bishop
of Munster," believes that the scribe
Maelbrighde " had no other foundation for
styling Cormac Royal Bishop of Munster
than because he had repaired the Cathedral
Church of Cashel, and two churches at
Lismore, and was otherwise reputed a man
of a pious and holy life.
63 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 1026, 1027.
64 According to the Foras Feasa ar
Eirinn, do Reir an Arthar Seathrun Ceiting,
Ollamh re Diadhachta, or the History of
Ireland from the Earliest Period to the
English Invasion, by the Rev Geoffrey
Keating, D.D., the consecration of this
chapel took place in 1 134, chap, vii., p.
605. John OMahony's edition, New York,
1 866, 8vo.
6s See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesias-
tical Architecture and Round Towers of
Ireland," part ii., sect, iii., subs, i., p. 292.
66 The accompanying illustration from a
photograph, drawn on the wood and
engraved by Gregor Grey, presents an ex-
terior view of Cormac's chapel.
°7 There are interesting descriptions —
illustrated with admirable drawings — of the
ruins on the Rock of Cashel, in the "Gentle-
man's Magazine and Historical Review,"
by J. H. Parker, vol. ii., tor October, 1864,
new series, vol. xvii. Notes on the Archi-
tecture of Ireland, No. viii. Cashel, pp.
403 to 417.
08 An admirable ground plan of the whole
group of ruins on the Rock of Cashel is
shown in a woodcut, at p. 413, ibid.
69 The architectural notices contained in
the text are mainly taken from the accurate
description of Richard Rolt Brash, in his
"Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland, to
the Close ol the Twelfth Century." In the
seventh chapter of that work referring to
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 345
doorway is towards the west end. The jamb consists of an external pillar,
a semi-hexagonal pier, and an inside square pillar and reveal ; the shafts of
the pillars are gone — the caps and one base remain. The semi-hexagonal
piers are carved with incised surface-ornament ; two of the capitals show
human heads, the others are mutilated. The arched head is solid, and on it
there is carved a nondescript animal in bold relief; it has two orders carved
into chevrons, with a bold label, consisting of square and circular billets in
a hollow. The arch mouldings spring from an abacus having a similar
arrangement. This ope is much damaged, and at present it is built up. The
left-hand side of the door shows one semicircular-headed panel ; the right-
hand side of the door has two panels in like style. They are recessed
six inches ; the arches are incised with chevrons, the springs from imposts
consisting of a deep square and hollow, enriched by circular billets. These
form a string-course.
The second storey is marked by a bold string-course, consisting of a
deep square and hollow, over which was formerly an arcade of arched panels,
some of them enclosing window-opes ; one of these panels only remains so. The
arch is plain, springing from angle-shafts having carved caps, the abacus of
which ran along the piers throughout. Two rude rectangular opes have been
broken through where formerly panels were, and the work of this portion is
much mutilated and altered. The third storey has an arcade of panels,
having plain arches springing from narrow piers, furnished with angle-pillars
having carved caps, all much mutilated, the abacus, as before, forming
imposts. The fourth storey has six columns, and two angle-columns next
to the end piers, supporting the ornamental eave-course ; they have also
carved caps, and rest upon a bold string-course, consisting of a square, with
the ball ornament in a hollow. This is continued round the southern tower.
Between the pillars are a series of corbels carved into human heads. 7°
The southern tower is about 68 feet in height, has seven stages marked
by string-courses ; the entasis is very graceful ; the fourth stage has an
arcade of semicircular-headed panels, two on the front and one on each side ;
these have angle-shafts with carved caps. At various stages are rectangular
slits for the admission of light. The tower finishes at present with a plain
parapet of rubble limestone work, evidently of an age much later than the
original building. There can be no doubt that it was finished at first with a
stone roof in the same manner as the northern tower. The east side being
fair with the east gable of nave, the original ornamental barge of the stone
roof has been continued down on the tower wall — an admirable contrivance
to preserve the symmetry of the roof-gable. The moulded barge finishes on
each side with a grotesque head.?1
The south side of chancel has three storeys ; the first is plain, and shows
an over-thickness, above which is an arcade of six semicircular-headed panels,
the arched heads of which finish with a torus moulding, and spring from small
shafts having carved capitals ; the latter remain, the pillars have disappeared.
This arcade is returned on the east gable so far as the altar recess. The
upper storey also recedes, and is plain to the eaves, being formed by a
deep square and hollow enriched with the hall ornament, and supported at
Cashel, are introduced the following plates : Tower, with measurements. Plate xxxiv.,
Plate xxxi., Ground Plan of Cormac's Exterior of South Elevation of Cormac's
Chapel, with Plan of Overcroft, and Chapel, with Top of Tower restored.
measurements. Plate xxxii., Section of Plate xxxv., Details from Cormac's
Cormac's Chapel, looking East. Plate Chapel.
xxxiii., Jamb of North Porch, Jamb of 7° See ibid. , p. 92.
Chancel Arch, and Window n South 7l See ibid., pp. 92, 93.
346 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
intervals of about 15 in. by corbels of grotesque animal heads. This eave-
course runs across the east gable, forming a string-course, over which appear
two circular opes for lighting the croft over chancel ; they are about 6 in.
diameter, and finish with a moulded arris enriched with the ball ornament.
Above these in apex of gable is a narrow semicircular-headed ope.7* The
north side of the building is completely blocked up by the chancel of the
Cathedral. 73 The north tower is of more massive dimensions than the south,
with which it corresponds in the height of its stages and the level of its
string-courses. It finishes with a high-pitched pyramidal roof of stone, built
of ashlar blocks, and in good preservation. It is not so high to the eaves by
one stage as the southern tower.74
The interior of Cormac's Chapel is not less curious and interesting in its
architectural features. The nave measures thirty feet in length, by eighteen
in breadth. There is a lower storey consisting of a series of rectangular piers
supporting semicircular arches, and forming deeply-recessed panels between ;
the piers have caps, composed of a deep square, with a billet ornament under
same ; the surface of these piers, on front and sides, are richly diapered with
a variety of incised ornament. The face of the walls interiorly is ornamented
with columns and circular ribs under the circular arch. 75 The arches, both
on faces and sofFets, are enriched with chevrons. Above these arches is a
deep string-course, consisting of a square and chamfer ; resting on this we
have at each side an arcade of stout three-quarter columns, having moulded
bases and carved capitals, from which spring the rectangular ribs of the
barrel vault. The capitals have a deep abacus consisting of a square and
chamfer, the bells being carved in a variety of design, no two being similar.
The nave is spanned by a barrel vault, having plain ribs springing from the
capitals of the columns on the flank walls. It was lighted by two window-
opes at the south side, the internal jambs and arches of which remain, but the
external -opes have been cut away, and formed into rude square apertures.
There was also a window-ope in the west gable. These appear to have been
all the original provision made for lighting the nave, which must have been
very dark.?6
At the north side of the nave, and close to the east gable, there is a very
elaborate doorway leading into the ground floor of the north tower. It
appears to be a feature far in excess of its intended use, being of large size,
richly ornamented with several orders of carved arch-members, springing
from jamb pillars having carved capitals. The shafts of these are detached,
and octagonal in section, each of the sides being hollowed or fluted. The
door-ope has been much narrowed by the insertion of chamfered piers of
limestone. The exterior moulded arch-member being thrown above the
string-course of the lower storey of the arcading, the work over it is stepped.
The column of the upper arcade, which comes right over the centre of the
73 For a correct and an interesting wood- effigy of Saint Patrick." — John O'Mahony's
cut representing the exterior of Cormac's " Sunny Side of Ireland. How to see it,
Chapel, the reader is referred to the work of by the Great Southern and Western Rail-
George Wilkinson, " Practical Geology and way," p. 54.
Ancient Architecture of Ireland," sect, v., 75 See George Wilkinson's "Practical
p. 96. Geology and Ancient Architecture of
73 See Richard Rolt Brash's " Ecclesias- Ireland," sect, v., p. 96.
tical Architecture of Ireland, to the Close 7« Arthur Hill has published in a
of the Twelfth Century," chap. vii. Cashel, large 4to size a " Monograph of Cormac's
p. 93. Chapel " with beautiful illustrations and
74 "In the burial ground outside is the letterpress architectural description, see A. D.
lamous Cross of Cashel, with a sculptured 1874.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
34?
arch, is shortened to meet the difficulty. In the south wall there is a corre-
sponding door leading to the south tower ; it is of small size, plain and
unornamented.7^ The chancel is a very interesting feature. It measures 12
feet 8 inches in length, and n feet 6 inches in breadth, clear of walls. It is
groined by diagonal ribs, moulded, their intersection being covered by a group
of four human heads. The north and south walls have arcades, supported
on three-quarter columns, with bases and carved capitals. This chancel is
lighted by small semicircular-headed windows in the north and south walls,
having large inward splays. There was no east window, consequently it was
badly lighted. ?8 The east end shows a double recess, the external one nearly
the full breadth of the chancel, and having a moulded arch springing from
St. Cormac's Chapel, Rock of Cashel, Interior.
double columns at each side. The key-stone is a grotesque human head,
and immediately over it there is a line of five presenting the same character.
The inner recess is 5 feet wide and 3 reet 3 inches in depth ; it has a feature
in the character of areredos, being an arcade of three small arched recesses.
The arch members are moulded and spring from three-quarter shafts, having
scalloped capitals and curiously-moulded bases. Over this arcade there is a
string-course enriched with the billet, and supported at intervals by human
heads ; this arcade is continued on the sides of the recess, and on to the north
and south walls of chancel. The shafts of the pillars in the recess are
enriched with the chevron and other ornaments. The nave and chancel are not
placed symmetrically with each other, the former being much wider than the
" The imaginative antiquary, Marcus
Keane, who absurdly considers Cormac's
Chapel to be " the only specimen of a
Cuthite structure of the temple class in
Ireland," also remarks that it seems to have
been built without windows suitable for
glass, as " the lights now appearing in it
were manifestly an effort of after times to
adapt it to Christian uses." — " Towers and
Temples of Ancient Ireland," p. 12.
78The accompanying interior illustration,
from an approved engraving, has been
drawn on the wood and engraved by
Gregor Grey.
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
latter ;?9 nor is the chancel arch in the centre, as it abuts more to the side wall.80
At the head of a newel stairs, there is a door-ope leading to a chamber over
the nave in the interior of the southern tower. This is a lofty apartment,
being in length 27 feet and in breadth 16 feet 6 inches, clear of walls ;
its height to the soffit of its acutely-pointed vaulting is 2 1 feet. At the west end,
there is a large recess for a fireplace, with a flue in the thickness Of the gable.
At each side, and nearly on a level with the hearth, there is a rectangular
flue, which runs through the gable and along the flank wall, and opening into
the towers ; they are nearly on a level with the present floors. The object
for which these air-passages were constructed has been variously surmised.8'
This chamber was originally lighted by two well-constructed rectangular
opes in the stone roof, at the south side, the weatherings of which were con-
trived with skill and judgment. There were also two narrow semicircular-
headed slits, in east gable. In the upper parts of both east and west gables,
there are two rude opes but of recent date. At a height of 7 feet 2 inches from
the floor, there were ranges of corbels projecting internally from the stone
roof. Four of these at one side, and two at the other, are still remaining.82
The chamber^ over the chancel is entered by a door-ope in the east gable of
that over the nave ; this ope is 2 feet 7 inches wide, it is semicircular-headed,
and has a flight of six steps descending to the floor of the former, the
difference of level being 5 feet. The wall is no less than 5 feet 4 inches
thick. The chamber is 12 feet 3 inches square, and has a pointed vault84 of
similar construction and materials to that over the nave ; it is 14 feet 6 inches
in height. The provision for lighting was very limited.
After those occurrences, already related, Lorcan the Dynast of Thomond
returned the visit of Cormac.8- The king is said to have assigned the
northern half of his place at Cashel for the accommodation of his dis-
tinguished guest, and of the many retainers accompanying him.86 The
object of those visits undoubtedly comprised political motives ; for, at this
time, Domhnal, son to Cathil, and King of Connaght, was preparing a large
army for the invasion of Thomond. This incursion took place, in the
following year, but it proved unsuccessful.8? Fortune seemed to favour all
King Cormac's attempts, after he had obtained possession of the throne ;
while his glory and prosperity might have remained unclouded, to the closing
scenes of his life, were it not for the evil and fatal advice of those in whose
counsels he reposed too much confidence.88 Hitherto his days appear mostly
79 See J. H. Parker's Notes on the Architecture of Ireland to the close of the
Architecture of Ireland, No. viii., Cashel, Twelfth Century," chap, vii., p[>. 95 to 98.
p. 409. 8z The angles of the southern tower being
80 From a thorough examination of the filled up with masonry to the height of the
building, Mr. Brash has failed to ascertain steps of the newel stairs, it is circular so far,
the reason of this strange proceeding ; he but from that upwards it is square. The
can only conjecture that, when this edifice steps are much worn and damaged.
was erecting, a more ancient church or 83 See J. H. Parker's article for a wood -cut
oratory had been in existence, and that the of section across nave and upper chamber,
chancel of the new church was pushed on p. 410.
one side to avoid the removal of what may 8* It is fourteen feet, six incites, in height.
have then been an object of great reverence, 8s By some of our historians, this visit has
though subsequently taken down to make been assigned to a.d. 903.
room for the Cathedral. 86 See Ferdinando Warner's "History of
81 Dr. Petrie considers them to have been Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 367.
flues for warming the apartment by heated 87 See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
air passing through them ; but, as there is "General History of Ireland," vol. ii., book
about 12 inches of solid masonry between x., chap, v., p. 184.
them and the chamber, their effect as a ^ See Dr. Keating's "General History
heating agent would be very trifling, in the of Ireland," book ii., part i., chap, i., pp.
opinion of Mr. -Brash. See " Ecclesiastical 523, 524. John O'Mahonys edition.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
349
to have passed, in the tranquil pursuits of literature. Almost seventy years
had elapsed, after his birth and these flowed on like a long and bright
unclouded sunshine. Such a term was spent in contemplation, repose and
exercises of devotion.89 But, as calm days will sometimes terminate in the
din and confusion of gathering tempests ;'] thus likewise went down the
obscured sun of the good monarch's closing years. His long and honourable
career as a student and an ecclesiastic leave few traces on our annals ; yet
certain results of his studies and varied abilities remain in those literary relics,
which have survived his more obscured years.
To Cormac Mac Cullenan is ascribed an Irish Glossary or Dictionary
of Etymologies, called Sanas Chormaic.9° Some Manuscript copies have
been preserved,** and Dr. Whitley Stokes 92 has ably edited this learned
compilation, under the title " Three Irish Glossaries, viz. : Cormac's Glossary,
Codex A. (from a MS. in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy) ;
O'Davoren's Glossary, (from a MS. in the Library of the British Museum) ;
and a Glossary to the Calendar of Oingus the Culdee (from a MS. in
the Library of Trinity College, Dublin) ; with an Introduction 93 and
Index."94 The Manuscript of Cormac's Glossary 95 there printed belongs to
the fourteenth century. It is the oldest complete copy known to exist, and
now it is preserved in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy. 96 This is
followed by two fragments of the same Glossary found in the Book of
Leinster, a Manuscript of the thirteenth century, now preserved in the
Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Afterwards was published the supple-
mentary "Sanas Chormaic or Cormac's Glossary," translated and annotated
89 See Wills' " Lives of Illustrious and
Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i., second
period, p. 185.
90 See O'Reilly's "Chronological Account
of nearly Four Hundred Irish Writers," vol.
i.,part i., p. 60. See Harris' Ware, vol. ii.,
" Writers of Ireland," at Cormac Mac
Culinan. Book i., chap, vii., p. 64
91 General Vallancey had a copy of it,
which he often quotes under the name of
Cormac Mac Culinan, and Lhuyd had one,
which he copied from an old Irish Manu-
script. The Rev. Dr. O'Brien makes
mention of it in his Irish Dictionary, at
Bealtinne, where he calls it simply an old
Glossary, copied by Mr. Lhuyd.
92 Happily through him, the great desire
of Rev. Dr. Lanigan has been accomplished,
in having the work published, as a reply to
the foolish query of Dr. Ledwich. " Sup-
posing the glossary genuine, would it now
be intelligible ?" To which Dr. Lanigan
subjoins : " Strange that a man, who sets up
as an Irish antiquary, should ask such a
question, as if the Irish of the ninth or tenth
century could not be understood by our
Irish scholars at present. Surely, although
the Doctor could not understand it, he must
have known that those, who are really
versed in the language, find scarcely any
difficulty in translating Irish documents stili
more ancient than the ninth century, as may
be seen in Colgan's works, &c. — " Ecclesi-
astical History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap,
xxii., sect, vi., n, 60, pp. 357, 358.
93 In the preface, which extends to 75
pages, the editor gives a full description of
the MSS. from which the three Vocabularies
have been printed ; he also considers the
arguments for and against Cormac having
been the author of the Glossary ascribed to
him ; again, he points out its value, first,
from the linguistic, secondly, from the
mythological, and lastly, from the historical
point of view. In considering its linguistic
value, he cites and comments on almost
every word of interest which it contains,
and makes numerous comparisons, not only
with cognate words in the British, but with
those in the Sanskrit, Greek, Latin and
Gothic languages.
94 These three Vocabularies are followed
by a general Index Verborum, which
contains upwards of three thousand
articles.
95 The notes relating to Celtic mythology,
legends and superstitions, which occur in
Cormac's Glossary, are of very great inte-
rest. These the editor has translated a;i I
illustrated.
96 After noticing the statements in the
Glossary which bear on the political history
of Ireland, the editor then collects the
words more or less illustrative of her social
condition ; such as the names of animals,
which may throw light on what has been
called the pre-historic history of the Indo-
European races ; words that relate to the
material civilization of Ireland ; and lastly,
those connected with her literature and laws.
35o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
by the late John O'Donovan, LL.D., edited, with Notes and Indices, by
Whitley Stokes, LL.D.97 The bulk of its text is printed in the volume
entitled Three Irish Glossaries,^ with additional Articles then for the first
time published, and printed from a transcript made by the editor some seven
years before from the Yellow Book of Lecan.99 This work explains
many difficult words in our language. There is an imperfect copy
of Cormac's Glossary, among the Messrs. Hodges' and Smith's Collection
of Irish Manuscripts, in the Royal Irish Academy.100 Some antiquaries
attribute this production to Cormac Mac Art,101 a learned monarch of Ireland
in the middle of the third century.'02 Yet numbers of words in this treatise
and which are explained by, or derived from, the Latin, Greek and Hebrew
languages, afford presumptive evidence that this cannot have been an effusion
of Cormac Mac Art. Otherwise, we should admit, that learning had been
cultivated in Ireland, at that remote period, and to a much greater extent,
than can generally be supposed.103
During one of those years while he reigned, Cormac had resolved
on celebrating the Easter Festival at Cashel, with extraordinary state and
magnificence. A short time previous to this Festival, he despatched a
messenger to Eoganacht,10* a district which was not far distant from Cashel,105
to request the inhabitants to send a quantity of provisions as a supply for the
guests expected at the royal table, during such celebration, as likewise for the
retinue and attendants, that should of necessity flock to the regal city. The
messenger was dismissed with a refusal. But, the Dalgais tribe,106 having
heard about this rude denial, despatched with all speed provisions necessary
to supply the King of Cashel's wants.10? Notwithstanding that ungracious
refusal, Cormac resolved to try once more the effects of an application to the
Eoganacht people.108 He sent to request, that they would furnish him with
some of their best arms and horses, which he intended to bestow on strangers,
who should visit his court, and in proportion to their respective merits. He
9? This volume was printed for the Irish respective reigns with those of contem-
Archseological and Celtic Society, at porary Princes in other countries." — Thomas
Calcutta, 1868, 410. Moore's " History of Ireland," vol. i., chap.
98 At pp. I to 45, taken from a manuscript vii., pp. 130, 131.
in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, lt>3 See Edward O'Reilly's " Chronolo-
and designated A. gical Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish
99 A manuscript belonging to the Library Writers," vol. i., part i., p. 60.
of Trinity College, Dublin, containing the I04 Called Eoghanacht of Caisil, other-
copy of Cormac's Glossary, and designated wise Magh Feimhin. It comprised that
B. portion of Tipperary County, which belongs
100 In the vellum folio, classed No. 224. to the diocese of Lismore.
101 His reign extended from a.d. 227 to a.d. ,os The O'Donoghues were the original
266, according to the "Annals of the Four possessors, but they were driven from it
Masters," vol. i., pp. no to 119, Dr. shortly after the English Invasion, when
O' Donovan's edition. they settled in th« present barony of
102 \ye are informed, that under his aus- Magunihy, in the County of Kerry, to
pices " a general revision of the annals of which they gave the name of Eoghanacht
the kingdom was entered upon ; and the Ui Donnchadha, anglicised Onaght-
national records, which, since the days of O'Donoghue.
the illustrious Ollamh, had been kept regu- ,o6The people of Thomond.
larly, it is said, in the Psalter of Tai a, re- '°7 This proved to be a very seasonable
ceived such corrections and improvements as relief. It was gratefully received by
the growth of knowledge since that remote Cormac, and with the kindest acknowledg-
periodmust have suggested. Itisevenalleged ments. See John O'Mahony's Keating's
that, in the course of this reign, was Intro- " History of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 520.
duced that mole of ascertaining the dates Io8 See Ferdinando Warner's •' History
of regal successions, called synchronism, of Ireland," vol. i., book ix., pp. 364,
which consists in collating the times of the 365.
September 14] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
desired the messenger to state, the King had no doubt of their compliance,
since they had not as yet paid him their usual complements of tribute, nor
had they convinced him by one single proof of their respect and affection,
for the many obligations, under which he had placed them. The inhabitants
of that country did not absolutely refuse a compliance with his demand.
However, a return, which they made in the shape of presents, was anything
but creditable to themselves and to the monarch. Having selected the most
useless and disabled horses they could find, and having collected their most
worthless arms, these were despatched to Cormac's court at Cashel. Soon
the Dalgais tribe heard of this renewed affront. To make atonement for the
insolence or meanness of the Eoganachts, a number of strong and suitable
horses, writh well appointed gear and equipage, their best arms, and a collec-
tion of valuable jewellery, were generously presented for the King's
acceptance. Cormac received these presents with sincere expressions of
gratitude. T°9
The peaceful career of Cormac Mac Cullman was brought to a close,
about two years previous to his death. In the year 90 1,110 Flann, surnamed
Sinna, son to Maelseachlainn, and monarch of all Ireland, with Cearbhall,
son to Muireagan, King of Leinster, conducted an army towards the terri-
tories ot Munster. They plundered this country from Gobhran to
Luimneach.111 According to some accounts, these events are referred to the
year 905. II2 It would appear by way of reprisal, or to prevent further
aggression from the same quarter, that the Munster forces were marshalled
the following year, under the united command of King Cormac Mac Cullinan,
and the warlike Abbot of Iniscathy, who was named Flathertach Mac-
Ionmunain. This Munster army advanced to Magh Lena, now Moylena or
Kilbride, a parish comprising the present town of Tullamore,113 in the King's
County."4 Here they gave battle to Flann and his forces of Leath Cuinn,
which constituted the Northern half of Ireland. Flann was defeated, with
great loss, particularly of the Nialls ; and among these Maolchraobha, son
to Cathalan, King of Kinel-Eogain or Tyrone, was slain. Flann was forced
to submit, and to give hostages. Cormac's Munster army then advanced
towardsCaighe-na-Ceurradh.1IS Here they compelled theConnaughtpeopleand
some of the Southern Hy-Nialls, to give hostages. Afterwards, they plundered
the Islands on Lough Ree, and destroyed a fleet that lay there; so that, as
we are told, Leath-Cuinn afterwards became tributary to Cormac
Mac Cullenan.1'6 The Annals of the Four Masters refer those events to a.d.
I09 Being gifted with poetical powers of a ITI The modern names of these places are
superior order, he is said to have composed Gowran and Limerick,
some verses on the occasion. The<e have "2 See the " Chronicum Scotorum,"
been thus rendered into English : — edited by William M. Hennessy, pp. 1 80,
181.
*' May Heaven protect the most illustrious "' It is shown on the " Ordnance Survey
tribe Townland Maps for the King's County,"
Of Dailgais, and convey its choicest Sheet 17,
blessings "4 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
On their posterity. This renowned clan, Four Masters," vol. i , n. (a), p. 5O4.
Though meek and merciful as are the "s In the opinion of Dr. Lanigan, it is the
Saints, same as the Kierrigia of Roscommon.
Yet are of courage not to be subdued. Il6 Such is the account given of these
Long may they live in glory and renown, transactions by Dr. Lanigan, who quotes
And raise a stock of heroes for the world." the Annals of Innisfallen as authority for
— Dr. Geoffry Keating's " General History his statement. See " Ecclesiastical History
ot Ireland." Duffy's edition. of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, v.,
p. 351, and nn. 44, 45, p. 352. However,
1,0 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the the Doctor was not aware, that what he
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 562, 563. quotes throughout his work, as the Annals of
352 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
902."7 They state, also, that Flaithbeartach was united with Cormac
Mac Cullenan, in the invasion of Connaught. However, these events, recorded
by the Four Masters, as occurring in the year 901 and 902 respectively, are
referred by the Ulster Annals, to the years 905, and 906, or 907. These
latter dates most probably comprise the truer chronology."8
CHAPTER III.
CONTESTS BETWEEN EOGHAN MOR, KING OF MUNSTER, AND CONN OF THE HUNDRED
BATTLES, MONARCH OF IRELAND — DIVISION OF THE ISLAND INTO I.EATH CUINN OR
CONN'S HALF AND LEATH MODHA OR MODHA'S HALF— A COUNCIL OF THE MUNSTER
CHIEFS CONVENED BY KING CORMAC AT MUNGRET — RESOLUTION TO DECLARE WAR
AGAINST LE1NSTER— HIS WILL AND PRESENTIMENT OF A FATAL RESULT— THE
BATTLE OF BALLAGHMOON — DEFEAT AND DEATH OF KING CORMAC — PLACE OF
INTERMENT — FESTIVALS — ERECTION OF CASHEL INTO A SEE — MEMORIALS —
CONCLUSION.
So far as we can learn, in conjunction with the monarch of Ireland, the
Leinster king had been an unjust aggressor, on the territories of Munster ;
and hence, we may be furnished with a clue and a justification for the subse-
quent reprisal of the Munster forces against him. An antiquated conquest,
on the part of a former celebrated Munster prince, was destined to furnish
an immediate pretext for the war in which Cormac Mac Cullinan was now
about to engage. During the reign of Conn Cead-chathach x or Conn of the
Hundred Battles, which lasted for twenty years — from a.d. 125 to 145 2 — a
rival appeared in the person of Modha Nuagat or Eoghan More. Conn
commenced his reign in the year of our Lord, 123, and ended his rule and
life, in the year 157, according to the Annals of the Four Masters,3 when he
was slain by Tibraide Tireach, at Tuath-Amrois. He enjoyed the sovereignty
of Ireland for thirty-five years. Eoghan Mor — the name by which he is best
known — successfully established himself on the Munster throne, having
expelled Aongus, who fled for protection and assistance to Conn, supreme
monarch of Ireland. These events led to a series of obstinate contests
between Conn of the Hundred Battles and Modha Nuagat, in which the
latter most frequently was victorious. After some time, the Munster ruler
obtained possession of one-half the kingdom by conquest j and while the
northern part of Ireland was held by Conn, the southern part became
Innisfallen, is only a compilation made at ing the wars between Flann Sionna and
Paris, A.D. 1760, from old Irish stories, and Cormac Mac Cullinan ; for without allu-
authorities, such as Caithreim Thoirdheal- sion to them, we are introduced to a
bhaigh, Giraldus Cambrensis, Pembridge's description of the unfortunate expedition,
Annals, and Ware's Annals, by John that terminated Cormac's previous happy
Conry and Dr. O'Brien, author of the Irish reign, and which closed his earthly career.
Dictionary. "We are indebted to the Chapter hi — ' See an account of him
Irish Archaeological Society for this dis- in the " Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i.,
covery." — John O'Donovan's " Leabhar na No. 10, Ancient Irish Biography, No. ix.,
g-ceart, or the Book of Rights." Introduc- Conn Ceadcathac, pp. 75, 76.
tion, p. v., n. (d). 2 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
1.7 The " Chronicum Scotorum" has the " History of Ireland," book i., pp. 243 to
date for these transactions, at A.D. 906. See 247. Dublin edition, 1854.
William M. Hennessy's edition. 3See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
1.8 Keating appears to have altogether pp. 102 to 105, and notes (i., m., n., p., q.,
overlooked the foregoing accounts, regard- r.,s. ).
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
subjected to Eoghan More. The boundary line, drawn between both princi-
palities, was known by a ridge of gravel hills, denominated the Eiskir Reada.4
Hence, while the northern part of this Island retained the name of Leath
Cuinn, or Conn's half; the southern part obtained the denomination of
Leath Modha, or Modha's half. This latter was recognized as the prin-
cipality of the victorious Eoghan More.s Moreover, the principality of
Munster had been divided into Thomond, which lay north of the River
Shannon, and it belonged to the Dalcassians ; while the southern districts,
known as the Eoganaught, was under the sway of the Eugenians.
Before the death of Oilioll Olum,6 son to Mogh Nuadhat, and King of
Munster, took place in a.d. 234,7 that prince had been elevated to the throne
of two great divisions, into which the Kingdom of Munster had been divided.
He is said to have had nine sons, by his queen, Sadhbh. Seven of these
were killed in the battle of Magh Muchruime. Of these nine sons, three only
left posterity ; viz., Eoghan More, the eldest, who was killed in the battle
already mentioned, Cormac Cas and Cian, his sons, who survived that
engagement. Eoghan More left behind him a son named Fiachadh
Muilleathan, who was born after his father's death. Previous to
the birth of this child, Oilioll Olum had demised the perpetual govern-
ment of the whole Munster province after his own decease to his son,
Cormac Cas. But, on receiving intelligence about the birth of Fiachadh
Muilleathan, he resolved on making an alteration in his will. He decreed,
that his son Cormac Cas should wear the Munster crown, during his natural
life, and after the demise of his father. After the death of Cormac Cas, he
provided, that the sovereignty of the principality should devolve on Fiachadh
Muilleathan, son to Eoghan More, in case he survived. He decreed, that
the crown afterwards should revert to the family of Cormac Cas, and again
to Fiachadh Muilleathan's line. Thus he intended it should be transmitted
alternately to the heirs of these chiefs, over the Eoganacht and Dalcassian
tribes. The former were so named because Eoghan More had been their
ancestor. The latter received the etymon from Cormac Cas their progenitor.
We are told, moreover, the will of Oilioll Olum was held in such veneration
by his posterity, that for many ages, there were no contests for the Munster
sovereignty, between the representatives of the two families and tribes.8
We cannot doubt, however, but that previous hostile demonstrations of
the Leinster King against the Southern province, some short time before,
was in reality the strong cause of provocations From an ancient historical
Tract, intituled Cath Bealaigh Mughna,10 we are there informed by the Rev.
4 It is said to be yet traceable, and run- and his family, his will did not take effect,
ning from east to west, at irregular distances for no less than forty-four of the descen-
from the neighbourhood of Dublin to the dants of his eldest son held the throne
town of Galway. successively, without interruption, during a
5 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's period of six hundred years ; while the
"History of Ireland," book i., pp. 244, family of his youngest son were merely
245, and Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the chiefs of a small territory, principally in the
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (r.) pp. 104, 105. Coanty Clare." — " Irish Penny Magazine,"
6 See an account of him in "The Irish vol. i., No. II, Ancient Irish Biography,
Penny Magazine," vol. i., No. II, Ancient No. x., p. 83.
Irish Biography, No. x., Olliol Ollum, pp. 9 Martin Haverty writes of this war :
83, 84. " Others assert that it was only intended to
7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the protect the abbey of Monasterevan, founded
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 112, 113. by Evinus, a Munster saint, on the confines
8 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's of Leinster, and which the King of Leinster
" History of Ireland," book L, pp. 249 to had now seized for his own people." —
251. "It is remarkable, however, that " History of Ireland," chap, xiii., p. 128.
though greatly venerated by his subjects ,0 In English, The Battle of Ballagh
Z
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Dr. Keating," that towards the close of Cormac's prosperous reign of seven
years, some Munster chiefs — among whom was especially distinguished Flath-
bhertach Mac Jonmuinein, Abbot of Ini6cathy — urged him to demand a
tribute from the Leinstermen, as an acknowledgment of Munster sovereignty.
These counsels appeared adverse to the pacific disposition and calm judg-
ment of the prince-prelate ; yet, he seems to have been unduly influenced
to a course of action, which unavoidably compromised his unresisting and
unenergetic character. At first, he refused to adopt the line of policy proposed
but, at length, he agreed to submit this matter to a grand convocation of
provincial chiefs. When the magnates invited to this council had assembled
at the place appointed, Cormac entered into a statement of that object, for
which they had been convoked. He promised at the same time, that he
would submit to their decision on the question. The opinion of those
Munster chiefs was embodied in a hasty resolution, that the tribute, which
the people of Leinster had so long neglected to pay, should be demanded.
In case of refusal, the matter, it was decided, should be submitted to an
arbitrament of the sword. At the same time, those Munster chiefs pledged
themselves to stake their lives and fortunes on the prosecution of what they
conceived to be identical with their sovereign rights and the honour oftheir pro-
vince. The Abbot of Iniscathy more especially insisted, that the King of
Southern Munster had a just claim upon tribute from the Leinster province,
as it formed part of that division of Ireland, known as Leath Modha, and in
virtue of a compact, said to have been formerly contracted, between Modha
Nuadhat and Conn of the Hundred Battles.12 This convention of the Munster
chiefs was assembled at Mungairide, now known as Mungret,1* in the county
of Limerick, where a celebrated religious establishment then existed.1*
Cormac felt secretly grieved, that such a resolution should have been
taken ; but, he was unwilling to oppose the expedition resolved on, lest he
might appear to violate the promise he had made. Filled with a prophetic
spirit, it is stated, lie had an intimation from Heaven, that he must perish in
this war, and that it should be attended with an unfortunate issue. Wherefore,
the king resolved to prepare for his approaching fate, by religiously
bequeathing various items of property, in favour of different renowned
churches and religious houses throughout Ireland. Among other bequests
of his will, he left an ounce of gold, an ounce of silver, vestments,15 and a
Moon. Dr. O'Donovan tells us that this in his writings an exact account of the con-
tract, translated into Latin by Dr. John vention of Mungairide ; as appears expressly
Lynch, is no longer accessible. However, in that part of his poetical composition
there is a long extract therefrom, in his which begins with these words — A ghille,
"Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), ceangaill ar loin, where he expressly
pp. 564 to 569. The substance of this mentions the number of monks that were
account is to be found in the text. It pre- members of the six churches that stood in
sents us with some amplification of details, that place. There were five hundred, who
not found in Keating's history. were men of approved learning, and were
" He gives us an account, respecting this appointed to attend to the office of preaching,
last war in which Cormac was involved, six hundred presbyters served in the choir,
and it was derived from that historical and four hundred ancient men of exemplary
Tract, taken from the Annals of Cluain piety spent their whole time in prayers
Aidnech, or the Book of Clonenagh, in and contemplation." Dermod O'Connor's
Laeighis — now one of the lost and valuable Keating's "History of Ireland," book il,
historic Books of Eirenn. See " John pp. 442, 443.
O'Mahony's Keating's History of Ireland," I4 We have reasons for doubting the cor-
chap. vii., p. 531. rectness of the following account, which
" See Ferdinando Warner's ** History of seems greatly to abound in exaggerations.
Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 366. ,s For vestments, as we read in note (6)
t3 f This Cormac, King of Munster, gives to the " Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
355
horse to Druimabhradh, now known by the name of Ardfinnan ; he bequeathed
a gold and a silver chalice, with a vestment of silk, to Lismore. He gave
three ounces of gold and a Missal to Imleach Jubhair, now called Emly.
He bestowed upon Cashel, a gold and a silver chalice, four ounces of gold,
and one hundred ounces of silver.16 He left an ounce of gold and another
of silver to the religious establishments at Glendalough. He demised a
horse and a silk vestment to the church of Kildare. He left to Armagh
twenty-four ounces of gold and as many of silver ; to Iniscathy he gave
three ounces of gold ; and to Mungared1? he presented three ounces of gold
and a silk vestment, with his benediction. Having made these, with other
charitable bequests, and prepared himself by exercises of devotion, a march
towards the province of Leinster was nevertheless delayed for some time.
At last, overcome by the importunity of his counsellors, he prepared to set
out upon his ill-fated expedition.18 Sad forebodings as to the result, and its
dreadful consequences both to himself and to his supporters, leave us in
astonishment at the course adopted by a holy bishop and a wise monarch :
yet, we must infer, that a sense of duty, however misconceived, urged him
to the doubtful issued Before setting out on his expedition, Cormac
deemed it necessary, not only to make certain provisions in his will, and to
settle his private affairs, but also to regulate the point of succession to his
kingdom, as a duty owing to his subjects. With this intent, he sent a mes-
ii., p. 565, Dermod O'Connor has arms in
his translation of Keating's " History of
Ireland," book ii., p. 442. The foregoing
is the correct reading.
16 Dermod O'Connor's translation of
Keating's "History of Ireland," book ii.,
p. 442, has only five ounces of silver, as left
to Cashel.
*t Dermod O'Connor's translation or
Keating's " History of Ireland," book ii.,
p. 442, states, that the "three ounces of
gold and a silk vestment, with his royal
benediction he bestowed upon the successor
of Mungairid." Afterwards, we read :
" This excellent prince, being poetically
inclined, composed his last will and testa-
ment in verse, which may not improperly
be thus translated :
" Summoned away by death, which I
perceive
Approaches (for by my prophetic skill
I find that short will be my life and reign)
I solemnly appoint, that my affairs
Shall thus be settled after I am dead ;
And this I constitute my latest will.
My golden vestment for most sacred use
Ordain'd and for the service of my God,
I give to the religious St. Shan on
Of Inis Catha, a most holy man.
My clock, which gave me notice of the time,
And wam'd me when to offer my devotion,
I leave, nor in my will to be revok'd,
To Cenuil of Feargus, a true friend,
And follower of my fortune, good or bad.
My royal robe, embroider'd o'er with gold,
And sparkling with the rays of costly
jewels,
Well suited to a state of majesty,
I do bequeath to Roscre to be kept
By Cornane with the strictest care. My
armour
And coat of mail of bright and polished
steel,
Will well become the martial King of
Ulster,
To whom I give it ; and my golden
chain
Shall the most pious Machuda enjoy,
As a reward for all his worthy labours.
My royal wardrobe I resolve to give
To Mac Gleinin at Cluain by Colman.
My Psalter, which preserves the ancient
records
And monuments of this, my native country,
Which are transcribed with great fidelity,
I leave to Royal Cashel, to be preserv'd
To after times, and ages yet to come.
My soul for mercy I commit to heaven,
My body leave to dust and rottenness.
May God his choicest store of blessings
send
Upon the poor, and propagate the faith
Of Christ throughout the world."
18 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b.), pp. 564, 565,
and Dermod O'Connor's Keating's " History
of Ireland," book ii., p. 442.
»9 The v. vol., p. 38, and the xiv. vol. of
O'Longan MSS., p. 1S1, in the Royal Irish
Academy contains copies of Cormac Mac-
Cuillianan's poem, said to have been
composed on the occasion of his setting out
on his fatal march to Leinster. The number
of verses in it is forty-four
356 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
senger to Lorcan, son to Lacthan, King of Thomond, to desire the favour of
his visit to Cashel.20 The Dalcassian King obeyed this summons, and he
was received by Cormac, with much honour and attention. A council of
Munster chiefs was also convened. Leading his royal guest by the hand,
and into the midst of this assembly, Cormac told them that, apprehending
the expedition he had undertaken should prove fatal to himself, he thought
it advisable to settle the succession before his decease. Thus he hoped to
prevent the conflicts of adverse parties or future tumults. We are informed
he further addressed them in these words ; " Well-beloved chiefs, it is known
to you, that Oilioll Olum, from whom the two illustrious tribes of Eoganacht
and of the Dalcassians descend, hath long ago established, how the offspring
of Fiachadh Muilleathan and of Cormac Cas should alternately sway the
sceptre of Munster. The Eoganacht family hath enjoyed more than its
due share of power, in administration of the Munster government, and hence
you will not consider it unreasonable, that the Dalcassian rights be now
vindicated. Be it, therefore, agreed, that Lorcan shall be my successor on
the throne, when I am removed from among you by death ; for besides a
just claim of alternate succession, according to ancient decree, I also add
the weight of well-matured opinion." The chiefs of Munster received this
counsel in silence, not wishing to counteract their sovereign's wishes, at least
in his presence j but, the event proved, that this advice had been vainly
given, for it was not carried into execution. It is said, however, although
the King did not exact an oath of affirmation from that convention, in the
sustainment of Lorcan's claims, yet, his nomination was ratified by those
assembled chiefs.21
Meantime, his forces being assembled from all parts of Munster, King
Cormac Mac Cullinan marched towards the borders of Leinster, at the head of
his numerous army,22 being attended by the Iniscathy Abbot, Flathbhertach
Mac Jonmuinein, who was a chief instigator of this war. Before passing the
boundaries of the province, Cormac sent a herald to the Leinster King to
demand a yearly tribute, as a proof of subjection. This he insisted was his
right, as Leinster formed a part of Leath Modha. If the King of Leinster
was not prepared to pay this tribute in ready money, Cormac's messenger
was instructed to require hostages, for the security of such payment ; and, in
the event of an absolute refusal, he was directed to declare war. The King
of Munster halted in expectation of his herald's return ; but, in the meantime,
an accident occurred, which, however trivial in appearance, was attended
with evil consequences to the army of Munster. One account states, that
while his army was there encamped, wishing to review his forces, King
Cormac mounted his horse for the purpose of riding through his lines, when
the animal, on which he rode, accidentally fell into a deep trench.23 A great
number of the soldiers, interpreting this as an unlucky omen, afterwards
deserted their king's standard ; for they said, that this fall, which took place
at the outset of their expedition, portended its unfortunate issue, with their
own destruction in its prosecution. Another statement has it, that accident
occurred not to Cormac, but to Flathbhertach Mac Jonmuinein,2* the
courageous, but indiscreet Abbot of Iniscathy.8*
20 See John O'Mahony's Keating's ** See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
" History of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 523. Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), p. 566.
21 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of The 24 While riding " through the street of
Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), pp. 565, encampment, "according to John O'Mahony's
566. Also Dermod O'Connor's Keating's Keating's " History of Ireland," chap, vii.,
" History of Ireland," book ii. , pp. 443, 444. p. 524.
32 See Ferdinando Warner's " History of 2S See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 368. " History of Ireland," book ii., pp.444, 445.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
The Irish historians greatly celebrate Corraac MacCullenan, as king and
bishop of Cashel, not alone for his piety and charity, but also for his learning,
valour, and magnanimity of character. Still the dictates of sound policy, and
the natural pacific dispositions characterizing this good potentate, should
have been found united with a sufficient firmness and resolution to resist
intemperate representations, and the counsel of miscalculating friends and
advisers. Even keeping out of view the justice of his demand, which is said
to have furnished the immediate pretext for engaging in his last unfortunate
expedition ; Cormac ought to have considered well that powerful coalition,
which might and most probably should have been formed against him.
His own resources could hardly have enabled him successfully to overcome
such a weight of opposition. An intention of marching upon an enemy's
country, with inferior forces, and against his own matured judgment, exhibits
a want of that military strategy and confidence on the part of a leader, which
are almost essential for the fortunate issue of any warlike enterprise. As an
ecclesiastic, he should well have pondered on the words of Christ to St.
Peter, when he cut off the right ear of Malchus, u All who take the sword
shall perish with the sword :"26 a result which was fatally accomplished in his
particular case.
While the forces of Munster were thus arrested on their march, the herald
of Cormac returned with the ambassadors of Kearball, son to Murigen, and
king of Leinster. In his own name, and in that of the nobility of his
province, they were commissioned to propose a cessation of hostilities.3?
Also, a truce, which should last to the following month of May, was
suggested. Meantime, they besought the disbandment of the Munster
forces, and declared, that if a valid treaty of peace were not concluded at the
period named, the people of Leinster would not hold those of Munster
accountable for a further prosecution of the war. Moreover, to prove his
sincere desire for a reconciliation, the King of Leinster instructed his am-
bassadors to declare, that hostages and ample pecuniary pledges should be
placed in the hands of Meinach, Abbot of Castledermot, a man of great
learning and piety, and of approved integrity. To induce Cormac's accept-
ance of these conditions the more readily, a large sum of money, a quantity
of choice jewels and other valuable presents were sent by the King of
Leinster through his ambassadors. Aware of the influence Flathbhertach
possessed over the King of Munster's decision, Kearball sent also a noble
present to the Abbot, so that he might secure his good offices. When Cormac
heard of these offers, his countenance beamed with joy. He doubted not,
but those negotiations would be favourably received by his subordinate chiefs,
not even excepting Flathbhertach. The latter he thus addressed : " Those
ambassadors, sent to me by the King of Leinster, earnestly request, that I
would enter into a truce with them, until the month of May ensuing, and
that I would disband my army, allowing the soldiers to return to their homes
with all their effects. Nor has he hesitated, not only to give a solemn
promise, but even to offer hostages for an exact fulfilment of conditions
favourable to us. For this truce the Leinster men would not alone feel
grateful, but they assure me, they have been instructed to deliver valuable
presents to both of us. I am in doubt as to the reply I shall make ; but, I
leave for you to decide, whether peace shall be made with or denied to these
messengers." Yet the Abbot, who by virtue of his profession should have
been a minister of peace, proved himself rather a violent incendiary, and an
36 See St. Matt, xxvi., 52, and St. John '7 See Ferdinando Warner's " History of
xviii., 10. Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 369.
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
implacable zealot, in urging matters to a crisis.28 With a countenance
inflamed by anger, he forgot all respect for the position and character of the
monarch to whom he owed allegiance. He absolutely refused to hear the
least mention of pacific overtures.29 Even he had the insolence, it is stated,
to accuse King Cormac of cowardice and indecision. To this latter accusation,
the monarch was probably obnoxious, however indecorously his favourite
acted, in preferring such charges. But, it is to be regretted, that he had not
exercised a more sound discretion, both in rejecting such intemperate
counsels and in administering a deserved reproof to the author of his
misfortunes. On the contrary, acting upon those suggestions of the Abbot
of Iniscathy, the ambassadors were dismissed without the object of their
negotiations being favourably entertained; and feeling the reproaches of
Flathbhertach, the king is said to have replied, that as he was determined to
urge forward this expedition against Leinster, the monarch himself would not
be found absent from the warlike abbot, nor the battle in which he might be
engaged. Cormac added, that he felt certain, at the same time, his own life
should pay the forfeit, while it might be possible the abbot himself should
not escape the consequences of his rashness and precipitancy.3°
After these remarks, and overwhelmed with sorrow, King Cormac sought
the society of some favourites, when a basket of apples having been presented
to him as a gift, he distributed these among the persons who were present.
Cormac remarked, at the same time, that he would never afterwards divide
anything among them.31 The company was surprised and dejected at this
announcement of the King, and remarked that they felt sorrowful, because
contrary to his usual custom, he predicted something ominous of evil.
Cormac endeavoured to cheer them by dissembling, so far as he possibly
could, his real meaning. He then said, he had not hitherto been in the habit
of making such distributions among his friends, and most probably he would
never again recur to such an act of complaisance. This effort, however,
scarcely disguised his internal sorrow ; all his friends were impressed with the
belief, that Cormac was imbued with a prophetic spirit, especially in all
matters pertaining to himself. It was remarked, also, that no unhappy
accident ever befell him during the course of his life, but that he foretold its
occurrence previously, although he had not power to prevent the result.3*
Cormac then ordered his servants to place a guard of soldiers around his
tent. Having desired to be left alone, he resolved to spend any time he
could spare from public affairs, in exercises of penitence and devotion. The
better to prepare himself for his approaching end, which he knew to be near,
he sent for Maenach or Minachus,33 to whom he gave certain directions.
28 See John O'Mahony's Keating's Dermod O'Connor's Keating's History of
" History of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 124. Ireland," book ii., p. 446.
29 See Ferdinando Warner's " History of 33 The name of Comhgoll, as confessor,
Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 370. is found in the account, according to
30 See Dr. O'Donovan's •' Annals of the Dermod O'Connor's Keating's " History of
Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), p. 566, and Ireland," book ii., p. 446. But, in Dr.
Dermod O'Connor's Keating's " History of O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
Ireland," book ii., pp. 445, 446. we read : " nee plura affatus, cum famulis
31 See a full account of these incidents in dedit in mandatis diversorium suum militum
the " Three Fragments of Irish Annals," praesidio munire, et Minachum Mystam
copied from ancient sources by Dubhaltach Religiosissimum accersere. Huic omnibus
MacFirbisigh, and edited with an Introduc- ante actae vitae criminibus patefactis, edi-
tion and Notes by Dr. John O'Donovan, scientiaj sordes per confessionem eluerat, et
pp. 200 to 221. ab eodem continuo sacrosancto synaxeos
33 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the pabulo refectus est, exploratum habens
Four Masters, vol. ii., n. (b), p. 566. Also, tantum sibi duntaxat spatium ad vivendum
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
He was a person of great prudence and sanctity, as also his Confessor, to
whom he desired to make a confession of his sins,34 that thus he might
receive the appropriate sacraments of the Church. Although conscious of
his impending fate, he wished the matter to be concealed as much as possible
from his soldiers, lest they should be discouraged ; for the king had resolved
on selling his life.at a dear rate, and of making every sacrifice to procure a
hopeless victory. He likewise made some alterations in his will, by adding
a codicil, relating to his funeral and place of interment. If his body could
be recovered from the enemy, he ordered it to be brought for interment to a
place called Cluanuamia35 of Mac Lenin ; or otherwise, that it should be
buried in the cemetery of Dermicius,36 son to Aidus Ron. This place is
now known as Castledermot, and formerly it was called Diseart Diarmuda.
For this locality, he had always entertained most grateful and pleasing
reminiscences, as there he had received his early pious training and
instruction. Although Cormac preferred his sepulture to take place at
Cluanuamia ; yet Minachus, a pious and learned man, desired his burial to
be at Castledermot. Following the rule of St. Comgall, he had there a
monastery of holy men, over whom he presided. This same Minachus had
made great efforts to bring matters to a peaceful solution, between the Kings
of Leinster and Munster. 37
The Munster army had not moved forward on the borders of Leinster,
before word was brought, that Flann Sionna, monarch of Ireland, had joined
the Leinster forces, with a great number of horse and foot soldiers. This
report spread such consternation among the Munster men, that without
knowledge of the leaders, many deserted their standards.38 On hearing this,
and supposing that the rest might be the more easily induced to declare for
peace, Minachus undertook to harangue them in the following manner:
" Most brave soldiers, there is no reason why you should expose yourselves
and your country to almost certain destruction. For do you not perceive,
that those men, who have deserted you, are as so many arms, lopped away
from the body of your forces ? Wherefore, I do not consider you so void of
reason, as that when weakened and maimed, you would endeavour to contend
with forces so entirely superior to yours, even when your army was entire and
united. Why should you not rather accept as hostages those noble youths,
long since proposed to be surrendered to you, namely, the sons of Kearball,
King of Leinster, and of the Ossorian prince? Or, why should you not
retire from these warlike labours and perils, securely reserving yourselves for
better opportunities, by entering into a truce, at least until the ensuing month
of May?" These remarks were favourably received by Cormac and the
great majority of his soldiers, who expressed their discontent in a mutinous
manner against the Abbot of Iniscathy. They accused him with being the
cause of those differences, between the people of both provinces, and chief
author of all calamities, likely to ensue, in the prosecution of this war. 39 But
superesse, quanta foret a pugnando mora ; 36 His festival is observed on the 2ist of
cujus tamen rei suos conscios esse noluit." — June. At this date, see an account of him
Vol. ii., n. (b), pp. 566, 567. The substi- in the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. ii.
tution of the name Comhgoll, for that of 3? See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
Minachus, is evidently a blunder on the " History of Ireland," book ii., pp. 446,
part of Dermod O'Connor, the English 447. Also Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
translator. Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), pp. 566, 567.
34 See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His- 38 See Ferdinando Warner's " History of
tory of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 525. Ireland," vol. i., book ix.. p. 371.
35 This place seems intended for Cluain- 39 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
uamha, the former name for Cloyne, in " History of Ireland," book ii., p. 447, and
Munster, and of which St. Colman Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Mac Lenin was patron. Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), p. 567,
360 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
the Abbot of Iniscathy possessed such influence that he would not allow
King Cormac to waver in his purpose. The army was ordered at length to
advance/0 Their course was directed towards Slieve marigue, which moun-
tainous tract of country they passed. They advanced towards Leighlin
bridge/1 on the river Barrow.
In the meantime, Tibrud, Ailbe's religious successor, accompanied by a
great number of ecclesiastics, entered Leighlin, where they halted ; and here,
also, the camp followers, beasts of burthen, and the baggage, were collected.
But the greater part of the army was encamped near the wood of Magh
Ailbe.*2 Here under shelter of night, and secured by entrenchments, this
force prepared for the arrival of their enemies. *3 Some writers place the
scene of this battle, at a place called Moyalbe, or the White Plain ;4* but, Dr.
Lanigan adds, that this does not imply any difference of situation, for Moyalbe
was near Beallach-Mugna, being in the vicinity of Old Leighlin. He makes
Beallach-Mughna, also, the same as Ballymoon, in Idrone, and situated
within the County of Carlow. «5 However, this statement is incorrect ; as
the true site for Beallach-Mughna*6 battlefield lies nearly half-way between
the towns of Carlow and Castledermot, in the southern part of Kildare
County. The site was shown by the old local inhabitants, who had vivid
traditions in reference to it. The scene of the battle of Ballaghmoon*? may
be visited*8 about two-and-a-half miles north from the town of Carlow, on a
stream called the Lear, that continues its course from Castledermot, until it
there joins the River Barrow. The borders on either side slope upwards
rather steeply, and from a tolerably wide glen beneath. With the Barrow on
their left marching flank, the forces of Cormac seem to have been there
arrested on their northern line of movement, by the army of Flann Sinna
and of the King of Leinster, who had there formed a junction. So far as we
can judge from the accounts coming to us, the Irish Monarch's army either
had their right flank on the Barrow ; or possibly, its front formed more inland,
and facing the west, so as to bear down on Cormac's forces, and cause
them to fight at a disadvantage with the Barrow on their rear/0 The battle
40 Their route was possibly on the Bal- Baronies of Kilkea and Moone in Kildare
laghmore-road, the chief travelled way County. See " Letters containing Infor-
between Leinster and Munster. mation relative to the Antiquities of the
41 Called Droiched Leithglinn in John County of Kildare collected during the
O'Mahony's Keating's " History of Ireland," Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837,"
chap, vii., p. 526. vol. ii. Letter of John O'Donovan, dated
43 This great plain extended from the Athy, November 26th, 1837, p. 10.
River Barrow and Slieve Mairge to the foot 45 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,''
of the Wicklow Mountains, embracing the vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, v., pp.351, 352.
northern part of Idrone Barony in Carlow 46 Rendered Mughain's Road or Pass. See
County, as also the Baronies of Kilkea and " Circuit of Muircheartach McNeill," p. 38.
Moone, in the County of Kildare. See John 4?This is the name still given to a small
O'Donovan's leAbViAr* na 5-Ceapc, or the parish, in the barony of Kilkea and Moone.
Book of Rights, n. (u) pp. 16, 17. It was a rectory, and a component part of
« Warner says : "When they came to the benefice of Castledermot, in the diocese
the plains of Magh Albhe, which the King of Dublin. See the " Parliamentary
intended for the field of battle, a camp was Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i., p. 122.
marked out and fortified by the side of a 48 The high-road from Athy to Carlow
wood, in which he staid to receive the passes right through the townland, and over
enemy." — " History of Ireland," vol. i., a bridge on the Lear rivulet,
book ix., p. 372. *9 The small parish of Ballaghmoon, in
44 The plain of Magh Ailbhe or Campus the barony of Kilkea and Moone, is shown
Albus extends between Sliabh Mairgeach on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
in the Queen's County, and the Wicklow for the County of Kildare," Sheets 39, 40.
Mountains, comprising the northern part of The townland, so called, is marked on
Idrone Barony in Carlow County, and the Sheet 39, not far removed from the east
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 361
of Bealach Mughnas° was fought, as generally admitted, on the 16th of
August. However, the Irish histories differ as to the year : while the Annals
of ClonmacnoiseS1 have it at the year 900, those of the Four Masters place
it atA.D. 903, but according to the best accounts, the year 907 or 908 is the
one usually recorded by our ancient and modern writers. sa
The Munster army was formed into three distinct bodies. 53 Flathbertach
Mac Jonmuinein, Abbot of Inniscathy, and Keallach, son to Karbull, King
of Ossory, commanded the first battalion j Cormac Mac Cuillinan, King of
Munster, assumed command over the second ; and Cormac, son to Mothlai,
and chief of the Decies, was placed over the third division. s« According to
a calculation of some authors, the forces of Munster were opposed to an
army, more than fourfold their number ; and, a knowledge of this circum-
stance alone, greatly tended to dispirit the southern provincials. Notwith-
standing this fearful odds against them, under their respective leaders, when
the trumpets began to sound, the Momonians advanced boldly to the charge.
The forces of Leinster, confiding in their irresistible number and bravery,
bore down on their opponents, and with a shock of battle it was impossible
to repel.
Two untoward circumstances, also, had concurred in the very first onset,
which threw the affairs of the Munster army into irretrievable confusion.
The first of these was the cowardly or treacherous action of Kelliochar, a
relative of Kinchengan, formerly a Munster King. Mounted on horseback,
Kelliochar called out with a loud voice to a band of soldiers collected around
him, to fly immediately from the battle field. He charged the clergy, and
especially the Abbot of Inniscathy, with being chief promoters of the war.
Hence, he advised the soldiers to secure their own safety by flight, leaving
the authors of those dissensions to fight the battle, on their own account.
After this harangue, putting spurs to his horse, he galloped out of the field.
Urged by his invectives and action, numbers of the soldiers imitated his
example. Another cause of misfortune arose from the circumstance of
Keallach,55 son to Karbull, having given orders, which were misconceived.
Witnessing a great slaughter of his forces on the side where his cavalry was
posted, this chief ordered his men to mount their horses. His object
appears to have been, that some effort should be made to stem the hostile
attack ; but his soldiers, conceiving that he had ordered them to fly, at once
gave way. The issue was no longer doubtful. This was the beginning of a
general rout. The soldiers of Munster, utterly discouraged, began to fly in
all directions. Each man consulted for his own safety, as best he might, by
seeking the most retired hiding-places and retreats that afforded the best
chance of escape. No fewer than six thousand of the Munstermen are said
to have fallen in this battle.*6 A great number most probably retreated
bank of the River Barrow, and on it was the Edited by the Rev. Denis Murphy, S.J.,
battle fought. LL.D., M.R.I. A., p. 144.
50 The parish of Ballaghmoon is de- s* See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti
scribed by John O'Donovan in "Letters Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i., Province of
containing Information relative to the Munster, p. 4.
Antiquities of the County of Kildare, col- S3 See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His-
lected during the Progress of the Ordnance tory of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 526.
Survey in 1837," vol. ii. Letter dated 5*See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Athy, November 26th, 1837, pp. Four Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), p. 567.
9 to II. ss Called Kellichar in John O'Mahony's
51 See "The Annals of Clonmacnoise, Keating's " History of Ireland," chap, vii.,
being Annals of Ireland from the Earliest p. 526.
Period to A. D. 1208," translated into Eng- s6See Martin Haverty's "History of
lish a.d. 1627 by Conell Mageoghegan. Ireland," chap, xiii., p. 129.
362
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
across the Barrow ; for, we are told, that they used sails and oars in the
course of their flight. Many laics and ecclesiastics fell in this conflict. No
respect was paid to the rank or station of the vanquished, who were borne
down in one promiscuous slaughter. If any of the Munster chiefs and
ecclesiastics were spared by their enemies, it arose not from a principle of
humanity or respect, but for sake of a large sum of money, which was
expected, as the price of their ransom.
Meantime, King Cormac had boldly advanced in front of his forces. In the
disorder of the flight, however, his horse fell into a trench and threw his rider.
In this condition, the monarch was seen by some of his flying troops.
These returned, and placed their king once more on horsebacks Advancing
to a distance from that place, Cormac saw one of his favourite companions,
named Aidus.58 Wishing to attach himself to the monarch's person, he thus
resolved to share all his dangers now, as he had done so on former occasions.
On beholding him, the monarch warned him most earnestly to depart as
speedily as possible, and not become the companion of his misfortunes.
Already Cormac felt assured, he would not long survive this battle. Speeding
on over the plain, which was covered with the blood of slain men and
horses, the monarch was frequently thrown by the restiveness of his horse.
At length, while climbing a steep ascent, the animal's hind feet slipped in
the blood of the slain,w and his war-steed tumbled over the king ; owfng to
this accident, the neck and backbone of the unfortunate Cormac Mac
Cullinan were broken.60
Before his death Cormac exclaimed, "Into thy hands, O Lord, I com-
mend my spirit." Shortly afterwards he expired on the fatal field.61 The
King's body was found among the slain, by some of the enemy.62 Not
respecting the person and character of this amiable monarch, these men
thrust the lifeless corpse through, with their lances. The Annals of the
Four Masters also relate, that Cormac Mac Cullinan's head was afterwards
cut off,63 by a wretch named, Fiach Ua Ugfadan, of Denlis.64 Another
account has it, that Cormac was slain by a herdsman,6* at Beanree,66 near
57 See Ferdinando Warner's " History of
Ireland," vol. i., book ix., p. 373.
s* We are iniormed, that this Aidus was a
man profoundly versed in Law, History
and the Latin language.
59 This is stated in Harris' Ware, vol. i.,
11 Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467. The
rough and irregular conformation of ground,
on which the battle was fought, coincides
with this account, as noticed by the writer
on the spot.
60 See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His-
tory of Ireland," chap, vii., pp. 527, 528.
61 The liv. vol. of O'Longan MSS.
in the R.I.A. includes an anonymous poem
on the death of Cormac Mac Cullinan,
King and Archbishop of Cashel, who died
a.d. 906. It would appear from the fifth
quatrain of this very scarce poem, that
Sealbhach, Cormac's secretary, was the
author of it. See p. 235.
62 The "Annals of Clonmacnoise,"
translated by Conell ' Mageoghegan, and
edited by Rev. Denis Murphy, S.J.,
state :
" There was a great overthrow given to
the Munstermen at Bellaghmowna by those
of Leih Conn and Leinstermen, Anno 900,
where Cormack mc Cuilleanann, King of
Munster, and arch-bishop of Cashel 1, was
pittifully slaine by the hands of a cowherd,"
p. 144.
63 The people of Ballaghmoon point out a
stone on which they say King Cormac's
head was cut off by a common soldier.
See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. ii., n. (b), p. 564.
64 Mr. O'Donovan remarks, that Denlis is
not identified, but that Dunluce, in the
County of Antrim, is called Dun-lis, in the
Annals of the Four Masters, vol. ii., at the
year 1584. See note (i), p. 570.
65 This Sir James Ware remembers to
have read in a Cottonian manuscript.
66"Bean-Ree, mentioned in the Cotton
manuscript, seems to have taken its name
from the event of the day ; for Bean signifies
a Rock ; and Ri or Righ, a King ; that is
the Rock of the King." Harris' Ware,
vol. i., " Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
363
Leighlin, while he was upon his knees, and devoutly praying for the success
of his army, then engaged in battle.6?
Besides King Cormac Mac Cullinan, the following Princes, nobles and
ecclesiastics, fell in this battle.68 At the very first onset, Morchertach, Prince
ofOssory, and his son, were slain.69 With the progress of this engagement,
Fogertach, son to Suibhne, the Ruler of Ciarraighe-Chuirche, now Kerry-
currihy barony, in the County of Cork ; Ohill,7° son to Eogan, in the flower of
his age, and being also a man of great learning; Colman, Abbot of Kinnety,
who was the most renowned jurist in Ireland ; Ceallach, son to Cearbhall,
lord of Ossory ; Maelgorm, lord of Ciarraighe-Luachra, a territory comprised
within the present County of Kerry ; Maelmorda, lord of Raithlinn j?1 the
lord of Corca-Duibhne, now Corcaguiny barony, in the County of Kerry,
anciently the O'Falvy's country j Cormac, chief of the Decies ; Dubhagan,
chief of Feramuigh ; Cenfoelad, chief of Ui-Gonill ; Eiden, chief of Aidnia
Milemuadum, Madagon, Dubdabhurin, Conall and Feradach ; Aidus, ruler
of Valiehania, and Domhnall, ruler of Duncarmnia,?2 with many other
nobles ; while 6,000 of the common soldiers, fell in this engagement. 73 The
most distinguished chiefs, that fought in the victorious army, were Flann, son
to Malachy, Monarch of Ireland ; Kearball, son to Murigen, King of
Leinster ; Tegus, son to Foilar, of Hy-Kinsellagh ; Teminean, of Ua-
Deaglioida, or eastern Ida, now the Gorey barony, in the County of Wexford ;
Keallach and Lorcan, two chiefs of Cinel ; Inergus, son to Duibhghill, of
Ui-Drona, or Idrone ; Follamun, son to Oilill, of Fothartaf ; Tuahall, son
67 The author of his misfortune, Flabher-
tach, was taken prisoner, and after the
battle brought to Kildare, where he was
reproved greatly, by the Leinster clergy.
See John O'Mahony's Keating's " History
of Ireland," chap, vii., p. 531.
68 Dalian, the Ollamh of Kerball, King of
Leinster, has given an abridged summary of
the battle itself of Ballagh Mughna, and he
has stated, in a historic lay, the number of
warriors that fell in it. See John O'Mahony's
Keating's " History of Ireland," chap, vii.,
P- 536.
*9The 4to paper MSS. in the R.I. A.,
No. 33-4, contains fragments of O'Dugan's
and O'Huidhreen's topograpical poems ;
besides a poem of 208 verses enumerating
the principal persons of the other provinces,
who met with death in the province of
Leinster, special reference being made to
the grave of Cormac Mac Cuillanan.
70 The Four Masters call him the Abbot
of Trian-Corcaighe, which is interpreted the
third part of Cork.
71 " This was the name of the seat of
O'Maghthamhna (O'Mahony), who, accord-
ing to O'h-TJidhrin, was chief of the Cineal
m-Bece, whose territory extended on both
sides of the river Bandain (Bandon). This
territory was erected into the barony of
" Kinelmeaky." In latter ages a sept of the
same tribe settled in Corca Luighe,
O'Driscoll's country, where they became
masters of the district called Fonn-
Iartharach, or the western land, which
comprised the parishes of " Kilmoe,"
"Scool," " Kilcrobane," "Durris," " Kil-
maconage," and " Caheragh," in the south-
west of the county of Cork." — Dr.
O'Donovan's " Leabhar-na-g-Ceart, or
Book of Rights," note (k), p. 59.
72 See John O'Mahony's Keating's
"History of Ireland," chap, vii., pp. 528,
529.
73 "It was in commemoration of this the
following lines were composed by Dalian,
the son of Mor :
Cormac of Feimhin ; Fogartach,
Colman, Ceallach of the hard conflicts,
They perished with many thousands in the
great battle of Bealach-Mughna.
Flann of Teamhair, of the plain, of Tailltin,
Cearball of Carman, without fail,
On the seventh of [the calends of] Septem-
ber, gained the battle of which hundreds
were joyful.
The bishop, the soul's director, the re-
nowned illustrious doctor,
King of Caiseal, King of Iarmumha ; O
God ! alas for Cormac !
It was of the year of Cormac's death was
also said
Since Jesus was born of heaven, three and
nine hundred years,
Till the death of Cormac, were clearly
fulfilled ; sorrowful the death of the
King of Minister."
— Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. ii., pp. 569 to 571.
364 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
to Uger of Ua-Mureadach ; Odron, son to Kenedy, ofLeix; Muilchallon,
son to Feargall, of Fortuaha j and Clerken, the chief of Ui-Bairche.?*
It has been falsely asserted, that in the year 905, Carmot or Cormac, son
of Cokeman, a godly and religious man, the Monarch of Ireland, with
Kyrvalt, son of Morgan, King of Leinster, were vanquished by the Danes,
and that they fell in battle." But, this account is quite at variance with
Ireland's political condition, at that period, and contrary to the statement of
all respectable authorities.?6
Notwithstanding his injunctions, said to have been expressed in Cormac
Mac Cullinan's last testament 77 regarding the place of his interment, Sir
James Ware tells us, that his body was conveyed to Cashel and there buried.
But, an account given by Keating is quite different. He informs us, that
Flann Sionna, having refreshed his troops after the battle of Bealach Mughna,
marched into Ossory, attended by a numerous and princely retinue.
Ceallach Mac Carrol, prince of Ossory, being a tributary chief to Cormac
Mac Cullinan, as King over Munster and Leath Modha, had been slain in
the battle already mentioned; and Flann Sionna had resolved on
placing Diarmuid Mac Carrol, brother to the first-mentioned prince, on the
throne of Ossory. We are told, that while here, the soldiers of the Irish
Monarch, expecting a great reward, brought him Cormac Mac Cullinan's
head, which was laid at his feet. Yet, to the honour of this victorious
monarch, be it said, that instead of applauding and rewarding them for this
action, like a generous enemy, he ordered those executioners away from his
presence, as barbarous ruffians, who had no more respect for fallen majesty
than for a common enemy. At the same time, he upbraided them for their
barbarous cruelty and inhumanity, in thus disfiguring the remains of the
venerable dead. Cormac's head was then taken up by the King, who with
difficulty restrained his tears.?8 Having kissed it, he lamented the untimely
fate of so just a prince, and of a prelate, so religious and venerable. He
then gave strict orders, that King Cormac's body should be searched after,
and buried according to the provisions of his will. 79 The royal relics were
committed to the care of Maenach, who heard his last confession, and who
administered holy Communion to Cormac.80 With great solemnity, Maenach
removed his body to Disart Diarmuda, or Castledermot. There the remains
were interred, with great honour.8' Near the church of Castledermot and to the
left, as one enters, lies a stone, rudely formed into a coffin-shape, with a cross
indented on it. The lines cut to represent the cross are not sunk deep, and
74 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the "History of Ireland," chap, vii., pp.
Four Masters," vol. ii., notes (b, d, e, f, 529, 530.
g, h, i), pp. 568 to 571. 7? See an article, "Ancient Irish
75 See Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," Biography," No. xxiv., on Cormac Mac-
pp. 176, 177. Cuillenan, in " The Irish Penny Magazine,"
76 " The fable of Cormac having been vol. i., No. 24, p. 188.
killed by the Danes is not to be found in to See " Three Fragments of Irish
any Irish annals or document that I know Annals," copied from Ancient Sources, by
of. It is in the chronicle of Caradoc of Dubhaltach MacFirbisigh, edited with a
Lhancarvan, who calls Cormac " Carmot, Translation and Notes by John O'Donovan,
the son of Cukeman, King and Bishop of LL.D., pp. 202 to 205.
Ireland." — Harris' Ware, vol. i., " Arch- 8t See Dermot O'Connor's Keating's
bishops of Cashel," p. 466. " History of Ireland," book ii., p. 451. It
77 The vi. vol. of O'Longan MSS. in the is strange, that after such a circumstantial
R.I.A. contains a bad copy of what is account, Dr. Lanigan should be found to
termed Cormac MacCullinan's Will, 32 state: "But I do not find that Keating
verses, p. 209. makes him be actually interred at Castle-
78 See John O'Mahony's Keating's dermot." — " Ecclesiastical History of
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 365
do not exceed more than two inches in breadth. Those extend, one line the
whole length of the stone, and the other, its whole width, at the broadest
part. Under that stone, tradition says, the King of Munster lies interred.
This account receives some addition from persons who have read Keating's
History and other writers' works. Such readers say, that by this King of
Munster is meant Cormac Mac Cuillionan, who was killed in battle, and
who, when brought to Castledermot, was buried there.83 Here it is said a
Monastery was founded by a holy man, named Diarmait8* or Dermod, from
whom the place derived its name.8* Other accounts have it, that his body
was conveyed to Cashel and there buried.85
It is very probable, in consequence of the great respect, in which the
memory of Cormac was held, that Cashel became a permanent and regular
See, after his death.86 Wherefore it should seem, that a more ancient church
had been on the Rock of Cashel than any shown by the existing ruins ; and
that it had been under the jurisdiction of prelates who succeeded him,
until the time when Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, built the beau-
tiful chapel which still bears his name. For the next two centuries after the
death of Cormac Mac Cuillinan, our information regarding his successors is
but scant.8? The bounds of the latter See were to extend from Sliebh
Eibhliune88 to the river Suir, and from Chamh-Coill89 to Greine-Airbha.9°
Sliebh-Eibhliune appears to have been the northern boundary of the diocese.
In the Synod held at Rath Bresail, a.d. 1118, the boundaries of Cashel
Diocese seem to have been for the first time accurately defined.91 At this
time St. Celsus^2 ruled as Archbishop over Armagh, and he is said to have
established its superiority over the Sees of Leath Mogha at the Synod of
Fiedh-mac ^ngussa,93 when Moalmurry O'Dunain was Archbishop of Cashel.
Pope Innocent the Seconds* ratified Celsus's confirmation, and there were
accordingly in Ireland at that period only two metropolitan sees, namely,
the primatial one at Armagh, and that of Cashel. In the year 1152, Cashel
was erected into a Metropolitan See, by Pope Eugenius III., and the
Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, vi., 8? See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's "Fasti
n 56, p. 365. Ecclesiae Hibernica?," vol. i., Province of
82 See " Letters containing Information Munster, p. 4.
relative to the Antiquities of the County of ^ It seems very probable, it is the place
Kildare, collected during the progress of the now called Knockahaw, situated between
Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. ii., pp. Templemore and Borris-in-Ossory.
70, 71. Mr. O'Conor's Letter, dated ^ Chamh-Coill, or " the eminent wood,"
Kildare, December 3rd, 1837. is now known by the name of Knawhill.
83 See an account of him in the Sixth Seward's " Topographia Hibernica." This
Volume of this work, at the 21st of June, is situated between Cashel and Salchoid, in
Art. i. the County of Tipperary.
84 At Castledermot was founded a fine 9° Grine-Airbha, or Cross-Grein, must
abbey, by Lord Offaly, father of the first have been somewhere about the conflux of
Earl of Kildare, in the reign of King the river Suir with the Lingan, which
Edward I. Of this Abbey we have a beautiful divides Tipperary from the County of Kil-
Aquatinta view, by Jonathan Fisher, in his kenny, at and above the Three Bridges.
" Scenery of Ireland," plate ix., a.d., 1 792. 9* See an account of it, and the bounds of
85 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., "Archbishops Cashel Diocese, at that period, at the Festi-
of Cashel," vol. i., p. 467. val of St. Gille or Gillebert, in the Second
86 Rev. Dr. Lanigan remarks, " there is Volume of this work, at February 4th, Art.
good reason to think that, as the capital of v., and n. 77, ibid.
Munster, its following bishop gradually 92 See his Acts, at the 6th of April, in the
acquired, even before it became a really Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
Metropolitan See, the ascendancy which 93 Held in the year im.
had been formerly enjoyed by the church of 94 Pope Innocenr the Second was called to
Emly." — "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- fill St. Peter's chair, a.d. ii 30, and he occu-
land," vol. iii., chap, xxii., sect, iv., p. 350. pied it 13 years, 7 months, and 9 days.
366
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Pallium was then bestowed on Armagh, Dublin, Tuam and Cashel. 95 In
the latter See, its ruling prelate was Donat O'Lonergan, who died at a good
old age in 1158.96 He was succeeded by Donald O'Hallucan, and in his
time a Synod was held at Cashel, a.d. 1172, by order of King Henry II.,
and over it Christian O'Conarchy, Bishop of Lismore, and the Pope's Legate,
presided. With the exception of Gelasius, Archbishop of Armagh, all the other
Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland assisted at it, with divers Abbots, Deans,
Priors and Clerics, together with ecclesiastics who represented the kings.
In this Synod, they constituted Henry II. and his heirs, kings and lords of
Ireland for ever, and passed some other important decrees. The charters
of the Archbishops
and Bishops, with
their seals pendent,
were received by
the King, who trans-
mitted a copy of
those charters to
Pope Alexander,
who by his apostolic
authority confirmed
their decrees. At
this same Synod,
the Laws of Eng-
land were received
by all, and the ob-
servance of them
confirmed by an
oath. In 1179,
Cashel was burned,
and in 1182, Arch-
bishop Donald
died.97 Shortly be-
fore the time when
the English arrived
in Ireland, Donald
O'Brien, King of
Limerick, built a
new Cathedral dedi-
cated to St. Patrick
on the Rock of
Cashel,?8 and con-
verted Cormac's
chapel into a chapel
He also endowed
Cathedral of Cashel, Interior.
or chapter-house, on the south side of the choir
it with lands.99 This twelfth-century Cathedral seems to have been built of
95 The Most Rev. John Healy says,
" Whilst formally recognising the superiority
of Armagh as the Primatical See, four palls
were granted by the Cardinal Legate, thus
legally constituting four archbishops in Ire-
land for the first time." — " Insula Sanctorum
et Doctorum, or Ireland's Ancient Schools
and Scholars," chap, xv., sect, iv., p.
361.
96 According to the Annals ot the Priory
of All Saints, on Lough Ree of the River
Shannon.
97 See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti
Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i., Province of
Munster, p. 5.
98 According to John DAlton in 1 169.
See " Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i., No.
34, p. 266.
99 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., " Archbishops
of Cashel," p. 464.
September .14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
limestone taken from the precipitous rock on which it stands. It was
cruciform in shape, and had a large square tower in the centre of the cross.
The length of this ruin from east to west, including the nave and choir, are
about 210 feet ; the transepts from north to south are about 170 feet long.
At present, there are no appearances of piers, arches or lateral aisles, in either
nave or choir. There are three lofty lancet-arched windows, each one quite
distinct from the other, in both the north and south transepts. The side
windows of the choir and nave are of a similar construction. The eastern
window and the wall which was around it are now quite destroyed. Several
ancient flat tombs are to be seen within the nave ;IO° but for the most part
their inscriptions — if any such existed — are, for the most part, effaced.
Without are many modern tombs, to indicate the family burial-places of
various deceased members.101 The old regal — or rather episcopal — residence
lies towards the west ; and on the interior of the Cathedral, to which it had
been attached, the vestige of a gallery may still be traced. This faced the
position occupied by the high altar. Several of the windows, doorways and
arches have very fine moulded and ornamental stones. Through the thick-
ness of the walls " the monks' walk" is to be seen.102 Immediately under
the Castle wall — now so designated — there is a well of curious construction.
It has been bored through the solid rock, and it is thirty-two feet in depth.
It usually contains fifteen feet of water in depth, but sometimes during the
droughts of summer it only contains eight feet of water. Below, the well is
eight feet in diameter, but it is only three feet at the top, which has been
surrounded with neatly-pointed stone.10^ With regard to the position of the
existing church ruins on the Rock of Cashel, it has been stated by a local
writer,10* that the chancel of Cormac's Chapel is not placed in the centre of
the church, but that it inclines to the south. To account for this, a mystic
meaning has been sought.10* Again, it has been noticed, that Cormac's
Chapel and the Cathedral adjoining do not stand parallel with each other.
For this peculiarity, the theory of orientation is alleged. Cormac's Chapel
is supposed to have been founded on the 1st of May, and the adjoining
Cathedral on the 17th of March. Thus, it is inferred, that the inclination of
their respective angles may be solved.100
100 Apparently those of prelates and other panying illustration of the interior of the
distinguished ecclesiastics or lay-persons. Cathedral, from an approved view, has been
101 One of the most interesting and con- drawn on the wood and engraved by Gregor
spicuous is that in limestone, with plain, Grey.
chaste mouldings, surmounted by a funeral I03 This well had been examined in Sep-
urn, and having the following inscription: — tember, 1848, and several pieces of old
tombs, ruinous tracery, and a remarkable
Sacred to the Memory grotesque figure, called by the local guide,
of George Haskins, " a Buddhist Divinity,"
Denys Scully, Esq. were found. About this time a portion of
Born on 4th May 1773, the old castle had fallen.
Died on 25th October 1830. I0* John Davis White, in his book, "Cashel
Requiescat in Pace. Amen. of the Kings ; Being a History of the City
of Cashel, compiled from scarce Books and
On the reverse we read : — " Among the original Documents," Clonmel, 1863.
Patriots who contended for Freedom of I0S Mr. White thus states his opinion ;
Conscience and Constitutional Liberty he "As the Church is the 'Body of Christ,'
bore a promineut Part. His Statement of this church is built to represent Him as He
the Penal Laws is a solid Monument of his hung upon the Cross, with His head — the
own Genius, and of the complicated Oppres- chancel — leaning to one side ; the nave
sion of his Country and his Religion." represents the rest of the body, and the
102 During a visit made to the Rock of towers at each side (there being no tran-
Cashel in November, 1853, the writer saw septs) the arms." By whom, such position
an adventurous goat browsing on the very of the Chancel thus accounted for, has been
highest top of the side-wall. The accom- imagined, Mr. White does not mention.
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
The Round Tower on the Rock of Cashel10? stands at the north-east
angle of the Cathedral northern transept, with which it is connected.108 Its
circumference at base is 56 feet, and it is stated to be 90 feet in height ;
it retains its original conical stone roof, which springs from a projecting
string-course. The masonry of the tower exhibits some curious features : it
rises from a plinth of 6 inches projection ; for 5 feet in height it is built of
freestone in irregularly squared blocks ; there is next a long patch of lime-
stone about 4 feet high, roughly built, the stones cracked and damaged, and
looking like a repair. Next appears about 6 feet high of freestone masonry
in blocks, roughly dressed, but without spawls ; from this upwards the work
is all of even character, being of freestone in irregular courses of from 7
inches to 12 inches high, rough-squared but closely laid, and an admirable
piece of work. The original doorway faces south-west, and is of small
dimensions ; it is 10 feet from the ground level; the ope is at present built
up, the sill-stone is gone, and the jambs are much damaged. There is a
more modern doorway broken into the north-eastern angle of transept. It
has a quadrangular window-ope about 20 feet from the ground, which faces
south ; a similar ope is at 36 feet, facing east ; and one at about 50 feet,
facing to the south-west. As usual, these opes are of small dimensions, and
they have sloping jambs. In the attic story, immediately under the eave-
course, are four window opes of larger dimensions, having angular heads
externally and square heads internally. Those opes are well proportioned,
and nearly face the cardinal points ; two of the angular heads are cut out of
solid stones, and the other two are built of two or more blocks. Internally
there are offsets taken from the thickness of the wall.100
The history of the Catholic Archbishops and See of Cashel since the
Reformation is best given in the valuable and recondite work of the Very*
Rev. Laurence F. Renehan, D.D., formerly President of Maynooth College,
published from his Manuscripts, and edited by the Very Rev. Daniel
M'Carthy, D.D.110 This work has been compiled from printed and contem-
poraneous documents and scarce books, on which the learned collector has
exercised great research, combined with sound judgment, in connexion with
his subject. The history of the Protestant Archbishops may be found very
fully related in Walter Harris' edition of Sir James Ware's works,111 trans-
lated by him into English, with very numerous and important additions to
the originals.118 It is said, that about a.d. 12 16, the town of Cashel had
,o6To illustrate such a position, Mr. John coeval with that of the adjoining Cathedral
Davis White thus cites Chauncey's " History walls. However, Mr. Brash regards the
of Hertfordshire," p. 43: — "One end of Round Tower as the oldest erection on the
every church doth point to such place where Rock of Cashel.
the sun did rise at the time the foundation 109 In Marcus Keane's "Towers and
thereof was laid, which is the reason why all Temples of Ancient Ireland," there is an
churches do not directly point to the east ; engraving of what he calls an idol of well-
for if the foundation was laid in June, it cut limestone, two feet six inches in height,
pointed to the north-east, where the sun discovered some few years before the pub-
rises at that time of the year ; if it was laid lication of that work in 1867 (Dublin 4to)
in the spring or autumn, it was directed full buried several feet under the ground near
east ; if in winter, south-east : and by the the base of the Round tower at Cashel. See
standing of these churches it is shown at p. 33.
what time of the year the foundations of lt0 See " Collections on Irish Church His-
them were laid." tory," vol. i., Archbishops of Cashel, pp.
107 See Richard Rolt Brash's " Ecclesias- 239 to 386.
tical Architecture of Ireland," chap. vii. , "'See vol. i. "Archbishops of Cashel,"
Cashel, pp. 91, 92. • pp. 463 to 488.
108 An examination of the door-way, which ,,a Neither of the authorities mentioned in
enters the Round Tower internally, shows the text, however, bring the history of
manifestly, that its time of building was Cashel down to the present date.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 369
been erected into a borough, "3 by Archbishop Donat O'Lonergan, the third
bearing that name in the See.11* Soon after the succession of Marian
O'Brien, Pope Honorius III. confirmed the number of twelve Canons in the
Cathedral of Cashel, by a Bull, dated the 6th May, 1224. Archbishop
David Mac Kelly founded a Dominican Convent in Cashel, a.d. 1243, the
ruins of which are still to be seen ; and about a.d. 1250, a Franciscan friary
was founded by William Hacket. In the year 1276, a royal mandate issued
for the erection of a king's castle in Cashel, and early in the fourteenth
century, the city was surrounded with a stone wall, and a castle was built,
which was left in charge of a constable. In the year 1372, an Irish parlia-
ment— not then confined to any particular locality — was held in Cashel.
When Richard O'Hedian or O'Heden ruled that See from a.d. 1406 to 1440,
he re-built, or at least repaired, from a very ruinous condition, the Cathedral
of St. Patrick. He built a Hall, likewise, for his Vicars Choral, confirming
to them the lands of Grange Connell and Thurles-Beg. In the year 1495,
Gerald FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, burned the Cathedral, to be revenged
on the reigning Archbishop, David Creagh. The last Austinian Prior of
Athassel Priory, Edmund Butler, was consecrated Archbishop of Cashel in
1527, holding his conventual house in commendam, until the period of the
dissolution of monasteries. His successor was Roland Baron, alias Fitz-
Gerald, desended from the ancient family of the Geraldines, and he departed
this life on the 28th of October, 1561. After his death, the See continued
vacant for six years ; the Catholic Archbishop, Maurice Gibbon or
Fitzgibbon, apparently struggling against the power of Queen Elizabeth, who,
on the 2nd of October, a.d. 1567, had promoted by Letters Patent James
Mac Caghvvell, in the interests of the Reformation. During his time, by an Act
of Parliament, in a.d. 1568, the See of Emly was united to that of Cashel.
When Mac Cagwell died in 1570, the celebrated Miler Magrath, who from
being a Franciscan friar had become a pervert to Protestantism, was trans-
lated by the Queen from the See of Clogher to the Sees of Cashel and
Emly. Meantime, the Catholic Archbishop Fitzgibbon had been necessitated
to fly from Ireland and seek refuge in Spain and France. On his death,
about the year 1578, Darby O'Hurley was appointed Archbishop of Cashel
by Pope Gregory XIII., but on returning to Ireland, he was discovered and
arrested. Brought before the Privy Council in Dublin, and refusing to take
the objectionable oaths of supremacy and allegiance, he was at first subjected
to frightful tortures, and afterwards this holy martyr was hanged on Stephen's
Green, on the 6th of May, 1584. It has been supposed that Turlough
O'Neill and William Burgat were the Catholic Archbishops immediately
succeeding ; and next followed David Kearney, whose appointment took place
between the years 1602 and 1605, when, amid great difficulties and dangers,
he continued to exercise episcopal duties, during the rule of Miler Magrath,
which continued to his death in i62 2"5. Archbishop Kearney died in exile,
on the 10th of March, 1625, in the Cistercian monastery at Bonlieu, near
113 Burgage holdings were given, likewise, "5 During his life-time, Miler Magrath
to the burgesses. erected within the Cathedral, on a high basis
1,4 In the year 1224, it has been said, that at the south side of the choir, a stone Monu-
Pope Honorius III., who took a great inte- ment, witii the following Latin inscription
rest in the celebrated and learned Michael composed by himself : Mileri Magrath,
Scott, appointed him to the See of Cashel ; Archiepiscopi Casheliensis ad viatorem
but on his declining that honour, he had Carmen : —
permission to hold a benefice in Italy. See
"The Dublin Review," vol. cxxiii., October, Venerat in Dunum primo sanctissimus olim,
1898, No. 247, Art. ix., English Scholarship Patricius, nostri gloria magna soli,
in the Thirteenth Century, by Dom F. Huic ego succedens, ultinam tarn sanctus ut
Aidan Gasquet, D.D., O.S.B., p. 366. -lie,
370
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAJNTS. [September 14.
Bordeaux. When the Insurrection of 1641 broke out, Cashel fell into the
hands of the Confederate Catholics, and it continued in their possession
until taken in 1647 by Lord Inchiquin by storm, when several of the clergy
and laity, who had fled to the Cathedral as to a citadel, were by him
inhumanly massacred. A curious old painting of Cormac in robes, partly
royal and partly archiepiscopal, together with his patron, St. Patrick, was to be
seen in the new and spacious Catholic chapel of the city of Cashel,116 early in
the present century. In the year 1874, several noblemen and gentlemen of
different religious per-
suasions allowed their
names to be placed
on a committee for
purchasing "i and re-
storing the ecclesias-
tical and other build-
ings, on the Rock of
Cashel, with the Most
Rev. Dr. Leahy, Arch-
bishop of Cashel, as
their chairman. The
Catholic inhabitants
of the city of Cashel
took action in the
matter by sending for-
ward a memorial to the
head of the Govern-
ment. The Catholic
laity of the diocese of
Cashel and Emly con-
curred with the in-
habitants of the city,
and the Catholic
clergy of both dio-
ceses authorised their
Archbishop, the Most
Rev. Dr. Leahy, to
take steps, in their
name, for obtaining
possession of the
Rock and its ruined
buildings. The Arch-
bishop issued an ap-
peal to all students of the history and antiquities of Ireland, to aid in
restoring a noble monument of mediaeval civilization, and sent it to persons
Patrick, the glory of our Isle and Gown,
First sat a Bishop in the See of Down.
1 wish that I, succeeding him in place
As Bishop, had an equal share oi Grace.
I served thee, England, fifty years in jars,
And pleased thy Princes in the midst of wars ;
Here where I'm plac'd, I'm not ; and thus
the case is,
I'm not in both, yet am in both the Places.
1621.
He that judgeth me is the Lord.
1 Cor. 4.
Let him who stands, take care lest he fall.
Archbishop Croke's Memorial Cross, Cashel.
Sic Duni primo tempore Pmesul eram.
Anglia, lustra decern sed post tua sceptra
colebam,
Principibus p acui, Marte tonante, tufa.
I lie ubi sum positus, non sum, sum non ubi
non sum ;
Sum nee in ambobus, sum sed utroque loco.
1621.
Dominus est qui me judicat. i. Cor. 4.
Qui stat, caveat ne cadat.
Thus rendered into English verse by Walter
Harris —
September 14.] L/VF.S OF THE IRISH SA/.VTS 371
of influence at home and abroad, in Ireland, in Great Britain, in
America, in Australia, in India, so that funds might be procured to
realize a restoration tor purposes of Catholic worship."8 To commemorate
the attainment of the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of their present patriotic
and distinguished prelate in the See of Cashel, the inhabitants of that
town and neighbourhood resolved on erecting a Celtic cross, and on a
suitable site granted for such purpose by the Town Commissioners. It was
designed by Mr. Edward O'Shea, of Kilkenny, and it has been wrought in grey
marble limestone taken from a quarry near Callan. It stands in the market
place, over sixteen feet in height.11^ The motifs are copied from carvings on
existing old Irish crosses.. The chief sculptures on it are the figure of Christ
crucified, treated in the reverent manner of the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Underneath the Crucifixion reveal are two panels ; the one representing St.
Cormac Mac Cuillenan, and the Teampul Chormaic on the Rock, the other
St. Ailbe preaching to the chief and tribes of the country about Emly.
Below on the pedestal is shown the traditional scene representing St. Patrick
baptising ^Engus, the first Christian King of Cashel ,2° On the reverse side
is the commemorative inscription."1 The unveiling of this Memorial Cross
took place on Sunday, January 24th, 1897, with suitable ceremony and
before an enthusiastic assemblage of clergy and people, who came from far
and near to participate in that grand demonstration.
At the 14th of September, the Martyrology of Donegal122 registers a
festival in honour of Corbmac Mac Cuilennain, King of Munster. He is also
called Bishop and Martyr. The age of Christ when he fell by the Lagenians,
is said to have been 919,123 according to the Calendarist. In the " Circle of
•the Seasons,"12* we find the festival of this pious King-Bishop assigned to
the 14th of September, in accordance with the arrangement of most hagio-
logists who have treated regarding him.
An antidote to the evils of anarchy was found in that influence
frequently exercised by ecclesiastics, representing the Church in Ireland.
To their spiritual teaching and decrees, both princes and people bowed with
respect. Nevertheles, the turbulence and rivalry of faction and of personal
ambition excited those passions, so little in accordance with reason and
religion. A corrective to the disruptured state of our country was found, no
doubt, in that unity of doctrine and those religious usages, prevailing in the
various dioceses. However, external violence and domestic intrigues
rendered the kings and chiefs, in many instances, both victims and
participants, in a series of ruinous feuds and wasting conflicts. Peace was
116 See Rev. Dr. Milner s " Letters on Ire- This Market Cross
and," note at p. 130. has been erected by the
1.7 From the Church Commissioners. Citizens of Cashel,
1.8 This address is dated Thurles, June And a few other Friends,
5th, 1871. to perpetuate the Silver
"9 The accompanying illustration has Episcopal Jubilee of
been selected from photographs kindly His Grace, the Most Heverend Thomas
presented by Very Rev. Dean Thomas W. Croke, D.D.,
II. Kinane, V.G., and P.P. of Cashel. It was Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.
drawn and engraved on the wood, by Gregor July 10th, 1895.
Grey. '" Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
120 On the side panels of the base 248, 249.
are the armorial bearings of the Cashel ,23 In a note, Dr. Reeves says, at this date
Diocese, and the family arms of Archbishop of 919, "Thus in the manuscript ; but 909
Croke. is the true year." See "Annals of the Four
121 In the following terms : — Masters."
124 At p. 258.
372 LJVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
rarely continuous and uninterrupted. Feeling was not always based on those
principles of right and forbearance, that should characterize the relations of
neighbouring provinces and people. War was sometimes conducted
according to the recognized usage and chivalry of civilized nations ; but, for
the most part, a remorseless and powerful despot became the scourge over a
neighbouring territory, and he imposed galling conditions of tribute on its
people, when too weak to resist his claim. Jealousies, divisions
and distrusts pervaded the minds of petty princes, and misdirected
their policy. Hence the painful and ignoble records of exactions, invasions
and battles, desolating in their effects, and precluding all permanent
and successful attempts for the social and political regeneration of
a common country. The reformer was wanting, with a head to
conceive, a will to resolve, and a power to accomplish effective means,
necessary to remove these disastrous results based on anarchial usages and
national prejudices. Thus, the virtuous and accomplished man, whose
career we have endeavoured to trace, was unfortunately overborne in a desire
to rule with justice and moderation, while disaster followed, because he had
weakly yielded to the persuasions of unwise counsellors.
Article II. — St. Caemhan Brec, Bishop of Ross-each, now Russagh,
County of Westmeath. At the 14th of September, according to the
Feilire of yEngus1 and the Mart) rology of Tallagh,2 veneration was given to
Coeman Breic, of Ross ech, in Caillfollomon.3 Such should have been the
correct insertion ;butit reads otherwise in the published copy. According to the
Scholiast on the Feilire of ^Engus, Coeman is called Mac Nisse, or son of Nisse.
He is commemorated on this day in Marianus O'Gorman's " Felire," 4 with a
note by his commentator, that Coeman Brecc was from Ross Ech in Caille
Folamain, in Meath. He descends from the race of Conaire, son to
Moghlamha, monarch of Erin, who belonged to the race of Heremon.
Caille-Fallamhain has been interpreted Fallon's Wood. The situation 01
this place appears, from the foregoing record, as also from the Feilire
Aenguis, to have embraced a territory in which the church of Ros-each had
been situated. Yet, the district of Caille Fallamhain does not seem to have
been exactly ascertained ; although it was doubtless within the territory of
ancient Meath. It is said, that the place is now called Russagh,s near the
Article ii. — * In that copy contained in Coeman bpecc ic llojTech 1 Cailli £t>llo-
the Leabhar Breac we read at this date : — tmrni.
3 The Scholiast to Oengus states, that he
"Oolmj; t>eic jreib Choemam belonged to Ross Ech, in Meath, and a son
bwc la T)i(i)r- mbolmain of his mother was MacRustaing ; and hence
bar* cait> Cippiam ■oemnain we are told, that both were maternal
Lacefat) cam Cormil. brothers, but whether by the same father is
• not so clear.
Thus translated into English: — "To thee 4 Thus — Caeman, Brec, brig bladmar,
hatli sprung the feast of Coeman Brecc, diar ndfn ar na dodngibh.
with a wise (?) pair: vast Ciprian's chaste The English translation is: — "Coeman
death with the fair passion of Cornelius." — Brecc — famous vigour ! — to protect us from
Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, the hardships." — Whitley Stokes' " Felire
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On Ilui Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
the Calendar of Oengus, p. cxxxvii. See 5 This parish is marked on the "Ordnance
also p. cxlv. Survey Townland Maps for the County of
" Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. Westmeath," sheets 5, 6. The townland
In the Book of Leinster copy we read : proper is on sheet 6.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 373
village of Street, in the baronyot Moygoish.and in the County of Westmeath.6
More incorrectly, it would seem, the district had been called Chailli in
Ollaim, " the wood of the Ollamh," or chief Professor.? There is also a
Clonabreany or Russagh, in Diarmor Parish, deanery of Keils, and barony of
Fore, County of Meath.8 Here an old church stood ; and only a grave-
yard, overgrown with flaggers, thistles, and other weeds, may now be seen.
A holy well springs near the church-yard, and it is dedicated to St. Kevin —
probably the present St. Caemhan Brec. He appears to have been a former"
patron of this place.? According to the Annals of Ulster and those of the
Four Masters, this holy man died on the 14th of September, a.d. 6i4.10
According to the commentator on Oengus, his maternal brother
Mac Rustaing — reputed to have been a poet — was buried in Ross Ech in
Meath.11 He states, moreover, that Coeman Breach was buried in Ross
Liac, which place was unknown to him. In the Martyrology of Donegal,13
at the same date, he is designated Caemhan Brec, of Ros-each,^ in Gaille
Fallamhain, in Meath.
Article III. — St. 6eledabhaill, Abbot of Bangor, County of
Down. This holy man was the son of Scannall. He was born about 868,
and he is distinguished as a Scribe, a preacher, a learned doctor, and a bishop.
He was likewise the successor of St. Comhgall of Beannchair, now Bangor,
in the County of Down. He died on the 14th of September, while on his
pilgrimage at Rome,1 in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and in the year 92 7. 2
Article IV. — The Daughters of Colum, in Cremtannaibh. We find
inserted, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh, at the 14th of September,
the name and place,1 Colum of Cremtannaibh.2 The entry is different in
that copy contained in the Book of Leinster.3 There can hardly be a doubt,
but that the present entry incorrectly found its way into the published
Martyrology of Tallagh, through some mistake of a scribe. It seems
6 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the I2 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (x.), p. 252. pp. 248, 249.
7 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na-g- I3 In the table appended to this Martyr-
Ceart, or Book of Rights," n. (j), p. 182. ology, a Latin memorandum is inserted in
8 It is shown on the " Ordnance Survey the Irish character, and thus rendered into
Townland Maps for the County of Meath," English, after the proper name Ros-ech ;
sheets 15, 1 6. " see whether it be Eachros."
9 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Article hi.— ■ See Dr. O'Donovan's
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., " Annals of the Pour Masters," vol. ii.,
chap, xvi., p. 322. pp. 620, 621.
10 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the 3 According to the following verse, thus
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 238, 239, and translated from the Irish : —
n. (z.), ibid. Also Common Place Book F,
p. 78, in the Royal Irish Academy. Three times nine, nine hundred years,
" An Irish poem thus alludes to him : — Are reckoned by plain rules
From the birth of Christ, deed of purity,
CrvicAn Ainm true tlufcamj; juvm To the holy death of Cele the Cleric.
5apb--OAij\e Ainm true Sama-m
.AinoiAinp ^nniAc CongLmoe Article iv. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
mon •ooLaioib •oorvm'oe. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
2 Thus— " Colum i Cremtannaib." Before
Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes : — this is the confused and incorrect entry
" Inghena Coluim i Caillifollomon." The
"Critan was noble MacRustaing's name, last-named place, however, has reference to
Garb-daire was MacSamain's name, Coeman Breac of Ross ech.
Aindiairr was MacConglinde's — 3 There we find : IngenA Colum 1
Many lays he made." CnemchAnnAib.
374 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
referable to the festival celebrated on the day previous in honour of the
Daughters of Colum, in Cremhthanna or Cinel Crumthainn.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of a St. Faghna. — In the anonymous
list of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullivan Beare, we find a St. Faghna
entered, at the 14th of September, but know not on what authority.1
Article VI. — Maeltolaig of Droma Faindle. In that copy of the
Martyrology of Tallagh contained in the book of Leinster, and at the
iii Ides or 14th of September, is the following entry, Maeltolaig of Droma
Faindle.1 This insertion is omitted in the version published by Rev.
Matthew Kelly, D.D.
Article VII. — Festival of St. Cyprian, Bishop, Doctor and
Martyr. At an early date in the Irish Church, the festival of St. Cyprian,
the illustrious Bishop of Carthage, was celebrated on the 14th of September.1
To this entry in the Festiology of St. ^ngus, a commentator has added
notes.2 The Life and Acts of this celebrated Father and Martyr of the early
Christian Church have been set forth very fully by the Bollandists, in their
great collection, at this day.3 A lengthy previous Commentary* precedes
his ancient Acts, written by the Deacon St. Pontius ;s and to these are added
the Acta proconsularia, relating to St. Cyprian's Martyrdom,6 with an
Appendix, referring to the after honours which commemorated him, as also a
dissertation on the Works attributed to his authorship.? This holy bishop,
called Thasius Cyprian, was a native of Carthage, and lived the greater part
of his life in Paganism, until he embraced Christianity, and afterwards
became a priest. He was consecrated Bishop of Carthage, towards the
middle of the third century. In the year 158, he there suffered martyrdom
under the Emperor Valerian. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,
at the 14th of September, is also commemorated Cyprian, called the " diadem
Article v. — ■ See " Historic Catholicae Septembris xiv. De S. Cypriano. Epis.
Iberniae Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., Mart, prope Carthaginem in Africa, pp.
cap. xi., p. 51. 191 to 348.
Article vi, — ■ Thus written : trUel- 4 This contains Forty-eight Sections, con-
C0LA15 o ■OponiA Venule. sisting of Eight hundred and thirty-one
Article vii. — 'See "Transactions of paragraphs,
the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu- s This too is inserted from Ruinart's
cript Series, vol. i., part i. On the edition of the "Acta Sincera Martyrum,"
Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, and it is in three chapters, comprising
L.L.D., p. exxxvii. thirty-seven paragraphs, with several
2 In the " Leabhar Breac " copy, the first explanatory notes,
note has added to Cipriain, " i.e., Episcopus ° In six paragraphs, with explanatory notes.
Cartagenis in Africa, vel Episcopus Romae." 7 This treatise is in Four Chapters and
In a lower marginal note is the following : seventy-two paragraphs. In the same
— "Ciprianus Affer prinium gloriosam volume, there is an Appendix ad Diem XIV.,
rhetoricam docuit deinde Christianus (actus Septembris de SS. Cornelii et Cypriani MM.
Cicilio suadente omneni substantiam suam Reliquiis ac Miraculis in Abbatia Ninoviensi
erogavit et postea Episcopus Cartaginis in Flandria. Two sections in twenty-four
constitutus est sed hujus ingenium super- paragraphs precede Miracula Auctore
fluum est dicere cum sole clarior sit inter anonymc Ninoviensis ecclesise Canonico
opera ejus passus est sub Valeriano et Praemonstratensi, sub finem seculi XII., ex
Galliano principibus persecutione octavo Ms. codice membranaceo Ninoviensi. This
die quorum Cornelius passus est in codem tract is in two chapters, containing twenty-
anno." — Ibid.% pp. cxlv., cxlvi. two paragraphs, with explanatory notes,
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv., pp. 76910778.
September 14.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 375
of Carthage."8 On this date, the Roman Martyrology likewise records his
martyrdom.9
Article VIII. — Feast of St. Cornelius, Pope and Martyr. In the
early Irish Church, at the 14th day of September, the Feast of St. Cornelius,
Pope and Martyr, was celebrated, as found in the Feilire of St. ^Engus.1
The Acts of this holy Pontiff are presented by the Bollandists in their work,3
at this same date, in a historic commentary of sixteen sections, containing
three hundred and twenty-two paragraphs. When St. Fabian, Pope, had
been crowned with martyrdom, on the 20th of January, a.d. 250, the See of
Rome remained vacant for over sixteen months. Then Cornelius was
chosen to fill the Apostolic Chair, in 251.3 His brief Pontificate was
disturbed by the Novatians ;* as also by a persecution of the Emperors
Gallus and Volusien. Finally, he suffered martyrdom under the Emperor
Decius. Refusing to offer sacrifice to the Pagan divinities, he was beheaded.5
St. Cornelius was called to eternal bliss on the 14th of September, a.d. 25 2.6
He was venerated in the Irish Church, at an early period ; and in the Felire
of Marianus O'Gorman,? he is noticed at the 14th of September, as the just
Pope Cornelius. Also, at the 16th of this month, Saints Cornelius and
Cyprian are commemorated in the Roman Martyrology.8
Article IX. — Festival of One-and-Twenty Martyrs. The
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman commemorates the feast of One-and-
Twenty Martyrs, at the 14th of September.1 It seems most probable, that
these were the one-and-twenty holy martyrs that suffered on the Appian
Way, near Rome, in company with St. Cornelius the Pope.
8 Thus — "Mind Kartaigne Ciprian." — tomus vii., Sseculum Tertium, cap. ii.,
Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui sect, iv., p. 5.
Gormain," pp. 176, 177. s See the Petits Bollandistes, who place
9 Thus — "In Africa passio Sancti his Acts, at the 16th of September, "Vies
Cypriani Episcopi Carthaginensis, sanctitate des Saints, ,; tome xi., xvie Jour de
et doctrina clarissimi : qui sub Valeriano et Septembre, pp. 127 to 132.
Gallieno Principibus post durum exilium 6 At this date the Roman Martyrology
detruncatione capitis martyrium con- states — " Romse via Appia beati Cornelii
summavit sexto miliiario a Carthagine juxta Papse et Martyris, qui in persecutione Decii
mare." — "Martyrologium Romanum," post exilii relegationem jussus est plumbatis
Editio novissima, p. 136. caedi, et sic cum aliis viginti et uno pro-
Article viii. — 'See "Transactions of miscui sexus decollari : sed et Coerealis Miles
the Royal Irish Academy." Irish Manu- cum Salustia uxore sua, quos idem Cornelius
script Series, vol. i.. part i. On the in fide instruxerat, eodem die capite plexi
Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, sunt." — " Martyrologium Romanum," Editio
LL.D., p. cxxxvii. A note in the novissima, p. 136.
Leabhar Breac copy has " Cornil, i.e. 7 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
episcopus Romae, i.e. in Dominico die Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
passi sunt Cornelius et Ciprianus intelli- 8 Thus — " Sanctorum Cornelii et Cypriani
gens circumcisionem interpretatur." — Ibid., Pontificum et Martyrum, quorum natalis
cxlv. decimo-octavo Kalendas Octobris recolitur."
2 See "Acta Sanctorum,' tomus iv., — "Martyrologium Romanum," Editio
Septembris xiv. De S. Cornelio Papa novissima, p. 137.
Martyre Centumcellis in Etruria, item de Article ix. — * Thus : —
SS. Cereale et Salustia cum Viginti et uno " aen ar fichit ale
Socii M. Romse, pp. 143 to 191. at cade con Comdidh."
3 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Translated into English as follows: —
Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal " One and twenty (martyrs) whom thou
Saints," vol. ix., September xvi. beseechest, who are holiest with the Lord."
See R. P. Natalis Alexandri, " Historia —Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique Testamenti," Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
376 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
Article X.— The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The
Emperor Constantine,1 having had a miraculous vision of the sign of man's
Redemption, and having vanquished the tyrant Maxentius,2becamea Christian,
and caused the Cross to be inscribed on the banners and coin of the Roman
Empire.3 His pious mother Helena4 was furthermore inspired to visit
Palestine, where, with much difficulty, and assisted by Divine Revelation, she
discovered the true Cross and instruments of our Saviour's passion, in the
year of grace 326.5 The miracles wrought at Jerusalem, on this occasion,
confirmed the popular tradition, that those relics had been buried in a corner
of the Holy Sepulchre by the early Christians, to save them from pagan
profanation. Overjoyed at this discovery, 'she caused a magnificent church
to be erected on that site, in which she left a considerable portion of the
True Cross, and in a shrine, richly adorned ; another portion she brought to
Constantinople, where it was deposited with great solemnity in the Basilica
destined to receive it ; while the rest was carried to Rome, where the
Emperor Constantine and Helena built a church for it on the palace-site of
Sertorius, and which has ever since received for title, the Church of the Holy
Cross of Jerusalem.6 The feast of that miraculous discovery has been com-
memorated in the Church on the 3rd of May.? However, when the Emperor
Mauritius and his family had been cruelly massacred 8 by the usurper Phocas,
the barbarian King of Persia, Chosroes II. ,9 broke peace with the Empire, by
invading Mesopotamia and a part of Syria. Then, pressed by the chief
statesmen and senators to assume the imperial purple and to rid the state
of a tyrant, Heraclius, Prefect of Africa, transported his forces by sea to
Constantinople. After a successful battle he defeated Phocas, made him
prisoner, and after his rule of eight years and four months, put him and his
children to death, a.d. 611. Afterwards Heraclius offered to makepeace
with Chosroes, but the haughty barbarian rejected his proposals. In the first
year of his reign, the Persians took Edessa and Apamea, advancing so far as
Article x. — ' The incidents of his s See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
renowned career are set forth in detail in Saints," tome v., iiie Jour de Mai. Inven-
Fleury's " Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome tion de la Sainte Croix, pp. 276 to 278.
ii., iii., liv. ix., x., xi. 6 See an account of these transactions in
2 The elevation of Constantine after the Baronius' "Annales Ecclesiastici," ad A.c.
death of Constantius in Britain, dates from 326, No. 42 to 50.
the viii. of the August Kalends, a.d. 306. 7 This feast has been celebrated in the
After the defeat of the tyrant Maxentius at earliest Irish Calendars, as may be seen by
the Milvian bridge, on the 27th October, referring to the 3rd of May, in the Fifth
A.D. 312, then he and Licinius assumed Volume of this work, Art. xvi. Also in the
the joint administration of the Roman Calendar of Drummond at v. Nonas Mail —
Empire; until at length in a.d. 323 war" " Hierosolomis Inventio Sanctae Crucis ab
was waged between them, when Licinius Helena Sancta Regina sub Constantino
was defeated, and put to death in the Imperatore." Again in Adam King's
following year. Then Constantine reigned Kalendar at the 3rd of May — " The halie
alone, and died A.D. 337. The chronology rude day of finding of ye halie croce at
and incidents of his reign are very learnedly Jerusalem be ilelane mother to Constantine
set forth in Henry Fynes Clinton's " Fasti ye greit." See Bishop Forbes' Kalendars
Romani," vol. i., Tables, pp. 348 to 396. of Scottish Saints, pp. 12 and 152.
After the death of Licinius, Constantine 8 On the 27th of November, A.D. 602.
openly declared in favour of Christianity, The death of the Emperor Maurice, as also
and recommended its adoption by circular the revolt and succession of l'hocas are
letters addressed "to his subjects. See Philip related by Theophylact Simocatta in his
Smith's " Ancient History from the Earliest History of the Emperor Maurice, lib. viii.,
Records to the Fall of the Western cap. vii. to xii.
Empire," vol. iii., book ix., chap, xliv., 9 The exploits of this great Persian poten-
p. 688. tate are well set forth in Professor George
4 The feast of this pious Empress is held Rawlinson's "Seventh Great Oriental
n the Church on the 18th of August. Monarchy," chap, xxii., xxiii., xxiv.
September 15.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 377
Antioch ; in the second, they took Csesarea, in Cappadocia ; in the fourth,
Damascus; in the fifth, in June, a.d. 614, they took possession of Jerusalem,
which they filled with massacre, outrage, and desolation. The churches
were burned, and that portion of the true Cross left there by St. Helena was
carried away to Persia.10 At length, the Emperor Heraclius levied an army
and invaded that country, when near the ruins of ancient Ninive,11 on the 12th
of December, a.d. 627, the Persians were entirely defeated. Chosroes was
dethroned and put to death by his son Siroes, who made peace with Heraclius,
restored the true Cross, releasing Zachary, patriarch of Jerusalem, and all the
Roman captives. The Emperor brought the precious Relic with him in
triumph to Constantinople, where he was received with great rejoicing. In
the spring of 629, Heraclius set out for Jerusalem to carry this portion of the
true Cross, and deposit it with great pomp and religious ceremony in its
former place. From this time forward, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross was celebrated with extraordinary devotion and ceremonies in the
city of Constantinople,12 and it soon was established in all other nations
throughout the Christian world. In the Felire of Marianus O'Gorman, the
Exaltation of dear Christ's Cross, the great, pure diademed standard, is com-
memorated, at the 14th of September.^ This Festival is commemorated in
the Roman Martyrology,14 on the 14th of September. Also, in the Roman
Breviary, this feast is celebrated as a Duplex Majus, with an Office of Nine
Lessons.
jfifteentl) ©ap of September
ARTICLE I.— ST. MIRINUS OR MEADHRAN, PATRON OF PAISLEY,
SCOTLAND.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
ALTHOUGH chiefly venerated in Scotland, St. Mirinus — also called
Meadhran1 — seems to have been born in Ireland. Whatever is related
regarding him, we find chiefly contained in the Breviary of Aberdeen, where
there is an Office of Five Lessons for St. Mirinus ; all of which seems to have
been taken from the Life of St. Comgall,2 Abbot of Bangor, in Ireland. At
an early age, his parents entrusted their son to the care of St. Comgall, to be
trained in his school. In Bangor Monastery he assumed the religious
habit, and subsequently he there became prior. The gentleness of his rule
was admired by all, and he was especially loved by the monks over whom he
presided. When St. Finian,3 Abbot of Maghbile, came to visit Bangor
10 These events are related ir. the Annals — Dr. Whitley Stokes' Felire Hui Gor-
of Eutychius, tomus ii., pp. 212 to 223. main," pp. 176, 177.
11 For its present state, see " Nineveh : '4 Thus — " Exaltatio Sanctze Crucis,
the Buried City of the East," 185 1, 8vo. quando Heraclius Imperator, Chosroea
12 The Emperor Constantinus Prophy- Rege devicto, earn de Perside Jerosoly-
roger.itus describes these rites in his book mam reportavit." — " Martyrologium Roma-
on the Ceremonies of the Constantinopolitan num," Editio novissinia, p. 136.
Court. See edition of J. H. Leichius and Article I. — ■ See Bishop Forbes'
J. J. Reiskins, lib. i., cap. xxii., p. 74, " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 397.
Lipsiae 1 75 1, fol. 2 See his Life, at the 10th May, the date
13 Thus — for his festival, in the Fifth Volume of this
work, Art. i.
"Tocbai! croiche caemh-Crist, 3 See his Acts, at the 10th of September,
In meirge moir mindglain." in the present volume, Art. i.
378 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 15.
during the absence of St. Comgall, he asked for milk, which was not to be had,
as the strict observance of the monastery required the inmates to live only
on bread and herbs. However, Merinus desired the cellarer to bring from
the buttery some milk, which was miraculously procured and distributed,
through favour of St. Finian, to the other monks at table. On a certain
occasion, one of the brethren saw Merinus surrounded with a heavenly light,
while sitting in his cell. At length, St. Mirinus left Ireland in order to spread
the faith in Scotland, then newly evangelized by the great St. Columkille,4
Abbot of Iona. The chief establishment of Minn was at Passelet5— now
Paisley — one of the most busy commercial towns of Scotland. Here
tradition states, that he built a religious house. Besides, St. Mirin is said to
have been Abbot over the Monastery in Paisley. Here, too, he lived for a
very considerable time. It is related, that one of his monks, owing to hunger
and thirst, had fallen dead in a valley, called Colpdasch.6 However, through
the merits of holy Merin, he was again restored to life. Having wrought
many miracles, and having passed a life of great holiness, he slept in the Lord
at Paisley.? There, too, in his honour the church of that place was dedicated
to God, and he is the recognised local patron.
At the 15th of September, the Martyr ology of Aberdeen enters a festival
for St. Mirin, Bishop and Confessor, at Paisley, in Scotland.8 Adam King's
Kalendar has a notice of St. Mirine, at the 15th of September.? In his
" Menologium Scoticum," Thomas Dempster records him at the same
date.10 The memory of St. Merinus, Abbot, is recorded in two late
Manuscript Catalogues of. Irish Saints, as the Bollandists remark ; besides, in
Greven's additions to the Martyrology, he is called a bishop in Scotia, while
Ferrarius sets him down as an Abbot. The Bollandists" notice this festival
of St. Merinus or Mirinus, Abbot of Paisley, at the 15th day of September.
When the Rule of Cluny12 had been introduced from VVenlock in Shrop-
shire, England, after a temporary resting place at Renfrew, the Abbey of
Paisley was founded for monks of the Cluniac Order, about 1163, by Walter,
High Steward of Scotland.1? Finding a church at Paisley already dedicated to
to St. Mirren or Mirinus, they combined his name with the titles of St. James
and of their patroness of Wenlock, St. Milburga, when their own church and
4 See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the confess, in Scotland under king fin-
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i. barmache." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendar
5 This place is of great antiquity, it having of Scottish Saints," p. 162.
been "the site of a station formed by the I0 Thus— " Pasleti Mirini abbatis, quern
Romans during their occupation of Scotland nonnulli ponunt sub Fincormacho rege sub
between the years 80 and 446, and annum ccclxix., K.C.M-r *$&/., p. 211.
designated by Ptolemv, the ancient "See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v.,
geographer, Vanduara." — "The Imperial Septembris xv. Among the pretermitted
Gazetteer of Scotland,1' vol. ii., p. 557. Saints. He is passed over, however, with
6 This place— in some part of Scotland the remark—" Vuleri tamen etiam possunt,
most probably — has not yet been identified. quae die 6 Februarii de S. Merino, aliis
7 See " Breviarium Aberdonense," Pars episcopO, aliis abbate, jam fuerunt
Aestiva, fol. cvi. ' observata." See pp. 2, 3.
8 Thus — " Decim j Septimo KT. Octobris. " This was a monastery built early in the
—In Scocia Sancti Mirini episcopi et tenth century by William the Pious, Duke
confessoris apud Pasletum cuius ibidem of Aquitaine, founded by the Abbot Bernon
cenobium sumptuosa dedicatum structure of Gigny in 940, and raised to its greatest
illustrium Scotorum regum meritis Merini splendour by his successor, St. Odo. Its
datatum ubi varia miraculosa sanctitatis sue history may be found abbreviated in the
patent indicia."— " Proceedings of the "Encyclopedic Catholique " of M. l'Abbe
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, "Vol. ii., Glaire and M. le Vte. Walsh, tome viii.,
pp. 267, 268. Art. Cluny, pp. 235 to 237.
9 Thus—" S. Mirine abot of paslay an ,J Founder of the Stuart family.
September 15. J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
monastery were dedicated. At first, Paisley was only a Priory ; but, in 12 16,
a Bull of Pope Honorius III.** detached it from Wenlock, and had it
constituted an Abbacy. The buildings then existing were burned by the
English, in 1307, during the War of Independence, and the monastery seems
to have been^almost entirely destroyed. In 1406, Robert III., King of
Scotland, was interred in Paisley Abbey.15 Little seems to have been done
towards a restoration of
the building, until the
St. Mirrin's Chapel, Paisley.
Abbot Thomas Tervas,
who died a.d. 1459,
commenced the good
work, which was com-
pleted by his successor,
the Abbot George Shaw.
He ruled from 1472 to
I499.16 During the
troublous times of the
Reformation in Scot-
land, the last Abbot,
John Hamilton, had
ceased to exercise juris-
diction in 1545 ; yet,
by consent of Queen
Mary, he retained the
abbacy in trust for his
nephew, Lord Claud
Hamilton. However,
in the year 15 5 7, a body
of the Reformers
attacked the abbey,
drove the monks out
of the building, and
" burnt all the ymages
and ydols and popish
stuffin the same." Hav-
ing been present in the
Queen's interest, at the
battle of Langside, 13th
May, 1 568,^ John
Hamilton attended her during her flight to England, so far as the Solway.18
Afterwards he was declared a traitor by Regent Murray. On the 2nd of April,
14 He reigned from A.D. 1216 to A.D.
1227. See Sir Harris Nicolas' " Chronology
of History,' p. 209.
js " Robert the GWjtto, ottre ILortJ tfje &mg,
fHato at ©urrtjounalli his m&ginjr.
!t?ts faorjrj foes fjati than to $aslarj,
&nti Sxres entgrit in that &ubag."
— Andrew 01 Wyntoun's " Orygynale
Cronykil of Scotland," vol. Hi., book ix.,
chap, xxvi., p. 98. Edition of David
Laing.
,0 See that magnificent topographical
work, Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland,'' vol. v., Art. Paisley
pp. 147 to 157.
"7 See Jac. Augusti Thuani " Historiarum
sui Temporis," tomus ii., lib. xliii.,
sect, iii., pp. 628, 629.
,8 He then waded knee-deep into the
water, and held back Queen Mary's boat,
urging her not to trust herself into the
power of her rival, Queen Elizabeth. Under
another title for the purposes of his romance,
Sir Walter Scott has pathetically introduced
this parting scene, when closing with the
xxxviii., and last chapter of his fine
historical novel, "The Abbot."
38o
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 15.
1571, he was captured in the Castle of Dumbarton.1? His possessions were
forfeited, and the abbey lands of Paisley were bestowed on William Lord Sempil.
Since that period, the glorious Abbey Church of Paisley has become a
venerable ruin, the traces of which reveal to the beholder its former magnifi-
cence.20 When entire, it consisted of a nave, choir, and north transept. The
chapel of St. Mirren and St. Columba occupies the place where the south
transept should have been. The total outside length of the building, in its
perfect state, had been 265 feet.21 The chapel of St. Mirran and St. Columba,
better known as the " Sounding Aisle,"22 is on the south side, and on the
site of the south transept. The nave is the only part now roofed,2^ and it is
still used as the Presbyterian church for Abbey Parish.2* The chapel of St.
Mirren, or " the sounding aisle," was erected about the end of the fifteenth
century.2s
In Scotland are various localities, associated with the name of this saint.
19 He was hanged on a gibbet, in his
Episcopal Robes, over the battlements of
the Castle of Stirling, on the 6th of April,
1 57 1. "—Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's
" Schotichronicon," vol. i., p. 288.
20 In 1874, the writer, in company with
Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon, author of the
" Scoti-Chronicon," had an opportunity for
visiting the Abbey ruins at Paisley. An
interesting account of this monastic establish-
ment may be found in Dr. J. Cameron
Lees' "The Abbey of Paisley, from its
foundation to its Dissolution," Paisley, 1878.
21 Internally the nave is 93 feet in length,
by 59^ feet in breadth, including the side
aisles. The choir, which has no aisles, is
123^ feet long, and 32 wide, and the
transept is 32 feet in width. The distance
from the north wall to the wall of St.
Mirren's Chapel is 92^ feet ; all of these
measurements being internal. The walls of
the choir only rise a foot or little more over
the ground level, but the piscina and sedilia
still remain, as also the foundations of the
pillars, on which the central tower arose.
The north transept, with its magnificent and
finely- traceried window, 32 feet in height
and 18 feet wide, remains to be seen. A
wood-cut, postfixed to Robert William
Billings' description of the Abbey of Paisley,
represents the beautiful sedilia wrought in
four different compartments, with fine
super-mouldings.
22 The " sounding aisle " has received its
name from a long established reputation for
the loudness with which sounds are echoed
within it ; and it is generally some time ere
the slamming of doors, and some other noisy
efforts to make the visitor duly aware of
this peculiarity, can be so far suppressed as
to admit of the peaceable inspection of its
interesting contents. The main object of
attention is that mysterious monument,
called " Queen Blearie's Tomb." It is the
monument of a female, whose effigy lies at
full length on a large altar sarcophagus.
***** Along a portion of the upper
end of the sounding aisle there is a series
of sculptured groups in compartments.
They are the work of an ancient and rude
age — probably they existed before the
chapel itself, and were fragments of an
earlier edifice." — Billing's " Baronial and
Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland,"
vol- iv. The Abbey of Paisley, pp. 2, 3.
23 " The interior of the nave is truly
magnificent. Ten massy clustered columns,
17 feet in height, with simple but elegantly
moulded capitals, divide the aisles from the
body of the fabric. Of these columns, the
circumference of each of the two nearest
the west is more than double that of any
of the others, plainly indicating that they
were intended by the architect, in con-
nection with the front wall, to support
two western towers. From the imposts of
the columns spring pointed arches, with
delicate and graceful mouldings. From
a floor formed above the first tier of
arches spring those of the triforium. Above
the tiiforium rises the clerestory, the arches
of which are simple, pointed and narrow,
but of just proportions. The original roof,
which has given place to a simple coved
one, was finely groined with sculptured
bosses, at the intersections of the ribs, of
which a specimen is still to be seen, towards
the west end of the southern aisle." — "The
Topographical Statistical and Historical
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 482.
24 In the magnificently illustrated work of
Robert William Hillings, "The Baronial
and Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland,''
vol. iv., Nos. 26, 27, 28, 29, are views
representing — I. The West Front ol Paisley
Abbey ; 2. The North Side, externally ;
3. The Nave, interior looking west ; 4.
Chapel on the South Side of the Choir.
The latter, which is known as St. Mirin's
Chapel, was copied, drawn, and engraved
on the wood by Grcgor Grey. It forms the
subject of our present illustration.
*s See the Charter quoted in " Views in
Renfrewshire," p. 43. 'm
September 15.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 38
Thus, in the south-east boundary of the parish of Kelton in Kirkcudbright is
Kirk Mirren, where the vestige of an ancient chapel and churchyard may be
found.26 In the parish of Kilmarnock is St. Mirren's ruined Chapel2? upon
Inch Murryn, the largest Island of romantic Loch Lomond.28 Owing to the
name and to the patron, some former connexion with the Abbey of Paisley
may be traced. In Kilsyth, on the south of Woodend, there is a remarkable
spring called St. Mirrin's Well.2? In the parish of Coylton, there is a farm
called Knock Murran.3° On the south side of the North Esk is the Burn of
Alurran. There are no distinct traces of this Saint's memory anywhere on
the east coast of Scotland. 31
Article II.— St. Anmeir or Ainmire, of Cluain-foda. The Martyr-
ology of Tallagh1 records a festival in honour of Anmeir or Ainmire, of
Cluain-foda,2 at the 15th of September. In modern phraseology, the locality
must now be recognised in Clonfad, and there are various places so called,
in different counties of Ireland ; but, hitherto we have not been able to
identify the present Saint in connection with any of them. There were two
celebrated places, bearing this name, and mentioned in our Annals. One
was known as Cluain-foda Baetanabha,3 that is " the long Lawn" or
n Meadow " of Baetain-abha, in the parish of Killucan, barony of Farbil, and
County of Westmeath. In our Irish Annals, it is noticed in connection
with the founder St. Etchcenius or Etchen, who died in the year of grace 5 7 7,4
and with other Bishops or Abbots, at a.d. 741,5 and jg0.6 There was also
a Clnain-foda-Librain,? that is, " St. Librain's Long Lawn M or " Meadow,"
now known as Clonfad, in the barony of Fertullagh, and in the county of
Westmeath. It was likewise called Cluain-foda-Fine, in Feara-Tulach.8 In
the year 835 died Fiachra, son of Dubhdacrich, Abbot of this place.9 Again,
it is mentioned under the designation of Cluain-foda-Fini, at a.d. 887,'0
when Conchobhar, son of Flanagan, Lord of Ui-Failge, was destroyed by
fire in its church, and the relics of Finian were violated by the Feara-Tulach,
on his way from parleying with Flann, son of Maelseachlain, King of Ireland.
One locality in Ireland was formerly known as Cluainfoda Anmireach."
26 See " New Statistical Account of Scot- s When Aengus, son of Tibraide, Abbot
land," vol. iv., Kirkcudbright, Parish of of Cluain-foda Beadainabha, died.— Ibid.,
Kelton, by the Rev. Samuel Cowan, p. 170. pp. 342, 343.
27 See " Origines Parochiales Scotise," *6 In this year (or recte 795), Ua Tibraide,
part i., p. 35. Abbot of Cluaiu-foda, died.— Ibid., pp.
28 See a description of it in "The 396, 397. The reader will hardly fail to
Topographical, Statistical, and Historical observe how the influence of a family name
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol, ii., p. 8. was paramount in that monastery during
29 See "Origines Parochiales Scoti?e," the eighth century.
part i., p. 43. 7 So called from St. Librain or Libran.
3° See New Statistical Account of Scot- who flourished in the sixth or seventh
land," vol. v., Ayr, Parish of Coylton, by century, and of whom some account may be
Rev. Alexander Duncan, p. 656. found in the Third Volume of tins work, at
* See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of the nth of March, Art. iii.
Scottish Saints," p. 398. 8 The ancient name for the present
Article ii.— « Edited by Rev. Dr. Barony of Fertullagh, County of West-
Kelly, xxxiv. meath.
2 In the Book of Leinster copy is 'See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
-Ainmepe CluAna pacA. Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 452, 453, and
3 See the notices of St. Etchen, Bishop of n. (n.), ibid.
that place, at the nth of February, in the ,0 See ibid., pp. 540, 54', and n. (n.)
Second Volume of this work, Art. ii. "See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
* See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. xw.,
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 208, 209. p. I31.
382 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. JSkptember 15.
We are told it was near the Church of Domnach-Padruic, perhaps Temple
Patrick in the County of Westmeath. Could the site of this locality be
ascertained, it seems probable it should determine that of the present Saint
Ainmire's place. At the 1 5th of September, a festival for the chaste Ainmire of
Cluain is given by Marianus O'Gorman.12 At this date, also, we rind the
entry for his feast in the Martyrology of Donegal.^
Article III. — St. Lassar of Clonmore. This pious Virgin, St.
Lassair, of Cluain-mor, was venerated at the 15th of September, as we read in
the Martyrologies of Tallagh.1 The name of Lasra, Lassar, Lassera or Lassair
was not an unusual one among the Irish female Saints.2 Of these, some are
distinguished by their patronymics ; others by their connexion with a particular
locality ; while others are not recognizable under either category. 3 The
present St. Lassar is said to have been of Cluain-mor. Many places, bearing
the name of Clonmore, are found in various parts of Ireland. Mr. John
McCall informs the writer, however, that the place of this holy virgin was
Clonmore Maedhoe, now Clonmore, in the County of Carlow,* which place
has been already described at the 8th of February,5 when treating about St.
Oncho or Onchuo, Confessor. At the 15th of September, the bright St:
Lassar is invoked in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, as the shining
one who is not decrepid.6 A commentator adds, that she was of Cluana
Moir. At the present date, likewise, Lassar is noticed in the Martyrology of
Donegal. 7 The same entry occurs in the Irish Calendar, belonging to the
Ordnance Survey Records.8
Article IV. — The Sons of Tadhg. Some instances occur in our Irish
Calendars of Saints venerated, without their distinctive names being pre-
served, as in the present case. There is not wanting a precedent, in the
Roman Breviary and Missal,1 for a similar distinction conferred, where a
Saint's merits had been recognised, although his real name has not been
placed on record.2 In that copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh contained in
" See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui 6 Thus—
Gormain," pp. 176, 1.77.
13 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, " 1n cAnrolech riAch cpAmiA,
pp. 248, 249. LAfpAp lAin-opech lerme."
Article hi. — * Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster —Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gor-
copy is Larr'Aip Cluana mop. main," p. 176.
2 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum » Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves,
Ilibernioe," xxiii. Februarii. Vita S. pp. 248, 249.
Finniani seu Finneni, Abbatis de Cluain- b Now kept in the Royal Irish Academy.
Krainl, nn. 26, 27, p. 399. See "Common I'lace Book," F., p. 78.
3 See the list of saints, under the headings Article iv. — • At the 30th August.
Lassar and Laissi, in the "Martyrology of 2 Allusion is here made to that intrepid
Donegal," edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Christian Martyr, who professed his faith in
Reeves, in the Table of the Martyrology, Christ, when St. Felix had been led to
pp. 430 to 433. martyrdom. Being apprehended and united
4 In a letter, dated Dublin, 25 Patrick- in death with St. Felix, he was thenceforth
street, August 3rd, 1873. called Adauctus, and for this reason, "quod
5 See at that date, the Second Volume of sancto martyri Felici adauctus sit ad
this work, Art. i. coronam."
September 15.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 383
the Book of Leinster3 is the entry of a feast at the 15th of September, for the
son or sons of Taide. Such name has been omitted from the published
version by the Rev. Matthew Kelly, D.D., at this date. Also, at the 15th
of September, in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, are commemorated
Tadg's sons for their austerity.* We read, in the Martyrology of Donegal, '
that a festival to honour the sons of Tadhg was celebrated on the 15th of
September.
Article V. — St. Cyrinus and his Companions, Martyrs. The feast
of this holy Bishop and Martyr, with that of his companions, was celebrated
on this day in the early Irish Church, as we learn from the Feilire1 of St.
^Engus. A brief note is attached.2 This festival appears to have been taken
from the ancient Hieronymian Martyrology ,3 in which the names of Saints
Cyrinus, Serapion, Leontius and Crocus are to be found. In the Martyr-
ology of Raban Maur, only the names of Serapion and Leontius arc
mentioned, at the 15th of September/ The Bollandists, who record \}r<
feast at the present date, refer to the 12th of this month, as the one known
to the Greeks, and also to be met with in the Roman Martyrology. s
Article VI. — Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the early Irish Church, the Octave Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary's
Nativity was observed as a Feast of Devotion, as we learn from the Feilire
of ^Engus.1 An allusion to the consecration of a Basilica to her honour has
not been explained ; but, probably it had reference to some church erected
in Ireland, and solemnly dedicated under her patronage, on this Octave of
her Festival. The great Octave of Mary is celebrated on the 15th of
September, in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman.2 Finding the
commemoration of such a feast in Usuard and in other Latin Fasti, the
Bollandists note it on this day.3 It is also inserted in the Roman
Martyrology.*
3 ??*us — rnAC CA1'oe• 3 There are many ancient copies, which
4 Thus — go by the title of Codices Hieronymiani, but
"MaicTaidgaratenne." which aPPear to have been taken from
Calendars and Martyrologies, that date back
—Dr.^ Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gor- to a period still more remote than the age of
main," p. 176. St. Jerome. Several of these belonged to
s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, particular Churches. The Greeks and
pp. 248, 249. Oriental Martyrologies are known to be
Article v. — * In the Leabhar Breac among the most ancient. It has been sup-
copy we have the following stanza at the posed, that Eusebius compiled a Greek
15th September :— Martyrology, afterwards used by St. Jerome
in the composition of one in Latin. Ancient
LACoireq\<vo mbAirlicc versions of this had been used in Ireland by
111 Aipe mup cocaIcu our Calendarists. See Pere Victor de Buck s
CitMnur- cenfoccUi " Recherches sur les Calendriers Ecclesias-
luit) corluag mop mApcpai. tiques." Bruxelles, 1877. 8vo.
4 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v,
Thus translated by Whitley Stokes, LL.D.— Septembris xv. Among the pretermitted
•' At the consecration of the Basilica, Mary, Saints, p. 2.
a rampart with strength, Cyrinus, without S Leaving out the name ot Cyrinus, we
vainglory, went with a great host of iMartyr- there read—" Alexandria; natalis sanctorum
dom."— " Transactions of the Royal Irish Martyrum Ilieronidis, Leontii, Serapionis,
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., Selesii, Valeriani et Stratonis, qui sub
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, pp. Maximimo Imperatore ob Christi nominis
cxxxvn., cxxxviii. confessionem in mare sunt demersi." —
2 " Cyrinus," i., escop. agus martir. See " Martyrologium Romanum, " Edifio
ibid., p. cxlvi. novissima, p. 135.
384
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 15.
Article VII. — Reputed Feast of St. Muredac. The Bollandists
remark, likewise, that Ferrarius, at the 5 th of October, has Murdachus, a
bishop in Argadia, and they defer possibly to the latter date any further
investigation of the Saint's history. The Florarium Manuscript, in their
possession, notes Murdacus as a bishop, at this date, without assigning him
any particular place.1 The Kalendar of Arbuthnott enters the festival of
St. Murdac, as bishop and confessor, at the xvii kalends of October, or
15th of September.2
Article VIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Cormac, of Munster. Vener-
ation was given to Cormac of Munster,1 at the 15th of September, according
to Marianus O'Gorman,2 followed by the Martyrology of Donegal.3 Who
this Cormac could have been, if not Cormac MacCuoillainan, King of
Munster, and Archbishop of Cashel, is not apparent. We have already
treated about him on the day preceding.
Article IX. — Feast of Nicomedes, Martyr. At the 15th of
September, Marianus O'Gorman enters the feast of the noble Nicomedes.1
This holy priest suffered martyrdom at Rome, under the Emperor Domitian.2
The Bollandists, who find this his Natalis in the ancient Martyrologies, have
endeavoured to investigate his Acts in their great collection.3 Father
Constantine Suysken, in a commentary comprising three sections, deals with
his cultus and memorials in thirty-nine paragraphs.4
Article vi.— ' See " Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D..
pp. cxxxvii.
■ Thus—
" Octauus mor Maire."
—Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gor-
main," p. 176.
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v.,
Septembris xv. Among the pretermitted
feasts, p. 4.
4 See " Martyrologium Romanum,"
Editio novissima, p. 137.
Article vii.— ' See " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus v., Septembris xv. Among the
pretermitted feats, pp. 4, 5.
2 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 104.
Article viii. — ' A note by Dr. Reeves
says at ihis word Munster — "This entry,
borrowed from Marian O'Gorman, is in the
more recent hand with Marian annexed."
3 Thus—
11 Copbrnac mum h an mole a
Can T>occ4, can -oenj;e."
Which is thus translated — " lauded Cormac
of Munster, without niggardliness, without
oppressiveness.' — Dr. Whitley Stokes'
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves,
pp. 248, 249.
Article ix. — l Thus—" Nicomeid saer
sunna," rendered into English, "noble
Nicomedes here." — Dr. Whitley Stokes'
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 176, 177.
2 He ruled from A.D. 81 to September
1 8th, A. I). 96, when he was assassinated.
See the chief events of his reign set forth
in Philip Smith's "Ancient History,"
vol. ill., book viii., chap, xxxviii., pp. 463
to 480.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v.,
Septembris xv. De S. Nicomede Pnsl>.
Mart. Romje, pp. 5 to 12.
4 The history of this saint is thus com-
pressed in the Roman Martyrology at this
day : " Romse via Nomentana natalis bead
Nicomedis Presbyter] et Martyris ; qui cum
diceret compellentibus se sacrificare : Ego
non sacrifico nisi Deo omnipotenti, qui
regnat in coelis ; plumbatis diutissime
ciesus migravit ad Dominum." — " Mar-
tyrologium Komanum." Editio novissima,
P. 137.
September i6.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 385
MfUtwW) IBaj) of September.
ARTICLE T.— ST. MONENN OR MAOINEANN, BISHOP, OF CLONCURRY,
COUNTY OF KILDARE, AND SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN IDENTICAL
WITH ST. NINIAN, APOSTLE OF THE SOUTHERN PICTS.
[FOURTH AND FIFTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — WRITERS OF ST. NINIAN's ACTS — SUPPOSED IDENTITY OF NINIAN WITH
MONEEN OR MAOINEAN— BIRTH AND EARLY YEARS OF NINIAN — HIS JOURNEYS TO
GAUL, ON HIS WAY TO ROME— HIS STUDIES THERE— HIS ORDINATION AS PRIEST
AND HIS CONSECRATION AS BISHOP — HIS VISIT TO ST. MARTIN, BISHOP OF TOURS —
HIS RETURN TO SCOTLAND.
THE early writers, who have treated about the present Saint, lived long
after his time; and it seems probable, their notices of him have been
chiefly the record of local and popular traditions. We cannot be sure, that
such narratives are to be trusted in all particulars. It should be a great
honour conferred on our Island, to have had the celebrated Apostle of the
Southern Picts spend the closing years of his grand career among us, as has
been asserted in an old Irish Life. It is thought to be not improbable, that
St. Ninian of Candida Casa may have been identical with St. Monean or
Maioneann of Cluain Conaire in Ireland, and whose feast falls on this day. •
We must only lay before our readers, the combined statements of other
writers, in reference to such matters ; our own opinions not lining been
conclusively matured on the subject. Again, it is said, the Irish called him
Ringan.9
Already have we treated about St. Ninian at considerable length, on the
25th ot Julys —supposed by some writers to have been one of his festivals.
Yet, certain omissions of narrative there to be detected are here inserted.
In the order of Scottish Episcopal succession, St. Ninian is placed first,*
among the eminent prelates. The earliest authentic record of Ninian, the
Pictish Apostle, is to be found in the History of Venerable Bede.5 In our
Irish Martyrologies, which are supposed to supply the next conjectural
notices regarding the Saint, his name is to be found under the forms of
Moinenn or Moinend, which have been rendered into the English of " My
Nenn " or " My Nennius " — the endearing epithet of " my " being placed
before his name, a practice peculiar to the Irish, in reference to their holy
■ men so greatly venerated. Thus, the festival of St. Moinenn or Moinend is
commemorated on the 16th of September, in the "Felire"6 of St. ^Engus.
Article l— Chapter 1.—1 See Bishop « See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's " Scoti-
Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. chronicon," vol. i., p. 25.
421. 5 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
2 Under such form, likewise, it is applied Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. iv.
to the St. Ninian's church, parish and 6In the " Leabhar Breac" copy is the
village in Stirlingshire. See William following stanza, at this day : —
Nimmo's " History of Stirlingshire," vol. i., m ^cheng hat) oon*
chap, xxi., p. 376. Third Edition. Re- moment) nuAll cechgetiAi
vised, enlarged, and brought down to the 1rl ^ terpen ronA1
Present Time, by R. Gillespie. u LA1f„en m0n men*.
3 See at that date, the Seventh Volume of
this work, Art. i. Thus translated by Whitley Stokes,
Vol. IX.- No. 7. 1 b
386
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
In a comment, his place in Ireland is particularised.7 The published
Martyrology of Tallagh8 records a festival to honour Monenn of Cluana
Conaire, at the 16th of September, but incorrectly under the heading Idus,
instead of the xvi Kalends. The same error appears in the Book of Leinster
Copy,9 for this day. An Irish Life of St. Ninian was extant, and it has been
quoted by Archbishop Ussher.10 This, however, contains matter not always
reconcilable with that biography written by Ailred. Of the Irish Life,11
the Bollandists had a translation made by Father Henry Fitzsimon, but they
think it of little value, and to abound in false statements.12 St. Ailred, T3 who
became the Cistercian Abbot of Revesby,1* in Lincolnshire, and who died
a.d. 1166, wrote the Life of St. Ninian,1' while in the composition of that
Memoir he had the assistance of a " Liber barbaris (sic) scriptus."16 Ailred's
Life of our Saint was first printed by John Pinkerton,1? from a beautiful
manuscript in the Bodleian Library, at Oxford.18 Moreover, this Latin Life
of Ailred has been translated into English.1? Various manuscript Lives of
St. Ninian have been preserved. In the Bodleian Library, Oxford, there is
a Vita S. Niniani.20 Also, in the Cottonian collection, there are copies21 of
Vita S. Niniani. In the Burgundian Library at Bruxelles, there is a volume
of Lives of the Saints, in which St. Ninian's Life appears in an abridged form.22
A metrical Life of St. Ninian, by Barbour, has been found, in the University
Library of Cambridge, by Mr. Henry Bradshaw. The Bollandists have
inserted Acts of St. Nennius, at this day.23 These consist of a Commentarius
Historico-Criticus, in four sections, containing forty-nine paragraphs. 2*
L.L.D. : — "A great triad-of-champions
that are not wretched. Moinenn the cry of
every mouth ; in Iona Laisren the happy,
with Laisr£n* the great of Men." — " Trans-
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish
Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On the
Calendar of Oengus, p. cxxxviii.
7 There he is said to have been Moinend
of Cluain Conaire-Tomain, in the north of
Ui-Foelain. See ibid., p. cxlvi.
8 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
9 There, too, at this date we have a feast
for monenn Cluain Confine.
10 See his works, vol. vi., pp. 209, and 565.
Rev. Dr. Elrington's edition.
11 This was procured from Ireland, to
serve the purposes of the early Bollandists.
12 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep-
tembris xvi. De S. Niniano Episcopo, Pic-
torum Australium Apostolo. Commentarius
Historico-Criticus, sect, ii., num. 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, pp, 321, 322.
13 His name has been softened from the
Saxon Ethelred. He is also known as Ailre-
dus, Alredus, ^Elredus, Elredus, Adelre-
dus, Hetheldredus. Altredus, Atheldredus,
Ealredus, Hailredus, Baldredus, Aluredus,
Ealfredus, and Valredus. This Holy Abbot
was the son of Eilef Lawreu, who held the
revenues and had charge of the church at
Hexham, which he afterwards surrendered,
and became a Benedictine monk at Dur-
ham. See Prior Richard's " History of the
Church of Hexham," p. 50. St. Ailred was
born, in the year 1 109, and began his life at
the Court of David I., King of Scotland,
whose Life he afterwards wrote, in two Books.
14 This happened in 1 142, and the next
year he was Abbot of Rievaux.
15 See Pinkerton's " Vita? Antiquae Sanc-
torum in Scotia." Vita S. Niniani, per
Ailredum Abbatem Rievall.
16 In the " Relationvm Historicarvm de
Rebus Anglicis," of John Pitts, there is a
list of the works written by Ealred Rieual-
lensis, in tomus i. — all published — Aetas
duodecima, num. 227, pp. 229 230.
17 See "Vita; Antiquae Sanctorum," qui
habitaverunt in ea parte Britannia? nunc
vocata Scotia vel in ejus insulis. Quasdam
edidit ex MSS., quasdam collegit J. Pinker-
ton, qui et variantes lectiones et notas
pauculas adjecit. Londini. 1789.
18 Noted as Laud. F. xv.,cent. xii. ; ho lie,
Laud. Misc. 668, ff. 78-89.
19 See Rev. Dr. W. M. Medcalfe's " An-
cient Lives of Scottish Saints," Paisley,
1895, 8vo.
20 Classed, Laud. Misc. 668, ff. 78-89.
"Classed, Tib. D. cent, xiii., hi., fob 186-
192 ; and Tib. E. i.
22 It seems to have been that from which
Capgrave produced his Vita S. Niniani.
See " Nova Legenda Anglie," impressa
Londonias in domo Winandi de Worde,
commorantis ad Signum Solis, in vico nun-
cupate (the flete strete) A.D. Mcccccxvi.,
xxvii. die Februarii.
23 See "Acta Sancforum," tomus v.,
Septembris xvi. De S. Niniano Episcopo,
Pictorum Australian! Apostolo Candida?
Casae in Scotia, pp. 318 to 328.
24 The editor was Father Urban Sticker,
P.M.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
387
Although using the Life by John Capgrave, and commenting on it, the
Bollandists have not reproduced it. They mention two other manuscripts of
the Life, as being known to themes One of these belonged to the Monas-
terium Rubeae Vallis, and the other to the Carthusian Convent*6 at Cologne.
An account of St. Ninian will be found in the works of many medieval
Scottish and English Chroniclers ; as in John of Fordun,27 Andrew of
Wyntoun,28 in John Capgrave,29 in John Leland,3° and in Johi\ Pitts. 31
Also his Memoirs may be found in the Works of Archbishop Ussher, Dean
Cressy,32 Bishop Challenor,33 Bishop Tanner, 34 Rev. Alban Butler,35 George
Chalmers,36 John Pinkerton,37 Rev. Dr. Lanigan,38 Grub,39 Rev. John Cun-
ningham, 4° Darras,*1 Le Comte de Montalembert,42 Les Petits Bollandistes,*'
the Encyclopaedia Britannica,44 Chambers's Encyclopaedia's Rev. S. Baring-
Gould'6 William F. Skene,47 and William Nimmo.48 Of late, a most
interesting andL learned Church History of Scotland has been written in
German49 by the Very Rev. Alphons Bellesheim, D.D., Canon of Aix-la-
Chapelle, and it contains an account of our Saint in the opening chapter^0
Among the ° Lives of the English Saints,"*1 there is a Life of St. Ninian,
25 Enquiry has been made for these, but
they cannot be found.
26 Such of the Manuscripts of this convent,
as were not sent to the National Library at
Paris, by Decree of Napoleon I., in 1809 or
18 10, had been assigned, with those
belonging to the other convents, to the
Ecole Central at Cologne. These are at
present in the Library of the Marzellen
Gymnasium there, but the Vita S. Niniani
does not appear among them.
27 See Joannis de Fordun "Chronica
Gentis Scotorum," edited by William F.
Skene, lib. iii., cap. ix., p. 95. Edinburgh,
1871, 8vo. And a translation into English of
the same work, by his brother, Felix J. H.
Skene, lib. iii., cap. ix., pp. 86, 87.
Edinburgh, 1872, 8vo.
2* See "The Orygynale Cronykil of
Scotland," by Androw of Wyntoun, edited
by David Laing, vol. i.,book v., chap, x.,
p. 385, and vol. ii., book viii., chap, xvi.,
p. 357. Edinburgh, 1872, 8vo.
29 See Nova Legenda Anglie," fol. ccxli.,
ccxliii.
30 See " Commentarii de Scriptoribus
Britannicis," chap, xxxiii., pp. 56, 57.
31 See Joannis Pitsei Angli, S. Theologiae
Doctoris, Liverduni in Lotharingia Decani,
" Relation vm Historicarvm de Rebus
Anglicis," tomus i., Aetas Quinta, num. 30.
De Niniano, pp. 86, 87. Parisiis, 1619, 4to.
32 See " The Church History of Brittany,"
book viii., chap, xii., pp. 154, 155, and
chap, xxi., p. 161, also book ix., chap, xi.,
pp. 184, 185.
33 See "Britannia Sancta," part ii., pp.
130 to 133.
34 See " Bibliotheca Britannico-Hiber-
nica," pp. 548, 549.
85 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other Principal Saints," vol. ix., September
'Caledonia," vol. i., book ii.,
pp. 315 to 317, and vol. iii.,
sect, viii., pp. 410 to 414.
' Enquiry into the History of
' vol. ii., part vi., chap, i., pp. 162
36 See '
chap, ii.,
chap. iv. ,
37 See
Scotland,'
et seq.
38 See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. i., chap, i., n. 149, p. 45, and
chap, ix., sect, ii., and n. 17, pp. 434, 437,
438.
39 See "Ecclesiastical History of Scot-
land," vol. i., chap. ii.
40 See "Church History of Scotland,"
vol. i., chap, iii., pp. 50 to 53.
41 See " Histoire Generate de l'Eglise,"
tome iii., p. 165.
42 See "Les Moines d'Occident," tome
iii., liv. x., chap, i., pp. 19 to 24.
43 See " Vies des Saints," tome xi.,
xvie Tour de Septembre, pp. 127, 128,
and n.
44 See vol. xvii., p. 513. Ninth edition.
1875, et seq. Edinburgh, 4to.
45 See vol. vii., p. 506. New edition.
Edinburgh, 1888, etseq. Imp. 8vo.
46 See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
September xvi., pp., 262 to 265.
47 See "Celtic Scotland : a History of
Ancient Alban," vol. ii., book ii., chap. i.
pp. 2 to 6.
48 See "History of Stirlingshire," vol. i.,
chap, xxi., pp. 375 to 377.
49 It has since been translated into English,
with notes and additions, by D. Oswald-
Hunter Blair, O.S.B., Monk of Fort
Augustus. This translation in Four 8vo.
volumes has appeared under the title
" History of the Catholic Church of Scot-
land from the introduction of Christianity to
the present Day. Edinburgh, 1877 to 1890,
8vo.
50 See ibid., vol. i., chap, i., pp. 1 to 17.
Published by T. Toovey, in 1845, 12m*
388 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
Bishop of Candida Casa, and attributed to the Rev. John Barrow, D.D.,
formerly Principal of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. In the " Dictionary of
Christian Biography,"52 there is an interesting account of this saint, written
by the Rev. James Gammack.53 However, most complete and satisfactory
of all other Memoirs to the historical student are the researches of a prelate,
who has rendered inestimable services to the elucidation of Scottish ecclesias-
tical history. The Lives of St. Ninian and of St. Kentigern, have been
edited by the Right Rev. Alexander Penrose Forbes, D.C.L., Bishop of
Brechin. 54 Not alone has he given an English translation of St. Ailrid's
Latin Life of St. Ninian ; but in his learned General Introduction, and in
the appended Notes, which illustrate the allusions contained i-n it, hardly
anything seems wanting to furnish material for additional investigation. We
acknowledge with grateful obligation our indebtedness to this scholarly
monograph, for such intelligence as we may be able to convey, regarding the
difficulties and obscurities that surround a biography and a period of history
so remote, and yet so interesting, as dating back to the very primordia of
Christianity in Scoiland.
The present saint, Monenn or Maoinean, supposed to have been
identical with St. Ninian, is the earliest recorded Apostle of the Picts or
Caledonians. In this connection, the honorific Irish word mo, which signifies
" my " has been prefixed to Nenn or Nean, which are forms of St. Ninian's
name. The coincidence of the festival day, both in the Irish and British
Martyrologies, serves to favour such conjecture.
The great apostle of the S uthem Picts has been variedly named. By
Venerable Bede he has been called Ninia, and again Nynias. The Welsh
call him Nynnian.ss According to Venerable Bede, Bishop Ninian was of
the nation of the Britons. These are said to have been the Cumraig
Britons, s6 who, with the Roman soldiers, at the time of his birth, held the
Romanised province of Valentia. Various opinions have been offered as to
the exact place of Ninian's birth. It has been generaWy held, that he first
saw the light in the country of the Niduni, or Niduari,57 in the south-western
district of Scotland.58 Some writers would make him to have been a Pict, by
birth ; but, it has been stated, there were no Picts in that district until 426,
at soonest. 59 However, the districts south of the Firths of Forth and Clyde,
extending to the Solway Firth on the west, and to the Tyne on the east,
were possessed by two kingdoms of the Britons. The former of these lay
to the west, and extended northwards from the river Derwent in Cumberland,
5* Edited by William Smith, D.C.L., as on the Map in William F. Skene's
LI,. I).,and Henry Wace, D.D., vol. iv., pp. "Celtic Scotland: a History of Ancient
45. 46. Alban," vol. i., hook i., chap, v., p. 228.
55 M. A., LL.D., Aberdeen. & Leland thus writes regarding "Ninianus
. 54 This edition forms the Fifth Volume of Britannus" : — "Ex Venetica duxisse eum
the " Historians of Scotland," Edinburgh, origininem provincia antiquitas adlirmabat,
1874. 8vo. fratremque habuisse nomine Ph'benium, et
55 On referring to the Life of St. Ninnio trnerosin melioribus studiisannos collocssse.
or Ninian, the Senior, or the Old. Apostle Hinc, virile accrescente rctate, et Rrigantes
of the Southern Picts, chap, i., at the 25th Nortabriorum gentem, et Novanles mariti-
of July, and in the Sixth Volume of this mos illos sedulus invisit : quorum sedes ibi
work, Art. i., the many other names, by erant, ubi nunc Begcc promontorium, I.u°u-
which he had been distinguished may be ballia et Gallovidia Pu/ica."—" Commen-
found. taiii de Scriptoribus Britannicis," cap.
56 See John Pinkerton's "Enquiry into xxxiii., p. 56.
the History of Scotland," vol. ii., part vi., 59 See John Pinkerton's " Enquiry into the
chap, i., p. 265. History of Scotland," vol. ii., part vi., chap.
» Sometimes distinguished Niduari Picts, i., p. 265.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 389
to the Firth of Clyde, and its people were known as the Strathclyde Britons ;
while the latter included the Angles of Bernicia, towards the east.
It is stated, that this early Christian Apostle had been the son of a
Christian father, who was also a king in that part of the island of Britain,
towards the north-west,6° where the ocean stretching forth its arms formed an
angle on each side, which divided Scotland from England in after times.
This description applies to Galloway, in its old extent.6' That portion ol
Scotland was inhabited by a people known as the Gallo Gaidhel.62 That
district was also within the Roman Province of Valentia,63 which was situated
in the south part of Britannia Barbara,6* or the country lying north of the
Picts' Wall, so far as Graham's Dyke, including also Northumberland,
Dumfries, and other parts of Scotland. This territory was wrested from the
Picts and Scots, during the reign of Valentinian, and formed into a Roman
Province by Theodosius. However, it remained only for a short time in
possession of the Romans.
Ninian is said to have been born about the year 360, and of noble
parentage, in the country of the Novantes, near the Leuchophibia of
Ptolemy, and the Whithern of modern times.65 According to some accounts
he had a brother named Plebenius, but this seems to be on a very doubtful
tradition.66 In his very infancy, Ninian was regenerated in the water of
holy baptism ; and in the rhetorical language of his biographer Ailred, he
preserved immaculate the nuptial robe of white he had received, while as a
conqueror of vice, he presented it in the sight of Christ, and that Holy Spirit
he first received to cleanse him, by most devout ways he merited to
maintain, as the instructor of his pious heart. While still a boy, he shunned
whatever was contrary to religion, adverse to chastity, opposed to good
morals, or discordant with the law of Truth. He ceased not to follow what-
ever was useful to man, or pleasing to God ; he meditated on the command-
ments, by day and by night ; he fulfilled every duty of life with the greatest
devotion. Sparing* in food, reticent in speech, agreeable in manners, full of
seriousness, and assiduous in study ; in everything he subjected the flesh to
the spirit. He had a great reverence for churches, and a love for religious
men. Especially was his mind devoted to the study of the Sacred Scriptures,
and from them he learned to aspire after perfection, in which through a
profound sense of humility he deemed himself very deficient. At length,
through divine inspiration, he was induced to abandon family, friends and
home, and to undertake a distant pilgrimage, as a suitable preparation for
an enterprise of great importance he then meditated.
Having passed over the Britannic Sea, he travelled through Gaul. At
this time paganism and the old heathen ideas were fast disappearing before
the advances of Christianity on the continent. The most ancient city of
modern German)', Treves,6? on the Moselle River, had long been the capital
60 This was regarded as a distinct princi- 63See Dr. William Smith's " Dictionary
pality until about the tenth or eleventh of Greek and Roman Geography," vol. ii.,
century. p. 1254.
61 See Father Innes' "Civil and Ecclesi- H See Ammianus Marcellinus, " Notitia
astical History of Scotland," book i., sect. Imperii," lib. xxviii., cap. 3.
xxviii., p. 33. 6s See William Nimmo's "History of
62 This district, con*isting of the shires of Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375.
Kirkcudbright and Wigton, was known to 66 Thus Bishop Tanner states: "Ex
the Welsh as Galwydel, and to the Irish Venetica duxisse originem provincia anti-
as Gallgaidel, from which had been formed quitas affirmabat, fratremque habuisse
the name Gallweitha, now Galloway. See nomine Plebenium et teneros in melioribus
William F. Skene's "Celtic Scotland: a studiis annos collocasse." — " Bibliotheca
History of Ancient Alban," vol. i., book i., Britannico-Hibernica," p. 548.
chap, v., p. 238, 239. • 6? In ancient Gaul, a town occupied its
39°
LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
of the Gauls, and the seat of the Roman Prefects.68 It was then the centre
of Occidental civilization. After the accession of Constantine to the Roman
Empire, one of his first acts was to restore the public exercise of their
worship to tin Christians of Gaul.00 Even before this time a great library
had been attached to the imperial palace,?0 and m the various schools?1 were
taught philosDphy, medicine, jurisprudence, belles-lettres, grammar, and
astrology, with the other sciences esteemed in those early ages.?2 Its
The Roman Black Gate, {(Treves.
importance was so great, that Ansonius called it the second capital of the
Roman Empire. When Treves ceased to be a political capital, it became
ecclesiastical ; and for more than a thousand years, it was known as the holy
city of the Tr£veres, being under the rule of its bishops. In part, the grand
site, when taken possession of by the
Romans, and the inhabitants were named
by them Treviri. Under the denomination
Augusta Trevirorum, it became a flourishing
city, and it is still most interesting as
containing many remains of Roman
grandeur, such as the Porta Nigra, the
palace, the amphitheatre, and extensive
ruins of the public baths. Few ancient
towns are richer in Roman antiquities ;
inscriptions, coins and medals are frequently
dug up ; and, it is said, that piers of the
budge over the Moselle are of Roman or
Gaulish origin. Treves is included in the
Rhenish Province of Germany.
"After the time of the Emperor Con-
stantine, repeated inroads of the Germans
caused the removal of the seat of adminis
tration to Aries. It was frequently a royal
residence under the Franks. See " Gazetteer
of the World," vol. xiii, p. 162.
6jSee Rev. Canon Richard Travers
Smith's " Church in Roman Gaul," chap,
xiii., p. 143.
70 See Guizot's " Ilistoire de la Civiliza-
tion en France," tome i., p 104.
71 In Gaul, the Romans had then
established schools at Marseilles, Toulouse,
Bordeaux, Autun, and Lyons. But that at
Treves was the most distinguished, and
singularly favoured by the Emperor Gratian,
a great patron of learning.
72 The accompanying illustration of the
Porta Nigra at Treves, from an approved
modern engraving, has been drawn on the
wood and engraved by Gregor Grey.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 391
cathedral is of Roman construction, although its chief features are original
Gothic."
At length, Ninian arrived at Rome, then the centre of the world's
religious life, and the resort of many distinguished men, even from the remote
Eastern countries. St. Jerome7'* had passed several years in study there,
and his works afford us most vivid pictures of society and manners, during
the fourth century. Then the rites of the Church were celebrated with
pomp and dignity, in the basilicas over ground ; while the catacombs
became the scenes of increased religious fervour, as they were sanctified by
the tombs of the martyrs. The stricter clergy lived in colleges, thus antici-
pating the monastic life; and as the dread of heathenism was gradually
disappearing, the churches were decorated with paintings and mosaics.
Pilgrims to the city were now beginning to arrive in great numbers, even
from distant lands.
There Ninian visited those churches and holy places, where the relics of
the Apostles were kept. With many prayers commending himself to their
protection, he shed abundance of tears through excess of devotion. There
too he resolved on seeking the patronage of the Holy Father.?* Addressing
himself to Pope Damascus?6 — who is thought then to have ruled — Ninian
exposed to him the motives for his journey. The Pontiff accepted his
devotion with great affection, and recommended him to the care and
instruction of teachers, who grounded him in Faith and in a knowledge of
the Sacred Scriptures. 77 The mysteries of Divine Wisdom Ninian thoroughly
embraced,78 and soon learned that many things contrary to sound doctrine
had been taught him and his fellow-countrymen by unskilled teachers. His
diligence, prudence and circumspection, combined with purity of soul and
body, commended him to all, and even he obtained the favour and friend-
ship of the Supreme Pontiff. Knowing that in the western parts of Britain
some had heard the word of the Gospel from heretics or from men ill-
instructed in the law of God, while many had not yet received the faith of
Christ, and moved by a holy inspiration, the Roman Pontiff desired to remove
all obstacles in the way of their conversion, and he deemed Ninian
admirably qualified to become the happy instrument to effect such a result.
Accordingly, he was ordained at Rome,79 and thus prepared for the arduous
mission that had been destined for him.
It is stated, that he received episcopal consecration at the hands of Pope
St. Siricus.80 A mission to preach the Gospel among the Caledonians81 was
then delegated to him.82 On his return to Scotland, he passed by way of
73 See Elisee Reclus' " Nouvelle ?8 " Nynia Episcopo reverentissimo et sanc-
Geographie Universelle," tome iii., liv. iii., tissimo viro, de natione Brittonum, qui erat
chap, iii., sect, iii., pp. 600, 603. Romae regulariter fidem et mysteria veritatis
74 His festival occurs on the 30th edoctus." — Bede's " Historia Ecclesiastica
September. See an account of this holy Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. iv.
Father and learned Doctor of the Church in 79. See William Nimmo's " History of
Le Sieur le Nain Tillemont's ''Memoir pour Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375.
servir a l'Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome xii, 8o He presided over the Church from a.d.
75 See *' History of the Catholic Church 384 to 398. See Sir Harris Nicolas' " Chro-
of Scotland," &c, by Very Rev. Canon nology of History," p. 211.
Alphons Bellesheim, D.D., translated by 8l It has been thought, that during the
D. Oswald- Blair, O.S.B., vol. i., cap. i., p. 7. expedition of Severus in 208, the light of
?6 His pontificate was from A.D. 366 to Christianity had penetrated among the
a.d. 384. See Sir Harris Nicolas' " Chro- 'Caledonian Britons before they had been
nology of History," p. 209. subdued by the Romans. This appears
77 See the Life of St. Ninian, by Ailred, from Tertullian in his "Liber adversus
chap, ii., p. 9, in " The Lives of St. Ninian Judaeos," cap. vii.
and St. Kentigern," edited by Alexander 82 The Petit Bollandists state: "Lepape
Penrose Forbes, D.C.L., Bishop of Brechin. Saint Boniface Ie» lui confera l'ordination
39 2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16
Tours to visit its renowned Bishop, St. Martin,83 then so celebrated for his
miracles. This was a source of mutual joy to both. By him St. Ninian was
received with affection and instructed in monastic discipline.8* Through
prophetic illumination, the merits of the new bishop became known to St.
Martin, who recognised him as a vessel of election, and sure to be profitable
for the salvation of many souls, According to some writers, the Albanian
Scots had become Christians early in the third century;85 however, it does
not appear that such conversion could have been very general, either as to
place or numbers. It is alleged to have taken place during the Pontificate
of St. Victor, who sat in the chair of Peter from a.d. 192 to 202.86 How-
ever, the best Church Historians are altogether silent on this matter.87 His
visit to the Continent, and especially his stay at Rome,88 had inspired the
blessed Ninian with a great desire to imitate, so far as possible, the fine
erections of churches and monasteries he had there seen ; and now he asked
from St. Martin skilled masons, to build the establishment he intended to
found on his return to Britain. This request was complied with, and after
taking an affectionate farewell of the great Prelate of Tours,89 Ninian set out
on his homeward journey. The arrival of St. Ninian in his own part of the
country was hailed by the Cumraig British peoples0 with great rejoicing, and
a multitude went forth to welcome him. Nor did he long delay in preaching
the Word of God among them, exposing the errors under which they
laboured, and teaching the truths he had learned.
Before the year 397, St Ninian returned to Scotland.91 On the isle of
Whithern, which has long been the port of that burgh of the same name, and
from which it is distant only three miles, the country tradition states, that there
St. Ninian built the first church for Christian worship within northern Britain.
It was called the Chapel of the Isle.92 This account is quite in accord
with probability. From notions of security, such remote sites were often
chosen. The ruins of an ancient church with a burying-ground are still to
be seen there, and lying near the seashore. 93 By certain writers,94 Palla-
dius95 is stated to have preceded Ninian in teaching Christianity to the
episcopate et le renvoya en Grande Bre- 8? See Father Innes' " Civil and Ecclesi-
tagne." — "Vies des Saints," tome xi., astical History of Scotland," p. 59 el seq.
xvie Juur de Septembre, p. 127, n. I. 88An interesting picture of the state of
*3 According to Androw of Wyntoun, that imperial city at the lime of Ninian's
treating of his period : — visit is well described by the writer of the
Life of St. Ninian, Bishop of Candida Casa,
Chen foas Sajmct fftattgnc in hgs floforis, 'and Apostle oi the Southern Picts, circ. a.d.
SntJ otrjir sgnotg confessoforis 360-432, chap, iv., pp. 41 to 56, in "Lives
£ill ijrjrrt toare contrmyoranr. of the English Saints," 1845, Svo.
En ibcotlantJ tfjan Magnet Ngngnnc ** The Petits Bollandistes only state, how-
£11 tgll ttjE tgmr tl)at itlartjme toes, ever, that St. Ninian had visited the glorious
let! f)gs Igff in f)algtus." tomb of this prelate during the course of his
journeying*. See " Vies des Saints," tome
— " The Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland," xi., xvie Jour de Septembre, p. 128, n. I.
vol. i., book v., chap, x., p. 385. Edited by 5° See John Pinkerton's *' Enquiry into
David Laing. the History of Scotland," vol. ii., part vi.,
. 84 See William Nimmo's "History of chap, i., pp. 265, 266.
Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375. 9' See William Nimmo's "History of
85 See Rev. Dr. Todd's "St. Patrick, Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375.
Apostle of Ireland," chap, i., pp. 181, 182. yJ Symson's Manuscript Account of Gal-
86 " Cum Victor decern annis Eccksiae loway, p. 684.
ministerio praefuisset, in ejus locum Zepheri- -''Sec Chalmers' "Caledonia." vol. hi.,
nus sue'essit nono circiter anno Imperii chap, iv., sect, viii., pp. 410, 411, and 11. (f).
Severi ; id est anno Christi 203." — Natalis 9* See Bishop Tanner's " Bibliotheca
Alexander's " Historia Ecclesiastica Veteris Britannico-Hibernica,'" pp. 548, 549.
Novique Testamenti," tomus vi., cap. ii., 95 See his Life, at the 6th of July, in the
p. 5. Seventh Volume of this work, Art. i.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 393
Scottish people^ — rather it should be said to the Picts. This precedence
is not admitted, however, by the best authorities, nor does it agree with well
ascertained facts. However, the holy Bishop Ninian seems to have been the
first missionary who preached several years to the Romanised Picts,97 and
to other barbarian inhabitants in the northern parts of Britain.98 Among
them, he propagated the light of the Gospel. Coming from Rome through
the Gallican Church, and imbibing the views of his patron St. Martin, he
would naturally impress on the new church in Britain the mark of a peculiarly
Western character.99
CHAPTER II.
THE ROMAN PROVINCE OF VALENTIA— WHITHERN AND CANDIDA CASA— MONASTIC
INSTITUTE THERE ESTABLISHED BY ST. NINIAN — HIS AI'OSTOLATE TO THE PICTS —
ITS SUCCESS — MIRACLES OF THE SAINT.
As its first bishop, Ninian had probably the Roman Province of Valentia
assigned for his diocese.1 It has been so called after the Emperor Valen-
tinian, who subjugated it, and it comprised all that country between the
Wall of Antoninus on the north, and the Wall of- Severus on the south.
The western extremity of that province lying nearest to Ireland was known
as Galwidia or Galloway, which name it bore during the middle ages.8 It
forms a sort of peninsula, and towards the seaside it presents many promon-
tories and gulfs along the coasts. On modern maps, it represents the
present shires of Kirkcudbright and Wigton.
At Whitheme or Candida Casa^ in the latter shire, a church was founded
by St. Ninian, so early as a.d. 397. This became afterwards the head of the
See of Galloway, and the seat of its future bishops. It was one of the
earliest known in the province of Strathclyde, and of which we have any
definite account.4 Ninian seems to have changed his residence from the isle
to the site where the town of Whithern now stands, and here he built the
church dedicated to St. Martin. s To that church, which he founded, no
doubt a monastery or seminary had been annexed ; for such was the custom of
all those holy bishops, who in former times planted or promoted the work of
the Gospel.6 They desired to have a retreat for themselves, amid their field
56Thus John Leland writes: " Erant 2 See Le Comte de Montalembert's " Les
tenuia tunc temporis in Scottia Christiana; Moines d'Occident," tome iii., liv. x., chap,
religionis indicia, a Palladio inducta ; quae i., p. 20.
et Nim'auus, persuasione fidei Scottis 3 It is said to have been built of white
maturior, promovebat." — " Commentarii de stone, and to have been so called as shining
Scriptoribus Britannicis," cap. xxxiii. De from afar. ' See William Nimmo's "History
Niniano, p. 56. of Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375,
9? " Australium quoque regni partium 4 See a very full account of the ecclesias
ultra fretum Scoticum pnedicavit gentilms, tical successors in this See, in the " Scoti
qua; nondum cum aquilonialibus Scotis Monasticon : The Ancient Church o:
Christi legem suscipere meruerunt." — Scotland. A History of the Cathedrals, Con
Johannis de Fordun " Chronica Gentis ventual Foundations, Collegiate Churches
Scotorum," lib. iii., cap. ix., p. 95. William and Hospitals of Scotland." By Mackenzie
F. Skene's edition. E. Walcott, B.D., F.S.A., Precentor of
98 See the Vita S. Ninniani, cap. ii. Chichester, pp. 223 to 228.
99 See the "Dictionary of Christian 5 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii.,
biography," vol. iv., p. 46. chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411.
Chapter 11.— 'See William Nimmo's 6 See Rev. Thomas Innes' "Civil and
" History of Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap. Ecclesiastical History of Scotland," book i.,
xxi., p. 375. num. xxxiii., xxxiv., pp. 41, 42.
394 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
of labour, and to found a proper place for young churchmen, who were to
succeed in their sacred ministry.
His chief selected residence was in Galloway, thought to have been his
native country. The place was rendered celebrated from his time by the
church there erected. It was built altogether of finely cut stone. Hence
was its name derived.? It was such a novelty among the Britons of those
parts, that it was known by the name of Candida Casa, or M the white
house."8 Vulgarly called Witerna^ or Whitern, it gave name to a town
there in after times. Ninian established it, as the first episcopal seat in
those parts. It was situated on the shore of the ocean, and it extended far
into the sea, which enclosed it on the east, west and south sides. Only on
the north was a way open for those who would enter by land. There he
set those masons, whom he had brought from Gaul, to build his church,
which is said to have been the first of stone erection in Britannia. Having
heard that the blessed Martin of Tours, whom he had regarded with special
veneration, passed out of this world soon after his return to Scotland,
Ninian dedicated the church when built in his honour, and placed it under
his patronage.10 Whitherne is thought to be the town, called by Ptolemy
the geographer, Leucopibia.11 St. Ninian is said to have occasionally
inhabited a cave,12 which is still sho-.vn on the shore of Glasserton, adjacent
to the house of Physgill.1^ Under the sea-cliff and in a very solitary place,
about three miles from Whithern, there is a small cave which derives its
name from the saint, who used to retire for his private devotions to its
silence and solitariness.14 At Whithern, Ninian was visited it is stated by
numerous Irish pilgrims and saints, among whom are enumerated St. Finnian
of Moville, St. Enda of Aran, St. Rioch of Lough Ree, St. Manchan of
Limerick, and St. Mugint.1* However, the period assigned to St. Ninian
can hardly synchronise with that at which all the foregoing lived.
In the Life of St. Tigernach,16 Bishop of Clones, it has been stated, that
his early education had been received at the school of Rosnat, in Great
Britain, under the holy Abbot Monennus. A conjecture has been offered,
by the Rev. Dr. Lanigan,1? that allusion is here made to Whithorn,18 and to
its abbot St. Nenius ;IQ although he will not allow, that in the time of
i Thus White, the Saxon appellative ; and «• See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii.,
hern or horn, said to be derived from the chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411.
Saxon Aim, meaning " a house." '5 See " History of the Catholic Church
8 "Qui locus, ad provinciam Berniciorum of Scotland," by Very Rev. Canon Alphons
pertinens, vulgo vocatur 'Ad Candidam Bellesheim, D.D., translated by D. Oswald
Casam,' eo quod ibi ecclesiam de lapide, Hunter Blair, O.S.B., vol. i., chap, i., p. 10.
insolito Britonibus more, fecerit." — Bede's l6See his Acts, at the 4th of April, in the
"Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
lib. iii., cap. iv. ,? See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
'In the time of Ailred. vol. i.,chap. ix., sect, ii., p. 434, and n. 17,
10 In an isle off the coast and near Whit- pp. 437, 438.
horn is shown a small ruined church, which ,8 He thinks, that Rosnat, also called
tradition holds to have been originally built Alba, was the celebrated Candida Casa, or
by St. Ninian. White House ; especially as none of the
"Camden supposes this to have been an British antiquaries attempt to point out
error of the copyists, instead of XevKowi^ia, where Rosnat had been situated in Great
which has the same signification as " White Britain.
House," in English. See Gough's Camden's '» When we read of Nennio, as being the
" Britannia," vol. iii., p. 330. bishop to whom some Irish students had
" See " Old Statistical Account of Scot- been sent, Dr. Lanigan supposes, that this
land," vol. xvii., p. 594. must be understood of the school held in the
'3 See John Stuart's " Sculptured Stones See of Nennio or Ninia, and otherwise called
of Scotland, vol. ii., p. lxxxviii. the "magnum monastarium" in Britain.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 395
Nennius, Tighernacb could have been his scholar. Rosnat20 is often men-
tioned as a monastic school for Great Britain, in some acts of our Irish
saints. Having formed his monastic institute and rules, a number of monks
were collected and trained under Ninian's direction. These he designed to
be fellow-missionaries, as he next resolved on the conversion of the Southern
Picts, then, for the most part addicted to the worship of idols, and to the
rites of their Druid teachers.21
Traditionally held to have been of Scythian origin,32 the Picts are now
known from the remains of their language to have been part of the great
Celtic or Gaelic stocks Coming immediately from Gaul,2* they gradually
peopled the whole island of Britain,2* and had divided it with the Britons
when they first became known to the Romans. The Caledonians, by some
writers, are considered as having been only a tribe of the Picts.2* However,
these latter people maintained a rude independence, in the northern parts
of Scotland, while the Southern Britons yielded to the arms and superior
power of the Romans. During the two centuries after the invasion of
Agricola, a.d. 80, two nations are recognized as having been in Scotland ;
these were the Caledonii and the Msetae. Of these, also, the Caledonians26
inhabited the Highlands, and all modern Scotland north of the Firths of
Forth and Clyde. 2? The Picts were divided into two nations,28 distinguished
as the Dicaledones and Vecturiones in the fourth century. Regarding their
heathen worship and Druidism, we have already treated.29 Formerly the
Pictish language was one of the four distinct tongues used in Britain,3° and
still some scanty relics of it remSm in the names of persons and places.
However, the etymology of persons and especially of places changes, as the
races, population, and forms of speech have been replaced at different
periods. 31 Many striking instances of this occur in the history and
Now Candida Casa lay very convenient for 26Some writers state, that the Picts were
students from the north of Ireland ; and, it only the Caledonians under a new name,
is worth observing, that of those, who are 2? See Donald Gregory's " History of the
spoken of as having studied at Rosnat or Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland,"
Alba, scarcely one is to be found who had not Introduction, p. 1.
been a native of Ulster. 28 In his very interesting work, " Scotland
20 There is a village and parish, but no in Pagan Times," Dr. Joseph Anderson, in
mention of a monastery, called Roseneath, his Rhind Lectures in Archaeology, for 1881,
in Dumbartonshire. Formerly it was known has treated most exhaustively on the
as Rossnachoich. See '• Statistical Survey antiquities of Scotland in the Iron Age.
of Scotland," vol. iv., p. 71. The subject has been illustrated by
21 See John Hill Burton's "History of numerous wood-cuts. Edinburgh 1883,
Scotland," vol. i., chap. vi. Heathendom, 8vo.
pp. 217 to 246. 2»See at June 9, Art. i., the Life of St.
22 See Venerable Bede's " Historia Columkille or Colomba, Abbot of Iona, and
Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. i., Apostle of Caledonia, chap, ix., in the Sixth
cap. i. Volume of this work.
23 According to the ancient geographers, 3° See Venerable Bede's " Historia Eccle-
Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, and Pliny, siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. i., cap. i.
Scythia Europaea extended to the utmost 3I " When the new language is of a
bounds of Northern Europe. See Strabo, different family, the old name is stereotyped
p. 507, Diodorus Siculus, lib. vi., cap. 7, in the shape in which it was when the one
and Pliny, lib. vi., cap. xiii. language superseded the other, it becomes
2* Tacitus writes : " In universum tamen unintelligible to the people, and undergoes a
nestimati, Gallos vicinum solem occupasse process of change and corruption of a purely
credibile est" — "Vita Agricolse," num. phonetic character. In the former case, it is
11. chiefly necessary to apply the philological
2s See Rev. Thomas Innes' "Critical laws of the language to its analysis. In the
Essay on the Ancient Inhabitants of the latter, which is the case with the Celtic
Northern Parts of Britain or Scotland," topography of the low country, it is
booki., chap, iii., art. iii., p. 57. necessary, before attempting to analyse the
396 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
topography of Scotland. Philologers have now arrived at the conclusion,
that Pictish is a dialect of the Gaelic, and having affinity more to the Irish
than to the Cymric, Cornish or Armorican families of that mother tongue.
Nevertheless, it is thought to have been a Gaelic dialect, partaking largely
in Welsh forms.32 When the Picts came into contact with the Cymric in
Galloway and Manan, the mixed language and blended modes which resulted
from the tongue spoken was what became known to Venerable Bede as that
of the Southern Picts. Gradually the Pictish gave way to the Gaelic language,
which spread over all Caledonia, especially among the Highland inhabitants.
After the third century, the names of the Caledonii and Maeatse disappear,
and the Roman writers begin to term their northern opponents the Picti and
Attacotti." According to the common opinion, these latter inhabited that
picturesque country north of the Clyde, between Loch Lomond and Loch
Fyne.3*
In the time of Ninian, a king named Tudovald3* or Tuduvallus ruled
over the Picts. 36 This man was of a proud and an imperious disposition ;
while at first he was opposed to the holy missioner's doctrine and teaching. 3?
Nor could any admonition prevail, until overtaken by a dangerous illness,
he suddenly lost his sight. Then bending beneath this temporal affliction,
he began to reflect on his previous sin ; when the external darkness became
the occasion for his internal illumination, as he sincerely repented the former
hostility manifested towards the servant of God. Encouraged by his rela-
tions, the king sent messengers to Ninian praying him to return good for
evil, and love for hatred. Immediately offering his prayers to God, the holy
man set out on his mission of peace and reconciliation. After a gentle
reproof for the king's former error and presumption, Ninian touched the
patient's head with his healing hand, and signed his eyes with a cross, when
the pain fled, and the blindness vanished. Thenceforward, Tudovald began
to venerate and cherish the saint of God, knowing, by experience, that the
Lord was with him and directing all his ways.
The preaching of St. Ninian proved to be most effective, since it was
confirmed by innumerable miracles. As Divine truth was proved in the
Gospel by sight to the blind, strength of limb to the weak, hearing to the
deaf, cleansing to the lepers, freeing the possessed from demoniac influence,
and bringing the dead to life ; so were the graces of the Holy Spirit poured
out among the pagans, who renounced their errors and received the Word of
name, to ascertain its most ancient form, Moines d'Oceident," tome iii., liv. x.,
which often differs greatly from its more chap, i., p. 22, n. I,
modern aspect." — William F. Skene's ,5 That this name was known in Strath-
" Four Ancient Books of Wales," p 146. clyde, we learn from Adamnan. He men-
32 " I consider, that Pictish was a low tions, that the father of King Rydderch of
Gaelic dialect, and following out the analogy Dumbarton was Tothail. In the genealo-
01 high and low German, the result I come fries appended to Nennius, he is termed
to is, that Cymric and Gaelic had each a Tutagual. See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
high and low variety ; that Cornish and " Life of St. Columba,'* lib. i., cap. 15, and
Breton were high Cymric dialects, Welsh n. (a), p. 43.
low Cymric ; that old Scottish, spoken by 36 Leland thus writes: " Imperabat eo
the Scotti, now represented by Irish, Scotch .saeculo Piclis Tudovaldus ; ex feroculo,
Gaelic and Manx, was the high Gaelic addocente episcopo, jam mitior factus pnedi-
dialect, and Pictish the low Gaelic dialect." cationem de religione tolerabat. Postremo,
— William F. Skene's "Four Ancient Books locus patria lingua Withem dictus in sedem
of Wales," p. 138. episcopalem collatus^st." — " Commentarii
33 See Donald Gregory's " History of the de Scriptoribus Britannicis," cap. xxxiii., p.
Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland," 57.
Introduction, pp. 1, 2. » See Bishop Tanner's " Bibliotheca
34 See Le Comte de Montalembert's M Les Britannico-Hibernica," p. 549.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 397
God. Their pagan temples were cast down, and Christian churches were
erected on their sites. Rich and poor, young and old, young men and
maidens, mothers with their children, flocked to the laver of regeneration,
renouncing Satan with all his works and pomps. They were joined to the
body of believers by faith, by confession, and by reception of other
sacraments. Then the holy Bishop began to ordain priests and consecrate
bishops. He divided the whole land into parishes, we are tokl,38 assigning
jurisdiction, according to the dignitaries and ecclesiastical ranks. Having
confirmed his neophytes and their pastors in faith and good works, Ninian
severally took leave of them, resolving to spend the remainder of his life at
Candida Casa, the monastery he had first founded, and which was so
endeared to his sympathies and affections. However, the country north of
Valencia39 — for the Romans seem to have given its first historic name — does
not appear to have been wholly converted to Christianity, until a consider-
able time after the mission of St. Ninian.
It is needless to dwell on the particular miracles attributed to the merits
of St. Ninian, as they are mostly of a legendary character, and altogether
unauthenticated. One of these is related of a priest unjustly accused of
incontinence by an abandoned woman, and whose innocence was singularly
established in the convictions both of the clergy and laity. Another refers
to a miraculous growth of leeks in the garden, so as fully to supply the
demands of the monastic refectory. Again, St. Ninian preserved his herds
and flocks from the attempts of thieves, by placing them within a circle
drawn by his staff, and leaving them under the protection of God. The
leaders of those robbers, passing the boundary described, was attacked and
gored to death by the bull of the herd. 4° The enraged animal, according
to a popular tradition, struck a rock that was near with his hoofs, and left an
impression on it afterwards, so that it was thenceforth known in English as
Farres Last, or the Footprint of the Bull. A miracle is recorded of Ninian,
on a journey with one of his brethren named Plebia,*1 being overtaken by a
heavy shower while reading a Book of Psalms. No rain fell on them
however, until a vain thought passed through the holy man's mind. Then
the brother admonished him of that error, which was speedily corrected.
The servant of God put away the vain thought, and at the very same
moment the shower was stayed.
As in connexion with his monastic institute, Ninian had founded a
school^many sons of nobles and others of the middle rank sent their sons
to the blessed Pontiff to be trained in secular and sacred learning. By his
example and precept, those scholars were taught to curb the vices incident
to their years, and to live soberly, righteously and piously. A strict
observer of discipline himself, the rod was used sometimes to correct the
faults of his pupils. On a certain occasion, one of the boys deserved such
38 However, the Abbot of Ricval is not caused them to runabout within the circle
accurate in this statement, since parochial all that night. In the morning when Ninian
divisions were unknown in Scotland until appeared, he mercifully released them, and
many centuries later. See Rev. John even brought their leader to life. Having
Cunningham's "Church History of Scot- impressed on them the judgments of God to
land," vol. i.s chap, hi., p. 52. be inflicted on the rapacious, Ninian gave
39 in that province lived the Novantes, them his benediction and permitted them to
and in allusion to its peninsular situation it depart. See " Ail red's M Vita S. Niniani,"
was called the Chersonesus of the Novantes. cap. v., vii., viii.
See Cough's Camden's " Britannia," vol. 4' It is probable, from this introduction of
iii., p. 330. his name arose the tradition, that the saint
40 The legend states, that his companions had a uterine brother denominated
were seized with a certain madness, which Plebeius.
398 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
correction, and knowing it should be inflicted, he fled from the place, taking
with him the staff on which Ninian was accustomed to lean. With the usual
thoughtlessness of a school-boy, he sought for a ship, which might transport
him to Scotia.*2 In that neighbourhood, and at that time, the vessels in the
port were framed with twigs, of small size, cup-shaped, and only capable of
holding three men sitting closely together. An ox-hide was drawn over the
frame-work, so as to render the craft impenetrable by water, and this slight
construction left it exceedingly buoyant.^ The lad stumbled on one of
those boats near the shore, but insufficiently covered with leather. Into it
he incautiously entered, and owing to some accidental movement, the vessel
was carried out to sea. Then the water began to pour in, and the unhappy
youth, confused and fearful of drowning, bitterly lamented his flight from St.
Ninian. In a tone of anguish and confessing his fault to the staff, the boy
prayed, that through the merits of its owner, he might be rescued from his
perilous position. Then thrusting the staff into one of the holes, immediately
the sea was excluded from entering the open boat. Soon an easterly wind
sprung up, and this acting for a sail, the staff caught the wind, and gently
impelled the vessel. As a helm, the staff also directed its course, and as an
anchor stayed it. Meantime, people stood on the western shore, and saw a
small vessel like a bird resting on the waters and moving towards them, yet
impelled neither by sail nor oar. To their great surprise, the young man
landed. Full of gratitude towards his deliverer, and of faith in his merits, he
stuck the staff of Ninian in the earth, and prayed the Almighty that it might
remain as a memorial of that miracle. Wonderful to relate, it sent forth
roots and sap contrary to nature, covered itself with a new bark, producing
fresh branches and leaves, and finally grew into a considerable tree. More-
over, from its root sprang up a limpid fountain, which sent forth a crystal
stream, winding in a lengthened course, and with a gentle murmur. Owing
to the merits of the saint, the water was sweet to the taste, delightful to the
eye, as also useful and health-giving to the sick.
CHAPTER III.
ST. NINIAN IS SAID TO HAVE SOUGHT A RETREAT IN IRELAND TOWARDS THE^LOSE OF
HIS LIFE — THE PLACE WAS CALLED CL0NC0NRIE-1 OMAYNE, NOW CLONCURRY, IN
THE COUNTY OF KILDARE— DEATH AND BURIAL OF ST. NINIAN— PILGRIMAGES TO
HIS SHRINE AND MIRACLES THERE WROUGHT — RELIGIOUS MEMORIALS —
CONCLUSION.
St. Ninian spent about thirty years from the return to his own part of the
country, in forming and cultivating the Christians of these parts, as well by
the example of his conduct as by his preaching and miracles. According to
the Irish Life, he felt importuned by the frequent visits of his mother and
relatives, having a desire to spend his days in strict seclusion.1 Being perfect in
42 At that period, the name applied to nos nostros ejusdem Niniani Vita ; in qua
Ireland. ob importunam turn ^matre turn a consan-
^ Ailred remarks, that possibly, at that guineis frequentatam visionem, deserta
time, vessels of immense size had been Candida Casa, ut sibi et suae quieti cum
constructed in like manner. discipulis vacaret, Hiberniam petiisse atque
Chapter in.— • "Extat et apud Hiber- ibi impetrato a rege loco apto et aoweno
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
399
every virtue and well advanced in years, he is said to have sought from an Irish
king a suitable place for his retreat and that of his disciples in Ireland. Here —
as it seems to some writers — we are to recognize him under the designation of
Monenn or Maoineann. He selected in Magh-Ochtair,2 for his habitation,
a place which has been styled Clonconrie-Tomayne,3 and Cloncrie-Tomayne.*
It was situated in the Ui-Faelain territory,* which had been comprised within
the plains of Magh-Laighean and Magh-LirTe. There may be seen, at the
present time, the ruins of an old mediaeval church ; about 62 feet in length
interiorly, by 25 in breadth. One gable alone is tolerably well preserved, and it
was surmounted by a belfry, having two opes. A ruined doorway was in the
Cloncurry Old Church, County Kildare.
south-wall ; but the north-side wall is nearly gone. The old church is sur-
rounded by a much-used burial-ground, in which, nevertheless, no very
ancient 'tomb is to be seen.6 A remarkable moat? or aboriginal earthwork
adjoins the cemetery, and on its summit rises a well-grown tree,8 which
presents a very picturesque object from all approaches, and for many miles
Cluayn-coner dicto ccenobium magnum con-
stituisse, ibidemque post multos in Hibernia
transactos annos obiisse traditur.''
2 At the year 586, according to the Four
Masters, a battle was gained by Bran Dubh,
King of Leinster, over Eochaidh and the
Ui-Neill, in this plain, and at the hill over
Cluain-Conaire. The -drmalA Ul<voh refer
this battle to a.u. 589. The hill in question
seems to have been the present remarkable
Moat, adjoining Monenn's former monas-
tery.
3 It is thus designated by Mageoghegan.
4 So called in the Annals of Clonmacnoise,
at A.D. 835.
s See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (s), pp. 457, 458.
6 These observations in the text are from
notes taken on the site, during a visit in
July, 1873. On the same occasion, the
writer took a sketch of the church ruins, as
here presented, and drawn by Gregor Grey
on the wood, afterwards engraved by
him.
7 The conjunction of similar Moats with
numbers of old church sites in Ireland has
been frequently presented to the writer's
view.
8 Said to have been planted there by a
former parish priest.
4oo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
around it can be seen. Some fine elm, ash and hawthorn trees surround the
church ruins. The former monastery foundations are shown in a pasture-
field adjoining, and also the socket of an old Irish cross. The modern name
of this place is Cloncurry,? now a parish in the baronies of Ikeathy and
Oughterany, in the northern part of Kildare county.10 The Irish word
means Conaire's Lawn or Meadow.11 The old church ruins are near the
high road from Dublin to Galway.13 At the 16th of September, Marianus
enters in his Martyrology a festival for this Moenend ; while his commentator
makes Mo-nenn to be identical with Ninnianus, bishop of Candida Casa.1*
We are informed, that in the Book of Armagh, there is a legend which goes
far to prove the identity of one Manchan with that Ninius, whose Life is
quoted by Archbishop Ussher, as having retired from Candida Casa to
Cluain Conaire, now known as Cloncurry, in the County of Kildare. This
legend mentions a chariot sent by St. Patrick1* to St. Fiaccxs as staying with
St. Manchan.'6 Another authority mentions Cill Monach. and this is said
to have been another name for his church at Cluain Conaire. This identity
of Manchan, the apostle of the sons of Amalgaidh, with Manchan of Clon-
curry, and the latter with Ninius or Moninde, is very striking.17 Yet, this
account is too vague to deserve any serious attention.
At length, St. Ninian was called by the Almighty to receive the reward of
his labours.'8 He died on the 16th of September. On this day, his memory
has ever since been celebrated in the Church. Some accounts have it, that
he departed this life, on the ioth of September, a.d. 432.'°. This statement
has been made by John Pita.20 According to most historians, he died at
Withern, in Scotland. At the time, he is said to have attained the seven-
tieth year of his age.21 In a pious paraphrase, Ailred relates the last
summons to bliss of the holy Ninian, perfect in life and full of years, yearn-
ing for the joys of Paradise, and leaving the people he had gained to Christ
lamenting their own great loss. Although not stated in terms, we are left to
infer — as general tradition has it — that he died at Withern,22 for he was
9 It is described on the " Ordnance Sur- ,6 See " Goidilica,'! p. 104.
vey Townland Maps for the County of '7 See Rev. John Francis Shearman's
Kildare," Sheets 4, 5, 9, 10. The Town- " Loca Patriciana," No. x., p. 248, n. I, and
land proper is on Sheet 4. p. 249, n. 1.
10 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the l8 By John of Fordun and others, it is
Four Masters," vol. i., n. (n), p. 212. stated, that he died in the time when Theo-
" There is a gloss to the Feilire Aenguis, dosius Junior was Emperor. See " Chro-
at the l6th of September, in which this place nica Gentis Scotorum," lib. hi., cap. ix., p.
is called Cluain-Conaiie-Tomain. 95, William Skene's edition.
" A description and history of Cloncurry ^ See William Nimmo's "History of
by Patrick O'KeefTe may be seen in "Letters Stirlingshire," vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 376.
containing Information relative to the Anti- 20 See " Relationum Historicarum de
quiliesofthe County of Kildare, collected Rebus Anglicis," tomus i. Aetas Quinta,
during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey num. 33. De Niniano, p. 87.
in 1837," vol. i., Letter dated Edenderry, 2I See Le Comte de Montalembert's
October 30th, 1837. " Les Moines d' Occident," tome iii., liv.
13 Thus runs the Irish comment, on x., chap, i., p. 23.
Moenend: — " espcop Cluana Claire i "The Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott
ttuaiscert Ua f Faelain, in marjg. man. rcc. writes : '• Wiiheme closes the melancholy
Mo-nenn ,i. id est Ninnianus episco/ms story of cathedral churches, with its frag-
Candidae Casae." It is thus rendered into ment of an eastern arm, a solitary south-
English, "bLhop of Cluain Conairi, in the west Norman doorway, and two canopied
northern part of Hui Faelain. My Nenn, monumental recesses on the north side, one
i.e. Ninnian, bishop of Whithern."— Dr. of which is attributed to the tomb of St.
Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gormain," Ninian, connecting it with the similar posi-
pp. 178, 179. tion of St. David's Shrine, and so, perhaps,
14 See his Life in the Third Volume of with an old British traditionary custom,
this work, at the 17th of March, Art. i. observed also in Wales."—" Scoti-Monas-
'5 His feast occurs at the 12th October. ticon," p. 228.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 40:
buried in the Church of the Blessed Martin, which he had built from the
foundations, and his body was placed in a stone sarcophagus, near the altar.23
While giving vent to sighs and tears, the clergy and people present at his
obsequies sang those solemn and celestial. Hymns, which are so impressive
and mournful in the Office for the Dead.
In after times, the faithful in large numbers resorted to his tomb, when
innumerable miracles were wrought, in favour of the sick and infirm. Some
of the most remarkable are related by Ailred. A poor deformed son had
caused great grief to his parents, as his limbs were twisted awry. Knowing
the power of the most Blessed Ninian, and full of faith, they brought their
wretched offspring before the sacred relics. With floods of tears, and
pouring forth prayers to the hour of vespers, they left their infirm child
before the tomb, and returned to their home. But, in the silence of the
midnight-hour, appeared a form, clothed in episcopal robes, and shining with
celestial light. It approached, and touched the head of the miserable
creature, telling him to arise, to be restored, and to give thanks to God, his
Saviour. On departure, as if awaking from a deep slumber, the boy by an
easy motion found his limbs naturally placed, and having recovered their
full use, he returned safe and sound to his home. Afterwards, he became
wholly devoted to the Church and to ecclesiastical discipline. He received
tonsure, was ordained a priest, and ended life in the service of his father. 2*
A poor man, named Adefridus, had his body covered with an extraordinary
scab, that spread over his skin and members, so that the courses of his veins
and arteries were closed, and nothing but death seemed to await him. Full of
faith, however, in the merits of St. Ninian, he approached the tomb in prayer
and great compunction of heart. Nor did he cease these petitions, until the
pity of the saint and the power of Christ were manifested. In a few days, he
was restored to his former health. A girl, named Deisuit, was afflicted with
pains in her eyes, that resulted in a total loss of sight. The skill of phy-
sicians was tried in vain to restore it. Full of faith in the merits of St.
Ninian, she asked to be led before his tomb, and praying there, darkness was
taken away and light was restored. To the great joy of her parents, she
returned home, and guided solely by her own eye-sight. Moreover, two
lepers, who had pious trust in the saint's intercession, came to a fountain
dedicated to him, and bathing in it, they returned quite healed to their
friends. Although closing his book with the foregoing incident, Ailred states,
that the miracles of St. Ninian did not cease to shine even to the time of
writing his Life.
Under the head of Cluain-Conaire25 Tomain, Duald Mac Firbis enters
Maoinen, bishop in Cluain-Conaire Tomain, in the north of Faolin.26 The
present saint is mentioned, also, in the Martyrology of Donegal, 2? at the
same date, as Maoineann, bishop of Cluain-Conaire, in the north of Ui Faelain.
That Cluain-Conaire or Cloncurry is a place of great antiquity is established
from the fact of its being mentioned in the annals of the Four Masters, at
23 However, "An old Irish account men- obsequiis vitam finivit." The allusion here
tions, that he spent his last years in Ireland, is probably to his father and patron, St.
where he founded a church in Leinster Ninian.
called Cluain Conaire ; he was afterwards ss Now Cloncurry.
commemorated there under the name of 26 See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Monenn (Nenn being simply ' Ninian' with Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i.,
the Irish mo, or my, prefixed)." — " Encyclo- pp. ioo, ioi,
psedia Britannica," vol. xvii., p. 513. i? Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
2< Ailred states it thus : "in ipsius patris 248, 249.
X c
402
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
a.d. 586,28 778,29 and 837.3° An Abbot and Anchorite of this place died
a.d. 869. 31 Cluain-Conaire seems to have been plundered in 1171, during a
predatory incursion.32 In 1223, Cornelius Mac Gelan, bishop of Kildare,
and who had a great reputation for learning, died, and was buried in that
church. 33 A Carmelite Friary, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, was founded here a.d. 1347,34 by John Roche, and by licence from
King Edward III. In 1405, however, the friary and village were burned by
the Irish septs. In the 35th year of King Henry VIII., this friary and its
appurtenances were suppressed, on the 18th of January.35 In Ireland, how-
ever, we do not find any commemorations of Ninian, as so called, either here
or elsewhere.
This saint was especially venerated in Scotland.36 It is a noteworthy
circumstance that while the Kalendar of Drummond altogether omits the name
of Ninian at the 16th of September, it enters the Irish Monein.37 Ninian is
in the Kalendarium de Culenros,38 the Kalendar de Nova Farina,39 the Kalen-
darium de Arbuthnott,40 the Kalendarium Breviarii Aberdonensis.41 At the
1 6th of September, the Martyrology of Aberdeen commemorates St. Ninian.*2
Thomas Dempster, in his Menologium Scoticum, has notice of him, at the
same date.43 However, Camerarius44 and the Scottish Calendar^ place his
festival at the 18th of this month. In the Roman Martyrology the feast of
St. Ninian is set down at the 16th of September.40
The fame of St. Ninian's or Ringan's name has been embalmed in the
many churches, chapels, parishes, and localities, that had been dedicated to
him throughout Scotland. Special veneration was given to St. Ninian, at
Andat, in Methlick, Aberdeenshire.4? Also, at Pitmedden, in Oyne,48 a
parish in Garioch district,40 and at Fetterneir.5° At Aberdeen was St.
28 Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp.
212, 213.
29 See ibid., pp.384, 385-
30 This year there was a great kingly
meeting at Cluain-Conaire-Tomain, be-
1 ween Niall Caille, monarch of Ireland, and
Feidhlimidhf son of Crimthann. See ibid.,
pp. 456 to 459.
v See ibid., pp. 514, 515.
32 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 1 186, 1187.
33 See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
land," vol. i., p. 430,
34 See Sir James Ware's "De Hibernia et
Antiquitatibus ejus, Disquisitiones," cap.
xxvi., p. 147.
35 See Archdall's "Monasticon Hiber-
nicum," p. 314.
36 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 387. See, also, pp.
421 to 425 for St. Ninian.
37 Thus: "Et in Hibernia Natale Sanc-
torum Confessorum et Sacerdotum Lasren
Monein et Lasren." — Ibid., p. 24.
38 Thus : "Niniaui Epi." — Ibid., p. 61.
39 Thus: "Niniani Episcopi et Con-
fessoris." — Ibid, p., 75.
40 Thus : "S. Niniani Epi. d. f. ix.
lee."
41 Thus: "Niniani Epi. Conf. ma -6 meo
tin -oe mry."
42 Thus: "Decimo Sexto Kl\ Octobris.
— In Scocia Sancti Niniani episcopi et
confessoris sepultus apud cathedrale ceno-
bium Candidecase. Cuius reliquie tanta
clarent miraculorum choruscatione vt non
solum ilium ibidem visitantibus prodesse
tantum ad sanitatem morborum quantum
incolis tociusprouinciead temporalis comodi
incrementum sed et de cecorum claudorum
et languidorum curationibus legant Scoto-
rum Anglorum Yberniencium Niniani
deuoti cultores quantum illis in partibus
profuit et indies ad salutem prodesse non
desinet." — " Proceedings of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 268.
43 Thus : "In Pichalandia Niniani gentis
illius Apostoli et Candida; Casae episcopi,
cujus vita tota miraculorum scena est, et
sepulchrum Britannorum Hirlandorumque
peregrinationibus frequentissimum. M.L."
—Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
Saints," p. 211.
44 See ibid., p. 240.
45 See ibid., p. 255.
46 Thus : " In Scotia Sancti Niniani Epis-
copi et Confessoris." — " Martyrologium
Romanum,"editio novissima, p. 138.
47 See " Collections on the Shires of Aber-
deen and Banff," p. 320.
48 See ibid., p. 579.
49 John Leslie,the historian, became parson
of Oyne in 1559. Afterwards he was bishop
of K oss. He lived from a.d. 1526 to a.d.
1596. See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. v., pp. 146, 147.
50 See " Antiquities of Aberdeen and
Banff," vol. iii., p. 389.
September 16.I LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
403
Ninian's Chapel of Castle Hill.51 There was an Altarage52 of St. Ninian in
St. Nicholas, Aberdeen. S3 One of the scanty remains of pre-Reformation
religious art is a fresco on the wall of St. Congan's Church54 at Turriff,55 where
a figure of St. Ninian has been displayed.56 The Lands of St. Ninian are
mentioned as having been in Kintyre,57 Argyleshire. In the Island of
Sanda is a memorial of St. Ninian.58 In the Island of Mull is Kilninian.50
Previous to the Reformation, the Castle of Dundonald, in Ayrshire, had a
chapel,60 which preserved the memory of St. Ninian ;6x but no remains of that
chapel62 are now discoverable. In the coast-parish of Carrick, South Ayr-
shire, in the village of Colmonell,6* there is a Kil St. Ninian.64 Kildonan,65
St. Ninian's Hospital, called Kilcaiss, in Ayrshire.66 Kilsanctniniane is in
Ardmillan.6? Kincase68 or Kingscase Hospital,60- in the vicinity of Ayr, was
dedicated to St. Ninian, and it is probable the celebrated well adjacent ; as
also the united parishes of Prestwick?0 and Monkton.71 The latter continued
to be a separate rectory down to the Reformation J2 St. Ninian's cemetery,
where a chapel to him formerly stood, is in Banffshire. 73 The chapel of Enzie
in Rathven74 and Bellie?5 were dedicated to this saint. On Runa-Ringan,
rendered Ninian's Point, in Rothsay Parish, Bute, stood a chapel dedicated
to this saint, and there is also St. Ninian's Bay, lying opposite the Island of
Inchmarnock.?6 At the Head of Wick, a large coast-parish and a royal
burgh,77 in Caithness^8 St. Ninian was celebrated.70 In Kirkintilloch,
s' See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
52 An emolument for priests arising from
oblations of the faithful, and destined for
altar-services. See Du Cange's " Glossa-
rium ad Scriptores Mediae et Infimse
Latinitatis," tomus i., sub verbis, Altagium,
Altalagium, Altaragium, Alteragium, Alte-
lagium," cols. 347, 348, 349.
53 See " New Statistical Account of
Aberdeen," p. 329.
54 St. Comgan or Congan is supposed to
have flourished in the latter halt of the
seventh century, and the old parish church
of Turriff, in the north-west of Aberdeen-
shire, is thought to have been built by
Malcolm Ceannmor, 1058-93.
55 For an account of this town and parish
see Francis H. Groome's •' Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. vi., pp. 455 to
457-
s6See the " Book of Deer," p. cxlii.
57 See Re tours, Argyle, pp. 21, 93.
58 See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
part ii., p. 9.
59 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
60 See the "New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. v. Ayrshire, Parish of Dun-
donald, p. 676.
61 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii.,
chap, iv., p. 411, n. (i).
62 It had an endowment annexed, and the
patronage was vested in the prince.
63 See an account of it in Francis H.
Groome's "Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland,"
vol. i., p. 280.
vol.
Scotise,'
vol. iii.
64 See Chalmers' "Caledonia,'
book ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
65 See "Origines Parochiales
pars ii., p. 737.
66 See Chalmers' "Caledonia,"
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
67 Retours, Ayr, p. 352.
68 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. v. Ayrshire, pp. 75 and 173.
69 This is said to have been .a charitable
institution, endowed by King Robert Bruce.
70 In 1 163, Prestwick church was dedi-
cated to St. Nicholas, and Monkton church
to St. Cuthbert.
71 A Saxon arch, over what was once the
principal door of the present Presbyterian
church, is supposed to be not less than 700
or 800 years old.
72 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. v. Ayrshire, pp. 169 to 178.
73 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
74 See Jervise's "Epitaphs and Inscrip-
tions in the North-East of Scotland," p. 277.
75 See " Antiquities of Aberdeen and
Banff," vol, ii., p. 267.
76 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. v. Bute, Parish of Rothsay, p.
96.
77 Both are well described in Francis H.
Groome's " Ordnance Gazetteer of Scot-
land," vol. vi., pp. 48710491.
78 See "New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. xv. Caithness, Parish of Wick,
p. 160.
79 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
pars ii., p. 772.
404
LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16
Dumbarton, there was a commemoration of St. Ninian,8° There was
;m Altarage in the Parish Church of Dumfries, to honour St. Ninian.81
In Edinburgh, St. Ninian's Chapel, was near the Leper Hospital.82* There
was also an Altarage of St. Ninian attached to St. Giles.8* Bridge-End,
Leith, had association
with St. Ninian.8* St.
Ninian's Lands were at
Liberton,8^ a pictur-
esque and fertile
parish86 of Edinburgh-
shire. In Fifeshire, the
following places are
associated with his me-
mory : the Prebend of
St. Ninian's,8? Ceres.
A Chapel in the Con-
stabulary of King-
horn.88 An Altarage
in the Parish Church89
of Falkland,^0 in the
Cupar district of Fife.
There is a St. Ninian's
episcopal church, in
the parish of Alyth,
partly in East Perth-
shire and partly in For-
farshire.91 The town
of Alyth stands upon
the Burn of Alyth.92
Among the famous
cliffs and caves, east of
the harbour of Ar-
broath ,93 where a fine
ruined Abbey may be
seen,94 is St. Ninian's
Hench.95 Sometimes it is called St. Ninian's Croft.96 The ancient
abbey of Aberbrothoc97 — now Arbroath98 — was founded by William the
Lion, King of Scotland in 1178, and it was dedicated to Saints
Arbroath*Priory, Scotland.
80 See " Registrum Episcopatus Glasg.,"
P- 39o-
81 See Act. Dom. Cone, et Sess., vol. v.,
for 206, a manuscript in the General Register
House, Edinburgh.
82 See Liber Cartarum S. Egidii, p. 134.
83 See Liber Cartarum S. Crucis, pp. 64,
160.
84 See ibid., p. 244.
85 See Retours, Edinburgh, p 1097.
86 It stretches from the immediate vicinity
of Edinburgh to within a mile of Dalkeith,
and from the eastern termination of the
Pentland hills to within a few yards of the
Firth of Forth at Magdalene Bridge. See
" The Topographical, Statistical, and His-
torical Gazetteer of Scotland,'-' vol. i., pp.
263 to 265.
8? See Retours, Fife, p. 261.
88 See Retours, Fife, p. 315.
89 See Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xli., No. 44,
a manuscript in the General Register House,
Edinburgh.
90 See the "Topographical, Statistical,
and Historical Gazetteer of Scotland," vol.
i., pp. 521 to 526.
91 See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., p. 48.
92 See Jervise's " Lands of the Lindsays,"
p. 285.
WSce D. Miller's "Arbroath and its
Abbey," i860, and George Hay's " History
of Arbroath," 1876.
94 The " Liber S. Thomse de Aberbrothoc,
1178-1329," edited by Cosmo Innes and P.
Chalmers for the Bannatyne Club, was
published in 1848, 4to.
95 See Andrew Jervise's "History and
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
405
Mary and Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. It is now a
picturesque ruin, and has been sadly defaced.99 The Abbot and monks of
Arbroath had formerly the disposal of several church livings. In the year
1 81 5, the Barons of the Exchequer ordered the ruins of the Abbey to be so
far repaired as to save them from total dilapidation. Then a portion of the
pavement was again exposed to view.100 The church stood within the large
enclosing wall of the abbey, and it measured 276 feet from east to west ; it
seems to have been 67 feet high from the pavement to the roof, and it had
two western towers, besides a great central tower.101 Near Arbroath, in
1483,102 George de Brana, Bishop of Dromore, consecrated a chapel to St.
Ninian,I03 in the valley of Seton. An Altarage in Brechin Cathedral, celebrated
for the round tower10* thereto attached, 1Q5 was associated with St, Ninian,105
and there is a seeming connexion of the place with Ireland.10? Between the
years 1132 and 11 53, the abbot of the Culdees appears to have become the
bishop of Brechin, the abbey passing to lay hereditary abbots.108 St.
Ninian's Well at Arbirlot,10? commemorates this holy bishop's memory, as
also, one at Ferne,I10Benshie,IIX and Mains ; likewise, St. Ninian's chapel and
burying-ground, near Whitingness, in St. Vigean's parish,112 all in Forfarshire.
There, too, was St. Ninian's Well, once reputed a cure for many diseases.
In Inverness-shire, there is a St. Ninian's, and at Keisanctrinan in Urqu-
hart."3 In Kincardine, he was commemorated at St. Ninian's Church and
Traditions of the Land of the Lindsays in
Angus and Mearns, with Notices of Alyth
and Meigle," second edition, revised by Rev.
James Gammack, M.A, chap, viii., sect, ii.,
p. 381.
96 Retours, Forfar.
97 Besides a historical and descriptive
account of Aberbrothock Abbey, Robert
William Billings has furnished four exquisite
steel engravings of it : viz., i. The Western
Doorway, ii. Interior of the West End.
iii. The Gallery over the Western Entrance,
iv. The Chapter House and South
Transept. See " The Baronial and
Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland," vol.
i. Edinburgh, 1845-52. 4to.
98 The illustration here inserted represents
an interior view, copied from Billings, drawn
on the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey.
"A "Description of the Abbey of
Arbroath," by James Thomson, was pub-
lished at Arbroath in 1829.
100 See the "New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. xi. Forfarshire. Parish of
Arbroath, p. 80.
101 <« i^e nave of nine bays, was 148, and
the three-bayed choir 76^ feet long ; its
central aisle was 35, and each of the side
aisles i6£, feet wide ; while the transept
was 132 feet long and 45^ feet wide. The
whole structure is now in a state of chaotic
ruin, and mingles with fragments of the
cloisters and other attached buildings in
prostrate confusion." — Francis H. Groome's
" Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i.,
p. 58.
102 See Reg. Nig. de Aberbrothock, p.
226.
103 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 425.
104 This graceful structure dates presum-
ably from King Kenneth's reign, a.d. 971
to 995. In Brechin, on the South Esk, he
founded a church dedicated to the Most
Holy Trinity, with a monastery seemingly
after the Irish model, combined with a
Culdee college. See the " Registrum
Episcopatus de Brechin," printed for the
Bannatyne Club in 1856.
ios The Round Tower stands at the south-
west angle of the Cathedral, and rising on a
round, yet square-edged, plinth.
106 See Jervise's " Memorials of Angus,"
p. 470.
107 See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., pp. 187 to
189.
108 The Culdees are found from ancient
records to have been at first conjoined with,
in 1218 distinguished from, and in 1248
entirely suspended by, the Chapter. See
William F. Skene's "Celtic Scotland : a
History of Ancient Alban," vol. ii., pp. 332,
400.
109 See "Proceedings of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 449.
110 See Jervise's " Lands of the Lindsays,"
P- 179.
1,1 See ibid.y p. 279.
112 See the account of this parish, so called
after St. Vigean, who was a celebrated monk
and preacher towards the end of the tenth
century, by the Rev. John Muir, Minister,
in the " New Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. xi., Forfarshire, pp- 489 to 518.
113 Retours, Inverness.
406
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
Den, "4 Stonehaven, as also, at Dunnottar, anciently spelled Dunotyr, said to
be a compound Gaelic word signifying a place of strength on a peninsular
promontory. Such was the castle of Dunnottar, within the walls of which the
parish church formerly stood."5 The ruins of the castle are still objects of
grand proportions and picturesque position, occupying an area of between
four and five acres, on the top of a precipitous rock, almost surrounded by
the sea. In Kinross,1'6 a chapel at Sauchie was dedicated to St. Ninian. In
Lanark, the following places retain his name : a well at Lamington,11? where
the parish church"8 was dedicated to St. Ninian,1 *9 Stonehouse,120 where there
was a strong military position, doubtless of Roman origin,121 Wistoun122 parish,
united to Roberton, in i772,I23 had a chapel dedicated to St. Ninian.12* In
Covington125 barony, Lanarkshire, was a chapel dedicated to St. Ninian.126 A
Lepers' Hospital, at Glasgow,12? was dedicated to St. Ninian ;128 and we learn
that on the 7th of October, 1589, there were six Lepers in it.I29 At the west
port of Linlithgow*50 stood St. Ninian's Chapel.151 He was also venerated
in a chapel at Blackness,152 in West Lothian. Attached to Elgin, the
Cathedral Church of Moray,I33 Was a chaplaincy of St. Ninian,15* Also, in
the parish of Urquhart, in Moray, was St. Ninian's chapel.155 A chapel in
Diser (Dyke)156 was dedicated to St. Ninian.15? In the Cathedral Church of
Orkney, there was a chapel dedicated to St. Ninian.158 In Perthshire the
following places bore the name of the saint as Patron : viz. at Kinnoul,I59 in
which the central parts of this parish lie immediately opposite the town of Perth,
which is separated by the River Tay,I4° at St. Ninian's Lands,1*1 Coupar,1'*2
"4See Retours, Kincardine, p. 70.
,IS See the " New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. xi., Kincardineshire. Parish
of Dunottar, by the Rev. Alexander Irvine,
Minister, pp. 212 to 231.
116 See Retours, Kinross, p. 22.
"7 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
parti., p. 173.
118 An old building, having a fine Norman
archway, and a bell bearing date 1647, still
used for purposes of Presbyterian worship.
119 See Francis H. Groome's "Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. iv., p. 452.
120 See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
part i., p. 108.
121 See the " Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Scotland," vol. ii., p. 713.
122 See "Origines Parochiales Scotioe,"
part i., p. 147.
,23 See the " New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. vi. Lanarkshire. United
parishes of Wiston and Roberton, by Rev.
Charles Wood, Minister, pp. 93 to 100.
124 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii.,
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
125 See Retours, Lanark, p. 82.
126 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii.,
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
"7 Act. Pari., vol. v., p. 563.
128 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii.,
chap, ix., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i.)
129 This House was at the Gobals end of
the bridge. See the " New Statistical
Account of Scotland," vol. vi. Lanarkshire.
City of Glasgow and Suburban Parishes of
Barony and Gobals, p. 112.
130 See " New Statistical Account of
Linlithgow," p. 175.
131 Ninian Winzet, who wrote con-
troversial tracts against John Knox, was
rector of the old Burgh School from 1551 to
1 56 1. Afterwards he became Abbot over
the Scots College, at Ratisbon. See
Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance Gazetteer
of Scotland," vol. v., p. 520.
132 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii,
chap. iv.,sect. viii., p. 411, n. \Y).
133 For an account of this district see
Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance Gazetteer
of Scotland," vol. v., pp. 62 to 68.
134 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book, ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
135 Privy Seal Reg., x., 66. See Chalmers'
"Caledonia," vol. iii., chap, iv., sect, viii.,
p. 411, n. (i).
136 Dyke and Moy were two parishes in
the County of Elgin, except a part of Moy,
which is in the shire of Nairn. See " Topo-
graphical, Statistical, and Historical
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., pp. 417, 418.
,37See Retours, Elgin, p. 141.
138 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii.,
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
139 See Retours, Perth, p. 152.
140 Rising from the margin of the river,
the parish reaches the summit of the hill of
Kinnoull, and it presents many striking
features of natural beauty. See the " New
Statistical Account of Scotland," vol. x.
Perthshire. Parish of Kinnoull, p. 934.
,4' See Retours, Perth, p. 70.
142 For an account of this parish, situated
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
407
at Lany, a former separate parish, but now annexed to that of Port of
Menteith,1^ in an Altarage of Dunkeld Cathedral,1" and at Mylne.^s in
Renfrewshire are the following memorials: an Altarage in Renfrew,1-*6 and
also in Govan was he celebrated. Here there was a Leper Hospital
founded1*? about the middle of the fourteenth century, and a chapel con-
nected with it ;H8 both being dedicated to St. Ninian, and the latter being
rebuilt and endowed1^ in 1494, the master of the grammar school of Glasgow
being the chaplain. The situation of St. Ninian's Hospital was not far from
the south end of the Gorbals' bridge. On the east side, and near the centre
of the main street of Gorbals, seems to have been the site of St. Ninian's
Chapel.1*0 In the parish of Kilteani,'*1 Ross-shire, is Balconie ; in which St.
Ninian was commemorated,152 as also at Roskeen and Fortrosse.x53 In the
parish of Kiltearn is Nonekill, or St. Ninian's chapel.1** Attached to the
ancient Cathedral church of Rosses was the chaplaincy of St. Ninian.1*6 In
Roxburghshire was Bowden,x57 dedicated to St. Ninian. One of the
Shetland Islands is called Roynan's or Ringan's Isle,158 where a chapel had
been erected so far north in memory of St, Ninian. This was at Dunross-
ness,I59 on the west coast. l6° Near Sterling, in Sterlingshire, is St. Ringan's
Church, and in its vicinity there is a copious spring of water bearing his
name.161 From the well of St. Ninian, the parish of St. Ninian,162 is said to
have derived its name.l63 This parish formerly comprehended the whole
partly in Forfar, but mainly in Perthshire,
see Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. ii., pp. 289, 290.
143 See the " New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. x. Perthshire. Parish of
Port of Menteith, pp. 1094 and 1 105.
144 See " Vitse Dunkeldenis Ecclesise
Episcoporum."
I4s A village in the parish of Longforgan,
and presbytery of Dundee. See the " New
Statistical Account of Scotland," vol. x.
Perthshire. Parish of Longforgan, pp. 410,
418.
146 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae, part
i., p. 74.
147 By Lady Lochow, daughter to Robert,
Duke of Albany.
148 The tract of ground on which it stood,
and on which a part of Hutchesontown is
now built, is called St. Ninian's Crofc.
See M'Ure's " History of Glasgow," pp. 52
to 54.
»49 By William Stewart, prebendary of
Killearn, and rector of Glasford.
150 See the " New Statistical Account of
Scotland," vol. vi. Lanarkshire. Parish
of Govan, by Rev. M. Leishman, Minister,
pp. 668 to 718.
151 In Gaelic written Cill Tighearn or St.
Ternan's Church. Five pre-Reformation
chapels, in ruins, are among the antiquities
of this parish. See Francis H. Groome's
" Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. iv.,
P- 387.
'S2 See "Old Statistical Account of Scot-
land," vol. i., p. 293.
153 See " Origines Parochiales Scotia?,"
part ii., p. 469.
154 See Chalmer's " Caledonia," vol. i.,
book it., chap, vii., p. 315.
135 Only a small part of it now remains in
the parish of Rosemarkie, and it stood in the
town of Chanonry. The episcopal see of
Ross was founded by David I., King of
Scotland ; and although there is no certain
account of when the cathedral had been
built, it is said to have been a fine one, with
a lofty steeple. At the Reformation period
it probably shared the fate of many other
churches. See the "New Statistical Account
of Scotland," vol. xiv. Ross and Cromarty.
Parish of Rosemarkie, pp. 350, 351.
156 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book ii., chap, vii., p. 315, n. (1).
157 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
part i., p. 287.
158 See Sibbald's " Shetland," p. 15.
f» See the " New Statistical Account of
Shetland," vol. xv. Shetland. Parish of
Dunrossness, pp. 93 to 96.
160 See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. i.,
book ii., chap, vii., n. (1).
161 Besides at Stirling, St. Ninian's wells
at Lamington and Arbroath are also known.
See Joseph Anderson's " Scotland in Early
Christian Times," lect. vi., n. I., pp. 193,
194.
162 The church of St. Ninian in this parish
had been used for a powder-magazine by
Prince Charles Edward's army; but on their
retreat northwards on the 1st of February,
1746, it was blown up,, and on the occasion
several people were killed. About the year
1750, or 1751, the new church there had
been built and opened for purposes of Pres-
byterian worship.
163 A very complete account of this parish
may be found in the "New Statistical
Account of Scotland," vol. viii., by Rev. C.
Greig, A.M., Minister, pp. 303 to 339.
4©8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
district between the Forth and the Carron.16* The original name of this
parish was Egglis, Egglais or Eccles, signifying "the church. "l6s In Stirling
a chapel of St. Ninian formerly existed,166 and also at Campsie.16? In
Sutherland is Navidale,168 where a chapel dedicated to St. Ninian stood at a
remote date. In Wigtonshire, especially associated with St. Ninian's name,
are the Cuives of Cree,l69 where his chapel was. He was the special patron
of Whithorn, as we have already seen, and there his Church of St. Martin
formerly stood. Also the ruined parish church of Penningham,1?0 in Wigton-
shire, was dedicated to St. Ninian.1?1 It is in a burying-ground about three
miles south of Newtonstewart, at the Clauchan of Penninghame.172 Abroad,
in various places, the memory of St. Ninian was held in special veneration.
In the Church of the Carmelite Fathers of Bruges,173 the Scotch nation
founded an altar to St. Ninian and endowed a chaplain. 17+
In 1548, when Mary, the beautiful daughter of the Scottish Stuarts, went
to France to become the fiancee of the Dauphin, she landed at the little
fishing port of Roscoff, in Brittany, in the department of Finisterre. In order
to preserve the memory of the circumstance, affectionate hands marked the
spot of her debarkation, and traced the outline of her foot upon the stone. A
handsome little Gothic chapel was afterwards built upon the site, and dedi-
cated to St. Ninian. Its ruins still attest the original grace which marked the
structure. But the hancl of Time has long lain heavily upon the memorial ;
the roof has long since fallen in ; and only the walls, the mullioned windows,
filled in with rude stonework, and the graceful Gothic arched doorway of the
external structure now remain. Within, matters are still worse. All is
nakedness and desolation, and in what were once the aisle and transepts, the
tall grass grows luxuriantly above the piles of debris, which had previously
filled them. The upright stones of three altars still denote the place, where
the mysteries of religion were celebrated. The aspect of the whole place is sad
and mournful as the chequered career of the unhappy lady, with whose name
it has been interwoven. Even as a ruin, however, it is dear to many for its
very associations.1^ In the year 1876, this chapel was doomed to
extinction.1?6 The edifice was never a pretentious one ; it was never anything
more than a pretty little architectural memorial ; but as a monument of one of
164 « With the exception of the small space Scotland," vol. iv. Wigtonshire. The parish
occupied by the parish of Stirling, the Forth of Penninghame, p. 176.
is still its boundary for many miles, by which '?' At the church of Penninghame was a
it is separated from Kincardine, Lecropt, bell which bore the following inscription, in
Logie, and Allan. On the east it is Saxon letters, u Campana Sancti Niniani de
bounded by Airth ; on the west by Gargun- Penigham, M.," when Symson wrote his
nock and Fintray. The carron on the "Large Description of Galloway," in
south, for nearly six miles, separates it from 1684.
Kinsyth and Denny ; while Dunipace and *** See Chalmers' "Caledonia," vol. iii.,
Larbert form the remainder of its southern chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
boundary." — William Nimmo's "History of *M Privy Seal Regist., xii., 26.
Stirlingshire," vol. ii., chap, i., p. 14. Third '74 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii.,
edition. chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i).
165 Until 1724, the village itself was called I?5 The account contained in the text has
Kirktown. — Ibid., vol. i., chap, xxi., p. 375. been taken from the Freeman's lourntl of
166 See " Reyistrum de Dunfermline," Dublin, October 7th, 1876.
p. 344- 17<s The place had been purchased as the
167 See Registrum EpiscopatusGlasg.,p.8S. site of an intended " Salle d'Asile " for the
168 See the "New Statistical Account of parish, a benevolent institution much needed,
Scotland, vol. xv., Sutherland. Parish of it appears, there, and the beginning of next
Loth, p. 201 year will witness the demolition of the historic
169 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii., building unless some means of providing
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411, n. (i). another site for the asylum be forthcoming
'?0 See the " New Statistical Account of from outside.— Ibid.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 409
the most romantic and touching tragedies of modern history it was dear to
many. Some of St. Ninian's relics were saved after the Reformation, and pre-
served in the Scots' College at Douai, in France. An arm had been recovered
by Father Alexander Macquarry, and it was given in charge to the Countess
of Linlithgow.1?? It was intrusted by Alexander Seton to Father John Robb,
to be brought to the seminary.1-8. It is stated,1^ that only one bone, which
went from the elbow to the sheikle-bone, had been kept religiously in the
Chapel of St. Margaret, by the Scots in Douai College, and this was enclosed
in a figure of wood, representing a Bishop. l8° So far as can be ascertained,
the Christianity, introduced by St. Ninian to the remote part of Scotland in
which he lived and laboured, seems to have declined after his death, owing
to the frequent inroads of the Picts and Scots on the more southern districts.
It is possible, that during those raids many churches were destroyed. His
diocese became disorganised, and it disappears, for many ages afterwards.
The Church of Candida Casa, founded by St. Ninian at Whithorn, does
not appear to have been used for a very long period after his death, notwith-
standing the reverence in which the patron's name had been held.181 In 727,
a bishopric was there established by the Angles, and the see had been filled
by five bishops, but it came to an end about the year 796. The Cathedral
of Whithorn contained the chief relics of St. Ninian ; and pilgrimages by all
classes were frequently made thither — especially from all parts of Scotland,
England and Ireland182 — including personages of the highest rank, even
kings and queens. This practice continued down to the time of the
Reformation. l83 Before that period the town of Whithern was popularly called
St, Ninian's, from being the ancient seat of the worthy bishop, and it being
the place of his burial.18* In 11-43, during the reign of King David I, of
Scotland, the Church was refounded by Fergus of Galloway.l8s The
Cathedral of St. Martin, now roofless and ruined, was built in the 12th
century by French masons, who came from St. Martin's Abbey at Tours. The
west end is Norman j the remainder of the building is partly early English and
partly decorated.186 That beautiful cathedral, during the religious troubles
in Scotland, was wrecked and pulled down by the Presbyterians. l8? In
l?7 She was named Helena, daughter to be seen, when Venerable Bede wrote, two
Andrew, the seventh Earl of Errol, and she hundred and fifty years after it had been
married Alexander, first Earl of Linlithgow. built. See John Hill Burton's " History of
The charge of the Princess Elizabeth was Scotland," vol. i., chap, i., p. 40.
committed to her and to her husband. So l82 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. iii.,
well had they discharged their duty, that chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411.
they received the thanks of the King and l83 In 1581, an act of the Scottish Parlia-
Council. That a Catholic should have ment rendered those pilgrimages illegal,
charge of the Princess is not wonderful, for 1&* A Presbyterian minister, John Mac-
Anne of Denmark had secretly conformed, lellan, who lived in the reign of Charles I.,
and had Father Robert Abercromby for her states, that Whithern owed all its celebrity
confessor. See Sir Robert Douglas's " Peer- to Ninian, who was the tutelar saint of the
age of Scotland, with a continuation by place. He wrote an account of Galloway,
John Philip Wood, vol. ii., p. 127, and vol. and which was published in Blaeu's Atlas,
v-> P> 549> Edinburgh, 1813. Also, Conoeus, p. 59.
" De Duplici Statu Religionis," p. 270. l8s Chambers gives several extracts relative
Romae, 1628. to St. Ninian from the treasurer's books of
178 gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., James IV.'s reign. See " Caledonia," vol.
Septembris xvi., p. 327. iii., chap, iv., sect, viii., pp. 412 to 414,
179 By Father Augustine Hay, in " Scotia n. (1).
Sacra," p. 387. This is a manuscript kept ,86 See Walcott's " Scoti-Monasticon : The
in the Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. Ancient Church of Scotland," p. 223.
180 The relic was enclosed in the right l8? See Le Comte de Montalembert's " Les
arm. Moines d'Occident," tome iii., liv. x., chap.
181 The remains of Candida Casa were to i., p. 20, n. 2.
4i° LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September j.6.
Whithern was established a community of Premonstratensian Monks over
whom a Prior had been placed. In their church some of St. Ninian's relics
were deposited.188 The mediaeval cathedral is now roofless, and overgrown
with ivy, measuring 72 by 24 feet, in the Romanesque first Pointed and
second Pointed styles of architecture. The chief vestige of its former
magnificence is a beautiful round-headed archway, with remains of vaults and
other buildings in connection with the ancient priory. l89 Four Gothic
arches stand, whicli formed part of a modern place of worship.1?0
When the Roman Empire was falling to pieces before the inroads of bar-
barians from the north and east, the last of the legionaries was withdrawn
from Britain, in a.d. 410, while St. Ninian was still preaching among the
Southern Picts. When the Imperial legions had failed to maintain their
position, this pioneer of the Gospel had begun to lay the foundations of
the Church, in the centre and south-west parts of Scotland. His work was
taken up by St. Palladius,1*1 St. Ternan,102 St. Kentigern,1Q3 St. Servanus,,Q4
and other holy missionaries; but, St. Ninian remains the foremost and
greatest of the ancient British Apostles, of whom we have any clear and
1 distinct tradition. For ages now long past, the once powerful Empire of the
West has shared the fate of all conquests founded on greed and rapine ; but,
the small mustard seed of the Gospel grew into a flourishing tree and spread
its branches over the ruins, If many of those branches have perished during
the fierce storm of the Reformation in Scotland; still does the parent stock
remain, and the roots deeply-planted are vigorous, in our age of enlighten-
ment, while destined yet to restore over the length and breadth of that
beautiful land the benign influences of the Holy Catholic Church.
Article II. — St. Laisren, Abbot of Iona. [Sixth and Seventh
Centuries.] The father of this holy man was son of Ninnidh, son to Fergus,
son of Conall Gulban, and he was, therefore, first cousin of St. Columba.1
He was born in the earlier half of the sixth century, and he became a
disciple of his renowned relative. He was also with St. Columba to Scot-
land, and he seems to have spent some time under him as a monk, in the
monastery of Iona. He was besides the companion of the holy Abbot, during
his missionary excursions in Scotland, and we find special allusion to him.
This incident happened, while St. Columba was travelling through a rough
and rocky country, which was called Artda Muirchol,2 now Ardnamurchan,3
a peninsular district, on the northern boundary of Argyleshire. It consists
of mountains, hills, and high moors, in general more rugged and precipitous,
than of great elevation.'* The old parochial name was Kilchoan, and so
called from the church, which stood on the south-coast near Kilchoan Bay.s
His companions, Laisren, son of Feradach, and Diarmuit, his minister,
speaking on the way regarding two Irish Kings,6 Baetan Mac Muircheartaigh
188 See Chalmers' " Caledonia," vol. hi., June, in the Sixth Volume of this work,
chap, iv., sect, viii., p. 411. Art. i.
l8» See Francis H. Groome's "Ordnance 2The name on the text seems to signify
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. vi., pp. 485, 486. "Height of the two Sea-hazels," but the
'9° See Robert Forsyth's "Beauties of modern one " Height of the Sea-calf."
Scotland," vol. ii., p. 420. 3 in ,2q2, it was called Ardenmwrich, and
'** His feast occurs at the 6th of July. in 1309 Ardnameerchin.
192 Honoured on the 12th of June. 4See "Old Statistical Survey of Scot-
'*» His feast is held on the 13th of January, land," vol. xx., p. 289.
and 13th of November. ssee C. Innes' " Origines Parochiales
194 Venerated on the 1st of July. Scotiae," part i., p. 194
Article 11.— ' See his life, at the 9th of 6 When Ainmire, monarch of Ireland
September 16.I LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS.
411
and Eochaidh Find Mac Domhnaill,? he uttered these words to them, u Oh !
my dear sons, why do you talk so foolishly of them ? for both of those kings
of whom you are now speaking, are slain, and their heads have been cut off
by their enemy. This very day, moreover, some sailors coming here from
Scotia 8 will tell you the same about these two kings." That very same day,
sailors landing from Hibernia 9 at the place which was called Muirbolg '°
Paradisi, or of Paradise," told the two above-named companions, sailing in
the same ship with the saint, that the prophecy of the holy man, regarding
the death of the kings had been exactly fulfilled.12 Before the death of St.
Columkille, Laisran had been appointed Abbot over the monastery at
Durrow, '3 in Ireland. As we have already seen, in the Life of St.
Columkille,1* the great archimandrite of Iona had a vision, in which he knew
from that Island, how at that same moment in winter the monks of Durrow
had some severe labour imposed on them, and he began to weep. But soon
hearing the voice of Laisran ordering them rest and refreshment, he ceased
weeping, and blessing their Abbot for his kindness, St. Columkille told his
brethren in Iona what had just passed in Ireland.15 In the year 598, l6
according to some accounts, Laisranus was promoted from his subordinate •
charge at Durrow, to be Abbot of Hy.17 He was the third who filled that
office, in succession to the celebrated founder. However, the Rev. Dr.
Reeves l8 places his accession at a.d. 600. During his term of rule, the
deaths of three renowned saints took place : viz., St. Canice in Achadh Bo,T9
St. Kentigern,20 the Bishop, and St. Comgall of Bangor.21 Over the monas-
tery at Iona Laisran presided, until he died on the 16th day of September,
a.d. 605, according to Tighernach's Annals,22 followed by the Chronicum
Scotorum.23 The annals of Inisfallen place his death, at an earlier date,
was slain in 569, Baedan and his nephew
Eochaidh became joint sovereigns over
Ireland. These were descended from
Muiredhach, son of Eoghan, and Earc, the
daughter of Loam.
7 Their deaths here referred to are thus
recorded by Tigernach : " A.C. 572. X)&
hui muirveuAigh [duo nepotes Muiredaci],
i.e. Baetan mac Muircheartaigh et Eochaidh
Find mac Domhnaill [anno] tertio regni
sui[occisi]. Cronan mac Tighernaigh ru^h
[rex] Cin-achta occisor eorum erat." See
Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hiberni-
carum Scriptores," tomus ii. Tigernachi
Annales.
8 Or, Hibcrnice, as found in the next sen-
tences, showing that Ardnamurchan was
not in Scotia, when Adamnan wrote.
9 In the text of Adamnan.
10 This is a very singular compound, in
Irish muirbolg nem-o. The name has
been locally preserved, but it probably
belonged to a sheltered bay in or near Ard-
namurchan. The word TYlurvbolg signifies
a " sea-inlet." In Ireland it is modernized
Murlough. See the Annals of the Four
Masters at A.M. 2859, 3501.
11 The Irish word for Paradise here is
ndmidh, i.e., " sacred grove." This place is
supposed to be on the shore in Argyleshire.
" See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. II, pp. 40,
41, and nn. (a, b c, d, e, f.)
13 Iona and Durrow, called "Campus
Roborum," by Venerable Bede, are said by
him to have been the two chief monasteries
founded by Columba, and from which
houses "perplurima exinde monasteria per
discipulos ejus et in Britannia et in Hibernia
propagata sunt ; in quibus omnibus idem
monasterium insulanum, in quo ipse re-
quiescit corpore, principatum tenet." — "His-
toria Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib.
iii., cap. iv.
14 See the Sixth Volume of this work, at
the 9th of June, Art. i. , chap. x.
15 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's Lite
of St. Columba, lib. i., cap. 29, pp. 57, 58.
16 At this date, the rest of Baithen,
second Abbot of Hy is recorded in the
"Chronicum Scotorum " of William M.
Hennessy, pp. 64, 65.
17 The omission of his name in the
Annals of Ulster created a gap in Ussher's
catalogue of the abbots of Hy, which has
been perpetuated by his copyists.
18 See his Adamnan's "Life of St. Co-
lumba." Additional Notes o, p. 372.
19 In the eighty-fourth year of his age, on
the nth of October, a.d. 600.
20 In the year 601.
21 In the year 602.
22 See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hiber-
nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii.
25 See William M. Hennessy's edition, pp.
70, 71.
4i2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
viz., a.d. 600 ; while those of the Four Masters have it, at a.d. 601. His
festival is noted in our Irish Calendars. In the published Martyrology of
Tallagh, at the 16th of September, we find Lasriani only ; a* in the Book
of Leinster copy he is particularised as Lasriani, Abbot of Hi Columkille.'s
In the Leabhar Breac copy of the Feilire of St. ^Engus,26 a festival is entered
at the 1 6th of September, to commemorate Laisren the Happy in Iona.
Likewise, in conjunction with the saint of his name of whom notices are to
follow, Marianus O'Gorman commemorates him at the 16th of September in
his Martyrology.2? Also, in the Martyrology of Donegal,28 we have Laisren,
Abbot of Ia-Coluim-Cille.
Article III. — St. Laisren, of Menadrehid, Queen's County
[Sixth and Seventh Centuries?^ Veneration was given at this date, according
to the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 to Molaisse Mac Lugair. In the
Book of Leinster copy is a similar entry.2 From the following notice, which
does not seem to be applicable to the Saint of this name we have placed first
in order, it would seem to be, that Lugair was the name of the present holy
* man's father. At the 16th of September, the " Feilire "3 of St. -<Engus enters
the feast of Laisren the Great, of Men. The scholiast on the Leabhar Breac
copy has an added commentary on this latter name of his place, in which
he states, that Men was the name of a river in Dalnaraid and Cen£l Eogain
ut jcrunt, and Mo-laise on its brink.* So far as we can interpret this latter
suppositious scholion, it would seem to mean, that Laisren, otherwise called
Mo-Laise, lived on the brink of the River Men. However, a better con-
jecture about his locality occupies the secondary place, in the writer's
estimation, and yet it is the correct one. Again, we are told, that Mena is
the name of a river, which is in Laoighes ;S or it was from a bridge,6 which
is on that river, the place was named Mena. 7 With that fondness for
attempted local derivations — often so frivolous and fallacious — yet which
appears to have been customary among Irish writers, a subsequent note has
been appended by the scholiast on the Leabhar Breac copy of the Feilire.8
24 See edition of Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
2SThus, IdfiM-am 4b m hi Col C. part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
26 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish cxxxviii.
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., 4See ibid., p. cxlvi.
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, by 5 Or rather of Ossory territory ; but which
Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. cxxxviii. at some time at least in part may have been
27 The commentator supplies an Irish incorporated with Leix
gloss : " Laisren al la Coiuim cille. Lais- 6 A note by Dr. Reeves here says : " From
ren Mena .i. Mena ainm abhann fil il- tnen4T>r\oicec, 'bridge of Men,'" is formed
Laoighis, man. rec. i Mordha." Thus Mondrehid, which is the lame of a town-
rendered into English by the editor : "Lais- land, in the parish of Offerlane, Queen's
xin, abbot of Columbcille Hf (Iona). Laisren County.
of Mena, i.e. Mena, the name of a river 1 Mena, though put in casu recto, in the
which is in Leix." The latter Irish word text, is properly the genitive of Men, as
omitted in the translation evidently means appears by the note in the Felire of Aengus,
" the country of the O'Moores, to whom at the 1 6th of September ; as also by the
Menadrochid belonged in the glossographer's pronunciation of the same name in the
time. See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui County of Antrim, where is the well-known
Gormain," pp. 178, 179. river Main, formerly the Myn, at the mouth
a8 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, of which was Rubha Mena, " the point of
pp. 248, 249. Men," now Shanescastle.
Article hi. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. 8 It runs thus : "Ata no mena droichit .i.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. is min droichet [.i. qusedam congregatio
a Thus moLAfre mac Lu^Ain. multorum sanctorum ad illam civitatem fuit
3 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish aliquando propter aliquam causam etquidam
September i6.| LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
4i3
St. Laisre'n was the son of Ua-Loegairi, according to the commentator on the
Leabhar Breac copy of the Feilire of St. ^Engus. He belonged to the race
of Cathaoir Mor, monarch of Erin, as we are informed by the O'Clerys.
This Saint's exact locality is now known as the former Menadrehid — situated on
a small stream called Meana — in the Queen's County.' The place is less than
two English miles, and due north, from Borris-in-Ossory. Most probably, also,
this is the Saint to whom allusion is made when it is said, that ruins of a
monastery of Monderhilt, in the parish of Offerlane, exist, and that St.
Lasirian ruled over the place as Abbot about the year 600. IO A scholiast on
St. ^Eengus, when allusion is made to the present St. Molaise, at the 16th of
September, says that Mena drochit was then in the ancient territory of Leix,"
although for a long time past known to be in the barony of Upper Ossory.
The traces of Mendrehid old church were to be seen12 in a townland of the
same name, and is a very fertile field beside the Turtawn stream, which falls
into the River Nore, about half-a-mile below. T3 This streamlet takes a bend
and runs quite close to the antient site of the church1* and a graveyard long
since disused. The plough has passed over the graves and disturbed human
remains in its progress,1* The church foundations in 1872, for the most
part, were traceable. They measured 34 feet in length internally, and they
were probably about 12 feet in width, while the form of the church appears to
have been a parallelogram. Beside the burial ground, the " church meadow,"
as it was called, extended to the Tartawn's banks. An enclosure near it
was called " the friar's garden." Adjoining these fertile tracts was a field
called 4< Gortavoragh " or " Gortarota," as another popular account has it —
and here a remarkable rath had been levelled net many years back.16
Traces of an ancient road might be seen leading from the old burial ground
through that field, and it continued on by Skiogh Bush1* in a direction
latro de habitatoribus dixit is min doroichit]
ad nos omnes isti et quidam dixit [de
aduenientibus] bid he ainm in baile min-
droichet." We are told by Whitley Stokes,
who translates the foregoing into English,
that the passages in brackets are from the
Franciscan copy. " Or Mena-droichit, *'.*.,
it is a smooth bridge, to wit, a certain
congregation of many saints were once at
that town for some cause, and a certain
robber, one of the inhabitants, said,
1 smoothly (min) have all those come
(doroichet) to us ;' and one of the visitors
said, * this shall be the name of the stead,
Smoothbridge ' ( Mindroichet). "— « ■ Trans-
actions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish
Manuscript Series, vol. i., p. i. On the
Calendar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes,
LL.D., p. cxlvi.
9 Note annexed to William M. Hennessy's
copy of the Martyrology of Donegal.
10 See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. ii., pp. 446, 447.
11 It runs as follows : meana Airmi abann
pi 1 L&igir, no 50 m<vo 6 T>poicio pi y on
an abamn pn nohAmmmigeA-o An baile,"
i.e., Mena is the name of a river which is
in Laighis, or it is from a bridge which is on
that river that the place is called. — O'Clery,
Calendar, 1 6th September. See Dr,
O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. i., n. (e), pp. 225, 226.
12 About the year 1870. They have since
been entirely removed, and the old graves
with their rude head-stones levelled, by the
occupant of the lands on whose farm they
stood.
13 In the year 1847, a new cut was formed
for its channel to the Nore, and the former
course is now only seen as a hollow channel
leading towards the River Nore.
14 Not far from it, and on the Nore's
southern bank, is the old castle ot Derrin.
15 Such was the account given by an aged
man residing near the place, who had seen
these up-turned remains, and who declared,
that the burial ground had been very
extensive, comprising two or three acres,
yet called the " grave-yard field." In
August, 1872, when visited by the writer,
no traces of graves were to be seen over the
surface.
16 A man, who was engaged in this work
of destruction, stated, that to his knowledge
death or very severe accidents soon after
occurred to all concerned in the demolition.
17 At this place, it was customary to deposit
a coffin and a corpse, when borne to Mon-
di ehid burial ground . The De Profundus was
then recited, and the procession moved on,
414
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16
towards Clonfert Molua or Kyle church.18 Extraordinary weird stories1?
were current in the neighbourhoad, regarding the various places to which
allusion has here been made.20 When last visited by the writer a few
years ago, no trace of the graveyard remained, but the few aged hawthorns
growing around part of its site.21 Legends concerning Druids or Magicians
lend some colouring to a belief, that this part of the country must have been
a stronghold of Pagan superstition in earlier times j and even yet, many of
the peasantry are believers in their evil influence, and fear the effects of their
Monadrohid Cemetery, Queen's County.
magic practices.22 In the " Chronicum Scotorum," this Saint's death has
been assigned to a.d. 604.23 He was a near neighbour of St Molua of
Clonfert Molua,2* and most probably both were on intimate terms of friend-
ship, until death parted them in that same year.2s As we have already
18 It is thought by the peasantry, that St.
Molua, the founder of this church, was also
the founder of Mondrehid.
19 One of these relates to a Druid, who is
said yet to appear frequently in the day-time
and like a little black man, dressed in a com-
plete suit of armour, with a sash around his
waist, and a scabbard by his side. A sort
of earthquake and a tremendous sound herald
his appearance. He then flourishes a sword
round his head and runs in a circle round
the adjoining grave-yard. Several persons
living aver, that they have been chased away
by this strange apparition. See " Irish Local
Legends," by Lageniensis, No. x., pp. 29, 30.
20 Golden treasures have frequently been
sought for in various places.
21 Then a sketch of, the spot was taken, as
represented in the accompanying illustration.
It was drawn on the wood and engraved by
Gregor Grey.
22 The Ccach-a-bowcr, its headless horses
and conductors are said to appear during
the witching hours of night ; while few
mortals desire to behold such sights, which
are thought to prelude local deaths or mis-
fortunes to individuals seeing them. The
angle of land between the River Nore and
the Turtawn is an elevated ridge
23 In William M. Hennessy's edition we
read at that date " Lasren Mena Drochit
quievit. " See pp. 68, 69.
24 See his Acts at the 4th of August in the
Eighth Volume of this work, Art. i.
25 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 230, 231.
September 16.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
noticed in the preceding Article, Marianus O'Gorman commemorates the
two Lasrens in his Martyrology, at the 16th of September.36 The Martyr-
ology of Donegal2? records a festival, at the 16th of September, in honour of
St. Laisren, of Mena.
Article IV.— St. Criotan, or Critan Certronnach of Bangor,
County of Down. {Seventh Century.'] An entry of Critain is found in
the Book of Leinster copy1 of the Martyrology of Tallagh for the 16th day
of September ; but, it is omitted from the published edition of Rev. Dr.
Kelly. However, the festival of Critan is found in the Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gorman, at this date.3 Veneration was given, at the 16th of
September, as we find set down in the Martyrology of Donegal,3 to Criotan
Certronnach, Cellarer of Comhgall, of Bennchor. Eithne, daughter to
Saran, son of Colgan, and sister to Ronan, was the mother of this Criotan
Certronnach, who was so called because he used to divide fairly.* The
present Saint is entered in our Calendars without such a distinction ;5 and,
therefore, we may doubt, if he filled any higher office than that of Cellarer
in the Monastery. The Annals of Ulster6 and of the Four Masters placed
his death under the year 668.7 The Annals of Clonmacnoise enter his
decease previously to this date, and on the same year, a.d, 665, with
Mochwa, or Mochuo, son of Ust, who is also called Abbot of Bangor.8
Article V. — St. Anfadan. The published Martyrology of Tallagh1
registers, at the 16th of September, the name of Anfadan, as having a
festival attaching ; and nearly the same entry is to be found, in the Book of
Leinster copy.3 With commendation^ also, and at the same date, his
festival is entered in Marianus O'Gorman's Martyrology. His name occurs,
likewise, in the Martyrology of Donegal.*
Article VI. — Reputed Feast of a St. Colan. The eniry of this
name, Colan, at this day, is not to be found in the Book of Leinster copy of
the Martyrology of Tallagh ; neither is it in the edition published by the
Rev. Dr. Kelly. Marianus O'Gorman, in his Martyrology, enters a saint
called Colman, at the present day. The name, Colan, without further
designation, occurs in the Martyrology of Donegal1 at the 16th of September.
But, Colgan seems to intimate, that he was a disciple mentioned by St.
Columkille in one of his smaller tracts. He is thought to have been a
monk at Durrow, in the ancient territory of Meath,3 and now in the King's
26 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui 6 See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernica-
Gormain," pp. 178, 179. rum Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales Ulto-
27 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. nienses.
250,251. 7 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Article iv.— l Thus : Cnicain. Four Masters," vol. ii„ pp. 280, 281, and
2 A commentator calls him Criotan Cer- n. (m), ibid.
tronnach Celloir Comhgaill Bennchair, which 8 See ibid., n. (m).
has been translated by the editor, " Critan, Article v. — l Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
the Justly-dividing, Comgall of Benchor's p. xxxiv.
cellarer." — Dr. Whitley Stokes' *' Felire 2 Thus : ^npooAn.
Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179. 3 He is styled Anfadan chaste, complete.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gor-
250, 251. main," pp. 178, 179.
4 In a note Dr. Reeves says, at the fore- 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
going words, "From ce^c, 'right,' 'just,' 250,251.
and |\omn, or r\Ann, 'a division.' " Article vi.— x Edited by Drs. Todd and
s See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesiasti- Reeves, pp. 250, 251.
cal Antiquities of Down Connor and Dro- 2 See "Trias Thaumaturga," QuartaAp-
more, Appendix LL., p. 380." pendix ad Acta S. Columbse, cap. x., p.
416 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
County. However, the O'Clerys, who seem to have taken the entry from
Marianus, probably set down Colan for the true name, Colman.
Article VII. — St. Senan. We find entered in the Martyrology of
Tallagh,1 the name of Senan, as having been venerated, at the 16th of
September. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at this same date,
we find the simple name, Senan.2 Likewise, his festival is entered in the
Martyrology of Donegal. 3
Article VIII. — St. Saran. In the Book of Leinster copy of the
Martyrology of Tallagh, we find the name of Saran,1 at this date, but not in
the edition published by Rev. Dr. Kelly. Marianus O'Gorman calls the
present Saint Saran the amiable, in his Martyrology at the 16th of Sep-
tember.3 Colgan does not forget to note a saint bearing this name, as
recorded at the present date in the pages of our Irish Calendars.* The
simple entry, Saran, appears in the Martyrology of Donegal,* at the 16th of
September. Nothing more occurs in the copy of this Calendar, included
with the Irish Ordnance Survey Records,* at the XVI. of the October
Kalends — the corresponding day.
Article IX. — St. Caemhan or Coeman. At the 16th of September,
the published Martyrology of Tallagh1 registers a festival in honour of
Caemhan or Coeman. Also, Marianus O'Gorman, in his Martyrology, at
this date, has Coeman.2 In the Martyrology of Donegal,? his feast is
entered, on the same day.
Article X. — St. Colman. Veneration was given to Colman, at the
1 6th of September, as we read in the published Martyrology of Tallagh.1
The same entry is to be found in the Leinster copy.3 In the Martyrology
of Marianus O'Gorman, on this day is entered Colman, while a commentator
states in a gloss da Lonain, which is rendered " descendant of Londn."3
Also, in the Martyrology of Donegal* his feast is noted at this date.
Article XI. — St. Cathbhadh, or Cathbad. According to the
published Martyrology of Tallagh1 a festival in honour of Cathbad, or
Cathbhadh, was celebrated, at the 16th of September. At this day, likewise,
488. Also, Quinta Appendix, cap, iv., sect, 5 See Common Place Book, F., p. 78.
»•> p. 507- Article ix.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
Article vii.-« Edited by Rev. Dr. p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster copy is
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster coemAn
copy we also read SenAin a See 'D whiU Stokes. u Fdire Hui
See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "*ehre Hui Gormain « p. ljS.
Gormain, pi 78. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 2;o 2;i
2^0 251.
Article viil— • Thus : Sar^m. Article x.— « Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
3 Thus: "In Saran co sogradh."— Dr. p. xxxiv.
Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gormain," 2 Thus : ColmAn. , „. 1.
p. 178. 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui
3 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," xvii. Gormain," pp. 178, 179
Februarii. Dealiis diverts Sanctis Athtrumije 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
quiescentibus, p. 367. 25°» 2S1'
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article xi— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
250, 251. p. xxxiv.
September 16.J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
the Book of Leinster copy has Cathboth,2 Also has Marianus O'Gorman in
his Martyrology, for the 16th of September, the entry of Cathbad.3 At the
same date, his feast is set down in the Martyrology of Donegal/
Article XII. — St. Airen, The simple entry, Airen, is found in the
published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 16th of September. In the
Book of Leinster copy, also, at this day, we read Airen.2
Article XIII. — St. Auxilius. Of the Seraphic St. Bonaventure, it
has been stated, that he had a natural predisposition to virtue. This cannot
always be truly said of persons, who come from an immediate line of Pagan
ancestors, as in the present instance. A festival in honour of Auxilius is
recorded in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 16th of September. This
appears to be intended for the Patron Saint of Killossy, in the County of
Kildare, and whose acts will be found more appropriately at the 27th of this
month. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at this same date, he is
eulogised as Auxilius, a gracious leader.2 At Killossy, near Naas — usually
called Killashee by the country people — no part of the antient church now
remains. A disused Protestant church probably marks the site within an antient
graveyard. A square tower, surmounted by a round formation, but of a stunted
character and of curious construction, may be seen in connection with that
building. As if an omission at its proper place had occurred, we find in the
Table appended to the M Martyrology of Donegal,"3 a notice of this festival
set down in Marianus O'Gorman's Martyrology, and left out by Usuard. In
the ninth century, a monastery existed at Killossy, as we find the death of
two Abbots recorded : one called Maeldobharchon died a,d. 827, * and the
other is called Laoingseach, who departed this life in 870.5
Article XIV. — Death of St. Cormac Mac Cullinan, King and
Bishop of Cashel. According to some statements, the battle of Beallach
Moon was fought on the 16th of September. In it, as we have already seen,1
St. Cormac Mac Cullinan, King and Bishop of Cashel, lost his life. The
Cambrian Annals assign his death to a.d. 90 7. 2
Article XV. — Reputed Feast of St. Miodu, Son of Mael. In the
table to the Martyrology of Donegal,1 a St. Miodu, son of Mael, is entered at
the 1 6th of September. This, too, agrees with the statement of Colgan.2
However, Dr. Reeves asserts in a note, that the festival entry is a mistake
for the 16th of November.
2 Thus: CAchbocVi. 3 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hid pp.360, 361.
Gormain," p. 178. 4 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
'Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 442,443.
250, 251. 5 See ibid., pp. 516, 517.
Article xii.— 'Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Article xiv.— x At the 14th day of this
p. xxxiv. month, in the present volume, Art. i.
2 Thus : -<My\eni. 2 See " Annales Cambrise," edited by the
Article xiii. — " Edited by Rev. Dr. Rev. John Williams ab Ithel, M.A., p. 16.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Book of Leinster Article xv.— -1 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todtl
copy we read -Auociln. and Reeves. See pp. 446, 447.
'See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui "See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xiii.
Gormain," pp. 178, 179, Martji. Vita S, Dagani, nn. II, 12, 13, p. 586.
I D
4i8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 16.
Article XVI. — Festival of St. Euphemia, Virgin and Martyr.
In the early Irish Church, the feast of St. Euphemia, a glorious virgin and
martyr, who suffered for the faith at Chalcedon, in Bithynia, was commemo-
rated. This happened during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian,1
when with many other Christians she was arrested, and brought before the
Proconsul Priscus. Her Acts are given in Greek by the Bollandists,2 at the
1 6th of September, and these Acts are accompanied with a Latin Translation^
in parallel columns, preceded by a Commentary.-* They are followed by a
tract, intituled Expos i to Tabulee pictce de Marty rio Sanctcc cujusdam Euphemia,*
and an Appendix,6 giving another piece, which is supposed to have reference
to this holy virgin and martyr. At the 16th of September, the Irish Martyr-
ologist, Marianus O'Gorman, commends himself to the intercession of St.
Eufemia.7
Article XVII. — Festival of Saints Lucia and Geminianus, Martyrs.
These holy Martyrs — venerated in the early Irish Church — are thought to
have been condemned to death, in the beginning of the fourth century.
Lucia is said to have been a Christian and Roman widow, and Geminianus
a converted pagan. They suffered under the Emperor Diocletian, who
issued his edicts for the tenth general persecution in the year 303. * Their
names are noted at this date in the ancient Greek and Latin Martyrologies,
and they are recorded in nearly all the more modern ones. Their Acts2 — so
far as known— have been inserted in the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,'^ by
Father Urban Sticker, S.J., in a Sylloge Historico-Critica.4 In the Martyr-
ology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 16th of September, Saints Lucia and
Geminian are venerated.5 The anniversary feast of the Martyrs served at
once to commemorate their glory, and to unite them more closely to those
they have left behind on earth.6
Article xvi. — ' He began to reign a.d. Gallaecia. Cultus Euphemia, qme forsan est
284, and retired from the government on eadem cum Chalcedonensi."
the 1st of May, A.D. 305, at Niomedia. He 7See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Ilui
(iied in the ninth year after his abdication, Gormain," pp. 178, 179.
a.d. 313. See Philip Smith's "Ancient Article xvii. — 'See the Christian
History from the Earliest Records to the Brothers' "Historical Class-Book." Out-
Fall of the Western Empire," vol. iii., lines of Ancient History, p. 215.
book ix., chap, xliii., pp. 647 to 668. 2 These are allowed to be apocryphal.
2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., 3 See tomus v., Septembris xvi., pp.
Septembris xvi. De S. Euphemia Virg. et 286 to 292.
Mart. Chalcedone in Bithynia, pp.252 to * It consists of two sections and thirty-one
286. paragraphs.
3 The editor is Father John Stilting, S.J. 5 Thus :
The Acts are comprised in two chapters and " Eufemia lemrr, Lucia,
seventeen paragraphs, with accompanying Geminian daig degmein."
notes. Thus translated by the editor: "Euphemia
4 In five sections and sixty-eight para- be forme, Lucia, Geminianus keen (?), a
graphs. good intellect."— Dr. Whitley Stokes'
5 It is in four paragraphs, and ascribed to " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179.
''auctore Asterio episcopo Amasceno" in 6 See Rev. John Alzog's "Manual of
Ruinart's edition of the "Acta Sincera." Universal Church History," edition of Rev.
Explanatory notes accompanying it. F. J. Pabisch and Rev. Thomas Byrne, vol.i .,
6 It is in seven paragraphs, and headed period i., epoch i., part 2, chap. 5, sect.
" De S. Euphemia V. M. culta Aurise in 94, p. 316.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 419
£>ebenteentlj Dap of September.
ARTICLE I. -ST. GRELLAN, PATRON OF HY-MAINE, COUNTIES OF
GALWAY AND ROSCOMMON.
[FIFTH OR SIX 7 II CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — HY-MAINE, ITS BOUNDARIES AND ORIGINAL INHABITANTS — THE
FIRBOLGS — MAINE MOR SUCCEEDS AND GIVES NAME TO THE TERRITORY — AFTER-
WARDS OCCUPIED BY THE o'KELLYS — AUTHORITIES FOR THE ACTS OF ST.
GRELLAN— HIS DESCENT AND BIRTH — SAID TO HAVE BEEN A DISCIPLE OF ST.
PATRICK— A GREAT MIRACLE WROUGHT BY ST. GRELLAN AT ACHADH FIONN-
ABRACH.
OF this holy man Lives have been written ; while one of them is to be
found in a Manuscript of the Royal Irish Academy,1 and another
among the Irish Manuscripts, in the Royal Library of Bruxelles. Extracts
containing biographical memoranda relating to him are given by Colgan,3
and in a much fuller form by Dr. John O'Donovan, as taken from the Book
of Lecan.3 There is also a notice of him, in the " Dictionary of Christian
Biography. * Colgan promised to present his Life in full, at the 10th of
November ; but he did not live to fulfil such promise.
Besides the universal reverence and love, with which Ireland regards the
memory of her great Apostle, St. Patrick, most of our provincial districts
and their families of distinction have patron saints, for whom a special
veneration is entertained. Among the latter, St. Grellan's name is connected
with his favoured locality. The extensive territory of Hy-Many is fairly
defined,5 by describing the northern line as running from Ballymoe, County
of Galway, to Lanesborough, at the head of Lough Ree, on the River
Shannon, and in the County of Roscommon. It extended nearly due east
and west, taking in all the southern part of this last-named county. The
eastern boundary ran along the River Shannon's course, from Lanesborough
to Scariff, in Clare County, and west of Lough Derg. Thence, the southern
and western boundaries proceeded by Feacle, on Lough Graney, County of
Clare, and passed some distance west of Loughrea to Athenry ; thence, they
continued through Killererin parish, near Tuam, and on to Ballymoe. All of
Article 1. — Chapter 1.— ' See "Pro- 4 Edited by William Smith, D.C.L ,
ceedings of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. LL.D., and Henry Wace, M.A., vol. ii.,
iii„ p. 485, and vol. vii., pp. 372 to 375. p. 801.
2 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xv. s See "The Topographical Poems of
Februarii. Vita S. Farannani Confessoris, John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na Naomh
cap. vii., n. 30, pp. 337 and 339; also xxiii. O'Huidhrin," edited by John O'Donovan,
Februarii. Vita S. Finniani seu Finneni, LL.D., M.R.I. A. In this work may be
cap. xxviii., and n. 33, p. 396 and 399. found O'Dubhagain's poetical description of
Also in " Trias Thaumaturga," pp. 206-208. this territory, in the original Irish, with the
3 See his edition of " Tribes and Customs editor's translation, at pp. 68 to 73, with
of Hy-Many," pp. 8 to j8, Dublin, 1843, the explanatory notes, 338 to 362, pp. xliv
4to. to xlvi.
42o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
these last-mentioned localities are situated within the County of Galway.6
The earliest noted aboriginal inhabitants of this great extent of country
were the Firbolgs, who were also a race of people tributary to the Kings of
Connaught.7 These are thought to have been the successors of Partholan
and his followers, who are regarded as being the earliest colonists of Ireland ;s
but all of whom perished in a great plague that came into the islands Before
this occurred, however, their rule had been disturbed by the Fomorians,
thought to have been pirates from Africa. The northern as well as eastern
nations most generally commenced their historic pedigree with a deity ; or,
at least, they ascribe to their first founders heroic qualities or virtues, closely
bordering on the possession of supernatural powers. So have we a variety of
bardic stories, giving very circumstantial accounts, regarding the migrations
of our ancient colonists ; but, we have good reasons for supposing those
narratives are largely mythological in character. Legends are framed for
the acts of our earlier heroes, as history fails to shed light on their period,
now so remote from our own times.
About the year of the world 2029, I0 a Scythian11 hero, known as Nemed
or Nenidh, signifying " the holy one," brought a number of colonists with
him into Ireland. He is said to have been remotely related to Partholan,
if not a direct descendant. His name has been Latinized in latter days into
Nemethus or Nemidius. With four sons, and a fleet of thirty-four ships,
each containing thirty persons, he arrived in Ireland, from the Euxine Sea.
Finding the island without inhabitants, these took possession and settled
therein ; at the same time, they began to clear away the thick woods in many
places, and to improve the soil by cultivation.12 We are told, likewise, that
Nemed employed master-builders, distinguished by the name of Fomhoraicc,
to erect royal seats for his purpose. After a time, his people were much
annoyed by pirates called Fomorians. These wasted the coasts by their
inroads, and the interior they even harassed. Nemed fought four battles
with them j he was successful in the first three ; but he was defeated in the
last battle, when his son Art, who had been born in Ireland, was slain with
most of his people.13 This so afflicted the king that he died of grief.1* Should
we follow the authority of bardic history, the Nemedians were exterminated.
Ireland was again left to its native woods, and a wilderness1* during two
hundred years or more ; while, according to certain computations, four
hundred and twelve years16 passed away, before it was again inhabited.
6 According to an accurate map of this Psalter of Cashel and Ninus, gives an
district, prefixed to the "Tribes and Cus- account of this expedition. See Dermod
tonis of Hy-Manjv' by Mr. O'Donovan, the O'Connor's Keating's " General History of
foregoing lines and places designated the Ireland," part i.
former boundaries of tljat territory. The I0See Roderick O'Flaherty's " Ogygia,"
Irish tract in question was edited by him, pars ii., p. 65.
from a copy in the Book of Lecan, fol. 90 "See Sir James Ware's " De Hibernia et
to 92. An English translation, with notes, Antiquitatibus ejus Disquisitiones," cap.
he has also given. ii., p. 6.
7 It was supposed, by Tohn O'Donovan, n According to Dr. Jeoffrey Keating,
that the Book of Hy-Many was in the ,3See L'Abbe1 MacGeoghegan's " His-
possession of a private collector in England. toire de l'lrlande," tome i., chap, iii., p,
a.d. 1843, and that it was a distinct com- 60.
pilation from what had been published, '* See Sir William Betham's "The Gael
8 According to the O'Clerys, following the and Cymbri," p. 427.
chronology of the Septuagint, Partholan J5See William F. Skene's "Celtic Scot-
arrived, A.M. 2520 years. See Dr. O'Dono- land : a History ©f Ancient Alban," vol. i.,
van's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., book i., chap, iv., p. 173.
pp. 4, 5. ,6 See Roderick O'Flaherty's " Ogygia,"
9 Dr. Jeoffrey Keating, who quotes the pars ii., p. 73.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 421
O'Flaherty does not say a word respecting the fate of the Foghmoruicc,1? by
some confounded with the Fomorians, and by others distinguished from
them. After a succession of ages, the Scuits, Scythians, or Scots, who had
migrated to Ireland, are also called Gaidelians and Phenians ; while these
appellations denote a mixture of Celts, Scythians, and Phoenicians from that
part of the Continent whence these arrived.18 In the remote periods dialectic
incorporations were common among the Celts and Scythians, especially in
Spain, where the latter settled, and whence the Scoto-Milesian colony came.
Frequent mention of the Firbolgs, or Bolgae, occurs in our ancient Irish
poems and annals. Whether they preceded or followed the Celts in Ireland
has been a matter of controversy among modern historians.^
The Firbolgs are called also Sial m Bolgae, and Slioght m Bealidh.
These people were invaded by the Ttiatha De Danann, known as the People
of the Gods of Danann, daughter of Dalbaoit, and said to have been
descended from Nemed. Her sons are thought to have been famous for sorceries
and necromatic powers, which arts were communicated to their descendants.
The Tuatha De Danann are thought to have invaded Ireland a.m. 2737.20
Regarding the origin of the name Bolgae, however, the learned are far from
agreeing in their opinions ; but various statements have been ventured upon
by different writers, from the early to our own days. A received opinion is,
that they came from Britain ; but, from what particular part of it has not
been determined. A Belgic origin has been assigned to them, likewise, and
it has been supposed originally they were of German or Gothic extraction.21
If such were the case, their previous manners and customs are best
revealed in the descriptions left us by the early classic writers, aided by
modern investigators.22 Some think that by Clan Bolus are meant the Belgse of
Britain, who, having passed over from Belgium, or from Lower Germany,
spread themselves over the countries of Somerset, Wilton, and the interior
of Haverford ; and that the British language, which they made use of in
Ireland, was eloquently and expressively designated Belgaid, intimating it to
be a Belgic idiom. Another supposition has it, that the name Firbolg is
connected with superstition, and derived from the worship which this people
paid their gods. For, in the language of the Celts, the Germans, and all the
northern nations, it is thought, that Bel stood for Sol or Apollo, the sun j
and this deity was indiscriminately called Bal, Beal, and Sol, intimating
his dominion as lord of the world. This idea they are said to have received
from the Phoenicians, the authors of such superstition, who in the excess of
their false zeal scrupled not to offer human sacrifices to their Baal, though he
afterwards condescended to acquiesce in the substitution of brute immola-
tion. 23 Others would have them called Bolgae, from bolg, " a quiver," as if
17 See Wood's "Inquiry concerning the the French, Napoleon III., has left us a
Primitive Inhabitants of Ireland." Intro- very interesting account of the Belgse and
duction, p. 17. of the Gaulish Celt*, in his " Histoire de
18 See Mr. Charles O'Conor's "Disserta- Jules Cesar," tome ii., liv. iii., chap, ii., pp.
tions on the Origin and Antiquities of the 13, 14.
Ancient Scots," p. xxx. 23 See that insipid, ill-digested, and ridi-
19 See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire- culously pedantic compilation called
land," vol. i., chap, i., pp. 2 " Phenician Ireland," edited by Henry
20 According to Keating and O'Flaherty. O'Brien, Esq., A.B., and which professes
The Four Masters'-computation have it at to be the translation of some Latin papers
A.M. 3303. on Irish History, by a learned Spaniard,
21 Sir William Wilde's " Beauties of the Doctor Joachimus Laurentius Villaneuva,
Boyne and its Tributary Blackwater," chap. chap, xxii., pp. 209, 212. Hence the first of
ix., p. 218. May is called in Irish, La' Beal — that is, the
22 In this connexion the late Emperor of " day of the fire Beal."
422 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17
excelling in archery ; others state bol% means a " leathern pouch," or " bag ;'
others deduce their name from the Irish word bol, " a poet," or " sage," as
they were eminent in these respective characters. Another ingenious
derivation of the name,2* found in the Irish -version of Nennius,25 Viri
Bullorutn, suggests a possibility of their having been so designated, because
they carried shepherds' crooks.26
If we follow the accounts of certain writers, those people were
distinguished into three nations, or tribes, viz., Firbolgae,3? Firdomnan,28 and
Firgalion,29 generally interpreted, Clan Bolus, Clan Domnan, and Clan
Gallon. These are said to have been of Nemed's race. The Firbolg, or
Bolgae, are thought to have established themselves at first in the neighbour-
hood of Wexford and Wicklow, on the south-east of Ireland. These
Teutonic people are said to have divided the whole island into five great
provinces, over which they established a sort of royal s\vay.3°
A colony of Firbolgs, it would appear, had been settled in the district
of Hy-Many, province of Connaught, long before the introduction of the
Christian religion, and probably for a long time previous to the beginning of
the fifth century. The Firbolgs, as also the Tuatha De Danann tribes of
Ireland, were accustomed to build not only their fortresses and sepulchres,
but also their houses of stone, without cement, and in the style, now usually
called Cyclopean and Pelasgic.31 The Firbolgs were certainly in Hy-Many
during the reign of Duach Gallach, who was supreme ruler over these
parts.
It has been said, that the literal meaning of lath Maine is the
country or inheritance of Maneus, who first gave it a distinctive appellation ;
and, as we are told, this territory takes its origin from Maney-Mor, or
Maneus the Great, one of the Milesian race, who conquered — about the
year of Christ, 450 — the former inhabitants of that very considerable por-
tion of Connaught. This extent of country from him afterwards
retained the name of Imaney. That celebrated chieftain was the first of
his race, who embraced the Christian faith, in the western parts of Ireland.
Kellach, King of Imaney, was a prince, renowned for his valour and
deeds of arms. One of his lineal descendants was Maney-Mor, who flourished
towards the year 920. From his proper name was formed the patronymic
name of O'Kellys2 which signifies grandson or descendant of Kellach -p for,
24 By Rev. Dr. James Henthorn Todd. Monkstovvn, County Dublin, with the
25 The *' Historia Britonum," so well perusal of a very interesting family Manu-
known. This version was edited by Dr. script. It is intituled, " Gone Days of I
Todd and the Hon. Algernon Herbert. Maney. Memorials of Clan-Kellae (an
36 See p. 44, note (r). Du Cange asserts Tuir an Dia), or of the Sept, Clan, or Tribe
that Btdlum, in the Latinity of the middle of the O'Kellys of the Tower of God,
ages, signified " baculum pastoris." whose chiefs were successively styled Kings,
2? Also called by Nennius Viri Bullorum. Princes, and Chieftains, or Lords of Imaney
'"Also called by Nennius Viri Domini- or South Connact in Ireland — present county
orum. of Galway — Hereditary Marshals of the
2? Also called by Nennius Viri Armormn. Province of Connact. Drawn up from the
30 See Elias Regnault's "Histoire de National Records of Ireland and family
l'lrlande," chap, ii., p. 20. papers of the Branch of Skryne, or Ath-
31 See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesiastical lone Branch, Chief of the Name. By
Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," Charles Denis Count O'Kelly Farrell, 1850."
part ii., sect, ii., p. 127. This work is learnedly and laboriously com-
3*The most complete account of this piled, while it contains coloured drawings
family we possess is that contained in the of the O'Kellys' armorial devices, with a
" Tribes and Customs of Ily-Many." very complete history of the family, and
33 The writer " has been favoured by from the earliest times. We hope it may
Thomas A. Kelly, Esq., St. (irellan's, be published, as a valuable record of men
September 17.] LIVES OI< THE IRISH SAINTS. 423
as we are informed, about the eleventh century, Irish chiefs began to adopt
family names in order to distinguish more exactly their posterity, and the
particular scions of each family.
The chiefs of the tribe of Imaney were successively styled kings, princes,
or chieftains, or simply O' Kelly or O'Maney-Mor. These two names, held
as titles, denoted the chief of the clan or tribe of the O'Kellys. They
served as war-cries in the field, when called to active service. Independent
in all their rights of jurisdiction^ they, however, acknowledged the
priority of the provincial King of Connanght, in conformity with the
federative system of Ireland. When the province was engaged in a general
war, the chief, O'Kelly, exercised the hereditary office of Marshal, or General
of the Connaught armies. In the national wars against the Danes and
Northmen, as afterwards against the English, the O'Kellys signalised them-
selves by their patriotism and intrepidity. For their patron saint, they
manifested a singular devotion.
It is to be regretted, that so few biographical particulars have been
given in the only brief accounts we can find, regarding the Patron of Hy-
Many. A very ancient copy of St. Grellan's Life is quoted by Duald Mac Firbis
in his Genealogical Book, as a proof of the existence of the Firbolgs in the
province of Connaught, after the period of the introduction of Christianity ;
and, also, it is cited, by Gratianus Lucius, in his " Cambrensis Eversus," as
a proof of the fact, which he thinks it establishes, namely, that the ancient
Irish paid tithes35. No vellum copy of this Life is now in Dublin. There
is an Irish Life of St. Grellan in paper, and transcribed by Brother Michael
O'Clery. It is kept in a thick quarto volume, among the Manuscripts of
the Burgundian Library, at Bruxelles.36 Besides this, there is a paper copy
of his Life3? — probably containing similar- matter — and preserved in the
Royal Irish Academy, among its manuscripts. The Life of St. Grellan is
in a quarto Miscellany of 352 written pages, copied by James Maguire, a
good and faithful scribe,38 according to Eugene O'Curry. This transcript
was finished in the year 1721, and in some place called Dubhbhaile (Black-
Town). The pages are written in double columns, and chiefly Lives of
Saints are to be found in it. The Life of St. Greallan is contained there,
from page 235 to 240.39
The usual name given to this holy man is Grellan, or Greallain, in Irish,
and this has been Latinized into Grellanus. Dr. Lynch writes of him as
Grillan,4° when alluding to the Patron of Hy-Many, in his celebrated work.
According to the accounts we have of the saint, he was a contemporary
with St. Patrick, and he must have flourished about the close of the fifth
century. He is classed among the Irish Apostle's disciples,*1 and this too is
and deeds, almost as yet buried in oblivion, years 1628 and 1629. It contains 270
but deserving a niche among our national folios.
archives. 3? The'quarto paper MS., classed No. 33.5.
34 Of Hy-Maine we find O'Kelly styled 38 This appears from an entry at p. 100.
"supreme lord" in Roderick O'Flaherty's 39The transcript of this Life was finished,
" Chorographical Description of West or on the 10th day of January, 1720, as an
H-Iar Connaught," written in 1684, arid appended Irish notice declares.
edited by James Hardiman, M.R.I,A. 4°See "Cambrensis Eversus," edited by
Additional Notes, A, p 146. Rev. Dr. Kelly, vol. ii., chap, xv., pp. 260
35 See John O'Donovan's Translation of to 263.
" Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many," p. 8, 4I Letter of Very Rev. Canon Ulick
note (v). J. Bourke, P.P., Claremorris, Co. Mayo, to
36 Classed Vol. XL, fol. 83. The Manu- Thomas A. Kelly, Esq., St. Grellan's,
script appears to have been written in the Monkstown, and dated 7th March, 1879.
424 LIVES OF THE IRISH SA/JV7S. [September 17.
stated, in the tenth chapter of his own Life.*2 He also obtained the
episcopal rank, being renowned for his sanctity and miracles.
His father's name was drilling son of Cairbre Cluaisderg,** of the
Lagenians, while Eithne was the name of his mother. He was born in the
time of St. Patrick,** as the first chapter of his Irish Life states,*6 and a legend
is there introduced, as serving to illustrate the prognostications of his subse-
quent distinguished career, and especially accompanying the event of his
birth.
In the time of Lugaidh*7 Mac Laoighaire Mac Neill, a great thunder-
storm was heard by all the men of Erinn, and they were astonished at its
unusual loudness. They asked Patrick, the son of Alpin, what it portended.
He answered, that Greallan was then born, and that he had been only six
months in his mother's womb, at the time. Hence, we should infer, that he
came into the world towards the close of the fifth century. *8 Wars and
commotions are said to have prevailed in Ireland, at the advent of our saint's
birth. We are told, likewise, that Greallan had been fostered by one named
Cairbre, probably a relation among his family connexions.
Among the many other cares of his mission, St. Patrick took charge of
Greallan's education, and made him a companion. He enrolled this young
disciple amongst his brethren, taking him to Ath-Cliath, Dublinne/9 when he
went there. This must have been after the middle of the fifth century. Then
is quoted a poem, in which St. Patrick said, that a noble person should be
in the land of Leinster. This promise was an allusion to our saint, whose
purity and virtues are there praised.
A kinsman to the celebrated Colla da Chrioch chieftain in Ulster
possessed great influence in Hy-Many, a territory of the Firbolgs, in the
time of St. Patrick, when he is said to have visited Echin, the son of Brian, s°
son of Eachach, King of Connaught. Eachin refused to be converted,51 but
all his brothers embraced the faith. Eoghan, who was son to Duach
Gallach,52 one of Eachin's brothers, was afterwards baptised by St. Grellan.
On this occasion a great miracle was wrought, at a place called Achadh
Fionnabhrach. When only a child, Eoghan had died, to the inexpressible
grief of his parents. However, when St. Grellan beheld this afflicting state
of affairs, he raised his staff, and then applied it to the body of their child.
This touch caused him to be resuscitated, and it impressed a mark on their
son, which was afterwards visible. As a consequence, he bore the name, by
which he was best known, namely, Eoghan Scriabh, or ,; Owen the
47 See " Martyology of Donegal," edited hurdles of the black pool." This is said to
by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, at the loth have been the ancient name for the present
of November, pp.302, 303. Metropolis of Ireland, and since known as
43 Another account has his name Nat- Dublin.
fraich, as may afterwards be seen. s°He is said to have had four-and-twenty
44 Or as Anglicised, Cairbre of the Red sons. Among these, we find the names of
Ears. Echin, or Echenus, Duach Gallach, Fer-
45 See his Life, at the 17th of March, in gussius, Eochad, Ercus Derg, ^Engussius,
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i. Ball-Derg, Tenedus, and Muchitius.
46 See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited SI His wife and children also refused bap-
by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 302, tism ; yet, afterwards, she sought to be
303, at the ioth of November. reconciled with the Irish Apostle, and her
47 His reign over Ireland was from A.n. husband, Echen. was baptised by St.
479 to 503, or twenty-five years, according Benignus. See this whole account, taken
to the chronology of the Four Masters. from a Life of the latter, in Colgan's, "Trias
48 This early period for his biith seems in- Thaumaturga," Appendix iii. ad Acta S.
consistent with other statements in reference Patricii, pp. 203, 204.
to him. S2He is called "frater junior de filiis
49 In English it means, "the ford of the Briain."
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 425
Striped."" The miraculous crozier was thenceforward held in great venera-
tion. It is said, that Duach Gallach was a Christian, having been baptised
by St. Patrick, while the wife of Echin, called Fortrui, was aunt to St.
Benignus,54 a favourite disciple of the Irish Apostle. The latter proclaimed
that he should be a king, and that from his race kings should proceed. In
fine, Eachin was baptised at Kilbennin, near Tuam.ss
CHAPTER II.
A TRACT OF LAND BESTOWED ON ST. GRELLAN BY DUACH GALLACH. AND AFTER-
WARDS KNOWN AS CRAOBH GREALLAIN — WAR BETWEEN THE FIRBOLGS AND
MAINE MOR — ST. GRELLAN SETTLES AT KILCLOONEY — DESTRUCTION OF THE
FIRBOLG HOST — THE Hif-MAINE OCCUPY THEIR TERRITORY, AND BIND THEM-
SELVES TO PAY AN ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO ST. GRELLAN— FESTIVAL— HIS CROZIER
PRESERVED BY THE O'CRONELLYS— FORTUNES OF THE o'KELLYS, OR HOUSE OF
HY-MAINE — CONCLUSION.
At Achadh Fionnabhrach, Duach Gallach bestowed a tract of land, and
he gave possession of it to St. Grellan. The name was even changed —
owing to this peculiarity of circumstance — from Achadh Fionnabhrach to
that of Craobh Greallain, which signifies, the " Branch of Grellan." This
name is said in his Irish Life to have been owing to a branch, which Duach
and St. Patrick gave our saint in token of possession. Here, east of Magh-
Luirg, this saint is said to have built a Church, before the arrival of
Maine-Mor in Connaught. When alluding to Craobh Ghreallain, Mr.
O'Curry remarks, that he believed its precise situation was not known.1 As
a token of the veneration for our saint, Duach required that every
chieftain's wife should give seven garments as a tribute to Grellan j and, for
payment of this ecclesiastical assessment, the guarantee of St. Patrick had
been asked and obtained afterwards by the local Patron.
A romantic and — as there are good reasons for supposing — a very ques-
tionable narrative of particulars regarding the conquest of Hy-Many by
Maine-Mor and the Colla da Chrioch's race is given, in the Life of our
Saint. We are there told, that Eochaidh Ferdaghiall, father to Maine-Mor,
took counsel with his son as to how their Colla da Chrioch tribe, over whom
they ruled, should be able to procure a sufficient scope of territory for their
numerous and increasing population, A greed for conquest furnished the
motive. Then they held possession of Oirghialla, with the hostages of this
place, and of Ulidia. It was generally allowed, that quarrels might break out
amongst the chiefs of this ascendant tribe, were they to be confined within
any one province. But, considering the Firbolgic territory of Hy-Many
as a fair object for a predatory excursion, and as it had been thinly
inhabited, they resolved on securing a considerable portion of it by
conquest.
Under the leadership of Maine-Mor, the enterprising Colla da Crioch
5?"St. Greallan's Irish Life," chap. iii. "Aryan Origin of the Gaelic Race and
See " Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Language," chap, xiii., pp. 408, 409.
Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 302,303. Chapter ii. — 'See a brief description
54 He was the son of Sesonean, a disciple of this specified Life of St. Greallain in the
of St. Patrick ; and his mother was called " Catalogue of Irish Manuscripts of the
Sadeliua, descended from Cather, King of Royal Irish Academy," by Eugene
Leinster. O'Curry, First Series, vol. ii., pp. 445,
ssSee Very Rev. Ulick J. Bourke's 446.
426 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
assembled their forces at Clogher, in the* county of Tyrone, and then they
proceeded in battle array, towards the territory of Hy-Many. This nomadic
tribe — for such it had now become — collected the herds and flocks, which
belonged to them j and these animals were driven on their line of march by
the invading host, who set out in quest of new settlements. Crossing the
Shannon, they came to Drain) Clasach, and plundered all that district of
country, lying between Lough Ree and the River Suck. They also despatched
messengers to Cian, Chief of the Firbolgs, who dwelt at a place called
Magh-Seincheineoil. The English equivalent to this is, " the plain of the
old tribe," probably in allusion to the aboriginal colony there settled. The
length and breadth of the plain was from Dun-na-riogh to the river of
Bairrduin, and from Ath-n-fasdoig to Ath-dearg-duin, which was afterwards
called Ath-an-Chorrdhaire.2 They required from him tribute and territory.
This unjust demand he refused, and he also prepared to resist. He raised a
force of 3,000,3 or, as some accounts have it, of 4,000 Firbolgs, * armed with
swords, bucklers, and helmets.s These dwelt in the plain of Magh
Seincheineoil.6 At their head, Cian marched to meet the invaders.
About this time, St. Grellan, who had journeyed over the territory of Hy-
Many, came to a place, denominated Cill Cluaine, and now called Kilclooney,
in the neighbourhood of Ballinasloe, and in the present barony of Clon-
macnoon, County of Galway.
Thus, in a manner, he was placed between the contending forces ; and
his name and influence seem to have been respected, by chieftains on both
sides. He was waited upon by Cian, who, in all probability, gave the saint
an exaggerated account, regarding his means for defence against the invaders.
However this may be, Grellan induced the Colla da Crioch race to enter
into articles of truce with the Firbolgs, and to deliver twenty-seven chiefs of
the invading host, as hostages for the observance of peace. Amhalgaidh,
son to Maine, was one of these hostages, and he was delivered for keeping
to Cian's Brehon. But the Brehon's wife conceived an unlawful passion for
this young prince. The particulars of that affair becoming known to the
lawgiver, he was filled with jealousy and resentment. Having great influence
over the mind of Cian, this latter was persuaded to murder all his hostages.
It is, indeed, a difficult matter to understand that mixture of generosity
and ferociousness, which has been known to characterise the manners of our
forefathers. The wild excesses of barbarity owe their origin to ungovernable
fits of passion, whch overcharge man's nature with the ripe growth of
licentiousness. Innate generosity is overshadowed or extinguished, where
custom sanctions actions of treachery and bloodshed. The barbarous deed
it was designed to put into execution during the cover of night and darkness.
However, the most awful punishments are inflicted by Divine Provi-
dence, on the crimes of perfidy and cruelty, as happened in this case. To
complete his perfidious proceeding, Cian invited the Colla da Crioch chiefs
to a feast which was prepared, as he said, for them. His real intention was
to surprise them, and at a moment when they should be least on their guard
•The limits of this plain are given, in s See Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition of "Cam-
that portion of the Life of St. Grellan, brensis Eversus," vol. ii., chap, xv., pp.
quoted by Dr. O'Donovan, in "Tribes and 260, 261.
Customs of Hy-Many," p. II. °See an account of the Firbolg possession
3 According to Dr. Lynch. of Hy-Many, in Eugene O'Curry's work
4 This latter seems to have been the num- "On the Manners and Customs of the
ber, according to an old Irish poem, in the Ancient Irish," edited by Dr. W. K.
Life of St. Greallan. Sullivan, vol. iii., sect, xxii., pp. 83. 84.
September 17. j LIVES OF 7 II h IRISH SAINTS. 427
against his treacherous designs. • With such a purpose formed, he placed
some soldiers in ambuscade, to slay the expected guests. Religious feeling
and principle are necessary to control heartless savagery. True civilization
can only follow, in the wake of Christian morals and influences, while here
too, the miraculous power possessed by the holy Grellan, and also his
prophetic spirit, were rendered manifest to all concerned.
The Colla da Crioch host was then encamped, at the foot of Seisidh-
beag, in the territory of Maenmagh. At this time, Eochaidh and Maine
were at the foot of Bearnach na n-arm. Having some intimation respecting
the design of Cian and of his armed bands, and being apprehensive
regarding the violation of a truce to which he was the principal guarantee,
St. Grellan perceived the armed bands from the door of his church.
Raising his hands towards heaven, and beseeching the God of hosts to avert
the consequences of such foul treachery from those chiefs who were doomed
to destruction, his prayer was heard, as the account declares. The hosts of
Cian, with their leader, were swallowed up, and buried beneath the plain,
on which they stood. It was suddenly changed into a quagmire, and here
they all miserably perished. This place afterwards received the name Magh
Liach, i.e., " the plain of sorrow," since it proved such to the perfidious
Firbolgs? ; and, Dr. Lynch declares, that in his day this marsh was quite
impassable either for man or "beast5. It is said, St. Grellan then informed
Maine and his people about this treacherous plot contrived against them,
and its signal failure followed in the manner described. He then coun-
selled them, to take possession of the Firbolgs' territory, to cultivate
brotherly love, to abominate treachery, and to establish a legal rate for
ecclesiastical purposes, by accepting a law imposed on them by himself.
The Clan Colla agreed to his proposals, and Maine desired the saint to
name his own award. In compliance with such request, he is said to have
repeated in the Irish language some verses given in his Life. These, how-
ever, bear intrinsic evidences of having been extracted from Bardic remains,
or of having been composed by his biographer. The following is the literal
English translation, as furnished, from the original Irish verses, by Dr. John
0' Donovan : —
M Great is my tribute on the race of Maine,9 a screaball (scruple) out of
every townland.
Their successes shall be bright and easy ; it is not a tribute acquired without
cause.
The first-born of every family to me, that are all baptized by me.
Their tribute paid to me is a severe tribute, every firstling pig and firstling
lamb.
7" Hodieque invia est; incendentium fourteenth century?'' — "Tribes and Cus-
gressibus ita coedens, ut in ea nee homines toms of Hy-Many," p. 12, note (z).
nee pecudes vestigia figere possint." — 9In another part of the "Tribes and
" Cambrensis Eversus," vol. ii., chap, xv., Customs of Hy Many," p. 8 1, we are told,
pp. 260, 262. that " The race of Maine, both women and
8 Regarding this event, Mr. O'Donovan men, pay a sgreaball caethrach to St.
remarks, " It is to be lamented that no Fir- Grellan." And Mr. O'Donovan, in a note
bolgic writer survived to relate the true on the passage, remarks, " Sgreaball caet-
account of this transaction, for every acute rach {Sgreaball), which literally means a
investigator of history will be apt to suspect scuptulum or scruple, and was at three-pence,
that the treachery was on the side of the is sometimes indefinitely used to denote any
conquerors, the Claim Colk, But who tribute." Here sgreaball caethrach signi-
would have the courage to write this in the fies " tribute," or * tribute in sheep."
428
LIVES OF THE IRISH SA1N7S. [September 17.
To me belongs — may their cattle thence be* the more numerous ; — from the
race of Maine, the firstling foal.
Let them convey their tribute to my church, besides territory and land.
From Dal Druithne I am not entitled to tribute or other demands.
Their fame is much heard of; the Muinntir Maeilfinnain belong not to me.
Of all the Hy-Many, these excepted, the tributes and rents are mine.
Let them protect my church for its God. Their chief and his subjects are
mine.
Their success and injunctions it was I that ordained, without defect.
While they remain obedient to my will, they shall be victorious in every
battle.
Let the warlike chiefs observe the advice of my successor.
And among the Gaels, north and south, their's shall be the unerring
director.
Frequent my sacred church, which has protected each refugee.
Refuse not to pay your tribute to me, and you shall receive
promised.
My blessing on the agile race, the sons of Maine of chess boards.
That race shall not be subdued, so as they carry my crozier.
Let the battle standard of the race be my crozier of true value.10
And battles will not overwhelm them, their successors will be very great.
"Great," &c.JI
as I have
Kilclooney Old Church, Co. Gal way.
Afterwards, St. Grellan selected at Kilcloony the site for a church. There
he built on a rising ground, or Eiscir, a little distance to the north-west of
10 In the "Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Many," p. 81, it is said of Maine's race,
" St. Grellan presides over their battles," i.e.,
" the crozier of St. Grellan," or some such
object is borne in the standard of the King
of Hy-Many.
"See Mr. O'Donovan's translation, in
" Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many," pp.
13, 14. The illustration annexed is from a
photograph furnished by Thomas A. Kelly,
drawn on the wood and engraved by Gregor
Grey.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIIVTS. 429
Ballinasloe town. Some ruins are yet remaining there, but it would be
altogether hazardous to assert the walls date back to the fifth century.
The Irish were accustomed to impose voluntary assessments of the
nature, already indicated by the record we iiave quoted, to mark their con-
sideration and respect for those distinguished by their ministerial works. It
is stated, in the Irish Life of St. Grellan, that he received the first offspring
of any brood animal ; such as hog, and lamb, and foal, in Hy-Many.12
These tributes were regularly paid to the successors of the holy man in the
church honoured by his presence and labours during life.
Notwithstanding the statements in his own Irish Life, that St. Grellan
flourished in the time of St. Patrick, it seems most likely he was not then
born, and, moreover, it has been stated, his father's name was Natfraich,
that Grellan had been a disciple to St. Finian of Clonard,1* and that he
assisted at the great Council at Easdra, held by St. Columkille before he
returned to Scotland ; wherefore, Colgan was justified in placing his career
at a.d. 590. '4 Whether or not he lived in the seventh century cannot be
ascertained from any known record.
St. Grellan was honoured with particular devotion in the Church of
Killcluian, diocese of Clonfert, on the 17th of September.^ On this day
his feast occurs,16 according to Marianus O'Gorman,1? our traditions and
Calendars,18 while he seems to have had a second festival, at the 10th of
November. T9 It seems strange, that at neither day he is mentioned in the
Feilire of St. ^Engus the Culdee, nor is the date for his death recorded in
our Annals. However, we may fairly assume, that he lived on, until near
the close of the sixth century.
St. Grellan is the principal patron of those portions of Galway and Ros-
common counties, formerly known by the designation of Hy-Many ; and,
for many centuries, even to the present age, the crozier of St. Grellan had
been preserved in the territory. Dr. Lynch declares also, that in his
, time this pastoral staff of St. Grellan was held in great veneration.20 A
relic of this kind, when used as a standard, was usually called cathach,
/.<?., prceliator,21 such as the celebrated cathach of St. Columkille.22
This crozier of St. Grellan was preserved for ages, in the family of
12 The same is stated by Dr. John Lynch, I entreat," at the 17th of September. See
in his "Cambrensis Eversus," p. 186. " E Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui-Gor-
singulis Manachiae domibus patroni sui S. main," pp. 178, 179.
Grillani successoribus tres denarii quotannis, l8 Whether the entry in the Book of
primus porculus, primus agnus, et primus Leinster Martyrology of Tallagh, at the
equinus, deferrebantur." 17th of September, 5r\eLl*ir» epi .1. o
13 His feast has been assigned to February Lymt), or '* Giallani Eps. o Laind," at this
the 23rd, at which date notices of him may date, in the "Martyrology of Tallagh,"
be found in the Second Volume of this edited by Dr. Kelly, have reference to our
work, Art. ix. His life has been reserved, saint or not, I am unable to determine,
however, for the 12th day of December, Yet no other seems in either record to
which is his chief festival. aecount for his feast.
14 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xv. I9 See some further notices, at this date,
Februarii. Vita S. Farannani Confessoris, in the " Martyrology of Donegal," pp.
cap. vii., and n. 30, pp. 337, 339. Also xxiii. 302, 303.
Februarii. Vita S. Finniani seu Finneni, 20See "Cambrensis Eversus," vol. ii.,
cap. xxviii. and nn. 32, 33, pp. 396, 399. chap, xv., p. 262.
15 Dr. Lynch 's "Cambrensis Eversus," 2I See Colgan "Trias Thaumaturga," p.
vol. ii., chap, xv., p. 262. 409, col. 2. " Et cathach, id est prceliator,
16 In the "Martyrology of Donegal," vulgo appellatur, fertque traditio quod si
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, there we circa illius exercitum, antequam hostem
find only the simple entry " Greallan, adoriantur tertio cum debita reverentia cir-
Bishop." See pp. 250, 251. cumducatur, eveniat ut victoriam reportet.''
1 He thus enters it with the words, 22 Described by Sir William Betham in
Grellan guidim, meaning "Grellan, whom his " Antiquarian Researches."
43o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
O'Cronghaile, or Cronelly, who were the ancient Comharbas of the saint.
This term of Comharba had moreover an ecclesiastical meaning, and
according to the usages which prevailed in early times, and in our country,
generally it signified successor in a see, church, or monastery; but, in due
course, it had a wider signification, and the Comhorba was regarded as the vicar
— a legal representative of the Patron Saint, or founder of the Church. But,
the word Comhorba is not exclusively ecclesiastical ; for in the ancient laws of
Erin, it meant the heir and conservator of the inheritance ; and, in the latter
sense, it is always used, in our ecclesiastical writings.23 The crozier of St.
Grellan was in existence, so late as the year 1836, it being then in the pos-
session of a poor man, named John Crcnelly, the senior representative of
the Comharbas of the saint, who lived near Ahascra, in the east of the
county of Galway ; but, it is not to be found at present, in that county.2* It
was probably sold to some collector of antiquities, and it is not now known to
be in the possession of any person ; yet it seems incredible, that such an
interesting relic could have been lost, as we have been enabled to ascertain
the fact of its preservation to a comparatively recent period.
The house of Imaney was known, since the eleventh century, by the
name of O'Kelly. Formerly this renowned family enjoyed all the rights of
sovereignty in the western parts of Ireland, where they possessed so very
extensive a territory. Even from the invasion of the English down to the
reigns of Mary and Elizabeth, the chiefs of this house maintained their
independence.2* The name frequently occurs in the civil and ecclesiastical
annals of the country, especially during the middle ages. At the beginning
of the fifteenth century the house of O'Kelly divided into four principal
branches, each family of which had for its appanage one of the four baronies
73 In addition to the foregoing, the late to discharge the offices of the church,
Professor Eugene O'Curry, whose acquaint- according to its dignity, whilst the natural
ance with the laws, manners and customs of abbot administered the temporal offices and
our ancestors, renders his opinions of great the management of the land,
weight on a subject of this nature, has given "The Airchinnech or Erenach was a
the following information to the author, and mere temporal agent or steward of the
for a much fuller account, the reader is re- church lands, under the Comhorba, whoever
ferred to his " Life of St. Malachy he might be. He sometimes took the ton-
O'Morgair," chap. xiii. : — sure and some other minor order, which
"There was an understood original com- raised his Kric, or composition, in case of
pact, recognised by the ' Brehon Laws,' any insult or injury offered to him. He
which vested the Comhorbship of the was generally a married man, without any
Church and its lands in two families ; official value or reverence of person, but
namely, in that of the Patron Saint or what was derived from the character, or
founder, and in that of the person who gave ecclesiastical dignity of the Patron Saint,
the original site and endowment. whose secular inheritance he managed. It
" It was the family of the Patron Saint, happened often, however, that the whole
that invariably supplied the Abbot, as long administration of the Church and its land
as there could be found among them even a was performed by one and the same person.
p>alm-singer, to take the office ; and when This was when the abbot, bishop, or priest
they failed to supply a fit person, then he performed himself the clerical duties, and
was sought from the family of the owner of also acted as his own Airchinnech. or
the land. If, in the meantime, a better and steward."
more learned man of the Patron's family 24 Such is the statement of Canon Ulick
should spring up, the abbacy was to be J. Bourke, P.P., of Claremorris, Co. Mayo,
handed over to him ; but, if he were not in a letter, dated thence March 7th, 1879,
better, he should wait until it became vacant and in reply to queries addressed to him by
by death or otherwise. Thomas A. Kelly, Esq., St. Grellan's
" If, however, in the absence of a quali- Monkstown.
fied person from either family, an unqualified ^According to Charles Denis Count
person should succeed as temporal heir, he O'Kelly Farrell's Manuscript, "Gone Days of
was obliged to provide a suitable clergyman I Mainey, Memorials of Clan-Kellae," p. \.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 431
of Kilyan, Athlone, Tiaquin, and Kilconnel ; the southern half-barony of
Ballymo falling to the share of the branch of Kilyan.
The government of Imaney was alternatively exercised by the chiefs of the
first and two last of those branches. However, that of Kilconnel or
Aughrim, though a younger branch, held in latter times the dignity of
chieftain of the O'Kellys. The principal seat of their residence was at
Aughrim, while their burial place was at Clonmacnoise, and in latter years
they were interred at Kilconnel Among the western clans they are distin-
guished. The chieftain of the Kilconnel or Aughrim O'Kellys was but titular
at the accession of James I. This branch was dispersed under Cromwell, and
at this day it is extinct. The branches of Kilyan and Tiaquin, or Gallagh,
also lost the greater part of their properties during the Revolutions of 1641
and of 1 6 88. The chieftains of Athlone or Skryne, whose territory lay still
nearer to the English settlements, required all their watchfulness to guard
against the common enemy. These O'Kellys did not lay claim to their
rights of alternative government. Wearied at last with disastrous wars which
had retarded the march of civilization in their unfortunate country, they
submitted to Mary Queen of England, thus sacrificing their feelings to take
a step which they believed should secure to their posterity civil and religious
liberty. However, they found themselves compromised and deceived under
the following reigns.
The Athlone branch of the O'Kellys still possesses part of the ancient
principality of Imaney, of which Colonel O'Kelly, its lord, was deprived
under Cromwell. He was afterwards reinstated in it by letters patent from
Charles II,, in reward for services rendered by him to the Royal cause
during the Revolution.26 These were rendered freely to his brother King
James II. in his closing struggle with King William III. Like most of their
countrymen, the O'Kellys were remarkable in every age for their attachment
to the faith of their fathers ; but abroad were most of them expatriated
gentlemen, distinguished in the camps, cabinets, and courts of the Continent.
More ample details than the author could be expected to insert, in the
present brief Memoir, will be found in that work, to which allusion has
been already made, " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many." There, not
only are the O'Kellys' territory, family and kindred tribes recorded ; but in
his Appendices to that Tract, its learned editor has very fully treated
regarding personal history and genealogy, which must have an interest for
Irishmen, who are anxious to be informed about the career and fortunes of
their gallant, adventurous and enterprising countrymen, at home and abroad.
After a scarcely interrupted struggle during many ages at home, yielding
at last to the advantages of an enemy favoured by more fortunate circum-
stances, the O'Kellys were obliged to capitulate and yield to the English. Our
Irish Annals record their valiant opposition to the invading hosts, and they
were among the last Irish chieftains who fell under the foreign yoke.
Article II. — St. Rodino or St. Rouin, Abbot of Beaulieu, France.
At the 17th of September, Colgan intended to publish the Acts of St,
26 Since the death of his relative, Denis H. Manuscript, "Gone Days of I Mainey,"
Kelly, of Castle Kelly, Count Conor O'Kelly "Memorials of Clan-Kellae," &c. His
Farrell, a Major in the 59th French ancestors, belonging to the branch of the
Regiment of the Line, is the present Skryne O'Kellys, settled in the south of
representative of the O'Kellys of Skryne France. In 1776, the title of Count was
or Castle Kelly. He served with distinction conferred on the living representative by
in the Crimea, and in the late Franco- Louis XVI. The family was engaged in the
Prussian wars. He is the son of Charles Irish Brigade of Spain, and in the French
Penis Count O'Kelly Farrell, who wrote the Diplomatic Service.
432 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS [September 17.
Rodingus.1 Menard edited two Lives of this Saint.2 Baillet,3 Mabillon,*
and D'Achery have published this Saint's Acts.* In like manner the
Bollandists,6 following Mabillon, have inserted the Life of St. Rodingus or
Cheaudingus, founder and abbot ofBellilocensis/and attributed to the pen of
Abbot Richard. This is preceded by a Previous Commentary8 of Father
Constantine Suysken, S.J., with accompanying notes.9 A small Life of this
Saint has been written in French by Dr. Jules Didiat.10 This Saint has
been variously named Rouin, Rovin," Rodinagus, Chaudingus, and
Chrodincus.12 He was born in Ireland, about the year 594. During his
minority, he exhibited all marks of that sublime vocation, to which he
aspired in after life. Humble, modest, and of retiring manners, he cherished
within his breast most inflamed desires for an intimate union with Jesus
Christ, to whom his actions were ever referred. His purity and charity
became distinguishing features in this child of grace. Prayer was at all times
his delight. To this, he was accustomed to add meditations, on the most
moving truths of Religion. At an early age, he embraced a monastic life.
He was promoted to Holy Orders, after passing with distinction, through a
sufficient course of sacred learning. As this Saint is named Bishop in the
Benedictine and Gallican Martyrologies, it may be possible, he had been
elevated to the rank of chorepiscopus or rural Bishop, before leaving Ireland ;
since from accounts of his life most to be relied on, St. Rouin was not
appointed to any See after his departure from that country. In order to
perfect himself still more in religious observances, and to contribute his share
of labour, in extending God's holy worship, he abandoned his native couutry
and arrived in France. He sought an asylum about the year 628, in Tholey
monastery, situated in the diocese of Treves. Although he entered this
establishment to learn those virtues, which he conceived were wanting in
him to become a perfect religious ; yet, all the monks of this house soon
learned to look on St. Rouin as a master, from whom they might derive most
desirable lessons for their monastic profession. In the faithful observance
of rule, in attention to all wants of the brethren, in obedience to his
superiors, and in various practices of piety, Rouin was a model for the
imitation of all those religious, among whom he dwelt. At that time,
St. Paul, afterwards elevated to the episcopal seat of Verdun, taught Holy
Scripture, and delivered Lectures on sacred science within this house. A
tender intimacy sprung up between him and St. Rouin, owing as much to a
Article 11. — x See " Catalogus Actuum Abbot, is contained in 14 paragraphs:
Sanctorum quae MS. habentur, ordine there are previous observations in four
Mensium et Dierum." paragraphs.
2 In his observations on the Benedictine 5 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
Martyrology, Mabillon says, "unam in lib. 2 Fathers, Martyrs and other principal
ex schedis Bellilocensibus, alteram ad Saints," vol. ix., September xvii.
operis calcem ex ms codice Catalaunensi."— 6 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep-
"Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti, tembris xvii., pp. 508 to 517.
tomus vi., sec. iv., p. 531. ?Piope Bellum-Locum in Campania
3 See " Les Vies des Saints," tome iii., Galliae.
pp. 212 to 214. His feast, as first Abbot of 8 In two sections and thirty paragraphs.
Beaulieu, in Argonne, is placed at the 17th 9 The Life is in two chapters and sixteen
of September. paragraphs.
4 The life of this Saint is given by ,0 It is intituled "Saint Rouin, et son
Mabillon, from a Catalonian MS., and by Pelerinage." Added to this Life there are
Menard. According to the first-named three supposed conversations between St.
learned editor, it is supposed to have been Chodrain — his Irish name — and a pilgrim,
written by the Abbot Richard, who which are arranged after the manner of the
flourished in the eleventh century. See " Following of Christ." A Mass, vespers,
Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. of the saim follow.
Benedicti," vol. vi., saec. iv., pp. 531 " He is so called by Baillet.
to 536, appendix. The Life of St. Roding, " But usually Roding.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 433
certain congeniality of their dispositions as because their acquirements led
them into association, It is said, that after St. Paul's departure from the
monastery in 631, our Saint was named to succeed him in discharging the
duties of professor and preacher. An account, which has a more question-
able authenticity, gives a relation respecting his election, as abbot over
Tholey monastery by the religious, and by St. Modoald, Bishop
of Treves, when holy Abbot Wandelin paid the debt of nature.
However this may be, the reputation of his virtues drew a great number of
visitors to our saint requesting the favour of his prayers, and most of those
desired instruction from him on the obligations of their several states, or
under circumstances which required great prudence on his part, and confidence
to be reposed in him as their adviser. The increased repetition of those visits,
and a necessity for frequently interrupting his regular duties on their account,
placed our saint under great apprehensions of becoming daily more and
more removed from the conversation of his Divine Saviour. In order to be
more fully at liberty to gratify his pious inclinations, he resolved by removing
from Tholey to prevent for the future such interruptions. In the year 640,
he left for Verdun, with two or three of his companions, who had attached
themselves to him, in a particular manner. Here, meeting with his friend,
St. Paul, who was then Bishop, this latter sought by every argument to induce
our saint to remain in his diocese, hoping much for the advancement of
religion by his preaching and missionary labours. The saint remained two
years with this venerable prelate, and then feeling a strong reluctance to sever
those ties of friendship and religion that bound them together, Rouin
nevertheless abandoned himself once more to an idea of serving God in
greater retirement. Directed by such a purpose, the saint penetrated into
the wooded solitudes of Argonne, and he spent some time there, in search of
a suitable place whereon to found his future habitation. He at length
selected a very remote site, known as Vasloge or Watzlew. Here, in
company with his disciples, Rouin commenced the erection of a few rude
huts, to serve for their lodgings. But, as they had taken possession of this
place, without, any authority on the part of its owner, this latter who was
named Austrese, received an exaggerated report regarding their trespass.
Without seeking to make himself acquainted with the designs of these
strangers, he despatched orders for their immediate departure. As they yet
lingered beyond a time specified for their stay, the lord of the soil sent
his servants, to drive them away, with whips and clubs. This small family
of religious being thus dispersed, St. Rouin equipped himself as a pilgrim,
with the view of taking a journey to Rome that he might visit its holy places.
We know not how long he was engaged in accomplishing this object, or
what exact purpose he designed in effecting it, if not to satisfy his devotion j
but we are assured, towards the year 647, he returned to that place, whence
he had been so rudely ejected. During his absence, many domestic
calamities had befallen Austrese. However, an application made to him or
to his sister Bave by our saint was received on this occasion with the
attention it merited. Honours were heaped upon St. Rouin, to atone, in
some measure, for former indignities ; and he obtained from the Seigneur
Austrese a tract of land, with promises of further assistance, which
might enable him to found a religious house. The site of this
monastery, the foundations for which were immediately laid, was
afterwards called Beaulieu. It was thus denominated, probably owing
to the beauty of its surrounding scenery. So soon as the house was com-
pleted, the sanctity of its founder, who was destined to become its first Abbot,
brought together a large community. The members of this congregation
1 E
434 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
felt desirous of profiting by his instructions and example. The spirit of the
blessed Rouin diffused itself among his disciples ; while their fervour and
regularity showed the admirable nature of his government. In order to
obtain confirmation and approval from the Pope in favour of his new
establishment, our saint undertook a second journey to Rome in 654. His
applications were readily accorded by the Sovereign Pontiff; and on his return
from the Eternal City, when passing through Agaune, St. Rouin carried
with him the relics of St. Maurice the Martyr and of his companions. He
intended to place those in the church, which he had dedicated to this great
champion of Christ. Such was the esteem in which St. Rouin was held,
that Clovis II. of France and his pious queen, Bathilde, desired to see him.
With this design he invited Rouin to court. But the saint, who despised all
worldly honours and splendour, however much he appreciated the motives
that procured for him such a mark of distinction, sent them word in reply,
that as a religious should never without necessity issue from his enclosure,
the distraction which might be produced in his mind by this visit, formed a
principal reason that influenced him to decline their invitation. Childeric,
King of Austrasie, who was second son to the King and Queen of France,
added other possessions to the Monastery of St. Rouin in 665. Childeric
also took the Abbey of Beaulieu under his special protection, and by royal
letters he conferred a valuable Charter on the religious and their house.
A love for holy retirement and contemplation was an ever-ruling passion
with this venerable Abbot. From his position, St. Rouin found himself sub-
ject to the inroads of frequent visitors, and charged with governmental cares,
which to all perfect religious are found the most burdensome of duties.
The saint began to think at last of resigning that charge imposed on him,
to make due preparation for the last conflict, which was daily approaching
with his increasing years. With such an object in view, he called the monks
together, and much to their regret announced a resolution, which no per-
suasion on their part could alter. He recommended to their notice a holy
fellow-religious named Stephen, whose piety, zeal, and learning he said
would more than supply his own removal. This good man was immediately
elected as his successor. These matters being thus disposed of, our saint
erected a small and convenient hermitage for himself and one of his disciples
who accompanied him. This hermitage was in a very retired place, and
only at a short distance from the Abbey.^ Here, St. Rouin gave himself
entirely to prayer and contemplation ; but, although it might be supposed
the infirmities of old age should reasonably interrupt the performance of
more laborious duties, our saint was not altogether disposed to lead solely
a contemplative life. He never for a moment abandoned his solicitude for
the government of the Abbey, over which he had so long presided ; and
hence he was careful in his casual wanderings about its walls, to remark
anything that demanded admonition or correction. To avoid all appearance
of unwarrantable interference, in the concerns of a house, with which he
now seemed to be connected only as an extern ; generally he visited only
by night, and when his presence or observations might be less noticed. On
Sundays and on all principal Festivals, he repaired to the Church
to preach the word of God, or to offer up the Holy Sacrifice of Mass.
In the pursuit of these labours, St. Rouin had attained his eighty-sixth year ;
13 M Apres avoir gouverne long-temps la avec un seul compagnon, pour y mener la
Communaut6 qu'il avoit formee, il fit 61ire vie Eremitique." — Longueval's " Histoire
son succeseur ; et abdiquant la charge de l'Eglise Gallicane," tome iv., liv. x., p.
d'Abb£, il se retira dans le fond d'un bois 1,55.
September 17.] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. 435
and towards the year 680, those infirmities inseparable from advanced age
confined him to his bed. Finding his weakness gradually increase, he sent
for the Abbot Stephen, with his religious, that he might address a few
impressive remarks, at this closing period of his life. On arrival, they sought
by most earnest persuasions to induce the Saint to suffer his removal into
the monastery, as his accommodation would be better provided for there,
than in his lonely habitation ; but the dying recluse would not consent to
relax his penitential resolution of living out the short remainder of life, as
became a solitary. Reclining on a hair mattress, he addressed his exhorta-
tions to the brothers, who stood around ; and, by the most affecting and
persuasive arguments, St. Rouin urged the faithful observance of their rule
and their various religious obligations. Then, as well as his feeble voice
would allow, having chaunted the Litany for a happy death, he closed his
eyes to the light of this world on the 17th day of September. The brethren,
at once convinced of his sanctity, felt no difficulty in placing him among the
number of beatified dead, and as a Saint of God they invoked his potent
intercession. His body was interred before an Altar of St. John the Evan-
gelist in Beaulieu Abbey, according to his particular request. It has been
preserved there with peculiar honour to our own time. The present Abbey
belonged to St. Vanne's congregation, a reformation of the justly celebrated
Benedictine Order. The Circle of the Seasons enters a festival of St. Rouin,
abbot, at this date.1* The Catholic mind of Ireland is yet vigorous and
energetic. With God's assistance, it must survive the political wrongs and
social degradation of the present time and of past centuries ; and it shall yet
triumph over sectarian opposition, which it has hitherto so fearlessly
encountered. The history of our Island teaches us we are the children of
M a holy generation." If we have not had part in the missionary triumphs
of the past, we can at least claim a share in the inheritance of our
Fathers, and still emulate their virtues and glories. The Island, which has
given birth to this Saint and sent him forth to dispense the treasures of Faith
in a distant and favoured land, can effect in the present age, through the
inscrutable decrees of Divine Providence, wonders that have been wrought
of old.
Article III. — St. Brogan Cloen, Abbot of Rostuirc, in Ossory.
[Seventh Century.'] Although by some, the present saint has been identified
with a St. Brogan, of Maethail-Bhrogain in Waterford ■ — or Brocan the
Scribe commemorated in the Feilire of Oengus at the 8th of July — yet is he
to be distinguished, as the author of an Irish Poem, in which are celebrated
the life and virtues of the great St. Brigid.2 It is possible the attribute of
being a scribe, with the accidental synonym applying to both, may have
produced such an impression. The Bollandists,3 apparently calling his cultus
in question, still introduce their notices of Broganus, at the 17th of
September. This saint is also called Bercan, Brechan, Brecan and Brocan.*
In Latin, his name is usually written Berchanus, Broganus or Broccanus.
14 See page 261. 3See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v.,
Article hi. — * See remarks regarding Septembris xvii. Among the pretermitted
him, at the 8th of July, in the Eighth saints, p. 463.
Volume of this work, Art. vi. 4 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
2 See her Life in the Second Volume Hibernise," xvi. Martii. Vita S.. Abbani
of this work, at the 1st of February, Abbatis de Magharnuidhe, cap, xxxiv., p.
Art. i. • 618, and n. 40, p. 624.
43^
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
On this day, in the Feilire of St. ^Engus,s there is a festival for Bracan or
Broccan, of Ruiss or Roiss Tuircc. In a scholion appended, this place is
indicated as being in Mag Raigne in Ossory ; 6 and, by the commentator, he
is said to have been connected with Cluain Imorchuir, for which a mysterious
derivation is given.7 We find, at the 17th of September, this entry, u Broecan
Rois tuiric," in the Martyrology of Tallagh.8 According to the Calendar of
Cashel and Marianus 0'Gorman,9 he is venerated on this same day. St.
Brogan Cloen was born — it has been supposed — about the close of the
sixth or beginning of the seventh century. However, if we are willing to
allow, that he had formed a friendship with St. Brendan,10 most probably of
Clonfert, St, Brogan Cloen must have been born earlier than the sixth
century, as St. Brendan is said to have died in the year 577. That our saint
was an Abbot, at the time this friendship had been formed, may be inferred
from the Life of St. Abban.11 St. Brocan is found classed among the disciples
of St. Patrick.12 This statement, however, cannot be accepted as chrono-
logically correct. The founder of a monastery at Rosturic^ in Ossory, near
the Slieve Bloom mountain, is unknown.1-' The O'Clerys state, that Rostuirc
was situated in Magh Raighne, which is held to have been the great central
plain of the County of Kilkenny.15 A writer10 in the Kilkenny Journal
states, that he has "grounds for believing that St. Broghan, the poet-priest
of Ossory, had his principal church or monastery at Kilbricken, between
Callan'7 and Kells.18 However, in a reply to his communication,10 the Rev.
5 In the Leabhar Breac " copy we find
the following stanza : —
eupemiA cent)! pi 41
n<MT) apAir C1ITO bl-KVOttA
OtvAcan fUnrr Umncc cuipme
La fell jvomAich RiajIai.
Thus rendered by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
" Euphemia without reproach tell her pas-
sion at a year's end. Reckon Broccan of
Ros Tuirc, with Riagail's excellent feast." —
" Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i.
Calendar of Oengus, p. cxxxviii.
6 See ibid., p. cxlvi.
7 The commentator adds : "i.e. Flandan,
son of Toirdelbach, came once to the stead
that he might be carried. Thence it is
called Cluain Imorchuir ('meadow of
carrying')."
8 See in the Book of Leinster copy
DfoccAin .1. rtoir coinc, and in Dr.
Kelly's "Calendar of Irish Saints," at p.
xxxiv.
9 He is noticed as Broccan, and a gloss-
ographer indicates, that he was of Ross
Tuirc in Magh Raini in Ossory. See Dr.
Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gormain,"
pp. 178, 179-
10 See his life at the 16th of May, in the
Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
11 See a notice of his festival at the 16th
of March in the Third Volume of this work,
Art. ii. However, his Life and chief feast
occur on the 27th of October.
12 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Fatricii, cap.
xxiii., p. 266.
13 " Ilia Ecclesia est vicina monti
Bladhma ; et Ecclesia Cluainmorensi ubi
scholiastes hujus hymni [scil. S. Brigklse]
supra in asserit eundem Hymnum composi-
tum esse." — " Trias Thaumaturga." Prima
Vita S. Brigidse, nn. I, 2, p. 518.
14 Archdall says: "We know not the
situation of this abbey, nor to whom it
owed its origin, but are told it was near the
mountains of Slieve Bloom. St. Brendan
governed this church, and was abbot of
Cluainimurchir, in the life-time of St.
Abban." — "Monasticon Hibernicum," p.
596. In confirmation of the foregoing
statements, Archdall refers to Colgan's
A.A. SS., p. 224, and Tr. Th., p. 518. In
the first instance, Colgan has no such matter
at p. 224 ; but it is evident Archdall meant
p. 624, and note 40. Yet even" here, there
is nothing about St. Brendan, yet there is
allusion to him in the notes succeeding.
'5 In a letter to the writer, and dated Kil-
managh, Co. Kilkenny, March 4th, 1895,
this is affirmed, by the Rev. Nicholas
Murphy, P.P., of Kilmanagh.
16 Who styles himself " Layman."
17 This parish, in a barony of the same
designation, is shown on the " Ordnance
Survey Townland Maps for the County of
Kilkenny,'' Sheets 22, 26. Callan town —
divided into North and South — is described
on Sheet 26.
18 The parish of Kells— partly in the
barony of Kells and partly in the barony of
Shillclogher— is noted on the "Ordnance
Survey Townland Maps for the County of
Kilkenny," Sheets 23, 27. The town of
Kells is shown on Sheet 27.
September 17.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 437
Nicholas Murphy, P.P., of Kilmanagb, observes, that Cluain Uimurchaire
has been identified by Father Shearman with Kilbriccan, near Aghaboe.
And the Rostuirc in Magh Roighne is, as all authorities allow, represented
by Rosmore, the adjoining townland to Kilbrahan,20 in the parish of Kilma-
nagh. The monastery of St. Broghan is also stated by Colgan to have been
situated ad fines Ossraighe, on the border-land of Ossory.21 This can only be
verified concerning Kilbrahan, in the parish of Kilmanagh. At the request
of St. Ultan of Ardbraccan, Brogan composed the Life and Acts of St. Brigid
in an Irish poem. In it, her sanctity and miracles are recorded. The place
where this tract was written is said to have been either at Slieve-Bloom or at
the Cluainmore of St. Maidoc.22 These accounts are gleaned from an
anonymous writer or scholiast in a short preface ; and Colgan places this
Irish poem, with a literal Latin translation, foremost among his six Lives of
St. Brigid.23 He assigns its authorship to a.d. 526, but this is manifestly
too early a date for its composition, as it ranges back to a year long previous
to St. Brogan's birth. The " Chronicum Scotorum " places the death of
Ultan Mac Ui Conchobhair on the second of the Nones of September in
the year 653. 2* However, as the Annals of the Four Masters25 give Ultan's
age to be one hundred and eighty years, when he died on the 4th of
September, 656 ;26 Colgan argues, that he may have been living a.d. 526,
to assist St. Brogan Cloen in the composition of that Hymn in praise of St.
Brigid.2? St. Brogan is named as abbot of Rostuirc, at the year 525, by
Archdall,28 who rests his statement on the authority of Colgan. That early
date, however, cannot be allowed. It is said by an old scholiast, that St.
Ultan of Ardbraccan 29 collected the Acts of St. Brigid 3° for St. Brogan
Cloen. The same scholiast informs us, that our Saint's poem, on St.
Brigid's virtues and miracles, had been composed in the time of King
Leogaire's son Lughadh, Monarch of Ireland, and when Alild, son to
Dulaing, was King of Leinster.31 But Colgan justly thinks this poem in
question could not have been written in King Lugad's time, as the latter
died 32 over twenty years before the rest of St. Brigid,33 an allusion to which
19 Addressed to the Kilkenny Journal of 2? See "Trias Thaumaturga." Vita
February, 1895. Prima S. Brigidse, n. 5, p. 518.
:o This townland, in the barony of Cran- 2& See " Monasticon Hibernicum, "
nagh, is shown on the ' • Ordnance Survey Queen's County, p. 596.
Townland Maps for the County of Kil- 29 See his Acts at the 4th of September,
kenny," Sheet 22. in the present Volume, Art. i.
21 It is just to state, that Colgan speaks of 3° See her Life, at the 1st of February, in
a robber, who came with his crew " de the Second Volume of this work, Art. i.
finibus Ossraighi," to the monastery of St. 3l See " Trias Thaumaturga." Vita
Abban. " Et S. senior Abbanus rogatus a prima S. Brigidse, nn. 3, 4, p. 518.
monachis suis, venire post porcos ad fines 32 " The Age of Christ, 503. After
Ossraighe visitans B. Bercanum, ab eo Lughaidh, son of Laeghaire, had been
honorifice susceptus est." — " Acta Sanctorum twenty-five years in the sovereignty of Ire-
Hiberniae," xvi. Martii. Vita S. Abbani, land, he was killed at Achadh-farcha, being
Abbatis de Magharnuidhe, cap. xxxiv., struck by a flash of lightning, by the
p. 618. miracle of God, on account of the insult
22 His feast occurs at the nth of April, which he had offered to Patrick, as the
at which date, notices of him may be found, quatrain states :
in the Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i. *..,,,,, ... ., . t. t
23 See « Trias Thaumaturga." Vita Prima Atr Achadh-farcha warlike ; the death of
S. Brigidce, pp. 515 to 518 wH!eghaire-S son'uLuShaidh [occurred].
24 See William M. Hennessy's edition, W»tho«t praise in heaven or here, a heavy
pp. 04 oc, "as" °f lightning smote him.
25 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., — Dr. O' Donovan's " Annals of the Four
pp. 268, 269. Masters," vol. i., pp. 162 to 165.
26 Archbishop Ussher gives his death at 33 St. Brigid's death occurred, in the year
a.d. 657. See " Brittannicarum Ecclesiarum 525, according to the same authorities. See
Antiquitates." Index Chonologicus, p. 539. ibid., pp. 170 to 173.
438
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
latter event is contained in a concluding stanza of that hymn. The death of
Lugad also occurred before Alild obtained the government of Leinster.
Ailild died in the year 526,3* and in the twentieth year of his reign,
according to the three different catalogues of the Leinster Kings. Colgan
supposes it nearer the truth to maintain, that Brogan's Hymn was
composed, in the time of Muircheartach, King of Ireland,35 who was
contemporary with the aforesaid Alild of Leinster. Hence he
imagines, this poem was written, about the year 525. It was most
probably composed in the seventh century,36 as Sir James Ware
reckons Brogan amongst the writers of that period ; although his editor,
Harris, adopts Colgan's opinion.3? The poem in honour of St. Bridget
contains fifty-three stanzas. In it the author celebrates the virtues and
powerful intercession of the Holy Virgin, and manifests his own tender
devotion towards her. He also indicates, that a certain measure of reward
should be vouchsaved to those, who read or hear it recited.38 According to
O'Reilly, there are Manuscript copies of this Hymn39 extant, in Trinity
34 At this year, his death is thus announced :
*' Oilill, son of Dunlaing, King of Leinster,
died."— Ibid., pp. 174, 175.
35 At the year a.d. 527, the Annals of the
Four Masters give us the following romantic
account of this king's death. "After
Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, son of
Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages,
had been twenty-four years in the sovereignty
of Ireland, he was burned in the house of
Cleiteach over the Boyne, on the night of
Samhain [the first of November] after being
drowned in wine. Sin composed this
quatrain :
I am Teatan the woman who killed the
chief of Niall ;
Gannadhaigh is my name, in every place
and road.
Ceanfaeladh said :
The king Mac Earea returns to the side
Ui-Neill ;
Blood reached the girdles in each plain ;
the exterior territories were enriched ;
Seven times he brought nine chariots, and
long shall it be remembered,
He bore away the hostages of the Ui-
Neill, with the hostages of the plain of
Munster."
— Ibid. pp. 174 to 177.
In tne accompanying notes, [i. j. k.], pre-
vious authorities, annalistic and legendary,
are quoted by the learned editor, as serving
to illustrate the foregoing entry.
36 The learned Dr. Lanigan seemed to
adopt this opinion. See "Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii.,
sect. ii.. n. 18, p. 379.
37 See Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of
Ireland," book i., chap iii., p. 13.
38 Thus, we may instance, those lines, in
the First metrical Life of St. Brigid, as pub-
lished by Colgan :
** Pro nobis precetur Brigida
Prgeservationem et securitatem a
periculis
Sub ejus miseri simus patrocinio
Antequam veniamus ad conspectum
Spiritus Sancti.
" Succurrat cum gladio ignito
In certamine contra doemones :
Perducant nos sanctae ejus preces
Ad regnum coeleste liberatos a pocnis-
"Antequam eamus cum Angelis ad
certamen
Curramus ad Ecclesiam celeriter :
Laudare Dominum prsestantius est
omni officio.
Non amavit Brigida victoriosa mun-
dum.
" Precator Sanctam Brigidam
Cum Sanctis Killdariensibus,
Se interponant inter me & poenas
Anima mea pereat.
* # * * *
11 Confidamus in Brigida,
Ut sit protectrix nostris turmis :
Adjuvat nos sancta,
Ut mereamur omnes evadere.
" Laudes Christi sermo praeclarus,
Adorare Dei filium officium virtuosum,
Regnum cceleste obtineat
Quicunque recitaverit vel audierit
{ncmpe hunc hymnuni)."
— Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." Vita
prima St. Brigidje, sects, xliv., xlv., xlvi.,
xlvii., 1., Ii., pp. 517, 518.
39 It commences with this line, " ni caip
brviccic bu<v6<\c \>\t " — " Bridget glorious
loved not the world." See "Chronological
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish
Writers," p. xxxiv. In Colgan's version,
this line with its Latin translation, reads. " tli
caij\ Oru£iT> buA-oac bioc :" " Non dilexit
Brigida victoriosa mundum :" &c.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 439
College Library, Dublin. After Colgan's time, this poem was again
published in 1792, by Mr. Richard Plunkett, of the County of Meath. It
was accompanied by a rendering in modern Irish. In a small brochure
intituled " A Bouquet for St Bride," the Very Rev. Nicholas Murphy, P.P.,
has introduced the following Prayer of St. Brogan : — " I will pray to Holy
Bride, with the Saints of Kildare ; that she may stand between me and
judgment ; that my soul may not perish : the nun that roamed the Curragh,
is my shield against sharp arrows ; except Mary who can compare with my
Bride ; two holy virgins are above ; my guardians may they be — Holy Mary
and my Bride — on whose intercession all my happiness may depend."40
St. Broghan again informs us that : —
"Brigid never loved the world, and her thoughts were ever in heaven.
She was kind-hearted and charitable, and had no care but for God alone, and
God worked more wonders through her than through any other Irish saint.
She showed the same love to all, to the servants as well as to her spiritual
daughters, to beggars, and to the sick."41
We are indebted to the poet-priest of Ossory, St. Broghan of Kilbrahan,
for some of the most edifying traits in the life of St. Brigid of Erin, as well as
for the fervour of the diocesan devotion to the first and most illustrious
Irish Nun.42 Brogan wrote another Poem,4? according to Roderick
O'Flaherty. Yet, in another part of his work, O'Reilly seems to
attribute this composition to Giolla na naomh O'Dunn, chief bard
to the King of Leinster, and who died in 1160.44 We are
told, in St. Abban's Life, that on a certain occasion, some swine
belonging to him were stolen by a nephew of this saint. Directing his course
towards Ossory, to recover the property of his monastery, Abban paid a
visit to Berchan — as he is there called. Our saint accompanied him to the
presence of his nephew. Brogan entreated him to restore the stolen
property. But that abandoned wretch made an attempt, to take away St.
Abban's life, and in the very act struck down his uncle. Again, attempting
a stroke at Abban, his hand became paralysed. Our saint was restored, and
his wounds were healed by Abban ; while the wicked nephew, feeling
remorse for his act, restored those animals he had taken. After this, both
the saints established a bond of friendship between themselves and their
40 This has been versified in the following But where she passed the children ran
stanzas : — And hailed the Maid their mother.
., wuu 1, rM, , , , O Saint, the favourite of the poor,
T R i T I. y °neS The afflicted, weak, and weary ;
tw Tg ?ray' • a 1 Like Mary's was that face she b°re~
On tl T7 f • VH fr°m Pf m and l0SS Men called her Erin's Mary."
On the great judgment day. A D^ Vere>
'^Sln^U^^T^'5^115 42St. Broghan writes :-" She was a
Hast in thy he time trod ; ,add fa | f k and
H 6 ™ i ? rZ CSSe was called by all the Chaste Head of the
Has come so near to God. Nung of ^g
" I" Bngid then, oh, let us trust, tt Sa|nt Bri -d fa h mQth all men k
For S ^ f USF J> , , °f Erin's nuns that have been or shall be,
F oTholJ BTgH acallErm S h°StS ^yf^ *" *"** """^ *" "*
" Two virgins are in Heaven above, When Christ returns to judge the world
Their client I would be ; with fire."
MpryotTcUoBnr|lVtim?' « »^™Z wkh ^ c°^* «*/W
. rrotection give to me. q\«Ai*, "O beautiful province of hardy
41 " She looked not on the face of man : Carbry."
Nor husband had, nor brother ; 44 See ibid., pp. xxxiv., lxxxvi.
440 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
respective communities. In this federation, on other occasions, they included
Saints Brandan, Moling, Flannan, Munna, and others.«5 Our saint is also
said to have been venerated at a monastery, called Cluainnimurchuir,
according to the Salamancan MS. of St. Abban's Life, formerly in Colgan's
possession.*6 Edward O'Reilly incorrectly places his death, as occurring in
the year 526.47 However, the exact year of our saint's death is not known ;
but, its day seems to have been the 17th of September, on which his memory
was afterwards revered.
Article IV.— St. Riagail, Patron of Tyrella Parish. Very little
is known regarding this Saint. His feast is entered, however, in the Feilire1
of St. /Engus, at the 17th of September. The Marty rology of Tallagh in
the Book of Leinster contains a notice of St. Riagail, on the same day.2 His
name is omitted, however, in that version published by the Rev. Dr. Kelly.
The Martyrologist, Marianus O'Gorman, has a festival for Riaghuil, at this
date ; while his scholiast adds, that the Saint was from Tech Riagla, in Leth
Cathail.3 From this same source, and according to O'Clerys' Calendar,* St.
Ryal of Ty-reela, in Lecale, is venerated on the 17th of September. We
find a remarkable prediction attributed to him, on a certain subject, known
as the Scuap a Fanait, or the Broom to come out of Fanait, in Donegall.s
It was as follows : " Three days and three nights over a year shall this plague
remain in Erinn. When a ship can be seen on Loch Rudhraidhe,6 from
the door of the refectory, it is then the Broom out of Fanait shall come. A
Tuesday, too, after Easter, in spring, must be the day on which the Broom
shall issue from Fanait, to avenge the death of John the Baptist."? Allusion
has been made to this supposed destructive apparition in prophecies also
attributed to other Irish saints, such as St. Moling,8 St. Columkille,9 and St.
Aireran or Erearan the Wise.10 Whilst the two former agree with St. Riagail,
that the coming of destruction shall be on a Tuesday — St. Aireran does not
specify any particular day — there seems to have been much diversity of
statement as to the form, nature, and exact period, relating to this Scuip a
Fainity or, as it. is sometimes called, the Fiery Bolt. The direction,
whence it had been expected to come, is also variously stated." From
45 The memory of these Saints is cele- 2Thus: H1A5U1I mucc inp.
brated as follows: St. Brendan, May 16th, 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
St. Moling, June 17th, St. Flannan, Gormain," pp. 178, 179.
December 18th, St. Munna, October 21st. 4 See the " Martyrology of Donegal,'*
Colgan remarks, that St. Alban did not edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves.
form a friendship with all of these Saints, 5 See Eugene O'Curry's " Lectures on the
at the same time ; for it was not probable Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish
that St. Moling was born during the life- History," lect. xx., p. 429.
time of Brendan. St. Brendan died in the 6 This Lake is said to have been called after
year 576 or 577. St. Munna in 634 ; and Rudhruidhe, the son of Parthalon, a.m.
St. Moling in 696. See Colgan's "Acta 2545. See Dr. O'Donovan's *' Annals of
Sanctorum Hibernian" xvi. Maitit, p. 618, the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 6, 7. It is
and nn. 41, 42, 43, 44, p. 624. thought to have been identical with Dun-
46 See ibid., p. 624. drum Bay.
47 See " A Chronological account of nearly 7 His lestival occurs on the 24th of June,
four hundred Irish Writers," p. xxxviii. 8His feast occurs on the 17th of June.
Article iv. — ■ " See Transactions of the See notices of him at that date, in the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of 9 See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the
Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. Sixth Volume of this work, Art i.
cxxxviii. A commentator adds, that he ,0 Also called Eleran, and Lector of
was Riagail who is in Tech Riagia in Leth Clonard. His feast occurs on the 29th of
Cathail. Or in Muc lnis ("pig-island ") on December.
Lough Derg. Sec ibid., p. cxlvi. "The accounts of this object cwnlained
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIN7S.
441
the present saint, Tyrella parish derives its name. Taghrolly, Tyreela,
Techrula, Teighriola, and Staghreel,12 are also various names referring to
this place, as found in old documents and records. Those Irish forms are
rendered into English, as " the house of Ryal or Riagail." St. Riagail is
supposed to have erected a church, on the present site of the modern
Protestant parish church of Tyrella. In a confirmation of certain grants,
made by John de Courcy to the see of Down, this church is called, as in
the Taxation Stegrel.13 In the Ulster Inquisitions, it is called Starely alias
Terrely.1* The Feilire of St. ^ngus the Culdee, composed in the eighth
century, states, that a person standing at Tig-Riala, now Tyrella, about a
mile distant from the strand, could hear the lonn Rury, one of the three
great waves of Ireland. Doubtless, the writer meant, that booming thunder-
like roar over the bar, which can be heard at a distance of some miles. *s
Hence, the lonn Rury is supposed to indicate the bay of Dundrum.16 The
church and that refectory, to which allusion has been already made, were
situated on the east side of Dundrum Bay, in Down County. The site and
cemetery of the ancient parish church lie within Tyrella House Demesne,
commanding extensive views over the Bay, with the magnificent range of
Mourne Mountains in the back-ground. Near the old church site in 1832,
a cave, artificially constructed of uncemented stones, had been discovered.
It was roofed with flag-stones, and over them earth had been thickly heaped. li
It is 43 yards in length, by 2^ feet wide, and about five feet high, dividing into
three chambers, 60, 45 and 24 feet in length respectively, the last extending
its width to six feet.
Article V. — St. Earc, or Eric, Bishop of Donoghmore, of
Magh Cobha, or of Maighe Damhairne, Counties of Down and
Antrim. In the published Martyrology of Tallagh1 and in that as found in
the Book of Leinster,2 at the 17th of September, we find the name of Earc
set down. Likewise, in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, the name
in the Leabhar Mor Duna Dioghire, are
evidently of that class known as spurious
prophecies, yet which have received so much
credence among the ignorant. Their cha-
racter has been well described, and what has
been preserved regarding this matter will be
found related in Eugene O'Curry's " Lec-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Antient
Irish History," lect. xx., pp. 425 to 434.
12 In the Ecclesiastical Taxation of the
Diocese of Down, compiled in the year
1306, we find Tyrella set down as "a
Eccia de Staghreett — vij. .mar — decra ix. s.
iiij. d." Thus rendered into English :
"The Church of Staghreell— 7 marks —
Tenth, 9s. 4d." We are told that " in the
taxation, the letter s is prefixed, agreeably
to a usage which prevailed in the English
districts of the country ; and of which
numerous instances are to be found in the
names beginning with the syllable " Sta " or
"Sti." Thus Stackallen is formed from
C15-C.AlL.Aln ; Stillorgan from C15-
LoncAin ; and Styoun, the third name
following in the Taxation, from C15-
eoin. By the same process, " Laght "
(leAcc, " a monument "), as in the parishes
of Donaghmore in Donegal, and Longfield
in Tyrone, becomes **Slaght," as in the
parish of Connor. It is a curious analogy
to the change in the word C15, that the
cognate Latin word " tego " should be
' • <rpeya " in Greek.
13 Rot. Pat. 16 Edward ill. m- 17. 2nd
pt. Tur. Lond.
I4Ultonia. Inq. Car. I. No. 8. See
Rev. Wm. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical Anti-
quities of Down, Connor and Dromore,"
PP- 32» 33 and n. (p), ibid.
15 Accordingly, the Rev. Mr. Reeves, in
the Map of Ancient Scotia, which has been
published in Adamnan's " Life of St.
Columba," marked Dundrum Bay with this
title.
16 However, Dr. O'Donovan formed an
opinion that Lough Rury was a name, given
to the mouth of Erne River, in the west of
Donegal. See " Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. i., n. (u), p. 7, and vol. ii.,
n.(0, p. 611.
17 See Lewis' " Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. ii., p. 664.
Article v. — l Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxxiv.
2 Thus entered : h Oj\ci epi o 'Oonnuic
mop niAigi Cob a .1. "Oamoiptie.
442 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
of Ere is recorded at this same date, and his commentator adds, that the
saint was bishop of Domnach Mor Maige Damairne.3 Moreover, he is said
to have been Bishop of Domnach mor Maigh Cobha. This has been
Anglicised " the plain of Eochy-Cova," ancestor of the tribe called Ui
Eathach Cobha, located in the present baronies of Upper and Lower Iveagh,
in the County of Down. 4 The place5 is nearly midway between Newry and
Loughbrickland. This is said to be the holy man, supposed by Colgan to
have been that bishop Ere, who was a disciple of St. Senan,6 Abbot of
Iniscathay, when he lived on Inis-more, and afterwards on Inis-caorach.?
However, his real place was so far apart from these localities, that the
mere coincidences of name and title do not serve to make the identity
probable. Under the head of Domhnach-mor of Magh Damaime,8 Duald
Mac Firbis enters Earc, bishop of Domhnach-mor of Magh-Damhairne,
or of Magh-Cobha, at September 17.9 He is also mentioned in the
Martyrology of Donegal,10 at the same date, as Earc, Bishop, of Domhnach-
mor Maighe Damhaime.
Article VI. — St. Feme, Daughter of Cairell, Virgin and Martyr.
Women, as well as men, have learned to consider life not worth serious
enjoyment, and have looked beyond the passing hour of trial and death,
when striving for the palm which crowned so many in the Koman Coliseum.
At this date, in the Feilire of St. JEngus,1 is found the Festival of Eufemia ;
while a scholion on the text of the " Leabhar Breac" copy states, she is
identical with Femme, daughter of Cairell, a virgin and martyr.2 At the 17th
of September, Marianus O'Gorman also enters a feast for Femme, with a
special eulogy.3 His commentator styles her a Virgin and Martyr. This
holy woman is said to have been sister of Daigh,* son of Cairell, descended
from the race of Eoghan, son of Niall. Deidi, daughter to Trian, son of
Dubhthach ua Lughair, was mother to both, and also she was the mother of
many other saints.5 To this virgin-martyr seems referable an imperfect
extract, in an Appendix to the Introduction of the published Donegal
Martyrology.6 k must be remarked, however, that in the Martyrology of
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manu-
Gormain," pp. 178, 179. script Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calen-
<See O Flaherty's " Ogygia," pars hi., dar of Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D.,
cap. lxxvm., p. 372. p. exxxriii.
s See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the 9 See ibid. p. cxlvi.
Four Masters," vol. iii„ n. (u), pp. 344, .1 Thus is she described in the Irish lines:—
34'5See his Life, at the 8th of March, in the " FeTmme oeblan )*% ■ 11 »
Third Volume of this work, Art. i. InSen caemnar Chairi11"
7 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernian," viii. The following is an English translation:—
Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, cap. "Femme, beautiful, ample, safe, Cairell's
xxvii. p. 534(^^)530. At n. 19 attached, dear modest daughter.*' — Dr. Whitley
Colgan assigns his feast to the 17th of Stokes' "Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178,
October — a manifest misprint for September 179.
—as our Calendars show. See p. 540 (rwfc) * See an account of him, at the 18th of
53^. August, in the Eighth Volume of this work,
8 Magh Damaime is now Magheramorne, Art. i.
County of Antrim, see under Domhnoch s See Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves'
Moighe-Cobha, William M. Hennessy's " Martyrology of Donegal," pp. 250, 25:.
note. 6 It runs in the succeeding form : " Lasri
9 See "Proceedings of the Royal Irish pi opinquus, citeiior tamen tempore quidem
Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. i., part i., ... Euphemia, 1 Feme vv. et martyres
pp. 106, 107. ambo 16 seu 17 Septembr." In a note,
10 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Dr. Todd refers to subsequent entries at
25°» 25*- 15, 16, and 17 Sept., pp. 249-251. See
Article vi. — x See "Transactions of ibid., p. xliv.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 443
Tallagh, as found in the Book of Leinster, at the 17th of September, the
name of Eufemie, Virgin and Martyr,' is only to be found in the list of foreign
saints ; while in that copy published by the Rev. Dr. Kelly, her name is
wholly omitted. A festival was celebrated at the 17th of September,
according to the Martyrology of Donegal,8 to honour Feme, daughter of
Cairell, Virgin and Martyr.
Article VII. — St. Cuimmen, Abbot of Bangok, Countv of Down.
[Seventh Century.'] A festival in honour of Cummine, Abbot, of Damoirne,
is set down, in the Martyrologies of Tallagh,1 of Marianus O'Gorman,2 and
of Cathal Maguire,3 at the 17th of September. A great plague broke out,
a.d. 666, and during its continuance it is said, no less than four abbots at
Bangor — one after the other — succumbed, namely Bearach, Cummine,
Colum and Aedhan.« From what has been stated already, we may take it
for granted, following the order of enumeration, that Cummine immediately
succeeded Bearach and immediately preceded Colum, in the government of
this monastery .5 He could not have discharged this duty more than a few
months, and he died probably on the 17th of September, the date for his
festival.6 It would seem, that another Abbot of the same house named
Critan died within a very short interval. 7 In the Martyrology of Donegal,8
the present saint is recorded, at the 17th of September, as Cuimmen, Abbot
of Bennchor.
Article VIII. — St. Coindere, of Cuil-liag. At this date, Marianus
O'Gorman enters Condere, and his scholiast states, that he was Condere of
Cuil Liacc.1 The name Coindere, of Cuil-liag, occurs in the Martyrology
of Donegal,2 as having been venerated, at the 17th of September.
Cuil-liag is probably found under the more modern townland denomina-
tions of Coolagh, Coolock, or Coologe ; and these are very numerous
in nearly all directions throughout Ireland, not to mention other
places, which take foregoing names as component parts of the'ir designations.3
There is a townland and village of Coolock/ giving name to a parish
7 It is thus entered : eufemie uip poy. 6See Rev. William Reeves' "Ecclesias-
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, ppi tical Antiquities of Down, Connor and
250, 251. Dromore." Appendix, L.L., p. 380.
Article vii.— ■ In the Book of Leinster 7 His death is recorded in the Annals of
Copy, we have Cuimine ab with .i. Clonmacnoise and in the " Chronicum
■oanioirxne, immediately above the entry, as Scotorum," at A.D. 655 ; and in the Annals
if it did not belong to Bishop Erc's record. of Ulster and in those of the Four Masters
Also we have "Cummine, Abb. i. Da- at A.D. 668. See William M. Hennessy's
moirne in that copy, edited by the Rev. Dr. edition, pp. 100, 101, and Dr. O'Donovan's
Kelly, p. xxxiv. edition, vol. i., pp. 280, 281, and n. (m), ibid.
3 His commentator adds Cummein, abbot 8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
of Bangor. See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire 250, 251.
Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179. Article viii. — 'See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179.
nia," xii.Januarii. De S. Cumiano Episcopo, 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
n. 6, p. 59. 250, 251.
4 See William M. Hennessy's " Chroni- 3 See "A General Alphabetical Index to
cum Scotorum," pp. 100, 101. There, the Townlands and Towns, Parishes and
however, those events are referred to A.D. Baronies of Ireland, "pp. 283, 284, 294.
663. 4 It is described on the " Ordnance Survey
sSee Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Townland Maps for the County of Dublin,
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 278, 279, and n. Sheets 14, 15. The townland and village
(d.), ibid. are on Sheet 15.
444
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
and barony in the County of Dublin.s A Protestant church occcupies
the site of an ancient chapel, which was annexed to Swords.6 It is
within an old enclosed graveyard, and rises on the brow of a hill, near the
Protestant Church of Coolock, County Dublin.
public road. The authority of a collation by Archbishop Fagan,
however, states, that this parish had been dedicated to St. Brendan of
Kerry,? who died on the 14th of May. Hence, we can hardly associate it
with our present St. Coindere.
Article IX. — Monachus. The entry " Monachus," is to be found
in the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints, published by O'Sullivan Beare,
at the 17th of September.1 But, whether it is a proper name, or that it
means simply a " monk," remains undetermined.
Article X. — St. Sanctin. At this day, the entry of Sanctin saigimm1
occurs in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman. The simple entry,
Sanctin, is set down in the Martyrology of Donegal,2 at the 17th of
September. The place, with which this saint was connected — according to
one conjecture — rises on a steep bank, east of the River Dodder. It has
5 See an interesting account of it in John
D'Alton's " History of the County of
Dublin," pp. 230 to 235.
6 The accompanying illustration, drawn
by Gregor Grey on the spot, has been trans-
ferred to the wood and engraved by him.
7 His feast is held on the 1 6th of May, at
which date, his Acts may be found in the
Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
Article ix. — ■ See " Histories Catholicae
Iberniae Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
cap. xi., p. 51.
Article x. — • Rendered in English :
" Sanctin whom I seek." — Dr. Whitley
Stokes' " FeUire Hui Gormain," pp. 178,
179.
2 Edited by Dr». Todd and Reeves, pp.
250, 251.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 445
been transformed into the modern misconceived nomenclature of Kill-Saint-
Anne — a name even given to its ancient church. However, the present St.
Sanctin appears to us different from that other so called, and venerated at
the 9th of May.3
Article XI. — Anniversary of the Birth of St. Cornelius, Arch-
bishop of Armagh. According to a tradition of the inhabitants, residing at
Lemenc, in Savoy, the 17th of September, a.d. 1120, was the birth-day of
St. Cornelius Mac Conchailleadh, known as the Blessed Cornelius, Arch-
bishop of Armagh. His Acts will be found, at the 4th of June.1 This saint
had been a native of the celebrated city of that primatial chair, to which
he was afterwards elevated.
Acticle XII. — Feast of the Translation of St. Fursey's Relics.
We have already seen, that the relics of St. Fursey,1 after his departure,
had been deposited in the Church of the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul,
at Perrone. This church and a monastery adjoining were afterwards
known as " Perrone Scotorum," a circumstance which renders it probable,
that the care of St. Fursey's relics was entrusted to his fellow-religious
and countryman for some time after his death. The church, in latter
times, became collegiate, and it was served by canons. On the 17th
September, 1256, a new shrine being made, the relics were again deposited
by the Bishops of Noyon, Therauenne, and Beauvais. This ceremony took
place in the presence of St. Louis, King of France, who, together with the
above-named prelates, placed his seal on the sepulchre. Many abbots and
religious, besides a great multitude of the faithful, were present on this solemn
occasion. The body remained uncorrupt during the time elapsing between
the different removals j and divers miracles are recorded to have taken
place at his tomb, and after his death, in favour of many persons.
Claudius Timet, Professor and D.D. of the Parisian Faculty, sent Desmay,
the copy of a verbal process, relating to this Translation of St. Fursey's relics.
The original was traced on vellum, having five seals appended. It was kept
among the archives of St. Fursey's Collegiate Church, at Perrone.2 A
remarkable instance of Providential interference, through the intercession of
St. Fursey, is related by Desmay. At the time the Emperor Charles V. and
Francis I., King of France, waged war against each other, the Count of
Nassau laid siege to Perrone city. In the year 1537, on the 28th of August,
festival day of St. Lewis, the hostile forces attacked this town, which had few
3 See an account of him, at that Francorum Illustrissimo, & venerahilibus
date, in the Fifth Volume, of this work, Patribus Vuermando Noviomensi, Guillermo
Art. i. Belluacensi, & Rodulpho Morinensi, Dei
Article xi. — ' See the Sixth Volume of gratia Episcopis ; pnesentibus etiam multis
this work, at that date, Art. i., chap. i. Religiosis viris Abbatibus & aliis, ac
Article xii. — 'His principal feast is held multitudine Christi fidelium congregata ;
on the 1 6th of January, at which date his Translatum est presiosum corpus gloriosi
Acts may be found, in the First Volume of Confessoris Christi, Heati Fursaei Peronensis
this work, Art. i. per manus Episcoporum ipsorum, astante
2 The following are the words of this etiam, & vidente Rege praedicto, & in capsa
document, according to Desmay: — "Anno nova repositum, & collocatum in Ecclesia
Dominica? Incarnationis Millesimo du- Peronensi. In cujus rei memoriam nos
centesimo quinquagesimo sexto, decimo Ludovicus Dei gratia Rex Francorum
quinto Calendas Octobrr>, Dominica post proedictus, una cum sigillis proenominatorum
octavam Nativitatis Beatje Marise Virginis Episcoporum, praesenti scripto sigillum
praesentibus Domino Ludovico Rege nostrum apponi fecimus &appendi."
446 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 17.
defenders, and which, owing to its position, was not well calculated for
defence. The besiegers hoped to carry it, by a sudden assault, whilst in the
meantime, the canons and clergy, in fasting and prayer, besought the protec-
tion of their holy Patron, St. Fursey. Already had the enemy surmounted
the defences. They had actually borne away three standards from within
the walls of the town. Assured of victory, their trumpets began to proclaim
it with notes of triumph, when some confusion began to occur in their ranks.
This caused them to fall back, their trumpets sounding a retreat. The Count
de la March, Marshal of France, who conducted the defence, felt
astonished at this unexpected and sudden recoil. And in the fierce assault
only one citizen named Mons. de Humiers fell, a circumstance causing no
less surprise. But the Marshal and the other officers, believing that this
victory was owing to the intercession of their Patron, at once proceeded to
St. Fursey's Church. Here they publicly offered up their prayers and
thanksgivings for the result of that attack. 3 On another calm and warm day,
the enemy cast fire into the town, hoping to engage the attention of its
citizens in extinguishing it, whilst they meditated an attack from another
quarter. The house of the Black Lion caught fire, but the enemy did not
succeed, however, in accomplishing their object. For, to the intercession of
St. Fursey was attributed the falling of a copious rain shower, which
completely extinguished the flames, so that the besiegers themselves were
foremost in exclaiming publicly, that the town was under special protection
of its holy Patron. And, unless such were the case, we should find it
difficult to account for its escaping uninjured during the four days
it was continually bombarded with seventy pieces of cannon. The
besiegers suddenly decamped. Nor could the fear of the king's approach, have
caused them to raise this siege j since, as De Bellay remarks, his majesty was
then engaged in attending to a more distant theatre of the war. His mind
was so much distracted thereby, that he had hardly time to think on, much
less send assistance to Perone. In grateful remembrance of this day, and of
the miraculous aid rendered to the town, the relics of St. Fursey, and of St.
Ultan, his brother, were yearly borne in solemn procession through Perrone
city, and especially through that part of it, where the enemy had entered the
walls, and had been afterwards repulsed. This custom continued to the time,
when Desmay wrote/ Colgan evidently makes a mistake, when he says, that
this Translation of St. Fursey's relics had occurred on the 17th of September,
a.d. 1260, citing Desmay for the foregoing date.5 But, on referring to
Desmay's account, as published by Colgan himself, it will be seen, that the
year assigned for its occurrence is 1256.
Article XIII.— St. Justin or Justus. At the 17th of September, the
Irish Church venerated St. Justus, according to the Marty rology of Marianus
3 Desmay cites the History of Dom, patrocinio placeat misericordiae Domini ut
Martin de Bellay, for the foregoing ab omnibus mundiblandiliis,carnisillecabris,
particulars. He had also heard these Deemonum molitionibus tuto nobis liceat
related, by some of the old townsmen, requiescere, donee transeat dies mali &
who were in Perrone, at the time of its spiritus dicat electis, ut requiescant a
siege. laboribus suis. Amen."— Colgan's "Acta
4 The Acts of our saint as written by Sanctorum Hiberniae, ix. Februarii. Vita S.
him, thus terminate in Colgan's, or rather Fursaei, cap. xxi., pp. 298, 299.
Eugene O'Gallagher's Latin version, " Sub $Ibid., xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei.
quorum (viz. SS. Fursaei & Ultani) Appendix, cap. x., p. 98.
September 17.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 447
O'Gorman.1 We believe, lie can be no other than St. Justus, the Priest and
Martyr, whose Acts are given by the Bollandists,3 at this date.
Article XIV. — St. Laureint. In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman,1 at the 17th of September, there is a festival for St. Laurein[t].
We cannot find any corresponding name, at this date, in any of the
calendars.
Article XV. — St. Lambeirt. A feast of St, Lambeirt occurs at the
17th of September, in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman.1 A Mr.
Monaghan told the writer,2 that St. Lambert, venerated on this day, was
patron of Cloncurry parish in the County of Kildare.3 It so happens, that
St. Lambert, or Landebert, Bishop of Maestricht and Martyr, is celebrated
on this day j and the Bollandists* have very fully set forth his Acts,* in their
great collection.6 He suffered martyrdom on the 17th of September, a.d.
696, according to the tradition of the Church at Liege ; but, in 708 or 709,
according to the Bollandists.? In the present instance, as in many similar
cases, it may be seen, that the patronage of our ancient churches, chapels,
and other religious institutions has not been confined exclusively to our
native Irish saints.
Article XVI. — Reputed Festival of St. Pantaleon. Already at the
27th of July,1 we have alluded to a Reputed Festival for the Translation ot
St. Pantaleon's Relics, at Cologne, but only on the statement of Thomas
Dempster. At the same date, the Bollandists have treated about the holy
Martyr. On this day, they allude to his feast as kept by the Greeks.2
Article xiii. — 1 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 5 They have been edited by Father Con-
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179. stantine Suyskens, S.J., with a Previous
2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep- Commentary, comprising twenty-one sec-
tembris xvii. De S. Justino Presb. Martyre tions and three hundred and twelve para-
Romoe, pp. 470 to 476. His ancient Acts graphs.
have a Commentarius Praevius, with notes, 6 No less than four different Latin Lives
written by Father John Stilting, S.J. of St. Lambert are there given, with accom-
Article xiv.— ■ See Dr. Whitley Stokes' panying notes.
"Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179. 7 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
Article xv.— l See Dr. Whitley Stokes' Saints," tome xi., xviie Jour de Septembre, p.
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178, 179. 178.
2 At the time of his visit to Cloncurry, Article xvi. — J See at that date, in the
already alluded to in the Life of St. Ninian Seventh Volume of this work, Art. x.
or Muneean. 2 In these terms ; " S. Pantaleonem mar-
3 This information Mr. Monaghan ob- tyrem cum Charalampo et Sociis hodie
tained from the parish priest of that place. breviter annuntiari a Graecis, idque verisimi-
4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep- liter fieri, quia Constantinopili simul in
tembris xvii. De S. Lamberto seu eadem ecclesia coluntar, supra monui." —
Landeberto Episcopo Trajectensi et Martyre, '"Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Septembris
et ea Occasione de BB. Petro, Andoleto, xvii. Among the pretermitted feasts, p.
Etc. Leodii in Belgio, pp. 518 to 617. 463.
448 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 18.
(Cigbteentb JBap of September,
ARTICLE I.— ST. ENDEUS, ABBOT OF EMLAGHFAD, COUNTY OF SLIGO.
{SIXTH CENTUR \ '. ]
FRUITS, which show the brightest colouring on the rind, are not always
the most ripe and wholesome. They have attractions only for the
incautious and unwise. Yet those, who have attained a bad eminence are
very often honoured on earth, when God's holiest ones are almost unknown or
neglected. Our chief purpose in this collection is to rescue from almost
utter oblivion memorials that can still be found regarding those who have
rendered good service to Religion in the glorious past ages.
St. Endeus or Enna was probably born about the middle of the sixth
century, being son to Nuadan. We have few notices left regarding him.
However, as Dr. Lanigan remarks, nothing occurs to prevent us from sup-
posing him to have been that Endeus alluded to, in the Second Class1 of
Irish Saints.2. He is thought to have been a disciple of St. Columkille.s the
great Apostle of Caledonia. St Columba founded a monastery at a place
called Imleachfoda.4 Over this, he placed St. Enna, as its first minister.
The former residence of Endeus is now called Emlaghfad,* in Sligo County.
This ancient town6 lies six miles south of Sligo, and cne from Ballvmote.?
It is now a parish church, in the diocese of Achonry ; and Prince O'Donnell,
the Biogragher of St. Columkille, tells us, that the subject of his Memoir
erected a Church there, on the west side of a hill, called Tulach-sugra. At
present it is known as Tully,8 in Toomour, within the barony of Corann.9
The year of St. Endeus' or Enna's death is unknown. The festival of
this saint has been referred to the 18th of September, by Marianus
O'Gorman.10 This was probably the Natalis, or day of his death. However,
we do not find his festival in the Martyrologies of Tallagh or of Donegal at
that date.
Article II. — St. Fergna, Priest. In the published Martyrology of
Tallagh,1 the name of Fergna, Presb. is mentioned, as having had a festival,
Article I. — * See Ussher's " Britanni- J it is in the barony of Corran, and parish
carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii.. of Emlaghfad, represented on the " Ordnance
p. 474. Survey Townland Maps for the County of
a See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," Sligo," Sheet 33.
vol. ii., chap, xii., sect, x., p. 223. 8See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
3 See his Life, at the 9th of June, in the of St. Columba," Additional Notes, n. (G).,
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i. p 282.
4 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," 'The large parish of Toomour is repre-
P- 106. sented on the " Ordnance Survey Townland
s Emlaghfad, appears to have been com- Maps for the County of Sligo," Sheets 33,
pounded from these Irish words, Imleach 34, 39, 40, 44, 45. The townland of Tully
proa, which are Anglicised "the long is shown on Sheet 40.
marsh." 10 See "Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr.
6 Where Richard Earl of Ulster built a Whitley Stokes, pp.178, 179.
castle, about the year 1300, See ArchdalFs Article ii. — * Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
"Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 633. p. xxxiv.
September 18.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. . 449
at the 1 8th of September. It is also to be found in the Book of Leinster copy.*
In the Martyrology of Donegal, 3 he is described as Fergna, Priest. Then
within brackets, the Calendarist observes: "[He was of the race of Colla
Uais,* monarch of Erin.s Or he was son to the King of Caisel, &c,
see6 ] " Space for some authority to be quoted here seems to
have been reserved. At the 18th of September, his feast is entered as that
of the great Feargna, in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, with the
note of a commentator stating that he was a Priest.?
Article III. — St. Edain, of Droma Rath, most probably Drum-
rath, or Drumrany, County of Westmeath. In the Felire of St.
^Engus, at the 18th of September, a festival is set down for Enan of Druim
Raithne,1 and with a special eulogy for him. The scholiast on the text
states, that he was in the west of Meath.3 At this date, the Martyrology of
Tallagh, Book of Leinster copy,3 registers Edain of Droma Rathe, as having
been venerated.4 The place where he was held in honour may be Anglicised
" the church of the fort." The name of this holy man should probably be
written Enan or Henan. He was no doubt identical with a saint bearing
this name, venerated, as we have already seen, at the 19th of Augusts The
fact, that his festival was celebrated on the Sunday, after the 18th of Sep-
tember, at Drumrath or Drumrany, County of Westmeath, seems sufficiently
conclusive.6 Colgan says, however, that the church of Druimratha was
situated in Leyny, in the province of Connaught.? Here there had been an
oratory, which was burned by the foreigners, a.d. 946, while at the time
seven score and ten persons were in it.8 There is a parish called Druim-
raite, Anglice Drumrat,* in the barony of Corran, and County of Sligo ; while
there is a place similarly named, in the County of Westmeath.10 The patron
saint of this place is thought by Dr. O'Donovan" to have been called
differently St. Winoc, Enan, Fionan, Fionoe. He was venerated on the
2 Thus entered, ■peppiAi prbi. without reproach of Enan of Druim
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Raithne." — "Transactions of the Royal Irish
252,253. Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
4 The various branches of this powerful part i. On the Calendar of Oengus.p.cxxxviii.
family are traced in Roderick O'Flaherty's 2 See ibid., p. cxlvi
" Ogygia," pais iii., cap. lxxvi., pp. 361 to 3 Thus entered, .i. ertAin DpomA f\Ache.
366. * In like manner he is entered in the pub-
s He only reigned four years, from A.D. lished copy, edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p.
323 to a.d. 326, according to Dr. xxxiv.
O' Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," sAt that date, in the Eighth Volume of
vol. i., pp. 122, 123. However, Dr. this work, Art. iii.
O'Conor shows, that his expulsion should be 6See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath,
placed at A.D. 129. See n. (m.) ibid. Ancient and Modern," vol. Hi., chap, lxxiv.,
6 A note by Dr. Reeves states at this pp. 558, 559.
word : "This passage, which is in the later 7 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
hand, is unfinished in the original." niae." Index Topographicus, p. 876
' See the " Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr. 8See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Whitley Stokes, pp. 178. 179, and n. 2. Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 660, 661.
Article in. — « He is thus commemorated 9It contains 3,780*. 2r. 3/.— of which
in the " Leabhar Breac" copy : — 134a 35/. lie in detached portions. The
_ , . Protestant church is said to occupy the site
n*chucAnWc1ie5 . of St> Fechin's former religious establish-
C. un. tmlio mbUiche ment See „ Pariiarnentary Gazetteer of
Ugeiri CAin cetvoicn* Ireland," vol. ii., p. 90.
e«Ain -Or-owA TUicnne. I0 See Dn O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Thus rendered by Dr. Whitley Stokes : — Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (w.) p. 786.
"They sped into heaven, a hundred and "In a Letter, dated Athlone, September
seven thousand blossoms, at the fair birth 6th, 1837.
Vol. IX.— No. 8. i f
45o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 18.
i 8th of September. In the beginning of the present century, his patron day
was held at a well, near the place called Tober-Enain.12
Article IV. — Feast of St. Richarde or Richardis, Empress and
Virgin. This saintly and noble lady is referred to, at the 18th of September,
by Platius,1 Henry Fitzsimon, and the anonymous list of Irish Saints,
published by O'Sullivan Beare,a have her classed among the Irish Saints.
The Bollandists have inserted such accounts as could be collected regarding
this holy woman, at this date,3 in a historic sylloge.* They tell us, that by
some recent writers, St. Richardis is said to have been born in Scotia, and to
have been the daughter of a Scottish king. However, this account has been
rejected and refuted by Matthew Rader.s Other writers6 think she was born
in Alsace, and that she was daughter to the Count Erchangier, of Nordgau.?
She was renowned for her virtues, and married the Emperor Charles le
Gros.8 With him she was crowned and consecrated, a.d. 88 i, by the Sovereign
Pontiff John VIII.9 Notwithstanding that she lived with her husband in a
state of virginity, she was accused of incontinency ; but, by a public trial
her innocence was fully proved. With consent of the Emperor she quitted
the Court and retired to Andlau10 on the Lower Rhine, where they had
founded and endowed a monastery." There she lived for many years.
After death various miracles attested her sanctity. When Pope St. Leo IX.ia
passed through Alsace a.d. 1049, ne na(* tne body of St. Richardis raised
and placed in a grand monument behind the high altar. The parish church
of Etival,'3 in the diocese of St. Die, still preserves some relics of St.
Richardis, but the rich shrine which once contained them perished during
the excesses of the French Revolution.1* It seems to have been Colgan's
desire to publish her Acts, at this same date, as we find Richardis Impe-
ratricis mentioned on the posthumous list of his MSS.15
12 See " Letters containing Information re- Charles III., dit le Gros, [An. 885.] col.
lative to the Antiquities of the County of 1206. CEuvres Completes de Bossuet,
Westmeath, collected during the Progress of tome x.
the Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. i., p. 64. 9 This pontiff reigned from A.D. 872 to
Article iv.— x In " De Bono Statu Reli- 882. See Sir Harris Nicolas' " Chronology
gionis." of History," p. 210.
2 See "Historic Catholic* Hibernia? ,0This small town lies 18 m. SSW. of
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., Strasburg, and near the source of the River
xii., pp. 51, 56. Andlau, which takes its rise in the Vosges.
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep- It falls into the 111, after a N.E. course of 24
tembris xviii. De S. Richarde Imp. Virg. miles. See " Gazetteer of the World," vol.
Andlaviae in Alsatia, pp. 793 to 798. i., pp. 257, 258.
4 Comprising twenty-two paragraphs. " In after times, the abbess of that con-
s Chiefly because no ancient writer had vent bore the title Princess of the Roman
been found to support it. See " Bavaria Empire, had a seat among the Rhenish
Sacra," tomus Hi., p. 73. prelates, and held her authority direct from
6 Such as Franciscus Guillemann, in the Pope. The barons of Andlau held as a
Episcopis Argentinensibus, p. 125, and fief under the abbess, and their ancient
Laguille, in Historia Alsatiae, p. 138. baronial castle still exists.
7 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des " He reigned from 1048101054.
Saints," tome xi., xviii* Jour de Septembre, '3 It had been formerly the abbatial church
p. 238. of the Order of Premonstratensians.
8 This worthless prince— the grandson of I4See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
Charlemagne— lived from A.D. 832 to the Saints," tome xi., xviii* Jour de Septembre,
month of January, 888, when he died of p. 238.
grief and in great poverty. See Bossuet's '« See "Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quae
•'Abregede l'Histoire de France," liv. iii., MS. habentur ordine Mensium et Dierum."
September 18.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 451
Article V. — St. Foendelach or Faoindelach. In the Book of
Leinster copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh, at the 18th of September, is
entered a feast for Foindelaig.1 In the published copy,2 the name is printed
Foendelach. Marianus O'Gorman records him as Foendelach, " who was
found a help " in his Martyrology at this same date.3 The Martyrology of
Donegal* mentions, that Foendelach or Faoindelach was venerated at the
1 8th of September.
Article VI.— St. Gema, Virgin, of Riacc Innse. We find a festival
registered in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 18th of September, in
honour of Gema, Virgin, of Riacc Innse.3 In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman, 3 at the same date, the entry of Gemma is found. Her place and
period seem to be unknown.
Article VII.— St. Greallan Lainne. We find entered in the pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 18th of September, the name Griallan
Lainne, without any particular designation.2 In the Martyrology of
Donegal^ however, his name appears as Greallan Lainne ; and this seems to
follow that entry in the metrical Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,* at the
present date. Where Laine — rendered Land by Dr. Whitley Stokes — is to
be found has not been mentioned.
Article VIII. — St. Maelcanaigh, of Rusgach, in the County of
Louth. In the Book of Leinster copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 the
name Maelcanaigh is mentioned as having been venerated, at the 18th of
September.2 He is also recorded at same date in the Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gormans as " the Just ;" and in that of Donegal* as Maelcanaigh,
of Rusgach, in Cuailgne. This ancient district lay between Carlingford
Lough and Dundalk Bay, in the County of Louth. The present equivalent
of Rusgach can easily be determined within that peninsula.
Article IX. — St. Meno, a Deacon and Martyr. In Father Stephen
White's work,1 this holy ecclesiastic is classed at this day among the Irish
Martyrs of Belgium.
Article X. — One Hundred and Seven Thousand. In the early
Irish Church, at the 18th of September, was celebrated the Festival of one
Article v. — 'Thus written, Voimjelai 5. Whitley Stokes, pp. 178, 179, and n. (1).
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. ibid.
3 See the " Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr. Article viii. — 'Thus entered, mael-
Whitley Stokes, pp. 178, 179. CAnAig.
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 2 In that copy edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
252, 253. at this same date, the entry is Mcelcanaigh.
Article vi.— x In that copy of the See p. xxxiv.
Martyrology found in the Book of Leinster 3 See the " Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr.
we only have JeniAe uin. Whitley Stokes, pp. 178, 179. A commen-
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. tator adds that he was Maol Canaigh from
3 See the "Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr. Ruscaigh.
Whitley Stokes, pp 178, 179. "Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Article vii. — ' In the Book of Leinster 252, 253.
copy is found, 5ILA111 lami. Article ix. — ' See " Apologia pro
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. Hibernia," cap. iv., p. 42.
3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article x. — 'See "Transactions of the
252, 253. Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
4 See the " Felire Hui Gormain," by Dr. Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
^Engus, p. cxxxviii.
452 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 18.
hundred and seven thousand champions of Christ, who earned their crown in
Heaven, as we find recorded in the Felire of St. yEngus.1 We cannot dis-
cover any other reference to them in the general Calendars of the Church.
Article XI — Dedication of a Basilica. — In the early Irish Church,
at the 1 8th of September, the Dedication of a Basilica — not easily to be
determined — is found as a Festival in the copy of the Martyrology of
Tallagh, contained in the Book of Leinster.1 This is not entered, however,
in that Martyrology of Tallagh, published by Rev. Dr. Kelly.
Article XII. — Reputed Festival of Columban, Bishop. The Bol-
landists enter a festival for Columbanus, a Bishop, but without any other
circumstances mentioned, as they find it in the Florarian Manuscript, at the
1 8th of September. For the day succeeding, Ferrarius places a Bishop
Columbanus in Scotia. The Bollandists reserve for the 19th of September
further allusion to him.1
Article XIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Ninian of Candida Casa.
At the 1 8th of September, Camerarius has entered the feast of St. Ninian,
Bishop of Candida Casa in Scotland. This the Bollandists state at the
same day.1 Already have we treated about him, at the 16th of September.2
Article XIV. — Festival for Saints Piala and Hia, Virgins and
Martyrs. According to the Bollandists,1 who record a festival for these
holy virgins at the 18th of September, Saints Piala and Hia are said to have
suffered martyrdom in Britain, with St. Finghar or Guignar. At this date,
Lahier pronounces their eulogy in his work, Menologium Virginum. Already
have we treated on this subject, at the 23rd of February,2 as also, at the
23rd of March. 3
Article XV. — Festival of St. Eutroip or Eutropius. In the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, there is a feast for Eutroip or Eutropius,
at the 1 8th of September.1 Elsewhere we cannot find in any Calendar the
name of Eutroip or Eutropius, at this day.
Article XVI. — Feast of St. Meiteit or Medetus. A festival for
St. Me'iteit — rendered Medetus — is found in the Martyrology of Marianus
Article xi.— l Thus entered, 'OetucAcio Article xiv — * See " Acta Sanctorum,"
bAr-iUcae mar-cn. tomus v., Septembris xviii. Among the
Article xil— ' See "Acta Sanctorum," pretermitted saints, p. 755.
tomus v., Septembris xviii. Among the pre- 'See the Second Volume of this work, at
termitted Saints, p. 759. that date, Art. i.
Article xiil— * See " Acta Sanctorum," » See the Third Volume of this work, at
tomus v., Septembris xviii. Among the that date, Art. xiv.
pretermitted feasts, p. 756. Article xv. — ■ See Dr. Whitley
'See Art. i., in the present volume, at Stokes' "Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 178,
that date. 179,
September 19.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 453
O'Gorman, at the present date.1 It seems likely he is to be identified with
Medecius or Medacus of Nicomedia, as found in the ancient Martyrologies of
Richenau and Corbie. In those of Epternac and Milan, the name is written
Medetheus. The forms Mediteus and Medileus are also applied to him.
The Bollandists simply notice him at this date.2
Article XVII. — Festival of St. Methoit or Methodius. In the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman1 at the 18th of September is entered
Methoit, with the observation " better is he than a mighty birth.2 This
must have been intended to commemorate the holy bishop and martyr, St.
Methodius of Chalcis in Greece, whose Acts are noticed by the Bollandists,3
at the present day/
#fnetttntb ^aP 0f September,
ARTICLE I.— ST. FIONUTAIN, ABBOT, THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN THE
SON OF AEDH FINNLIATH.
[SIXTH CENTURY.']
MUCH uncertainty prevails regarding the identity, place, and period of
the present holy religious. St. Fintan, called abbot simply by Colgan,
ranks among our saints, at this date.1 Already in the Acts of St. Mochta or
Mochteus, Bishop and Patron ol Louth,2 we have seen, that he wrought a
wonderful miracle in bringing to life one Fintan, a disciple of St. Patrick,
who had been torn into pieces by some enemies.3 Colgan thinks it likely
he may be identified with St. Fintan, the son of Ferguss, son to Endeus
Niadh;4 but, he has alternate conjectures, that he may also be the St.
Fionntain, venerated at the 19th of September, or another bearing the same
name, whose feast occurs on the 1st of Octobers However, from the state-
ment of Fintan being the son of Ferguss, it is clear he cannot be identified
with the present saint, who has been called the son of Aedh Finnliath, by
the O'Clerys. In the Book of Leinster copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh,6
a festival is entered in honour of Fintan, Abbot, at the 16th of the October
Kalends. This is a mistake for the 13th or the 19th of September ; and, it
is perpetuated in the published version.? Nor is there any further designation
of him in the Manuscript copy of the Irish Calendar, at the 13th of the
October Kalends, as preserved among the Irish Ordnance Survey Records.8
Articlexvi.— 1 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' Article l— ' See "Acta Sanctorum
" Felire Hui Gormain,'- pp. 178, 179. Hibernise," xvii. Februani. Vita S. Fintani
2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep- Abbatis de Cluain-Ednech, Appendix, cap.
tembris xviii. Among the pretermitted i«, p. 355-
feasts, p. 759. 3 See his Acts at the 19th of August, in the
Article xvii. — x See " Felire Hui Gor- Eighth Volume of this work, Art. i.
main," by Dr. Whitley Stokes, pp. 178, 179. 3 See ibid., chap. iii.
aThe original Irish is thus given : " ferr 4See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum
he ol[d]us rogein." — Ibid. Hibernise," Martii xxiv. Vita S. Mochtei,
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v., Sep- Episcopi Lugmadensis, cap. xii., p. 730.
tembris, xviii. De S. Methodio Episc. Mart. 5 See ibid, n. 12, p. 732.
Chalcide in Graecia, pp. 768 to 773. 6 Thus pticani Abb.
4 In a Historic Sylloge of two sections, 7 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
containing twenty-four paragraphs. 8 See, " Common Place JBook, F," p. 79.
454 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 19.
The O'Clery Calendarist states, that he was son of Aedh Finnliath, who
descended from the race of Eoghan, son to Niall. Fintan, the son of Aedh,
is reckoned among St. Columkille's disciples.9 He seems to have been born
in Ireland, and when very young to have accompanied the Apostle of
Caledonia to Britain, to have joined the community in Hy, and to have been
a companion, when Columba passed beyond the Grampian Mountains.10
His history belongs chiefly to that of the North-British Church. He is said
to have been the founder of a church, called Abinde.11 In one place, Colgan
conjectures this to have been Kill-Aibhne Church, in the diocese of Clonfert.
This we must presume to be the present Killane, Killian, or Killiane, a
small parish,12 partly in the barony of Loughrea,x3 but chiefly in that of
Kilconnel,1* and about four miles south-west of Kilconnell village, in the
County of Galway. Fintan, the son of Aedh, is mentioned in Adamnan's1*
Life of St. Columba, as one who fell grievously sick on a missionary tour
over the Grampian Mountains. His companions prayed their Apostle to
restore his health. Stretching his hands to Heaven, Columba blessed him,
and predicted for the sick youth a long life, which was to continue after all
present had died. This prophecy was fulfilled. In after years, he founded a
monastery called Kailli-au inde, which Colgan supposed to have been in
Ireland, straining the denomination to correspond with Kill-aibhne, in the
diocese of Clonfert.16 However, its situation must be sought for in Scotland ;
and a conjecture has been offered1? that it was identical with a place called
Cally, in the parish of Bendothy, in Perthshire, where there was a chapel
and burial-ground dedicated to St. Fink.18 At Kailli-an-inde, Fintan, the
son of Aedh, having obtained a good old age, terminated his career.^ At
the 19th of September, Marianus O'Gorman20 enters a feast for Fintan, called
a fair noble and a rare gem. The commentator adds, that he was an abbot.21
The published Martyrology of Donegal22 records him, at this same date.
Article II. — Reputed Feast of St. Saran Mac Trenaich. At the
1 6th of the October Kalends,1 there is an entry, Saran Mac Trenaich, in the
Tallagh Martyrology, as published by the Rev. Matthew Kelly, D.D.2 It is
probable, however, that this is a misplaced festival of St. Saran Mac
Tiagharnaigh, who is venerated on the 21st of this month. From the Book
of Leinster copy of the Martyrology we miss such an insertion at this date.
9 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," l6 Quoting Colgan, Archdall fixes Cail-
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Columbse., leavinde in the County of Sligo. See
cap. x., p. 490. "Monasticon Hibeinicum," p. 629.
19 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life '7 By Mr. Skene,
of St. Columba," lib. ii., cap. 31, p. 144. ,8 See "Old Statistical Survey of Scot-
11 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." land," vol. xix., pp. 357, 359.
Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib. ii., cap. xxxi., '» See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
p. 357, and nn. 27, 28, p. 384. " Life of St. Columba," lib. ii., cap. 31, and
"It is described on the "Ordnance nn. (b, c, d, e), pp. 144, 145.
Survey Townland Maps for the County of 3° See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
Galway," Sheets 73, 86, 98. Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
13 The Loughrea section contains 1,466 2I See ibid., n. 1.
acres and 12 perches. "Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
14 The Kilconnel section contains 6,400 252, 253.
acres, I rood and 16 perches. See the Article ii.— ' Wrongly represented as
"Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. corresponding with the 19th of Sep-
ii., p. 453. tember.
'SHis Life occurs, at the 23rd of this 2See "Calendar of the Irish Saints,"
month, in the present volume. See Art. i. p. xxxiv.
September 19.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 455
Article III. — St. Mac Oigi, Priest. The particular name of this saint
does not appear to have been preserved, for he is only called 4I the son of
Oig." In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we read, that veneration
was given at this date to Mac Oigi.2 The contracted word Sac. follows this
announcement, and from its usual form of application, we may infer he was
a Priest. In the manuscript copy of the Book of Leinster, in like manner,
he was distinguished as Mac Cuigi, a Priest.3
Article IV. — St- Fergus, Cruithnech, or the Pict. We may sup-
pose from the term applied to this St. Fergus that he was a Pict, either in origin
and birth ; or perhaps it may have reference to his residence as missionary in
Pictland. It is likely, however, that he had some connexion with Ireland,
as he is classed among her saints. At the 19th of September,1 in the pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,2 we read, that veneration was given to Fergus,
Cruithnech, or the Pict. We have no such entry, in the Book of Leinster
copy. The time when he lived has not been ascertained.
Article V. — Reputed Feast of St. Faendalech. A festival in honour of
Faendalech is set down in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 19th
of September. It is quite possible, notwithstanding, that the present saint
differs not from one so named, at the day previous. The error of a scribe
may have caused this double insertion. This entry at the present date is
not found in the Book of Leinster copy.
Article VI. — St. Seachan. The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,
at the 19th of September, has a festival for " dear, modest Sechan."1 His
time, place, and position in the Irish Church cannot be determined with any
degree of accuracy. According to the Martyrology of Donegal,2 veneration
was given to Seachan, at the 19th of September. This is probably Senach,
bishop of Achadh Fobhar,3 numbered among St. Patrick's disciples.4
Article VII. — St. Comgell or Caomhgheall, Virgin. A festival in
honour of Comgell or Caomhgheall, Virgin, is found registered in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 19th of September, although the 1 6th of
October Kalends — corresponding with the 16th of September — is substituted.
ARTICLE III.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, " Sechan caemhnar."— Dr. Whitley Stokes'
p. xxxiv. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 190.
2 Incorrectly noted as xvi. Kalends of 2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
October. 252, 253.
3 Thus : rruccuigi prxefbi. 3 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Article IT.—' Incorrectly called xvi. Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. lxii.,
kalends of October. pp. 137, 138, and n. 118, pp. 178, 179.
"Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxiv. 4See ibid Quinta Appendix ad Acta S.
Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Patricii, cap. xxiii., p. 267.
p. xxxiv. Article vii.— "Edited by Rev. Dr Kelly,
Article vi. — ' The Irish entry is : p. xxxiv.
456 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS [September 19.
A similar error occurs in the Book of Leinster entry of her name.2 At this
same date, Marianus O'Gorman commemorates Comgell, noticed by his
commentator as having been a virgin. 3 In the Martyrology of Donegal,*
she is commemorated at the 19th of September.
Article VIII. — St. Anci or Ainchi. In the published1 and Book of
Leinster2 copies of the Martyrology of Tallagh, we find the simple entry,
Anci, without further designation, and at the 19th of September.3 The
Martyrology of Donegal* has Ainchi, at the 19th of September. We
cannot find any further account of him.
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of St. Sezin, Abbot in Armorica.
Already at the 6th of March, we have given the Acts of this early saint,1 but
Albert le Grand assigns this day to him,2 as the Bollandists notice, at the
19th of September.3
Article X. — Reputed Feast of St. Kortila. At the 19th of
September, Thomas Dempster has a feast for the elevation of St. Kortila,
Bishop and Confessor.1 Already we have alluded to him at the 28th of
March.8 He was the sixth bishop of Verden, according to Albert Krantz,3
and the " Spicilegium Ecclesiasticum Germaniae.4 Ferrarius follows
Dempster, in assigning this feast for the Elevation of the Body of Kortila.
However, the Bollandists, at the 19th of September, will not allow this
festival on the mere authority of Dempster; nor are they satisfied there is
warrant for Kortila's ecclesiastical cultus.*
Article XI. — Reputed Festival of a Columban in Scotland.
Thomas Dempster1 has a feast at the 19th of September for a supposed
Columbanus, a bishop in Scotia, who is said to have been a Canon Regular,
and to have led the Scots from the error of the Eastern Paschal observance.8
2 Thus : Comgell uij\. Article x. -' Thus ; " Verda» Kortilrc
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui episcopi, et confessoris elevatio, B :'' — Meno-
Gurmain," pp. 180, 181, and n. 2, ibid. logium Scoticum. See Bishop Forbes'
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 212.
252, 253. 2In the Third Volume of this work, Art.
Article viil — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. vii.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. 3 See " Metropolis," lib. i., cap. 29.
2 Thus : Anci. 4 See tomus v., p. 895.
3 Incorrectly styled xvi. Kalends of October. s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep*
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. tembris xix. Among the pretermitted Saints,
252,253. p. 1.
Article ix.— • See the Third Volume of Article xl— l See Menologium Scoti-
this work, at that date, Art. ii. cum" in Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
2 See "De Sanctis Armoricse, p. 379. Scottish Saints," p, 212.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep- 2 For this statement, he quotes B.C., which
tembris xix. Among the pretermitted leasts, initials do not represent any of his appended
p. I. authorities.
September 19.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 457
As usual with him, Ferrarius3 follows in good faith the assertions of
Dempster ; but, the Bollandists,< who record the statement, at this date, are
of opinion, that no Columbanus belonged to it.
Article XII. — St. Egbinus, a Levite. At the 19th of September, on
the authority of the Carthusian Martyrology, Father Henry Fitzsimon enters
Egbinus, Levite :x while in the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints given by
O'Sullivan Beare, we find only Egbinus, for the same day.2 In the same
manner, we have his name set down in the posthumous list of Colgan's
MSS., so that we may infer his life was to have been published at this date.3
Article XIII. — St. Zephanus. This form of name does not seem to be
Irish, It may, however, have been Latinized from some Celtic original.
The simple entry Zephanus, without any further designation, is met with in
the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 19th of September.2 We do not find
such an insertion at this date, in the Book of Leinster copy.
Article XIV. — Feast of St. Jantjarius, Bishop of Beneventum and
Martyr. The least of St. Januarius, or of Enair, so called in Irish, was
celebrated in our early national Church, as we find from the Felire of St.
^Engus,1 at the 19th of September. This holy man was of noble birth and
of a Neapolitan Christian family, it is supposed ; and he was elected Bishop
of Beneventum. During the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian,
he laboured much to console and confirm the faithful in their profession.
With other companions, he was apprehended, and brought before the
Prefect Timotheus, who condemned them to be beheaded. This martyrdom
occurred at Pouzzoli, on the 19th of September, a.d. 305. The Bollandists
have their Acts at the end of their sixth volume for the month of September,
edited by Father John Stilting, SJ.,2 and to which a Preface,3 with a
3 In " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum." Haio comlup fochlAch
4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep- Co C^ifc coenroxvi CAichlech
tembris xix. Among the pretermitted Con<vpLo5 pig f\emAin
feasts, p. 5. enAir\inmAin Aiclimec.
Article xii.— ' Florantius places him at
the 19th of October, apparently mistaking Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
him for Ethbinus. " Sped with a famous multitude to Christ's
2 See " Histoii* Catholicse Iberniae Com- loveable peace, with his host of pre-
pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., xii,, eminent Kings, Januarius — a dear comme-
pp. 51, 54. moration !" — " Transactions of the Royal
3 See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quK Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
MS. habentur oidine Mensium et Dierum." vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus,
Article xiii. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. p. cxxxviii.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. 2See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
2 Incorrectly noticed as xvi. Kalends of tembris xix. Addenda ad Diem Decimam
October. Nonam Septembris. De SS. Januario
Article xiv. — 'In the " Leabhar Episc, Sosio, Festo et Poculo Diaconis,
Breac"' version, the following rann occurs at Desiderio Lectore, Eutyche vel Eutychete
this date : — et Acutio Martyribus Puteolis in Campania
Felice, pp. 761 to 894.
458 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 19.
Previous Commentary/ is prefixed. The Acts are drawn from various
sources, and their dissertations are illustrated with a map and various
copper-plate figures. In the Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman,s at the
19th of September, the feast of Enair — interpreted Januarius — occurs.
Article XV. — Achtjit or Acutus. In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman " occurs the entry of Achuit, Latinized Acutus, at the 19th of
September. He seems to have been the martyr, who suffered with
Januarius, as related in the previous Article.
Article XVI. — St. Festus. A feast for Festus is entered in the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,1 at the 19th of September. He appears
to have been the Deacon Festus, who was the companion of St. Januarius
in martyrdom, as mentioned in a preceding Article.
Article XVII.— Procul or Proculus. At the 19th of September,
Marianus O'Gorman enters a feast for Procul or Proculus, in his Martyr-
ology.1 This holy man seems to have been the Deacon Proculus, who
shared the martyrdom of St. Januarius, as stated in a previous Article.
Article XVIII. — Eutic. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,
there is a feast for Eutic amlond, rendered "gentle Eutyches," at the 19th
of September.1 He is probably the same as Eutyches, who was united in
martyrdom with St, Januarius, as mentioned in a preceding Article.
Article XIX.— Felix and His Companions, Martyrs, at Nuceria,
Italy. At the 19th of September, Marianus O'Gorman1 has noticed the
"Train of Felix whom we hide not."* The holy martyr Felix and his
companions suffered for the faith, under the Roman Emperor Nero. They
are said to have been beheaded at Nuceria, in Italy, and little has been
recorded of them, although commemorated in various ancient Martyrologies.
The Bollandists have such notices of them at this day,3 as they had been
able to collect.
3 In three paragraphs. Article xviil— ' See Dr. Whitley
4 In thirty-one sections, comprising 487 Stokes' "Felire Hui Gormain," pp, 180,
paragraphs. 181.
5 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui Article xix.—1 See Dr. Whitley Stokes
Gormain," pp. i8o, 181. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
Article xv.— ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 2The Irish line reads thus :" lin Felic
" Felire Hui Gormain, pp. 180, 181. nach folgem [m]." — Ibid.
Article xvi.—1 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. Septembris xix. De SS. Felice et Constantia
Article xvil— 'See Dr. Whitley Mart., et forte Aliis Nuceriae in Italia, pp.
Stokes" ' Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. 6 to 8.
September 20.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 459
Article XX. — St. Constaint or Constantia. The Mar^rology of
Marianus O'Gorman1 commemorates the beautiful Constaint or Constantia,
at the 19th of September. She was the companion of St. Felix in his mar-
tyrdom, as mentioned in the previous Article.
Article XXI. — Pilip or Philippus. The festival of Pilip or Philip-
pus occurs in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 19th of
September.1 I do not find in any other calendar the name of Pilip or
Philippus, at this date.
Ctoenttetl) iBap of September*
ARTICLE I.— ST. MOGHAIDH, PRIEST.
BOTH in the Book of Leinster copy of the Martyrology and in that
published by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Kelly, the 20th and 21st days of
September appear to have been unfilled. However, on the 20th of
September, there is a commemoration of Mogaid, saccart or priest; but
nothing further is related of his time or place, in the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman.1 We have sought in vain to find some probable indication or
memorial of him in Irish hagiology. The Martyrology of Donegal2 records
a festival in honour of Moghaidh, Priest, at the 20th of September. In the
Martyrology of Tallagh,3 at the 19th of September, is found the name of
Mac Oigi Sach., as we have already seen, and it may be asked, if the name
can be identified with the foregoing one ? In this Calendar, likewise, the
20th of September is incorrectly called the XV. of the October Kalends,
instead of the XII.
Article II. — St. Aedhan, Son of Oissin. St. Aidus, Son of Ossin,
was held in reverence on this day, as Colgan states on the authority of our
Irish Menologists.1 The name of Aedhan, Son of Oissin, was venerated at the
20th of September, and is found in the Martyrologies of Marianus O'Gorman*
and of Donegal.3 Again, in the copy of this latter Calendar, belonging to the
Article xx. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' Hiberniae," xxxi. Januarii. Appendix, cap.
" FelireHui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. i., p. 221.
Article xxi. — ■ See the " Felire Hui 2 There entered as " Aedan alimm" —
Germain," by Dr. Whitley Stokes, pp. 180, rendered " Aedan whom I beseech " — while
181. a note adds, that he was the son of Oissen.
Article i.— l See Dr. Whitley Stokes' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui
"Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
252, 253. 252, 253. In a supplementary catalogue
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly. See p. xxxiv. taken from this record, the Rev. Mathew
Article ii. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum Kelly, D.D., sets down, "Sep. 20, Aedhan
460
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 20.
Irish Ordnance Survey Records, we find him mentioned at the XII. < of the
October Kalends or September 20th.
Article III. — Festival of Doroma. The Feilire of St. ^Engus has a
festival at the 20th of September, for a queen named Doroma f and a com-
mentator in the Leabhar Breac copy has notes,* which hardly give any
additional intelligence regarding her. Nowhere can I find what might
serve to throw light on her name, period or place.
Article IV. — Privatus. The festival of Privatus occurs at the 20th
day of September, in the Felire of Marianus O'Gorman.1 Whether he is the
Privatus, a Martyr in Phrygia, with Dionysius and perhaps Dorotheus, as
companions,2 or Privatus,3 bishop of Gabalitan, also a martyr/ cannot be
determined, as both had a festival, at this same date.
Article V. — Dionysius. In the early Irish Church, as we find from
the Felire of Marianus O'Gorman, a feast was held on the 20th of September,
to honour Dionysius.1 Whether he be the martyr of Phrygia, already
referred to as a companion of St. Privatus' martyrdom, or a martyr so called
at Perga in Pamphylia,2 venerated on this same day, I am unable to
determine.
Article VI. — Fausta, Martyr. At the 20th of September, Marianus
O'Gorman has a special eulogium for the virgin Fausta,1 whose feast he
celebrates.2 The martyrdom of this holy virgin, together with that of her
companions Evilasius, and perhaps that of Maximinus or Maximus at
Cyzicum3 on the Hellespont, is set forth on this date by the Bollandists.*
mac Oissin." See " Calendar of Irish
Saints." p. 30.
* Viz : -Ao-oan TTUc Oifpn. See page 79.
Article hi. — 'The rann is as follows:—
-AceochAin n 4)111454
T_>04ipreC 4|W04lA
1nrvi54n Dopom4
Con4flo5 r*onrn4-04.
Thus rendered into English : " We beseech
the virgins that they guard our assemblies :
may the Queen Doroma (?) with her host
protect us." — "Transactions of the Royal
Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series,
vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
cxxxviii.
2 Thus : doroma .i. uirgo nomen. Also
conaslog .i. cum uirginibus .u. suis. — See p.
cxlvi., ibid.
Article iv.— l In the following form :
" Priuait breo asa mbagimm," which is
translated, " Privatus, a flame which I
announce."~Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire
Hui Gormain," p. 180, 181.
3 The Bollandists have notices of them at
the 20th of September in their "Acta
Sanctorum," tomus vi., Septembris xx. De
SS. Dionysio et Privato et forte Dorotheo
MM. in Phrygia, p. 150.
3 See ibid. Among the pretermitted Saints,
p. 104.
4 This latter Privatus is commemorated at
this present date by Maurolycus and Cani-
sius. while the Roman Martyrology and the
Bollandists have his feast at the 21st of
August.
Article v.— « The entry is : " Dionis fris
ndalain," thus rendered, "Dionysius with
whom I meet." — Dr. Whitley Stokes'
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
2 See an account of his Passion in the
Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
Septembris xx. De SS. Theodoro Philippa
Matre ejus, Socrate et Dionysio, MM., pp.
138 to 140.
Article vi.— ' Thus, "Fausta oebnar
ogseng," rendered, " Fausta, beautiful,
modest, virginal, slender."
8 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
Gormain, pp. 180, 181.
3 Otherwise known as Spiga, an ancient
city of Mysia Minor, between the mouths of
the Rhyndac and Esapian rivers.
* See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
tembris xx. De S. Fausta, Evilasio et
forte Maximino MM. Cyzici in Helles-
September 21.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 461
Article VII. — Evilasius and Eulogius. On the 20th of September
was celebrated in Ireland the festival of Evilais and Eugog, according to the
Felire of Marianus O'Gorman.1 For what has been already stated regard-
ing Evilasius, the reader is referred to the previous account of St. Fausta.
Eulogius was a priest and a martyr at Cordubia, and whose feast occurs on
this day, according to Usuard, although the Roman Martyrology marks it at
the nth of March.2
Article VIII. — Elevation of the Relics of St. Landalin. The
Bollandists,1 at this date, quote Dorgan for a festival commemorating the
Elevation of St. Landolin's Relics, at the 20th of September. They refer to
the 15th of June for notices given of him. Also, at the same day, allusion
is made to St. Wandelinus or Landalin, in the sixth volume of this work.2
Article IX. — Reputed Festival of St. Cuthbert, Bishop of Lin-
disfarne. According to Greven, as the Bollandists remark,' at the 20th
of September, a festival of St. Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, was com-
memorated. Already at the 20th of March his life is given, in the Third
Volume of this work.2
Article X. — Vigil of St. Matthew the Apostle. In the Martyr-
ology of Marianus O'Gorman,1 the Vigil of St. Matthew the Apostle is noted
at this date.
Ctoentp--ftj:$t 2Bap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. EDILHUN, MONK IN IRELAND.
[SEVENTH CENTURY.]
LIKE many of his countrymen, who had desired to render themselves
more educated in sacred and profane learning, as also more perfect in
the science of the saints, Edilhun had known how celebrated were the
schools and monasteries of our country at a time, when Christianity had just
began to take root in the northern parts of Britain. This holy man was an
ponto, pp. 140 to 147. There is a Pre- Article viii. — ' See " Acta Sanctorum,"
vious Commentary in two sections of tomus vi. Septembris xx. Among the
twenty-four paragraphs, with a narrative of pretermitted Saints, p. 103.
their Passion in thirteen paragraphs, with 2 See Art. vi.
notes. Article ix. — 'See " Acta Sanctorum,
Article vii. — • Thus entered : " Euilais tomus vi., Septembris xx. Among the pre-
la hEugog," which is rendered, " Evilasius termitted feasts, p. 103.
with Eulogius." — Dr. Whitley Stokes' 2 See Art. i.
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. Article x. — 'Thus : " Uigilia maith
2 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," Matha," rendered (The Apostle) "Matthew's
tomus vi., Septembris xx. Among the pre- good vigil." See Dr. Whitley Stokes
termitted feasts, p. 103. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
462 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September ai,
Anglo-Saxon by birth, which appears to have taken place early in the sixth
century. The English Martyrology of John Wilson,1 Father Henry
Fitzsimon, and the Anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints, published by
O'Sullivan Beare, enter St. Edilhun's feast at the 21st day of September,2
the date assigned for it by other hagiologists. As Wilson signifies, he did
not find the name of Edilhunus in the old English Martyrology or Calendar ;
the Bollandists,3 who insert his commemoration at this date, think that he
had not been anciently held up for public veneration in the Church.
However, from the eulogium pronounced on him by Venerable Bede, and
on trustworthy authority, there can hardly be a doubt, that Edilhun
eminently deserved and received that meed of popular approbation, especially
as he had a prophetic vision of his approaching death. Moreover, the virtues of
Edilhunus are highly commemorated by Venerable Bede,* who treats about
him, in connexion with St. Egbert, whose Acts have been already given at
the 24th of April, the day assigned for his festival. s We need scarcely do
more than refer to that record, which includes the transactions of both holy
companions in friendship and expatriation. Edilhun was of noble birth, and
a brother to Ethelwin,6 a man no less beloved by God, who also went over
to Ireland for purposes of study, and who, being there well instructed,
returned afterwards to his own native country. He became bishop over the
province of Lindsey, and long governed that See, in a worthy and creditable
manner. Both Egbert and Edilhun were fellow students in a monastery
denominated Rathmelsigi/ by Venerable Bede, at a time when the dreadful
pestilence of a.d. 664 raged throughout Ireland, and both were attacked by
that disorder, under which they were grievously suffering for some time.
Then Edilhun had a vision, in which his own immediate death had been
revealed, and also the fact, that his companion should survive him for many
long years. This he related to Egbert on awakening from his sleep, and
Edilhun was called to his rest on the following night. At the 21st of
September, Ferrarius has a festival for Edilhunus.8 That was the supposed
day of his death in Ireland, when he fell a victim to the great pestilence a.d.
664.9
Article II.— St. Landelinus, Solitary and Martyr. The Life of
this holy man -written about the year 1200 — was to be found in a Codex
Bodecensis, and from it the Prior,1 R. P. F. Martinus Stephanus, compiled,
" Historia de Vita et Martyrio S. Landelini, qui sexto post Nativitatem
Christi seculo, vigessimo primo Septembris passus, Miraculis etiamnum
claret." It was printed a.d. 1621. Afterwards, Gamansius, a Jesuit father,
Article i. — ' In the first edition, in which s For an account of him, see at that date,
he quotes the authority of Venerable Bede's in the Fourth Volume of this work,
'' Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," Art. i.
lib. iii., cap. 27. 6 See a notice of him at the 27th of July —
2 See "Historic Catholicae Ibernise the day of assignment for his feast — in the
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., Seventh Volume of this work, Art. vi.
xii., pp. 5I.S4- 7The precise situation of which is not
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep- known.
tembris xxi. Among the pretermitted feasts, 8See " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum."
p. 185. 9 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
4 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis An- niae," ii, Martii. Vita S. Ceddae, n. 5,
glorum," lib. iii., cap. xxvii., pp. 380 to 385. p. 446.
Seethe Rev. J. A. Giles' "Miscellaneous Article ii. —'Of the Ccenobium D.
Works of Venerable Bede," vol. ii. Ethonis et S. Landelini.
September 21.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
463
sent a transcript of that Codex to the Bollandists, in 1641. Both accounts
state, that he was a Scotus, and at the assumed period of his mission, the
term' means, that he was an Irishman. In his edition of Usuard, Father
Soller, S.J., supposes this saint to have been identified with Landelin, a
disciple of St. Autbert of Cambray, abbot and confessor. At the 21st of
September, the Bol-
landists3 have some
notices of him ; and
following the autho-
rity of the Bruxelles
copy of Usuard,
they record the
Translation, or, as
Molanus has it, the
Elevation of St.
Landelin, Abbot,
at the same date,?
while they refer to
his Life, inserted
at the 15 th of
June/ Directed by
a holy zeal to serve
God in solitude,
he came to Alsace ;
one of the old
German provinces,
afterwards forming
the two French
departments of the
Upper and Lower
Rhine until 187 1,
when the victorious
Germans annexed
it to their Empire.*
Afterwards passing
the Rhine, he
desired to fix his
residence in that part of Strasburgh diocese, then situated on the confines
of Brisgau, and called Ortenau, and which in our times belongs to the
diocese of Friburg — the majestic Gothic cathedral of which, with its great
surmounting tower and graceful perforated spire,6 at present attracts so much
the interest and admiration of all visitors. 7 A poor man named Edulph,
Friburg, Switzerland.
2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
tembris xxi. Among the pretermitted feasts,
pp. 182, 183.
3 With this the Benedictine Martyrologies
and Ferrarius agree.
4 See, also, at that day, notices in the
Sixth Volume of this work, under the head
of St. Wandelinus, Wandalius, or Ladalinus,
Confessor, Disciple of St. Columban, Art. vi.
5 See Beeton's "Dictionary of Universal
Information." Geography, Biography, and
History. New edition, by George R.
Emerson, p. 103. London, Royal 8vo. No
date.
6 The accompanying view has been copied
from an approved engraving, drawn on the
wood and engraved by Gregor Grey.
7 " Viewed from the outside, the nave of the
church appears much lower and shorter than
it really is, on account of the height and
position of the spire, which is placed imme-
diately over the principal doorway. This
false impression, however, vanishes as soon
as we are inside. Suddenly everything
464 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 21
with his wife, lived in that part of the country, and he cultivated some waste
land in the desert. With him Landelin dwelt for a time ; but desiring
stricter retirement, he resolved on penetrating still further into the forests.
He found a little valley watered by a rivulet, and liking the situation, he
erected a hermitage, in which he resided, almost unknown to men. There
he cultivated the practice of many virtues, and spent his life in continuous
acts of prayer and contemplation. However, the wild country around him
was infested with robbers and assassins, who were a terror to all the
peaceably-disposed members of the community. How long the holy hermit
lived in this solitude is unknown. But, it so happened, that a hunter,
belonging to one of the nobles in the country bordering on the forest, met
him in that wilderness. Notwithstanding the innocence and candour which
graced the features of Landelin, he was suspected as being one of the
malefactors in disguise. Whereupon the hunter slew him on the spot, and
there left his body without sepulture. Hearing no account of the holy
hermit for a considerable time, the wife of Edulph set out to seek him in the
forest ; when great was her surprise and sorrow to discover only his unburied
remains. These she had interred about half a league from his abode, and at
a place since known as Munch-weiler. There the tomb of Landelin is
preserved behind the high altar of the parochial church. It was rendered
famous for the many miracles there wrought in favour of those who sought
his intercession. The martyrdom of St. Landelinus is commemorated in the
Codex Hagenoyensis Usuardinus, andjby Greven, at the 21st day of Septem-
ber. The place of the holy martyr's retreat was afterwards selected for the
building of a church, and to it many pilgrims resorted. Several solitaries
established themselves in that wilderness, formerly the resort of robbers and
outlaws. To favour their pious desires, Bishop Widegeme founded a small
monastery near the tomb of St. Landelin for Benedictine monks, and he
endowed it with some of his cathedral revenues. Its church was dedicated in
honour of the Blessed Virgin, St. John the Baptist, and St. Peter. It got the
name Cella monachorum, alias Ettonis-monasterium or " cell of the
monks,"8 and which it communicated to the village, which is at the entrance
to the Black Forest. Having been somewhat neglected by the successors of
Bishop Widegeme, the monastery was restored by Bishop Heddon, who
gave it the name of Ettenheimmunster. This religious house formed part of
that territory belonging to the principality of the Bishops of Strasbourg.0
The Bollandists are surprised, that Etto, the Bishop of Strasbourg, who
restored the monastery at Ettenheim, and who enriched it with various gifts,
makes no mention in his will10 of St. Landelin ; neither do writers who have
treated about that foundation and its restoration. Wherefore they greatly
suspect, from the silence of ancient Martyrologies and writers, who have
minute accounts of Alsace and Eastern France, that as the relics of Landelin,
Abbot in Hannonia, had been brought to some places in Germany, so they
might have been conveyed to Ettenheim, and that some one ignorant of
Landelin's acts may have called him a martyr, while he was but a confessor,
and may have considered him to have been a Scot, instead of his having been
grows to majestic proportions; the grey 8 See " Gallia Christiana," tomus v., col.
pillars rise high on every side, and the eye 864.
can scarcely take in the whole width from 9See L'Abbe Hunckler's " Histoire des
the door to the choir in one glance."—" The Saints d'Alsace."
Rhine from its Source to the Sea." Trans- ,0This was written in the eleventh year of
lated from the German by G. C. T. Bartley, King Pipin's reign, A.D. 763. The text is
M.P., chap, iv., pp. 63, 64. London, 1888, given by Guillimann, in his History of the
4to. Bishops of Strasbourg, p. 106-
September 21.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 465
a native of Gaul or Belgium." However, such conjectures rest on no very
solid foundation.
Article III. — St. Saran mac Tiagharnaigh of Lesan, on Mount
Callan, and of Cluain da-acra in Cheachair. The name, Saran mac
Trenaich, is found in the Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 19th of September;
and this entry seems referable to the present date. The O'Clerys state,
that the present holy man was the son of Tighernach, son of Maenach. At
the end of those saints he commemorates at the 21st of September, Marianus
O'Gorman2 celebrates with eulogy this holy man, invoking his intercession
and that of others in the following manner : " Saran,3 the goodley gem,
Tigemach's son/ whom I choose : may they fly with me past tribulation to
starry heaven as I ask ! " At this date, we read in the Martyrology of Donegal,*
that Saran was of Lesan — said to be identical with Lessan, Londonderry
County6 — in the Sliabh Callann, and of Cluainda-acra, in Cechair. There
is a repetition, at this date, of his name, paternity and places, in the Irish
Ordnance Survey Copy of the O'Clerys' Irish Calendar.? A corresponding
account is to be found in a manuscript copy of that Calendar, once in Mr.
O'Curry's possession. The foregoing entry in the Martyrology has been
extracted to furnish it.
Article IV. — Feast of St. Caidoc, Abbot of Lanncarvan, in
Wales. The Acts of this Holy Abbot have been already given, at the 24th
of January,1 which seems to have been the correct date for his festival, in
Great Britain. However, in the diocese of Vennes, in British America, his
chief celebration appears to have been assigned to the 21st of September.*
St. Cadoc or Cado, styled Bishop and Martyr, is said to have been a son of
Gladuse, the daughter of Brecan, and to have had his festival at this date.*
Article V. — St. Maninius, or Naninus, Confessor. A St. Maninius
occurs at the 21st of September in the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints,
published by O'Sullivan Beare.1 We are inclined to believe, that this is the
11 The Bollandists add : " Miracula pos- acra isin Cechair. Thus rendered into Eng-
terioribus seculis patrata omnino vera esse lish :
possunt, etiamsi commissus credatur error Saran, son of Tigernach, son of Maenach,
ejusmodi. Priora vero seque ac martyrium from Lessan in Sliab Callann and Cluain da
et gesta omnia, prout relata sunt, plane Acra in the Cechair.
suspecta videntur, Suspicionem nostram 5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
auget dies, quo martyrio sublatus dicitur 252, 253.
Landelinus, cum hie sit iile ipse dies, quo 6 MS. note to William M. Hennessy's
facta est elevatio Landelini abbatis." — Copy.
" Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Septembns 7 Now preserved in the Royat Irish Aca-
xxi. Among the pretermitted feasts, p. 183. demy. It runs thus :
Article hi. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. " Safari mac UiaShapnasVi mac
Kelly, p. xxxiv. tYlaonaigh, o lefan 1 sliabh Callann
2 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui acuj* 6 Cluain x>a acj\A ipn Coacaijv"'
Gormain," pp. 180, 181. Article iv. — ■ In the First Volume of
3 The following is the Irish text : this work, Art. ii.
" Sanan • rocemm " See Albert le Grande» " De Sanctis
'CO P1 mLn, n^ „n,» J-talJ^ *££ par Do,„ Guy-
4 The Irish comment on the text runs: Article v. — ' See " Historiae Catholicoe
Saran mac Tigernaigh meic Maenaigh 6 Iberniae Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
Lesan i Sliabh Callann ocus o Cluain da cap. xi., p. 51.
X G
466 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 21.
same saint, who has been called Naninus, Confessor, at the same day of the
month, in the Carthusian Martyrology, and in Henry Fitzsimon's
Catalogue.2 The Bollandists^ commemorate him on this day, following
Ferrarius,* but they suspect, that the name is a corruption of Ninian, whose
Acts had been already given at the 16th of this month.' As we have seen
at the day preceding, Thomas Dempster has given a festival to St. Ninian,
and at this date to Naninus, a confessor.6 But, as the Bollandists remark,
he frequently multiplies saints and without authority.
Article VI. — St. Pampil or Pamphilus, Martyr at Rome. — At the
21st of September, Marianus O'Gorman enters the feast of St. Pampil or
Pamphilus.1 He suffered Martyrdom at Rome, and the Bollandists relate
whatever they could collect regarding him, at this same date.2
Article VII. — St. Alexander, Bishop and Martyr. — In the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 21st of September, is entered
the feast of Alexander airdeirc, rendered " conspicuous Alexander."1 The
interesting Acts of this holy martyr are published by the Bollandists,2 and
they are preceded by a previous commentary,3 with notes appended, by
Father John Perier, S.J., at this day. He suffered martyrdom under the
Emperor Antoninus, and his Acts were written by an eye-witness, the Priest
Crisentianus.
Article VIII. — St. Clemeint or Clemens. At the 21st of Septem-
ber, Marianus O'Gorman has a feast for Clemeint or Clemens.1 We find in
no other Calendar a saint of his name, at this date.
Article IX. — Reputed Feast of Ciricc, or Cyricus. At the 21st
of September, Marianus O'Gorman has entered " Ciricc caraim," rendered
** Cyricus, whom I love." 1 In no other Calendar, that I know of, is there
such a festival at this date ; but, a St. Cyricus, a Thracian, hermit and con-
fessor, is honoured on the 27th day of March, and a St. Cyricus, a martyr at
Rome — whose period has not been ascertained— is venerated on the 4th of
July.
" See ibid., cap. xii., p. 56. Article VI. — 'See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep- " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
tembris xxi. Amwg the pretermitted feasts, 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
p. 183. Septembris xxi. De S. Samphilo Martyre
4 " Nanius episcopus bis annunciatur apud Romse, Sylloge. De Memoria in Martyro-
Ferrarium, ante in Hibernia, deinde in logiis, Cultu et Reliquiis. In five paragraphs,
Scotia. * * Ferrarius enim laudat pp. 236, 237.
Canisium, qui Ninianum habet duobus Article vii.— ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
diebus, numquam Naninum, sicut etiam in "Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
alicpiot catalogis Sanctorum Hiberniae 2See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
Naninus ad hunc diem ponitur, Maninus tembris xxi. De S. Alexandro Episc. Mart,
etiam uno loco dictus, sed nuspiam via Claudia in Italia.
Ninianus."— Ilnf. 3 In eighteen paragraphs.
s See also at that date in the present Article viil— ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
volume, Art. i. "Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
' See "Menologium Scoticum " in Bishop Article ix.— ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p.2 12. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 1S0, 181.
September 21.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 467
Article X. — Claudus. Marianus O'Gorman commemorates Claudus
molaimm, rendered "Claudus, whom I praise," on the 21st day of Septem-
ber.1 In no other Calendar is to be found such a saint's name, at this date.
Article XI. — Laudus. At the 21st of September, Marianus O'Gorman
has entered a feast for Laudus.1 This is noted, likewise by the Bollandists,
at the present day,2 under the various names of Laudus, Laudonus, and
Lautonus, on the authority of some additions to Usuard, and as noticed by
Canisius, Ferrarius, Saussay, Castellan, as also in the Florarian and Parisian
Martyrologies. However, with the Roman and other Martyrologies, they
defer his chief commemoration to the day succeeding.3
Article XII. — St. Matthew, Apostle. In the Church of Ireland, the
festival of St. Matthew was commemorated, on the 21st of September, and
St. ^Engus at that date, alludes to him with a special eulogy.1 A Latin note
is found appended.2 This distinguished Apostle and Evangelist — also
called Levi — was at first a tax-gatherer, and called early in his mission by
our Divine Lord to become His disciple. After Christ's Resurrection, he
preached among the Jews, and wrote his Gospel in the Hebrew tongue. He
subsequently preached in Ethiopia, and his labours in that missionary
field were confirmed by the performance of many miracles. He converted
its King and the whole nation to the Christian religion. However, on
the death of that potentate, because St. Matthew had induced Iphigenia to
lead a life of celibacy, her father, Hirtacus, caused him to be slain while
celebrating the Holy Mystery of the Altar, on the nth of the October
Kalends. His body was translated to Salernum, where a church dedicated
to him had been erected by the Sovereign Pontiff Gregory VII. There he
was held in special veneration, and his tomb was frequented by great
numbers of his pious votaries. On this day, likewise, Marianus O'Gorman
records the festival of Matthew, an Apostle of Jesus.3 The Chain Book of
the City of Dublin,4 which is preceded by a Calendar of the well-known
saints venerated in the Church,* has the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and
Evangelist, at the xi. of the October Kalends, (September 21st) with a
notice that he had an Office containing Nine Lessons. This number also
corresponds with that set down at this date, in the Roman Breviary.
Article x. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes' into a high, sparkling station ! the sun white
" Felire Hui Gormaiiy' pp. 180, 1 8 1. with beauty, Matthaeus a rampart, strong,
Article xi. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes' shining!" — " Transactions of the-Royal Irish
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 180, 181. Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., part i. On the Calendar of Oengns, p.
Septembris xxi. Among the pretermitted cxxxviii.
feasts, p. I85. 2Thus : " i Matha .i. euangelista qui apud
3 They remark, that Saussay in his Series Etiopiam marterio coronatus est." — Ibid., p.
of Saints joins St. Laudus and St. Possessor cxlvi.
in the same cultus. 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 'Felire Hui
Article xil— ' In the " Leabhar Breac" Gormain," pp. 180, 181.
copy of his Feilire, we have the stanza — * See the " Calendar of Ancient Records
StiAi-orium intMb rWsAch of Dublin, in the Possession of the Munid-
Iforr-vo nAtvo noiblech P^ 1C°rP°raotl0An °{}^\ Vty' ,by- John T'
iJ^iAt. 5elt cotisDAch glib"!, F .S.A M.R.I.A., vol. 1., p. 215.
nUrhA murt r^en corotecti. Dubl/rn' l8** RoXa *vo.
1 ' s Many of the Saints specially venerated
Thus rendered into English by Dr. Whitley in England are in it, but only a few of the
Stokes : " May the hostful sage protect us Irish patrons.
468 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 22.
CtoentMeronfc JBap of September.
ARTICLE I. —ST. COLUM, OR COLOMB CRAG, PRIEST AT ENACLI
COUNTY OF LONDONDERRY.
[SIXTH CENTURY.]
THE present servant of God1 seems to have been born early in the
sixth century. Already has allusion been made to him in the Life
of St. Columkille.2 The parentage of this St. Columb— surnamed Crag —
is unknown ; but by Colgan he has been considered identical with a very
wise and venerable man, who was the friend of St. Fintan Munnu,3 in the
younger years of the latter, and probably also a spiritual director. However
this may be, when Fintan Munnu desired to take a voyage from Derry to
Iona, in order to visit St. Columba, he sought the advice of Columb Crag,
who then resided at Eanach,* and northwards from Derry. By our saint,
Fintan was confirmed in that purpose, in the earlier part of June, a.d. 597.
Soon arrived monks from Derry, who brought news to Eanach from Iona,
that the great archimandrite was dead. All who heard this shed tears in
abundance. Nevertheless, when informed, that Columbkille had appointed
St. Baithan* as his successor, Columb Crag asked Fintan what he then
desired to do. The latter replied, that he should still persist in his purpose
of going to Iona to place himself under the rule of that pious and wise man
Baithen as his Abbot. The Church of Columb Crag was at Enach, in the
northern part of Ireland, at this time, when he was regarded as a venerable
old man. As to whether he had been a superior of monks we have no record
left. About two miles to the north-east of Derry, this church of Enagh —
between the two small Loughs of Eastern and Western Enagh — was
situated in the present townland of Templetown,6 parish of Clondermot, and
barony of Tirkeeran, County of Londonderry.? There is a cemetery
containing the interesting remains of an ecclesiastical building.8 The ruins
of this church measure ninety-one by twenty-one feet, with a transept on the
south twenty-three feet square. Here the O'Cahans had their chief
residence,* and from them the whole tract from the Foyle to the Bann got
Article I. — ' See an account of him in at that date, an account of him is presented
Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. in the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. iii.
Columba," lib. i., cap. 2, pp. 18 to 23, with 6 It is shown on the " Ordnance Survey
accompanying notes. Townland Maps for the County of London-
a See the Sixth Volume of this work, at derry," Sheet 14.
June 9th, Art. i. Life of St. Columkille,chap. 7 See Acts of Archbishop Colton, in his
xvii. "Metropolitan Visitation of the Diocese of
3 His festival occurs on the 2 1 st of October, Derry, a.d. mcccxcvii." Edited by Dr.
at which date some notices of him may be Reeves, n. (6), p. 28.
found. *In former times, it was a ohapel of
4 It was near a castle, belonging to the Clondermot in the corps of Derry Deanery
O'Cahan family. See Colgan's "Trias and Diocese.
Thaumaturga." Quarta Vita S. Columbae, 'In Speed's Map of Ulster it is called
lib. i., cap. ii., n. 22, p. 393. Anoghe and placed on the west edge of the
s His feast is held on the 9th of June, and lake. Mercator and Bleau call it Anagh.
September 22.I LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS
469
the name of 0' Kane's country.10 Their castle was situated on an island
in Lough Enagh.11 The two small Loughs of Enagh1* lie between the
mouth of the Foyle and Faughan Rivers, and near the western bank of the
latter stream, which has a romantic course in its rise from the Eagle's Nest
rocks,^ at the base of Sawel mountain, on the boundary of Tyrone County.
At present, there are no ruins or any traditions about St. Columb Crag, at
Templetown.1* There are few townland denominations more numerous
in Ireland than those known as Anna, or Annagh — the modern equivalent
Enach Lough, County Londonderry-
for Enach. The compounds of this form are still more numerous. xs It
therefore would not be easy of accomplishment to identify this exact locality,
but that Colgan gives us a further clue, by calling the present Saint Columba
Cragius, superior of Enagh, or the church of Cluainenaich, near Derry, in
10 In the middle ages, the O'Kanes were
called Chiefs of Kienachta and Creeve.
11 In 1555, this castle was destroyed by
Calvach O'Donnell, as related in Dr.
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. v., pp. 1540, 1 541, and n. (h),
ibid. It was afterwards re-edified. In
1591, Tyrone and the present County ot
Londonderry had been converted into shire
ground by Queen Elizabeth. In 1603, an
Inquisition held at Anagh, this very place,
found that O'Kane had endowed the church
and its herenach in perpetuity, with " 2
quarteria terrse omnis generis proxime dictse
ecclesise adjacentia."
12 The accompanying illustration of Lough
Enagh is from a photograph, representing
one of its best views, and kindly furnished
by the Rev. William O'Doherty, C.C.,of St
Columb's Church, Derry. It has been drawn
on the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey.
13 " Several of the lateral glens in the up-
land part of its course have much romance
of character, and a large proportion of the
low country which it washes is amongst the
finest in the county. Large tracts of its vale
are owned, and have been considerably
improved, by the London Incorporated
Companies."—" Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Ireland," vol. ii., p. 197-
x< Statement of Rev. William O'Doherty,
in a letter to the writer, dated Derry, May
6th, 1899.
is See " General Alphabetical Index to
the Townlands and Towns, Parishes and
Baronies of Ireland," pp. 17 to 22.
47© LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 22.
Ulster.16 For this statement, too, he cites the authority of Adamnan.^ St.
Columb Crag survived St. Columbkille, but whether or not he lived into the
seventh century is unknown. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorraan,
at the 22nd of September, there is a festival for Colomb, vehement,
delightful (?) as the Calendarist pleases to style him ;l8 while the scholion
observes he was a priest from Enach. x9 According to the Martyrology of
Donegal,20 Colum, Priest of Enach, was venerated at the 22nd of September.
In the year 1197, this church of Cluain-i Eanach was plundered by Rostel
Pyton, a partisan of John De Courcy and the English of Ulidia, during a
predatory excursion.21
Article II. — St. Colman, Son of Cathbhadh, of Midhe-iseal.
The anxious endeavours and desires of prudent parents should be directed
to train their children, and make them walk in the paths of virtue. If such
care were always taken, the world would rejoice in the example of saints.
At the 22nd of September, the Martyrology of Tallagh1 records a festival to
honour Colman, son of Cathbhadh, of Midisiul. The O'Clerys state, that
Aighlenn, daughter of Lenin, was his mother. That his parents had well
fulfilled their duties towards their son seems to admit of little doubt. With
the other saints venerated on this day, Marianus O'Gorman calls on godly,
pure-coloured Colman, son of Cathbad, to help us.* The commentator
adds, that he belonged to Midhisiul, interpreted Lower Meath.s At the
same date, the Martyrology of Donegal* has an entry of Colman, son of
Cathbhadh, from Mide isiul.
Article III. — St. Barrfhinn, said to have been a son of Ernin.
In the published Martyrology1 of Tallagh, a festival for Barrfin is entered at
the 22nd day of September, Nearly the same record is in that copy con-
tained in the Book of Leinster.2 On Little Island, on the River Suir, County
of Waterford, a hermitage or monastery is said to have been founded in the
sixth century by a St. Bairfionn, a disciple of St. Comgall.3 However, we
cannot state, that he is identical with the present holy man. The Martyr-
ology of Marianus O'Gorman calls the saint here entered Barrfind mor, or
"great Barrfind," while a commentator on that work states, he was mac Ernin,
or u a son of Ernin."4 A festival in honour of Barrlhinn, son of Ernin, is
found recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal,* at this date.
16 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Ap- 2Thus run the lines : —
pendix ad Acta S. Columbae, cap. x., Colman diada dathglan,
p. 489. Mac Cat [h] bad diar cobair.
17 See Vita S. Columbse, lib. i., cap. lxiv., — Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire ITui
and n. 22, ibid., p. 373. Gormain," p. 182.
18 His words are : " Colum dian comhaig." 3 See ibid, and notes, pp, 182, 183.
—Dr. Whitley Stokes'" Felire Hui Gor- 4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
main," p. 182. 254, 255.
19 Thus : " Sacarl 6 Enach." — Ibid., p. Article hi. — • As edited by Rev. Dr.
183. Kelly, p. xxxiv.
20 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. "Thus :bArvtMnx>.
252, 253. 3See "Journal of the Royal Society of
21 See " Memoir of the City and North Antiquaries of Ireland " for Quarter ending
Western Liberties of Londonderry," part 30th September, 1897. Fifth Series, vol.
ii. History, sect, i., pp. 22, 23. iii. , part 3, p. 348.
Article ii. — * Edited by Rev. Dr. * See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui
Kelly, p. xxxiv. In the Irish copy of the Gormain," pp. 182, 183.
Book of Leinster we read CoLniAn tYlac s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
CAch 1 TYlroiput. 252, 253.
September 22.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 47:
Article IV. — St. Aedh, or Aidus, Son of Senach. In the
Martyrology of Tallaght,1 at the 22nd of September, the name Aedh,
mac Senaigh, is set down as having been venerated. In that copy found
in the Book of Leinster, he is called Aed mac Senaigh, mac Ernin.3 With
a eulogy he is entered, at this same date, in the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman.3 Colgan alludes, likewise, to this Aidus, son of Senach.* The
O'Clerys state, that he was one of the twos saints, who went with Moling of
Luachair,6 to ask for a remission of the Borumha tribute on the Leinstermen
from Fionuachta, King of Erin. Forannan was the second saint, and
Colman, of Cluain Credhaii, was another of the two.? So runs the
Calendarist's statement ; yet, it must be acknowledged, there is much
ambiguity in it.8 He is described more fully than by the earlier Calendarists
in the Martyrology of Donegal,9 at this same date, as Aedh, son of Senach.
In the Manuscript copy of the Calendar which belonged to the Irish
Ordnance Survey Office, the name of Aodh mac Seanaig occurs at the 22nd
of September.10
Article V. — Martyrdom of St. Maurice and his Companions. In
the Feilire of St yEngus, the Martyrdom of St. Maurice and Companions is
set down, at the 22nd day of September.1 A comment is postfixed,* in which
it is stated, that they underwent martyrdom at the hands of the Emperor
Maximian to the number of 12,600. This appears, however, to be an exaggera-
tion of the number of those slain, according to the most reliable ancient
accounts. Under the Emperor Diocletian, 3 who had been invested by his
army with the Roman purple a.d. 284, Maximian had been created Caesar,
and to him was assigned the care and defence of the West.* While engaged
on an expedition to Gaul, the Thebean Legion — so called because it had
been chiefly recruited in Thebais or Upper Egypt — was under the command
of Saint Maurice, and composed almost exclusively of zealous Christians.
When they had marched to Octodurum, then a considerable city on the
Article iv. — z Edited by Rev. Dr. n See p. 80.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. Article v. — ' In the " Leabhar Breac "
aThus : Aer> mAC Sen-Aijh mac eftnn. copy we read :
3 Thus : " Aed minog mac Senaig," which ttAncAteo tnwtiic
is rendered by Dr. Whitley Stokes, " gentle '. . „ „,,,. *\
4 See « Acta Sanctorum Hiberni*," xxxi. V°* "°lb ™tlb -°eAC
Januarii. Vita S. Moedoci. Appendix, It is thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
cap. i., p. 221. " Pantaleo, Mauricius, their great hosts,
5 A note by Drs. Todd and Reeves, says whosoever they are, a hundred and eight —
at this word Two : " "Carva (two) is the word fair host of youths — and twelve thousand." —
in the manuscript, but over it is written " Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
cpef (three) to reconcile it with the sequel." Irish Manuscript Series," vol. i., part i. On
Then we are referred to the 7th of October, at the Calendar of Oengus, pp. cxxxviii, cxxxix.
p. 269, in the work which they have jointly 2 At the words fUug occ. " .i. dochuatar
edited. amartrai lamaxim imper .i. dc. ar dib m.
'See his Life, at the 17th June, in the dec." — Ibid., p. cxlvi.
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i. 3 See an account of him in the " Dic-
7 Their names do not occur in this Calen- tionary of Greek and Roman Biography and
dar, but they are to be found in the tract Mythology," edited by William Smith,
rrentioned, under Sarnat, at the 3rd of May, LL.D., vol. 1., pp. ion to 1014.
p. 118. So says Dr. Reeves, in a note at 4 See a full account of him in Muratori's
this passage, supra. " Annali d'ltalia dal Principio dell* Era
8 See Dr. O'Donovan's note on Moling, Volgare sino all' Anno 1750," tomo secondo,
in the "Annals of the Four Masters," at pp. 155 to 213.
a.d. 696, vol. 1., p. 298. s See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. tembris xxii. De SS. Mauritio Primicerio,
252, 253. Exuperio Senatore, Candido Campiductore,
472 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September «.
Rhone, Maximian issued an order, that the whole army should join in offering
sacrifice to the gods to procure a successful expedition. Whereupon the
Thebean Legion withdrew three leagues distant to a place called Agaunum,
now called St. Maurice, and there they encamped. The Legion consisted
of about six thousand six hundred men well armed, but they had no idea of
resistance by force, when they refused to obey the repeated orders of
Maximian to return and join in that public sacrifice in the camp. They also
stated their conscientious motives for not abjuring Christianity. Whereupon,
the enraged tyrant directed the whole army to surround, and cut them to
pieces. The relics of that noble band of martyrs were afterwards collected,
and preserved with great reverence at Agaunum, and numbers of devout
pilgrims flocked thither to invoke their intercession, and to be healed from
various diseases. A monastery was founded at Agaunum, and it was
dedicated to St. Maurice, at an early period ; afterwards, in the sixth century,
it was repaired and enlarged by King Sigismund. The history of St.
Maurice and of the Thebean Legion has been learnedly and judiciously
investigated in the great collection of the Bollandists,5 by Father John Cleo
or Cle, S.J. He gives a Previous Commentary6 to their Passion, as written
in an Epistle7 of St. Eucherius,8 Bishop of Lyons ; as also an account of their
martyrdom, taken from a Manuscript* belonging to the Church of St.
Maximinus of Treves, and collated with other copies ; while these are
followed by a long digression10 on the posthumous honour paid to the
memory of those holy martyrs in France and in different other countries.
To this there are additions in an Appendix," by the same editor. Likewise
is this festival commemorated by Marianus O'Gorman, at this day.12 The
feast of St. Maurice and his Companions is entered in the Calendar of the
Chain Book, belonging to the Dublin Corporation, at the x. of the October
Kalendas (September 22nd), with the additional observation, that they had an
Office comprising Nine Lessons.^ Their festivals are commemorated in
nearly all the national calendars at this same date.
Article VI. — St. Hygbald, Abbot. On this day of September, the
English Martyrology commemorates St. Hygbald.1 He was an Abbot in the
province of Lindsey. The Venerable Bede calls him a most holy and most
continent or mortified man.9 He also speaks of St. Hygbald as having
visited St. Egberts in Ireland. He held a conference with St. Egbert
Victore Milite Veterano, Innocentio, Vitale, " In the following lines :
aliisque Legionis Thebseae Militibus Mar-
tyribus," pp., 308 to 403. Maurice sunna seisiur
6 In thirteen sections, containing two Sesca se cet curad,
hundred and four paragraphs. ar se milibh molaid.
* Comprising twelve paragraphs, with
explanatory notes. Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
8 His festival occurs on the 16th of No- " Praise ye Mauricius here, with six thousand
vember. six hundred and sixty-six champions." —
9 It is given in two chapters, containing " Felire Hui Goimain," pp. 182, 183.
seventeen paragraphs, with illustrative I3See John T. Gilbert's "Calendar of
notes. Ancient Records of Dublin, in the Possession
10 This embraces twenty-two sections, of the Municipal Corporation of that City,"
containing two hundred and sixty para- vol. i., p. 215-
graphs. Article VI. — ' See Bishop Challoner's
"Which is headed, Ad Gloriam posthu- " Britannia Sancta," part ii., pp. 139, 140.
mam S. Mauritii et Sociorum Thebseorum 2 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Martyrum ; and this dissertation is com- Anglorum,"lib. iv., cap. 3.
prised in fifteen sections of one hundred and 3 See his Life at the 24th of April, in the
twenty-nine paragraphs. Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
September 22.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 473
concerning St. Chad.* We can give no further particulars, regarding that
holy man, who is venerated on this day.
Article VII. — St. Lolan, Bishop and Confessor, of Kincardine,
Scotland. Much uncertainty prevails regarding this holy man. At this
date, the Breviary, Calendar1 and Martyrology2 of Aberdeen record the
festival of St. Lolan, Bishop and Confessor. The latter states, that he lived
at Kyncardin near Stirling, where he was also buried, and that as during life
he walked in the paths of virtue and shunned vice, so was he celebrated in
heavenly glory for the greatness of his miracles. Little or nothing seems to
be known about him, in early Scottish authors. 3 The exact time when he
flourished has also divided the opinion of modern writers. The legend of
this saint is a strange one ;* nor does it accord with any degree of probability.
The Bollandist editor of Lolan's Acts, treats of his Lessons in the Aberdeen
Breviary as abounding in silly fables,s which he had rather were expunged
from that work, than repeated by him in print.6 According to the Martyrology
of Aberdeen, he was buried at Kincardine, near Stirling.? Were we to
receive the account therein contained, Lolanus was a nephew of St. Servanus,
born in Galilee of Caanan, whence he came to Rome, and there he was
appointed claviger or key-bearer of the Roman Church. When he left Rome
— it must be assumed — on his mission, Lolan came to a place called by the
common people Planum. Then follows an incredible legend. Camerarius,8
who styles St. Lolanus a bishop and confessor, also states, that he had great
authority and favour under Duncan, King of Scotland, whom by his prayers
and counsels he aided on the occasion of a Danish invasion by sea and land.
The Danes were routed partly at Kinghorn, and partly at Culross.9 In
Adam King's Kalendar, at this date, he is thus commemorated : " S. Lolane,
bishop and confess. In Scotlande vnder king dunkane."10 Also, at the
22nd of September, he is recorded by Thomas Dempster.11 At this day,
Camerarius has no entry of his feast, which he defers, however, to the 24th
4 He was bishop of Lichfield. See notices entry at the 22nd of September, he states :
of him at the 2nd of March, in the Third " Nihil monstri de hoc Sancto confictum
Volume of this work, Art. i. reperio ; nee ullum vidi praeter recentiores,
Article vii. — l See Bishop Forbes' inter se satis bene Concordes."
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints." " Lolani 4 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
epi ix 1.," Kalendarium Breviarii Aber- Scottish Saints," pp. 378, 379.
donensis, p. 121. s See "Breviarium Aberdonense," Pars
'The Martyrology of Aberdeen says at Estiva, fol. cxiii.
the x. Kl\ Octobris. "In Scocia Sancti 6 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
Lolani episcopi et confessoris de Kyncardin Septembris xxii. De S. Lolano Episcopo
prope Stirling." See " Proceedings of the Conf. in Scotia, num. 6, p. 534.
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, " vol. ii., ? It states, "ibidem sepultus, qui sicut
p. 268. presentis vite virtutum tramite studuit ob-
3 Father Soller applied to Father Nicholas probria deuitare ita celestis glorie signorum
Wemyss, a Scottish Father of the Society magnitudine participem se probatcelebrari."
of Jesus, to revise and correct what Demp- — "Proceedings ot the Society of Anti-
ster and Camerarius had introduced quanes of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 268.
regarding the saints of his country. Accord- 8See"De Pietate Scotorum, lib. iii., p.
ingly he wrote a little book at Douay, and 177.
this manuscript was intituled " De indubi- 9 Bishop Forbes adds : '"This must be a
tatis Scoriae Sanctis," and passing over the traditional picture of Duncan's contest with
narratives of Dempster and Camerarius, he Thorfin Sigurdson." — "'Kalendars of Scottish
only took the Kalendar of Adam King for Saints," p. 379.
illustration and revision, appending to it his I0 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
observations. In this libellus, he was unable Scottish Saints," p. 162.
to find very ancient authority for the cultus " Thus : " In Scotia Lolani episcopi." —
of Lolan, and in his comment on King's " Menologium Scoticum," p. 212. — Ibid.
474
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 21.
of this month." Lolan is said to have been bishop of Whitem, by Bishop
Challoner, who places his festival at this day,*3 but without citing any
authority for that statement. According to Bishop Challoner, St. Lolan is
said to have departed to the Lord anno T034 at Whitern.1* According to
his usual custom, Thomas Dempster attributes to Lolan not only many pious
traits and miracles, but also the authorship of Commentaries on the Bible,
Sacred Hymns, and other tracts.1* Besides Kincardine, near Stirling, where
he is honoured according to the Martyrology of Aberdeen, St. Lolan has a fair
at Broughton in Stobo.16 In the Retours of the Earl of Perth,1? and in the
Register of Combuskenneth,18 are allusions to objects supposed to
commemorate him. Such statements as the Bollandists were able to collect
from Scottish authorities are included in their " Acta Sanctorum " at the
22nd of September.1? His feast is noticed at the same date in the Petits
Bollandistes,80
Article VIII. — The Sons of Ernin, of Imis-mac-n-Ernin, of Loch
Ce, now Lough Key, County of Roscommon. The island homes of
our early religious were happily chosen, to direct their thoughts amid the
beauties of nature surrounding them, to those more exquisite images of
heavenly foreshadowings, excited by their removal from the distractions of
worldly society. At the 22nd of September, Marianus O'Gorman comme-
morates the sons of Ernin,1 without giving their proper names ; and a
commentator on his work states, that they were from Inis Mac n-Ernin on
Loch Ce in Connaught.2 The beautiful Lough Key, in the County of Ros-
common, is the Loch here indicated. The island of Inis-mac-n-Ernin is
now known as Church Island^ near the western shore of the lake, and north
of Trinity Island.* It contains upwards of four acres, and a ruin of what was
more anciently called the church of Inchmacnerin. Many distinct records
"At the 24th day of September he
writes : " Sanctus Lolanus Episcopus et
Confessor apud Duncanum Scotorum Rcgem
magna in auctoritate et gratia." — Ibid.
" Scottish Entries in the Kalendar of David
Camerarius," p. Z40.
13 See "A Memorial of British Piety," p.
133-
14 See " A Memorial of British Piety," p.
133-
'5 Thus : " Scripsit Commentaries in
Biblia, lib. i., Des Republica Christiana, lib.
i., Hymnos Sacros, lib. i., De insestimabili
Dilectionis divinoe Effectu, lib. i., Passionis
Christi Typum, lib. i., De Incarnationis
Mysterio, lib. i. Quse in bibliotheca Sconana
extraxit furor hsereticorum, et igne con-
sumpsit ; vir tamen pius memorias apicum
saltern vindicavit. Vixit anno MXXXIX.
Colitur, templis ei variis regni locis erectis,
die xxii. Septembris." — " Historia
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii.,
lib. xi., num. 790, p. 429.
16 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
pars i., p 201.
'7 In 1662 and 1675, we find "Sacra
campana S. Olavi (vel Solani) " i.e. Lolani.
— Retours, Perth, pp. 708, 880.
18 There we read ; " unum toftum et
compana Sti. Lolani et baculum sti.
Lolani."
19 See tomus vi.( Septembris xxii. De S.
Lolano Episcopo Conf. in Scotia. Sylloge
de cultu et tempore, quo vixerit, in seven
paragraphs, pp. 533, 534.
20 See " Vies des Saints," tome xi., xxiie
Jour de Septembre, p. 305.
Article viii. — ' He calls them simply
" meic Ernin." See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
" Felire Hui Gormain," p. 182.
3 His words are ; " O Inis mac n-Ernin for
Loch Ce i cConnactaibh."
3 It is marked on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Roscom-
mon," Sheet 6.
4 It has been staged, that a church had
been erected on this island so early as the
eighth century, and that A.u. 1215, a
monastery had been refounded by Clarus
Mac Moylin O'Moillclionry, Archdeacon of
Elphin, for Premonstre Canons. It was
dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. In the
" Irish Penny Magazine " for November 9th,
1833, there is a beautiful description of
Lough Kee or Rockingham Lake, with an
illustration of the Shrine of the Holy
Trinity, drawn by D. C. Grose, Esq. See
vol. i., No. 45. PP- 357. 358.
September 22.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
475
of this place remain. That church also had its annalists, whose historic
compilations are said to have commenced in 1013, the year before the battle
of Clontarf, and to have ended in 1571.5 Nothing can exceed the natural
and artificial beauties of the extensive demesne spreading around the shores
of this noble sheet of water, over which Rockingham House rises with fine
effect.5 The ancient castle of the MacDermotts, the chiefs of Coolavin, is
Lough Kee, County Roscommon.
yet to be seen in ruins, on one of the islands. The scenery around the lake
is most varied and magnificent. The remains of Inchmacnernan church only
exhibit at present lofty and extensive walls, amid an intricate mass of rocks,
trees, dwarf-ash, and thorns, closely wound together with ivy tendrils. 1
Veneration was given, at the 22nd of September, as we read in the Martyr-
ology of Donegal,8 to the sons of Ernin, of Inis-mac-n-Ernin, in Loch C£, in
Connacht.
Article IX.— Festival of St. Ladelin, a Scot, Diocese of Fribourg.
This holy man flourished in the seventh century, and he is held to have
been born in Scotland, by the Continental writers.1 His parents were persons
of distinguished rank. However, the presumption is rather that he had been
an Irish Scot. His festival has been assigned to the 22nd of September,
by some writers ; others, as we have seen, place his feast at the day previous.
5 This was a folio vellum MS. belonging to
Mr. John Conry, and which Bishop
Nicholson, of Derry, had seen in the last
century. See " Irish Historical Library,"
part Hi., appendix, number iv., p. 89.
6 The accompanying illustration is copied
from an approved engraving, and drawn on
the wood, engraved by Gregor Grey.
i See D' Alton's "History of Ireland and
Annals of Boyle," vol. i., pp. 43 44.
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
254,255.
Article ix. — ' See an account of him, in
Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des Saints,'
tome ix., xxiie Jour de Septembre, pp. 323,
324.
476 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Ctoftttp-tbirn IBap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. ADAMNAN, ABBOT OF IONA.
[SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES.]
INTRODUCTION. — WRITERS OF ST. ADAMNAN'S ACTS — CHANGES OF HIS NAME — HIS
PARENTAGE AND DESCENT — PLACE OF HIS BIRTH — EARLY LIFE SPENT IN
IRELAND— BECOMES A MONK AT IONA — OCCUPATIONS IN THAT CAPACITY— REIGN
OF FINNACHTA FLIADHACH OR THE FESTIVE OVER IRELAND — FOUNDATIONS
ATTRIBUTED TO ADAMNAN IN IRELAND — ADAMNAN ELECTED ABBOT OF IONA—
ALFRID'S EXILE IN IRELAND AND SUBSEQUENT RETURN TO NORTHUMBRIA —
INVASION OF IRELAND BY THE SAXONS — ADAMNAN AT THE REQUKST OF HIS
COUNTRYMEN UNDERTAKES AN EMBASSY TO THE COURT OF KING ALDFRID— HE
PROCURES THE RELEASE OF THE CAPTIVES.
THE celebrity of this holy Abbot, both as a Saint and as a writer, has
caused the introduction of his name in the pages of most general
Ecclesiastical Histories, Calendars, and Martyrologies. Fortunate for us, his
writings have survived to the present time, and have preserved some of the
most precious memorials of centuries long elapsed. Moreover, they evince
sufficient proof, not alone of individual scholarship, but of classical
attainments and proficiency in the schools where he studied, and under the
masters, who moulded his moral character and directed his intellectual
pursuits. And long through the middle ages were literary treasures
preserved in Iona, although many must have perished in the various raids,
to which its monastery had been exposed in earlier times. It was the
repository of most ancient Scottish records ; it is said to have possessed
books obtained from Rome ; and it had the reputation of containing the
Book of Livy,1 now supposed to be lost,3 together with other classical
works, which have since perished.3 As they may with justifiable pride revert
to the virtues, the wisdom and the learning of past ages, so may our
countrymen well point to the saints and sages and scholars, whose names
are linked for ever with their best traditions at home and abroad.
The earliest authentic record of St. Adamnan's Acts is that given by
Venerable Bede.4 An Irish Life, said to be preserved in one of the O'Clery
Manuscripts at Brussels, furnished those legends relating to St. Adamnan,
which are contained in the Breviary of Aberdeen,* Trithemius has an
Article i. — ' It is said that /Eneas Paulus Jovius, as quoted by Ussher, in
Sylvius— afterwards Pope Pius II.— intended " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates,"
when he was in Scotland to have visited the p. 597.
library at Iona in search of the lost Books 3 The register and records of the island,
of Livy, but he was prevented by the death all written on parchment, and probably other
of King James I. See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. more antique and valuable remains, were all
Gordon's " Iona," p. 19. destroyed by that worse than Gothic synod,
2 In 1525, it has been stated, that a small who at the Reformation declared war against
parcel of books had been brought to Aher- all science. See Pennant's visit to Iona in
deen from Iona, and great pains were taken 1772.
to unfold them, but owing to age and rotten- 4 See " Historia Ef:clesiastica Gentis
ness of the parchment little could be read. Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv., xvi., xvii.,
From what the learned could make out, by and xxi.
the style of one work, it seemed rather to s"It is a sort of historical discourse on
have been a fragment of Sallust than of Job xxxviii., 3, intended for the saint's
Livy. See Boethius, lib. vii., p. 114. Also festival ; but, it is a miserable production,
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 477
account of Adamnan, as observed by John Bale, who also enters him in the
work intituled, "Scriptorum illustrium Majoris Brytannise, quam nunc
Angliam et Scotiam vocant."' Lives or notices of Adamnan are to be
found in the works of Gerrard John Vossius,? of Archbishop Ussher,8 of
Sir James Ware,' and of Father Hugh Ward.10 Dean Cressy incidentally
alludes to Adamnan, whose gests he leaves to the Scottish writers." In
Mabillon's and D'Achery's Acts of Saints belonging to the Benedictine
Order, some short notices regarding Adamnan have been published," Also
is he alluded to by Mabillon, in his Annals of the Benedictine Order.'3
Natalis Alexander,1* Dr, William Cave,15 and Bishop Tanner,16 have reference
to him in their respective works. Adamnan's Life is contained in the
voluminous M Acta Sanctorum " of the Bollandists, at the 23rd of
September.1? It was compiled by Father Constantine Suyskens, in a
Commentarius Historicus.18 In the "Three Fragments of Annals copied
from Ancient Sources " by Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh,1* there are entries,
which profess to give data for the life of St. Adamnan ; yet some of those
manifestly belong to the class of legends. The Rev. Dr. Lanigan has some
critical remarks about Adamnan.20 The most complete, elaborate and
interesting biography of St. Adamnan,21 that has yet appeared, is the
Memoir compiled by the Rev. Dr. William Reeves.22 Justly celebrated for
his antiquarian research, and extensive learning, especially on all subjects
connected with the early ecclesiastical history of Ireland, his biography has
been prefixed to our saint's own " Vita S. Columbae." This Memoir has
been most ably and critically edited for the Irish Archaeological and Celtic
Society. In this same work, which, as the learned editor well observes, has
immortalized both the subject and the author, a great deal of interesting
matter has been introduced, which tends to render a task imposed on any
subsequent biographer of St. Adamnan less laborious and more satisfactory,
full of absurdities and anachronisms." The I3 See " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
Rev. Dr. Reeves has declared, that any- tomusi., lib. xviii., sect, lxv., p. 618.
thing worthy of notice in this production, I4See "Historia Ecclesiastica Veteris
had been translated to his own memoir of Novique Testamenti," tomus xii. Sseculum
the saint. See his Adamnan's "Life of St. Septimum, cap. iv., art. x., sect, ii., p. 82.
Columba," Appendix to Preface, sect. I., 1S See "Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum
Memoir of St. Adamnan, p. xl., n (a). Historia Literaria," &c, vol. i,, Saeculum
6 In the Second Part. Centuria Decima- Monatheleticum, p. 594.
quatta, Num. xxv., p. 197. l6See"BibliothecaBritannico-Hibernica,"
7 See " De Historicis Latinis," lib. ii., pp. 5, 6.
cap. xxvii. 1 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
*See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An- Septembris xxiii. De S. Adamnano vel
tiquitates," cap. xv., pp. 366, 367, cap. xvi., Adomnan Presb. et Abbate in Iona Scotia
p. 381, cap. xvii., p. 499, et seq. Insula, pp. 642 to 649.
9 See " De Scriptoribus Hibernise," lib. i., l8 Consisting of two sections, and forty-
cap, iii., pp. 33 to 35. And also " De one paragraphs.
Praesulibus Hibernian, Commentarius," De I9 Edited by John O'Donovan, LL.D.,
Episcopis Rapotensibus, p. 73. M.R.I.A. See pp. 70 to 115.
10 See " Sancti Rumoldi Martyris inclyti, *° See his " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
Acta, &c." Dissertatio Historica de Patria land," vol. iii., chap, xviii., sect, v., pp. 96
S. Rumoldi, art. iii., sect. 4, pp. 217 to 220. to 100, and sect, xiv., pp. 136, 139, 140,
11 See "Church-History of Britanny," and chap, xix., sect, iii., pp. 149 to 153.
book vii., chap, x., p. 419, and Book xx., 2I The work here designated is entitled:
chap, xv., pp. 509, 510. "The Life of St. Columba, founder of Hy ;
12 See " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. written by Adamnan, ninth Abbot of that
Benedicti," vol. iv., sec. iii., pars ii., a.d. Monastery," &c. By William Reeves, D.D.,
700 to 800. Appendix, pp. 499 to 522. M.R.I.A., Curate of Kilconriola, in the
His Life is written in seven paragraphs. Diocese of Connor. Dublin, 1857, 4to.
His three Books on the Holy Places "Afterwards Protestant Bishop of the
follow. Diocese of Down and Cennor.
478 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
than it should have been, had not the volume in question issued from the
press. Hence the present writer feels great pleasure in bearing his humble
testimony to that general impartiality, judgment and learning observable
throughout the pages of this invaluable work.23 He has culled materials for
St. Adamnan's Life from this volume, for the most part ; and, on a
comparison of the Saint's present biography with that already given by the
Rev. Dr. Reeves, there will be found little originality as to substance or
arrangement. In availing himself however of materials furnished by his
former learned friend, the writer has taken the liberty of introducing
modifications, suited to the plan of his work, while retaining all the
substantial parts of that narrative. Biographical notices of St. Adamnan
are to be found in the works of Rev. Alban Butler,2* Michaud,2* M. Le
Dr. Hoefer,26 Thomas Wright, 27 Le Comte de Montalembert,28 William F.
Skene,2* Rev. S. Baring-Gould,3° Rev. Dr. John Alzog^1 and Alfred Webb.32
In the " Dictionary of Christian Biography,"33 an appreciative Article, by the
Very Rev. William Reeves, D.D., Dean of Armagh, is but an abbreviation
of the Life he had previously written, as prefatory to Adamnan's " Life of St.
Columba," and which he had edited for the Irish Archaeological Society.
Also in the " Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography " there is a notice.34
There are accounts of St. Adamnan by Bishop Forbes,35 by Rt. Rev. Patrick
F. Moran, D.D., Bishop of Ossory,36 by Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon,37 Henry
Morley,38 and by many other writers.
It is remarked, that in passing from their real to their phonetic forms, few
names have undergone such transformations as those given to Adamnan. Thus
it would be difficult to suppose, that Adamnan and Eunan were intended
for the same person. Nor could it be imagined, that Adampnanus and
Thewnan are resolvable into a common original. According to Mabillon,
this celebrated Saint was variously called Adamnanus, Adomnanus,
Adamanus and Adamandus.39 The Breviary of Aberdeen calls our Saint
93 A few particular salvos to the foregoing saint occurs, at pp. 201 to 206, under the
textual statement will be alluded to else- head of the Anglo-Saxon Period,
where, in the pages of this work. An a8 See " Les Moines d' Occident," tome v.,
exception referred to may be fou»d in the liv. xv., chap, hi., pp. 10 to 15.
Additional Notes to Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's 29See " Celtic Scotland," vol. ii., book ii.,
" Life of St. Columba," &c, N. (N) p. 344. chap, iv., pp. 170 to 176.
It is one which has given just occasion for 30 See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
regret, and has tended to wound the reli- September 23, pp. 358 to 360.
gious feelings of many Catholic Members 3* See "Manual of Universal Church
and Associates belonging to the society for History." Translated by Rev. F. J. Fabisch
which the work in question had been edited. and Rev. Thomas S. Byrne, vol. ii., period
Yet, the writer feels fully satisfied, the Rev. 2, epoch i., part i., chap, i., sect. 156, pp.
Dr. Reeves did not wilfully contemplate 69, 70.
such a result, as a consequence of his re- 32 See "Compendium of Irish Biography,"
corded opinions. These are the more to be pp. I. 2.
regretted, as they are not sustained by any 3' Edited by William Smith, D.C.L.,
amount of evidence or argument, sufficient LL.D., and Henry Wace, M.A., vol. i., pp.
to satisfy a rational inquirer into historic 41 to 43.
facts. 34 See vol. i., p. 27.
24 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and 3s See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
other principal Saints," vol. ix., September pp. 264 to 266.
xxiii. 36 See "Irish Saints in Great Britain,"
25 See " Biographie Universale, Ancienne chap, iv., pp. 108 to 1 12.
et Moderne," tome i., p. 151. 37 See " Iona," p. 61.
26 See " Nouvelle Biographie Generate," 38See " English Writers," vol. i., book i.,
tomei., col. 232, 233. chap, ix., pp. 340, 341.
37 See " Biographia Britannica Literaria," 3*See " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene-
&c, where an interesting biography of our dicti," tomus iv., sec. hi., pars ii., p. 499-
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 479
Adampnanus. At Forvey, in the parish of Slains,40 on the east coast of
Aberdeenshire, in Scotland, Adamnan is called Fidamnan. Adamnanus and
Adomnanus are the usual forms of our saint's name in earlier records and
Latin Lives. Amongst our Annalists, Adamnan is the name uniformly
bestowed on our Saint, in the Annals of Inisfallen41 and Boyle ;42 while
Adomnan always occurs in the Annals of Ulster43 and in those of Cambria.44
In the Annals of Tighernach,45 Adamnanus occurs ihree times, and
Adomnan six : the Annals of the Four Masters46 again have Adamnan
twelve times, whilst Adomnan is found in a single instance in their pages.
At St. Adamnan's festival day, September 23rd, the Irish Calendars and
Martyrologies differ in their orthography ; the Felire of Oengus, Marianus
O'Gorman and O'Clery read Adamnan, whilst the Martyrology of Tamlacht
has Adomnan. The Vision of Adamnan admits the former spelling four
times and the latter once/7 A prose description of Tara in the Dinnseanchus
introduces Adomnan, the metrical Adamnan.48 The Venerable Bede reads
Adamnanus six times49 while Alcuin has Adomnanus.50 Fordun51 and the
Breviary of Aberdeen write the name Adamnanus. This orthography has
also been adopted in the old Lives of St. Fechin of Fore, and of St. Gerald
of Mayo, as contained in the work of Colgan.52 The title of his tract, '• De
Locis Sanctis," has Adamnanus.53 Thus, it may be seen, that in early records
the chief variation of our Saint's name consists in the difference of
Adamnan and Adomnan. In various Codices of St. Columba's Life, used
by the Rev. Mr. Reeves in his modern edition, the same variety of spelling
occurs. For instance, his Codex a. reads Adomnanus, in the four places
where this word occurs ;54 Codex b. reads Adamnanus once,55 and
Adomnanus twice ;5° the Codices c, f. s. vary in like manner ; while Codex
d. always reads Adamnanus. From these several instances, it may be
inferred, that there is no fixed practice for the spelling of our Saint's name ;
but as the etymology of this denomination favours the use of 0, and as the
substitution of 0 was probably intended to exhibit a phonetic value attaching
to the original vowel, the Rev. Mr. Reeves deemed it advisable to adopt
Adamnanus, where the word occurs, in his edition of St. Columba's Life.
40 This parish is situated at Ythan Mouth. Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. 25, lib. v., cap. 15,
" Forvey is called Furni in the reprint of 21.
the Breviary of Aberdeen. There it is also 5° See " Opera," tomus ii., vol. i. Epigram,
coupled with St. Adampnanus's name." — cxlv., p. 219, a. Editio Andr Quercetani.
See "Collections of Aberdeen and Banff," 5I See Fordun's " Scotichronicon," lib. i.,
p. 388. The collections here alluded to were cap. 6, lib. iii., cap. 27,29, 38, 42, 49.
published by the Spaulding Club. " In lib. ii., cap. 10, we find Sanda spoken
41 At the years a.d. 617, 685, 693. of as * Insula Awyn, ubi cella sancti Adam-
42 Only at the year a.d. 657. nani.' "
43 At the years a.d. 623, 686,691, 696, 5a See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xx.
703, 726, 729, 730, 835, 953, 1 105. Januarii. Vita S. Fechini, cap. xlvii., p. 139,
44 At the year 704, p. 8. and xiii. Martii. Vita S. Geraldi, cap. xv.,
45 These Annals have Adamnanus at the xvi., p. 602.
years a.d. 704, 727, 730, and Adamnan at 53 See Mabillon's ° Acta Sanctorum
the years A.d. 624, 687, 689, 692, 695, 697. Ordinis S. Benedicti," sec. iii., pars ii., p.
46 These Annals have Adamnan at the 456.
years, a.d. 684, 703, 725, 742, 830, 925, s4 See " Var. Lect. i. I. (p. 16), 49 (p. 95),
927, 988, 1010, 1040, 1057, 1 105, Adamnan iii., 19 (p. 225), 23 (p. 238)." — Rev. Mr.
only occurs at A.D. 936. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St Columba."
4?"The title is pf A-oomnAin mcipic, Additional Notes. C, n. (v.), p. 257.
but elsewhere in the tract there is the other 55See " Lib. i., c. 49, fol. 21, a. The text
reading. Leabhar Breac, fol. 127, a." of i. I. is wanting in B.'' — Ibid, Additional
48 See Petrie's "History and Antiquities Notes. C, n. (w.), p. 257.
of Tara Hill," pp. 112, 115. 56 "Lib. iii., 19, 23, fol. 616, 676."—
4'See " Historiae Ecclesiastics Gentis Ibid., n. (x.), p. 257.
480
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Adamnan is an Irish diminutive for Adam.57 Under the effect of aspiration,
Adam loses the force of its consonants, and assumes the various sounds of
Au, Eu, O and Ou. Thus, when the diminutive termination is added, it
produces the respective words, Aunan,58 Eunan,59 Onan,60 and Ounan ;6t and
these are the forms of pronunciation which Adamnan's name has generally
assumed in Ireland. Another Irish form of the name is said to be Syonan.62
In the north-east of Scotland,63 as in Aberdeen and Banff, there exists a
tendency to prefix certain consonants to our Saint's names, either as an
equivalent for saint, or to facilitate the pronunciation.64 In the parish of
Aloyne, towards the south of Aberdeenshire, Eunan becomes Theunan.65
A fresh change takes place ; for St. Adamnan's Well is called Skeulan Well,
and his Tree is named Skeulan Tree. At Forvey in Aberdeenshire, Adamnan
is called Fidamnan, and in Forglen,66 in the north of Banff, Adamnan's
Church is Teunan Kirk. At Dull, in Athol, and in the northern part of
Perthshire, the form Eonan is preserved ; as also at Kilcherran in Cantyre,
where we find the compound Killewnane or Killownane.67 As a consequence
of this great diversity, both in the written and spoken forms of Adamnan's
name, many respectable writers have created one or more additional Saints.
Thus Sir James Ware even distinguishes between the individuality of
Adamnan and Eunan. After stating St. Columbkille founded a monastery
at Raphoe, he informs us, this structure was afterwards repaired by Adamnan,
the celebrated abbot of Iona. It is then said, that St. Eunan erected the
church of the Abbey into a Cathedral, 6a and that he was considered to have
been the first Bishop of Raphoe.69 The compiler of the " Fasti Ecclesiae
Hibernicae "7° adopts a similar opinion, by stating, that St. Eunan is
commonly reported to have erected Raphoe Abbey Church into a Cathedral,
and to have become its first bishop, although nothing certain appears to be
known regarding him, nor the period at which he lived.71
The name of the Saint's father was Ronan or Ronat of the Cinel Enna.
He was a son of Tinne, from whom are derived the Ua Tinne. The grand-
57 It is thus interpreted, in Cormac's
" Glossary" : " .<yootnnAn .1. homutijcutup,
■oifbecA-6 Anma -Ax>Airh. Adomnan, i.e.
homungculus. It is a diminutive for the
name Adam. — See p. i., Edition of John
O'Donovan, LL.D., and Whitley Stokes,
LL.D. Calcutta, 1868, 4to.
58 The name is thus pronounced at Skreen,
in Sligo, where we have Toberawnaun and
Drehid-aunan.
59 This is the pronunciation of Raphoe.
60 On the " Ordnance Survey Townland
Map of Londonderry," St. Onan's Rock is
noted in the parish of Errigal, in that county.
See Sheet 18. See "Acts of Archbishop
Colton" in his " Metropolitan Visitation of
the Diocese of Derry, A.D. mcccxcvii.,"
edited by Rev. William Reeves, D.D., p.
81, n. (y.)
61 In the district of Glenuller, the name is
thus used in the spoken language.
62 On the "Ordnance Survey Townland
Map of Westmeath" (Sheet 31), we find
Syonan, which is said to be formed from
Suix>e xYoArhn4in, or the Sedes Adamnani,
63 As in Aberdeen and Banff.
44 Thus in one instance, St. Rule becomes
Trowel, and St. Anthony, Tantan. See
" Collections on the Shrines of Aberdeen
and Banff," p. 509.
6s See ibid., p. 663.
66 See ibid., p. 508. It is separated from
Aberdeenshire by the Doveran River.
6?See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae," vol.
"., p. IS-
68 Sir James Ware professes himself unable
to discover when St. Eunan, the reputed
first Bishop of Raphoe, lived. See " De
Prsesulibus Hiberniae, Commentarius " De
Episcopis Rapotensibus, p. 73.
69 See Harris' Ware, vol. i. " Bishops of
Raphoe," pp. 269, 270.
'•See vol. iii., p. 347.
'* Such an error, remarks the Rev. Dr.
Reeves, should not have been committed in
the century, one of the ornaments of which
had said : "I strongly suspect that St.
Eunan, who is usually called the first Bishop
of Raphoe, was no other than Adamnan."
See Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba."
Additional Notes. C, p. 257. It is need-
less to remark, that the latter eulogistic
passage has reference to the learned Dr.
Lanigan.
September 23.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS.
48:
sire of our saint was a son to Aedli, the son of Colman or Colum, son to
Sedna, from whom are derived the Siol Sedna. This Sedna was son to
Fergus Cennfada, married to Erea, daughter of Loam Mor. Fergus
Cennfadha was the son of Conall Gulban, from whom the Cinel Conaill
descended. 72 Hence then, our Saint was seventh in descent from the last
named monarch, who is regarded as head over one of the two great races of
the Northern-Hy-Neill ; and by virtue of his descent, he claimed kindred
with St. Columba, as also with many of the sovereigns ruling over Ireland.73
Adamnan, is called
the grandson of
Thine,™ in some
instances,75from the
name of his paternal
grandfather.?6 Ac-
cording to the tract
attributed to ^Engus
on the Mothers of
our Irish Saints,
Ronnat, daughter of
Seghine, son to
Duach, son to Bair-
rindan of Enna's
race,77 was the
mother of Adam-
nan, son to Ronan.78
Although there is
no special record re-
specting the parish
or province 79 in
which he was born,8°
yet there is a strong
probability, that
Adamnan was a na-
tive of that terri-
torial quarter, which
was occupied by
Conall's posterity.
This was called Tir-
Aedha.81 The race
of Enna, or the
Cinel Enna, alluded
to in the foregoing
between the Channels
Tir-Enna or the
The Protestant Cathedral, Raphoe.
pedigree, possessed that tract of land, lying
of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly. It was called
11 Land of Enna." It corresponds with the present barony of Raphoe.
Within this district was situated the ancient church of Rath-both, now
Raphoe, which is said to have been founded by St. Columba, but which now
acknowledges Eunan as its patron,82 the notion being that he repaired the
7* See Rev. Mr. Reeves' Genealogical
Table of the early Abbots of Hy, showing
their affinity to one another, and their
connexion with the chief families of
Tyrconnell. It has been constructed from
the Naemhseanchus, and other ancient
authorities.
73"Sanctus Adampnanus preclaris ortus
parentibus de nobilissima Conaldi regis pro-
genie carnis duxit originem." — '* Breviarium
I H
482
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
church, and erected that foundation into a cathedral.^ Such distinction
most probably arises, from the circumstance of his natural connexion with
the original occupants of that district. Tir-Aedha is now familiarly known
as the barony of Tirhugh, and it is situated in the South-western part of
Donegal County. The clan from which our saint sprung had settled there ;
and one of his principal commemorations has connexion with the church and
parish of Drumhome.8* Here St. Adamnan was regarded as patron. His
parish is situated between the towns of Donegal and Ballyshannon, and it
lies within the barony of Tirhugh. For several centuries after our Saint's
demise, local tradition had preserved a recollection of his former abode at
Drumhome. There was the well known as the Dabhach Adamhnain, or the
washing-place of Adamnan. 8s It is said to have been a fountain, celebrated
for the miracles there wrought, being situated in Tirconnel, between Donegal
and Ballyshannon. In it, our Saint was accustomed to stand during the
night, according to tradition. In his Life of St. Columkille, Adamnan him-
self almost implies, that he lived in this neighbourhood, when a youth.86
Different statements occur as to the year ot Adamnan's birth. The Annals
of Inisfallen are decidedly in error, when they assign it to the year 61 7. 8?
However, the Annals of Tighernach88 and the Chronicum Scotorum8? place
Aberdonense." Pars Estiva. Officium S.
Adampnani, fol. iii., b. a. Reprint.
7* Thus : <V0Atnn.An Ua fcitroe, " Vision of
Adamnan," in the Leabhar Breac, fol. 127 a.,
129 b. b.
75 He is called Adamnanus Nepos
Tinnei, in Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. i., cap. lxix.,
p. 128. Again he is distinguished as " Hua
Tinne," in lib. iii., cap. xcix., p. 167. This
Ussher misrepresents by Attiniensis. See
his Works, vol. vi., p. 375.
*6 Colgan and Lanigan were disposed to
confound it with Maccuthenus. See Rev.
Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St.
Columba." Appendix to Preface, p. xli.,
n. (n.;
77 Enna was son to Niall.
78Tlonn4C irijjen Seigine nuc "OuAch
meic bAintMrroAin t>o Cneneb entxv mec
neill mariAip <VoAmn<Mn meic nonam." —
" De Matribus Sanctorum Hiberniae" as
found in the Book of Lecan.
79 Father Hugh Ward only states that
Adamnan was born in the territory of
Tyrconnell. See " Sancti Rumoldi Martyris
inclyti, &c, Acta, &c." Dissertatio Historica
de Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. iii., sect. 6, p. 218.
80 The Rev. Alban Butler says, that our
saint was born at Rathboth, now Raphoe.
See u Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other principal Saints," vol. ix., September
xxiii. I know not his authority for such a
statement.
81 Tir-Aedha means the " land of Aedh,"
being so called from Aedh, son to Anmire,
who, together with our saint, belonged to
the Siol Sedna race, or descendants from
Sedna, grandson to Conall Gutban. One of
the branches of this family, viz., the Cinel
Luighdech, occupied the present barony of
Kilmacrenan, and another the barony of
Tirhugh.
82 The accompanying illustration repre-
sents the Protestant parish church of
Raphoe— formerly the cathedral — and it is
supposed to stand on the site of the ancient
foundation. From a photograph kindly
furnished by the Very Rev. Patrick Kelly,
P.P., Raphoe, it has been drawn on the wood
and engraved by Gregor Grey.
83 See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's "Fasti
Ecclesise Hibernise," vol. iii., Diocese of
Raphoe, p. 346.
*4 This parish was anciently called onuim
chuAtnA, and it is mentioned in the Calendar
of the O'Clerys. in connection with St.
Adamnan, at the 23rd of September.
&5 Father Ward mentions the circum-
stance of having seen a well dedicated to St.
Adamnan in this parish. " Vidi qui ex loco
quodam Dabhach Adamhnain, ubi Sanctus
pernoctabat in aquis, vimina ad restem
nendum abstulisset, contemptis Sancti
nomine et asylo, ' et mox rabiosa febre
correptus, eadem nocte interiit furibundus,
exiliens manibus grabato, uti quodam
agitatus demone."— "Sancti Rumoldi-
Martyris inclyti, &c, Acta &c." Dissertatio
Historica de Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. iii.,
sect. 6, p. 219.
86 See his Vita S. Columba;, lib. iii.,
cap. 23, in Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
"Life of St. Columba," p. 238, and n. (o),
ibid.
8?See at that date: "Nativitas Adam-
nani." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiber-
nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. Annales
Inisfalenses, p. II.
88 See ibid., Tigernachi Annales, p. 187.
^See William M. Hennessy's edition, pp.
78, 79.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 483
it at the year 624. The Annals of Ulster record the birth of our Saint at
the year 623.9° Adamnan was born in Ireland,*" in or about the year 624,'"
according to a respectable authority.93 Father Ward assigns his nativity to
A.D. 626.94 The Rev. Alban Butler95 also coincides with this date. It
is stated, that Adamnan was in the eighty-third year of his age, at the time
of his death, which occurred in the year 704. 96 Consequently it should
follow, that he was born in A.D. 621 or 622,
Little information remains for us, concerning the early history of Adamnan.
A single anecdote which is told, and referring to his school-boy days, can
hardly be considered quite authentic. We are informed in the Life of
Finnachta, the Festive, a chief of the Southern Hy-Niall,97 that this tanist had
been invited as a guest to the house of his sister. Accompanied by a numerous
cavalcade, he responded to the invitation. While riding along the road, they
met Adamnan, who was then a school-boy, and who was carrying a jar of
milk on his back. Travelling upon the same road, the boy turned out of the
way, to avoid the horsemen. Then having knocked his foot against a stone,
he thereupon stumbled, and the jar, falling from his back, was broken.
Observing this accident, Finnachta said that the student should receive pro-
tection from him, and he prayed that Adamnan would not be sorrowful.
Then Adamnan replied : " O good man, I have cause for grief, for there are
three goodly students in one house, and three more of us are attendants
upon them. We act in this manner : One attendant from among us goes
out in his turn to collect sustenance for the other five. It was my turn to-day,
but what I had gathered for them has been spilled upon the ground. What
grieves me still more, the borrowed jar is broken, and I have not money to
pay for it." This story is supposed to have been the creation of a later age,
and intended to introduce the intimacy of St. Adamnan with Finnachta, and
to account for their subsequent relations towards each other. Although it
transports the youthful St. Adamnan from Donegal to Meath, there is
nothing incredible in this narrative ; for St. Columkille, before his time,
studied at Clonard, in Meath,98 and he read with Gemm in a plain of Leinster.9°
Neither was it considered inconsistent with the severity of monastic
discipline, even for one nobly born, to derive his sustenance from
eleemosynary sources,100 It is supposed, there can be no doubt of St.
90 Thus : " Nativitas Adomnani abbatis dates are assigned. Placing Adamnan's
Iae." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni- birth at 624, and his death in 704, would
carum Script ores," tomus iv. Annales make him live to the 80th year.
Ultonienses, p. 41. ^ See " Sancti Rumoldi Martyris inclyti,
91 This he acknowledges, in his " Vita S. &c. Acta, &c." Dissertatio Historica de
Columbse," where he says, in the last Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. iii., sect. 5, p. 218.
chapter of his work, St. Columkille's fame 9S See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
was divulged " per totam nostram Scotiam." other principal Saints," vol. ix., September
That he meant Ireland is clear, for he xxiii.
distinguishes it from " maximam ^ Such is the account in Dubhaltach
Britanniam" and other countries and islands Mac Firbisigh's " Three Fragments of
of Europe. Annals," edited by John O' Donovan, LL.D.,
92 Colgan is of this opinion, resting his p. 115.
statement on the authority of the Annals of 97 Subsequently a monarch over Ireland.
Roscrea, and some other ancient accounts. 98 See some notices of St. Finnian, Abbot
Tighemach, at 624, has b^f A-oomnAm ab of Clonard, at the 23rd of February, in the
ble, but the " Chronicum Scotorum " reads, Second Volume of this work, Art. ix. His
5em, nativitas, instead of bsy, mors. Acts are reserved, however, for the 12th day
93 The Rev. William Reeves. He says, of December, his chief feast.
that the Annalistic date is not to be hastily "See Adamnan's "Vita S. Columbae,"
set aside. I am at a loss to determine whether lib. ii., cap. 25, p. 137, and n. d. (Dr. Reeves'
this remark has reference to the date of our Edition),
saint's birth or death. In either case, various '°° Within our own memory similar prac-
484
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Adamnan having received his monastic education either in Hy, or in some
other monastery belonging to the Columban institution.101 But the Breviary
of Aberdeen falls into a strange anachronism, where it states that Adamnan
received the monastic habit from St. Columba.102 It is still more inexplicable,
how Baronius103 could have made both these saints contemporaries. Again,
the Breviary of Aberdeen assigns very incorrectly to St. Columba the Jus
patronatus IO* of the Scottish Lismore, which the Bollandist editor of our
Saint's Acts mistook I05 for the Irish Lismore.
It is probable our saint entered upon his religious profession at Iona
coenobium, under the abbot Seghine, who was the fifth in order of succes-
sion. He governed this monastery from 623 to 652, having died on the 12th
of August, in the last named year.106 Adamnan was probably about twenty-six
years of age, at the time of this abbot's death. During Seghine's incumbency,
and during that of the three abbots who succeeded, there can be no doubt,
but our saint acquired such a reputation for the practice ot all virtues, and
such a character for learning, as recommended him for presiding over the
Columban Order.
This institute had then attained its meridian glow of celebrity and influence.
We are told, that Adamnan was versed in all liberal, sacred and ascetic
knowledge ; that he was acquainted with the Greek10? and Hebrew lan-
guages ;loS and that the literature of his vernacular tongue was quite familiar
to him. He knew perfectly well what had been written in it, concerning his
country's acts, laws, and histories, besides those Druidic sciences, which had
not been visited with condemnation by the Church.100 He was not only a
proficient in the Latin language, but he was capable of fully appreciating its
tices have prevailed in tne middle and
southern parts of Ireland, and are not,
perhaps, altogether disused, even at the
present time. The " poor scholar" was a
well-known character to a late period, and
has been made the subject of an affecting
but exaggerated tale, by William Carleton.
The mode of acquiring subsistence, how-
ever, differed from that related in the
anecdote given ; the practice was substan-
tially the same. This and many other
instances, recorded in the Lives of our early
Saints, tend to show the conservatism of old
habits and customs in Ireland.
101 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii.,
sect, v., p. 97.
loa u Natus est itaque sanctus Adampnanus
sicut beatus precinebat Columba quem a
tenera infancia cunctis gratum divina reddidit
gracia. Successu vero temporis a prefato
beato Columba monichalem suscepit habitum
et postea juxta abbatis sui perceptum ad
Lismorensem devenit abbaciam." Now, St.
Columba died, about the year 597 and St.
Adamnan was not born at earliest date,
before A.D. 623.
103 This he does, in his edition of the
Roman Martyrology, at the 9th of June.
,0<The Rev. Dr. Reeves says, that "St.
Columba had no more jurisdiction in Lis-
more than in Applecross or Kingarth. Even
when Lismore was made an episcopal seat,
it was kept distinct from Hy." — Adamnan's
" Life of St. Columba." Appendix to Pre-
face, &c, n. (u), p. xliii.
105 See " Acta Sanctorum, " tomus vi.,
Septembris xxiii. De S. Adamnano, &c,
sec. i., num. 10, p. 644.
I0* See Chronicon Hyense, in the Addi-
tional Notes postfixed to the Rev. Dr.
Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba,"
pp. 373 to 375. The Annals of Innisfallen
place his death at the year 642.
""See Father Ward's "Sancti Rumoldi
Martyris inclyti, &c, Acta, &c." Dissertatio
Historica de Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. iii.,
sect. 5, p. 218. That he was acquainted
with the Greek and Hebrew languages may
be inferred, from the circumstance of his
introducing Greek words into the text of his
11 Vita S. Columbse." He discusses the
meaning and orthography of some Greek
names in his treatise, " De Locis Sanctis,"
lib. ii., cap. 27, and lib. iii., cap. 2.
108 He treats about the Hebrew form of
Tyre, and its Latin equivalent, and alludes
to the mention of this name in historical
writers, as if he were familiar with such
subjects.
109 He cites a verse of Juveneus, in lib. i.,
cap. 18, and quotes Josephus, under the
title of " Tertius Judaic* Captivitatis Liber."
He also refers to the commentaries of St.
Jerome, lib. iii., cap. 20, 29.
110 An improvement seems to have been
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 485
elegancies of construction and classical phrases. His writings that remain
to our time sufficiently testify to this proficiency. Our saint appears to have
united bodily labour with his studies. On a particular occasion, he represents
himself as forming one of a party engaged in procuring wood for certain
monastic repairs."0 They had drawn together a small fleet of those vessels
which were called currachs, to the number of twelve,1" in order to carry the
wood to Iona from the mainland. This material for building was taken from a
country situated about the mouth of a river, called Sale,"2 Whilst the sailors
were rowing on a tranquil sea, a western wind suddenly arose, which proved
unfavourable for the point to which their course had been directed."3 Where-
fore they ran for a neighbouring island called Arthrago, in the Scottish
language, and here they sought a port of refuge. But being baffled for the
present in achieving the object of their voyage, the navigators became
impatient and began to complain. In a certain measure they accused
their patron, St. Columba, in these terms : u O Saint, doth this delay of ours
please thee ? Through God's providence, we have hitherto expected from
thee, that some consolatory assistance should be afforded to our labours,
because we have considered that thou wert held in an exalted degree of
honour by the Almighty." Having spoken these words, wonderful to relate !
after a short interval, and in a single instant, the contrary west wind fell.
Almost sooner than words could express it, a favourable Vulturnus"* arose.
The sailors were ordered to square the sail-yards in the form of a cross, and
having hauled the ropes, their sails were spread. On the same day those
navigators reached Iona, with fresh and favouring breezes, and with scarcely
any effort on their part, The wood was safely landed, with the men belong-
ing to the different vessels. Adamnan takes occasion to say, that those
slight complaints, urged against their holy patron, proved of no little benefit
to their community. They proved, likewise, St. Columba's powerful inter-
cession before the throne of God. This must have been very great, as
ought appear from such a sudden change of the winds."*
made, before this, on the rude system of Scottish rivers. He says, that the river
building with wattles. St. Columba used to Shiel, which connects the fresh-water Lake
study in a hut, " tabulis suffultum." See his of Lough Shiel with the sea, and forms part
Life by Adamnan, lib. i., cap. 25. St. Finan, of a boundary line between the counties of
in 652, erected a church after the model of Inverness and Argyle, is excluded from
Hy, " quam more Scottorum, non de lapide, identification with the name mentioned in
sed de robore secto totam composuit, atque the text. A N.E. wind should be required,
harundine texit ;" that is, the walls were to convey the party from it to Iona ; yet,
made of wooden sheeting, which was pro- it appears from the sequence, that a S.E.
tected from the weather outside by a coat of wind accomplished the object of their voyage,
rush-thatch. An improvement was again Dr. Reeves was inclined to infer, from the
made on this system when a succeeding sequel of this narrative, that a N.E. wind
bishop, " ablata harandine, plumbi laminis was the one that favoured the navigators'
earn totam, hoc est, et tectum et ipsos course. Consequently Sale may have been
quoque parietes ejus co-operire curavit." — identical with the river Shiel.
Venerable Bede, " Historia Ecclesiastica "3 The Rev. Mr. Reeves thinks, that this
Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. 25. island lay to the S.E. of Hy, but could not
111 The Rev. Dr. Reeves has collected a identify it, as he acknowledges, unless it
great number of instances in which he shows, were Arran.
how this number prevailed during the early II4This signifies a North-east wind, or
ages of Christianity, in many departments of according to some, a south-east wind. It is
religious economy. See Adamnan's " Life derived a vulturis volatus, quoniam altc
of St. Columba." Additional Notes I., pp. rtsonat, or a Vulturno fluvio. See Ellis'
299 to 303, with accompanying notes. He revised edition of Ainsworth's Latin
also shows how it was largely applied in Dictionary, ad vocem. London, 1830.
secular use. "5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
"aThe Rev. Mr. Reeves has been unable " Life of St. Columba," lib. ii., cap. 45,
to identify this Sale, with any of the modern pp. 177, 178, with accompanying notes.
486 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
According to the Annals of the Four Masters,"6 Finnachta Fleadhach, or
the Festive, in a.d. 674, began his reign as monarch over Ireland. This
prince is sometimes called Finnshneachta in the same Annals, as also in those
of Ulster. He succeeded Ceannfaeladh, son of Blathmac, who was slain in a
battle fought at Airceltair. The chief incident of his reign appears to have been
his remission of the Borumha Laigean, which had long oppressed the people
of Leinster.11? This action greatly displeased Adamnan, who had opposed it
as a matter of policy ; although, no doubt, it was done in a considerate and
equitable manner. Finnachta belonged to the Southern Hy-Niall race, and
he was a valiant118 and hospitable prince."9 We are told, in an old bardic
composition,120 that after the accidental introduction already mentioned,
Adamnan was invited to the court of this prince. Subsequently our saint
became the monarch's anmchara or spiritual director. This is supposed to
have been a chief reason, why the saint became so distinguished during
Finnachta's reign.121
We are informed,122 that Adamnan founded many monasteries in
Ireland,123 before he undertook the care of Iona, and that these were under
his own rule ; the chief among them being Raphoe, the Pons Adamnani,
Drumhome and Screen, If this be the case, he must have been sent in a
missionary capacity from the parent house, to inaugurate other branches of
the institute in Ireland ; but, it seems most probable, that whatever
monasteries he may have founded, these had been chiefly erected at intervals
during the various visits he made as head of the Columban order. To this
list of places where he was venerated, Colgan adds the Churches of Dunbo,
Aregal,Boithfheabha,andGrelleach,in the diocese of Derry, as also memorials
in other localities of Ireland.12^ Drumhome was the seat of a powerful
branch of the Cinel Conaill, which was in this parish ; and in it was
also preserved the reliquary called the Cathach.12* Adamnan was especially
1,6 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i., 120 This composition is said to have been
pp. 282 to 285. contained in a vellum M.S., which was
"7 It is said their exemption from this formerly in possession of William Monck
tribute was due to the pleading of St. Mason, Esq.
Moling Luachra, a holy and celebrated ,21 The Annals of Tighernach and of
bishop. He is said to have taken advantage Ulster state, that Finnachta became a clergy-
of an ambiguous meaning attaching to the man, in the year 687 or 688, but that he
term Iua«, which signifies either Monday, returned once more to his Kingdom, in
or the Day of Judgment ; thus converting 688 or 689. See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum
the signification of a temporary respite into Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii.,
a perpetual surrender of the claim. The Annales Tigernachi, pp. 214, 215, and
whole of this legendary story is sufficiently ibid., tomus iv. Annales Ultonienses,
told in the Life of St. Molingus, or St. p. 64.
Moling Luachra of Teach-Moling, in the ,2a By Fleming in his "Collectanea
Sixth Volume of this work, at the 17th of Sacra," Dissertatio de Monastica S. Colum-
June, the day for his feast. Art. i., chap. iii. bani Luxoviensis et Bobiensis Abbatis
118 Besides the victory obtained over Professione. Art. iii., sect, ii., num. 87,
Cennfaeladh in 673, he destroyed Ailech, p. 435.
a stronghold of the Northern Hy-Niall, in "3 See also Father Ward's " Sancti
A.D. 674 ; he defeated the Leinster-men at Rumoldi Martyris Inclyti, &c, Acta, &c,"
Loughgower, near Dunshaughlin, in Meath, Dissertatio i Iistorica, de Patria S. Rumoldi,
and he gained the battle of Tailltin over Art. iii., p. 219.
Becc Boirche, in A.D. 677. See Dr. Ia* See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four xxii. Februarii. De B. Malbrigido sive
Masters," vol. i., pp. 282 to 283, and notes, Brigidano, Abbate Derensi et Primate
ibid. Ardmachano, p. 387, n. 7.
"'The appellation Fledhach is said to "5 At these and similar references, the
have been derived from jrlexvo, " a banquet," Rev. Dr. Reeves refers to pages and
and from the festivities which prevailed passages in the body of his edition of
during his reign. See Jeoffrey Keating's Adamnan's " Life of St. Columha." See
M History of Ireland," part ii. pp. 38, 284,
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 487
venerated at Drumhome, a parish in the diocese of Raphoe, barony of
Tirhugh, and County of Donegal. It is the Dorsum Tomme, and it was
probably in the neighbourhood of St. Adamnan's birth-place. In the
diocese of Deny, parish of Errigal,136 barony of Coleraine, County of
Londonderry, is the townland of Ballintemple, where was the site of the
old church. Here foundations remain, measuring 52 by 18 feet. South
of this is the only local commemoration remaining in the parish, namely,
an eminence called St. Onan's Rock. "7 In the parish of Clonleigh, diocese
of Derry, County of Donegal, and barony of Raphoe, there is a townland
called Ballindrait, supposed to have had some connexion with St. Adamnan.128
It adjoins Raphoe on the east, and is the Pons Adamnani mentioned above
by Fleming.,29 At present no ancient church is in that place. The hamlet
of Greallach, now known as Templemoyle, in the parish of Cloncha,^0
diocese of Derry, barony of Inishowen, County of Donegal, was dedicated
to St. Adamnan.^1 It is a small burial ground, with the faintest traces of
a quadrilateral building. It is situated on a rocky slope, amid a wretched
group of cabins. The parish of Dunbo,132 in the same diocese, county, and
and barony, was dedicated to St. Adamnan. The ruins of the old church,
situate near Downhill, measure 63*2 by 27*6 feet. The parish of Bovevagh
in the same diocese and county, barony of Keenaght, had St. Eugenius as
the patron. x33 This name may be regarded as a Latin form of Eunan.'34
The old church measures fifty-one feet, by seventeen feet, six inches. The
townland of Kilonan, in the parish of Derrygalvin, County of Limerick, is
supposed to have been so called from a church formerly dedicated to St.
Eunan or Adamnan. *35 Another foundation attributed to St. Adamnan was
the monastery of Kill Rois,^6 in the territory of Fera Rois, which extended
into the barony of Farney, in the County of Monaghan, and which took
in a considerable part of the present County of Louth. *37
On the death of Failbhe, eighth abbot of Iona, a.d. 678, according to the
Annals of Ulster,^8 a.d. 679, according to the Annals of Tighernach,x39 or
a.d. 677, according to those of the Four Masters,1*0 Adamnan was elected
superior, both in North Britain and Ireland, when appointed as next Abbot,
136 Formerly called Airecal Adhamnain, age when these matters were better under-
or "the habitation of Adamnan." stood than now.
127 It is marked on the " Ordnance Survey I34 See Archbishop Col ton's M Metropoli-
Townland Maps for the County of London- tan Visitation of the Diocese of Derry,
derry," Sheet 18. At the time it was noted, a.d. mcccxcvii.," n. (o), p. 85.
there was not a man in the country that ,3S The name seems to be formed from
knew who St. Onan was. all <v6Airm4in, but without confirmation
128 The Irish name is "Ortoicec <Vd4tfm4in, from any other ostensible local evidence.
or the "Bridge of Adamnan." See Dr. I36 See " Some Account of the Territory
O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," or Dominion of Farney," by Evelyn Philip
at A.D. 1607, vol. vi., p. 2353. Shirley, chap, i., at p. 2.
129 See "Collectanea Sacra," Dissertatio I37 The Obits of two Priors, at this place,
de Monastica S. Columbani Luxoviensis et are recorded in our Annals, at a.d. 825 ,
Bobiensis Abbatis Professione. Art. iii., and at A.D. 845 ; and a church there called
sect, ii., num. 87, p. 435. Magheross is noticed in Pope Nicholas'
130 In the Irish Calendar at July 16th it is Taxation.
written CIuahi Caca. '38 See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
131 See Archbishop Colton's "Metropolitan carum Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales
Visitation of the Diocese of Derry, a.d. Ultonienses, p. 61.
MCCCXCVII.," n (z), p. 69. I3» See i&id., tomus ii., Tigernachi
I3* In this parish is the Munitio Annales, p. 210.
Cethirini. M° The Annals of Clonmacnoise place his
133 According to Archbishop King's List, death in the year 674. It occurred on the
local belief makes St. Ringan, that is, 22nd of March, at which date, some notices
Ninian, the patron ; but Colgan's authority, of him may be found, in the Third Vo'ume
already cited, is superior, as he lived in an of this work, Art. i.
488
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
over the celebrated monastery belonging to the Columban institute, on the
Island of Hy. His supreme jurisdiction thus extended over all the monastic
institutions of St. Columkille. Almost contemporaneously, Aldfrid, the
Northumbrian prince, known to the Irish by the name of Flann Fina,'41 and
whose mothei142 is said to have been of Irish birth or descent,1-^, had been
obliged on the death of his reputed father, Oswy,144 to leave his native
country, and to become an exile in Scotia or Ireland. :« There he was
educated in piety and learning by some Irish monks.1*6 Others will have it,
that he sought a refuge in Hy ;14? but probably he visited both places.14* An
Irish poem,'49 of twenty-four ranns, said to have been composed by him in
^ U1 Thus at A.c. 704, Tighernach recording
his death says : " A.\tcp|tich tdac Oppu .1.
JTl-Atro pr>A Ia gAe-oelu hinAi-oh [he was
called Fland Fina by the Irish] rex Saxon
fnit." See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiber-
nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii., Tigernachi
Annales, p. 222. So the Annals of Inis-
fallen, in the parallel place a.d. 694, have
JTlAnn rine itiac goffA Rex Saxonorum
quievit." See ibid. Annales Inisfalenses,
y. 17.
143 The surname Fina was derived from his
mother. He is distinguished from J?lAnn
pnn, an ecclesiastic, whom the Gloss and
the Felire of /Engus at January 14th, places
at Inbher Neola [An f heblA of the
Foyle ?] on the confines of Tir Connell and
Tir Eoghain ; or at Chuillinn beside Corcagh,
as Mananus O'Gorman has it at the same
day. M oreover, he is to be distinguished from
Flann Finn, as chief of the Cinel Eoghain,
in 698, whom the Annals of Ulster call Flann
Albus at a.d. 699. Pinkerton greatly errs
in confounding this Aldfrid with Alchfrid, a
legitimate son of Oswy, and who was invested
with regal power by his father, but who died
at an earlier date.
143 She is stated by ./Engus, a writer of the
eighth century, to have been from the
princely house of Niall : pnA injen
Chin-ofAetAT) mAtAift f/lom-o pnA mic
Of fA. Aliter pnA injen ColmAin ftime
mic DAeTMin mic tTluijicefXAij mic
muijie'OAij;, mACAifi f?loimo ptiA 1115
SAXAn. "Fina, daughter ol Cennfaeladh,
was mother of Flann Fina, son of Ossa.
Aliter, Kina, daughter of Colman Rimidh,
son of liaedan, son of Muircertach, son of
Muiredhach, was mother of Flann Fina,
King of the Saxons. Tract on the Mothers
of the Iiish Saints in the Leabhar Lecain,
fol. 43, a Manuscript classed H. 2. 16, in
Trinity College, Dublin, p. 365 of the
Catalogue. In the Claun Neill Genealogy
Fina is represented as the great grand-
daughter of Muircertach, either through his
son Baedan, or through Ailill, father of
Cennfaeladh. — Ibid., fol. 63.
•"Oswy, King of Northumbria, died in
670, and was succeeded by his son Egfrid.
Though an elder brother, Aldfrid was
superseded on the ground of illegitimacy,
Whereupon it is related, " Hiberniam, seuvi
seu indignatione, secesserat. Ibi, et ab odio
germani tutus, et magno otio Uteris imbutus,
omni philosophia composuerat animam.
Quocirca, imperii habenis, habiliorem
aestimantes, qui quondam expulerant ultro
expetiverunt." — " Wilhelmi Malmesbirien-
sis," "Gesta Regum Anglorum," p. 52,
edition of Thomas D. Hardy, 1840.
145 Irish writers observe; " Non sui tan-
turn Uteris excolendi causa in Hiberniam
venit, verum etiam ut Sanctis Hibernue
deprecantibus limace qui in aurem ejus
irrepsit, et capitis humoribus attractis
intumuit educto, molestia et morbo ex ea
recontracta immunis efficeretur." — Arch-
deacon Lynch's " Cambrensis Eversus,"
edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, vol. ii., p. 236.
146 See Dean Milman's " History of Latin
Christianity," vol. ii., book iv., chap, iv.,
p. 267.
147 Such is the account of a Lindisfarne
Benedictine Monk. See the Bollandists'
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus hi., Martii xx.
Tertia Vita S. Cuthberti, lib. iii., sect. 6,
p. 121. T. Innes endeavours to make it
appear, that Aldfrid 's place of retirement
was Ycolmkill, and draws the startling con-
clusion : " We see that it was usual to the
exactest writers to confound Scotland with
Ireland in these times, when the name
Scotia, and, as appears by this passage of
Malmesbury and others, even the name
Hibernia was common to both." — "Civil
and Ecclesiastical History of Scotland," p.
278, Goodall finishes the climax ; " per
illas insulas minime Hibernia, Uteris nun-
quam Celebris sed Hebrides, et ex iis Heii
vel Iona insula pnecipue designari videtur."
— Fordun's " Scotichronicon," vol. i., p.
159, n. 4.
148 Fordun writes: "Qui non pancis
annis in Scotia et Hibernia discendo literas
curam dedit." — " Scotichronicon " lib. iii., p.
$*•
,4» It begins :
Uo-oeA-o in Imp pnn J? Ail
In efimn ji e iaji n-imAjifJAij.
1m mAr bAn, ni bAech An bjieAch.
ImAC lAec, imAc clef eAch
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
489
reference to his sojourn in Ireland,1** is still preserved.1*1 The original has
been printed by James Hardiman,1*2 and a literal translation into English
has been furnished by John O' Donovan,^ with critical notes appended.'5*
James Clarence Mangan has given a metrical version of this poem.'ss It may
be supposed, that owing to an alleged relationship of his mother with the
chief northern family, Aldfrid had been induced to seek refuge on the shores
of our Island. It is also probable during the time of his exile, that prince
had formed an intimacy with Adamnan, of whom he is called the alumnus *&
This friendship thus early formed, afterwards proved serviceable to Adamnan,
when his protege ascended the throne. Ecgfrid had been slain by the Picts,
in a fatal expedition undertaken against them, in the year 684*57 or 685,'58 near
a Loch,J59 and at Dun Nechtainl6° — supposed to have been the modern
plAnn £itiA idac Oof a
■Affor-Aoi efienn eotofA
x\f bf.u c-f fotA Ren Af ecc
fTUAIf. A fieift TttAjl -DO f.AI'OeAT).
The translation into English is thus given : —
•' It is natural in fair Inis-fail,
In Erin, without contention,
Many women, no silly boast,
Many laics, many clerics.
Flann Fina, son of Osa,
Arch doctor in Erin's learning,
On the banks of the river Ren composed
[this] ;
Received his due as was natural."
— Rann 23.
150 Charles O'Connor, senior, had a copy
of " this poem in a very obscure character."
— " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus
iv., p. 129. Also in the Stowe Catalogue,
vol. i., p. 95. Other ancient copies are
mentioned by Edward O'Reilly in his
" Chronological Account of nearly Four
Hundred Irish Writers," p. xlviii.
'51 It is marked H. 2. 16, among the
Manuscripts in Trinity College, Dublin.
152 In his "Irish Minstrelsy," vol. ii., p.
372.
^3 See "The Dublin Penny Journal," vol.
i., No. 12, pp. 94, 95.
'54 However, the translator omitted to
observe, that the introduction of the deno-
mination Dublin, in one of the stanzas,
deprives the poem of an antiquity dating
back to the seventh century.
155 See " Poems by James Clarence
Mangan;" with Biographical Introduction
by John Mitchel. Irish Anthology, pp. 379
to 381.
156 In a Brussels MS. 530I, p. 80, of
Mac Firbis's Irish Annals, the death of
Alfrid is thus recorded : trioff £lAmn
JTionA true OffA fi SAXAn, An cejnAit)
ArhjiA, "OAtiCA xVoArhnAin ; x>e quo ttiA5Uit
bennchuif cecemc,
1niu pejiAf bfwoe cac,
1m f of bA a fenACAji.
ITlAnAT) At$Af Ia niAC *Oe,
Conit) x>e At) jenACAft.
1mu jio bit mAC OffA,
A ccac ff 1 ctAi-orhe jtAf a,
C1A -DO f AT)A A1C1f je,
1f hi mx> ht iAf nAff a.
1mu f. o bit mAC OffA,
CAf a mbi-oif -ouftA -oeojA.
Tlo cuaVa Cfifc Af nsui-oe,
Roif AOf. buc Ofui-oe bf ejjA.
" The death of Flann Fiona, son of Ossa,
King of the Saxons, the illustrious wise man,
the foster-son of Adamnan ; of whom Riaguil
of Bennchor sung :
To-day Bruid fights a battle
About the land of his grandfather.
Unless it be too much to ask of the Son of
God,
May he not perish in it.
To-day the son of Ossa falls
In battle with green swords,
Although he did his penance,
And shall lie in Hi after his death.
To-day the son of Ossa fulls,
Who had the brown drinks.
Christ has heard our supplication,
He will save the splendid Bruide."
The writer appears to confound Aldfrid
with Ecgfrid, as regards the battle. Tigher-
nach places the death of Aldfrid in the year
704, and Bede at 705. Riaguil, of Bangor,
is placed in the Irish Calendar, at June nth,
although he is not noticed in the Annals.
See at that date, in the Sixth Volume of this
work, Art. ii.
,57 The Venerable Bede places this event
at A.D. 684. See " Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv., cap. 26.
's8 With Bede's account coincides that of
Mathew, of Westminster, except as to date,
which he places in the year 685. He adds
that Egfrid was succeeded by " frater ejus
Aelfridus licet non de legitimo matrimonio
susceptus, & in scripturis vir doctissimus,
qui regni statum, in magna parte inclinatum
laudabiter reparavit." — " Flores Historia-
rum," p. 224.
159 This event is thus related by Simeon of
Durham: " Extinctum regem apud Nech-
tanesmere, quod est Stagnum Nectani,
49©
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Dunnichen,l6x near the North Sea,162 in Scotland. Aldfrid was afterwards
restored to his country and to the possession of his hereditary rights.
At the year 683,163 we have an account concerning a foray, which is said
to have taken place in the month of June, when the churches and territories
of Magh-Breagh were devastated.16* Many spoils and several hostages were
brought by the Saxons to their ships.16* The Bollandist editor supposed,
that Adamnan's first visit166 to the Saxons had for its object a desire of
pleading with Ecgfrid.16? Certain it is, however, that he had in view the
release of some Irish captives, who had been carried away from Meath, by
the Saxon general of that prince. From Adamnan's own account, we learn,
that he visited Aldfrid, the year after King Ecgfrid's death. Wherefore, this
visit must have its date in the latter end of 685, l68 or the beginning of 686,l69
according to a learned authority. li° The circumstances connected with
Adamnan's journey are related in his Irish life, but with that disregard for
historic accuracy, so characteristic of later Irish hagiology. The piratical
expedition of the North-Saxons, and the plundering of Magh-Breagh so far
as Bealach duin — now Castlekeeran on the Blackwater,^1 and lying north-
west of Kells — with the number of male and female captives made by them,
are recorded. Then we are told, that the men of Erin requested Adamnan
to go to Saxon-land, in quest of those unhappy people. Our saint accordingly
ejusque corpus in Hii, insula Columba
sepultum." — " Historica Dunelmensis Eccle-
sise," pp. 3, 5. This lake formerly occupied
the place of Dunnichen Moss.
160 The Annals of Ulster, at the year 685,
record ; " Bellum Duin Nechtain in vicesimo
die mensis Maii, die sabbati, factum est, in
quo Elfrith mac Ossu rex Saxonum, xv.
anno regni sui, consummata magna cum
caterva militum suorum interfectus est ; et
combussit cuIa AmAn -oum OtlAijh." In
686, Tighernach relates this same event :
" CAi -cum tlechtAin [praelium Dun-
Nechtain], xx. die mensis Maii sabbati die
factum est, in quo Ecfrit Mac Ossu ex
Saxonum xv. anno regni sui, consumata
magna cum caterva militum suorum
interfectus est tA [a] Brudhi mac Bili rege
roficfiein [Pictimia],
161 A parish in Forfarshire, next Forfar, on
the south-east, and which is mentioned as
Dunnechtyn in a charter of William the
Lion to the Abbey of Arbroath. See
" Liber de Aberbrothoe, pp. 4, 10, 124,
165.
,6aThe Saxon Chronicle, at a.d. 685,
places the scene of this action near the
North Sea, to which the situation of
Dunnichen answers, as it is only twelve
miles distant from the German Ocean. See
the " Old Statistical Account of Scotland,"
vol. i., p. 419 ; also Chalmers' "Caledonia,"
vol. i., pp. 210, 255.
163 See Dr. O' Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 288 to 291.
164 The Annals of Clonmacnoise relate
this event at the year 680.
'•5 The date given by the Annals of
Ulster is 684, for the devastation of Breg
plainsi or Meagh-Breagh, by the Saxons.
See Dr. O'Conor's M Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales Ultonienses,
p. 62.
166 Making mention of his visits to Alfrid,
Adamnan calls him his friend, and he
speaks of this visit as the first one after
Egfrid's war, in the " Vita S. Columbse,"
lib. ii., cap. xlvi,
167 See the " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
Junii ix. De S. Columba, Presbytero,
Abbate, in Iona Scotiae Insula. Commen-
tarius Praevius, sect, i., num. 2, p. 190.
168 The " Annals of the Four Masters"
have it at A-D. 684, and mark it as the
eleventh year of the reign of Finnacta. It
was that, in which the dreadful plague,
mentioned by them at said year, broke out,
the commencement of which is affixed by
Florence of Worcester to 685. See Colgan's
"Trias Thaumaturga," p. 385. Having
observed that this plague raged when he was
on that visit, and that the Continent of
Europe and the islands Scotia et Britannia —
viz., Ireland and Britain — were laid waste
by it, except those parts of North Britain
inhabited by the British Scots and the Picts,
these, he thought, were preserved from it
through the intercession of St. Columba.
l0» Roderick O'Flaherty has a manuscript
note to Adamnan's Vita S, Columbse, lib. ii.,
cap. xlvi., referring to Tigernach's Annals,
assigning this visit to a.d. 686, in his former
copy of Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
which is now preserved in the Library of
the Royal Society, Dublin.
'70 « ne visited Alfrid more than once on
some subsequent occasions ; but this, his
first embassy, was either in the latter end of
685, or in the beginning of 686." — Dr.
Langan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii., chap, xviii., sect. 5, n. 53, p. 98.
*■ Formerly called the Sele.
September 23.] LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS. 491
went to demand the prisoners, and put in at a place called Tracht-Romra.'?3
The strand is said to have been long, and the flood rolling at this place.
The current was so rapid, that if the best steed in Saxon-land were ridden
by the best horseman, and started from the tidal water's edge when it begins
to flow, so extensive is the strand and so impetuous was the tide, that he
might only bring his rider to the shore by swimming. The Saxons, as
related, were willing to allow Adamnan's landing upon their shore. u Push
your currachs on the land," said Adamnan to his people, " for both land and
sea are obedient to God, and nothing can be done without His permission."
The clerics did as they had been told, when Adamnan drew a circle with his
crozier around the currachs. Providence rendered the strand firm under
their vessels, and a high wall of sea-waves was formed about them ; so that
the place where they were became an island. The sea even went to its
limits past it, but did them no injury. When the Saxons had observed this
great miracle, they trembled for fear of Adamnan, and granted his full
demand. It was to this effect ; that a complete restoration of the captives
should be made to him, and that no Saxon should ever again go upon a
predatory excursion to Erin. Our saint is then said to have brought back
all the captives.I?3 It is supposed, by a learned and acute writer^* of our
saint's life, that Adamnan possibly undertook this mission, at the instance of
King Finnachta, on whose patrimonial territory this descent had been
made by the Saxons, and perhaps also at the request of the Leinstermen.
The secret of Adamnan's success probably rests on the fact of his previous
friendship with Aldfrid, which time had rather strengthened, together with
the obvious justice of acceding to a reasonable demand.1" The result of his
embassy is reported by our Annalists. These state, that Adamnan conducted
sixty captives to Ireland in 686.1?6 It is sufficiently probable, our Saint had
formed an acquaintance with the great Saint Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfame,
then or sometime previous to this period. The latter Bishop died
on the 20th of March, l?7 687 ; and, it would appear, that the mutual good
offices of Cuthbert and Adamnan had been vainly employed in endeavouring
to effect a reconciliation between the Picts and {Scots of Britain. These
nations were almost constantly at variance.1?8 It is possible, that Cuthbert
and Adamnan had met together at the court of King Aldfrid, and on the
occasion of our saint's first visit thereto. Perhaps, Adamnan had turned out
of his direct way while going to or from the court of this prince, for the
purpose of seeing the Lindisfame abbot and community. However, there
is no positive testimony to establish a suspicion, that Adamnan and Cuthbert
were personally acquainted ; although from their mutual agency in the same
172 " The name is now unknown, but the the year before mentioned. He obtained a
graphic description is very applicable to restoration of them, after having performed
Solway Firth. Fordun speaks of the wonders and miracles before the hosts ; and
1 ' flumen Eske, quod dicitur Scotiswath, they afterwards gave him great honour and
sive Sulwath." — " Sco^chronicon," lib. ii., respect, together with a full restoration of
cap. 2, and lib. iii., cap. 7, 41. Ptolemy everything he asked of them." — Dr.
calls the Solway', Irotiva etsxwts. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp. 290 to 293.
'73 This is attested by Venerable Bede, in '?6 This is attested by the Annals of Ulster,
his Ecclesiastical History. "a.d. 686. Adamnamus captivos reduxit
174 The Rev. William Reeves, D,D. ad Hiberniam lx." — " Annales Ultonienses,"
'75 The Annals of Clonmacnoise refer this p. 64, in Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
event to A.D. 682. At the year 684, those carum Scriptores, tomus iv.
of the Four Masters relate, that "Adamnan '^See his Acts, at the same day, in the
went to Saxon land, to request [a restora- Third Volume of this Work, Art. i.
tion] of the prisoners which the North 1?8See Buchanan's "Rerum Scoticarum
Saxons had carried off from Magh-Breagh Historia," lib. v., p. 147.
49* LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
negotiation, the writer would feel inclined to form such a conclusion. When
our saint paid his first visit to King Aldfrid's court, a great mortality
prevailed in several countries of Europe. However, the Picts and Scots in
North Britain were providentially exempted from the ravages of this plague.
Such exemption is attributed to the patronage and merits of St. Columba.1??
While on his legation to Aldfrid, it is stated, that Adamnan conceived a
desire to celebrate Easter according to the Roman manner.180 It is most
probable, however, that this celebration took place on the occasion of a
subsequent visit. Eugenius VI.,Sl was then King of the Scots, and a
contemporary with Aldfrid, King over the Northumbrians. A firm alliance
had been established between both of these monarchs, who were bound
together in friendship, originating from a mutual cultivation of studies, to
which they had both been addicted.
CHAPTER II.
THE VISION OF ADAMNAN — HIS SOJOURN IN IRELAND — RAPHOE AND ITS CHURCH
DEDICATED TO THE PATRON SAINT — THE SHRINE OF ADAMNAN — VIRTUES AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE SAINT— BISHOP ARCULF'S VISIT TO IONA— ADAMNAN
WRITES THE TRACT DE LOCIS SANCTIS — HIS LIFE OF ST. COLUMBA — ADAMNAN'S
GENUINE WRITINGS AND THOSE ATTRIBUTED TO HIM.
There seems to be ground for believing, that the public mind for some time
had been kept in expectation and alarm by prevailing diseases and portents,1
observed or imagined. It was advantageously impressed and seriously dis-
posed in fine, by the relation of a certain vision, attributed to Adamnan.
Not only in the Books of Erinn were extraordinary phenomena recorded as
occurring towards the close of the seventh century, but also in those of the
neighbouring island of Britain.3 The joys of Heaven and the pains of Hell
'"See Adamnan's ''Vita S. Colurabse," Chapter 11.— ' Among these may be
lib. ii., cap. 46. mentioned the moon turned into the colour
x^°See Matthew of Paris' "Chronica of blood, on the feast of St. Martin, A. D.,
Majora," edited by Henry Richards Luard, 688; bloody rain falling in Lagenia, a.D.
M.A., vol. i., p. 318. 689; famine and pestilence prevailing tor
1,1 We are told, during the reign of this three years in Hibernia, so great that man
King, that for seven days it rained blood ate man ; a great frost, so that the lakes and
throughout the whole of Britain, " converso rivers in Erinn were frozen over, while the
etiam lacte, caseo, et butiro in sanguinem." sea between Erinn and Alba was frozen to
This account appears to have been taken such an extent, that people used to travel to
from the Saxon Chronicle, which refers such and fro on the ice ; besides a mortality broke
phenomenon to A.D. 685. Caradoc states, out among cows in Hibernia on the Kalends
that in the fifth year of the reign of Ivor, of February in Magh Treagha, in Teathbha,
King over the Britons, and who began his A.D. 696. See William M. Hennessy's
rule A.D. 689, showers of blood fell in " Chronicum Scotorum," pp. no to 113.
Britain and Ireland. Those showers caused 3 During the reign of Rhodri Molvynog in
milk and butter to be converted into a Wales, at A.D. 685, is related a mortality in
sanguineous colour. The Annals of Clon- Ireland lasting for two years ; at A.D. 687, in
macnoise assign this portent in Ireland to Armorica an earthquake ; at A. D. 688, it
a.d. 688 ; the Annals of the Four Masters rained blood in the island of Britain and in
to A.D. 690 ; and the Annals Tighernach to Ireland ; at a.d. 690, the milk and butter
a.d. 693. The latter Annals state, that turned to blood ; and, at a.d. 692, the moon
the blood flowed in streams for three days turned of a bloody colour. See " Brut y
and three nights. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's Twysogion ; or the Chronicle of the
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomusii. Princes," edited by Rev. John Williams ab
Tigernachi Annales, p. 217. Ithel, M.A., pp. 2 to 5. With some
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 493
Adamnan is said to have witnessed, previous to the date for holding a
very celebrated synod. The account is contained in a Tract styled the Fis
Adamnain, or the Vision of Adamnan, an Irish composition of considerable
antiquity,3 as proved by its style. Copies of it are yet extant. Like the
visions of St. Fursey,4 it embodies a narrative, which passed current in conver-
sation, as the realities of our saint's experience. This so-called Vision of
Adamnan was written prosaically, partly in Latin, and partly in Irish.s This
tract is a religious discourse on the text of the cxlvi. Psalm,6 verses 5 and
6,7 as taken from the Vulgate Version. Of these it opens with a paraphrase.
A copy is to be found 8 in the Leabhar Breach a manuscript belonging to the
Royal Irish Academy.10 Another is stated to be in the Bibliotheque
Nationale, Paris." There is also a copy of it — a quarto vellum " — among
the Royal Irish Academy#s MSS.*3 An imperfect copy was also in the hands
of John McNamara, Esq., Assistant Secretary to the Iberno-Celtic Society.
In the year 1870, appeared the first published original Irish text and
literal English translation of Adamnan's vision, I4 furnished by Whitley
Stokes, Esq.,1* and transcribed from Mr. Joseph O'Longan's lithographic
facsimile of the Lebor na Huidre, a manuscript of the eleventh century.16
In the tract, published by Dr. Stokes, the Irish text is given, but in English
characters on one page, with a literal English version on the opposite. The
prose tract itself is highly poetical in style of composition ; it has much
literary merit ; and besides, it is one of the strangest among the medieval
visions, which begin with that of the Irish St. Fursey, and culminate in that
well-known and sublime poem, the Divina Comedia of Dante. Dr. Stokes is
of opinion, however, that this piece is not the genuine production of
Adamnan. That it cannot be older than the eleventh century, he thinks
deducible from various reasons assigned. ■* After some introductory
variations of date, these prodigies are " Suscipiens mansuetos Dominus : hu-
recorded in the "Annales Cambrise," by the milians autem peccatores usque ad
same editor, at p. 8. terram."
3 John O'Donovan says, "There appears 8 The pp xVoArhnAm consists of two parts,
no reason to question the antiquity of the the Vision, and the Application. It occupies
vision." — " Irish Grammar," p. 440. eight double-columned folio pages.
4 See, this account in his Acts, which are 9 At fol. 127 .a.
already given, and will be found, at the 16th I0 This manuscript was written in the
of January, in the First Volume of this work, fifteenth century, and extracts of it are to be
Art. i. found in John O'Donovan's •■' Irish Gram-
s The Irish part begins, " 1f eAt) in po mar," at pp. 119, 341, 349, 350, 370, 381,
cpA pojuif ACAf -otijeA-o AinmcAi|i-oeAf a 382, 440-442.
peAp n epm-o ffn& tepuJA-6 a ccopp ACAf " Classed, Ancien Fond. No. 8175.
a nAtitriAtro, FfUA hm-oApbA-o ptAij ACAf "Classed, No. 226.
jemce acap ■ofinibA-6 -01b, AmtnL po I3 It is to be found in the Hodges and
foitlfiijeA-o "oo A-OAmnAn .h. Chine, a Smith Collection.
comtti "Oe ACAp pAcrpuicc." " Here is M It is intituled ; " Fis Adamnain." Slicht
set down laws and regulations of spiritual Libair na Huidre. Adamnan's Vision,
friendship for the men of Ireland, for the Transcribed and Translated from the Book of
correction of their bodies and souls, for ex- the Dun Cow. With notes. Fifty copies
pelling from them plagues and infidels, and privately printed ; Simla, printed at the
manslaughter, as it was revealed to Adam- station press by J. Elston, mdccclxx.
nan, the descendant of Tine, in the counsel Small 4to, 40 pages.
of God and Patrick."— Edward O'Reilly's ,s He has extended the contractions of the
" Chronological Account of nearly Four original Irish and printed them in Italics.
Hundred Irish Writers," p. 1. ,6 The original is preserved in the Royal
6 The subject of this Psalm is an exhorta- Irish Academy's Library. The scribe of this
tion to praise God for his benefits. MS. was murdered in the year 1 106.
i "Magnus Dominus noster, et magna '7 These, he states, are: first from the
virtus ejus : et sapientia ejus non est philological evidence adduced in its
numerus, characteristics of Middle Irish ; next from
494 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
observations regarding certain visions vouchsafed to the Apostles and
Disciples of Jesus Christ, and in which they were shown mysteries and
hidden things of Heaven's kingdom, the vision relates what was manifested
to Adamnan Ua Tinne, the high sage of the western world, when his soul
passed from his body on the festival of John the Baptist,18 and when it was
carried to Heaven by his guardian angel to behold the angels there, and
towards Hell, to behold its wretched hosts. At first are described his intro-
duction to the brilliancy and radiance of the celestial courts, their economy
and order ; as also the glorious presence of the mighty Lord, with the
Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, the Pure Virgin Mary, the Disciples of Christ,
the Virgins and bright hosts of souls around the throne. Six gates of pro-
tection, each under the charge of special angels, have to be passed, before
the soul is admitted to the presence of God. Having related all that was
witnessed, in either place of abode, he especially noticed in that of torment
those Aircinnechs, who, in presence of the saints' relics,1* administered
God's gifts and tithes, but who turned the profits from the strangers and
poor of our Lord to their own private ends. Elsewhere, he brands those as
" Sensual Aircinnechs." This narrative proceeds to state, that Adamnan's
soul desired to remain in the happy region. There it heard from behind
him, through a veil, the voice of his guardian angel, commanding it to be
replaced in the same body from which it had passed ; and that it should
relate in ecclesiastical and lay assemblies and conventions, Heaven's rewards
and Hell's pains, such as the conducting angel had revealed to him. Where-
fore it was the precept, which Adamnan preached while he was alive. It
was this precept, too, which had been preached in the great Convention of
the men of Erin, when Adamnan's Rule was imposed on the Gaedhil ; and
when women were made free by Adamnan and Finachta Fledach,20 son to
Dunchadh, son to Aedh Slaine, the King of Erin, and likewise by the men
of Erin. For it happened, that men and women went into battles and into
conflicts indiscriminately, until Adamnan's regulations were imposed. In
this descriptive tract, we find the glory of the Most High and the felicity of
the Saints in Heaven portrayed ; the middle state of Purgation is
delineated ; the dreadful pains and the inhabitants of Hell are also exhibited
to us in all their hideous deformity. A considerable portion of the compo-
sition must be regarded as purely the product of the writer's imagination,
and drawn in a great measure from the description of the Heavenly Jerusalem,
as given by St. John the Evangelist in the Book of the Apocalypse.21 In its
present form,22 it possesses internal evidence sufficient to prove, that it is
the author's mention of tithes, which Domus-martirum by Tirechan in Liber
according to Dr. Reeves were unknown in Armacanus, fob 15, ba.
Ireland until after 703; thirdly, from his 20This is an anachronism; for the con-
reference to the imperial edict of Domitian vention was held under his successor,
— a forgery according to Muratori of the Loingsech, son of Aengus. Finachta was
period between 755 and 766— and, fourthly, slain in 693, according to Dr. O'Donovan's
from his anachronism about the Convention, "Annals of the Four Masters." He was
at which Irish women were freed from liability immediately succeeded by Loingsech. See
to fight in battles. See p. I. vol. i., pp. 296, 297.
18 His Decollation is celebrated on the 2I See chap. xxi.,xxii.
29th of August. "It mentions ■oechmA-o.A, "tithes,"
19 The word in the original is mAjtcfiA. It which were not known in Ireland, until
was the technical term among the Irish for long after the time of Adamnan. Again, it
a saint's relics. From reliquice comes the contains an anachronism regarding the
Irish |ieiti5, M sepulchretum," and from Convention at which Irishwomen were freed
Martyres, the tttAficAfire-Ach ot the Annals from liability to engage in battle, by Fin-
of Ulster at A.D. 721, 754, 1055, latinized nachta the Festive. Moreover, it fails in
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 495
not Adamnan's composition. 23 A second vision, or rather a supplement to
the first vision follows. In it, the wickedness of Ireland's inhabitants, and also
those mortalities with which they were visited, and must yet be visited, are
recounted. It mentions such visitations, as the Scamhach, or " Leprosy ; "
the Bo-ar, or M Cow mortality j " the Digbail toraid, or " Blight of Fruit ; "
the Gorta, or u Famine ; " the Nuno or " Scarcity ; " aud the Dunibadh, or
" Human Mortality." It announces, that prayer and fasting are the only sure
preservatives against an infliction of those various evils.2* The second part
of Adamnan's vision contains instructions for averting the mortality 35 that
was apprehended, on the feast of the Decollation of John the Baptist.26
How far St. Adamnan extended his missionary labours and travels
throughout Ireland has not been clearly ascertained, but some traces may be
inferred from traditions that remain. When on a visit to Ireland, Adamnan
is said to have preached to his relatives,2? the descendants of Fiacha, son to
Niall, and on a hill in the townland of Syonan,28 which ever since has borne
his name.29 The place is in the parish of Ardnurcher, diocese and county
of Meath.3°
The church of Raphoe, originally founded by St. Columkille, seems
afterwards to have been presided over by St. Adamnan — also called Eunan —
who is regarded as the Patron Saint. Local tradition states, that Adamnan
passed some time at this place, and memorials of him exist in that
neighbourhood. At Rathboth or Raphoe, " the fort of booths or cottages,"
it has been thought, Adamnan or Eunan spent some of his closing years in
Ireland, not uninfluenced, perhaps, by the opposition of the island
monastery to its abbot's unremitting efforts to secure uniformity in the time
for celebrating Easter with the rest of the Christian Church. There above
every other place were his relatives powerful, and an episcopal See might
have been established in his time; the silence of early writers on this
matter not leaving it improbable, that he was then in episcopal orders. The
bishop of Raphoe — as our ancient annalists state — was Coarb of Adamnan,
or Coarb of Columba and Adamnan, the latter name being the distinctive one
in that place.31 In like manner, at Raphoe was shown an object called Eunan's
authenticity, as is sufficiently manifested, prophesied by Columbcille, Moling and
from a reference to the Imperial Edict of Aireran. The Annals of Clonmacnoise, at
Constantine of a donation to Sylvester, 550, attribute the prediction concerning the
Abbot of Rome. Scuab Fanait to Bee Ma De, King Dermot
23 The language of the Vision is marked mac Cerbhail's poet. See Dr. O'Donovan's
by many characteristics of Middle-age Irish ; " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., n. (z.),
such as the confusion of e and i in desinence; p. 196.
putting ae for oe, nd for nn, ur for air, er, 2fi The 29th day of August.
and // for la, In ; prosthesis of /; metathesis 2? This was the local tradition.
of cs and is ; final a for ae, at, e ; in the 28 It is Suix>e A-oArhnAm in Irish, that is,
article disuse of the neuter forms of the " Seat of Adamnain." The ruins oi a
nom. and ace. singular, and use of na castle exist here, but Macgeoghegan says
for the nom. plural m., the dual, and the that it was not church land.
dat. plural; in adjectives, use of the fem. *9 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
form in the nom. plural masc. ; and in the Four Masters," at a.d. 703, vol. i., n. (u),
case of verbs compounded with prepositions, p. 305.
use of absolute instead of subjoined forms. 3° See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of
24 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's Meath, ancient and modern," vol. ii.,
"Life of St. Columba." Appendix to chap, xix., p. 497.
Preface, p. liii. 3I After a lapse of 1,300 years, since the
25The note on the Feilire of Aengus at death of St. Columkille, a great Festival
this day states, that the Scuab a Fanait or was inaugurated and celebrated at Gartan,
Besom of Fanad was a plague which was to in the County of Donegal, the place of his
visit Ireland in the latter times, in revenge birth. The observations contained in the
for the beheading of John the Baptist, as text are arguments advanced by a djs-
496
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September a3.
Bed, in the seventeenth century ; and a Round Tower, which the Bishops of
Raphoe had converted into a Museum,3a was there a short time previous.
Before Adamnan had been promoted as Abbot of Iona, Colgan expressly
calls him Abbot at Raphoe.33 Whether he filled the latter position or not
has been questioned ; but, he was the person, by whose name the succession
at Raphoe used to be distinguished. 34 He was particularly revered as the
patron Saint of its monastery and church. It is considered as certain, that
he had been closely connected with that place ; and if not absolutely the
founder of its church, he was, at least, an abbot there over its monastery. 35
It is strongly suspected, by the learned Dr. Lanigan, that St. Eunan,36 who
is usually called the first bishop of Raphoe, was no other than Adamnan ;37
not that he would allow Adamnan had ever been a bishop, for, were it so, he
could not have become abbot of Hy, but that he was the ancient patron
Saint of the place before it became an episcopal See, the period for such
erection not being known. An object of veneration, called the Holy Cross
of Raphoe, stood there formerly j perhaps it had some relation to the patron
saint.38 The cross in question was afterwards removed from Raphoe to
Armagh, by John Prene, Archbishop of this latter See, about the year
1441.39 An opinion has been entertained, likewise, that Adamnan was
abbot at Raphoe, which perhaps had been founded by himself, before he was
appointed to govern the whole Columban order. Whether or not he
repaired the monastery, said to have been erected by St. Columkille at
Raphoe, may be doubted, as we find no sufficient warrant for this statement.*0
In the present century, a suitable memorial of religious zeal and
devotion has been raised to commemorate St. Adamnan or Eunan at Raphoe.
tinguished prelate, to show that Adamnan of
Iona was the same as Eunan, first bishop
of Raphoe. See an interesting illustrated
publication of the proceedings, intituled :
" Cuimne Coluimcitte," or the Gartan
Festival, being a Record of the Celebration
held at Gartan on the 9th June, 1897, the
Thirteenth Centennial of St. Columba,"
Second Introduction, pp. 10 to 12. Dublin
1898, 8vo.
32 " Ostendebatur Raphoe, non ita pri-
dem, lectus ejus. Ibi porro turris erat
rotunda, colli imposita, in qua Episcopi
Rapotenses Musseum olim habebant." — Sir
James Ware, " I)e Praesulibus Hibernise
Commentarius." Episcopi Rapotenses, p. 73.
33 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta
Appendix ad Acta S. Columbae, cap. iii.
34 Thus Malbrigid, who died Archbishop
of Armagh in 926, is called comorban or
successor, not only of St. Patrick, but like-
wise of Adamnan, insomuch as he had been
abbot and not bishop at Raphoe as Harris
states, before he was raised to the See of
Armagh. See Harris' Ware, vol. i.,
" Bishops of Raphoe," p. 270.
35 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xviii.,
sect, v., n. 59, p. 99.
36 Colgan never mentions this St. Eunan
— supposed to be first bishop at Raphoe —
nor could Ware discover any account of him.
The first bishop of Raphoe, that we meet
with on Colgan's List, was Malduin Mac
Kinfalaid, who died about 930. See
"Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Appendix
ad Acta S. Columbae, cap. vi.( p. 509.
3? The Rev. Dr. Lanigan adds : " It is a
very remarkable circumstance, that the
festival of the saint called Eunan, is kept
on the 23rd of September. Now this was
the very day, on which Adamnan died, and
on which his memory was revered, not only
at Raphoe, but in many other churches.
The name Eunan, is, I allow, not favour-
able to the conjecture of his identity with
Adamnan ; but there might have been some
reason for this variation of names, and a
person better versed in the Irish language
than I am might perhaps find some analogy
between them." — " Ecclesiastical History
of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xiii., sect, v., n.
59, p. 100.
38 In Dr. ODonovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. iv., pp. 750, 751, we
read, under the year 1397, a certain Hugh
MacMahon recovered his sight by fasting
in honour of the Holy Cross of Raphoe,
and regarding the image of the blessed
Virgin Mary at Ath-Trim. In Harris'
Ware, vol. i., " Bishops of Raphoe," p.
270, this Hugh MacMahon is incorrectly
styled Hugh Matthew.
39 See ibid.
40 It is affirmed, however, in Harris' Ware,
vol. i., " Bishops of Raphoe," p. 269.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
497
While the Very Rev. Bernard Kelly, P.P. and V.F., was in charge of the
Parish of Raphoe, he conceived the idea of erecting a new Catholic Church
in honour of the Patron.*1 He entrusted the design to Mr. Heavy,
Architect in Belfast, who drew the plans and prepared the specifications for
an Irish-Romanesque structure of moderate dimensions, and of unassuming
ornament, but of effective style. In 1878 the foundation stone was laid,
with appropriate ceremony, and the building was soon afterwards completed.
The front of the
church is entered by
a circularly-headed
doorway,surmounted
by a rose window
of corresponding
suitableness in the
gable ; higher still is
a smaller window,
and above it on the
apex of the roof is a
cross ; while on the
left-hand angle, a
round-tower, reach-
ing to 'the height of
94 feet, terminated
by a tapering cap,
and a neat iron cross
6 feet in height, pre-
sents an imposing
appearance. In the
upper compartment
are round-headed
opes to favour the
sounds of a bell;
beneath are two other
windows of smaller
dimensions to admit
light to the different
stages ; at the base
are projections in
string courses on the
outside ; and there
is a doorway within
This latter extends from
Exterior of Catholic Church of St. Eunan, Raphoe.
which connects it with the interior of the nave
the entrance door 73 feet to the altar railing, while the width of the nave is
26 feet 4 inches. The masonry is finely dressed ; the walls are of sufficient
thickness to give an air of solidity to the entire erection ; and buttresses are
41 The accompanying view of the exterior
of St. Eunan's Catholic Church, Raphoe,
has been copied from an interesting and
illustrated volume, issued to commemorate
a remarkable event, which had a special
interest and attraction for the people of
Donegal. The book in question is intituled :
Cuirhne Coluimcille," or the Gartan
Festival ; being a Record of the Celebration
held at Gartan on the 9th June, 1897, the
Thirteenth Centennial of St. Columba."
Dublin, M. H. Gill and Son, 1898, 8vo.
The photogravure, at p. 175, has been
copied and transferred to the wood, en-
graved by Gregor Grey.
42 The foregoing particulars were kindly
I I
498
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
on the outside. The rounded chancel, or apse, within which the altar
stands, reaches to 17 feet from the enclosing rail to the end window. The
three windows within the chancel are each 6 feet in height, by 2 feet in
width. A vestry is built on the epistle-side of the altar, while access to it is
through a door on the exterior, as also through one on the interior. On
either side-wall of the nave are three circularly-headed windows ; each
window is 1 1 feet in height, by 3 feet in width ; and they are filled in with
coloured glass. On the interior of the church, the roof is elegantly coved
and ribbed ; while it is sheeted with pitch-pine and varnished. It rests on
brackets having a good appearance. On the appointment of the present
Interior of St. Eunan's Catholic Church, Raphoe.
respected parish priest, Very Rev. Patrick Kelly, in 187 1, to meet the require-
ments of his people, it was found necessary to erect a gallery, which is a great
accommodation for many of the congregation. Access to it is from a circular
stair- way in the tower, and on it is an organ-loft and choir. The gallery is
lighted from the rose window over the front entrance.'*'
It is related, that the illustrious Adamnan collected the Martra or
Relics of the Saints into one Shrine. An ancient Codex«3 enumerates the
twenty-six articles which were enclosed in it, consisting of manuscripts of
furnished to the writer by the Very Rev.
Patrick Kelly, P.P., in communications
dated March, 1899, with a photograph of
the interior, from which the accompanying
illustration has been reproduced and en-
graved on the wood by Gregor Grey.
43 Contained in a Bruxelles Manuscript of
the Burgundian Library, classed No.
2324 = 40, p. 26. This was copied by
Michael O'Clery, ir. 1629, from " an old
and difficult blackish manuscript of parch-
ment."
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 499
the Gospels, hymns, and poems ; articles of apparel belonging to the
Saints of Ireland ; and a few relics of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary ; the
aggregate of which must have filled a large box. This Reliquary seems to
have been deposited in a place, originally called Cnoc-na-maoile,*4 but
afterwards known from the foregoing circumstances as Serin Adamhnain, or
Adamnan's Shrine. At present, the place is denominated Skreen, a parish
church^ in the diocese of Killala, county of Sligo, barony of Tireragh. It
is bounded on the north by Sligo Bay. There he is locally called Awnaun,
and his well is situated a little to the east of the old church, at the other side
of the road. From this well, the townland Toberawnaun46 derives its name.
Between it and the townlaud Soodry runs the Dunmoran Stream. Over
this rivulet, in connexion with a boreen, is the Drehid Awnawn, or " Bridge
of Adamnan," formed of a flag nine feet long, nine inches broad and two
feet high, resting on two stones in the bed of the stream. It does not fill
the whole breadth of the rivulet, so that at either end there is a vacant space
between it and the bank. The natives say it was formed by the Saint, for
his convenience in going from his church to the strand.*? That shrine of
Adamnan seems to have been portable/8 for it was afterwards removed to
Iona. There it was regarded as a very sacred object.** It seems probable,
however, that there were two shrines called after Adamnan, the later, con-
taining his own remains ;5° the other,*1 containing the miscellaneous objects
mentioned in the catalogue. This latter was in after time coupled with his
name, and preserved in his church of Skreen.
In the contemporary statements of Venerable Bede S2 and Ceolfrid, we
have the highest testimony borne to our Saint's character, for his proficiency
in ecclesiastical and secular learning," and for all those virtues, which
44 See the interesting notes on this name de Tir Fhiachrach, de qua, vide plura in
in John O' Donovan's " Genealogies, Tribes notis ad vitam S. Adamnani." — "Acta
and Customs of Hy-Fiachrach," nn. (s.t.), Sanctorum Hiberniae. " Februarii xv. Vita
pp.267, 268. Also, Addenda J., pp. 416, S. Farannani, n. 42, p. 340. He pro-
417. mised to give a Catalogue of the relics
45 The site of the church is an old grant . contained in this shrine, when he should
The Life of Farannan relates, that Tibraide, deal with the Life of St. Adamnan ; but
son of Maelduin, Lord of Hy-Fiachrach, needless to state, he did not live to fulfil that
bestowed upon St. Columba and his frater- promise.
nity three pleasant portions of ground, one s° Referred to in the Annals at A. d. 727
of which " locus isto sevo Cnoc-na-maoile and 730. This would allow but twenty-
dicebatur, postea a S. Adamnano Abbate, three years' interval between his death and
Serin Adhamhnain, i.e., Scrinium S. Adam- the enshrinement of his remains,
nani dictus." — Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum SI The ancient Catalogue calls it a ciaj,
Hibernise," Februarii xv. Vita S. Faran- which is the term used for the leathern
nani, cap. viii., p. 337. satchels in which the early ecclesiastics used
46 Resolvable into CobAft .<V6.Arrm.Ain. to carry about their books. In the present
4? Some additions were formerly made to instance, the words m ciAij have the
it, in order to complete the continuity of the interlineal gloss .i. m fejiine, "the Shrine."
path, but they were speedily removed, as It was probably of leather, for the recital
foreign to the original design. The church commences thus : " O fair youth, noble is
derives its name from Adamnan's shrine, the theca thou hast taken upon thy back."
which was preserved there. 52 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
48 That was the shrine which Cilline Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv., xxi.
Droicthech, the fourteenth Abbot of Hy, son S3 Mr. Pinkerton declares, he considers
of Dicolla, brought to Erin to make peace Adamnan's Life of St. Columkille, as " one
and friendship between the Cinel Conaill of the most curious monuments of the
and Cinel Eoghain. literature of that age " ; and again, as " the
49 Colgan couples this shrine with the most complete piece of such biography that
Church of Skreen, and observes: "Est all Europe can boast of." — "An Enquiry
ecclesia multorum reliquiis nobilis et into the History of Scotland," vol. i.
veneranda, Dicecesis Kill-aladen, in regione Preface, p. xlviii.
5oo LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
become truly ornamental to the Christian priest. Alcuin, who flourished at
a later period in the same century, ranks Adamnan with the most celebrated
among his country's saints. 5* In the Vision, he is styled the noble sage of
the Western World ; 55 and his life ascribes the combined virtues of Patriarch
and Apostle to him. Fordun says, that our saint was distinguished both for
his virtues and miracles, and that he was scrupulously exact in citing
authority for every statement he made, in writing on matters pertaining to
history.56 The Four Masters add, that he was a good man, according to
the testimony of Bede, for he was tearful, penitent, given to prayer, diligent,
ascetic, temperate ; that he never used to eat except on Sundays and Thurs-
days ; that he made a slave of himself to these virtues ; moreover, that he was
wise and learned in clearly understanding the Holy Scriptures of God.57
A holy bishop called Arculf, who was an intelligent native of Gaul,58 and
who was a highly credible witness for what he had seen in distant countries,
spent nine months in the city of Jerusalem. During that time, he daily
visited all the Holy Places in and around the city. It appears, that Arculf
had travelled to Jerusalem, for the purpose of visiting its sacred localities.
He traversed all Judea, besides visiting Damascus, Constantinople, Alex-
andria, and many islands in the adjacent seas. Returning to his own
country in a vessel, and owing to the violence of a tempest, he was carried
towards the western shores of Britain.^ That prelate, was a learned
Scripturian, and he had a full knowledge concerning those places, rendered
so venerable because of their connection with the world's Redeemer. After
many adventures, he came to Adamnan, by whom he was most joyfully
received as a guest. The abbot, also, became a willing listener to accounts
given by the bishop, regarding the Holy Land, and which he deemed
worthy of being recorded.60 Arculf related all he had seen, and delineated on
waxed tablets 6l certain diagrams to illustrate his descriptions. This account
was faithfully checked and revised, before it was committed to parchment for
the purposes of readers.62 Immediately afterwards, Adamnan consigned
it to writing.^ This treatise lay long in manuscript. After the publication
s* " Patricius, Cheranus, Scotorum gloria the sixth century. The body of this edition
gentis, contains 388 pages, and it was published at
Atque Columbanus, Congallus, Perigueux, in France, A.D. 1870.
Adomnanus atque 59 This incident, mentioned by Bede,
Prseclari patres, morum vitaeque proves that Arculf visited Adamnan in Hy,
magistri, and not in Ireland. No mention of it occurs,
His precibus pietas horum nos however, in the tract, " De Locis Sanctis,"
adjuvat omnes." subsequently written.
— Alcuini " opera." Epigrammata, tomus ^ In M.Martial Delpit's " Essai sur les
ii., p. 219, Ed. Ratisbon, 1777, fol. anciens P6lerinages a Jerusalem" may be
55 Thus: ** xVOAmnAn Ua Chm-oe found, towards the close of the First Volume,
AjroecnAi-o iajicaiji -DomAin." the text of three Books of Adamnan, on St.
s6 See " Scotichronicon," lib. iii., 49, CI, Arculph's Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, with the
57 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the various readings of MSS.
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 304 10307. 6l This interesting record is an important
s8 M. Martial Delpit has published an item in the history of writing, as showing
octavo volume intituled; "Essai sur les the collateral and respective uses among the
anciens P61erinages a Jerusalem" in xxx Irish of waxed tablets and membranes for
pages, prefixed to the text of Arculphe's literary purposes, towards the close of the
Pilgrimage. This was taken from a Manu- seventh century.
script of the thirteenth century, which 6a Thus Adamnan writes in this tract :
belonged to a collection of the ancient " Cujus mihi formam in tabula cerata
abbey at Cadouin, in the Diocese of Peri- Arculfus ipse depinxit ;" and again, "juxta
gueux. Besides this, he found another tract exemplar quod mihi Arculfus in paginola
on a similar subject and an earlier account, figuravit cerata depinximus."
by St. Anthony de Plaisanci, belonging to 63 The venerable Bede adds; " Fecitque
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 501
of Cardinal Baronius' great historical work,6* in which the author accepted
implicitly the statements by Arculfus, he was severely criticised by Isaac
Casaubon ; when, in order to vindicate Baronius, the laborious Jesuit Jacob
Gretser undertook to publish the entire treatise,65 and in his Prologomina to
it, he vigourously assails Casaubon for having impugned the authenticity of
Arculfus' statements on insufficient information.66
This treatise M De Locis Sanctis " 6? is mentioned by Venerable Bede, as
Adamnan's genuine work. In the Vatican Library and at Corbey, manuscript
copies of it are preserved, both of which have been used by Mabillon, who
has published it. There are other copies at St. Germanus a Pratis,68 of the
eighth century ; at Berne, of the ninth and tenth centuries ; 69 at Saltzburg, of
the ninth or tenth century ; 7° and at Rheinau, of the eleventh century J1
There is another in the British Museum,?3 of the fourteenth century.73 The
tract opens with a prologue ; 74 invoking first the three persons of the Most
Holy Trinity, before stating the title and original inception of the work. In
this tract, Adamnan mentions the tombs of St. Simeon and of St. Joseph at
Jerusalem, many relics of the Passion of Christ, the impression of the feet of
our Saviour on Mount Olivet, covered with a round church having a hole
open on the top, and over the place where the impression of the footsteps
was to be seen. He also mentions grasshoppers in the deserts of the
Jordan, and which the common people eat, boiled with oil ; as also a portion
of the cross in the Rotunda Church of Constantinople, and which was exposed
on a golden altar during the three last days of Holy Week, when the emperor,
court, army, clergy, and others went there to kiss the sacred wood. 75
The two chief literary works associated with the name of Adamnan are
the Tract intituled " De Locis Sanctis," and the " Vita St. Columbae."
Already have we briefly described and criticised the latter work, when
recording the Life of the great Archimandrite.?6 In his account of Adamnan,
John of Trittenham,77 altogether omits his having been the author of St.
Columba's Acts, while some of his less celebrated writings are noted. Cave
opus ut dixi, multum utile, et maxime illis, Ibid., pp. 129, 132. Again we are told,
qui longius ab eis locis, in quibus patriarchse "ce MS. etoit dans la bibliotheque de
et apostoli erant, secreti, ea tantum de his, Corbie." — Ibid., p. 355. It is probably the
quse lectione didicerint, norunt." — "Historia Corbey manuscript which was collated by
Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. v., Mabillon.
cap. xv. ^ Report of the Record Commission.
64 See "Annales Ecclesiastici," tomus viii., Appendix A., pp. 31, 46.
Annus J.C. 699, sect, x., xi., p. 543. 7°See ibid p. 201.
6s With the title : " Adamnani Abbatis 7I See ibid., p. 203.
Hiiensis Libri tres de Locis Sanctis ex 7* It is classed Codex Cotton, Tiberius,
Relatione Arculfi, Episcopi Galli." D. v., pars ii., pp. 156 a to 184 £.
'6See Leslie Stephen's "Dictionary of 73 Though copied by an ignorant scribe,
National Biography," vol. i., art. Adamnan and imperfect, it contains some valuable
or Adomnan (625 ? — 704) by John T. various readings. It has been collated by
Gilbert, p. 93. the Rev. Dr. Reeves.
67 Gretser 'sedition of this work, published 74See Mabillon's ''Acta Sanctorum Or-
at Ingoldst, a.d. 1619, was printed from a dinis S. Benedicti," sec. iii., pars ii., p. 456.
manuscript sent to him by Father Rosweyd, Venetiis, 1734.
" ex intima Holandia." See Prolegomina, " See the Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
p. 22. the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal
68 See Rev. Dr. O'Connor's " Rerum Saints," vol. ix., September xxiii.
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus i. Epistola 76 See at the 9}h of June, in the Sixth
Nuncupatoria, p. 142. It is described in the Volume of this work, Art. i., the Life of St.
" Nouveau Traite de Diplomatique," tomus Columkille or Columba, Abbot of lona, and
iii., p. 66, as "de S. Germain des Pres, Apostle of Caledonia, chap. i.
num.844," and as "un petit in-folio, en 77 See " Catalogus Scriptorum Ecclesias-
ecriture ordinaire du viii. au ix. siecle." — ticorum," fol. 1. a.
502
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
incorrectly states, that Surius, at the 9th of June, published Adamnan's Life
of St. Columba ; and that Serarius was the first editor of the tract, " De
LocisTerrse Sanctse," published at Ingolstad, in 1619.78 It seems strange,
that the genuineness of Adamnan's Vita S. Columbae should be called in
question by Sir James Dalrymple. Defending the Presbyterian views of
Church government, 79 in the spirit of sectarian controversy, he found it con-
venient to throw discredit on a certain anecdote,80 therein contained. The
Rev. Robert King states, that the fact of Bede being silent about Adamnan
having written St. Columba' s Life, if it be not sufficient evidence to disprove
his authorship, seems to indicate, at least, that Bede was not aware of its
being his composition.81 Again, the Rev. Dr. Giles considers Adamnan
only as the reputed author of a " Life of St. Columba," having strong doubts
that he had written it.82 However, as the Rev. Dr. Reeves observes, it is
to be hoped his doubts originated in a different style of research from that
which made Bede's Columcille an island,83 and Dearmach the same as
Derry.84 A Prussian clergyman,8* extending to a portion of British antiquities
the enlightenment of German criticism, objected,86 that trifles and fables are
to be met with in the Life by Adamnan ; while he considered, that the
Prologue title to that Life induced suspicion of its having been written by
Adamnan,8? and he considered the style of that Preface88 proved it to differ
from what was to be found in the body of the Biography. However,
a critic and scholar,80 who studied with a full knowledge of the subject,
remarks, that had the writer in question consulted a good edition00 of Adam-
nan's " Vita S. Columb»," he might have solved that difficulty regarding the
Prologue and the remainder of the work. Had he gone further, he might
have found the Bollandists' remarks upon this subject. As to the Apology,
the matter is different from the biographical narrative ; while the style and
anguage are so similar to the rest, that only the architect of a paradox could
discern any difference in the materials. Whatever may be thought about exter-
nal proofs of genuineness, there is internal evidence in the Life on many points,
to satisfy all just critics.01 Where there is any slight variation, the Life tells
78 See " Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum His-
toria Literaria, vol. i., Saeculum Monothele-
ticum, p. 594.
79 In an anonymous publication, bearing the
title, " A Vindication of the Ecclesiastical
Part of Sir James Dalrymple's Historical
Collections, in answer to a late Pamphlet,
intituled, The Life of The Rev. Mr. John
Sage," p. 21. Edinburgh, 17 14.
80 Which occurs in lib. i., cap. 44.
81 See " Primer of the Church History ef
Ireland," vol. i., book ii., chap, xi., p. 342.
82 See Dr. Giles' edition of Bede's " Eccle-
siastical History" in Bohn's Antiquarian
Library, p. 264. London, 1847.
•3 The "British Critic" noticed this error
in the translation of Bede, book v., chap.i.
However, Dr. Giles corrected it in his
second edition. See p. 248.
84 See Bede, p. 114. The derivation of
Dalrieda, namely, Dal-Ri-Eta, " the por-
tion of King Eta," in p. 7 ; and the charac-
ter of Hy as " one of the most fertile" of the
Scottish islands, in p. 1 1 3, are not borne out
by record or fact.
85 Carolus Guilielmus Schsel.
86 In a dissertation, he writes in reference
to the Life by Adamnan : " Hsec ipsa adeo
fabulis est obscurata, ut vix credi possit,
vii. Seeculo, quo litera apud Hyienses
floruerunt, ejusmodi nugasesseconscriptas."
— " De Ecclesiastics BritonumScotorumque
Historic Fontibus," p. 61, Berolini, 1851.
8? He continues : Prologi autem Vitae
suspicionem mihi faciunt, quorum titulum
" Praefatio Apologiaque Adamnani Abbatis
Sancti scriptoris " a librario esse praeposi-
tum nemo non videt, apologiam vero, quae
tam stylo ac sermone quam re aliena sit a
Vita ipsa, ficticiam esse, facile apparet."
88 Pinkerton also takes the spurious title
from Canisius' " Varise Lectiones," pp. 3,
456. See Vita S. Columbae, p. 53.
•■ The Rev. Dr. Reeves.
90 As, for instance, that of Colgan.
91 Thus, 1. It was written by an ecclesias-
tic living in lona insula (pp. 176, 181)
styled nostra (pp. 12, 178), in which was
nostrum monasterium (pp. 58, 72, 1 77) ;
2. By the superior of the Monastery (pp.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
5°3
its own story, for it professes to be a compilation.92 Of Adamnan's two
admittedly genuine Latin Works, the tract u De Locis Sanctis" is the better
written, and more flowing in style ; yet it bears a striking resemblance to the
other in language and construction, as also in the use of peculiar words and
phrases. The reader will observe, remarks the Rev Dr. Reeves, a liberal
employment of diminutives, so characteristic of Irish composition ; and he
will find them, in many cases, used without grammatical force, and com-
mutable in the same chapters with their primitives. The same tendency is
observable among verbs in the use of frequentatives and intensitives. He
delights in the distributive numerals, instead of cardinals, and in the
adjective termination ax where admissible. He uses the pluperfect for the
perfect, and the nominative instead of the ablative absolute. He occasionally
employs Greek, or Greco-Latin words ; and in a few instances, he introduces
Irish and Hiberno-Latin expressions." Proper names^ he sometimes inflects
according to the rules of Irish grammar. In a Latin narrative they present
an anomalous appearance. Above all, the artificial, and often unnatural,
interweaving of his words, in long sentences, and the oft-recurring ablative
absolute in awkward position, will strike the reader as remarkable features
of Adamnan's style,
In the Tripartite Life, it is twice stated, that Adamnan wrote a Life of
St. Patrick. 95 To him are ascribed certain poems. Tighernach96 cites some
verses, attributed to him, as also the Four Masters.97 His alleged Feilire, or
* Festilogy,' consisting of seven quatrains and a-half, comes under the head
of spurious writings ascribed to Adamnan. The poem on the Remis-
sion of the Boromean tribute, containing fifty-two stanzas, though
bearing his name, is hardly compatible with his religious character.97 A
work " Historia Hibernorum ab Origine ad sua Tempora," is mentioned by
Ward,98 as also an "Epitome metrica triginta Voluminum Legum
Hibernicarum ;"99 but, like the preceding, they are probably some
16, 26, 223 tit.) ; whose immediate prede-
cessor was Falbeus, and he a successor of
Segineus (pp. 16, 26) ; 3. By one who con-
versed with those who had heard S.
Columba's voice (p. 73); who conversed
with a person who remembered the night
on which S. Columba died (p. 238) ; who
conversed with the acquaintances of St.
Columba's friends (pp. 50, 85, 237) , who
conversed with a person who had witnessed
the battle of Dun-Ceithim in 629 (p. 95) ;
who knew an early friend of the St. Fintan
who died in 635 (p. 22) ; who conversed
with the nephew of his predecessor, Virg-
nous, who died in 623 (p. 225) ; who was
living when the battle of Magh-Rath took
place (p. 200) ; who witnessed the ravages
of the great Pestilence (p. 182) ; who was
a personal friend of King Aldfrid (p. 185) ;
who lived when the house of Gabhran was
declining (p. 201; ; 4. By one whose name
was Adamnan (pp. 16, 95, 225, 238). Here
is an accumulation of evidence which should
satisty any mind, and the more so, as it is
for the most part undesigned and incidental,
the internal counterpart of the writer's own
declaration ; "Hujus ergo prsemissae narra-
tionis testes, non bini tantum vel terni,
secundum legem, sed centenni et amplius
adhuc extant." (pp. 17, 182).
92 We might as well deny the genuineness
of Bede's " Ecclesiastical History," because
an early chapter is borrowed from Gildas,
and another from Constantius, without
acknowledgment.
93 Such as Hi, and Hininglas. Thus also
maic, the genitive of mac.
94 Thus, Ferguso, (p. 8) ; Aido, (pp. n,
36, 41, 45, 82, 125) in the genitive ;
Comgill, gen. of Comgall, (p. 32) ; Domnill,
gen. of Domnall, (p. 201) ; Fechureg, gen.
of Fiachrach, (p. 45, 225) ; Cellaig, gen. of
Cellach, (p. 65);Colgion and Colgen, gen.
of Colgu, (pp. 65, 82); Ainmurech, gen. of
Ainmire (pp. 91, 201) ; Loigse, gen. of
Loigis, (p. 210) ; Leathain, gen. of Liathan,
(p. 220) ; Draigniche, gen. of Draignech,
(PP- 45, 255).
95 See Colgan s " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. i., cap. Ixx., p.
128, and lib. hi., cap. xcix., p. 167.
96 At the year 695.
9?See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," at A. D. 742, vol. i., pp. 342,
343.
98 It evidences the ingenuity rather than
the piety of the writer, especially in one
particular passage.
"See " Sancti Rumoldi Martyris Inclyti,
&c, Acta, &c." Dissertatio Historica de
504 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
compilations of more modern date and of no authority, so far as Adamnan's
name has been attached to them. In addition to these foregoing works,
we are told that he wrote a " Vita St. Bathildis, Clodovsei Francorum Regis
Uxoris."100 Besides his u Varia Poemata," the Canons of Adamnanus101
were said to be extant in the Cotton Library.102 Also, they are reported as
existing in Marsh's Library, at St. Sepulchre's, Dublin, in a MS. Book.,03
He is said to have been the author of some Epistles ; and to have written a
Book, u De Paschate legitimo,"I04 as likewise a Rule for Monks.10* The
Rev. Alban Butler informs us, that the Book, which our Saint is said to have
compiled on the right time for keeping Easter, was composed for the use
of his monks, and that some time after, it disposed them to forsake their
erroneous computation.106 Nevertheless, we can hardly doubt, that some of
the foregoing tracts may be regarded as spurious, or at least, that they are
not the composition of our Saint.
CHAPTER III.
THE VISIT OF ADAMNAN TO IRELAND DURING THE REIGN OF FINNACHTA FLEDACH,
AND HIS RETURN TO IONA— AGAIN HE RE-VISITS IRELAND— REMISSION OF THE
BOROMEAN TRIBUTE — ADAMNAN'S TEMPTATIONS — DEATH OF KING BRUIDE, AND
LEGEND OF HIS RESUSCITATION FROM DEATH BV ADAMNAN— THE LIFE OF ST.
COLUMBA WRITTEN IN IONA — SUPPOSED SOJOURN OF OUR SAINT IN DERRY — THE
GREAT SYNOD AT WHICH FLANN FEBHLA, ABBOT OF ARMAGH, PRESIDED, AND
AT WHICH ADAMNAN ASSISTED — HIS DISCIPLINARY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
IRISH CLERGY AND LAITY.
How long Adamnan remained in Ireland during the reign of Finnachta
Fledach1 has not transpired. Doubtless, one chief object he had in view was
the visitation of the various monasteries subject to his jurisdiction. However,
Patria S. Rumol di, p. 218. Art. iii., Sir Simon D'Ews) Contra eos qui Pascha
Lovanii, 1662. tempore itlefitimo observabant, i.e. against
,0*Said to be a Manuscript, kept in Lon- such who keep the Feast of Easter at an
don. An^lia, ibid. Sir James Ware says, unlawful Time." — Harris' Ware, vol. ii.
he was informed by the Jesuit, Father " Writers of Ireland," book i., pp. 46.
Stephen White, that this Life was extant in "* See ibid., pp. 45, 46.
St. Arnulph's Library, belonging to the Io6See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
Benedictine convent in the city of Metz, and other principal Saints," vol. ix.,
in Lorrain. September 23rd. However, the Rev. Dr.
101 In vol. iv. of the MSS., belonging to Reeves observes, that he knew not from
the Burgundian Library at Bruxelles, are what source this admirable writer derived
two treatises attributed to this saint, viz., his information to authorize such a
I. S. Adamnani Canones, Fol. 78, 2, and atatement.
S. Adamnanus de Scrinio, Fol. 85. Chapter hi.—1 This monarch is classed
,0J Sir James Ware writes ; " Extant among the Irish Saints, in our Calendars,
porro in libro vetere Canonum in bibliotheca at the 14th of November. "Ce Prince
Cottoniana Adomnani Canones, quorum pieux voulant renoncer au monde et se con-
primus his verbis sequitur, Maritima sacrer au service de Dieu, entra dans un
animalia ad littora delata, quorum tnortes Monastere vers la douxieW annee de son
nescimus, sumenda sunt sand fide, nisi sint regne ; mais la necessite des affaires, jointe
putrida." — " De Scriptoribus Hiberniae," aux sollicitations des grands, le firent
lib. i., cap. iii., p. 35. quitter le Couvent avant la fin de son
,03 This is entitled, "Presidents of the See noviciat, pour reprendre les renes du
of Armagh", p. 395. gouvernement." — L'Abb6 Ma-Geoghegan's
,0« "Or, fas the Title stands in a Manu- " Histoire de l'lrlande ancienne et
script Chronicle of the Monastery of St. modeine," tome i., Seconde Partie, chap.
Edmundsbury, formerly in the custody of iii., p. 316.
September 2$.] LIVES OF THJB. IRISH SAINTS. 505
having remained some time in his native country — but at what precise date we
are not assured/ — Adamnan returned to Hy. It is remarked, that the object of
his visit appears to have been of special importance, from the particular
manner in which it is recorded by the annalists, whose every word is full of
meaning. It occurred fourteen years after the death of his predecessor. It
would seem, political as well as ecclesiastical matters engaged his attention,
at that time. His friend, King Finnachta, the sovereign over Ireland, had
incurred the Hy-Nialls' displeasure, if we are to attach credit to certain bardic
accounts. Finnachta had impaired the false honours he was expected to
uphold, by remitting the Lagenian tribute, that had been paid annually to
each chief of the reigning dynasty. From the title Fledach, or " the Festive,"
which the monarch bore, we may well suppose that hospitality — which in
those days meant prodigality — had encroached on his limited revenues to
the great disappointment and dissatisfaction of his court retainers. These
had formed no idea regarding retrenchment, in connection with that sort of
right acquired by position and undisputed powers over a vanquished people.
Finnachta's indulgence does not appear to have been extorted by force of
arms, for he had fought and routed the Lagenians. Adamnan is said to have
advocated the maintenance of this demand ; and a poem of some length' is
attributed to him, However, the unbecoming and puerile language of that
composition proves it to have been not the work of Adamnan.3 The Irish
Lift of our saint says, that a proclamation had been made by Finnachta to
the effect, that Columcille's lands should not enjoy the same privileges as
those of Patrick, Finnian and Ciaran. On this announcement, Adamnan
said : M That King's life, who made this proclamation, shall be short ; he
shall fall by fratricide ; and there shall never be a king of his race." « This
prediction might seem to have been fulfilled in the result ; for Finnachta fell
in battle, being slain by Aedh, after he had enjoyed the sovereignty of Ireland
for twenty years.5 It is quite probable, that Adamnan zealously exerted
himself to promote the new Easter observance, during this sojourn of his
in Ireland. It is also likely, that the subsequent adoption of his wishes on
this point had been prepared by his sermons and recommendations at that
period.
Again, Adamnan proceeded to Ireland, long after the death of Abbot
Failbe. This latter journey may be referred to about the year 69 2.6 There
is a curious coincidence between his Irish Life and Lessons in the Breviary
of Aberdeen, as to certain temptations he encountered, and the manner in
which the Demon made his assaults, coming to him in human form, and
proposing abstruse and difficult questions.* The philosophy of these legends,
2 Mr. Edward O'Reilly had in his of St. Columba." Appendix to Preface, pp.
possession a copy of this poem, comprising xlviii., xlix.
fifty-two verses. See " Chronological * In Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 296, 297, this
Writers," p. 1. defeat of Finachta Fleadhach is assigned to
3 In this Adamnan calls Finnachta, in the year 693.
ftij cjtm Iia£ ceti x>ecu, "'the old grey 6See the Chronicon Hyense, in the
king without teeth." The bard indulges in Additional Notes to Rev. Dr. Reeves'
the following sentiments : — Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba," p. 378.
" Were I a King of reddened spears This is the date also given, in the Annals
" I would humble mine enemies, of Tighernach and in those of Ulster.
" I would exalt my high places, 7 The Breviary of Aberdeen relates, that
" My combats should be frequent." a child was found, who " ante Dei virum
See the Book of Lecan at fol. 310 b ; Book ductus multa ei probleumata praeposuit.
of Invasions, fol. 94 a. Tunc sanctus facto signaculo crucis
4 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life inimicum effugavit, qui in specie infantis
5o6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23
says an ingenious writer, consists in their having arisen during an imagina-
tive age, out of a prevailing and well-founded belief in Adamnan's learning
and mental acquirements. Diligence in his sacred calling was one of his
many virtues. With true modesty, he apologises for his literary deficiencies,
in one of his works.8 He states, that he was daily occupied by great and
almost insurmountable labours, and by a pressure of ecclesiastical business,
for the due discharge of which, he felt no ordinary solicitude. His rare
humility and genuine piety are manifest, from this and many other passages
found in his works. A legend already given, in a previous part of this biography,
and the title of his reputed Feilire, or Festilogy,9 appear to have grown out of
his character for filial affection. The energy of his physical and mental
powers has left its impress on our insular traditions, as likewise the many
journeys which he undertook, and various synods which he convoked.
The death of Bruide, son to Bile, King of Fortrenn, is recorded to have
taken place a.d. 693. ,0 He reigned twenty-one years," being a contem-
porary with Adamnan. This prince was the most valiant of the Pictish
Kings, since the reign of his namesake, who was Maelcom's son. We are
told,12 that the body of Bruide, son to Bile, King over the Cruthnigh, was
brought to Hy, and that his death was grievous and sorrowful to Adamnan.
The latter desired Bruide's corpse should be brought to him into the house
that night, when Adamnan watched by it until morning. Next day, when
the body began to move and its eyes opened, a certain pious man came to
the door of that house. He said: "If Adamnan's object be to raise the
dead, I say he should not do so, for it will be a degradation to every cleric,
who shall succeed to his place, if he too cannot raise the departed." " There
is something reasonable in that," said Adamnan ; " therefore, as it is more
proper, let us give our blessing to Buidhe's soul and to his body." Then, as
we are told, Buidhe resigned his spirit to Heaven again, with the blessing
of Adamnan and of the congregation at Ia.*3 Were we to attach any degree
beatum virum temptare voluit." — Lect. iii. declaravi. llorum ego lectorem admono
(Propr. s.s., Part. Estiv., fol. 114. bb). experimentorum, ut pro me misello pecatore
The Irish Life states, that '* the demon eorundem craxatore Christum judicem secu-
came in human form to converse with lorum exorare non neglegat." — Mabillon's
Adamnan, for the men of Munster com- " Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti."
pelled him by force to come to Adamnan. ssec. iii., parsii.
And he came with many hard questions. 9 Incipit Feilire Adamnain x>\& n)&zh&\\\
One of the questions was, ' Was it in [for his mother] hie.
shape or without shape that the devil I0 At this year the Annals of Tighernac
worshipped, and was it through know- state : " Bruidhe mac Bile Rex Fortrend
ledge or in ignorance that the devil moritur." — William F. Skene's '* Chronicles
worshipped'?" They also relate how the of the Picts, Chronicles of "the Scots, and
devil was brought to Hy in the shape of other early Memorials of Scottish History,"
a corpse, to be buried, and how it rose up p. 73.
and spoke, putting, as the Life says, " many "According to the Chronicle in the
wonderful questions to the congregation, Registry of St. Andrew's.
all of which Adamnan resolved." — Rev. ,a In the Irish Life of St. Adamnan.
Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. ,3 Afterwards Adamnan said : —
Columba." Appendix to Preface, n. (o), ,,., . . ., , ,
lvii lviii Many wonders doth he perform, —
■ Towards' the close of his Treatise, " De Lhef ^ Wh° Tf ^ °f Mafy'
Locis Sanctis,'' Adamnan says: " Obsecro fje Jke? ***? „•,
itaque eos quicumque breves legerint libellos, ^eath of Bruide mac Bile,
ut pro eodem sancto sacerdote Arculfo ^d°m a f f rul' n 5 a fKin£dom, .
divinam precenter clementiam, qui h*c 1 hat a ho low stick of withered oak
de Sanctis experimenta locis eorum *s about *« son of the KinS of
frequentator libentissime nobis dictavit. Alciuaite.
Quae et ego quamlibet inter laboriosas et —See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
prope insustentabiles sollicitudines consti- of St. Columba." Appendix to Preface
utus, vili quamvis sermone discribens &c, p. xliv., and n.n. (c, d.)
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 507
of credit to the foregoing legend, in connection with the recorded date of
King Bruide's death ; it should seem, that scarcely more than the interval
of a year ought be allowed for Adamnan's visit to Ireland. However, the
account is too absurd to merit any place in historic investigation.
It is supposed, that after his return to Iona, Adamnan wrote his Life of St.
Columba. This instructive biography he intended for the edification of his
society. It was probably written before another voyage undertaken in the
year 696^ or 697,15 when once more he returned to Ireland. He makes
no reference to any difference of sentiment between himself and his com-
munity regarding Roman observances, in this work ; but he has allusions
in it to the Paschal question, when he speaks of a prophecy attributed to St.
Columkille at Clonmacnoise, in which it was predicted, that after some time
discord should arise among Ireland's ecclesiastics on that very subject.16 A
writer1? of our Saint's memoirs supposes, that he may have referred to the
same matter, where speaking about those, who foolishly and ungratefully
abused God's patience among the Picts and Scots of Britain.18 Yet, the
Bollandist editor, Baert, conjectures, that St. Columba's Life had been
written, during Adamnan's sojourn in Ireland. He also supposes the
brethren at whose instance this Life had been written were not the refractory
monks of Hy, but those more docile inmates belonging to Durrow, and to
other houses of his institute in Ireland. :9 The Life itself, however, bears
the fullest internal evidence, that it had been written at Hy, and by a
member of that insular community.20 It is thought to have been composed
during the interval between Adamnan's visits to Ireland in 692 and 697.21
Especially in the north-western districts of Ireland, popular traditions
were most rife, that Adamnan had sojourned for a time in various localities ;
and memorials with which his name has been associated seem to lend
probability to those accounts. That he spent some time in Derry, so dear to
Columkille, is almost certain, especially as in it had been already established
a great monastery of his order. Moreover, in Derry there was formerly
a well dedicated to St. Adamnan ; and we learn how the town had been
burned from it to the burial-ground of St. Martin, in the year 1203." The
site of that well has been ascertained, and it is near one of the city gates
still remaining in Derry.*3 On the 9th of June, 1897 and 1898, a grand
14 According to the Annals of Ulster, at 2° The writer speaks of " nostrum monas-
this year : " Adamnanus ad Hiberniam terium," (lib. i., cap. 30, 37, lib. ii., cap.
pergit, et dedit Legem Innocentium 45), and of " nostra insula," (lib. i., cap. i.,
populis." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni- lib. ii,, cap. 45). He says, that the fame of St.
carum Scriptores," tomus iv. Annales Columba was not known exclusively " in hac
Ultonienses. parva et extrema oceani Britannici commo-
15 According to the Annals of Tighernach. ratus insula," (lib. hi., cap. 23). When
x6See "Vita S. Columbse," lib. i., cap. 3. writing, " in his nostris insulis," (lib. ii.,
17 The Rev. Wm. Reeves. cap. 46) he alludes to those of the Picts and
18 See "Vita S. Columbse," lib. ii., cap. Scots of Britain. He mentions " Iova
46. insula," (lib. ii., cap. 45), without, however,
19 M This, however," observes Dr. Reeves, our being enabled to infer with certainty
" is a conclusion drawn from unsound from those two particular passages, whether
premises, for it supposes, as some Irish the Life in question was there written,
accounts have done, that Adamnan 2I See Leslie Stephen's "Dictionary of
quarrelled with his people; also that the National Biography," vol. i., Art. Adamnan
Irish Columbans yielded, while the Hyen- or Adomnan, by John T. Gilbert, p. 92.
sian ones held out. The one supposes 22 See " Memoir of the City and North
Adamnan to have been expelled from his Western Liberties of Londonderry," part
pastoral charge; the other is contradicted ii., History, sect.i., p. 23.
by Bede." — Adamnan's "Life of St. 23 Owing to the kindness of the Rev.
Columba." Appendix to Preface, &c, p. 1. William O'Doherty, C.C., St. Colum's
So8
LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS. [September i$.
ceremonial had been carried out at the Long Tower Catholic Church,
specially dedicated to St. Columba, in that city, and temporary arches had
been erected at different places along the line of procession through the streets
— one of those, the Howard-street Arch, indicating a spot near St. Eunan's
Well.** Our Irish historians inform us, that a convention was assembled in
Ireland, at which Adamnan, with the principal part of the Irish clergy,
attended.** The
Acts of that con-
vention are said to
have been extant in
the old Book of
Raphoe ;*6 and that
copies of it have
been taken*? and are
still preserved in
Bruxelles*8 and in
Dublin.** It is pro-
bable, they were iden-
tical with the eight
Canons bearing
Adamnan's name,
and which have been
printed by Martene.30
It is generally
thought that synod
was held in a.d. 695.
It was attended by
forty bishops or
abbots. 31 This is
supposed, however,*
to have been a dif-
ferent synod from
that held at Tara,
most probably in the
year 697,3* when,
according to the
Annals of Tigher-
nach, Adamnan
brought a law with
of Armagh, presided over
him
this
Site of St. Adamnan
into Ireland. Flann
synod.33 Thirty-nine
s Well, Derry.
Febhla, Abbot
ecclesiastics were present at it ; among
Church, Derry, a photograph of the adjoin-
ing street-site has been obtained by the
writer. A representation of it has been drawn
on the wood, and engraved by Gregor Grey.
34 A full account of those celebrations
has been compiled by the Rev. William
O'Dohety, C.C., and issued in an elegantly
illustrated volume, intituled " Derry
Columbkille ;" and the peculiar device
caused that near St. Eunan's Well to be
called the Shamrock Arch. It is pictorially
represented and described at pp. 169, 170.
■8 It is remarkable, that the Rev. Geoffry
Keating's " History of Ireland" has no
mention of this Synod.
96 The title is, Incipit Cain Adamnain
a\i fticc fen tebAifi Raca bochAe,
according to this old Book of Raphoe.
37 Oneof these by Brother Michael O'Clery.
28 In the Burgundian Library, the MS.
alluded to is classed, No. 2324. The Acts
of this Synod were entitled the Cain Adham-
nain, or the "Canons of Adamnan," accord*
ing to Colgan.
2» In a manuscript belonging to Marsh's
Library, Dublin, and called Precedents of
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
5«9
these was Ichtbrocht,34 or Egbert^ supposed to have been the individual,
who brought the Hyensians to Paschal conformity in 7i6,36 and during
the presidency of Abbot Dunchadh, who governed their community in
quality of Abbot, from 710 to 7 17.37 Also there were present Murchon or
Murchu Mac Ua Maichtene,38 who wrote a portion of St. Patrick's Memoirs,
as contained in the Book of Armagh. 39 It is remarked, that with the excep-
tion of Flann Febhla, Abbot over Armagh, and Cennfaeladh,40 Abbot over
Bangor, the remainder of the clergy, attending this synod, came from Leinster
and the south. Loingsech,41 son to Aengus, monarch of Ireland, and forty-
seven chiefs connected with various territories, represented the laity in this
great assembly. Bruide mac Derile,42 King over the Pictish region/3 is last
named among the latter class. These sy nodical enactments were afterwards
the See of Armagh, at p. 395 there are
Canones Adomnani, copied from a MS. once
possessed by Sir R. Cotton.
30 In his "Thesaurus Novus Anecdo-
torum," tomusiv., col. 18.
31 Colgan declares, he had the Acts of
it, in his possession, under the title, Cain
Adhmnain, or the " Canon of Adamnan."
See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," v. Martii.
Vita S. Kierani. Appendix, cap. iv., p. 473.
32 The Annals of Ulster have a.d. 696, for
Adamnan 's visit to Ireland, when he pro-
mulgated the Law of the Innocents among
the people.
33 It is strange that Colgan, in one passage
of his work, should have confounded the
Synod at Tara with the Convention at
Drumceatt, held in the time of St. Columb-
kille. See " Trias Thaumaturga," n. 36, p.
384.
34 The Rev. Mr. Reeves states, that the
name is thus written in the original, which
he had examined. Colgan understands it
of Ecbertus Anglus.
35 See an account of him, at the 24th of
April, in the Fourth Volume of this work,
Art. i.
36 Venerable Bede tells us, that the last
occasion on which the old Easter had been
observed was at the festival of 715, after a
duration of 150 years. The Roman tonsure
was introduced among the Columban monks
about the same time. This reformation was
effected through the zealous exertions of a
Northumbrian priest, named Egbert or
Ecgberet, who for a long time was living in
Ireland, to which country he exiled himself,
for the sake of Christ. See " Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xxii.
37 See Chronicon Hyense.in the Additional
Notes to Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
of St. Columba," pp. 379 to 381. The Acts
of St. Dunnchadh will be found, at the 25th
of May, in the Fifth Volume of this work,
Art. i.
38 Murchu mac Ua Maichtene and his
brother Meadhran, are noticed in the Irish
Calendars, at June 8th, and at that date,
their respective festivals may be found in
the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. v., vi.
The Calendar of Cashel, as cited by Colgan,
places their commemoration at Kill-
Murchon, in the territory of Hi-Garrchon, in
the eastern part of the County of Wicklow,
and near the town bearing the same name.
See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," v. Martii.
Vita S. Kierani, n. 31, p. 465.
39 The entry of this name in the Acts of
Adamnan's Synod is of importance in the
History of the Book of Armagh, as it seems
to fix the date of Muirchu Maccumachtheni,
whose name is attached to a portion of the
Memoirs of St. Patrick in that volume, in
these words : " Hsec pauca de Sancti Patricii
peritia et virtutibus Muirchu Maccumach-
theni, dictante Aiduo Slebtiensis civitatis
episcopo, conscripsit. " (fol. 20, ba). The
name of this informant also occurs in the
acts of the Synod, in the form Aedh epscop
Sleibte, whose day is Feb. 7, and whose
obit is entered in Tighernach at 700, and
in the Annals of Ulster at 699." — Rev. Mr.
Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba."
Appendix to Preface, n. (e), p. li.
40 See notices of this Saint, at the 8th of
April, in the Fourth Volume of this work,
Art. i.
41 According to Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
of the Four Masters," this monarch reigned
eight years ; from a.d. 693, when Finachta
Fleadhach was slain, to the year 791, when
he and his three sons also were killed in
battle. See vol. i., pp. 296 to 303, with
notes, ibid.
42 Called bjiume mac -oefiili fii
CfiuitencuAice. He died in 706, in the
eleventh year of his reign. The introduc-
tion of his name into the Acts is suspicious,
unless we suppose him to have attended at
this Synod as Aidan, son of Gabhean, did
at Drumceatt."— Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adam-
nan's " Life of St. Columba." Appendix to
Preface, n. (h)., p. li.
43 He was the brother and immediate
predecessor of Nectan. See William F
Skene's "Celtic Scotland : A History of
Ancient Alban," vol ii., book ii., chap.Jvi., p.
231.
5io
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
called Lex Adamnani, or Cain Adhamhnain," which means M Tribute of
Adamnan" ; because from it, a privilege devolved on him and on his succes-
sors of levying pecuniary contributions under certain conditions. At a
subsequent period, when this assessment became a matter of consideration,
an officer or agents was appointed for its collection.40 It is much to be
regretted, however, that we have not a more authentic account than the
foregoing. It is possible, that the question regarding the proper mode for
celebrating Easter had been discussed at this synod, and that usages recom-
mended by Adamnan had been adopted. The eight canons," which bear
Adamnan's name were also probably promulgated, during its session. These
canons do not seem, however, to have had any connexion with the Cain
Adhamhnain.*8 Although Colgan says, nevertheless, that the Acts of this
synod only contained the Cain Adhamnan or Canons of Adamnan ;«° yet,
the Rev. Dr. Lanigan is of the opinion, that matters of greater consequence
were promulgated in its decrees. These Canons*0 are eight in number, and
comprise some regulations with regard to fasting, as also a prohibition to eat
the flesh of animals, which had fed upon carrion, or of beasts that died of
themselves. They contain, also, a provision in the eighth Canon, whereby
the owner of a horse or other animal grazing in land annexed to a town is
obliged to pay a fine to any person, belonging to said town who may have
been injured by such animal.s1
A well-informed writer of our saint's Acts says, that if ecclesiastical topics
were entertained at this synod, these were not considered of sufficient impor-
tance in Irish estimation to merit entry in a journal. The absorbing subject
is said to have been, that civil enactment, which afterwards became a source
of profit, and for this reason had special claims upon recorded acts. The
same writer adds, that in the mystified Irish style, it is sometimes dangerous,
and always difficult, to deal with their statements as historical records.52
Nevertheless, it must be observed, that many of its canons are still extant ;5'
and of these, some refer immediately to the priesthood, others have a reference
44 The Brehon Laws make frequent men-
tion of this Cain. But its particulars were
not known, until the Brussels MS., contain-
ing an account of this Synod, had been
discovered. In Dr. Petrie's " History and
Antiquities of Tara," various kinds of Cain
are mentioned. See pp. 173, 174.
45 He was styled, the mAOft C&r\& Ax>avc\
nAin, " Steward of Adamnan's Law.''
46 At the year a.d. 927, in Dr. O'Dono-
van's " Annals of the Four Masters," we
have a record concerning the death of
" Caencomhrac, son of Maeluidhir, Abbot
and Bishop of Daire-Chalgaigh, and
Steward of Adamnan's Law." — Vol. ii.,
pp., 620, 621.
47 These exist in the Cotton MS. of
Canons, but with considerable variations,
under the title, Incipiunt Canones Adam-
nani, fol. 155 b.
48 Martene printed the Canones Adam-
nani with other Irish Canons, from a MS.
of the Bigot Library at Rotterdam, and
which formerly belonged to the Monastery
of Fescamp, in Normandy. See " Thesaurus
Novus Anecdotarum," tomus iv., col 18,
Lutecia? Parisiorum, 1717. Besides these,
in Martene a detached canon is to be found
under the title, Item Adompnanus (ibid.,
col. 11). It is of the same purport as the
others, namely, relating to unclean food. It
exists also in the Cotton MS., but without
Adamnan's name. (Otho. E. xiii., fol. 126. b).
49 See u Acta Sanctorum Hibernise,"
xx. Februarii. Vita S. Colgae, p. 382.
s° They are published in Martene's" The-
saurus Novus Anecdotarum," tomus iv.,
col. 18.
s' Dr. Lanigan laments, that Colgan had
not published those Acts, without appearing
to be conscious at the time of a fact, that
they are published elsewhere, as he himself
acknowledges, in a subsequent note. See
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii.,
chap, xviii., sec. xiv., notes, 186, 187, pp.
139, 140.
s* See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
"Life of St. Columba." Appendix to Pre-
face, p. Ii.
S3 For this statement, Rev. M. J. Brennan
writes: "Juxta MS. Vardsei in Archiv.
Isidor. et D'Achery Spicil,, torn, ix." —
•' Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," Seventh
Century, chap, i., p. 112, note.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 511
to the sanctuary, and to the respect which must belong to the Church of the
Most High. The manner in which the episcopal election had been conducted
in the ancient Irish Church is thus described in them : " The bishop is to be
ordained with the consent of the clergy, and of the laity, and of the bishops
of the v/hole province, but especially of the metropolitan, either by his
epistle, or by his authority, or by his presence." The next canon prescribes
the age required in Ireland for the reception of the different orders at this
early period, in these terms : " A person attached to the sacred ministry
from his youth must remain a lector or an exorcist until the twentieth year of
his age ; a sub-deacon, four years ; a deacon, five ; at thirty he may be
ordained a priest, that being the age at which Christ began to preach ; and at
thirty, forty, or fifty, a bishop." " Again : " Should it be deemed necessary,
at any time, to promote a layman considerably advanced in years to the
episcopacy, he must be two years a lector, five years a sub-deacon, and after
twelve years a priest, he may receive episcopal ordination." The tenth canon
decrees : " No bishop shall, during his life, constitute his successor ; but after
his death, let a deserving man be elected by the proper persons." By way
of preface, before entering on the canons which refer to simple priests, the
synod decrees : " The Church now offers the Sacrifice in many modes to the
Lord, first, for herself, secondly, for a commemoration of Jesus Christ, who
said, * Do this for a commemoration of me,' and thirdly, for the souls of the
faithful departed." The next canon decrees : " That a priest may be absent
but one day from his church ; but should he be absent for two days, he must
do penance for seven, on bread and water. In like manner, should he be
absent one Sunday from the church, he must do penance for twenty days on
bread and water ; but if absent for two Sundays, he is to be removed from
the dignity of his station." By the next canon u priests are not allowed to
consider donations which are offered either with the Church or separately, as
their own property, but rather as grants appertaining to the Church." By
another : " The priest cannot receive the oblations of a public sinner."
Again the synod decrees : u That the priest shall give to the Church whatever
superfluities he may possess." According to a subsequent canon : " Any
ecclesiastic who should be present at the public games was liable to degrada-
tion ; and should an ecclesiastic be killed in battle or any quarrelsome
engagement, he is not to receive the benefit of the sacrifice or the prayers of
the Church." In conclusion : " Ecclesiastics are to be reverenced, they
being the pastors of the faithful, and the servants of the Great Judge." In
like manner, that due reverence be shown to consecrated places, the synod
decreed : " Wherever you shall find the sign of the Cross of Christ, do no
injury there." By an express canon : " All thieves and robbers are to be
cast out of the Church ."54 Finally, the consecrated area of the Church is
declared to have been marked by three divisions : the first boundary was that
by which the laymen entered, and was called sacred ; the second was allotted
for females, and was called more sacred ; and the third was for ecclesiastics,
and was called most sacred. To the Acts of this synod the names of the
Saints Mochonna and Adamnan are said to have been subscribed.
54 The account given in the text is a literal the Canons of Adamnan. See ibid., pp.
translation from Latin notes extracted from 113, 114.
5"
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
CHAPTER IV.
RETURN OF ADAMNAN TO IONA— HE AGAIN SAILS FOR IRELAND IN 696 OR 697, AND
CONVENES A MORDAIL OR GENERAL CONYOCATION — THE SYNOD AT TARA AND PRO-
MULGATION OF THE LAW OF THE INNOCENTS WITH OTHER ENACTMENTS — RETURN
TO IONA — ANOTHER EMBASSY TO KING ALDFRID'S COURT— ADAMNAN IS THERE
CONVERTED TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ROMAN USAGES — HE FAILS IN HIS EFFORT
TO INTRODUCE THEM AT IONA, BUT VISITS IRELAND ONCE MORE, WHERE HE
SUCCEEDS — HIS REPUTED CONNEXION WITH MAYO — HIS RETURN TO IONA AND
DEATH — FESTIVALS— COMMEMORATIONS IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND— ST. EUNAN'S
CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL IN LETTERKENNY— RELICS OF ADAMNAN PRESERVED AT
IONA— THEIR REMOVAL TO IRELAND — RETURNED TO IONA — ONCE MORE REMOVED
TO IRELAND— CONCLUSION
After the great Synod held in Ireland in 694 or 695, * it is probable that
Adamnan again returned to Ireland. What has been called a Mordail or
General Convention was proposed by our saint, when he visited Ireland,* as
generally supposed, in 696 or 697. It was probably a meeting of influential
clergy and laity. The acts of this assemblage do not tell us where or when
it was held : thus while the Irish Life ot Adamnan3 states this convention to
have been at the place now known as Ballyshannon ; Colgan thinks it was
at Derry or Raphoe, and the Rev. Dr. Reeves* that it might be inferred to
have been at Leitir, near Birr,- on the confines of ancient Meath and Munster.
When Adamnan visited Ireland on this occasion, the Annals of Ulster state,
that he promulgated the Law of the Innocents among the people.6 This
also was known as the Cain' or Adamnan's Law, because he procured its
enactment.8 His chief purpose appears to have been the procuring of a
national enforcement, in which women were to be declared exempt from
engaging in warlike expeditions.' It stated, that his compassion had been
excited by a revolting scene he had witnessed in the case of two women,10
who were engaged in one of those feuds which were frequently known at the
Chapter iv. — ■ See Colgan's " Trias
Thaumaturga. " Quarta Appendix ad Acta
S. Columbse, cap. iii., sect. 2, p. 503.
2 At A.d. 696, the Ulster Annals state :
"Adomnanus ad Hiberniam pergit, et dedit
Legem Innocentium populis. ' — Dr.
O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
tores," tomus iv. Annales Ultonienses,
p. 66.
3 It tells us . "On another occasion,
when Adamnan was at the Royal meeting
[ju5--oAit] of Conall and Coirpe, at Eas
Ruaidh, making his Law, the roydamna of
the son of Ainmire, i.e. Flannabhra, son of
Cumascach, came, having with him a female
captive, who had killed a woman, to submit
the case to Adamnan," &c.
4 In his edition of Adamnan's " Life of St.
Cclumba." Appendix to Preface, n. (z.) p. 1.
5 See also the " Dictionary of Christian
Biography," vol. i., Art. Adamnan, p. 42.
6 Whilst the Ulster Annals call it the Lex
Innocentium, it is termed Lex Morientium,
in the"Origines Parochiales Scotiae," vol.
ii., p. 288.
7 Cain Law was that which had been
enacted and sanctioned by public assemblies.
It was of universal obligation, and could be
administered only by professional judges.
See Laurence Ginnell's " Brehon Laws,"
chap, i., Ancient Law, p. 3.
8 Thus we have similar instances in many
of the modern Parliamentary and Decretal
acts of legislators, and which are associated
with the names of their respective authors.
9 We are probably to regard this Law as
the Cain Adamnan, according to what is
stated in the Book of Lecan, that there are
four Cains of Ireland, namely, the Cain
of Patrick, not to kill the clergy ; the Cain
of Dari, the Nun, not to kill cows ; the
Cain of Adamnan, not to kill women ; the
Sunday Cain, not to travel on it, fol. 166,
p. a, col. 4. See M Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," vol. xviii. Antiqui-
ties, sect. iii. On the History and Antiquities
of Tara Hill. By George Petrie, Esq.,
R.H.A., M.R.I.A., pp. 171, 172.
10 This is related, in the Leabhar Breac,
and also in the Book of Lecan.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 513
time ; but, it may well be supposed, he required no such legendary incident
to influence his sentiments of religion and humanity.
After 697 Adamnan appears to have been at Iona. However, it is related,
that the declining years of his life, from 697 to 703, were spent wholly in
Ireland, and most likely in his monastery of Deny.11 He was again sent by
his Irish countrymen, as legate or ambassador, to his old friend, Aldfrid, King
of Northumberland, some time in the year 701" or 702. '3 In his Memoir
of St. Adamnan, the Rev. Mr. Reeves extracts a narrative, concerning our
saint's proceedings, from Mac Firbis's Manuscript Annals. It comprises
incidents from the first visit paid to Aldfrid's court, down to the last delay
Adamnan made in Ireland. As that writer remarks, it is characteristic of
native simplicity. With the object of his second visit we are unacquainted.
Although disease was still ravaging that part of the country, himself and his
attendants were preserved from contagion. '* It is probable, from an inci-
dental allusion, that our saint had been chosen to negociate some affair of
international policy.15 The venerable historian Bede seemingly alludes to
this second visit, when he states, that Adamnan, who was a presbyter and
abbot over monks belonging to Iona monastery, had been sent by his nation
on an embassy to Aldfrid, King of the Angles. He had likewise an oppor-
tunity of seeing the canonical church rites while he remained for some time
in that province.
The Annals of Mac Firbis seem to confuse the incidents of Adamnan's
first and second visits to King Aldfrid, as may be found in the following
untrustworthy account : " A great spoil was carried off by the Saxons from
Erin. Adamnan went to demand a restitution of the spoil, as Bede relates
in his History. The greater part of the bishops of all Europe assembled to
condemn Adamnan for having celebrated Easter after the fashion of
Columcille, and for having upon him the tonsure of Simon Magus, i.e., ab
aurt ad aurem.*6 Bede says,1? that though many were the wise men in that
Synod, Adamnan excelled them all in wisdom and eloquence ; and Adamnan
said, It was not in imitation of Simon Magus that he had this tonsure, but
in imitation of John of the Breast,18 the foster-son of the Redeemer, and that
11 See Rev. William O'Doherty's " Derry may be supposed to have any relation to this
Columbkille, p. 01." mission or not can hardly be determined.
12 According to Matthew of Paris, " Chro- I5 Venerable Bede states: " Adamnanus
nica Majora," vol. i., p. 318. Edition of presbyter et abbas monachorum, qui
Henry Richards Luard, M.A. erant in insula Hii, cum legationis gratia
13 Bede, who mentions this embassy, does missus a sua gente venisset ad Alfridum
not mark the year. See " Historia Ecclesi- regem Anglorum," &c. — " Historia Ecclesi-
astica Gentis Anglorum," lib. v., cap. 15. astica Gentis Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv.
Smith, who follows Matthew of Westminster, ,6 Mabillon describes this tonsure as
in his " Flores Historiarum," assigns it to formed "in fronte ab aure ad aurem ir.tonso
a.d. 701. The Rev. Dr. Lanigan conjee- occipito." — " Annates Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
tures, that it was rather perhaps A.D. 702, tomus i., lib. viii., sec. hi., p. 207. We are
about two years before our saint's death. informed by the Rev. Mr. Reeves, that the
See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. Book of Durrow gives a good representation
hi., cap. xix., sect, hi., and n. 25, pp. 149, of this tonsure, in a picture exhibiting an
150. ecclesiastic, wearing a plaid chasuble.
14 At the year 695, the devastation of 1? This is a mistake, for we find no such
Magh-Murtheimhe by the Britains and account in Bede. Perhaps, the writer was
Ulidians is again recorded, in the "Annals thinking of Colman's discussion, at the time
of the Four Masters ;" and at the year 698, he made his statement. "See Historia
the banishment of Aurthuile ua Crunnmaeil, Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii.,
chief of the Cinel-Eoghain, into Britain, is cap. xxv.
noted. See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. l8The Irish name for St. John the Evan-
i., pp. 298 to 301. Whether these incidents gelist was lohanner- brunnne. It appears
Vol. IX.— No. 9. 1 k
5M LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
this was the tonsure which he had upon him, and that though Peter loved
the Saviour, the Saviour loved John ; and that it was on the fourteenth of
the moon of April, on whatever day of the week that should fall, the Apostles
celebrated Easter. Then an old senior rising up said, ' Though Columcille
himself were present here, we would not leave him until he should be of the
same rule with ourselves.' Adamnan made answer unto him and said, ' I
shall be of the same rule with you.' k Be tonsured therefore, accordingly,'
said the bishops. ■ It will be sufficient that I do so,' said Adamnan, ' at my
own monastery.' ' No,' said they, ' but immediately.' Adamnan was then
tonsured, and no greater honour was ever shown to man than was given to
him on this occasion ; and that great spoil was restored to him, and he came
straight home to his own monastery of la. It was a great surprise to his
congregation to see him with that tonsure. He then requested of the con-
gregation to receive the tonsure, but they refused, and he got nothing from
them, sed Deus pcrmisit conventiti peccare. i.e., ipsum Adatnnanum cxpeUere^
qui misertus est Hibemiae, sic Beda dixit; for Bede was along with Adamnan "
It seems most probable, that during the time of his latest stay at the
court of King Aldfrid, Adamnan became fully impressed with the necessity of
changing the old Irish disciplinary customs. Having examined the subjects
in question, he became persuaded, that the Roman cycle was preferable to
the old Irish one, and he had no objection to whatever religious observances
were then followed in England. He also heard with respect the observations
of Abbot Coelfrid in reference to his adopting the Roman tonsure.20 At
this period, the Irish Scots and some of the Britons in Britain21 differed in
discipline, from a general practice in the Western Church, on the subject of
Paschal observance. Adamnan had an opportunity of forming acquaintance-
ship with many learned and holy men, during this visit he paid to
Northumbria. By these, he was admonished, that it would only be expedient
and reasonable for people, who were placed, as it were, in a remote
corner of the world, to adopt this practice of the universal Church, as the
proper mode for celebrating Easter, and regarding other matters. They
besought him, to introduce the rites and practice he had seen and learned
in the English churches, when he should have returned among his own
people, and thus endeavour to procure their abandonment of contrary
customs. In his letter to King Naiton,*2 Coelfrid has reference to this visit
of our saint, when writing at a period long subsequent to its occurrence. *3
to have been borrowed from accounts con- p. 318, edition of Henry Richards Luard,
tained in the writings of this same Evan- M.A.
gelist, at St. John, xiii. 23, 25, and xxi. 20. 2I The Rev. Mr. Reeves suggests, that
See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish these were probably the Alcluid Britons,
Academy," vol. v., p. 52. whose King, Rydderch Hael, had been on
19 There is no existing authority for this friendly terms with St. Columba. See his
statement, except perhaps an inference Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba." Appen-
from Bede's words, " graviorem cum eis dix to Preface, n. (o), p. xlvi.
cogeretur habere discordiam," cited in the " Nechtan, who is the Naiton of Bede,
text. Possibly Adamnan's protracted stay did not become King over the Picts, until
in Ireland suggested the idea of his expul- two years after Adamnan's death. As the
sion from Iona. See the Rev. I )r. Reeves' letter was written to this King, Naiton, and
Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba." Appen- as Baronius refers its composition to 699, he
dix to Preface, n. (i), p. lvi. antedates it seven years, at the very least.
20 This inference maybe drawn from the See Baronius' " Annales Ecclesiastici,"
accounts of Matthew of Westminster, at tomus viii., a.d. 699, sect, v., p. 542.
a.d. 701, in " Flores Historiarum," p. 255 ; 2J Following Higden, Smith dates it at
as also of Matthew of Paris, at the same A.D. 710. See Bede's " Historia Ecclesias-
year, in "Chronica Majora," vol. i., tica Gentis Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xxi.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 515
Speaking of many holy and worthy men, who differed from himself on the
subject of Paschal observance, he mentions Adamnan by name, and
calls him an abbot and an illustrious priest of the Columban Order.
He adds, that being sent to King Aldfrid, as legate of his nation,
Adamnan had a desire to see the monastery of Jarrow.2* It was
the house in which the writer of this epistle lived. Adamnan is praised
for wonderful prudence, humility and piety, displayed by him, both in his
discourse and morals. Coelfrid relates, that among other discourses which
passed between them on this occasion was the following colloquy, concerning
the peculiar Scottish tonsure, and the Irish mode of celebrating Easter.
Coelfrid said: " O venerable brother, I beseech you, who believe that you tend
to a crown of life knowing no end, yet contrary to the spirit of faith, why do
you bear upon your head the image of a crown which has a limit?25 If you
seek the companionship of holy Peter, why do you imitate the form of
tonsure, borne by that man whom he anathematized ? Why do you not
rather manifest as much love as possible for his habit,26 with whom you desire
to live happily for ever ?" Adamnan replied : '* Beloved brother, thou
knowest for certain, according to the custom of my country, that although I
bear the tonsure of Simon ;27 with my whole heart I detest and repel
Simonical perfidy, and that I desire to tread in the footsteps of the Prince of
the Apostles, so far as my weakness will allow." Then said Coelfrid, " I
believe indeed that such is the case ; yet, however, is it an indication
that you embrace in your innermost heart the Apostle Peter's sentiments,
when exteriorly you exhibit, what you know to have been peculiar
to him? For, I suppose your prudence will readily judge it much
more suitable, that your features, now dedicated to God, should be
distinguished from any appearance borne by him whom you abominate with
your whole heart, and whose abhorred countenance you would shrink from
beholding fs but, on the contrary, as you wish to follow the actions and
words of him, whom you desire as a patron before God, it ought also be just
that you imitate the fashion of his habit." Moved by these representations,
and having inspected the decrees of the English churches, Adamnan
approved of them.29 Venerable Bede states, that on this occasion, also,
24 To reach this place, anciently called misprint in the late edition of Ussher's
Gyruus, Adamnan must have passed the Works, the original has tegi ; and for Nil,
north of England, much in the line ©f which Ussher reads, the original gives
Hadrian's Wall. Nailis to express " of Niall." — Rev. Dr.
25 The Rev. Mr. Reeves remarks, that a Reeves Adamnan 's " Life of St. Columba."
contrast is here drawn between the frontal Appendix to Preface, &c, n. (u), p. xlvii.
and coronal tonsure, in reference to their 2® Allusion is here made to Simon Magus,
emblematic forms, and it is peculiar. Ussher cites an ancient Cotton MS., con-
26 It is the opinion of many ecclesiastical taining a collection of Irish Canons, for the
writers, that the Tonsure dates back to the following : " Romani dicunt tonsuram a
time of St. Peter, chief of the Apostles. Simone Mago sumpsisse initium, cujus
27 "The Cotton MS.," containing the Irish tonsura de aure ad aurem tantum con-
canons from which Ussher occasionally tingebat ; pro excellentia ipsa Magorum
borrows, is one of those which suffered by tonsura, qua sola frons anterior tegi solebat.
thefireof 1 73 1, and which were lately restored Auctorem autem hujus tonsurse in Hibernia
under the care of Sir F. Madden. Its mark subulcum regis Loigeri filii Nil extitisse,
is Otho E. xiii. At fol. 142 b is found the Patricii sermo testatur ;ex quo Hibernenses
following rationale of St. Peter's tonsure : pene omnes hanc tonsuram sumpserunt." —
" Ut a Simone Mago Christianos discerneret " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates,"
in cujus capite cesaries ab aure ad aurem cap. xvii., p. 479.
tonsse anteriore parte cum antea Magi in 29 The writer adds : " Tonsuram quoque si
fronte circumhabebant." At fol. 143 a tantum sibi auctoritatis subesset, emendare
occurs the passage cited from Ussher at p. meminisset." Bingham states, that the
350, infra, where for re$i, which is a Roman Tonsure was not known in the time
516 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Adamnan presented a copy of his celebrated work on the Holy Places to the
King.3° This work is praised for its great utility, while those circumstances,
which led to its composition, are related. On presenting the book to Aldfrid,
the author was loaded with gifts, and sent back to his own country.31
Venerable Bede devotes two chapters of his History to extracts from this
work on the Holy Places, after giving substantially the foregoing account
It is worthy of remark, while the latter writer takes special notice of this
work, written by Adamnan, he makes no mention about that still more
celebrated one comprising the Life of St. Columba. What is even most
remarkable, in a passing observation relating to the latter saint,3» it would
appear, that Bede had no information concerning Adamnan having written
on such a subject.33 Such silence presented some difficulty to the Bollandist
editor. This, however, was removed, when he remembered, that the Life
itself bears internal evidence of having been written some time after Adam-
nan's visit to Aldfrid.34 This second interview, it has been thought, must
have occurred about the year 688.35 Influenced by the cogency of those
reasons urged upon him, Adamnan endeavoured on his return to induce
those subject to his jurisdiction in Hy, to adopt the Roman custom. But,
all the influence of argument, and the weight derived from character, position
and general considerations, could not induce them to abandon old usages, for
what they supposed to be an introduction of new and strange observances.36
We are informed, that Irgalach ua Conaing, Lord of Cianachta,*' in
Meath, and a great grandson to Aedh Slaine, slew his own cousin Niall,38
son to Crearnach Sotail,A.D. 701. That Inisfallen Annals call him •• King
of Hy Neill,39 which is probably correct, as his son Cioneadh was monarch of
Ireland from 724 to 728. This act excited the indignation of Adamnan,
under whose protection Niall had been, and he denounced Irgalach,
threatening a speedy retribution for his crime. He also adopted the ancient
usage of fasting against the King/0 At this juncture, Adamnan is represented41
of St. Jerome. See " Origines Ecclesiasticse ; cam, de virtutibus et miraculis S. Columbse
the Antiquities of the Christian Church," scripsisse, quae in aliorum scriptis invenerat,
vol. i., book vi., chap, iv., sect. 1 6, p. 229. et per totam vitam suam a senioribus
Bergier tells us that it is difficult to affirm its audierat." — "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii.,
origin. See " Dictionnaire de Theologie. " Junii, ix. De Sancto Columba Presbytero
Art. Tonsure. Abbate, in Iona Scotiae Insula, Commen-
30 We are told by John T. Gilbert, that tarius Praevius, sect, i., num. 3, p. 188.
owing to the liberality of Aldfrid, King of 3s Following the computation of Bede.
Northumbria, several transcripts of the book 36 See Bede's " Historia Ecclesiastica
" De Locis Sanctis" were made. See Gentia Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv.
Leslie Stephen's " Dictionary of National "So he is styled in the Cain Adhamnain,
Biography,'' vol, i., Art. Adamnan or although he could not have been lord by
Adomnan, p. 93. descent, as the Cianachta were of a different
31 This has been issued by Father John race from his.
Mabillon, in "Acta Sanctorum Ordinis 38 He gained a battle at Imlech over
S. Benedicti," tomus ii., saec. iii., p. 502. Congalach, son of Conaing, in 684, accord-
To this, he added another tract, " in Terram ing to the " Chronicum Scotorum," pp. 108,
Sanciam Haedeporicon," the author being 109, William M. Hennessy's edition,
one Bernard, a monk of St. Gall, and 39Dr. Petrie states, that Tighernach calls
written about 870. See Cardinal Bellarmin, Iorgalach " King of Bregia," in his " His-
"Operum," tomus vii. De Sciiptoribus tory and Antiquities of Tara Hill," p. 148.
Ecclesiasticis, p. 251. This must be a mistake, however, or else
32 In another place. the printed text has omitted the title.
33 He observes of St. Columba, " Decujus 4° " Distress by way of fasting, now so
vita et verbis nonnulla a discipulis ejus strange to us because so long obsolete, was
feruntur scripta haberi." — " Histoiia Eccle- clearly designed in the interests of honesty,
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. iv. and of the poor as against the mighty. How
34 He adds, "Quandoquidem constet or why it assumed this particular form is not
Adamnanum, post finitam legationem Angli- known, and shall probably never be known."
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
5i7
to have been immersed in the river Boyne.42 Muirenn, daughter to Cellach
Caulaun, and sister to St. Kentigerna,-*3 of Loch Lomond, is incorrectly said
to have been the wife of Irgalach. The Irish Life of our Saint relates, that
she was humble and obedient to the Lord and to Adamnan. It is remark-
able, that her obit is entered in the Irish Annals, at the year 748. This is
rarelj the case, in the instance of women, not classed amongst the female
Saints of Ireland. An ancient poem states, that the cursing of Irgalach took
place in a Synod held by Adamnan at Tara.*4 The Dinnseanchus^ places
the site of Adamnan's tent within his rath. It was probably on this occasion,
that our Saint procured the enactment of a law,*6 prohibiting women from
taking part in battles, This Irgalach was slain by the Britons,*? a.d. 702, *8
as stated in the " Annals of Tighernach."4? The Annals of Ulsters0 state, that
in 701 he was slain at Inismic Nessan, now known as Ireland's Eye, a small
island to the north of Howth.s1 These occurrences, on record in the Irish
Annals, almost proves our Saint to have been in Ireland about a.d. 701.
After the death of St. Gerald, Abbot of Mayo, we are told,s2 that Adamnan
ruled that church and its community with great charity, that he caused books to
be there written. He wrote a book of the Four Gospels with his own hand, and
church bells he also fashioned. Thence he went to Iona, where he died
happily in the Lord, and was buried. However, this statement must be
rejected, as St. Gerald of Mayo long survived Adamnan.
In his exertions to promote the observance of the Roman Easter, Adamnan
— Laurence Ginnell's " Brehon Laws,"
chap, iv., sect. iii. Distraint by Fasting,
p. 162.
41 By the Irish Life.
42 "This system of fasting against an
obnoxious individual was a favourite mode
with the Irish ecclesiastics of bringing down
visitations on their enemies. The Brehon
Laws contain directions on the course which
is to be pursued in such a case. Irgalach
resisted the influence of St. Adamnan's fast-
ing by doing the same himself, until Adam-
nan, by inducing one of his people to per-
sonate him, put Irgalach off his guard, and
thus got the mastery of him. The story is
curious, not only as illustrative of this extra-
ordinary system of fasting, but as indicating
the low tone of moral feeling in the writer,
who represents the saint as saying : * It is
better that one of his people should tell a
falsehood for him, than that he should tell it
himself.' " — Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
" Life of St. Columba," Appendix to Pre-
face, n. (w), p. liv.
\ >g43 See her Acts, which are already given
at the 7th of January, in the First Volume
of this work, Art. ii.
44 There traces of an earthen enclosure,
anciently called Uac nA Ser»At>, " Rath of
the Synods," may be seen, close to the wall
of Tara churchyard, on the west.
45 This poem contains a line, of which the
following is a translation :
11 The Synod of Patrick was held in the
great Rath ;
The Synod of Brendan, and of Ruadhan ;
The Synod of Adamnan, afterwards,
In cursing Irgalach."
— See Dr. Petne's " Essay on the History
and Antiquities of Tara Hill," pp. 1 15, 122,
45 Called after him Cam -AOAmnAin,
"Law of Adamnan," and CentiA mnA tjo
mAT\b<YO, "not to kill women." It is pro-
bable also, that reference is made to this
law in the Annals of Ulster, at a.d. 696, in
these terms: " Adamnanus ad Hiberniam
pergit, et dedit legem innocentium popu-
lis." And, again in an entry made by
Tighernach, at the year 697 : -A-oomnan
cue jvechc leif m ejMno An bli<voAin •pea,
" Adamnan brought a law with him to Ire-
land in this year."
47 It is an error to say that he was killed
by the Saxons, as Dr. Petrie does in his
" History and Antiquities of Tara Hill."
48 See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum
Hibernicarum Sciiptores," tomus ii., Tiger-
nachi Annales, pp. 220, 221.
49 In A.D. 700, according to Dr. O'Dono-
van's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i.
s«See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv., An-
nales Ultonienses, p. 68.
51 In 681, the Britons fought with the
Dalaradiana at Rathmor, Magh Line, and
in 696 they joined the Ulidians in wasting
the coast of Louth. See ibid. , pp. 62, 66,
67. Powibly they had made a settlement
in Ireland.
s' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," xiii. Martii. Vita S. Geraldi, cap.
xvi., p. 602.
518 LIVES 02> THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
may have attended Synods of the Irish clergy : indeed, it is scarcely to be
conceived, that he could otherwise have effected such a change as Bede
describes, S3 and the latter historian tells us, that while there he preached
to the people, who were more docile to his disciplinary teaching than were
the monks at Iona. By prudent exhortations, he announced to them the
legitimate time for celebrating Easter.5* He induced many who did not
belong to the Hyensian Community, to correct their former erroneous
practice, and to adopt the canonical and Catholic custom of Paschal observ-
ance.55 Although the reception of Roman customs had taken place in the
southern parts of Ireland, and for a considerable period before Adamnan
sought to introduce them into the northern portions of our island ; yet we
may well believe, that the success of his Paschal advocacy must have
required a considerable period for its completion, among a people naturally
attached to old prejudices, as also among communities widely spread, and
subject to a variety of antagonistic influences. We can hardly conceive, that
so important a measure was brought about, without much exertion and
preparatory solicitation ; although the social improvement effected by
Adamnan has been despatched by the Annals, in a few words.
It is stated, according to all the ancient authorities, that after the death
of Diarmaid Mac Fergus Ceirbheoil in 565, Tara had been abandoned,56 as
the Royal residence of the Irish Kings.57 We are told, that although
their title had been taken after the death of Dermod from this distin-
guished place, yet those monarchs had subsequently no fixed or common
residence,58 but each chose for himself the one most convenient or agreeable,
and it was usually, if not always, within their own hereditary principalities. 5?
However, although no longer the residence of the kings, Tara was still
occasionally selected as a place for ecclesiastical and lay assemblies. The
memory of our Saint, in connection with this great assembly at Tara, is
associated with many local features60 on the summit of that remarkable hill,61
53 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis 5B According to the Book of Clonmacnoise
Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv. and the Leabhar Buidhe Lecan, col. 321.
54 He exerted himself to induce the 59 " Thus the kings of the family of the
Northern Irish to adopt that computation, Northern Hy-Niall appear to have resided
and he was so far successful, as to persuade chiefly at their ancient fortress of Aileach.
almost all of them, with the exception of near Derry, and those of the Southern Hy-
those, who were immediately under control Niall, first, at the Rath, near Castlepollard,
of the monastic institute at Hy. See Rev. now called Dun-Tor^eis, having afterwards
Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of become the residence of the Danish King,
Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xix., sect, iii,, and n. Turgesius, and subsequently at Dun-na-
25, pp. 149, 150. Sciath, on the margin of Lock Ainninn,
55 The Rev. Dr. Ledwich, amidst a num- now Lough Ennell, near Mullingar." —
ber of falsehoods, states, that Adamnan Dr. George Petrie's " History and Anti-
apostatized, and he blames that abbot for quities of Tara Hill," p. 128.
having brought over to Rome most of the 6o Thus the Pupall Auhamhnain, or
Southern monks whom he represents as "Pavilion of Adamnan," the Suidhe
ignorant and bigoted. See "Antiquities of Adhamnain, or " Adamnan's chair," the
Ireland," pp. 79, 89. Dumha Adhamnain, or "Adamnan's
56 In consequence of the curse of St. Mound," and the Cros Adhamhnain, or
Ruadhan, whose life has been already pub- "Adamnan's Cross" situated on the
lished in the Fourth Volume of this work Eastern side of the Rath. These remain as
at the 15th of April, Art. i. topographical monuments to our Saint, even
57 The cause assigned by the poets and at the present day.
chroniclers is related in the Annals of Clon- 6l All these objects are marked on the
macnoise, as translated by Connall Mac map in Dr. George Petrie's History and
Geoghegan in 1627. It is transferred to Dr. Antiquities of Tara Hill, p. 152. See
George Petrie's "History and Antiquities "Transactions of the Royal Irish
of Tara Hill," pp. 125 to 127. Academy," vol. xviii.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 519
which commands Lsuch a beautiful and such an extensive prospect over the
surrounding country.
It has been supposed,62 that our saint sailed from Britain to Ireland, in
the latter part of 703.63 As we have already seen, in the earlier part of the
seventh century, the Irish in the southern parts had agreed to adopt the
Roman computation for the celebration of Easter, after the celebrated Synod
held at Magh Lene.6* However, those in the northern parts had not received
it very generally until after the close of that century. At the Synod of Old
Leighlin, although there had been a keen controversy on that special subject,
the question regarding tonsure65 does not seem to have been debated and
determined until brought forward and urged by Adamnan as a reformer
of the Irish custom. The Rev. Dr. Reeves appears to infer66 that
a practical introduction of the new tonsure must require a longer time, than
would the establishment of the Easter observance.6?. Such need not
necessarily be the case ; and although there may be a difference in the respec-
tive dates of 716 and 718, between Bede and Tigernach, in relation to the
introduction of those observances already mentioned, yet such variation would
scarcely be worthy of notice, were it not, that Tighernach himself states,
while the Easter observance was in Iona a.d. 716, the new tonsure and its
adoption must be referred to A.d. 718.68 For, it must be observed, that our
Annals do not always agree with each other respecting the date of year in
recording the same event. This difference of date is not less observable,
when opportunity affords for comparing them with British chronicles.
According to the Annals of MacFirbis,6? in the year 704, the men of Erin
consented to receive one jurisdiction and one rule from our saint respecting
the celebration of Easter, on Sunday, on the 14th of the moon of April, and
respecting the tonsuring of all the clerks of Erin after the manner of St. Peter,
for there had been great dissension in Erin, up to that time ; i.e. some of the
clergy of Erin celebrated Easter on Sunday [next after] the fourteenth of the
moon of April, and had the tonsure of Peter the Apostle, after the example
62 By Rev. Dr. Lanigan. circum habebant." — " Britannicarum Eccle-
63 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ire- siarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 479.
land," vol. iii., chap, xix., sect, iii., p. 66 From the circumstance recorded by
150. Venerable Bede, that when Theodore of
64 See this matter more fully detailed, in Canterbury exchanged the Greek for the
the Life of St. Laserian, Bishop and Patron Roman tonsure, he lay by for four months,
of Leighlin Diocese, at the i8thof April, in See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglo-
the Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i., rum," lib. iv., cap. i.
chap. iii. 6? In allusion to the totality of Greek ton-
65 Archbishop Ussher cites an old book of sure, the Rev. Mr. Reeves subjoins a note,
Canons found in the Cotton Library for the in which he tells us, that St. Patrick's
ancient tradition in reference to the origin charioteer was called Totus Calvus, in the
and introduction of that custom, in these Book of Armagh. This name is glossed
terms, " Romani dicunt, quod Petrus CocmiAel (fol. 13 bb), and it is elsewhere
primus clericus tonsurando usus est, gestans written Bodmailus (fol. ii. ab). See Rev. Dr.
in capite imaginem coronae spiniae Christi : Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba.'
idque quinque de causis. I. Ut adsimilaret Additional Notes, N. n. (k), p. 350.
Christi coronam. II. Ut Clerici a laicis in 68 Tighernacli writes at a.d. 718: " Ton-
tonsura et habitu et operibus discernerenter. sura corona super familiam Iae datur." —
III. Ut Sacerdotes veteris Testamenti re- Dr. O'Conors " Rerum Hibernicarum
probarent, in illo loco ubi columba super Scriptores," tomus ii., Tigernachi Annales.
caput Christi descendit. IV. Ut derisionis ^ See " Three Fragments, copied from
gannituram in regno Romano propter Ancient Sources by Dubhaltach Mac
Dominum sustineient. V. Ut a Simone Firbisigh," edited with a translation and
Mago Christianos discerneret, in cujus notes, from a manuscript preserved in the
capite ctesaiies ab aure ad aurem tonsa Burgundian Library at Brussels, by John
anteriore parte ; cum antea Magi in fronte O'Donovan, LL.D., pp. 1 10 to 113.
520
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
of Patrick ; but others, following the example of Columbkille, celebrated
Easter on the fourteenth of the moon of April, on whatever day of the
week?0 the fourteenth should happen to fall,?1 and had the tonsure of Simon
Magus.?2 A third party did not agree with the followers of Patrick or the
followers of Columkille ;?3 so that the clergy of Erin used to hold many
Synods. Moreover, we are told, that the clergy used to come to the Synods
accompanied by the laity, so that battles and deaths occurred between them ;
while many evils resulted in the country as a consequence, viz., a great
murrain of cows?* and a very great famine, with many diseases, and the devas-
tation of Erin by foreign tribes.
After Adamnan had visited the whole of Ireland, it is stated, that he
proceeded to that plain where Gerald of Mayo dwelt,?3 for the purpose of
contracting a religious friendship with that saint.?6 Gerald is said to have
presented Adamnan with a tract of land, through which a clear fountain
flowed, and to have recommended his church, so that after his decease, it
might be defended from lay exactions. Adamnan promised compliance with
St. Gerald's wishes, and his promise was fulfilled,?? according to the Life.?8
i° The Annals of Ulster at 451 have
"Pasca Dni., viii. Kal. Maii celebratum
est." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales Ultoni-
enses, p. 3. " In this year the 24th of
April fell on Tuesday. That the 24th of
April may fall on Sunday, B. must be the
Dominical letter, which does not occur
between 449 and 455."— Rev. Dr. Reeves'
Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba." Ap-
pendix to Preface, n. (d.) p. Iv.
'■ The Venerable Bede states : u Quern
[diem] tamen et antea non semper in luna
quarta decima cum judseis, ut quidem re-
bantur, sed in die quidem Dominica, alia
tamen quam decebat hebdomada cele-
brant."— " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Anglorum," lib. iii., cap. iv.
t For other particulars regarding this
impostor and fanatic, the reader is referred
to the " Cyclopaedia of Biblical Litera-
ture," originally edited by Joha Kitto, D.D.,
F.S.A. Third Edition, greatly enlarged
and improved, edited by William Lindsay
Alexander, D.D., F.S.A., etc. Vol. iii., pp.
849, 850.
?J The Tonsure of the Secundus Ordo,
in which the founder of Iona (St.
Columba) was reckoned, was ab aure ad
aurem, that is, the anterior half of the head
was made bare, but the occiput was un-
touched. This usage existed in St. Patrick's
time, who may have found it in the country ;
it was adopted by St. Columba, and con-
tinued in his order until 718, when the
coronal tonsure was received by the Society
of Hy. This occurred two years after the
Paschal change ; for, though Bede refers
the joint reformation to 716, the practical
adoption of a new style of tonsure would
require a longer preparation than a mere
ritual observance. The Greek tonsure was
total, and was styled St. Paul's, and the
Roman, which was coronal, was styled St.
Peter 's, but the Irish fashion in order to its
being brought into disrepute, was opprobri-
ously ascribed to Simon Magus ; and when
Coelfrid cast this up to Adamnan, the latter,
instead of repudiating the name, is repre-
sented as acquiescing in the reproach, for
his apology was etsi Simonis tonsuram ex
consitetudine patria habeam. Another
scandal circulated against it was of its intro-
duction into Ireland by the swine-herd of
Laeghaire, the Pagan King, who resisted
Patrick. In the St. Gall copy of Adamnan
there is a representation of St. Columba,
but it gives him the coronal tonsure, a
mistake into which a Continental manu-
script of the ninth century might fall.'' —
Rev. Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life of St.
Columba." Additional Notes., n. N., pp.
35°. 351-
?4 Known as the Bo-ar mor, or " great
cow mortality."
75 See notices of him, at the 13th of March,
in..-the Tiiird Volume of this work, Art. iii.
76 According to the Vita S. Geraldi.
77 "The Life of St. Gerald states that he
came to Ireland accompanied by three
brothers, one of whom was Berikertus. He
was the St. Beretchert of Tulach-leis, now
Tullylease, in the County of Cork, whose
day in the Calendar is Dec. 6, and whose
obit is entered in the Four Masters at 839.
If this date be correct, St. Gerald must
come down to circ. 800." — Rev. Dr. Reeves'
Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba." Ap-
pendix to Preface, n. (b.), pp. liv., Iv.
78 It is however possible, that such story
rested on an ancient tradition, that St.
Adamnan traversed Ireland on ecclesiastical
duty, spending some years there, and that
having returned to Iona, after a delay of
about seven years, he was shortly afterwards
called away from this life.
September 23] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 5a:
But such a statement is open to the serious objection, that St. Gerald lived to a
later period than Adamnan, as may be seen in most of our Annals. 79 Those of
Tighernach place the death of St. Gerald at the year 73 2.80 It is also related,
that Adamnan spent the last seven years of his life in the presidency of the
Saxon Abbey of Mayo.81 This account is open to exception ; for it is a
suspicious circumstance to find Adamnan unable, as Bede states, to make any
impression on the Columban communities which were subject to him, yet
cordially received in a monastery of settlers, who had left their home and
travelled to a strange country, to avoid acquiescence in that very system,
which their honoured visitor was now endeavouring to promulgate. It is
supposed, by an ingenious writer, that in all probability, Adamnan remained
in Ireland from a.d. 697 until the year of his death.82 The Life of St. Gerald of
Mayo, although full of anachronisms, nevertheless contains a curious coinci-
dence with the statement just made, since it allows Adamnan a seven years'
residence in Ireland. For any person acquainted with the usages of monastic
communities in the Catholic Church, there is no force in the objection, that
Adamnan would not be likely, as the professed advocate of disciplinary
innovation, to receive entertainment in a monastery, founded twenty years
previously as an asylum for adherents to the old Easter usage. *3 These
circumstances appear sufficiently established from Bede ; namely, that
Adamnan crossed over from Ireland to Hy, during the summer of that year,
in which he died, and that for a considerable time previously, our Saint
had lived in Ireland.84 Admitting this foregoing supposition to be correct,
that interval between 697 and 704, which latter was the year of Adamnan's
death, is exactly commensurate with such a period.85
Adamnan remained in Ireland, where he celebrated Easter at a time
prescribed by the Roman cycle,86 in the year 704.8? In those parts of the
79 The date of St. Gerald is very uncertain. differences in question only referred to a
The Annals of Ulster at 731, have " Pontifex matter of discipline, and did not affect the
Maigi heu Saxonum Garralt obiit." — Dr. communion of faith. Although, no doubt,
O'Conoi's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- serious disturbances may have arisen on
tores," tomus iv., Annales Ultonienses, occasions, and even between holy men, con-
p. 82. The Four Masters at A.n. 726 cerning merely disciplinary rites and observ-
represent this entry by " Gerald of Magh-eo ances ; yet, in the present instance, the
died." And their learned editor understands well-known prudence and moderation of
it as equivalent to " Gerailt, pontifex," &c. Adamnan, in his effort to introduce the
See "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i., Roman and English custom, would naturally
p. 324, Such an interpretation would stand, have tended to make him a welcome guest,
if there were an .i. or i.e. before Gerailt. amongst a community, many of whose
The passage plainly states that " the Bishop members were of English birth. Conse-
of Mayo — Saxonum of Gerald died," and quently, these religious would be less dis-
this addition of Gerald's na/ne is a pro- posed to present obstacles preventing a
lepsis. custom sanctioned by their fellow-country-
80 Thus : " Poniifex niuighe heo Saxonum men in Britain, and especially, as conformity
5aj\<mIc obit." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum thereto was becoming very general in the
Hibernicarum Sctiptores," tomus ii., Tiger- land Gf their adoption.
nachi Annates, p. 238. 8< See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
81 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv.
nioe," xiii, Martii. Vita S. Geraldi Abbatis, 85 Archbishop Ussher states ; " In Maio-
cap. xvi., p. 602. nensi vero urbecula, ut Geraldi nomine Deo
82 Ussher says, at the year DCXCVII., dicata ad hunc usque diem superest Eccle-
" Adamnanum, vel Adomnanum potiushunc sia : ita Adamnani et S. Cormaci tempore
Hyensem abbatem, septem ante mortem centum Saxonicorum Sanctorum habitaculum
suam annis in Hiberniam iterum perexisse, ibidem extitisse, libri Ballimotensis collec-
Ultonienses docent Annales." — Index Chro- tor confirmat." — " Britannicarum Ecclesi-
nologicus, " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum arum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 499.
Antiquitates," p. 540. 86 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
83 This objection is urged by the Rev. Dr. History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xix.,
Reeves ; but, it must be considered, that the sect, iii., p. 150.
522 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 13.
country and places exempt from the jurisdiction of Hy, his success was
very considerable in bringing over the Irish to adopt the Roman Paschal
system.88 Afterwards he returned to his own island of Iona.89 He
endeavoured to persuade his monks there to adopt the Catholic observance
ot Easter-tide in their monastery. But he could not succeed in this effort,9°
neither there, nor in the houses dependent on its jurisdiction. 91
Before the termination of a.d, 704, he departed from earth to heaven. 9*
It is remarked, by Venerable Bede, how it had been wisely ordained by
Divine Providence, that a man, so desirous of peace and unity, had been
removed to the bliss of eternal life, rather than be compelled to have any
difference with those, who would not be convinced by his reasoning, about a
necessity for changing their old customs, on the return of the ensuing
Easter.93 Adamnan was the ninth abbot that took the Government of lae
monastery after Columkille, the first founder, and during his administration,
those houses subject to his jurisdiction were in the highest state of efficiency and
renown. The date for his death — assigned, however, to about the close of the
seventh century — is left undetermined by Dean Cressy.94 The Annals of Clon-
macnoise place it at a.d. 700 : this is also the date given in the '* Chronicum
Scotorum,"95 where he is said to have departed in the seventy-eighth year of his
age, and on the ninth of the Kalends of October. Smith was wrong in
marking Adamnan's death at 702. 96 He reckoned only one year from that in
which he supposed Adamnan was on his last embassy to Aelfrid ; but it is
plain from Bede's account of his subsequent proceedings, that a longer time
must have elapsed between the said embassy and the death of our saint.97
The Annals of the Four Masters,^8 with those ofUlster,99 record his death, at
a.d. 703. With this date agree Father Thomas Innes,IO°and the Rev. Robert
King.101 However, the true year for Adamnan's death is a.d. 704.102 This is
the year, according to TighernachI03 and Archbishop Ussher.10* It has been
followed by most of our modern writers. '°s According to the Chronicon
Hyensae, Adamnan, abbot of Iona, died during that year, in the seventy-
seventh of his age, and in the twenty-fifth year of his incumbency,106 Keating
87 The reformed Easter fell on the 30th of lxxvii. anno etatis sue Abbas lae pausat." —
March, during that year. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum
88 See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire- Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales Ultonienses,
land," vol. i., chap, xiii., pp. 285, 286. p. 69.
89 According to Venerable Bede. I0° See the " Civil and Ecclesiastical His-
90 See Matthew of Paris, "Chronica tory of Scotland," Chronological Memoirs,
Majora," edited by Henry Richards Luard, p. 300.
M.A., vol. i., p. 318. ,01 See "Primer of the History of the
91 See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire- Holy Catholic Church in Ireland," vol. i.,
land," vol. i., chap, xiii., p. 286, book ii., chap, xi., p. 341.
92 See Thomas Wright's " Biographia ,02 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Britannica Literaria," &c, p. 206. Four Masters," vol. i., p. 305, n.
93 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis ,03 " Adamnanus anno 77 aetatis suae in
Anglorum," lib. v., cap. xv. ix. kl. Octobris, Abbas lae obiit." — Dr.
94 See his " Church-History of Brittany," O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
book xx., chap, xv., p. 509. tores," tomus ii., Tigernachi Annales, pp.
95 See William M. Hennessy's edition, 221,222.
pp. 114, 115. ,0* See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
96 See the comment on his edition of quitates," Index Chronologicus, p. 541.
Bede's History, at lib. v., cap. 15. 105 See Leslie Stephen's "Dictionary of
97 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical National Biography," vol. i., Art. Adamnan
History of Ireland," vol. iii., chap, xix., or Adomnan, by John T. Gilbert, p. 92.
sect, iii., n. 30, p. 152. ,o6 See Rev. Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's
^See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i., " Life of St.Columba." Additional Notes,
PP* 3°4» 305. n. (O), pp. 376 to 378. As the Rev Mr.
99 They write at a.d. 703. " Adomnanus Reeves allows him to have been born in 624,
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
523
says,10? that Adamnan died aged seventy-seven years. It is very probable
that this is a mis-translation instead of the seventy-seventh year.!o8 The
Annals of Mac Firbis state, that he died a.d. 704, in the eighty-third year of
his age,I09 while Sir James Ware records his death at a.d. 704, in his seventy-
fourth year, or as others state, in his eightieth.110 The Rev. Alban Butler
says, that his death happened in 705 ; but he cites no authority for such a
statement.111
At the 23rd of September, in the Leabhar Breac copy of the Festilogy of
iEngus, there is a high encomium passed upon Adamnan,112 especially for
the lasting services he rendered to religion and civilization, in liberating the
women from military service."3 That is generally allowed, both in the Irish
and Scottish Calendars, to have been the day of his departure from this life.
At the same date, his feast occurs in the Martyrology of Tallagh.11* In
commemorating him, at the same day, Marianus O'Gorman alludes to his
reform of the old Irish practice regarding the celebration of Easter.11* The
Martyrology of Donegal II6 at this date has a more than usually long
notice of our saint.11? The Irish annalists are all agreed in assigning the
and to have died in 704, our Saint conse-
quently should have attained the eightieth
year of his age.
107 See his " History of Ireland," Bookii.,
p. 25, edition of 1723.
108 "According to these statements,
Adamnan must have been born not in 624
(see Note 5 to chap, xviii), but in 627 or
628." — Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland,'' vol. iii., chap, xix., sect,
iii., n. 31, pp. 152, 153.
169 See "Three Fragments of Irish An-
nals, copied by Dubhaltach Mac Firbisgh,"
edited by John O'Donovan, LL.D., pp. 114,
"5-
110 See " De Scriptoribus Hibernian,"
lib. i., cap. iii., p. 35.
111 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other principal Saints," vol. ix., at the
23rd of September.
112 Thus run the lines : —
Tjo <Voonin4n lAe
-Apacoi-otech co-men
HoViip ih-u UAraL
SAer*<vo buAti ban ngoeoel.
Thus rendered in English by Dr. Whitley
Stokes: "To Adamnan of Iona whose
troop is radiant, noble Jesus granted the
lasting liberation of the women of the
Gael." — "Transactions of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol.
i., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
cxxxix.
1,3 To explain this passage, the foolish
and ignorant Commentator has annexed in
Irish, what has been thus translated by the
editor: "Adamnan chanced on a certain
day to be journeying through Mag Breg.
with his mother on his back, and they saw
two battalions smiting each other. It hap-
pened; moreover, that Ronait, Adamnan's
mother, saw a woman with an iron sickle in
her hand, dragging another woman from
the opposing battalion, and the sickle
fastened to her breast. For at that time
men and women alike used to be giving
battle. Then Ronait sat down and said,
' thou shalt not bear me with thee out of
this place until women are freed for ever
from (things of) that kind, and from fighting
and hosting.' Then Adamnan promised
that. Now a great Convention chanced (to
beheld in Ireland, and Adamnan with the
choice of Ireland's clerics went to that Con-
vention, and therein he freed the women.
"Now these are the four laws of
Ireland : — Patrick's law, not to kill clerics.
Dari the Nun's law, not to kill kine.
Adamnan's law, not to kill the women.
The law of Sunday, not to transgress
thereon." — Ibid, pp. cxlvi., cxlvii.
114 See Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition :
" Adomnani, Ab. Iae et S.," p. xxxiv. In
the Book of Leinster copy we read,
<VoomnAni <Ab lAe.
"3 These are his lines in Irish metre : —
Adamnan la ardabb,
Cia crabad nar caemfuill,
i nAlbain, i nllerind?
Thus translated into English :—
The lofty Abbot Adamnan of Iona ;
what devout practice did he not lovingly
increase in Alba, in Erin ?
—Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gor-
main,"pp. 182, 183.
116 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and
Reeves, pp. 254 to 257.
117 In the table postfixed to the Martyr-
ology of Donegal, we find introduced
between brackets [Adhomair, i.e., Audo-
mara], at the 23rd of September. See pp
5*4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
feast of Adamnan, Abbot of Hi or Iona, to the ninth of the kalends of
October, although they may differ, as to the year for his death. Thus, the
" Chronicum Scotorum," "8 the " Annals of the Four Masters," lI9 Rev. Dr.
Lanigan,120 Rev. S. Baring-Gould,'21 Le Comte de Montalembert,'" John
T. Gilbert,"3 and Rt. Rev. Patrick F. Moran, D.D., Bishop of Ossory,124 have
the date. At the 23rd of September, the Bollandists I25 enter a festival for
Thenanus or Thennanus, Abbot in Scotia, and a preceptor of King Eugene
VI., on the authority of the Breviary of Aberdeen, of Dempster and of
Camerarius, as distinguished from Adamnan, whose acts are separately given
on the same day. The Rev. Alban Butler has copied Sir James Ware,"6 in
his account respecting our saint. He refers to the latter writer, to Suyskens,
and to Colgan's MSS., at the 23rd of September for his previous state-
ments.1^ At the 23rd of September, St. Adamnan is commemorated by
Robert Chambers.128 In Castellan's Universal Martyrology, lie classes St.
Eunan among the Aphemeri or those Holy Persons, whose festivals are not
assigned to any fixed day. According to Dean Cressy, the English Martyr-
ology assigns Adamnan's feast to the 2nd of September.12* Already at the
7th of September,^0 allusion has been made to the ascribed festival of St.
Adamnan or Eunan, called Bishop of Raphoe ; while the Bollandists ,3' and
Rev. Alban Butler,'32 place his commemoration at the same day. Following
a mistake made by Ussher,^ Sir James Ware/34 and Casimir Oudin,135
have his death at the 23rd of October, Also Dr. William Cave^6 has com-
354. 355- This entry seems referable solely
to our saint, and under a new form of name.
118 See William M. Hennessy's edition,
pp. 114, 115.
119 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
pp. 304, 305.
130 See " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land, vol. iii., chap, xix., sect, iii., p. 150.
121 See " Lives of the Saints," vol. ix.,
September 23, p. 358.
122 See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome
v., liv. xv., chap, iii., p. 15.
123 See Leslie Stephens' " Dictionary of
National Biography," vol. i., p. 92.
124 See Irish Saints in Great Britain,"
chap, iv., p. 112.
,2S See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
Septembris xxiii. Among the pretermitted
Saints, p. 538.
126 As we have already seen, Sir James
Ware incorrectly distinguishes Adamnanus,
"Celebris ille ccenobii Hiensis Abbas,"
from liS. Eunanus qui primus existimatur
hujus sedis Episcopus." — " De Pnesulibus
Hibernia Commentarius." De Episcopus
Rapotensibus, p. 73.
127 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
other principal Saints,'' vol. ix., September
xxiii.
"8 See *' Book of Days," vol. ii., p. 372.
"' See his " Church History of Brittany,"
book xx., chap, xv., p. 509.
130 See at that date in the present volume,
Art. xi.
131 In the "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii.,
Septembris, p. 128, they remark, that the
Mass of St. Eunan, Bishop of Raphoe,
bears this title: "In festo Sancti Eunani
episcopi et Confessoris, ecclesiae et dioecesis
Rappotensis patroni generalis." However,
as this Mass contained none of the Saint's
Acts, they pass him over with the remark,
that as the Gospel in it is taken from the
tenth chapter of St. Luke, alluding to the
mission of the seventy-two disciples of
Christ, it may be inferred, St. Eunan had
been an apostolic man, who propagated the
faith among his people.
132 He has a "St. Eunan, first Bishop of
Raphoe in Ireland," under September 7.
The monastery founded there by St.
Columb, and restored by St. Adamnan,
being converted into an episcopal see, St.
Eunan was appointed to govern it. — lb.
The error about St. Eunan is repeated
under St. Adamnan at September 23. In
the Irish Calendar appended to the Dublin
edition (R. Coyne, 1833) of his valuable
book, the same supposed patron intrudes on
another Saint's day. St. Adamnan's bed
used to be shown at Raphoe. See Harris
Ware, vol. i., " Bishops of Raphoe,'
p. 270.
133 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An-
tiqukates," Index Chronologicus, p. 541.
134 See " De Scriptoribus Hibemise,"
lib. i., cap. iii., p. 35.
*3S See "Commentarius de Scriptoribus
Ecclesiasticis," col. 1666, Lips., 1722.
136 He writes: "e vita migravit die 23
Octob. an 704, aetatis suae 74, vel, ut alii,
80." — " Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum His-
toria Literaria," vol. i. Saeculum Monothe-
leticorum, p. 594.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 525
mitted a similar obvious mistake, in recording the day assigned for his
death. In the Benedictine Calendar, the festival of St. Adamnan is marked
at the 23rd of September." While Camerarius mentions a " Sanctus
Adamnus Episcopus, Northumbrorum Apostolus M — a man who never
existed — at September, 25th he notices u Sanctus Thevuanus Abbas et Con-
fessor " at September 2 6th,T37 adding that he was Abbot of Melrose,1*8 The
Martyrology of Aberdeen at the 23rd of September has set down the festival
of our saint.T39 The Breviary of Aberdeen places the feast of St. Adamp-
nanus, at the 23rd of September.1*0 Adam King T*x and Dempster x*3 com-
memorate a St. Thewnan, said to have been preceptor to King Eugenius
VI., at this same day. Keith records the feast of a St. Theunan, at the
same date.x*3 In a Calendar of the Scotch Prayer Book for 1638, our
saint's festival is set down at the 25th of September. An error is also said to
have been committed in making him a bishop.1** Aware of those in-
accuracies, Innes says, St. Adamnan was called St. Deunan or Theunan, by
the vulgar.1** Sir Harris Nicholas is said to have collected the blunders of
Ireland and Scotland, and to have made a tripartite division of Adamnan's
sanctity by setting in his calendar,1*6 I. Eunan, Bishop of Raphoe, at the
7th of September; II. Adamnan, Abbot; and III. Thennan, Abbot and
Confessor — both of the latter are placed at the 23rd of September.1*?
The feast of St. Eunan is celebrated on the 23rd of September, as a Double
of the First Class, with an Octave, in the Diocese of Raphoe. He is called a
Bishop and Confessor in the Ordo, Breviary, and Missal, used by the Irish
Catholic Clergy. Adamnan's name is of unusual form and of unfrequent
occurrence, in Irish records. On referring to our Annals and Calendars,
there are but three or four instances where it occurs.1*8 To these may be
added St. Adamnan of Coldingham,1*0 who is mentioned by Venerable
137 See " De Scotorum Fortitudine," p. Adamnan, bishop and abbot of Rath-maighe-
177. aenaigh (An. Ult. 730 ; Four Mast. 725);
138 Thus : " Monasteno Mailrossensi diu and Adomnan mac Alddailedh (An. Ult.
praefuit hie Sanctus." 835), Ussher mentions S. Adompnanus as
139 It says at ix. Kl\ Octobris: " In Scocia the successor of St. Ciaran in Inis-Aingin,
Sancti Adampnani abbatis cuius reliquie in now Hare Island, in Lough Ree in the
sanctaYensi insula mirandis clarent signorum Shannon (Wks., vi., p. 525), and O'Connor
prodigiis quern Sanctus Columba antequam borrows from him (RerumHib., SS.,vol. ii.,
nasceretur precinebat et doctorum catholi- p. 138, n. 42) ; but Ussher seems to have
cum futurum predicabat." — " Proceedings of read the name incorrectly, for in the Life of
the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland," St. Ciaran, whence he derived his informa-
vol. ii., p. 268. tion, the same individual is called ' Quidam
'*° See Calendar, ix. Kal. Octobris, Pro- vir de Momonia se de gente Corcobaiscind,
pria Sanctorum, Pars Estivalis, (?) fol. 114, nomine Domnanus.' — Cap. 28 (Cod. Marsh,
b. a. fol. 147, a. a). Marian Gorman settles the
141 See Calendar at September 23rd. question: DonnAti pacApc o 1tiip .Aingin
142 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis pop Loch tVib, ' Donnan priest, of Inis-
Scotorum," torn, ii., p. 613. Aingin on Loch Ribh ' (Cal., Jan. 7). The
143 See "Scottish Bishops," p. 378 (Edin- Adamnanus of Inchkethe whom Forduu
burgh, 1824). makes a contemporary of S. Servanus (i. 6),
144 Such is the opinion of the Rev. Dr. is by a violent anachronism, intended for
Reeves. our Adamnan ; but Abp. Ussher was too
145 See " Civil and Ecclesiastical History desirous to swell the history of North
of Scotland," p. 300. Britain, when on such authority he repre-
146 See "Chronology of History," pp. 132, sented Odomnanus as an abbot anterior to
147, 173. St. Columba, and fixed his date at the year
,47See Rev. Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's 488. (Ind. Chron./'—Rev. Dr. Reeves'
" Life of St. Columba," Additional Notes, c, Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba," Appen-
p2 57. dix to Preface, sect. I. Memoir of St.
►Jgj14" " The Calendars have none except our Adamnan, n. (c), p. xl.
author. The Annals have, besides St, I49 See the Acts of this Saint, at the 31st
5*6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Bede.1*0 This latter writer, however, more particularly distinguishes our
saint, in the pages ot his Ecclesiastical History.'*1
In addition to the places already mentioned, in which Adamnan had
been specially venerated, the following are also associated with his name and
memory in the northern province :— The Parish of Bovevagh, in the Diocese
of Derry, barony of Keenaght, and county of Londonderry, had St. Eugenius
—a Latin form of Eunan***— for patron. Local belief makes St. Ringan,
i.e. Ninian, the patron ; but as Colgan lived at a time when local traditions
were better preserved than at present, his authority is to be more respected.^
The old church which there remains measures 51 feet, by 17 feet, 6 inches.^
Bovevagh Old Church, Co. Londonderry.
It is surrounded by a grave-yard, which contains no very ancient tombs.1**
The form and style prove the church to be medieval. The parish lies on the
western side of the river Roe.1*6 The parish of Errigal, in the diocese of
Derry, barony of Coleraine and County of Londonderry, was formerly called,
from its patron, Airecal Adhamhnain, or " the habitation of Adamnan. "x57
It is now best known through its village, Garvagh. The present Protestant
parish church stands on a modern site.
of January in the First Volume of this work,
Art. iii.
150 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. xxv.
151 See ibid., lib. v., cap. xv., xvi., xvii.,
xxi.
157 See Primate Colton's " Metropolitan
Visitation of the Diocese of Derry, a-d.
M.cccxcvn.," edited by Rev. Dr. Reeves,
n. (o), p. 85.
,5,See his "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise, "
Februarii xxii. De S. Malhrigido sive
Brigidano, Abbate Derensi et Primate
Ardmachano, n. 7, p. 387.
IS4 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
of St. Columba." Appendix to Preface, p.
Ixiv.
'ss The accompanying illustration is copied
from a Sketch of George Du Noyer by
Gregor Gray, who hns engraved it.
'5* See the "Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Ireland," vol. i, p. 270.
'57 See Primate Colton's " Metropolitan
Visitation, of the Diocese of Derry, A.D.
M.cccxcvn.," edited by Rev. Dr. Reeves,
n. (y), pp. 80, 81.
■ss It is the one connected with his name
in the Breviary of Aberdeen : " S. Adamp
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 527
Several churches and places in Scotland, bore the name of Adamnan.
The peculiar veneration, in which his memory was held throughout his
adopted country, is evidenced in the following enumeration : — A chapelry at
Furvie,158 in the parisli of Slains,^ on the east coast of Aberdeen, north of
the Ythan Mouth, seems to have been the place for Adamnan's chief com-
memoration in Scotland. On the estate of Leask, there is another remnant
of a religious house, evidently an old Catholic chapel, as the place where the
altar stood is plainly discernible. It is small, but must be considered a fine
old ruin.16? It stands in the middle of a small plantation of stunted firs and
alder, on a little eminence gently rising from a swampy bottom, with a rivulet
half enclosing it on the south side. It is called Adamnan's chapel.16' A
parish named Forglen in the north-east angle of Banff, and separated from
Aberdeenshire by the Doveran, was formerly called Teunan-Kirk, from a
peculiar form of the patron's name.l6a The name of this parish in olden
times was St. Eunan, or St. Eunein, after the saint of that name to whom the
church had been dedicated. l63 The ruins of the chapel still remain,164 at
the mouth of a rivulet which falls into the Doveran. Innes takes him to be
the very same Saint Adamnan, who in Irish is called Ainan, and the day is
the same, September the twenty-third ;l6s Teunan being formed from Saint
Ainan, as Trowel and Tan tan from Saint Rule and Saint Antony.166 A
parish called Aboyn, in the South of Aberdeenshire, on the north side of the
Dee, had for its tutelar a Saint named Theunan.16? About half-way between
Aboyn Castle and the ruins of the ancient parish church, is a large old tree,
now called the Skeulan Tree,168 or St. Eunan's,l69 with a well at the foot of it
called the Skeulan Well, or St. Eunan's, as known in the eighteenth
century.1?0 A large rock — not less than 800 feet above the sea-level — on
one of the braes of Angus, in the parish of Tannadice,1?1 is called St. Arnold's
Seat.1?2 Though apparently so far removed, this name has been formed
from Adamnan. '73 In the parish of Kinneff, in Kincardineshire, there was
nani abbatis patroni apud Furui Aberdon. l63 See " Old Statistical Account of
dyoces." Propr. S.S. Part. Estiv., fol 114 Scotland," vol. xiv., p. 530.
b, a (Reprint), where the name is incor- l64 See the " New Statistical Account of
rectly given Furni." Scotland," vol. xiii., Banff, part I, pp. 83,
159 In the View of the Diocese of Aber- 87.
deen, it is stated under the parish of Slaines : l6s In this parish was formerly kept St.
11 Here stood of old the parish church of Columba's sacred banner, called the Breac-
Furvie (dedicated to St. Fidannan, Abbot banach ; and he too was regarded as a
of I colmkill), overblown by the sands." — patron of the place.
" Collections," &c, p. 388. l6° See "Collections on Aberdeen and
160 One gable and gothic window are Banff," vol. i., p. 509. Spalding Club,
still nearly entire, and the walls are over- Aberbeen, 1843.
grown with ivy. See "New Statistical l6? See "Collections of Aberdeen," p.
Account of Scotland," vol. xii. Aberdeen, 633.
p. 593. l68 See "New Statistical Account of
161 A similar name is given to it, in the Scotland," vol. xii, Aberdeen, p. 1060.
Old Statistical Account, vol v,, p. 276. l69 This tree is still held in reverence.
162 St. Eunan is called Thewnan by Adam '7° Thomas Innes tells us that he was
King, in his Calendar, at the 23rd of Septem- born in Aboyn parish, and he mentions
ber. Dempster also calls him Thewnanus, these objects alluded to as called in his day
but disassociates him, at the same date of St. Eunan's Well, and St. Eunan's Tree.
festival, from St. Eunan; while his sup- See " Civil and Ecclesiastical History of
posed St. Thewanus Abbas is called the Scotland," Chronological Memoirs, p. 301.
preceptor of King Eugenius VI., and the I?I In Forfarshire.
author of a book, " Quorundam SS. Vitas. " I?2 See " New Statistical Account of Scot-
— " Histoiia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scoto- land," vol. xi. Forfar, part i., p. 198.
rum," tomus ii., lib. xviii., num. 1122, 173 This appears by the following extract
p. 613. from a record of 1527: " Et sic eundo
5«8
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
formerly a ruin called St. Arnty's Hill, which is mentioned1?* as St. Arnold's
Cell.*?5 It is stated,1?6 that St. Adamnan was Abbot in an Island called
Inchkeith, in the Firth of Forth, and lying E.N.E. from Inch Colm, and that
there he received St. Servanus and his companions, when they first came to
Scotland. T77 The Island of Sanda in the Mull of Cantyre, is said to have
been called Insula Awyn,1?8 where Adamnan's cell was, and that it had been
regarded as a place of refuge for transgressors. 1i9 According to Father
MacCana, the whole of this island was sacred to St. Ninian, to whose monas-
tery in Galloway it belonged, and there was a small building which bore his
name. Near it was a repository or sepulchre of fourteen sons of an Irishman,
named Senchan, renowned for sanctity. That chapel is now locally called
Kilmashenaghan.l8° A stone wall was round that enclosure, in which were
seven very large and polished stones that covered their venerated remains,
and in the centre of those stones, there was an obelisk higher than the human
form.lSl There was a denomination of land in the parish of Kilkerran, in
Cantyre, variously written Killewnane182 and Kilyownane.l83 There is a
parish called Dalmeny in Linlithgow, l8« near Queen's Ferry, having a fine
old Romanesque church. Here was a chantry of St. Adamnan.18* At
Campsie, in Perthshire, there was a croft of land called St. Adamnan's
Acre.186
In Ireland, as in Scotland, it is observable, that the dedications of St.
Columba and of St. Adamnan keep very close together. In Ireland, the
churches of Raphoe, Skreen, and Drumhome are said to be founded by the
former, yet under the patronage of the latter. In Scotland, Forglen is St.
Adamnan's, but in it were St. Columba's lands of the Banner ; St. Columba's
Church of Tannadice has St. Eunan's seat; St. Columba's Church of
Belhelvy neighbours to Furvy ; Inis Colm's nearest land is Inch Keith ; and
St. Columba's Cramond has Dalmeny next adjoining on the west.18? The
great veneration, in which our Saint was held, both in Ireland and Scotland,
is fully proved from the circumstance, that Adamnan was assumed as a
Christian and surname, under various forms. Giolla-Adhamhnain, or
versus austrum usque ad caput montis, vocate
Sanct Eunendi's Seit." — Record of 1527 —
Liber Respons, in Scacar. Reg. Scot. 1527-
1539, General Register House, Edinburgh.
174 In the Macfarlane Manuscripts.
175 The Rev. Dr. Reeves puts the query :
" Can this be a perversion of Adamnan ? " —
Adamnan's M Life of St. Columba," Ap-
pendix to Preface, p. lxvi., n. (s.).
176 By John Fordun, in his ** Scotichroni-
con," lib. i., cap. 6.
177 This statement, however, is quite un-
chronological, as Servanus flourished long
before the time of Adamnan.
178 See John Fordun's " Scotichronicon,"
lib. ii., cap. 10.
,7» According to a manuscript account of
this island by Father MacCana, and con-
tained in the Burgundian Library, Bruxelles.
It is classed No. 5307. It is called in Irish
■Abhuin, and Latinized Avonia.
180 In Irish Cill-tnA-SeooicAin. See
"Origines Parochiales Scotiae," part ii.,
p. 9.
181 Father MacCana adds : "In ilia insula
fuit repertum brachium Sancti Ultani, quod
thecae argentese inclusum, ante hoc bellum
religiose servabatur a viro genereso ex
inclyta Mac Donellorum familia." Could
this be the reliquary now commonly called
St. Patrick's Arm ? Nothing is knewn of
its history, and as to the Saint's name it has
probably originated in a vulgar guess." —
" Ulster Journal of Archaeology," vol. ii., p.
209.
182 No doubt formed from Cill xVo Airman.
183 See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
vol. ii., pp. 15, 16, 24.
,8* See Inquis. Spec, vicecom. Linlith-
gow, Nos. 135, 142, 155.
,8s From the crown-charter conveying the
patronage " capallanue et altaris Sancti
Adamania infra ecciesiam parochialem de
Dummany, ' it would appear t*1 have been
dedicated to St. Adamnan. — " New Statis-
tical Account of .Scotland," vol. ii.
Linlithgowshire, part i., p. 102.
186 See Inquis. Spec, vicecom. Perth,
Nos. 64, 708, 880.
1,7 See Rev. Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's
"Life of St. Columba," Appendix to Pre-
face, pp. lxi. to lxvii.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 529
"Servant of Adamnan," became a Christian name of which we find examples
in the Irish annals. About the twelfth century, there flourished a Giolla-
Adamnan Ua Coirthen, Coarb of Columcille, as may be seen in a charter of
Kells.188 In the year 11 64, Somharlid Mac Gille-Adhamnain was killed in
battle, with his son and a great number of followers. l89 This chieftain is
called Prince of Argyle,1?0 and he was one of the Mac Donnell family. Giolla-
Adhamnan subsequently became a favourite name in this family, and it
passed into that branch of it called the Mac Neills of Barra. In the year
1495, we find a Gilleownan1?1 Makneil, who was grandson to Gilleownan.
We are told, that it became a surname, and that it is the origin of Mac Lennan,
a name given to the old inhabitants of Glenshiel in Rosshire, and which has
passed into that familiar form from MacGilla-Adhamnain. This appears to
be the case, from a genealogy of the clan Mac Lennen.1*2 This clan derives
its denomination from Gilla-agamnan, son to Cormac, son to Oirbertach of
Ferchar Abhradhruadh's race.J93 In the year 132S, Gilla-Adamnan O'Ferghil,
or O'Freel, Coarb of St. Adamnan, died.1**
In the diocese of Raphoe, St. Eunan is generally considered to be a
different individual from Adamnan, and the error derives support from a
custom which formerly prevailed of holding the commemoration of St.
Eunan as patron of the diocese on the 7th of September.^ Under its old
patronage, supposing that a bishop's see must originate with a bishop, in
after times, advantage was taken of Adamnan's phonetic name Eunan.
Thus was Adamnan created a bishop, and Eunan became patron of the
diocese, in that supposed capacity. 196 However, for a long period past, St.
Eunan has been revered as a Bishop and Confessor, as also a 'patron of this
diocese, in all the Catholic Church Offices ; and as a result of an applica-
tion from Most Rev. Patrick O' Donnell, Bishop of P.aphoe, an Office,
consisting of Three Proper Lessons and a Mass, revised and approved by
the Sacred Congregation of Rites in Rome, has been sanctioned by Decree
of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII. ,'97 for use of the secular and regular clergy
there.1*8
When the Most Rev. Patrick O'Donnell had been consecrated Bishop
of Raphoe, on the 3rd of April, 1888, one of the cares which chiefly
engrossed his attention was the erection of a new cathedral dedicated to St.
Eunan, Patron of the diocese. Measures were taken accordingly ; the clergy
and laity of the diocese were appealed to ; large subscriptions were received
and public meetings were held ; contributions poured in from other parts of
188 See " Miscellany of the Irish Archae- x* The Rev. Dr. Reeves gives the names
logical Society," p. 140. of Irish Sees founded by Presbyters, in
,89 See Chronicon Mannise, in Johnstone's Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba,'' Addi-
11 Antiquitates Celto Normanicse," p. 20. tional Notes (n.), p. 335.
'9° See ibid., p. 12. J97 Given under date Die 11 Maii,
191 See " Origines Parochiales Scotise," 1896.
vol. ii., p. 367. 's8 The Office is a Duplex of the First
192 The Mac Vurrich MS., communicated Class, with an Octave throughout the
by W. F. Skene, Esq. , to Rev. William Diocese of Raphoe, commencing on the 23rd
Reeves, demonstrated this fact. of September. The Lessons of the First
'53 See Rev. Mr. Reeves' Adamnan's Nocturn are taken from the Common of a
"Life of St. Columba," Appendix to Pontiff and Confessor; those from the
Preface, pp. lxvii., lxviii. Third Nocturn have the Seventh Lesson
'9* See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the commencing with "Lectio Sancti Evangelii
Four Masters," vol. ill., pp. 538, 539. secundum Lucam," cap. 10, and afterwards
'95 Pope Clement XII. approved of a taken from the Common Lessons for an
Mass for Bishop Eunan's festival, on the 7th Evangelist. In the Mass taken from the
of September. This was printed in Paris, Common of a Confessor Pontiff, the Gospel
A.D. 1734. alone is from the Common of Evangelists.
I L
53°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23.
Ireland, from the United States, and from the most distant colonies of the
British Empire ; and with solemn religious ceremonial, the foundation stone
was laid. Mr. Haigue was selected as the architect. The following is a
description of the Cathedral Jw dedicated to the Patron of Raphoe diocese,
and which stands on an elevated site overlooking the town of Letterkenny,
and commanding the country for miles around. The structure is one of
noble propor-
tions.200 The
architecture is the
early pointed
style, with lofty
lancet windows,
the severity of
which is relieved
by the introduc-
tion of trefoil
heads. The build-
ing is cruciform,
and at the inter-
section of nave
and transepts,
there are four
lofty arches rest-
ing on massive
square columns,
ornamented with
panels, and
carved in high
relief with sub-
jects of religious
history in Done-
gal. The aisles
are divided from
the nave, by an
arcade of five
arches on each
side, supported
on clustered
columns, with
beautifully carved capitals and bases. The choir is in the form of an apsidal
ending, with nine sides ; in each of which is an acutely pointed arch communi-
cating with the ambulatory, which is lighted by nine lancet windows, and above
the chancel arcade are thirteen windows filled with stained glass. The great
western door has a lofty pointed arch, amply recessed and richly moulded.
Above it is a magnificent seven-lighted window, with rose tracery. Similar
windows of smaller size light the transepts. The tower stands at the north-
eastern angle. It is to be surmounted by a spire, and the whole shall rise to
an elevation of 240 feet; or 120 feet for the tower, and 120 feet for the
St. Eunan's Cathedral, Letterkenny.
'*> Taken from the Freeman's Journal of
November 2ist, 1898.
200 The accompanying illustration, from
an engraving of the exterior, kindly fur-
nished by the Most Rev. Patrick O'Donnell,
D.D., Bishop of Raphoe, has been drawn
on the wood and engraved by Gregor
Grey.
September i.i] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
531
spife. The Cathedral is 200 feet long; 100 feet wide across the transepts,
and 66^2 feet across the nave and aisles. At the entrance to the transepts,
there is a departure from the pointed style, the doors being in the Hiberno-
Romanesque, with characteristic Gaelic ornamentation. The view from the
chancel along the long line of aisles to the entrance is very fine, while by
looking the other way the effect of the arcade round the chancel is beautiful
and impressive. The panel figures in alto relievo, in the columnar supports
of the arches at the intersection of the nave and aisles, are very interesting.
The work is excellently executed, with great attention to detail and the
finest workmanship. On the column at the right hand side of the nave
there is a beautiful series of panels devoted to many striking incidents in the
life of St. Columcille,201 and on the left hand side is the Adamnan column,202
devoted to illustrations from the life of the founder of the church and diocese
of Raphoe. The arch has figures of the Blessed Trinity and other subjects.
Above the spring of the arch from the Columban column is a panel repre-
senting Conal Gulban asking the saint to admit him to the ministry, and the
saint refusing, prophesying the glory of his race, and pointing to the motto,
u in hoc signo vinces." Above this is a panel representing St. Patrick at
Assaroe, near Ballyshannon, when he was requested by Conall to bless his
country, his people, and himself, and the saint blesses the son with more
fervour than Conall, as one who was nearer by a generation to the great
Columcille. The saint is represented breaking forth into the sublime
prophesy regarding the future saint of Conall's line. The next panel represents
201 The Columcille column in its lower
panel shows the veil seen by the mother of
the saint before his birth. The other panels
illustrate some of the scenes in the life of
the saint. In the first panel, a double one,
the saint is seen at one side as a little boy
at Kilmacrenan, near Letterkenny, taking
lessons from the venerable priest, Cruthe-
necan. At the right of the panel Columba is
represented as a young monk, seriously
engaged in copying the famous manuscript,
which afterwards was the Cathach. In the
roof above, a star is seen lighting the young
student at his work. The second panel
represents the saint, now a priest and an
apostle, preaching the gospel to the people,
surrounded by the Scottish chiefs, who
were already to some extent become his
disciples. The third panel shows the saint
at the famous Feis or assembly of Drom-
ceat, county of Derry, where he succeeded in
protecting the rights of the bards of Erin,
and getting Alba's exemption from tribute
to Erin acknowledged. The fourth panel
is the death scene. Diarmaid, the faithful
body attendant of the saint, raises his head,
and raising also his right hand, enables the
dying saint to bless the fathers as they rush
into the church with lamps in their hands.
Between the panels are scrolls and symbols.
The first is the figure of the Corr Mona or
Crane. The beaten Crane which came to
Columba at Iona was supposed to come
from Gartan, his natal place in Donegal.
There is a head of an Irish elk, the horns
thrown back as in swimming, and there
are a group of the doves of Columba. The
last is the figure of the white horse that
wept over Columba before his death.
302 The Adamnan column has panels
dealing with the life of the Cathedral patron
who succeeded St. Columba both in Raphoe
and Iona. The first panel, a double one,
shows on one side the boy Adamnan listen-
ing to St. Ernan, of Dromhome, relating
the wonders that he saw on the night of
Columba's death, and the other represents
Adamnan being received as a novice in
Iona by Suibhne, the fourth Abbot. The
.second panel shows the saint writing the
life of St. Columba. The third panel
represents an ordination scene, with St.
Adamnan as first Bishop of Raphoe, re-
ceiving the young priests into the ministry.
The panel at the bottom, to correspond
with the veil-panel in the Columban monu-
ment, represents the glory of God in
judgment, the rays of glory shooting high
into the sky as in the sunburst, and bearing
the inscription, "I.H.S." On the arch
the figure at the apex is that of the First
Person of the Most Holy Trinity, repre-
sented as looking down from Heaven upon
the created world. On one hand is the
Son, and on the other the Holy Ghost.
The group is a bold outline in stone of the
Adorable Trinity. The Holy Ghost holds
the burning torch in one hand, and from
the other hand drops the oil of sanctification.
God the Son is represented carrying the
Cross in one hand, and the other raised in
an attitude of instruction.
532 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23
the laying of the foundation stone of the Cathedral of Let terkenny by his
Eminence Cardinal Logue, assisted by the Most Rev. Dr. O'Donnell. On
the arch over the Adamnan column is a representation cf Nuala O'Connor,
of Ophaly, of the house of the O'Donnell Chief, receiving the Fransciscans at
Donegal. The next panel represents the flight of the Earls, and the next
shows the Four Masters in Donegal Convent writing the Annals.2°3 To aid
in the completion of this noble Cathedral, a grand /<?/* was organized, and
designated the Aenach. It was held at Gartan on the 9th of June, the
Thirteenth Centennial of St. Columkill, i8q7.2°4 It proved to be a magnifi-
cent religious and national demonstration, attended by His Eminence
Cardinal Logue, Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland ; Most Rev.
Dr. O'Donnell, Bishop of Raphoe, with a vast concourse of clergy and
laiety assembled from the most distant places.
After his death, the remains ofAdamnan were religiously preserved by
the monks in his monastery at Iona, and although some time must have
elapsed, before their prejudices against him for his efforts to innovate on the
disciplinary institutions of their great founder were removed ; yet, in due
course, he was revered as only second in greatness and sanctity to St.
Columkille in all houses of their order. This was especially the case, after
the year 716, when Egbert, the holy priest who received his education
in Ireland, had paid his visit to Iona, when Dunchad was superior of Hy,
and in fact of the whole Columban Order. Then the Roman Paschal cycle,
together with the circular tonsure, advocated so strenuously by Adamnan in
his life-time, were universally adopted.205 St. Adamnan's remains were
translated from Ireland, in October of the year 729.206 The account of this
transaction in our annals is so equivocal, that it might be inferred the holy
Abbot died and was there buried, and that his body had then been removed
for the first time to the parent establishment of his order. There is every
reason to suppose those relics were encased in a rich shrine. Even, there is
a poetical enumeration of relics, contained in a famous shrine of St. Adamnan,
as yet extant.20? It is alleged to have been composed by the Saint himself,
but this does not appear to be probable. There is a brief preface to this
poem.20' However, this is to be understood of a shrine, which had been pre-
pared during his life-time, and which enclosed the relics of other Saints he had
placed there, and which, as we have already seen, he had deposited at Scrin-
Adamnhan. In the year 831, according to the Annals of Ulster,200 the Serin
Adomnain was taken away from Domnach Maghan or Donaghmoyne, by the
Gentiles. The Shrine of Adamnan was then in the keeping of Tuathal mac
203 In accordance with the design carried tical History of Ireland," Eighth Century,
out in previous volumes of this work, a chap. i., p. 137.
frontispiece is prefixed, and designed to 2o6 According to the Annales Ultonienses
commemorate some particular spot, where at this year is entered : " Reversio reliquiarum
Irish hagiology found writers and a home, Adomnani <\<t Ilibernia in menseOctobr." —
in ancient and modern times. Thus, the Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
frontispiece to the present volume repre- tores," tomus iv. Annales Ultonienses, p.
sents the existing ruins of Donegal Con- 81.
vent, where lived the Four Masters, who a0? It is included in the ten folia, extracted
gathered so many precious documents of from the Book of Leinster, and now pre-
Irish civil and ecclesiastical history in the served in the Franciscan Convent, Mer-
seventeenth century. chant's-quay, Dublin. These lines occur at
204 A detailed account of the proceedings column 5 on the page,
maybe found in the "Cuirhne CoUntnalle " 2c8 It contains 18 stanzas.
or the Gartan Festival, published in Dublin, 20* See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
1898, 8vo. carum Scriptores," tomus iv. Annales
2°5 See Rev. M. J. Brenan's "Ecclesias- Ultonienses, p. 208.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 533
Feradhaich,210 known as Abbot of Rechra and Durrow.211 This was the
shrine that gave name to Scrin-Adamnan.
Few of our national saints deserve more of our reverence and gratitude
than Adamnan, as may be judged from the foregoing incidents we have even
imperfectly gleaned to furnish his memoir. The younger Pliny esteemed as
happy those whom Providence had distinguished with abilities, either for
doing such actions, as are worthy of being related, or for relating them in a
manner worthy of being read. Doubly happy are those blessed with both
of these uncommon talents.212 Such remarks have a special bearing on the
Life of St. Adamnan, since his activity of mind and body had been rightly
directed to serve the highest interests of religion, and to preserve in writing
for us, the Life of one, the greatest archimandrite of his age, as also an early
record of the Holy Land. Both are of inestimable value to the historian and
antiquary. The authenticity of those works may not be questioned, while our
literary interest and desire for information are both excited and gratified by
their fortunate preservation to our own times.
ARTrcLE II. — St. Conaing, or Connich Mic Luachain. The manu-
script1 and published2 Martyrologies of Tallagh register a festival, at the
23rd of September, in honour of Connich, son of Luachain. He is also
entered at this date in the Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 whose com-
mentator calls him Mac Lucunain, or the Son of Lucunain. In Colgan's
opinion, 4 the present holy man appears to be identical with a certain
Conagius, who is mentioned in the Acts of St. Mochoemoc, Abbot of Liath-
mor,s He is also thought to have been the Conangius O'Daithil, who is
mentioned in the Life of St. Molagga.6 At the year 660, we meet the death
of Conaing Ua Daint, Abbot of Imleach Ibhair, or Emly, recorded. The
Irish accords with the foregoing spelling of the name. St. Alveus was first
Abbot and Bishop of Emly, as would appear from his Life.? The successor
of St. Alveus, the present Conangius, appears to be the Saint bearing such
name, whose Natalis was observed on the 23rd of September, and who is
called son to Luachan, by the Martyrology of Tallagh, by Marianus
O'Gorman, and by the commentator on St. Angus.8 There was a chapelry
of a St. Cunning,? in the parish of Carncastle, County of Antrim, supposed to
have been Tulach or Killchonadhain, mentioned in the Tripartite Life of St.
Patrick.10 The present Saint's festival is found in the Martyrology of
Donegal," at this day.
210 Thus noticed in the Irish Annals, at 6 See his Acts in the First Volume of this
A.D. 832: " Tuathal mac Feradhaich raptus work, at the 20th of January, Art. i., chap,
est a Gentilibus, et scrinium Adamnani de iii.
Domnach-moghan." ? This Colgan promised to give at the
211 His death is recorded at A.D. 850. 12th of September, at which date his Acts
212 See the Letters of Pliny the Younger. are to be found in the present'volume, Art. i.
Melmoth's Translation, book vi., chap. 16. 8 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xx.
Article ii. — xIn the Book of Leinster Januarii. Vita S. Molaggte, n. 27, p. 150.
copy, Conich mac LuAchanAi. 9 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Ecclesiastical
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv. Antiquities of Down, Connor, and Dro-
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui more," n. (d), pp. 53, 54. Also Appendix
Gormain," pp. 182, 183. GG, n, (w), p. 338.
4 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xiii. I0 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,
Martii, Vita S. Mochoemoci, cap. xxxv... Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars ii., cap.
and n. 38, pp. 595, 596, 598. exxxiii., p. 147.
s See his Life, in the Third Volume of this " Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
work, at the 13th of March, Art. i. 256, 257.
534 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 23
Article III. — St. Comnat or Coimnatain. At the 23rd of September,
we find entered, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 a festival in
honour of Coimnatain. A similar entry is in the Book of Leinster copy.2
His place in history we cannot find. Also on this day, Marianus O'GormanS
commemorates Co[e]mnat, or Comnat. Simply the name Comnat, without
any further designation, appears in the Martyrology of Donegal,-* at this same
date. There can hardly be a doubt, this latter person is identical with
Coimnatain.
Article IV. — St. Saran. In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1
there is a Ciaran at this day ; but we think, this must have been introduced
for Saran, as we find it in the Book of Leinster copy.' In the Martyrology ot
Marianus O'Gorman,3 Saran is entered at the 23rd of September. According
to the Martyrology of Donegal,4 Saran was venerated at the 23rd of September.
Article V. — St. Tecla, Virgin and Martyr. The swan is said
noiselessly to float over the silver lake, or to rest tranquilly in the brakes
around it, until the time of death approaches, when enchanting notes are
heard before it expires. So do the holy Virgins conceal until the final hour
those latent harmonies of the soul, which break into hymns sempiternal
among the choirs of the Blessed. In the ancient Irish Church, the festival
of St, Thecla, Virgin and Martyr, was celebrated on this day. Although her
memory has been preserved with great veneration from the earliest ages of
the Christian Church, as a Martyr, who suffered at Seleucia in Isauria,1 and
although mentioned in nearly all the ancient Martyrologies and Calendars j
yet her Acts as coming down to us are interspersed with fables, which the
Jesuit Father John Stilting has shown in a learned disquisition in the
Bollandist Collection of Saints' Acts.2 The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman3 celebrates the feast of St. Thecla, at the 23rd of September, and
invokes her intercession. This holy Virgin is reputed to have been well-
versed in profane philosophy and in various branches of polite literature,
when she was converted to the Christian faith by the Apostle St. Paul at
Iconium,4 about the year 45. She became his disciple, and renounced the
worldly prospects of marriage with a young and rich nobleman, who, incensed
at her refusal, accused her to the magistrates with' being a Christian. She
Article ill. — ' Edited by the Rev. Dr. 3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
Kelly, p. xxxv. Septembris xxiii. De S. Thecla Virg.
2 Thus : Coimndcan. Mart. Seleuciae in Isauria. Commentarius
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui Critico-IIistoricus. This is comprised in
Gormain," pp. 182, 183. seven sections, having one hundred and five
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. paragraphs.
356, 357. 3 In the following Irish verses : —
Article iv. — ' Edited by the Rev. Dr. Tecla oengel alimm,
Kelly, p. xxxv. for oebnemh co hebhinn.
2 Thus: SAj\4ni. Thus translated into English by Dr.
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui Whitley Stokes: "White Tecla whom I
Gormain," pp. 182, 183. entreat (and who dwells) delightfully in
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. beautiful heaven." — "Felire Hui Gormain,"
256, 257. pp. 182, 183.
Article v. — • A district in Asia Minor, 4 The chief city of Lycaonia, a province
of a wild, mountainous character, and but of Asia Minor. The Acts of the Apostles
little known to the Romans. See Dr. and Pliny describe it as a very populous
William Smith's " Dictionary of Greek city inhabited by Greeks and Jews. See
and Roman Geography," vol. ii., pp. Dr. William Smith's " Dictionary of Greek
65, 66. and Roman Geography," vol. ii., p. 12.
September 23.] LIVES OF THE IRISh SAINTS. 535
was condemned to be torn in pieces by wild beasts, and exposed in the
amphitheatre, but she was miraculously preserved.5 Afterwards, she attended
St. Paul during several of his apostolical missions ; but she is said to have
passed the latter years of her life in devout retirement. The Maityrology of
Donegal6 records a festival in honor of Tecla, Virgin, at the 23rd of Septem-
ber. The Calendarist expresses his opinion that she is the Greek virgin and
martyr whose festival on this day is celebrated by the Church. 7 She was
buried in Seleucia, one of the chief towns of Isauria, and over her tomb a
magnificent church was erected, under the first Christian Emperors. Although
preserved from the violent death intended for her by persecutors; yet, by
St. Isidore of Pelusium and the Greek writers St. Thecla has been called the
protomartyr of her sex, and as such venerated from the earliest times. At
this date, her name is noted in the Roman Martyrology.8
Article VI. — Reputed Festival of St. Lolan, Scottish Bishop.
At the 23rd of September, the Bollandists1 refer to a Manuscript Kalendar,
which gives a festival to Lolan, a Scottish Bishop ; but, he seems to have
been no other than the Lolan, Bishop and Confessor, of Kincardine, whose
feast is generally assigned to the Z2nd of this month, where notices of him
have been inserted.2
Article VII. — Reputed Festival of St. Hildulph. At the 23rd of
September, the Bollandists notice a festival found in a Manuscript Kalendar
belonging to the Church of St. Saviour at*Antwerp.x For further particulars
regarding him, the reader is referred to his Acts, which are given at the nth
day of July2 — which is his chief feast — in the Seventh Volume of this work.
Article VIIL — Reputed Festival of St. Kynnera or Canera'
Virgin, at Inis Cathaigh. We know not on what authority, Bishop
Challenor1 has a feast of commemoration for St. Kynnera at Inis Cathaigh.
She led a solitary life of great sanctity, in the South of Ireland. A further
account regarding her may be seen at the 28th of January,2 the day generally
assigned as that of her chief festival.
5 This happened during the reign of tomus vi, Septembris xxiii. Among the
Nero, according to the Roman Martyr- pretermitted feasts, p. 537.
ology. 2 See at that date, in the present volume,
6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Art. viii.
256> 257- Article vii.— • See " Acta Sanctorum,"
7 In a note, Dr. Reeves says at the fore- tomus vi,, Septembris xxiri. Among the
going passage, which is within brackets, pretermitted feasts, p. 537.
that it has been entered in the more recent 2 Art. i.
hand. Article viii.—' See " A Memorial of
8 See " Martyrologium Romanum," editio British Piety," p. 134.
novissima. Nono Kalendas Octobris, p. 142. 2 In the First Volume of this work.
Article vi.— * See "Acta Sanctorum," Art.
536 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
CtuentiK-fouvtl) JBap of September.
ARTICLE I.— SAINTS CHUNIBALDUS OR CUNIALUUS AND GISLAR1US,
PRIESTS AND MISSIONARIES IN BAVARIA.
[SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES.}
THAT veneration had been entertained for Saints Chuniald and Gisilar
in Bavaria, from their own age down to the present, is an acknowledged
fact ; yet, no special record of their Acts — if any such existed — now remains.
Various writers have assigned different days for festivals referring to the
present holy companions of St. Rupert, Apostle of Bavaria. In some cases
they are noticed singly, and in others their names are together united. Nor
is it to be understood, that the present day represents the anniversary of
their respective deaths.
Acts of Saints Chuniald and Gislar appear to have been prepared by
Colgan, for the 24th of September, as we find from the posthumous list of his
MSS.1 The Bollandists have notices at this date of those Saints,2 in a
historic Sylloge,3 having pretermitted their Festival, at the 8th of February.*
To adopt such a course they were impelled ; because, at the latter date, they
had promised to defer their remarks on both to the 24th of September. The
Manuscript Florarium Sanctorums in their possession, and Hermann Greuen,6
placed their Festivals at the 8th of February. 7 The Petits Bollandistes8
have notices of St. Chuniald, Cunibald, Chunibald or Kuniald, and of St.
Gisilaire, Gislaire, or Gisibaire, priests and confessors, at the 24th of Septem-
ber, which is generally received as the anniversary for the Translation of
their relics. In the " Dictionary of Christian Biography,"9 there are brief
Acts of St. Chunialdus,10 and of St. Gislarius, Gisilarius or Gizolarius11 — as
his name is variedly written — their periods being assigned to about the
middle of the eighth century.
These holy men are constantly referred to by ecclesiastical writers, as
compatriots and fellow-labourers with St. Rupert,12 during his missionary
career in Germany ; and hence, accepting the very general tradition there
prevalent regarding the country of their birth, we may suppose it took place
in Ireland, at some time about the middle of the seventh century. Among
writers, however, the country of their birth has been questioned. Some have
thought — and among these the Bollandist Father Constantine Suyskens —
Article I.— * See •* Catalogus Actuum soldier, is strangely and erroneously placed
Sanctorum quae MS. habentur, ordine between them, thus : " Chunibaldi confes-
Mensium et Dierum ! " sons. Mengokli militis. Gislarii presbyteri."
2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., 7 See notices of them, at that date, in the
Septembris xxiv. De SS. Chunialdo et Second Volume of the present work, Art. xi.
Gisilario Presbyteris Salisburgi in Ger- 8 See " Vies des Saints," tome xi., xxivc
mania, pp. 708 to 713. Jour de Septembre, p. 346.
3 Written by Father Constantine 9 Edited by William Smith, D.C.L.,
Suyskens, S.J., in twenty-five paragraphs. LL.D., and Henry Wace, M.A.
* See ibid., tomus ii., p. 152. ,0See vol. i., p. 535.
s At the 8th of February it enters " Cuni- " See vol. ii., p. 673.
baldi confessoris et Gislarii episcopi." M See his Acts at the 27th of March, in
* In his Additions to Usuard, Mengold, a the Third Volume of this work, Art. ii.
September 24.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
537
that Saints Rupert, with his companions Chuniald and Gisilar, were natives
of Gaul; x3 yet, the ancient Life of St. Rupert, edited by Canisius,1* makes
St. Rupert a native of Ireland,15 and this tradition has been chiefly followed,
as by John Colgan,16 Carolus Cointius,1? Matthew Rader,18 and others. That
old tract relates, that when Theodon, Duke of the Boii, with many of his
nobles and a great number of people, had been baptised by St. Rupert, and
when the bishopric of Juvavensis,^ or Juvavum,20 had been erected, after
the death of Theodon, his successor Theodebert entertained a great respect
for the Apostle. Accordingly, having brought many of the Bavarians to the
true faith, finding the errors of paganism still prevailing in the kingdom of
Noricum, Rupert then sought his country,21 where he selected twelve disciples
to accompany him. Among these are specially named Chunialdus and
Gisilar. With them, and his niece Erendrude,22 Rupert returned to Saltzburg.
There he appointed her Abbess over a community of religious women. The
others were destined for missionary labour. It is stated, that St. Gisilarius
was priest and chaplain/3 to St. Rupert, first bishop of Saltzburg. Thomas
Dempster states,2* that St. Rupert sent Gisibar — the name he bestows on
Gisilar— to Britain, whence he returned with a contingent of holy men to
labour in the Lord's vineyard. According to an ancient tradition, St. Kuniald
was also a priest and chaplain25 to St. Rupert.
St. Rupert, with his priests, resolved on entering the Noricum territory.
13 The Petits Bollandi^tes, assigning those
Saints to the eighth century, and generally
following the statements of the great
Bollandist collection, write : " On les a crus
a tort ecossais ou irlandais, tandis qu' ils
etaient d' origine franque ou germaine." —
" Vies des Saints," tome xi., xxive Jour de
Septembre, p. 346.
14 See "Antiquae Lectiones," tomus vi.,
p. 1 107.
15 No doubt, there are fables in that life,
such as the parachronism, that St. Rupert
had been baptised by St. Patrick. This
caused Father Daniel Papebroch, at the
27th of March, when editing the Acts of
St. Rupert, to regard that tract as being un-
authentic, and therefore he conjectures
merely, that those Saints were natives of
Gaul or Germany.
16 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,"
xxvii. Martii, Appendix ad Acta S. Ruperti,
cap. hi., pp. 767, 768.
17 See Annales, tomus ii., at A.C 582,
num. 16.
18 Although in " Bavaria Sancta," tomus
i., at p. 40, St. Rupert is said to have been
from Gaul ; however, in his animadversions to
that passage, in tomus iii., Rader states, that
although Saints Chuniald and Gisilar were
sent from eastern France to convert the
Norici, yet that all were born in ancient
Scotia or Hibernia. See p. 32.
19 The ancient name of Saltzburg was
Juvavia or Juvavum on the left bank of the
Ivarus, a town in the interior of Noricum.
At an early period, it seems to have been the
residence of the native kings of Noricum.
See Dr. William Smith's "Dictionary of
Greek and Roman Geography," vol.ii., p. 103.
20 Juvavum or Juvavium was the residence
of the Roman Governor of the province,
^and the head-quarters of the fifth cohort of
the first legion. Notitia Impcr.
21 The passage reads : " His ita gestis,
videns vir Dei (S. Rupertus) Bavaricae digni-
tatis culmen jugo Christi se subdidisse, sed
gentilitatis errore plures involutos superesse,
ad patriam suam repedavit, et inde cum
duodecim ad prsedicandum sibi sociis
electis (inter quos erant eximii Kunialdus et
S. Gisilarius, ambo praesbyteri, ambo viri
sancti) et secum virginum Christi Erndru-
dam, neptem suam adducens, quasi cum
tot luminaribus ad urbem Juvaviensem
regreditur."
2- Also, her name is written Krentrudis
and Erentrude. Her festival occurs, at the
30th June, at which date her Acts are to be
found in the Sixth Volume of this work,
Art. i.
23 According to Canisius, "Antiquae
Lectiones," tomus vi., p. 1171.
24 As authorities, he quotes the Martyr-
ologium Carthusianum or Canisius, and
Adam Walasser, However, Father Con-
stantine Suyskens was unable to verify
such quotations, as he found no similar
entry in the two editions of the German
Martyrology, edited in the name of Canisius,
and to which he had access. Probably,
however, Dempster intended a reference to
the " Antiquae Lectiones," of Henricus
Canisius, where a Vita S. Ruperti was to
be found.
25 See Canisius, " Antiquae Lectiones,"
tomus vi., p. 1 171.
26 At a subsequent period, Bishop Corbi-
nian laboured among the Bavarians. See
538 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
Setting out from Juvavum or Saltzburg, they began to preach among the
Gentiles, with great zeal and with a success corresponding. After much
labour and long journeyings, the people of that province renounced their
errors. A new order of things began to prevail, with a change of heart.
Having thus far accomplished the task he had undertaken, Rupert returned
to Saltzburg, leaving his missioners to glean the harvest of souls, and giving
them to understand, that the time for his own death was then rapidly
approaching. Hence we may infer, that Saints Chuniald and Gisilar, among
the other labourers in the vineyard, most effectively prosecuted their mission
among the Norici, who were gained over to Christ.26 We have to regret,
that no further record remains to present their Acts more in detail.
According to Dempster, St. Chunialdus flourished in the year 620,=? while
his Gisibarius — the form in which he writes the name of Gisilarius— flourished
in the year 630 or thereabouts.28 However, it seems much more probable,
that neither of our Saints were born in the years thus mentioned, while they
flourished a century later. No account of the year when they departed this
life has been found ; but it seems to have been towards the middle of the
eighth century. Much less is it allowable to state, that St. Gisilar was buried
at Saltzburg, on the 24th of September, about the year 628,29 since the exact
date for his death and interment cannot be known with any degree of cer-
tainty.
When St. Virgil3° presided over the See of Saltzburgh he had it in con-
templation to honour our Saints, together with their father in Christ, St.
Rupert, by erecting a church of wonderful size, in that city, and this work
he commenced in the year 767. It took five years to have it completed,
and ready for dedication to St. Rupert, his fellow-countryman. The reason
why the festival of our Saints is kept on the 24th of September seems to
have arisen from the fact of their translation^1 when St. Virgilius32 dedicated
that church in honour of St. Rupert or Rudpert, the Patron, in the year 773 —
as it is stated — and in the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Duke Thassilo.
On the day mentioned, and in the same year, the relics of St. Rupert and of
his two companions were translated to a new shrine. This translation of
their relics is placed by Mabillon, at the year 774,33 relying on certain old
Annals of Ratisbon.34 Thenceforward, the episcopal seat was transferred
from the monastery of St. Peter, to the church newly built and dedicated to
Mabillon 's "Annales Ordinis S. Bene- mate laudat."— Mabillon's "Annales Or-
dicti," tomus ii., lib. xx., sect., Hi., dinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii., lib. xxiv.,
p. 65. sect, xiv, p. 213.
27 See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis 3Z See his Life, at the 27th of November,
Scotorum," tomus i., lib, iii., num. 265, in the Eleventh Volume of this work. He
p. 158. was the eighth bishop in succession at
28 See ibid., lib. vii., num. 574, p. 309. Saltzburg. See "' Dictionary of Christian
29 See Father Stephen White's "Apologia Biography," by Dr. William Smith and
pro Hibernia," cap. iv., p. 44. Henry Wace, M.A., vol. i, p. 535.
30 His festival is kept on the 27th day of 33 At that year he writes : " Eodem anno
November, where his Life may be found in facta est translatio corporis sancti Rudberti
the Eleventh Volume of this work. episcopi Saltzburgensis, ejusque sociorum in
31 "Translatio hsec facta est vm idus novam ecclesiam, quam Virgilius antistes in
Octobris, sed ejus celebritas in sequentem ejus honorem extruxerat. Id factum vm
diem a posteris delata, ob officium dedi- Kalendas Octobris, et quidem Tassilonis
cationis, quse pridie ejus diei, id est, vm ducis anno vicessimo sexto, quod veteres
idus, ita Celebris est, ut totam ejus diei annales Ratisponenses puesenti anno con-
reverentiam exigat. Translati pariter cum signant." — " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
sancto Rudberto sancti Kunialdus et Gisila- tomus ii., lib. xxiv., sect. Iv., p. 23a
rius, ejus presbyteri seu capellani, quorum *♦ Reference is also made to the " Ana-
posteriorem Alcuinus in quodum epigram- lecta," tomus iv., p. 476.
September 24.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 539
St. Rupert. Besides that translation of relics already mentioned, another
took place on the same day, in the year 993, when St. Hartwic, said to have
been the twenty-second bishop and twelfth archbishop of Saltzburg, had
restored and consecrated the ruined cathedral, having changed the site or
furnished new altars. Then the remains of Saints Chuniald and Gisilar
were deposited in the shrine of St. Rupert.35 Again, in the year 13 15,
another Archbishop of Saltzburg, named Weichard, is stated to have opened
the tomb of St. Rupert, where lie found the holy Patron's head and relics,
together with a great quantity of those of the Blessed Martin,36 of Vincentius
Hermetus, martyr, of Chrysanthius and Daria, and of Gislarius. On the
feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he exposed those relics to
the people, reserving to the proximate feast of St. Rupert's translation the
dedication of a new altar to him. In it the archbishop deposited and
enclosed the relics already mentioned.37 Here it may be observed, there
is no mention of St. Chuniald, which opens a suspicion, that his remains had
not been found or identified in the tomb of St. Rupert on the occasion of
this opening. Most likely, during the period which elapsed between a.d.
993 and a.d. 131 5, the relics of Chuniald had been confounded with those of
the other Saints, or had been removed on some occasion not now known.38
Another misfortune befel the great church in Saltzburg, which was acci-
dentally destroyed by fire, in the year 1598, while Wolfgang Theodoric was
archbishop. At first, thecathedral was temporarily restored, but it was found
necessary afterwards to demolish it and build one anew. What chiefly
concerns the scope of our work is to trace the relics of our Saints Chuniald
and Gislarius, so far as information serves, and this was furnished by Joannes
Stainhauserus, who was an interested eye-witness of what occurred on the
occasion of removing the Saints' relics from those altars that had suffered
from the fire.39 Wherefore, in 1601 or 1602, the reliquary containing the
seven shrines found under the high altar were removed to the elegant
Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene in the parochial church, which adjoins the
35 The following is the account of St. fixed on the right-hand side of St. Rupert's
Hartwic's action, as found in the work of altar, and recounting the names of saints
Marcus Hansizius : " Transtulit etiam cor- whose relics were inclosed, by Gregory, who,
pora Sanctorum Chunialdi et Gislarii, de- towards the close of the fourteenth and
posuitque ad corpus eorum quandam beginning of the fifteenth century, had been
compatriotae, sancti patris Rudberti die archbishop of Saltzburg. Such is the ac-
octavoKalendasOctobrisannoDCCCCXCiii." count given by Joannes Stainhauserus, a
— " Germanise Sacrae," tomus ii., p. 164. merchant, as related by Hansizius.
36 Father Suyskens is of opinion, that if 39 The substance of this is to be found in
the Blessed Martin of Tours be here meant, the work of Hansizius, who tells us, that
his relics could not have been "in magna within the altar of St. Rupert was found a
quantitate " in St. Rupert's tomb. hollow, formed of square stones, with a flag
37 Such is the narrative of Marcus Han- on which was inscribed, Septem INVENIAS.
sizius in "Germanise Sacrae," tomus ii., p. This being removed, seven square compart-
445- He adds : " Lapis impositus banc ments of lead were seen, which contained as
inscriptionem accepit : Anno mcccxv : many reliquaries of the Saints, Rupert,
viii Calend. Octob. recondite sunt Martin, Vincent, Crisantus, Hermes, Daria
Hie hal reliquiae A D. Wichardo and Gisilar. Again, there were six other
Archiepiscopo Salzburg. In piano small vessels, not exceeding the size of ink-
lapidis incisa erant nomina Sanctorum, bottles : one of these was gold, two were
quorum reliquiae subtus cubabant : in medio silver, and three lead ; but there was
S. Rupertus et S. Martinus. In primo nothing found to indicate the saints' relics
angulo S. Vincentius, in secundo S. they enclosed. A diligent search was made,
Hermes, in tertio S. Chrysantus, in even in the cathedral crypt ; but n» more
quarto S. Daria. of those sacred remains, that had formerly
3* However, it is stated, that the name of enriched the Church of St. Rupert, could be
St. Chuniald had been inscribed on a table, discovered.
54°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
convent of the Franciscan fathers.4 Afterwards, they were removed to the
aulic oratory of the parochial church, where they rested under an altar
formed of ebony and silver.41 Moreover, it would seem, that many relics of
Saints Chuniald and Gislar were preserved in various churches of Saltzburg
both before and after the destruction of the Cathedral Church.42 In an old
Manuscript Office belonging to Saltzburg, as also in a Breviary printed when
Leonard was archbishop of that See, we find with the Feast of Translation of
St. Rupert's Relics, the Commemoration of Saints Chuniald and Gislar.43
Various dates have been noted for the Festivals of those holy missionaries.
According to Camerarius, St. Chunialdus was venerated in Scotland, on the
21st of February.44 Father Henry Fitz-Simon45 announces the festival of
Gisilarius alone, for the 10th of September.46 At the 12th of September,
40 Mezgerus, who wrote the " Historia
Salisburgensis," relates this translation, at
the year 1602, and says, that the remains of
St. Chuniald were removed with others.
This is a mistake, but it serves to prove
that the local tradition had assigned his
interment to have been in St. Rupert's
tomb, even to the time of Archbishop
Theodoric. See lib. i., cap. ix.
41 The same work, written towards the
close of the seventeenth century, states : " As-
servatur hodie corpus S. Gisilarii in loculo
cupreo subtus altare oratoriiaulici apud PP.
Franciscanos." — Ibid., lib. vi., inter Collec-
tanea, p. 1093. Regarding the more cele-
brated relics of the metropolitan Church of
Saltzburg, built by Archbishop Wolfgang
Theodoric, and alluding to those in the
Franciscan Church, the author writes : " In
tumba cuprea continetur corpus S. Gisilarii
levitae, a Wolffyango Theodorico, destructa
ecclesia Cathedrali, anno mdcii. transla-
tum."— Ibid., p. 1 128. In neither of the
foregoing extracts is there any mention of
the relics of St. Chuniald.
42 Mezgerus thus furnishes a list of them :
** Reliquiae SS. Gislariiet Chunialdi fuere
repositse in sequentibus altaribus.
In summo altari S. Petri anno mcxliii.
Ita Ms. T. sub num. II.
In altari ad S. Crucem anno MCCXXXiv.
Ita Ms. x. sub num. 23.
Reliquiae S. Gislarii tantum.
In altari S Pauli juxta abbatiam anno
mccciv. Ms. t. n. 3,
In altari SS. Trinitatis, nunc Carmeli-
tano, anno mcccxxvi. Ms. T. n. 5.
In altari S. Catharinae anno mccxxvii.
Ms. T. n. 7.
In altari S. Vincentii anno mcclxxi.
Ms. T. n. 10.
In altari summo anno mucvii. Ms. T.
n. 27.
Reliquiae S. Chunialdi tantum.
In altari S. Spiritus anno MCCLIV. Ms.
T. n. 8.
In altari S. Crucis in ccemeterio anno
mclxx. Ms. T. n. 20.
In altari S. Spiritus anno mdvi. Ms.
T. n. 22.
In altari S. Ruperti anno mdclxv.
Ms. T. n. 44.
In ecclesiae veteri Cathedrali.
Anno mcclxxiv. reliquiae utriusque
repositae sunt in altari summo. Ms.
E. fol. 84.
Anno mcccxci. in altari S. Nicolai.
Ms. E. fol. 144.
Anno mcccxxxiv. reliquiae S. Gislarii
reponuntur in altari omnium sanc-
torum. Ms. E. fol. no
— See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus vi., Septembris xxiv. De SS.
Chunialdo et Gisilario Praesbyteris, Salis-
burgi in Germania. Sylloge Historica,
num. 14, p. 711.
43 In it is this Antiphon : " Fulgebant
justi, et tanquam scintillas in arundineto
discurrunt, judicabunt nationes et regnabunt
in aeternum.
~ft. Sacerdotes tui induant justitiam.
R7. Et sancti tui exultent.
Oratio. — Deus, tuorum gloria sacer-
dotum, praesta, quaesumus, ut, qui beatorum
confessorum tuorum Chunialdi et Gislarii
natalitia colimus eorum auxilium sentiamus.
Per Dominum, &c.
Antiphona ad Laudes. Corpora Sanc-
torum in pace sepulta sunt,etvivent nomina
eorum in aeternum.
Versus et Collecta, ut supra.
Then from the ancient Missal printed at
Salzburg, A.D. 1515, we read " Eodem
die," the editor adds, " Translations S.
Ruperti Kunialdi et Gislarii." Collecta :
Sanctorum Confessorum tuorum, &c, de
pluribus confessoribus.
44 He writes : " S. Chunialdus presbyter
et confessor. Fuit is socius peregrinationis
et meriti magniillius Ruperti, Salisburgensis
ecclesiae antistitis, in cujus die translationis,
quae ad octavum Kal. Octob. fit, celebratur
turn etiam pia Chunialdi memoria, licet in
Scotia hoc coleretur die." — " De Scotorum
Pietate," lib, iii.
45 In "Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum
Hiberniae," printed in the year 1619.
45 As authority he quotes " Subense
Martyrologium," a tract unknown to Father
Constantine Suyskens, S.J.
September 24.] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. 541
Dempster has a festival for St. Kuniald.47 At the 24th of September,
Dempster records a feast for St. Gisibarius — correctly Gislarius — the disciple
of St. Rupert.48 According to his usual custom Dempster pretends that
Gisibarius left a book of Sermons to the Bavarians.49 While placing the
festival of St. Chunialdus at the 24th of September in his Scottish Ecclesias-
tical History, Dempster states that he wrote the Acts of his Master St.
Rudbert.50 As usual, Philip Ferrarius follows Dempster, at the 24th of
September.51 At the 24th of September, the Benedictine writers, Menard52
and Bucelin53 record the festival of their Translation. However, it is not
known by what authority they are inscribed on a Benedictine Martyrology :
it is not proved, that St. Rupert was one of that Order, while Chuniald and
Gisilar are only designated as priests engaged with him on the mission. St.
Chuniald or Conald, Priest, is set down in Rev. Alban Butler's work54 at the
24th of September ; while he mentions in some Martyrologies, a feast for
him is celebrated on the 27 th of February. His feast also occurs in the
Circle of the Seasons.55 The Petits Bollandistes56 have the festival of the
Translation o£St. Chuniald, Cunibald, Chunibald, Kuniald, and St. Gisilaire,
Gislaire or Gisibaire — as they are variedly called — at the 24th of September.
While the early ages of Christianity present us with the irruption of
barbarous nations emerging from their various distant regions to bring havoc,
war and devastation on the more civilized and orderly communities against
whom they had no cause for a quarrel, and who were desirous of peace and
prosperity ; the Christian missionaries of Ireland are represented as leaving
their own country in great numbers, bent only on good deeds and on
gaining souls to serve the purposes of religion and enlightenment. As in
the case of those Saints, whose work in the vineyard of Christ, we have here
been able to furnish some few traces ; others were engaged in spreading the
light of the Gospel in various parts of Europe, thus co-operating in the
release of pagans from superstition and error, while preparing them for a new
revelation of truth and true happiness. With honour and veneration their
names have come down to us, deserving the special gratitude and affection
of the races they rescued from the dominion of Satan and restored to the
liberty of the Children of God.
Article II. — St. Foelchu, of Finglas, County of Dublin.
Colgan tells us,1 that among those Saints, who were buried and venerated at
47 Thus he enters it : " Kunialdi, A varum 52 Thus : " Salisburgi Translatio S.
apostoli Salisburgi depositio," for that Ruperti abbatis. Eodem die solemnitas SS.
date. Chunialdi et Gisilarii presbyterorum." —
48 Thus : "In Boiis Gisibarii Auarum " Martyrologium Benedictinum."
Apostoli. S. Rudberti discipuli." — "Meno- 53 In the Martyrology of his Order,
logium Scoticum," in Bishop Forbes' Bucelin has an eulogy of our saints, thus
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 212. noticed: "Salisburgi SS. Chunialdi et
49 Thus noted by him : " Scripsit Ad Gisilarii confessorum. Fuerunt hi magni
Boiarios Homilias," lib. i. — " Historia illius Boiorum apostoli Ruperti discipuli
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lectissimi, et apostolici laboris socii meri-
lib. vii., num. 574, p. 309. tissimi, quorum Acta interciderunt ; memo-
50 Thus it is stated: "Scripsit Acta ria autemhac dieagitur." — "Martyrologium
Rudberti Magistri., lib. i. Anonymus Benedictinum."
auctor Vitse S. Rudberti cap. xviii., publi- 54 See '" Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
catus ab Henrico Canisio, torn. vi. Anti- other principal Saints," vol, ix., September
quar. Lection." — "Historia Ecclesiastica xxiv.
Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. iii., num. 55 See at p. 268.
265, p. 158. 56 See " Vies des Saints," tome xi.,
51 He writes : " In Bavaria S. Gisibarii, xxive Jour de Septembre, p. 346.
Avarum apostoli." Article ii. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum
542 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
Finglas, in the Dublin diocese, may be found a St. Foelchu. The time
when he flourished is not known, but it seems to have been remote. His
name, place, and feast are solely entered in our calendars. A festival in
honour of Failchon of Fionughlass, is set down in the manuscript ■ and pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallaght.3 The place where he was venerated, is now
a village, about two miles north-east from the present City of Dublin, and in
the county of the same name. The foundations of a much older church than
the present ruined one are yet traceable around the exterior of its chancel.
This latter had been deformed by some tasteless alterations, such as the
closing of former hooded-windows with masonry, and breaking out newer
pointed ones in the side walls. A very wide span of a low-pitched and
pointed arch, in a division wall, gave access from the nave. On the north-
side, this was entered by a porch, covered with a stone roof. On the western
end of the nave-gable was a belfry, some portions of the upper part only
remaining at present. Interiorly the nave, on its south side, communicated
with an additional side aisle ; but the arches, standing on massive square
abutments, were closed with masonry, at a later period ; while the side-
aisle seems to have been converted into a sacristy or vestry-house. A few
windows penetrated the walls in both nave and vestry. Ivy thickly mantles
the northern and eastern sides of the present ruin. Its walls, built of black
limestone, are massive/ The feast of Faelchu occurs on the 24th of
September, according to the Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman.s His
commentator adds, that he was of Fionnghlaisi or Findglas. In the Martyr-
ology of Donegal, his feast is entered, at the 24th of September.6
Article III. — St. Ceallachan, of Clontibret, County of
Monaghan. At the 24th of September, we find entered in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh x a festival in honour of Ceallachan, who was connected
with Cluain Tiopeat. The Book of Leinster copy has a similar entry.2 The
Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 on this day, distinguishes him as
Cellachan caem, rendered " dear Cellachan," and the commentator takes care
to state, that he was of Cluana Tioprat or Cluain Tiprat. This place is
supposed to be identical with Clontibret, a parish in the barony of Cremome,
and County of Monaghan/ The surface contains an apex or a watershed of
country, whence streams fall off respectively towards the north-western, the
northern and the eastern seas of the kingdom ; and it is all rough, bleak, and
more or less moorish or mountainous.* This is the only saint of the name
Hiberniae," xvi. Martii. Vita S. Abbani, Clarke JFcctt, is carved in old English letters,
n. 24, p. 623. Members of the Treswell family are interred
2 In the Baok of Leinster copy, ITAilchon under flagstones, the dates of death being
pn-ojlAr-i. 1670, and 1672, within what seems to
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv. have been the chancel of the latest built
4 Inside the present ruined church of church.
Finglas, there is a mural tablet in elegantly s See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui
sculptured marble. It has been erected to Gormain," pp. 182, 183.
the memory of various members of a family 6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
named Settle, as the perfectly legible in- 256, 257.
scriptions still testify. They are in gilt- Article in.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
lettering, cut into a grey marble-limestone p. xxxv.
slab. The first of those Settles died in 1650, a Thus : CelbvchAn Cl CiprxAC.
and the monument was erected a.d. 1722. 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui
A shield, with armorial bearings surmounted Gormain," pp. 182,183.
by a partially broken crest, is in the under * According to William M. Hennessy.
compartment. Over this entablature, and s See " Parliamentary Gazetteer of lie-
on the bases of columnar side-meuldings, land," vol. i., p. 465.
September 24.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 543
we find in the Irish calendars. However, we are informed, that locally a
St. Callachan is venerated at a place called Ballyuchtrade, near Middleton,*
in the barony of Imokilly, and County of Cork. He is regarded as one of
the patrons of the diocese of Cloyne, but the date for his feast is not now
remembered. 7 The feast of Ceallachan is to be found in the Martyology of
Donegal,8 at this date.
Article IV. — The Daughters of Cainnech, or Maghlocha, Countv
of Tipperary. [Sixth Century.] According to the manuscript1 and pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,2 the Daughters of Cainnech) had veneration
paid them, at the 24th of September. The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman commemorates the festival of Cainnech's chaste daughters,* at
this same day. The glossographer adds, that they belonged to Maigh Lochas.
Their parentage and locality have been fully identified.6 These holy women
were the children of a chieftain who lived in the time of St. Declan,? patron
of Ardmore, and whose castle had been saved from fire by the latter.8 Their
place was formerly called Magh Locha,9 now Molough,10 near the great bend
of the River Suir, and not many miles from Clonmel, in the County of
Tipperary. There they seem to have lived in religious retirement, most pro-
bably some time in the sixth century. Of their lives, however, we find no
record. Long after that time, their place is said to have been the site for a
nunnery, dedicated to St. Brigid,11 in the former diocese of Lismore.12 It is
mentioned by Archdall, as being in the County of Tipperary ;x3 but, he is
wrong in placing it near Carrick-on-Suir. The ruins of the old nunnery1* of
Moylough are situated on level ground, about one furlong north of the River
Suir. In the year 1840, two parts of this building remained, viz., a chapel
and a lateral house ; but, from the fragments of walls about them, it appeared
to have been a habitation of considerable extent. The church or chapel
6 It is described on the " Ordnance Survey 7 He is called Dee-ag-lawn by the Irish-
Townland Maps for the County of Cork," speaking peasantry. See his Life, at the
sheets 65, 76, 77. 24th of July, in the Seventh Volume of this
7 Information communicated by the Most work, Art. i.
Rev. Robert Browne, D. U., Bishop of 8 As mentioned in his Latin Life.
Cloyne. 'In Irish written mag LacVia, which
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. means " Plain of the Lake."
256, 257. I0 The place is now called Moloughabbey,
Article iv. — ' In the Book of Lemster in the parish of Molough, Baronies of Iffa
copy we find at this date : planum and Offa West, County of Tipperary.
CAinnig o TTUislocriA. "Abbess of Kildare and Patroness of
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv. Ireland. See her Life, in the Second
3 The genitive case of Cainnech or Can- Volume of this work, at the 1st of February,
dech in Irish is CAtroigh. Art. i.
4 Thus: — " Luth ingen caid Cainnig." — I2 " Monasterium de Malach Monialium
Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui Gormain," D. Augustini in eadem Dicecesi et Comitatu
pp. 182, 183. Tiprarise." — "Trias Thaumaturga." Ap-
5 See ibid. pendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidse, cap. xvi..
6 By the Very Rev. David Bernard Mul- p. 625.
cahy, formerly P.P. of Moyarget, County of I3 There is another more famous place
Antrim, and a native of the County of bearing the same name near Kilrush, in the
Waterford, who departed this life October County of Clare. See "Monasticon Hiber-
nth, 1897. He was learnedly versed in the nicum," p. 669.
language and historic literature of Ireland. I4 It was founded by the Butlera in the
The writer's attention was first directed to fourteenth century. At the general suppres-
the matter contained in the text, through a sion this nunnery was granted to Sir Henry
letter received from him, and dated Moy- Radcliff, Termor. See Harris' Ware, vol.
arget, County Antrim, 27th January, ii. " Antiquities of Ireland," chap, xxxviii.,
1890. p. 370.
544
LIVES 0J< THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
remaining was then in a tolerable state of preservation, extending from east
to west, and measuring in length on the inside 60 feet, in breadth it was 27
feet, 6 inches.15 Two windows16 were in the east gable, constructed of
chiselled and brownish sand-stone. There were three windows on the south-
wall, but these were much disfigured and built up with rough masonry. The
door-way^ was on the south wall, and at a distance of fourteen feet from the
west gable ; it was constructed of chiselled and ornamental lime-stone on
the outside, and of chiselled sand-stone on the inside. The west gable had
been surmounted by a belfry, having two semi-circular arches, constructed of
brownish and chiselled sand-stone. The lateral house extended to the north-
west of the chapel, and touching it at the north-west corner. It was fifty-five
feet in length on the outside, and twenty-seven in breadth.18 Its walls were
Molough Church Ruins, Co. Tipperary.
three feet six inches in thickness, and about fourteen feet in height.1* In
the Martyrology of Donegal,20 their festival is also inserted, at the 24th of
September.
Article V. — St. Cailcon or Caolchu, of Cluana Airthir or Lui-
Airthir. The published Martyrology of Tallagh1 mentions, that veneration
'SA faint outline pencil-sketch of this
group of ruins has been drawn by George
Du Noyer, April 23rd, 1840, and is to be
found in the "Tipperary Sketches," Royal
Irish Academy, vol. iii., p. 122. From this
the accompanying illustration has been pro-
duced and engraved on the wood by Gregor
Grey.
16 They were then so veiled with thick
ivy, that, without tearing it off, their exact
dimensions could not be given.
17 In 1840, it was nearly destroyed, but
the stones of which it had been formed were
lying scattered about on the ground.
18 In 1840, this latter building had been
enclosed and used as a burial-place.
19 See " Letters containing Information
relative to the Antiquities of the County of
Tipperary, collected during the Progress of
the Ordnance Survey in 1840." Signed :
"Antiquities examined by Mr. A. Curry,
his notes put into the above form by me.
John O'Donovan, Clonmel, September 6th,
1840." Vol. i., pp. 59, 60.
20 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
256, 257.
Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
p. XXXV.
September 24.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 545
was given to Cailcon, of Cluana Airthir, at the 24th of September. A similar
entry is in the Book of Leinster copy.2 The Church of Cluain-Airthir — a
denomination signifying the Eastern Lawn or Meadow — has not yet been
identified. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, Caelchu is mentioned
also at this date. The gloss states he was O Lui Airthir, or " from Lui
Airthir."3 He is described more fully elsewhere ; while his name and place
are found somewhat differently entered. We find in the Naemhsheanchus a
Caolchu, son of Caol, son to Conula, of the race of Ciar, son to Fergus, son
of Ross, son of Rudhraighe, from whom the Clanna Rudhraighe descended.
We find in the Life of Bairre,4 that there was a Caolchu, in the School of
Bairre at Loch Irc,s and that he gave up his church to God and to Bairre.6
It is likely, observes the Calendarist, that this is the same person, for we find
no other of the name mentioned in the Martyrology. Cluain Airthir is
mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters,? and apparently in connexion
with other places, known to have been in Scotland. From what has been
stated already, Lui- Airthir seems to have been another name for Cluana-
Airthir. At this same date, the Martyrology of Donegal8 records him as
Caolchu, of Lui-Airthir — and this may be a mistake of the scribe.
Article VI. — Festival of Felix. In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman, there is a feast for Felix, at the 24th of September.1 This is
doubtless the Martyr Felix, commemorated with his companions in suffering
by the Bollandists2 at this day. A commentary 3 precedes their Acts,*
written by an anonymous author.
Article VII. — Festival of Androchius. The Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gorman records a feast for Androich or Androchius, and with
eulogy,1 at the 24th of September.
Article VIII. — Festival of Thyrsus. In the Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gorman, he enters a feast for Thyrsus or Tirsus, at the 24th of
September.1
Article IX. — Festival of the Conception of St. John the
Baptist. From a very early age in the Irish Church, the great Precursor of
our Lord was held in the highest veneration by the Irish people ; not alone
2 Thus : Cailchon Cl ^chip. occurs in a Table subjoined to this Martyr -
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Felire Hui ology. See pp. 372, 373.
Gormain," pp. 182, 183. Article vi.— 1 See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
4 Chapter x. is quoted. " Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 182, 183.
5 A note by Dr. Reeves, says at Loch Ire: 2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi., Sep-
" So in the manuscript ; but Lochlrce is the tembris xxiv. De SS. Androchio Presb.,
correct name. The reference in the text, Thyrso Diacono, et Felice Martyribus apud
both here and under Bairre, is to the Irish Sidolocum in Territorio Augustodunensi in
Life of St. Bairre. See under Talmach, Gallia, pp. 663 to 677.
Feb. 26, and Modhiomog, Mar. 3." 3 In four sections, and fifty-eight para-
6 See his Life in the present Volume, at graphs.
the 25th of September, Art. i. •* These are given in eleven paragraphs,
7 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i., with accompanying annotations. Edited by
n. (d), pp. 224, 225. Father Constantine Suyskens, S.J.
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Article vji. — * In these terms: — '"An-
256* 257. In a note, Dr. Reeves says at droich saer co sirclu," rendered into Eng-
Caolchu : "Opposite this is written in the lish, "noble Androichius with lasting re-
margin by the later hand, Colchus, as the nown." — Dr. Whitley Stokes* "Felire Hui
Latinized form of the name." The same Gormain," pp. 182, 183.
I M
546 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 24.
the feast of his Nativity being held on the 24th of June,1 but that of his
Conception having been observed on the present day. In the Feilire of
jEngus a it is set down with a special eulogy of the illustrious ascetic and
martyr. The Conception of St. John the Baptist is a feast noticed by
Marianus O'Gorman at the 24th of September.3 At this date, also, the
Bollandists « remark, that such a festival is to be found in all the ancient
Latin Martyrologies, and in many of the more recent ones, while the reader
is referred to the Acts of the Saint, which they have given at the 24th of
June,5 the day for his chief festival.
Article X. — Feast of the Translation of St. Rupert's Relics.
Such is the title given to a festival at the 24th of September, in the anony-
mous Calendar of Irish Saints published by O'Sullivan Beare.1 Colgan had
intended, also, to insert some notices, regarding it at the same date.3 We
have already alluded to this Translation, in recording the Acts of St.
Chuniald and Gisilar. Already at the 27th of March, 3 the reader will find
some account of this illustrious prelate. The principal festival of St. Rupert,
Bishop of Saltzburg, is kept with the greatest solemnity in Austria and
Bavaria on the 25th of September. At this date Greven has a festival for
St. Rupert, Bishop and Martyr. He does not mention the Translation of
the Relics of St. Rupert, Bishop of Saltzburg ; but the Bollandists — who
record this feast — have no doubt, that Greven meant no other saint, although
through an error they call him Martyr/ Quoting Eberhard as his authority,
at the 24th of September, Dempster notices the First Translation of Arch-
bishop Rupert at Saltzburg.* This day the Translation of his relics, which
are kept in the church under his name in Saltzbourg, took place.6
Article viii.— 'See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 4 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi.,
"Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 182, 183. Septembris xxiv. Among the pretermitted
ARTICLE ix.— * See at that date, in the feasts, p. 659,
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. vii. s See ibid., tomus iv., Junii xxiv. De
3 The Leabhar Breac copy reads :— Sancto Joanne Prodromo et Baptista D. N.
Jesu Christi, pp. 687 to 806. Edited by
Compete loriAin uarail Father Daniel Papebroch, in a series of
b^upcAifc Af mo rcelaib learned Dissertations.
-Ache 1b. u ■ooTJoimb Article x.— ' See " Historian Catholicse
Iramrui pogenaip. Iberniae Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv.,
cap. xi., p. 51.
Thus translated into English by Whitley s See " Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum qu?e
Stokes, LL.D. : "The Conception of noble Ms. habentur, ordine Mensium et Dierum."
John the Baptist, who is greater than can 3 See at that date the Third Volume of
be told. Save Jesus, of men he is the this work, Art. ii.
most wonderful that hath been born."— * The Bollandists add : " Alii recentiores,
"Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," qui S. Ruperti meminerint sine mentione
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On translationis, uti etiam fit in Calendario
i'ne Calendar of Oengus, p, exxxix. Stabulensi apud Martenium S. Ruodberti
3 In these terms : — episcopi memoria, non sunt ceusendi de alio,
" Compert Ioain uasail <P*m. ^Jft™? & *?Tl ^ ?° ^
■o \- . r c .. n nosad xxvii. Martu. — Acta Sanctorum,
Bauptist,firnaf«emtha.' tomus ^ Septembris xxiv. Among ^
1 hus rendered into English :— pretermitted feasts, pp. 659, 660.
"The conception of high John the 5 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Baptist, a man who was not received." Scottish Saints." " Menologium Scoticum,"
The interpretation of the Scholiast being p. 212.
that he was martyrised by Herod. See Dr. 6 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
Whitley Stokes' "Felire Hui Gormain," Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints,"
pp. 182, 183. vol. iii., March xxvii.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 547
Article XL — Reputed Feast of St. Lolan. Quoting the authority
of Camerarius,1 the Bollandists enter Lolan at the 24th of September,' but
refer his festival to the 22nd, where they had already treated more fully
about him. 3
Article XII. — Reputed Feast for Barrea, Bishop and Confessor.
At the 24th of September, Dempster has a festival for Barrea, a bishop and
confessor in Scotia.1 This feast seems referable to St. Barr, Bishop and
Patron of Cork, who is venerated more properly on the day succeeding.
Ctoentpsffttft JBap nf September,
ARTICLE I.— ST. BAIRRE OR FINBAR, FIRST BISHOP, AND PATRON
OF CORK.
[SIXTH AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I .
INTRODUCTION— MATERIALS FOR THE ACTS OF ST. BAIRRE OR FINBAR — HIS RACE AND
BIRTH — MIRACLES RECORDED — HIS EARLY INSTRUCTORS — HIS ACTS WHILE
REMAINING IN LEINSTER— HIS RETURN TO MUNSTER — MIRACLES WHILE THERE —
ST. FINBAR'S CONTEMPORARIES — SAID TO HAVE VISITED ROME.
THERE are three Finbars recorded in the Irish Calendars : — viz. one
an Abbot, and the founder of a monastery in the isle of Drimlen,
between Hi-Cinselach and the Decies of Munster, whose memory is cele-
brated July 4th ; another Finbar, abbot of Kilconga, celebrated on the 9th
of September j " but the ihird Finbar, the first bishop of Cork, whose festival
is recorded at the 25th of September, is the most celebrated.2 An admirable
gift of working miracles, seldom witnessed or related, the Almighty is said to
have bestowed on the latter St. Barrus. His ancient biographers briefly
enumerate some of those miracles ; yet, too many of them seem to rest only
on popular tradition, and are of a character to create a well-founded suspicion
regarding their authenticity.
His name is variously written Barr, Barre, Barra, Barry, Finbarr, Fynbarry
and Fynd-Barr. The latter composite appellations are supposed to have
been derived from the beautiful colour of his hair.3 This holy man's name
Article xi.— ' At this date he writes :— Article l— Chapter i. — ■ See "Acta
"24 Die. Sanctus Lolanus Episcopus et Sanctorum Hiberniae," xiii. Martii. Vita S.
Confessor apud Duncanum Scotorum Regem Mochoemoci, n. 14, p. 597.
magna in auctoritate et gratia." — Bishop 2 He is mentioned in the ancient Life of
Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints." St. David, published by John Capgrave,
Scottish Entries in the Kalendar of David and in that written by Giraldus Cambrensis,
Camerarius, p. 240. as well as by John of Teignmouth. Bibl.
2 See Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. Sep- MS. Stowensis, vol. i., p. 158. See entry
tembris, xxiv. Among the pretermitted in John Windale's " Irish Researches, or
feasts, p. 660. Antiquarian Gleanings," vol. vi., p. 763,
3 See also at that date, in the present Cork, i860. MS. in the Royal Irish Aca-
Volume, Art. viii. demy, Dublin.
Article xii. — ' See Bishop Forbes' 3 This also appears to have been the
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints." " Meno- opinion of Bernard Mede, and as the Bol-
logium Scoticum," p. 212. landist editor observes, on Fynbarrus : "ea
54»
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
is Latinized Barrus, Find-Barrus and Barrocus.* Also, he is styled Barreus,
Barrius, Finbarrus, Fynbarrus, and Fymbareus. Colgan had prepared the
Acts of this Saint for publication, at the 25th of September.* In the Manu-
script, known as Codex Kilkenniensis, and to be seen in Marsh's Library,
Dublin, we find a Latin Life of St. Barrus.6 It is much to be regretted, that
this tract abounds in fables, some of which are so scandalous in character,?
as to afford great disedification to pious readers. In the MS. Book of
Fermoy, there is an Irish Life of St. Barre of Cork ; but it is imperfect.
There appears a considerable defect,8 which had taken place before the folios
were numbered. Four pages at least must be wanting. Some paper copies
of this life are extant.9 There is a Life of St. Finnbarr, to be found in the
old Irish Manuscript, known as the Book of Lismore. There is an Irish
Life10 of him among the Burgundian Manuscripts in the Bruxelles Library.11
The present writer has been favoured with an Irish copy of the latter,"
transcribed for the Very Rev. Patrick Hurley,^ P.P. of Inchigeela, County
of Cork, and this has been literally translated into English,1* by Patrick
Stanton, Cork, in 1896. In his History of Cork,1* Dr. Charles Smith refers
to a Life of St. Finbar among the Manuscripts in Trinity College, Dublin,
and which begins with u Sanctus dilectus."16 However, Mr. Hitchcock, who
held a situation connected with the Library, assured Mr. John Windale of
Blair's Castle, Cork, that no such Manuscript was in that Library.1 7 Never-
theless, among the Trinity College Manuscripts, Dublin, there is a Vita
S. Finbarri.18 Other Manuscript Lives of St. Finbar are in the Royal Irish
Academy.10 Among John Windale's Manuscripts, now preserved in the
Royal Irish Academy, there are some notices regarding St. Finbar.20
vox composita Candidum-verticem Hibernis
sonet."— Vita S. Barri, sect, i., n. i., p. 142.
4 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part ii., pp. 142, 143.
s In the Franciscan Convent, Dublin, in
a Manuscript, " Vitse Sanctorum," ex Cod.
Inisensi, is yet preserved his copy of this
Vita S. Barri, pp. 124 to 130.
6 At fol. 132.
7 In other Lives of our Saint, these fables
are omitted.
B It occurs between fol. 59, and fol. 60.
9 See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Academy," vol. i., part i., Irish Manuscript
Series, p. 29.
10 Rather it must be regarded in the nature
of a Panegyric or Discourse pronounced on
some occasion — perhaps on the anniversary
of his Festival.
" It was transcribed by Michael O'Clery
from an older vellum MS. book belonging
to Daniel Dineen. It was written out 24th
of June, 1629, in the Friar's Convent, Cork,
and it is now classed among the Burgundian
MSS., vol. iv., part ii., p. 16.
12 It bears for title : beat* baipae
o Cor»cai§. It is comprised in twenty-seven
chapters.
13 To this rev. gentleman, the author is
indebted for many other useful notes, which
serve to illustrate the Life of St. Finbar ;
besides for the very interesting " Annals of
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork," compiled
from Records in the British Museum, &c,
Cork, 1 87 1, 8vo. This book has now be-
come very scarce, and it has been written
by Richard Caulfield, LL.D., Trinity Col-
lege, Dublin.
14 This MS. has been largely availed of in
composing the present biography. It is
here quoted as the Bruxelles Manuscript
Life of St. Fin Bairre.
■s See " Ancient and Present State of the
County and City of Cork," vol. i., book ii.,
chap, ix., p. 371, n. 9. A new edition,
Cork, 1815, 8vo.
16 In Smith's time among the Manuscripts
it was numbered 37.
•» Mr. Hitchcock told Mr. Windale, that
Eugene O'Curry had a copy of St. Finbar's
Life in a small paper 410 vol. of about 40 or
50 pages, and that he knew of no other. See
John Windale's M Irish Researches or Anti-
quarian Gleanings," vol. vi. Notes on Life
of St. Finbar, p. 751. MS. in R.I.A.
18 In the Manuscript, classed E. 3. 11.
fol. 109.
19 In Messrs. Hodges' and Smith's collec-
tion, a small 4to paper MS., (No. 12,) is
found in the K.I. A., and it contains a Life
of St. Finbarr, Bishop of Cork. Messrs.
Hodges' and Smith's quarto paper MS.,
(No. 150), contains a Lile of St. Barr, alias
Finbarr, of Cork. Messrs. Hodges' and
Smith's small quarto paper MS., (No. 168),
in the R.I. A., contains a Life of St. Finbar,
Bishop of Cork.
20 The Manuscript in question has the
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 549
An Office for our Saint bad been recited in the Cathedral Church of Cork,
some time previous to the 19th of April, 1624," and whilst Irish Catholic affairs
were in a tolerably prosperous state. This Office had nine proper Lessons,
and it is deserving of attention, chiefly because it shows in what veneration
our Saint had been held in that diocese, of which he is the reputed patron.
There is also a proper Mass for the feast of our Saint, set down at the 25th
of September,22 and from which some extracts are given in the "Acta Sanc-
torum." We are told by the editor Suyskens, that it does not abound in any
of those extravagancies related in the Office.^ In the Bollandists' "Acta
Sanctorum, *♦ at the 25th of September, Father Constantine Suyskens has
edited a Life of this Saint, so far as he had been able to procure materials
from various sources.25 The editor remarks that a Life of our Saint, the
commencement of which he quotes, is filled with those fables, common in
the Acts of our national Saints, so that it becomes impossible to separate
what is truthful from what is false. Moreover, the Bollandists appear to
have possessed a Manuscript copy of St. Barr's Life, similar to that in the
Codex Kilkenniensis. It belonged to Father Hugh Ward, the celebrated
Irish Minorite friar. But, Suyskens did not regard it as worthy of being
printed, on account of the many fables it contained. This same Bollandist
father had another Manuscript Life, from the collection of Henry Fitzsimons,
S.J., together with an additional copy.26 In this St. Barr is called Macu-
linus.2? It would seem, however, that the Life to which he refers was
different, in many respects, from the Manuscript preserved in Marsh's
Library.28 The Bollandist editor would not publish several fables in the
Life to which he had access. Therefore, he is contented with giving a brief
summary of it. This appears to have been transcribed literally from an
Office of St. Barr. Some later writers have given us lives or memorials of
the present Saint. Thus, Archbishop Ussher,29 Sir James Ware,3° and his
editor Walter Harris^1 also Philip O'Sullivan Beared2 Roderick 0'Flaherty,33
title, " Irish Researches," vol. vi., see p. the Bollandists. Colgan promised to pub-
731. lish this Life, at the 25th of September, but
21 At this date, Bernard Mede, an Irish he did not live to fulfil that engagement.
Minorite friar, would seem to have tran- 2? It would seem to have been a panegyric
scribed it for his brother Doctor Gerard of our Saint, pronounced on his feast, from
Mede. Afterwards, this copy found its way the exordium quoted by Suyskens: yet we
to the Bollandist collection of Manuscripts. are also informed, it was full of fables, and
22 Taken from " Missae Propriae Sanctorum not worth publishing.
Patronorum ac Tutelarium Franciseet Hiber- 28 He says : " habere me Vitam ejus MS.
nise," dementis XII. Papae jussu edita, ex Sectionario sive Officio Corcagiensi a Ber-
A.D. 1734. It was printed in Paris, and nardo Medo Corcagice descriptam, cu/us
sanctioned by the Archbishop of that city, initium est : Erat quidam rex in Hibernia,
Charles Gaspar William de Vintimille, as nomine Tegernacus, qui ancillam habuit
also by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin. pulchram nimis ; a quo edictum exiit per
23 See, ibid., sect, i., nn. 8 to 12, p. 143. ejus dominium universum, ut nemo predic-
24 See tomus vii. Septembris xxv. De tarn virginem praesumeret deflorare, &c." —
S. Barro vel Finbarro Ep. Corcagiensi in Ibid., sect, ii., p. 144.
Hibernia, et forte alio Episcopo Cathenensi 2? See " Hritannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
in Scotia. quitates," cap. xvii., p. 493. Also p. 503.
25 It is issued in a Commentarius Histo- 3° See " De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus
rico-Criticus, containing four distinct sec- ejus," cap. xxvi., pp. 196, 197.
tions, having sixty-one paragraphs, pp. 142 3I See Harris' Ware, vol. i. "Bishops
to 151. of Cork,'' p. 556.
26 Colgan possessed a Life of St. Barr, 32 See " Historiae Catholicae Iberniae Com-
which from quotations given in "Acta pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., p. 51.
Sanctorum Hibernias," Suyskens deems to 33 See " Ogygia," pais iii., cap. lxxix
have been different from Lives in custody of p. 376.
550 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
and Bishop Challoner34 mention him. The Rev. Alban Butler 35 has some
notices of St. Barr or Finbar, first bishop of Cork, at the 25th of September.
The Rev. Dr. Lanigan has a memoir of this Saint in his " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland,"36 illustrated as it is with accompanying notes. Richard
Caulfield, B.A., has more recently edited with notes, etc., "The Life of
Saint Fin Barre, first Bishop and Founder of the See of Cork."37 Also, in
the works of Rev. M. J. Brenan,38 Bishop Forbes,39 Professor Eugene
O'Curry,40 Rev. S. Baring-Gould,*1 and Alfred Webb/2 St. Bairre is recorded
in brief biographies.
The Manuscript Lives inform us, that the holy Saint and worthy pontiff
Barrus derived his origin from the Hy-briun Ratha,43 of the Connacian race.
Hy Briun Ratha was situated in West Connaught.44 It comprised the present
Barony of Athenry/s and it was a sub-territory of the Briuin Seola on the
extreme coast of Iar-Connacht.46 According to a legendary Life of our
Saint, a chief of Hy-bruin district is said to have had a son, named Amergin.4?
Another son is said to have been born, and to have been thrown into a
river/8 Amergin was left — so runs the story — to be devoured by beasts in
the desert.4? But, a she-wolf is said to have suckled him, until he was fully
grown. The infant was remarkable for his beautiful form. Some swine-
herds, making their rounds through the desert, found this child in the woods,
and brought him to their home. They afterwards carried him to their chief-
tain, who recognized the child as his own son. The father, as stated in this
strangely contradictory narrative, dearly loved the child, and took him into
his household. Yet, being ashamed of a crime previously committed, the
father with his son is stated to have sought a dwelling in the territory of
Hualiathain,s° in the southern part of the Minister provinces1 There his
posterity afterwards increased in number, so that they could not remain in
one place. They separated themselves throughout divers territories of
34 In "Britannia Sancta," part ii., pp. Connaught, and that it contained fourteen
142, 143, and also in "A Memorial of villages or townlands. Within it is the site
ancient British Piety," p. 135. of Knocktiia, where a battle was fought be-
35 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, tween Kildare and Clanrickard, in 1504.
and other principal Saints," vol. ix. Sep- This was about six miles to the east of Gal-
tember xxv. way town. See " Ogygia," pars iii., cap.
36 See vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect, iv., pp. lxxix., p. 376.
313 to 319. 45See Harris' Ware, vol. ii. "Antiquities
37 From MSS., in the Bodleian Library, of Ireland," cliap. vii., p. 50.
Oxford, Archbishop Marsh's Library, and 46 See " Chorographical Description of
Trinity College Library, Dublin. Published Iar-Connaught," edited by James Hardi-
in London, 1864, 8vo. man, p. 369, and Map facing the Title-
3* See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," page.
Seventh Century, chap, i., pp. 96, 97. 47 In some Manuscripts called Amargenus,
39 See "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," and in others Amyrgenus.
pp. 275, 276. 48 According to the Codex Kilkenniensis
40 See " Lectures on the Manuscript MS. and the Bodleian MS. the two sons
Materials of Ancient Irish History," Lect. were twins.
xvi., p. 340. 49 The Burgundian Manuscript Life of St.
41 See "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., Fin Bairre altogether omits this silly legend.
September 25, pp. 377, 378. so This territory was nearly co-extensive
42 See "Compendium of Irish Biography," with the present barony of Barrymore, in
p. 178. the County of Cork. See leabhAp ti4
43 " He was of the race of Brian, son of 5-Ce^fc, or the Book of Rights, edited by
Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin." — •• Martyr- John O'Donovan, pp. 72, 73, n. (s.).
ology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd 5' " Darius Kearb, &c, genuit Achaum
and Reeves, pp. 258, 259. Liathanach, ex quo Hyliathan in agro Corca-
44 We are told by Roderick O'Flaherty, giensi." — Roderick O'Flaherty's " Ogygia,"
that Hy Briun Ratha was situated in West pars iii., p. 381.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
55*
Minister. A certain division of them came to the chief of Rathluyn's terri-
tory.s2 From this portion of the tribe, St. Barr is said to have descended.
The Scottish account has it, that St. Finbar or Fymbarrus — as his name
is found written — was born in the Island of Cathania,S3 which was on the
western side of Scotia, having Rossia54 on the south and the Orkadesss or
Orkney Islands to the east. However, there are no true historic grounds
for the statement, that our Saint had been a native of Scotland, although
after death, his memory was held there in veneration. At what exact time
he was born in Ireland has not transpired, but it was probably after the
middle of the sixth century. It is contended, moreover, that his real name
was LochaiV6 and that Finbarr, i.e. " white-haired" — contracted into Barr —
must be considered only as his acquired surname.*? It is related, that
Amergin,s8 the father of our Saint, came from Connaught and took a place
at Achadh Durbeon,59 in the country of Musgry Mitine.6° He became the
chief blacksmith to the Chief of Rathluin. This latter was called Tyager-
nach,61 the son of Cas, and descended from the race of Echach. The
Scottish account, as contained in the Breviary of Aberdeen, calls him
Tigrinatus.62 In his territory lived a girl of rare beauty, whom the chief
wished to retain as his companion. He ordered, that no man should take
her as a wife. But Amergin disobeyed his order, for he became passionately
in love with that female. In due course of time, Bairre was conceived.63
Hearing about this matter, the chief fell into a violent fit of anger. He
reproached the young woman with her disobedience, and she acknowledged
to whom she had been married. Filled with rage, the chief ordered both
52 Rathluin was the name of O'Magh-
thamna's or O'Mahony's district, extending
on both sides of the River Bandon. See
Richard Caulfield's note, attached to his
Life of St. Fin Barre, p. 8, n. (b).
53 Now Caithness — the shire of this deno-
mination being in the extreme north-eastern
part of the Scottish mainland. An Island
of the name is not to be found on the Map
of Scotland, and the position here assigned
to it is a geographical mistake.
54 Now Ross— the shire of that name is
separated from Caithness by Sutherland, and
it lies across the whole of Scotland in the
northern part from the North Sea to the
Atlantic Ocean.
ss See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 275.
56 The Bollandist editor Suyskens says,
that he was called, " Loanus seu Luanus,"
in the first instance.
57 See, Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv.,
sect, iv., p. 314. This opinion Dr. Lanigan
seems to have drawn from Sir James Ware,
who says: "Propriis Hibernorum veterum
nominibus addita sunt cognomina, vel a re
gesta, vel ab animi qualitate, vel a colore,
vel a corporis sive nota aliqua, sive defectu,
vel a casu, vel ironice. Sic . . . S. Barrus,
Finbarrns, sive Barrus Albus," &c. — "De
Hibernia et Antiquitatibus ejus," cap. ix.,
p. 41.
s8 Called by Hanmer " Amorgen." — See
" Chronicle of Ireland," p. 108.
59 This place has not been identified. In
the Codex Kilkenniensis the denomination
is spelled Dunteon.
60 Now the Barony of Muskerry, County
of Cork.
61 Called by Hanmer " Tegernatus." —
ibid. This chief Tighearnach was son to
Hugh the Arrogant, son of Criomthann, son
to Eachach, son of Cas, son of Core,
according to the Bruxelles Manuscript Life
of St. Fin Bairre, chap. i.
62 It is curious to compare the different
versions of a tradition, which may be traced
to a common — even if not reliable — historic
source, and in places so far apart as the
extreme northern parts of Scotland and the
extreme southern parts of Ireland. Both
have reference to our Saint. A legend in
Torfteus describes a feud between two
northern chiefs, in which the one carries off
the daughter of the other. Being worsted
in a sea-fight, the abductor swims ashore
with her, and marries her in an irregular
manner, in the cottage of a poor man. The
couple had a son named Bard, who tra-
velled and acquired great learning. He
was afterwards bishop of Ireland, and he
wrought great miracles. See "Orcades,"
lib. i., cap. 10.
43The Scottish account of St. Finbar,
both before and immediately after his birth,
is somewhat in accordance with the Irish
Lives of him, printed by Richard Caulf eld,
LL.D.
64 See Miss M. F. Cusack's " Histoiv of
55* LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
husband and wife to be bound in chains. He then directed his servants to
construct a large pile of dried wood, so that when it should be set on fire,
both might be cast into it. However, Providence decreed, that the pile
should remain unconsumed ; 64 for a great hurricane arose at the time, with
thunder, lightning and heavy rain, which prevented the fire being lighted.
Then, Bairre spoke from his mother's womb, according to the tradition, and
reproached the chief with the crime, meditated against his innocent parents.65
This miraculous event is attributed to the circumstance, that St. Barr was
yet in his mother's womb.66 When such a result had been known to the
chief, Bairre's parents were brought before him, and finally they were
dismissed with pardon.67
Soon after these occurrences, the holy infant Barr was born.68 Imme-
diately, as if recognizing some foretaste of the child's future sanctity, the
chief went to see this infant and to ask his benediction. The child is said
to have spoken and to have asked the chief as their patron to receive his
parents. ^ The chief fulfilled his promise, by granting his parents all they
choose to ask. 7° Then they joyfully returned to their own territory, which is
called the plain of Dunteon.?1 This place is probably to be regarded as
identical with Achadh Durbeon, where the first name given to their son in
baptism was Loan, and there he was nursed for seven years. 7a Thenceforward
the child was silent, until the time proper for infants to exercise the gift of
speech. There, their little son was diligently instructed, and his good morals
were admired by all. So far as inaccuracy of expression in the Manuscript
allows us to state, owing to some cogent reason, three anchorites, originally
from Leinster but then living in Minister, were returning about that time
towards their own territory. Coming by the house of Amergin, father to St.
Barr, they received from him hospitality for that night. These travellers
greatly admired the boy's appearance. One of these seniors remarked, that
beautiful as the child's features were, his gifts of true faith were still more
admirable. u I know he is the elect of God," continued this senior, " and
the holy spirit dwells in him ; would that he were with us to study, because
the grace of God shines through his features." His father on hearing this
the City and County of Cork," chap, iii., some other incidents relating to our Saint's
PP-33. 34- Life.— Ibid., pp. 109, no, III.
65 According to the Burgundian Mann- ** In the Burgundian Manuscript Life of
script Life of St. Fin Bairre, chap. i. St. Finn Bairre, his pedigree is thus traced :
66 According to the popular tradition of Bairri, the son of Aimirgin, son of Black
the people living at Gougane Barra, County Dunne, son to Art, son of Carthann, son to
of Cork, St. Barr was born near Bandon, Flann, son of Deadh, son to Brian, son of
and in the Rath, which occupied that site Eachadh Muighmeadhoin.
now covered by Castle Mahon, and later 65>" Bairre spoke in his mother's womb,
still called Castle Bernard, Lord Bandon's and also immediately after his birth, in order
residence. — Letter of Very Rev. Patrick to justify his father and mother, as his Life
Hurley, P.P., to the writer, and dated states in the first chapter." — " Martyrology
Inchigeela, County Cork, March 15th, of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and
1889. Reeves, pp. 258, 259.
67 Some of the foregoing particulars seem 7° The Burgundian Manuscript Life of St.
to have been contained in the Office of our Fin Bairre has it, that the Saint asked the
Saint, to which allusion has been made by chief to liberate his father and mother, when
the Bollandists. Dr. Hanmer appears to Tigheamach not only complied with the
have had access to some old Life of our request, but gave himself and his posterity
Saint, as he relates substantially the fore- to Bairre in perpetuity. — Chap. i.
going legend. See " Chronicle of Ireland." 7I One Manuscript Life reads, " Campum
pp. 107, 108. Subsequently he quotes Dimteon." Under any form of this name,
several Latin hexameter lines, " sung yearly the place has not been identified,
on his day, being the 25th of September." 72 According to the Burgundian Manu-
Those lines allude to the foregoing and script Life of St. Fin Bairre, chap. ii.
September 35.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 553
said to them : " If you wish it, take him with you, then let him study ; for
we are his parents, and we offer him to God." The seniors replied : " At
present, he shall not come with us, for we proceed farther ; but we shall
again return, and afterwards we shall go to the Lagenian territory. Then on
our departure, let him come with us, for such is the will of God." Accord-
ingly at another opportunity, and in the summer season, these holy seniors
on returning took with them from his parents this child of benediction.
When they had come to a place called Muncyll Monaid," feeling thirsty,
Barr called for a drink of milk. Seeing a hind on a mountain near them,
one of the seniors told his servant to milk her, and bring the milk to the boy,
whose holiness would cause the animal to become tame. This accordingly
happened, and the servant obeyed his senior's injunctions. At the same
place and time, one of those seniors said to his companions : " It is fit, that
where God wrought such a wonderful miracle for this holy child, he should
there read the alphabet, and his hair should be shaved, in the Lord's name."
Accordingly, he received tonsure, and then read the alphabet, to the great
astonishment of those who were present. 74 They wondered very much, at
his extraordinary mental powers. While shaving him the senior said : " The
hair, which covers that servant of God, is very beautiful." And another
senior replied : " You have spoken truly, because his name must be changed,
and he shall henceforth be called Fyndbarr." However, at that time, he
was not so named ; they only called him Barr, 75 the boy having been pre-
viously known as Locan. On the same day, St. Brendan?6 performed famous
miracles, in the name of Christ.77 When he was on the same mountain of
Muncyll,?8 where the crosses of St. Brendan afterwards stood,?* this Saint
wept bitterly, yet afterwards he smiled. His disciples asked the reason for
that strange act. The holy senior replied, by saying : " I will disclose to
you the cause, my most beloved sons; when I smiled, it was because of a
certain little boy, who now stands near us. God has wrought great miracles,
and shall still work more ; this boy is called Barre, and he shall be greatly
honoured, both by God and men. And therefore I am sad, because I have
not obtained from God, what I have just now asked from Him.8° This
petition, God has granted to that holy boy, who had not requested the
favour."81 St. Brendan then declared his wish, that after his own death, his
73 As called in the Scottish {sell. Irish) childe." — "Chronicle of Ireland," p. 107.
language. It has not been identified. This must be about A.D. 570.
Another reading is Munchillimoni. ?8 The Burgundian Manuscript Life has
74 See Miss Cusack's "History of the Sliabh Muincille, chap. iii.
City and County of Cork," chap, iii., 79 The Burgundian Manuscript Life states
p. 36. in bAiti Ackc Cfiof-A bjienAinx) .amp,
75 The writer of his Life adds, as an ex- rendered "at the p^ce where Brenain's
planation, that when he wrote, all the people crosses are to-day." — Ibid.
called him Barra, in accordance with the 8oThe Burgundian Manuscript Life re-
senior's prophecy. lates, that the petition of St. Brendan was,
76 This wasSt.Brendan of Birr, according to for three tracts of land in Desmond, so that
the Burgundian Manuscript Life, and whose they might afterwards benefit his successor,
festival occurs on the 29th of November, at and which tracts reached from the Black-
which date his Acts may be found in the water to the Lee, and from that to the Ban-
Eleventh Volume of the present work. don and to the Bay of Beare, and from the
Other accounts have it that he was St. Bandon to Cape Clear. This request the
Brendan Senior, better known as the Navi- Almighty granted, but that district was
gator, whose Acts may be found at the 16th destined to benefit Bairri in perpetuity. —
of May, in the Fifth Volume of this work, Chap. iv.
Art. i. 8l See another version of this discourse, in
77 Dr. Hanmer remarks : " When Saint Miss Cusack's " History of the City and
Brendan was olde, Saint Fynbarry was a County of Cork," chap, iii., p. 37.
554 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
monks might continue to live peacefully in those territories. But, he fore-
told, at the same time, as his own habitation was on a certain boundary line,
there should consequently be frequent contests. He also said, that God
would grant a peaceful habitation to the boy Barrus, and that he should live
in tranquillity. Hereupon the holy Brendan went back on his own road ;
whilst the other seniors, with their boy Barrus, proceeded towards the
Lagenian territory. In this part of Ireland, they built a cell, having ordered
Barrus to mark out its foundations and to bless it. This he at first refused
to do, through humility. Yet, importuning him further, they said every place
marked out by him should become a blessed habitation wherein to dwell.
Our Saint then complied with their request. That cell received the name
Cyllin Cantilir,83 as spelled in the original Latin, but evidently it is a corrup-
tion of some Irish name. In the Burgundian Manuscript Life of our Saint,
as we conjecture, it is more properly designated Cill McCathail83 on the
Galrain road,8* where Bairre read his psalms.8* There Barrus remained with
his seniors and studied with them.
He grew in stature apace, but more in the virtues of Faith, Hope and
Charity. He was also distinguished for patience, modesty, humility, chastity,
and for other virtues. The Burgundian Manuscript Life of our Saint has it,
that at Kill mac Cathail he was under the tuition of a cleric named Lochan,86
to whom a certain rich man named Fidhach came one day to chose him as
anmcharra or bosom friend. Lochan desired him rather to salute the young
Bairre. The visitor thought it beneath him to bow before such a small boy.
Lochan then asked, " If I should accept him as an anmcharra, would you?"
The layman replied, " I will." Then Lochan bowed to Bairre, and Fidhach
followed his example ; when Lochan offered his church to God and to his
pupil, while Fidhach offered both himself and his posterity to Bairre. Where-
upon the latter said to his tutor: "Accept from me this layman and his
descendants, in lieu of the psalms which I learned from you." Afterwards,
Bairre had an admonition to go to Munster. Then he went to a place called
Cul Cairsine, in Ossory, where he marked out the site for a church, and it
82 The first word possibly represents Kil- the parish of Cloyne, and barony of Imokilly,
leen, "a little cell." Perhaps, the latter shown on the " Ordnance Survey Townland
word might represent caindlera, canlenor or Maps for the County of Cork," sheet 89.
canlener, or more correctly, caindleoir, " of There is another Kilmacahill, otherwise
the candlestick," as suggested to me by called Caraun, in the parish of Rathaspick,
John O'Beirne Crowe, Esq., a competent in the barony of Moygoish, shown on the
Irish scholar, who has also directed my at- "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the
tention to a note L on the " Parish of County of Westmeath," sheets 5, 6. This
Pallykinler" in Pev. Dr. Reeves' " Eccle- seems most likely not to have been the
siastical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and locality mentioned in the text.
Dromore," pp. 210 to 213. The name of 8* Possibly a mistake in writing of the
this parish seems derived from tXAile- scribe for the word Gabrain or Gowran.
CAin-olefiA, " the Town of the Candlestick,'-' 8s The legend states, that when snow fell,
being a luminary or "appropriated," as a great hood of it formed over the tent in
Harris observes, in the case of Christ's which he read. The boy then said to his
Church, Dublin, " for Wax-Lights." It tutor, " I would wish this hood to be about
will be found somewhat difficult at present my tent until I get over my psalms.,' Soon
to identify this church, even if our etymolo- was the wish gratified ; for although the
gical conjecture be found correct. snow dissolved on the ground, the hood of
8} There is a parish of Kilmacahil, in the thanks settled over the tent until Bairre
barony of Gowran, and County of Kilkenny. finished his psalm.— Chap. v.
It is described on the "Ordnance Survey M There are two saints, namely, Lochan
Townland Maps for the County of Kil- or Loichen, venerated in the Irish Calendar :
kenny," sheets 15, 16, 20, 21. The Town- one at the 12th of January, the other at the
land proper is on sheets 20, 21. This seems 1 2th of June, but their places are not men-
likely to be the place designated. There is tioned.
another Townland, ealled Kilmacahill, in 8?Now kn«wn as Aghaboe, a parish in
September 25.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 555
was offered to him in perpetuity. According to the legend in his Life, Bairre
afterwards went to Achadh Bo,8? which he first occupied; but when
Cainneach,88 son to the King of Dalann, arrived there, he requested our
Saint to leave, since it had been destined for his charge, and because the relics
of learned and holy men should perpetuate veneration for the place and its
future inmates. Accordingly, the site for a church and graveyard was marked
out there by both Saints, and Bairre prayed that persons there buried should
enjoy eternal life. Cainneach thereupon said, " It shall not be death to many
mortals in your graveyard."
Afterwards, and when our Saint arrived at the years of maturity, a wise
and holy man, the alumnus of Pope St. Gregory ,8* and skilled in ecclesiastical
rules, is said to have come from Rome.9° The name given to him is Bishop
McCorp,9x of Cliu.92 He is called the foster-brother to David of Cill Muine -p
while both are said to have been foster-sons to Gregory the Red.*4 While
with Bishop McCorp, the Saint was visited by a King, named Fachtna the
Angry, son of Caolbhuidhe, in Musgry Breogain.95 In some of our Saint's
Lives he is named Fyachna. This powerful man met him and said : u O man
of God, come and assist me in my misery, in the name of Christ." The Saint
assenting, this man brought him a blind son and a dumb daughter. Seeing
their afflicting condition, the holy man full of faith blessed them, and they
were immediately healed. The daughter spoke with a clear voice, and the
son saw most distinctly. After this miracle, St. Barry and the chief Fyachna
met in the same place.*6 Whilst saluting each other, a voice of lamentation
was heard from a certain quarter. The chief interpreted this wailing to mean
his wife had died ; for she had been previously infirm. Hereupon, the Saint
blessed some water, directing the corpse of the deceased wife to be washed
with it. After such ablution, she came to life. The chief then made an
offering of this particular spot to St. Barr.9? It was called Raith-hyrair.*8
Then we find a miracle related about a tree bearing nuts during the spring-
season, in consequence of a certain powerful man99 requesting our Saint to
the baronies of Clandonagh and Clarmalagh, 85, n. (e.) Also vol. v., pp. 1648, 1649,
Queen's County. n. (t).
88 His festival occurs on the nth of Octo- 93The ancient name for St. David's
ber, where his Acts may be found in the Church, in Wales.
Tenth Volume of this work, Art. i. 94 Doubtless this designation is applied to
8» Surnamed the Great. The Life of this Pope St. Gregory the Great,
celebrated Pontiff — so often mentioned in 95 The tribes of Muscraige Breogan
connexion with our Irish Saints — may be descend from Cairbre Muse, and their terri-
found in Dom Remy Ceillier's '• Histoire tory is represented by the modern barony of
des Auteurs Ecclesiastiques,'; tome xvii., Clanwilliam, in the south-west of the
p. 128. County of Tipperary.
90 Colgan has the statement, that Mac- 96 According to the Codex Kilkenniensis.
corb was the auditor of Gregory, before the 97 Dr. Hanmer says, " FaUurus (another
latter became Pope. See " Acta Sanctorum Legend calleth him Fyachna), a King in
Hibernise," Martii xiv. De S. Talmacho Ireland, who did allot him a certain portion
Confessore, n. 4, p. 607. of land in his country." — " Chronicle ot
91 We do not find such a name in our Ireland," p. 108.
Irish Calendars. 98 Under this form it is difficult to identify
92 Cliu or Cliu-Mail mhic-Ugaine was a the modern denomination, and it seems to
district in the barony of Coshlea, County of have been within the limits of Muscraige
Limerick, and called after Mai, son to Breogain.
Ugaine Mor, Monarch of Ireland, from "This man Fattaez — another form for
a.m. 4567 to A.M. 4606. This district was Fyachna — is styled Rex, in the Cork Office,
between the hill of Knockany and the His son is said to have obtained the gift of
mountain of Slieve Reagh. See Dr. sight, his daughter that of speech, and his
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," wife to have been restored to life, through
vol. i., pp. 74 to 77 and n. (z.) and pp. 84, the agency of our Saint. Something similar
556 LIVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
work some manifestation of Divine power. This man afterwards engaged in
works of penance. St. Barrus also came to him at a subsequent time. They
read together the Gospel of St. Matthew, as also the ecclesiastical rules learned
and received from Pope Gregory. The friend of our Saint then said,
"I now wish to receive from you some recompense for my labour." St.
Barrus promised to grant this request, if it lay within his power. The other
holy man then said : " I wish to obtain from you, that we have our resurrec-
tion in one place, on the Day of General Judgment." This request was
assented to by St. Barr, who declared that they should be buried together.
After such conversation had taken place, the holy man, who was Maccuirp,
the master of our Saint, is said to have visited Rome. He purposed receiving
the grade of Bishop, from his own master Gregory.100 To whom, St. Gregory
said : " You shall not receive the grade of Bishop from me, because he who
will consecrate you is more worthy than I am. For the Angel of God will
consecrate you and St. Barrus as Bishops, in the place of your resurrection."
He, being admonished by these words, returned to Ireland. In the Office, a
copy of which had been possessed by the Bollandists, it is said that after per-
forming many miracles, our Saint went to Albania,101 where he also wrought
many wonders. Here we are told, he had a city and parish presented to him.
Again, it is stated, that he went to Rome, where St. Gregory the Pope was
prevented from ordaining him bishop, through some divine admonition, while
predicting that Barr would be consecrated by Christ our Lord. This account
seems to differ somewhat from the former.
If we are to credit accounts left in the old Acts of our Saint, Barr lived
contemporaneous with St. Gregory the Great,102 who ruled over the Church,
from 590 to 604. He is also made a contemporary with St. Laserian, bishop
of Leighlin, supposed to have died about 640. In the Life of St. Laserian, 1Q3
Bishop of Leighlin, we are informed, that both Saints had an interview, before
St. Barr went to Rome. In the Life of St. Mochcemog or Pulcherius,10*
abbot of Laithmore, this Saint is represented as having been a fellow-disciple
with a St. Barr,IQs in the School and monastery of St. Comgall,106 at Bangor.
This latter Saint died in 601, 1Q7 or 602. Several other fellow-students are
named, and are said to have there studied with him. From the recorded
dates of their respective deaths, they seem to have lived contemporaneously
with St. Barr, bishop of Cork.108
In a Life of St. Barr100 our Saint is mentioned as having gone to Britain,
accompanied by St. Maidoc,110 and even to have visited Rome,111 in company
to this statement in the text may be found, ,0,See his Life, at the 18th of April, in
in the Life of St. Laserian, at the 18th of the Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
April. I04See his Acts at the 13th day of March
,0OThe Bollandist Suyskens remarks, that in the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
as it had been customary for Irish Saints to ,os If he be intended to represent the
visit Rome, this may be admitted in the present Saint, we may well doubt the truth
case of St. Barr. He adds, that possibly, of this account, because it is both improbable
about the close of the sixth or commence- in itself, and because we find no mention of
ment of the seventh century, our Saint might it in all of St. Fin Barre's Lives,
have been consecrated by Pope Gregory and ,o6 See his Life, at the loth of May, in
sent back to Ireland, to preside over the See the Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i.
of Cork. See " Acta Sanctorum," lomus xv> According to Henschenius.
vii., Septembris xxv. Vita S. Barri, sect, ii., ,o8 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
n. 27, p. 146. Septembris xxr. Vita S. Barii, sect, ii.,
101 See, also, Dr. Hanmer's " Chronicle of nn. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, pp. 144, 145.
Ireland," p. 108. 109 At chapter xxviii.
107 Maccurbius, or McCorb, his disciple, ,10See his Life, at the 31st of January, in
is said to have instructed St. Finbar. See the First Volume of this work, Art. i.
Bishop Challoner's "Britannia Sancta," '"The Rev. Dr. Lanigan doubts, that
part ii., p. 143. our Saint went to Rome; but he thinks it
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
557
with St. David.112 Notwithstanding the omission of such an account in the
Burgundian Manuscript, yet it is stated, that St. Barre and a company of
twelve pilgrims went to Rome and other foreign parts, as related in his Life."*
In the Acts of St. David "« of Wales, it is said, that a certain Barr, an Irish
Abbot, returning from Rome, visited the aforesaid bishop."5 Colgan thinks
this Barr to have been identical with our Saint. On leaving St. David, he
borrowed a horse,"6 according to the legend,11? which relates an incident too
ridiculous for serious consideration.1'8 We are told, that the seniors of St.
Barrus sent their disciple, with licence and benediction, to learn and read
under a Roman doctor.1 x» There may be some truth in this man — whom
some suppose to be Mac-corb — having come from Rome to Ireland ; for, in
the Life of St. Senan of Iniscathy,120 it is said, that even in his day, fifty
Roman monks arrived in our country. This, however, was before the time
of St. Gregory. Some of these monks are said to have been in St. Finnbarr's
establishment, at Cork ; but, this must be regarded as an anachronism. No
such foundation then existed ; yet, Barr's master might have been one of
those Roman or Continental monks.121 It may be possible even, that the
relation of master and scholar is here inverted. But, it so happened, that a
certain good man bestowed on him I22 some land, whereon he might build a
cell in the Lord's name. This was called Culeaysseal.,23 Here the founder
left some disciples who were to build a house and remain in it. Blessing
them, Bairre proceeded on his way, to seek another habitation.
probable, Barr spent some time with St.
David at Menevia in Wales, the latter
having lived late in the sixth century. See
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii.,
chap, xiv., sect, iv., and nn. 56, 57, 58,
pp. 314, 316.
1,2 See his Life, at the 1st day of March,
in the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
113 Chap 28 is quoted. See Colgan 's
" Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Martii i. De
S. Suitberto Episcopo Tiesterbandiae Apos-
tolo, n. 2, p. 436.
"4The early Life of St. David by Rice-
march has been recast by Giraldus Cam-
brensis, and it mentions our Saint, as
"abbas Barrochus," by others called St.
Barrus, following the example of the Irish
Saints in visiting the Limina Apostolorum
and enjoying St. David's conversation either
going or returning. See Bishop Forbes'
" Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 276.
115 The statement appears to have had its
origin, lrom the Life of St. David, written
by Giraldus Cambrensis, in the twelfth or
thirteenth century. At the year 630, Ussher
writes : " Barrus (qui et Barrocus et Find-
barrus, a parentibus vero Lochanus dictus)
apud Corcagienses claruit. ... A Mac-
curbio, Gregorii Papae discipulo, Roma
veniente, in Lagenia institutus fuisse dicitur.
Quod si verum Davidi Menevensi avvxpovov
iuisse ilium, Giraldo Cambrensi non facile
fuerit concedendum." — " Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates." Index Chrono-
logicUS, A.D. DCXXX.
1,6 On an old seal, there is a representa-
tion of St. Barr on horseback and walking
near the waves, while clad in pontificals. —
Letter of Very Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P.,
dated Inchigecla, Co. Cork, March 15th,
1889.
117 This account continues: "Quo con-
cesso, ac benedictione obtenta, equum ascen-
dit, et sic super mare confidenter et usque
ad Hyberniam pervenit. Equum vero prae
fatum in servitio fratrum secum retinuit ;
sed in memoria miraculi discipuli fecerunt
equum aeneum, qui usque hodie apud Cor-
cagiam manet." It would be a curious
subject for enquiry to ascertain, if ihere be
any truth in the latter part of this statement.
1,8 The Bollandist Henschenius, at the
1st day of March, not only regards this
legend as fabulous, but he considers it alto-
gether unwarranted to make St. David and
St. Barr contemporaries.
119 We may see in a subsequent part of
St. Barr's biography enumerated among his
many disciples, " S. Eulangius, seu Eulo-
gius, ipsius alioquin S Barrii institutor.''
Perhaps, as he bore a Greek or foreign
name, Eulangius or Eulogius was identical
with this doctor.
120 See this Life, at the 8th of March, in
the Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
121 " It may be objected, that Mac-corb
appears to be an Irish name. He might
however have got this name in Ireland, by
giving a Gallic turn to his real name, as was
often done ; ex. c. Phadruig for Patricius,
Seachlain for Secundinus, &c." * * * "If
supposed to have been the son of a man
called Corbus or Corvus, the Irish might
have called him Mac-corb." See Dr.
Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect, iv., n. 55,
pp. 315, 316.
122 Quere, St. Barry or the Roman doctor?
The context is not sufficiently clear to decide
the precise meaning of this passage.
123 According to the Codex Kilkenniensis.
This place has not been identified.
558 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
CHAPTER II.
ST. BAIRRE FOUNDS A SCHOOL FOR RELIGIOUS AT GOUGANE BARRA— NAMES OF HIS
DISCIPLES, MEN AND WOMEN — HE IS ADMONISHED BY AN ANGEL TO LEAVE
FOR CLOYNE— AFTERWARDS HE GOES TO CORK, WHERE HE ESTABLISHES A
FAMOUS SCHOOL AND MONASTERY— NAMES OF HIS CORK SCHOLARS— PERIOD OF
HIS EPISCOPACY AND SEE IN THAT CITV— LEGENDS REGARDING HIS CONSECRA-
TION AS BISHOP— DEATH AND BURIAL OF BAIRRE's MASTER MACCUIRP — ORIGIN
OF CORK CITY.
In a Life of St. Barr,1 we find it stated, that after certain transactions already
noticed, he came to a Lake, called in the Scottish or Irish dialect Lough-eirc.2
It is said to have been embosomed in a deep hollow and surrounded by
high and steep mountains. The district around was then a wild solitude, and
it still preserves a nearly similar character. It forms the source of the River
Lee, and is now known as Gougane Barra, rendered " Finbar's rock-cleft."3
Within the basin of that deep lake, and on a small island, he commenced
the foundation of a monastery, which soon counted n great number of cells
to accommodate his numerous community.* From the west, or from Bantry
and Glengarriff, through the wildly grand Pass of Keimaneigh, the lake-
more than a mile in length and a quarter of a mile in breadth — is approached
by a road, from which a rough descent conducts a traveller down to the
water's edge. The River Lee rises in 'Fourteen mountain, and rushes for
about two miles through a deep and awe-inspiring little valley, surrounded
by lofty mountains, into the head of the lake. The mountain which overtops
it on the northern shore separates the Counties of Cork and Kerry, and it
becomes an inaccessible barrier, which in winter often sends down u its
thousand wild fountains" with grand effect.* We are told, that St. Finn Barr
lived as a hermit in a cave or cell, on a small islet of the romantic lake, still
called Gougane Barra,6 towards the close of the sixth century. It is said,
that coming from his home near Bandon, he first fixed his cell at Cool-
mountain, at the Carbery side in Inchigeela parish, where there had been a
graveyard, now disused, and near it the foundations of a small building, with
walls four feet in breadth.7 However, hearing of the romantic beauties of
Chapter 11. — 'The Life which was in 6 The island in question was that one cele-
Colgan's possession is quoted at Chapter xx. brated in the glorious lyric of the Cork poet,
2 We find in some writers the word J. J. Callanan : —
written Loch-erce or Lough-eire— probably
a printer's mistake. By others, this deno- " There is a green island in lone Gougane
mination is applied to that part of the Barra,
River Lee, at which Cork now stands. Where Allua of songs rushes forth as an
3 See Dr. P. W. Joyce's "Origin and arrow
History of Irish Names of Places., "part iv., In deep-valleyed Desmond— a thousand
chap, vi., p. 446. wild fountains
4 So far as we can understand the order Come down to that Lake, from their home
of narrative in the Codex Kilkenniensis and in the mountains.
Bodleian Lives of our saint, there is no * *
mention of Gougane Barra, but Achad Oh ! where is the dwelling in valley or
Duirbton or Achad Durbcon in Munster Highland
seems to have been substituted for it. See So meet for a bard as this lone little
Richard Caulfield's " Life of Saint Fin island !"
Barre," pp. 15, 16. —"Poems of J. J. Callanan," p. 65.
5 A thunder-storm or the discharge of Cork, 1861. i2mo.
small cannon calls forth magnificent echoes 7 For the foregoing, as lor many other
from the surrounding hills. particulars regarding Gougane Barra, the
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
559
Gougane Barra, he visited the spot, with which he became so enamoured,
that he resolved on settling in it, and there establishing his school.8 The
ruins of an ancient chapel and eight arched cells 9 are there traceable,10 on
that small island, nearly midway in the lake ; a rude artificial causeway
leading into it from the main-land.11 Near the entrance is a Holy Well.
On the Island, holly and ash grow in great luxuriance. Some rude steps
lead to a higher position enclosed by a wall, except on the southern side,
where there is an opening, which conducts into the enclosure. Before the
visitor then rises a cross of late erection, placed on a platform, and approached
by steps. It is surrounded by stations fixed on the old walls." Many
legends are current in the neighbourhood regarding St. Finbarr and his
sodality.^ Gathering numerous mountain rills, the River Lee opens into
writer is indebted to the Very Rev. Patrick
Hurley, P.P. of Inchigeela, in letters dated,
September, 1899.
* The Rev. T. Olden, in an article on St.
Finn Barr, published in Leslie Stephens'
" Dictionary of National Biography," vol.
xix., p. 35, 36, considered that the place of
his settlement was Gougane Barra, identical
with Lough Eirke. However, he afterwards
changed this opinion ; but, as we think,
without sufficient reasons to subvert the
almost universal popular tradition regarding
the locality. Alluding to the Irish Life of
St. Fin Barre, he writes ; " This Life states
that St. Barre or Fin Barr, after his educa-
tion in Leinster, continued to labour for
some time in Kilkenny and the Queen's
County, and founded twelve churches before
coming to Cork. It was during this period
he established the school in question, which
is described as at ' Lough Eirce, in Eadar-
gabhail.' The last name, which occurs
frequently in Ireland, is Anglicised Adder-
goole, or Adrigole ; but the only one which
answers the conditions required is that in
the south of the Queen's County adjoining
Kilkenny. It is situated, as the name
implies (eadar), between the fork (gabhal),
formed by the junction of two rivers, which
here are the Gaul and Erkina, tributaries to
the Nore. Between them, near the monas-
tery of Aghmacart, on the bank of the Gaul,
is a ruin known as the College, near which
is a depression, now a marsh, which was
evidently once a lake. There is every reason
to believe that this is the spot, especially as
adjoining it, in the County of Kilkenny, is the
parish of Eircke. The writers of the three
Latin Lives, published by Dr. Caulfield,
though concurring with the Irish Life as to
his labours in Leinster, suppress all mention
of this school, probably for fear of lessening
the importance ol that at Cork, which has
in a great measure eclipsed the earlier one.
The cave or grotto at Gougane Barra, called
in the Irish Life Cuas Barra, was a her-
mitage, and there never could have been a
school at the place."— Rev. T. Olden's
" History of the Church of Ireland." Ap-
pendix, p. 424.
9 These are called chapels by the country
people. Of late, the Via Crucis has been
placed over them, for devotional purposes.
10 There is a picturesquely-written and a
minute description of St. Finnbarr's Island
and the surrounding scenery in " Bolster's
Quarterly Magazine," and under the heading
of Gougane Barra. See vol.ii.,MDCCCXXVli.,
No. viii., pp. 332, 333. On the latter page
is an engraving which gives a ground plan
of the island, with its chapel, cells, cloisters,
court, cross, well, causeway, and ash-trees
to the water's edge.
11 There are very exquisite illustrations and
a description of the scenery about here, in
Mr. and Mrs. Hall's " Ireland : its, scenery,
character," &c, vol. i., pp. 113 to 117.
12 The modern restorations and improve-
ments there effected are due to the zeal and
good taste of the Very Rev. Patrick Hurley,
P.P., who has preserved still the features of
the former ancient ruins. A part of the
enclosure is now called the Shrine, good
Photos of which, with other illustrations of
Gougane Barra, may be seen in the useful
hand-book issued by the managers of the
Cork and Macroom Direct Railway, " The
Tourist's Route to Glengariff and Killarney,"
pp. 25 to 30.
13 One of these legends states, that the
saint's servant Linin, while fishing in his
Corougheen, was seized by a Peist, which
infested the lake. Seeing the bottom of the
boat turned upwards, Finbarr suspecting the
cause called the inhabitants of the surround-
ing district to come armed with pikes and
forks. Having prayed, the Peist came
bellowing from the bottom of the lake, and
then following the course of the river for
a mile, he threw up Linin's dead body at a
place still called Linin's cascade. Finally
the monster was killed by the country
people at a place called Inchinaneab or
" Inch of the Saints," about 15 miles east-
ward. It is said so many were with the
saint on that occasion, that having forgot his
book which was at Gougane Barra, Bran
was sent back for it, and the book was
handed from one to another of those who
were present until Finbar received it.
560
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
that lustrous and deep lake called Lough Allua. In the middle of the
seventeenth century, the surrounding country was all a forest, consisting of
large oak, birch, alder, ash, and yew trees of great size. The woods were
stored with red and fallow deer, and abounded with great ayries of excellent
hawks. On the summits of the mountains around the Lough, eagles and
other birds of prey breed and live in great security.1* Within two miles of
Gougane Barra, there is a large and curious stone, called by the country-people
Clough Barra ; whether it had any connection with our saint is not known,15
yet it is associated with him by tradition.
It is related, that our saint gathered several distinguished scholars around
him in those romantic wilds. They probably formed the nucleus of that
larger school attached to the monastery of St. Finn Barr,16 in or near Cork.
It is probable he went to Gougane Barra, towards the close of the sixth
century. Disciples flocked to him from all quarters, and to his school, as to
a hive of wisdom and a domicile for all Christian virtues. Such had been
the number and zeal of those followers,1? that a former desert was soon
changed into a populous locality. From the school then instituted, many
persons, eminent for learning and sanctity, afterwards issued. The following
Saints mentioned as his disciples are said, in the Bnrgundian Manuscript
Life of St. Bairre,1' to have lived there with him : viz, Eolang1? — Latinized
Eulogius — his tutor, and Colman of Derry Dunaoi,20 Baichin,21 Nesan," and
Garbhan,»3 son of Findbar,2« Talmhach2' and Findchua26 of Donoughmore,
14 See Dr. Charles Smith's " Ancient and
Present State of the County and City of
Cork," vol. i., book ii., chap, ii., pp. 191,
192.
'5 Letter of the Very Rev. Patrick Hurley,
P.P., to the writer and dated Inchigeela,
County Cork, March 15th, 1889.
16 See Gibson's "History of the County
and City of Cork," vol. ii., chap, xiv., n.
P- 341.
*7 Colgan enumerates twenty-one of these
disciples, in his acts of St. Nessan, at the
17th of March. See "Acta Sanctorum
Hiberniae," xvii. Martii, De S. Nessano
Praesbytero. This latter saint is regarded as
one of Bart's disciples. The following list
of these holy men — different from that given
in the text — is thus inserted, from a Life of
our saint, in Colgan's possession: "inter
quos enituere S. Eulangius seu Eulogius,
ipsius alioquin S. Barrii institutor, S.
(Jolmanus de Dordhuncon, (aliter, Doiror-
Dhuncon,) S. Baitaeenus, (aliter, Baithinus,)
S. Nessanus, S. Garbanus, (aliter, Garb-
hanus) filius Finbarrii, S. Talmachus, S.
Finchadius de Domnachmor, S. Fachua
(aliter Fachna) seu Facundus de Ria, S.
Facundus de Ros-alithir, S. Lucerus, S.
Cumanus, S. Lochinus de Achadairaird, S.
Carinus, S. Fintanus de Roscoerach, S.
Euhell (aliter S. Euchel) de Ros-coerach,
S. Trellanus (aliter S. Frellanus) de Druim
draighnighe, S. Coelehus, S. Mogenna,
S. Medimocus, S. Sanctanus (aliter S.
Sanctanis) et S. Lugerius filius Columbi."
See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xvii.
Martii, De S. Nessano Praesbytero Corca-
giensi Patrono, pp. 629, 630. The different
readings within brackets, are to be found
when quoting the same extract in another
place. See ibid., xxvii. Martii. De S.
Garvano, Abbate, pp. 750, 751. Some of
these, however, are evidently mistakes in the
printing.
18 There is no account of the disciples
living with him in Gougane Barra or at
Achad Durbcon, in the Liber Kilkenniensis,
Bodleian, or Trinity College Lives of our
saint.
19 There are two saints in the Irish Calen-
dars thus named : viz, Eolang of Achadh
Bo, venerated at the 5th of September, at
which date notices of him may be found in
the present volume, Art. iii. The other is
Eolaing of Lecain in Meath, and venerated
on the 29th of December.
20 Among the many saints called Colman
on the Irish Calendars, we do not find one
thus distinguished ; but, I am informed by
Very Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P., that Derry
Dunaoi was the land on the right of the
Pass of Keimaneagh leading to Bantry.
81 Under this form of name, he does not
appear in our Calendars.
22 Otherwise called Neassan of Corcach or
Cork, venerated at the 1st of December,
where notices of him may be found.
23 Supposed to have been the St. Garbhan
of Dungarvan, whose feast is at the 26th of
March, at which date there are notices of
him in the Third volume of this work,
Art. iii.
24 Whether this name is to determine his
natural or spiritual father may be a question
for enquiry.
25 An account of him may be found at the
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
S«i
Fachtna Ria2? and Fachtna28 of Ross Ailithir, Luicer,2^ Cuman3° and
Loichin31 of Achadh on Aird Cairne,32 Findtan33 and Cothuil,3* who are at
Ross Cacrach,35 Treallan,36 who is at Drom Druighnighe,3? Caolchu,38
MoGenna,39 Mo Dimog40 and Santan,4' as also Luiger,*2 son of Colum. It
would seem as if an institution for female religious had been there estab-
lished under the direction of St. Finn Barre,*3 since we are told in his Life that
there were with him likewise, in partnership, the sister of Bairri,** and Crothru,4*
daughter of Conall, and the three daughters of Mc Cairthann & and Coch
Caille of Ross Benchuir,*? and Mo Shillan*8 of Rathmore, Scothnat w of
Cluain Beg, and Lassar of Achadh Durbcon ;5° besides these the three
daughters of Lughadh s1 of Dun,s2 and Her53 and Brigid 54 in charge of them.
14th day of March in the Third Volume of
this work, Art. i.
76 Finnchua of Brigoon, venerated on the
25th of November, is the only saint so named
in the Irish Calendar. Can Donoughmore
be another name for Brigoon ?
27 There are four saints bearing the name
of Fachtna, but to none of these is the
epithet Ria affixed. We learn, however,
there had been a Cillin-Fachtna, or the
" little church of Fachtna," in Muscraighe-
Chuirc ; but we know not a saint of the
name to whom it had been dedicated.
28 St. Fachnan, styled " Sapiens," who
founded the see of Ross. His festival is
celebrated on the 14th of August, at which
date are notices regarding him in the Eighth
Volume of this work, Art. i.
29 Under this form the name is not found
in the Irish Calendar, but there is a Luachair
of Cill-Elgraighe venerated on the 23rd of
December.
30 There are many saints bearing the name
of Cummein noted in the Irish Calendar, and
for the most part distinguished by their patro-
nymics or places.
31 There are four saints named Loichen in
the Irish Calendar, and venerated respec-
tively at January 12th, 20th, April 17th,
and June 12th, at which dates notices of
them may be found in previous volumes of
this work. There is a St. Laidgen vene-
rated at a place called Achadh-raithin, in
the country of the Decies, on the 28th of
November.
32 Not identified.
33 Many saints called Fintan, Findtan or
Fionntain are mentioned at different days in
tho Irish Calendar.
34 No such name appears in any of the Iiish
Calendars.
3s Not identified.
36 This name does not appear in any Irish
Calendar.
37 Not identified.
38 There is a Caolchu of Lui-airthir vene-
rated on the 24th of September. See notices
of him at the previous day in the present
volume, Art. v.
39 No saint of this name appears on the
Irish Calendar, but there is a Mo-Gheanog,
bishop of Cill-dumha-gluinn, venerated at the
26th of December.
40 There is a Mo-Dimoc or Mo-Diommog
venerated at the 3rd of March, and notices
of him may be found at that date, in the
Third Volume of this work, Art. vii.
41 Two Sanctins are in the Irish Calendar ;
one venerated as a Bishop at Cill-da-les,
May 9th, at which date are notices of him in
the Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i. ; the
other is venerated as Sanctin simply, at
September 17th, where notices are to be
found in the present volume, Art. x.
42 No saint bearing this name is in the Irish
Calendar, but there is a saint called Lughair
the Leper, venerated at the nth of May.
43 Mr. Richard Caulfield states : " An Irish
life, kindly lent me by Mr. Windale, men-
tions a school of female saints, which was
also at this place."— " Life of Saint Fin
Barre," p. v.
44 Not otherwise named.
45 Not found in the Irish Calendar.
46 Not found in the Irish Calendar.
47 There is a Cocha of Ros-Bennchair,
thought to have been the nurse of St. Ciaran
of Saighir, venerated at the 6th of June,
acoording to one conjecture, but according
to another at the 29th of June.
48 No such designation is in the Irish
Calendar, but there are many saints named
Sillan or Siollam.
49 This form of name is not in the Irish
Calendar, but there is a Sgoth, virgin, of
Cluain-grencha — Latinized Flora — vene-
rated at the 1 8th of January, and a Sgoth,
virgin, venerated at Cluain-mor-Mocsena,
on the 16th of July.
50 In the Irish Calendars there are many
Lassars, but none described as belonging to
Achaidh Durbchon. This is supposed to
have been the place of St. Finn Barr's birth.
See Leslie Stephens' " Dictionary of Na-
tional Biography," vol. xix., p. 35.
51 No such denomination is found in the
Irish Calendar.
52 Singly and in composition this local
denomination is often found in Irish topo-
graphy.
s3 This name is not in the Irish Calendar.
54 Many Irish saints bearing the name of
I N
562
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
Moreover, it is stated, that all this company offered their churchesss to God
and to Bairre in perpetual fidelity ; by which we are to understand, that they
accepted him as their spiritual and temporal superior in affairs ecclesiastical.
How long Fin Barre remained at Gougane Barra is not known ; but certain
it is, that since his time, popular veneration for the saint and his locality has
continued to the present day.s6 Formerly, an immense concourse of pilgrims
and other visitors used to frequent the Holy Island ; especially on the Eve of
St. John the Baptist's Nativity, as also on the Eve and Day of St. Fin Barr's
feast. The place had been dedicated to St. Finbar and to the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary ; and on these days pilgrimages were very generally
made, but as such were not under any proper supervision, abuses prevailed
which caused the ecclesiastical authorities to intervene, and they were
prohibited under penalty of excommunication. However, the late Rt. Rev.
Bishop Delaney of Cork removed this bann, and the devotions have since
been conducted in a manner which is both edifying and religious. At the
present time, a Mass is celebrated on the Island, on the Sunday within the
Octave of St. Finbar's festival, and a sermon on the Saint is preached, while
great numbers of people come — and many from long distances — to assist at
the celebration.57 On other Sundays, when distance from church or other
Ireland's great Patroness are noted in our
Calendars ; but the present Brigid cannot be
identified among them.
55 The narrative continues : viz., Bail neach
more in Musgry Mitain, after getting a
banner there, and Nathi and Brogan they
offered their church to Bairri, namely,
Bairneachmoie, and Bairri left with them a
chalice for lay Communion, and four Books
of the Gospels. Lughadh, son of Findtan,
who desired him to go to the country of
Cliach, it was he the same who got control
of a community at Cam Tighearna, in the
country of Fer Muigh Feine, or Fermoy, he
offered his church to Bairri, and Lughadh
took from Bairri a chalice of white metal for
lay Communion. Baetan, son of Eoghan,
who got Glen Cain in the country of Lein-
ster Ely, and Mo Diomog, were disciples of
Bairri, and both were bishops, the two
offered their churches to Bairri in pure
fidelity, namely, Glen Cain Druimeidhneach
in the country of Leinster Ely. Saran got
it, and he offered his church to Bairri, and
he got from Bairri a copper lay chalice for
the Sacrament. Goban Corr, who took
Fan Lobus, offered his church to Bairri,
and Bairri gave him a lay chalice of silver
and an altar chalice of gold. Findtan and
Domhangein, likewise, who took Cluain
Fotai and Tulach Meen, offered their
churches to Bairri, and Bairri gave them a
lay chalice and an altar chalice of glass.
There Barri performed miracles, namely,
the healing of a son who was deaf and
dumb, as also the healing of lepers. In
fine, we learn, that Brogan, son of Senan,
a foster-son to Bairee, acted as guide for
him daily until his ordination, and lastly
offered his church of Cluain Cairne in per-
petual fidelity to Bairre. Chap. x.
s* We are informed, that after the Refor-
mation, certain enemies of the Catholic Faith
threw crosses of St. Finbar's stations into
the lake. In the year 1700, Father Denis
O'Mahony took up his residence on the
Island, where he fitted up a chapel, and
there led a very mortified life. It is said he
built the causeway leading to the spot,
and that he planted the trees which
are now on the Island. There he
lived for twenty-eight years, and erected
his tomb on the southern mainland in an
arched recess like those in the enclo-
sure and facing the island. He wrote his
own epitaph : " Hoc sibi et successoribus
suis in eadem locatione monumentum
imposuit Reverendus Dominus Doctor
Dyonisius O'Mahony Presbyter licet indig-
nus, a.d. 1700." The letters having been
effaced by time, the Very Rev. Patrick
Hurley — appointed P.P. in the year 1888 —
had a new stone placed over the former one,
and the inscription was renewed ; with the
addition : " Obiit anno 1728. a;tatis sute
anno 8 50. Praesbyteratus 540. R.I. P."
57 It may be well to state, that the Very
Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P., succeeded in
getting a lease for 999 years of the Island,
and at a nominal rent, from the landlord,
the late Mr. Townsend, with a view of
having the Carthusian monks to found a
branch of their Order at the spot, as in the
year 187 1 the Rt. Rev. Dr. Delaney visited
the Grand Chartreuse, and obtained a pro-
mise from the Abbot, that a colony should
be sent to his diocese. However, on
coming to Gougane Barra, the site was
objected to by the monks, who afterwards
settled down in Sussex, England, at Park-
minster, where at present they have a
magnificent establishment. The Rev.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
S63
reasons may happen to prevent their attendance, the people assemble at
Gougane Barra and offer the prayers prescribed on its Holy Island.
We are told an Angel conducted Bairre to his own country, where the
Church of Achaidh Durbchon s8 was built. There was a cavern known as
Barry's Cave, and there was a pool of water, out of which a salmon was taken
every night in a one-meshed net for him. However, the Angel told him, that
was not to be the place of his resurrection. Accordingly he crossed the river
and '.vent to Cill na Cluaine — said to have been the present Cloyne,5* in the
County of Cork. Here St. Colman founded a see so early as a.d. 580, and
he died on the 24th of November,60 a.d. 604.61 It is stated, also, that
St. Finbar visited the cell of Cluain,62 and that he founded a church in the
place. However, quite a different locality has been assigned for Cill na
Cluain, 63 We are told, that Finbarr remained at Cluain, until two of St.
Ruadan's6* alumni came to him, seeking a place where they might dwell.
These are respectively named Corbmac 6s and Bachin.66 St. Ruadhan said
to them, " Go, with a blessing, to the place where its tongue shall touch your
bell, and where the cause of religion shall be in your good books, it is there
your resurrection shall be." Afterwards they travelled to Ciil na Cluaine,
where they found Bairre, to whom they related the object they had in view.
Then St. Barr left them his habitation, with all he possessed there, saying :
" Remain you here, and I will go to seek another dwelling, because myresur-
Father Hurley deserves the greatest credit,
for the expense and labour he has under-
taken to restore and preserve the ancient
remains on the Holy Island. He has
erected, likewise, a cenotaph for J. J.
Callanan, who wrote the beautiful lines
on Gougane Barra, with an inscription on
the cross, that he was born in Cork, 1795,
and that he died in Lisbon, where he was
buried in 1823, with a harp and pen
sculptured as emblems. The cross is pro-
tected by an ash and a willow, not far from
Father O'Mahony's tomb.
5* According to some accounts, this place
was identical with Gougane Barra, In an
ancient Irish Litany, it is stated, that as
many saints as there are leaves on the trees
repose at " Loch Irce in finibus Muscragiae
et nepotum Eochodii Cruodhae," &c. See
Ward's " Vita Sancti Rumoldi, Martyris
inclyti," &c, Dissertatio Historica dePatria
S. Rumoldi, sect. 10, par. 24 p. 204.
59 The parish of Cloyne, in the barony of
Imokilly, is noted on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork,"
Sheets 76, 77, 88, 89, 100. The town of
Cloyne is found on Sheet 88.
60 At that date his Acts are contained in
the Eleventh Volume of this work.
61 See Rev. M. A. Brenan's " Ecclesias-
tical History of Ireland," sixth century,
chap, ii., p. 77.
62 " Ad cellam Cluain," is to be found in
the Codex Kilkenniensis Life.
63 The Rev. T. Olden, has the following
note, under the heading of The Cloyne in St.
Fin Barre's Life : "All the places called
Cloyne have an addition to identify them ;
thus Cloyne in County Cork is Cluain uamha,
or ' Cloyne of the Cave ' ; another is Cluain
mac nois (Clonmacnoisj ; another Cluain
Tibret (Clontibret), and so on. But the
chroniclers of those places in describing
their own churches seldom use the addition,
simply referring to them as Cloyne. In the
present instance that the place meant cannot
be Cloyne in County Cork appears from
Colgan's note (p. 15 in Dr. Caulfield's
edition of the Life), from which it appears
that it was between the Galtees (Slieve Grot)
and the Slieve Margy hills in the Queen's
County. The Cloyne there was Cluain-
eidnech (Clonenagh), afterwards the
monastery of St. Finbarr. That this must
be the case appears also from the Irish Life
(p. 68 of Staunton's Translation, chap, xii.),
where we read that St. Fin Barre came over
the river (or the Avon, as the word is, for it
may be intended for the name of the Black-
water, which is the Avon-mor) to Cloyne.
The way to Cloyne in Cork would be down the
river Lee, but if he, when leaving Gougane
Barra, went across a river it must have been
the Blackwater, which he should cross to
reach the Galtees " — Rev. Andrew C. Robin-
son's "St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork,
Historical and descriptive," Appendix A.,
p. 80.
64The Life of St. Ruadan has been
already given at the 15th of April— the day
for his feast — in the Fourth Volume of this
work, Art. i.
6s There are several saints so named in the
Irish Calendar, but the present Corbmac
cannot be identified.
66 There are several saints called Becan or
Beccan in the Irish Calendar, but the present
Bachin has not been identified.
564 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
rection shall not be here." The strangers felt sorrowful, as they did not
expect such a sacrifice to be made by our saint as to abandon his church and
habitation, until assured by him that such was the will of God.6? According
to some accounts, St. Barr sat for seventeen years,68 and according to others
for seven years,6? at Cloyne, which is distant from Cork, about fifteen miles. 7°
We are told, that the Angel of God came to conduct our saint, with his
disciples, from the aforesaid locality to Corchaid,?1 otherwise called Corcagh-
Mor.?a This was a marshy spot, near the mouth of the River Lee. Afterwards,
it became his own City of Cork.73 There, the angel told him, should be the
place of his resurrection. Before coming to Cork, however, it is related, that
he had constructed twelve churches ; and yet through his spirit of charity and
humility, he bestowed all of these on other persons.?4 A certain plebeian,
named Aed,?s son of Congall,?6 of Uibh Mc Iar,77 came where the man of
God and his disciples resided. This plebeian was in quest of a cow, which had
strayed from his herd. It so happened, that this cow had brought forth a
calf, at the time she was found. This was a matter of surprise to Aed, who
asked the holy men what they were doing there. St. Barry answered, " We
are here seeking a locality, in which we may pray to God for ourselves and
for him, and who would give it to us for God's honour." This very land
having belonged to the man, who came to seek his cow, he felt inspired to
address St. Barr in the following words : " O Saint of God, I offer this place
to you in God's honour, and take also that cow, which the Lord has sent to
you." The man and his posterity then received our saint's blessing.
Rejoicing, he returned home. St. Barrus fasted and prayed incessantly for
three whole days,?8 thus wishing to sanctify the spot he had selected for his
habitation. There he afterwards dwelt, and filled the first episcopal see.?9
It is related, that Hugh, son of Miandach, came and offered the saint
nine wooded tracts of open country, with his own service and that of his
children, and Hugh, the son of Comgall, came also to offer himself and
children in perpetuity for his service. However, his Guardian Angel again
visited Bairre, and asked if he desired thereto remain, when the saint replied
if it pleased God it was his wish. Then said the Angel : u If you stay here,
few pure souls shall pass from it to Heaven. But move aside rather to the
67 The Codex Kilkenniensis Life of St. and even that shortened to one syllable in
Fin Bar re and the Bodleian have respectively the present name of Cork." — Dr. P. W.
inversions of the narrative; this renders it Joyce's "Origin and History of Irish Names
the more difficult to attempt a chronological of Places," part iv., chap, vi., p. 446.
order for those incidents recorded in both 73 It is universally called Corcach by those
versions. who speak Irish ; and the memory of the
68 The Codex Kilkenniensis, however, has old swamp is still preserved in a portion of
it, " Spatium enim 17 annorum erat a the city, and at present called the Marsh,
tempore quo beatus Barrus ecclesiam Corcae See ibid.
aedificavit usque ad obitum suum." — "The 74 According to the Burgundian Manu-
Life of St Fin Barre," by Richard Caulfield, script Life of St. Bairre, chap. xii.
p- SI. 75 Other accounts have it, that he was a
69 See Sir James Ware, " De Praesulibus chief or nobleman.
Hiberniae Commentarius," p. 206. 7<s " De nepotibus in hyer" is added, in
70 See Father Francis Porter's "Compen- the Codex Kilkenniensis. In seeming allu-
dium Annalium Ecclesiasticorum Regni sion to this incident, Hanmer calls him,
Hiberniae." Sectiov., cap. vii., p. 197. "one Edo, a noble man."— "Chronicle of
71 Thus is the name spelled in various Ireland," p. 108.
old documents. 77 According to the Bruxelles Manuscript
72 " The swampy place was known for Life of Fin Bairre, chap. xiii.
many hundred years afterwards by the name 78The Bodleian copy states: "Tunc
of Corcach-mor or Corcach-mor-Mumhan sanctus Barri triduo jejunans, oravit ad
[Mooan], the great marsh of Munster ; of Dominum, ut suum locum benedicere dig-
which only the first part has been retained, naretur."
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 565
waters which are near, with a sufficiency of fertile land, and with the Lord's
recommendation it shall be your abode, and many pure lives and learned
men shall go from it to Heaven." Accordingly the Angel conducted him to
the place destined for his resurrection, and marked out the site for a church
with a blessing.
We are told, that Bairre erected a monastery and school80 near Loch Erie,
on the south bank of the Lee, having obtained that site from a nobleman
named PM0.81 According to a local tradition, the Queen's College now
stands on part of that ground,83 and it is said83 that the former Gill Abbey
which was there had been the oldest ecclesiastical foundation in Cork.
However, it is not correct to quote Colgan for the statement, that eight
hundred monks were in Barr's monastery at Loch Eirce ; as he only gives an
extract from an old Life of St. Barr, which tells us, that so great was the
number of disciples that flocked to his school, and such was the number of
their cells, that they turned the desert place into a considerable city.8* In the
very old book, which contains the Martyrology of Tamlacht, and the History
of the Female Saints, it is said there were seventeen holy bishops and seven
hundred prosperous monks, together with Bairre and St. Nessan, at Corcach-
Mor of Munster.8* We find it stated, in the same book, that Bairre, bishop
of Minister and of Connacht, bore a likeness, in habits and in life, to
Augustin, bishop of the Saxons.86 There can hardly be a doubt of some
exaggeration, regarding the number of St. Barr's disciples; but we are
informed,8? that among them was Fachtna, who took Kill Ria,88 Eltin,80 son
of Cobhthach, who took Cill na h-Indse,°° Fergus the Fairspoken,01 who took
Findabair of the Kings, Conner,02 son of Fontcheren, who took Tulaigh
Ratha,°3 Bishop Libheadhan,0* who took Cill Ia,°s Bishop of Sinnel,00 who
took Cluain Bruiches,0? Fingen08 and Trean,00 who took Donoughmore ,<x>
79 See Archdeacon Cotton's " Fasti Eccle- be found at that date in the Sixth Volume
six Hibernicse," vol. i., p. 215. of this work ; the other Eltin of Chennsaile,
80 See a Paper on the "Permanent In- venerated at the nth of December,
fluence of the Religious Orders," by the 9° This place has not been identified.
Rev. James A. Dwyer, O.P., in the "Jour- 9I There are several Saints called Fergus,
nal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Ferghus or Ferghass in the Irish Calendar,
Society," vol. iii., second series, No. 31-33, but none of them distinguished as Fergus
July-September, 1897, p. 292. the Fairspoken, or in connexion with Fin-
81 According to some historians, this foun- dabhair of the Kings,
dation was made in 606. 92 No saint bearing this name appears in
82 See Gibson's "History of the County the Irish Calendars, unless Conodhar, abbot
and City of Cork," vol. ii., p. 362. of Fobhar, venerated November 3rd, be a
83 See ibid., p. 344. substitute for it.
84 See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae,'' xiv. 93 Tulaigh Ratha has not been identified ;
Martii. De S. Talmacho Confessore, p. 607. although among the townland denominations
8SThus we find it stated from an old Irish of Ireland, Tulla, Tullo, Tullach and Tully
Litany : M Deinde invocat septemdecim are most numerous, singly, and as compound
Episcopos, cum septingentis servis Dei, terms.
Corcagiae Magna sepultos circa Barraeum et *4 No such name appears in the Irish
Nessanum,"&c. — Ward's " Sancti Rumoldi Calendar.
Martyris inclyti," &c. Dissertatio Historica 9S This place has not been identified,
de Patria S. Rumoldi, sect. 10, par. 24, ^Sineall and Sincheall are mentioned
p. 204. often in the Irish Calendar ; but among
86 His festival is celebrated May 26th. them the present Sinnell cannot be dis-
8? In the Burgundian Manuscript Life of covered.
St. Bairre, chap, xviii. 97 This place has not been identified.
88 He seems to have been identical with 98 There is a Finghin, son of Odhran,
Fachtna Ria, already mentioned as one of venerated at the 5th of February in the Irish
Bairre's disciples at Gougane Barra. Calendar.
89 There are two Eltins in the Irish Calen- 99 No saint bearing this name is found in
dar : one Eltine in Senchua, venerated at the Irish Calendar.
the nth of June, where notices of him may ,89 Among the Irish townland denomina-
566
LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
Mitain,101 Mucholmoc,102 son of Gurlin, who took Ross Ailithir,IQ3 and
Fachtna,10* son of Mongach, besides Colman,I05 Bishop, who took Ceann
Eich,106 Muadhan.10? and Carbry,108 Bishop, who took Aill Nuaiten.,09 All
of these are said to have presented their churches to God and to Bairre.110
In another account,111 we find added to his disciples at Cork the names of
Mocholmog-Cainich, Silenus, Segenus and Liber Bishop.112 It is related,
moreover, that our saint built his monastery about the year 606, at Cork, "3
and this date appears to agree pretty well with the most probable accounts
of the time when he became distinguished. "*
tions, Donaghmore frequently occurs, but
no one of them seems pointing to the locality
mentioned in the text.
101 Most probably Muscraige Mitain, now
the barony of Muskerry, in the County of
Cork, is meant, and if so, Donoughmore
must be sought for within it.
,0"On the Irish Calendar, I only find the
single Mocholmog, of Druim-Mor, bishop,
venerated at June 7th.
103 Now Ross, in the County of Cork, and
the head of a diocese.
,0*The Rev. Dr. Lanigan says, that
Fachtna flourished, probably before A. D. 570,
and that he could not have been a disciple of
St. Barr. See " Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xii., sect, iv., p. 193,
and nn. 42, 43, 44, 45, as also, chap, xiv.,
sect, iv., n. 63, p. 317, ibid.
,os On the numerous list of Saints named
Colman, in ihe Irish Calendar, and many of
these styled bishops, we do not rind one
connected with Ceann Eich. However, we
may suppose this Colman to have been the
son of Lenin: " Colmanus Lenini filius et
Colmanus Chain, (alias Mocholonog filius
Gillun et Mocholmog Cainnich dicti) dis-
cipuli S. Barri episcopi Corcagiensis ; prior
praesertim ; de quo, in S. Brendani filii
Findloga? vita, legimus : ' Erat hie Col-
manus filius Lenini vita atque doctrina
inter sanctos praecipuus.' " — Archbishop
Ussher's Works, vol. vi. " Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 535.
His feast is held on the 24th of November.
10i It has not been identified.
,0? We find only two bishops named
Muadan in the Irish Calendar : one of these
venerated on the 6th of March at Carn-
furbaidhe ; the other in Aireagal-Mhuaidain,
at the 30th of August.
,o8 Among the four bishops named Cairpre,
in the Irish Calendar, the present Carbry is
not noticed.
,0» The place is not known. See the fore-
going list in Archbishop Ussher's Works,
vol. vi. " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An-
tiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 544.
1,0 According to the Bruxelles Manuscript
Life of St. Fin Barre, chap, xviii. Although
materially agreeing in substance, the texts of
the Codex Kilkenniensis Manuscript Life of
our Saint is quite a different version from
that in the Bodleian Codex ; while the
Trinity College Manuscript has several read-
ings different from the Codex Kilkenniensis
Life.
111 That in the Codex Kilkenniensis Manu-
script of St. Fin Bairre's Life. The follow-
ing extract, with the introduction of the
figures, which indicate variations of reading
as found in the Trinity College Codex, have
been introduced by Mr. Richard Caulfield
to illustrate his version. See " Life of Saint
Fin Bane," pp. 17, 18.
1,2 The Codex Kilkenniensis states: "In
illo autem loco Sanctus Barrus usque ad
obitum suum mansit, et ibi in honore ejus
maxima civitas crevit, quae eodem nomine
vocatur, i.e. Corcach. Et mnlti sancti
fuerunt ibi discipuli ejus, de quibus hiis
nominibus aliqui nominantur, Factna, filius
Mongich,1 et Mocolmoc filius 2Gilliani et
3Mocholmoc, 4Caunch, et Fachtnanus, et
Fergus, et sConaire et Sibunus, Segenus, et
Trianus, et Liber episcopus et alii multi.
Ipsi propter sanctitatem suam adducti sunt
in aliis loci>, et sua loca et seipsos suo sancto
magistro Bano obtulerunt. Et loca eorum
usque hodie successoiibus sancti Barri ser-
viunt." The Trinity College Codex has the
following variations from the foregoing text :
'Monggich, 2Gillem, 3 Mocholmog, 4Caum-
eich, s Conair. All of these foregoing Saints
are not named in the Codex Bodleiensis
copy. — Ibid., p. 20. Among the foregoing,
Mr. Caulfield has Mocholmog or Colman
Cham rendered "Colman the crooktd,"
perhaps Colman de Caem-Achaidh, vene-
rated at the 31st of March, and he adds,
that Segenus is said to have been Abbot of
Hy, and to have built a church at Rechrann
in Dalriada, in Ultonia. If this be so, he is
venerated on the 12th of August. At those
respective dates notices of them are to be
found respectively in the Third Volume of
this work, Art. iii., and in the Eighth
Volume, Art. iv.
"3See Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni-
cum," p. 62, and note (c), 16, where he cites
for authority Conry's MS.
"*" If we suppose, as is highly probable,
that when founding it he was a bishop, and
add the 17 years of his incumbency, his
death may be assigned to 623." — Rev. Dr.
Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
September 25.] LIVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS. 567
In the ancient acts of Senan, Abbot of Iniscathy, it is said that during the
life of this saint, Barr presided over a community of monks at Cork.115 But,
as St. Senan died a.d. 544, Papebroke considers this prefecture to have been
placed at too early a date ;Il6for he supposes, St. Barr had not then exceeded
the period of early youth, even if it be allowed he was born.11? However,
it is reasonably allowed, that St. Barr flourished in the latter part of the sixth
and beginning of the seventh century."8 While St. Senanus was at Innis-
carra, near Lua, fifty Roman monks came to him. These he divided into
five bands or companies. Ten of those monks he is said to have given to
Barreus.11? On account of their sanctity, the disciples of St. Bairre went to
other places, which with themselves were offered to their own holy master.
At the time the Life of our Saint, as contained in the Codex Kilkenniensis,
had been written, these places were subject to St. Barr's successors. This
writer's meaning must have been, that those new monasteries were or had
been subject to the Cork establishment j but, with regard to all of them being
subordinate to the latter, we require better authority. Being probably a
member of Cork monastery, the writer in question may have been willing
to adopt rather hasty and unjustifiable conclusions."0
Our saint is generally supposed to have become distinguished, about the
commencement of the seventh century, when he was raised to the
episcopacy.121 This is the more probable, if we allow him to have been
acquainted with St. David of Menevia in Wales, and a contemporary with
St. Maidoc of Ferns.122 UssherI23 and Harris12* state, that he was bishop in
the commencement of the seventh century, and that he flourished about the
year 630. Smith argues, that if St. Nessan, his disciple, died in the year 551,
as the Four Masters allege,125 our saint must have lived almost a hundred
years earlier than Sir James Ware allows.126 However, Smith must have been
dreaming of St. Nessan, patron of Mungret,12? near Limerick, who was not
identical with St. Nessan of Cork. We are told, that with the aid of many
good men, St. Finnbarr built the old Church of Cork,128 to which he annexed
land," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect, iv., n. 68, I21 See Father Francis Porter's " Com-
p. 318. pendium Annalium Ecclesiasticorum Regni
1,5 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," Hibernize," sectio v., cap. vii., p. 197.
tomus i., Martii viii. De Sancto Senano I22 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
Episcopo et Abbate in Hibernia. Secunda History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect.
Vita ex MSS. Hibernicis, cap. hi., sect. 21, iv., pp. 313, 314, Although Ware is silent,
p. 772. as to the time when our saint became bishop
116 Archdeacon Henry Cotton places the of Cork, his editor Harris has inserted in the
episcopate of St. Barr over Cork, a.d. 606 text ot his author " the beginning of the
to 623. See " Fasti Ecclesise Hibernicae," seventh century." — See vol. i., " Bishops of
vol. i., p. 215. Cork," p. 556.
"7 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., "3 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
Septembris xxv. Vita S. Barri, sect, ii., Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 503, and
n. 22, p. 145. Index Chronologicus ad ANN. dcxxx., p.
1,8 See the Rev. Thomas Olden's article 53f.
on Finn Barr in Leslie Stephen's "Die- ,24 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., " Bishops of
tionary of National Biography," vol. xix., Cork," p. 556.
pp. 35, 36. "5 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
119 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Four Masters," vol. i., and n. (f), pp. 188,
niae," Martii viii. Supplementum Vitae S. 189.
Senani, cap. xx., p. 533 (rede 529). ,26 See " Ancient and Present State of the
,2e " Some of the monasteries ascribed to County and City of Cork," vol. i., book ii.,
the so-called disciples of Barr might have chap, ix., p. 362.
been colonies from that of Cork, established 12? His feast occurs on the 25th of July, at
from time to time at various periods after which date, notices of him may be found in
his (Barr's) death."— Rev. Dr. Lanigan's the Seventh Volume of the present work,
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii., Art. ii.
chap, xiv., sect, iv., n. 69, pp. 318, 319. 128In his account of Irish localities,
568
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
a " faire " Church -yard. "9 There he gathered around him a numerous
company of monks, who according to primitive usage lived in separate cells.
He also established a school, which obtained great distinction in his time.
Nor are we to take the statement, as quite exact, that St. Barr erected a
special cathedral at Cork ; for, it is probable, such a church differed not from
his monastic one. There can be little question about his having been
consecrated bishop, as many other abbots were ; but, for a long time after his
death, we obtain only very uncertain and imperfect accounts concerning the
Cork bishops, who were his successors. The school of St. Barr or of his
monastery is only particularly alluded to in the tract called his Life. It is
Old Cathedral of Cork.
little spoken of in our more ancient documents.130 It seems probable that
the early cathedral of Cork was of very moderate size, and of primitive
construction ; as during the middle ages and down to the last century, the
church which served that purpose was one of very humble architectural
pretensions. It passed into Protestant possession, and was used for their
worship until i725,'3I when it fell into decay and was then taken down, in
order to be rebuilt. An ancient round tower formerly stood in the church-
yard, a little detached Jrom the cathedral. The new church was erected on
William Allingham says : " Here on a
hillock, Bairre, alias Finn Bairre, ' the fair
Barry ' — probably from his complexion —
founded his little church in the seventh
century."
129 See Dr. Hanmer, who adds to the
foregoing account, "wherein now standeth
a watch Tower builded by the Danes. ' —
"Chronicle of Ireland," pp. 108, 109. The
Doctor then introduces a Legend, in which
very amusingly he displays peculiar preju-
dices, against Priests and their Theology, in
his own quaint terms.
• ,3° See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv.,
sect, iv., and n. 63, pp. 314 to 317.
131 It is represented in the accompanying
illustration, copied from that contained in
the "Journal of the Cork Historical and
Archaeological Society," voi. i., p. 97, by
Gregor Grey, and by him drawn and
engraved on the wood.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 569
the site of the former one, and finished in 1735, when it was opened for
religious service.^2
According to the legend given in one of our Saint's Lives, St. Bairre went
from Cork to Rome in company with Eolang, Maedhog of Ferns, David of
Cill Muine, and twelve monks, so that he might take the grade of bishop.^
Gregory, who was successor to Peter at that time, raised his hand over the
head of our saint to confer consecration, when a flame came on it from
Heaven while he was reciting the words of the ritual. Then Gregory said :
" Go to your house, and the Lord himself will read the gradation of Bishop
for you." This prophecy was fulfilled, when Bairre returned to his own
church. Again it is related, that some time after our Saint settled at Corcaid.
St. Maccuirp,134 the master of Barrus, returned from Rome, and was received
with honour on his arrival. He related to the saint all things that St. Gregory
told him when at Rome. These incidents being heard of, several other saints
came from various churches. On a day appointed, they all entered into a
church and prayed, expecting the accomplishment of a Divine mystery.
While prpying, the Angels of God descended and appeared to them. The
Angels raised St. Barr and St. Maccuirp aloft with them, and consecrated
them as Bishops. Then letting them down near the altar, the manner of
their episcopal consecration was manifested. Accompanying such a mira-
culous occurrence, we are told, that oil broke forth from the earth near the altar,
until it came over the shoes of those there standing. Then, all gave thanks
to God for such miraculous events, and glorified those Saints, whom the
Angels had thus consecrated. x35 On that very day, St. Barr and St.
Maccuirp, as Bishops, with other clerics, marked out the cemetery of St.
Barr's Church, which is called Corchadh. They afterwards consecrated it.
This they also promised in the Lord's name, that after the Day of Judgment,
hell should not close on any person, who should have been interred in it.
When the burial-ground attached to Cork Cathedral had been consecrated,
the holy bishop Maccuirp requested that his body should be the first laid in
that cemetery. His prayer was heard ; for immediately he was seized with
illness. Having happily died, he was the first to be honourably interred
within the Cemetery at Corchaige, by the venerable Bishop Barrus and other
holy clergymen. The deceased Bishop Maccuirp was a very saintly man,
and possessed of much wisdom.^6 If we are to admit, that Mac-corb, the
preceptor of our Saint, had heard the instructions of Pope Gregory the Great,
Barr must have been too young to have been consecrated bishop, about the year
600. Nor did St. Barr obtain distinction, it is supposed, until several lateryears
had elapsed.^ We may regard the account of Cork having grown into a large city,
as true only at a time long subsequent to our saint's death. Probably a village
sprung up around Barr's monastery, situated in a part of the present city,
and that it gradually grew into a large town before the arrival of the Danes.
133 See Dr. Charles Smith's "Ancient the Office of our saint, to which allusion has
and Present State of the County and City been made by the Bollandists. By them we
of Cork,'' vol. i., book ii., chap, ix., p. are told, regarding St. Barr, "ad preces
372« Ealongi elevatur in aera," ic.
133 The Rev. Thomas Olden remarks : I36 So also says Hanmer, speaking of this
" Barra's travels are scarcely referred to in interment at Cork, but giving a different
his ' Life.' " — Leslie Stephen's " Dictionary name : " Torpereus, Bishop of Cloan, his
of National Biography," vol. xix., p. 36. (Barr's) school-master, was the first man that
134 In the Coaex Kilkenniensis, this name was buried in that church-yard." — " Chro-
is spelled Meccuirp, and in the Bodleian nicle of Ireland," p. 109.
copy Maccuyribius. x3? See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesias-
135 Some reference to these miraculous tical History ol Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv.,
occurrences appears to have been found in sect, iv., p. 314.
57© LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September sj.
These foreigners are said to have been founders of Cork, according to
received tradition. x38 This statement has been questioned,'-^ however, and
the account we find in the Irish Annals of abbots presiding there, long
before the arrival of the invading Danes, proves sufficiently that it had been a
town of importance, which grew around the monastic school established, even
so early as the seventh century.
CHAPTER III.
PERIOD OF ST. FINBARK'S SOJOURN AT CORK — DEATH OF HIS MASTER, BISHOP MACCUIRP,
AND HIS BURIAL THERE— FINBARR's SELECTION OF A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR— HE
VISITS I- 1 AM A AT DESERTMORE TO OBTAIN RELICS — FINBARR's VISIT TO CLOYNE,
WHERE HIS DEATH TAKES PLACE—HIS INTERMENT AT CORK— ECCLESIASTICAL
TRADITIONS OF THE SEE— CALENDAR CELEBRATIONS OF ST. FINBARR's FEAST —
M KMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
A period of four years,1 is said to have elapsed, from the time our saint erected
the church of Corcach, until his death. In that place, St. Barry remained,
but for what period is not exactly known, our ecclesiastical historians being
divided in opinion on the subject.2 After the death of his master, Bishop
Maccuirp, St. Barr had some hesitation as to the selection of his father
confessor. He therefore thought of going to the holy senior, Eoling,3 that
he might have him as his spiritual director, or to ask him if this were
not possible, what other person could be recommended. It was supposed,
by those well informed, this holy Senior, Eoling,* had baptised our Saint.
Inspired with a prophetic spirit, Eoling had a presentiment, that St. Barry
would visit him. He thus announced the matter to his monastic family :
" This day a holy guest, with his companions, will come to us : therefore,
prepare a bath and refreshments for their arrival." Soon, the man of Cod
was received with honour. On saluting the guests, St. Eoling's attendant
said : * The holy Senior, our Master, is very much rejoiced at your arrival.
Let your shoes be taken off, that your feet may be washed with water, and
afterwards bathe." St. Barr said, that it would be more pleasing to salute
the senior, than to bathe. When the attendant related these words to Eoling,
he thus replied : " Tell St. Barr to allow his feet to be washed, and let him
accept our hospitality for this night, that on to-morrow he may proceed to his
own cell. There I will salute him ; for, on the seventh day, I must go to
•3s See the local historian, Smith's " An- saint's Life the name is found written Colin-
cient and Present State of the County and gus or Coling. In the Bodleian copy it is
City of Cork," vol. i., book ii., chap, ix., pp. written Eolyngus.
362, 363, 364. Also Rev. Dr. Lanigan's * Eoling is thought to have been the same
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii., as St. Olan, patron of Aghabulloge, a parish
chap, xiv., sect, iv., and n. 62, pp. 314, 316. in the diocese of Cloyne. In the vicinity of
'» The Rev. C. B. Gibson, in his " His- the church are many remains of olden times,
tory of the County and City of Cork," such as pillars, circles, oghams, rock-basins
indignantly rejects Smith's " received opi- and raths. In the church-yard is Olan's
nion ;" but he says, that the Danes may stone — a fine ogham 6 feet 6 inches in
have built the walls of Cork, when they first height— and cap, a circular concave
quietly possessed this city in 1172. Pre- stone, about which there are many tradi-
viously, they are only recorded in ancient tions. A very fine stone, 12 feet 6 inches
annals, as having burnt or plundered it. in height, with an ogham inscription, was
See, vol. ii.,chap. xiii., p. 306. for many years used as a bridge across a
Chapter hi.—' The MS. Codex Kil- narrow part of the river Dallaheena, which
kenniensis has it, " iv.annoium erat," &c. runs near. This stone was removed and
'See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti placed upright in its original position near
Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i., Diocese of St. Olan's well, by Mr. Windale, in August,
Cork, p. 215. 1851. See Mr. Richard Caulfield's "Life
In the Codex Kilkenniensis copy of our of St. Fin Barre," n. (a), p. 19.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 571
him, and then we shall both salute each other, for this is pleasing to God.
Such a great man should not undergo so much labour on my account ; and
therefore, I will not see him, until I have had some labour for his sake." So
it happened, as he required ; for St. Barr returned the day following.
Seven days having elapsed, Eoling went to visit him. As the visitor entered
the church of Corchagia, he was honourably received by its venerable Bishop
Barms. The Senior immediately fell down before the bishop's feet, saying,
" Promise to accept from me, whatsoever I shall give you." When Barrus had
promised compliance with that request, the holy Senior said : u Behold, I offer
for ever, my body, my soul and my place, to God and to you." Our saint then
wept, and declared, that he desired to make precisely the like offering to Eolang.
The holy Senior replied : " This shall not be so ; for you are dearer to and
greater with God than I am. But I demand a remuneration for my offering
from you, namely, that we should expect resurrection in the same place."5
St. Barrus replied : " That shall be granted you ; but you have not yet solved
my enquiry regarding your being my father confessor, for which purpose I
have come to you." St. Eoling said to him: "You will have the true
confessor and friend of your soul, who is Christ ; he will now take your hand
out of my hand, and hear your most pure confession." We are told, that a
great multitude of Archangels and Angels being then present, and a choir of
faithful and holy men standing around, Christ our Lord took the hand of the
most blessed pontiff, Barrus, from the hand of the holy senior Eoling.
Having heard Barr's religious confession, our Lord dismissed him. The
preceding occurrence took place," it is said, at the cross of Coling,6 and from
such day until the death of St. Barrus, on account of its excessive brightness,
his hand could not be looked upon by men, as a glove was always placed
about it.
Before he had been called away from life, the holy Bishop prayed for an
increase of saintly relics for his grave-yard. Then came his Angel who said :
44 Go up to the country of Criomthann, for there are relics of Bishops." On
the morrow, he went to Desertmore, where he met Fiama, son of Eogan, and
a synod was there engaged burying relics which he desired to obtain. He
asked what they had been doing, when Fiama replied ; ,l An Angel of the
Lord spoke to me last night, and told me to come for those relics, and so I
brought them away from where they had been." Bairre then said, that very
cause brought him from home, and when Fiama asked what was to be done,
received for reply, that the relics should be left with him. " That is well,"
said Fiama, M and I will announce to you its reward. Let this place and its
relics be yours from this to the Day of Judgment." " At first," replied
Bairre, " be the place good, and let there be veneration on earth for your
successors.'' Wherefore, Fiama deserved giving the body of Christ to our
saint, on the day of his death.?
When the departure of Holy Barrus was near, he told a few of his favoured
disciples that he should die in his own church. By this we are probably to
understand the one he had founded at Cloyne, as appears from the context
met with in his Lives. Knowing where he was to depart from this life, Barr
proceeded towards the cell of Cluain,8 to the holy Cormachus and
Buchenius.9 Fiama also went there to meet him. Bairre then said : " It is
5 See Dr. Hanmer's "Chronicle of Ire- 7Such is the account as given in the
land," p. 109, where Coling is called, Burgundian Manuscript Life of Fin Bairre,
" Calangus a reverend Man, then Abbot of chap. xxii.
Cloane." 8The Codex Kilkenniensis MS. has it,
6 In the Codex Kilkenniensis, it is called, "ad cellam Cluaine."
" Crux Colingi." 'The Codex Kilkenniensis MS. adds:
57*
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
time for me to be released from the prison of this body, and go to the
King of Heaven, since now I have His summons." When this amiable
champion of Christ came to the cell of Cluain, and saluted ihe monks that
lived there he was immediately seized with infirmity.10 Having received the
holy Viaticum of Christ's body and blood from Fiama," he gave up his most
happy spirit to God. There a cross in the middle of Cluain cell afterwards
stood.12 A great number of saints were around him at that time.
A multitude of men, wearing divers habits,1? having been assembled, our
saint's body was brought with due honour to his own city of Corcaid. There
it was buried. It is also related, that our saint died at Cloyne.14 Moreover,
it is stated, that on the occasion of his interment, the sun stood in the
Heavens for fifteen days.1* Thence, his body had been translated to Cork,
to be deposited in a silver shrine.16 Afterwards, his relics were raised by the
venerable Bishops, Abbots, Monks, Clergymen, Nuns, by numbers of the
common people assembled for this occasion. Miracles were wrought at the
time. With psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, these relics were placed
in their silver shrine.1? These are said to have been preserved in the
Cathedral.18 When he was in the City of Cork, the holy bishop Fursaeus10
saw a golden ladder placed at the tomb of this man of God. The Legend
states, it was intended for taking up souls, to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thither, the topmost part of that ladder appeared to reach. The exact year
of Finbar's death, not being known, it is conjecturally placed about a.d. 623. ao
The city of Cork is situated on the River Lee21 in the southern part of a
county bearing the like name, and forming part of Munster province.22 This
"Quorum memoriam superius fecimus."
Yet, we look in vain for their names, in the
previous part of this Life. Perhaps, in its
present state, it may be regarded as imper-
lect.
IO lie "received the Sacrament at the
hands of Calangus, ended his days, and was
brought to the church-yard of old Corke,
and there interred : shortly after followed
Calangus, and then Bishop Torperus the
first Bishop of Cloane, Finbarry the first
Bishop of Corke and Calangus the first
Abbot of Cloane, keep together in the dust
of the earth, waiting (or the resurrection at
the Last Day." — Hanmer's " Chronicle of
Ireland," p. 109.
" According to the Burgundian Manu
script Life of Fin Bairre, chap. xxvi.
"At a time when the Life of our saint,
as found in the Codex Kilkenniensis had
been written.
'3 Could we be sure this account had
been contemporaneous or nearly so with St.
Barr's interment, it would imply, that
different religious costumes were worn, by
our primitive monks and clergy, or perhaps
by lay confraternities.
14 According to an old Office of St.
Barrus, formerly read in the Cathedral
Church at Cork, a copy of which was in
possession of the Bollandists.
's " Sol autem illius diei spatium adeo
protelavit, quod per quindecim dies occasum
penitus refutavit. "
16 The Bollandists remark, that the fables
in this office are so monstrous that they do
not deserve attention, and the only conclu-
sion to be drawn from it was that St. Barr
had great reverence paid him in the
Cathedral and by the people of Cork. See
" Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Septembris
xxv., De S. Barro vel Finbarro Ep.
Corcagiensi in Hibernia, sect, ii., num. 15,
p. 144.
17 "In loculo argenteo," says the Codex
Kilkenniensis.
,8See Richard Caulfield's "Annals of St.
Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork," p. 4.
19 His festival is recorded at the 1 6th of
January, and at that date his Life is given,
in the First Volume of this work, Art. i.
20 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's '' Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. ii., chap, xiv.,
sect, iv., p. 315.
21 In William Camden's Description of
Ireland, he remarks, that Ptolemy having
designated this river by the name Daurona ;
Giraldus Cambrensis afterwards, changed
a letter, and it was written, Sauranus. See
" Britannia," Division, Hibernia, vulgo
Ireland. Momonia, Anglice Mounster, p. 38.
22 According to the Bollandist editor,
Suyskens, whilst the Irish of his day called
it Corcah, the English named it Corcke. He
adds : " Sedet hsec ad Sauranum seu Save-
renum fluvium, qui inde versus Meridiem
fluens, post aliquot milliaria mari Hibernico
illabitur." It is evident from this passage,
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
573
city is called Corcach by the Irish and Corcagia by the Latin writers. St.
Finbarr is usually regarded as the first founder, bishop2* and patron of the
church at Cork. That he was venerated there, and as a bishop, would
appear from the Litany attributed to St. ^Engus.2* This latter saint's death
being referred to about the year 824 ; it seems that St. Barr had been regarded
as among beatified persons, so early as the ninth century.2s The origin of
the Cathedral Church at Cork goes back to remote antiquity ; but it is thought
St. Barr there founded a Cathedral, in the beginning of the seventh
century,*6 while on the site, or near it, he also established a great seminary
of learning.^ At present, not a trace of the ancient buildings remains, and
we possess very little evidence of what formerly existed there, except in some
general outlines derived from entries in the Chapter Books. A Round
Tower28 stood near the Cathedral, and to the east of it, during the middle
ages, while the steeple was towards the west, both being apparently detached
a considerable distance from the church. 29 The old Tower was twelve feet
in circumference and more than one hundred feet in height before the middle
of the seventeenth century.*0 From historical data, confirmed by a curious
archaeological discovery, we know that a church and cemetery existed there
for the last six hundred years.*1 The former Protestant Cathedral, as we are
told, was built on the site of the early church, a few of the remains of which
had been introduced into the more modern structure.*2 This latter was
that Suyskens makes the extraordinary
geographical mistake of placing Cork on the
Severn River in England instead of on the
River Lee in Ireland.
23 See Sir James Ware's " De Prsesulibus
Hibernise Commentarius," De Episcopis
Corcagiensibus, p. 206.
24 See the Irish and Latin version of this
Litany, extracted from the Book of Leinster,
and published with an English translation in
the " Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. iii.,
No. xxxii., May, 1867, pp. 390, 391.
25 He is thus commemorated, in the Litany
of /Enguss : " Septem et decern sanctos
episcopos cum septingentis servis Dei, qui
cum B. Barrio et S. Nessano jacent Corcagise,
quorum nomina scripta sunt in ccelis, hos
omnes invoco in auxilium. " See Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xvii Martii.
De S. Nessano Prsesbytero. Corcagiensi
Patrono, p. 630.
"See Harris' Ware, vol. i., "Bishops of
Cork," p. 556.
2? The Rev. Andrew C. Robinson, M.A.,
recently wrote an interesting work on " St.
Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork." It was pub-
lished, with several fine illustrations, at
Cork, 1897. Roy« 8vo. From this we
derive many interesting particulars regarding
the saint and the ecclesiastical history of
Cork.
28 In a Map of Cork, attached to the
" Pacata Hibernia," of Sir George Carew,
there is a representation of " the watche,"
an object, which, from its plan of construc-
tion, appears to have been the Round Tower,
as a ladder is placed up against its entrance.
See chap, xix., p. 690.
29 A building near the church, and situ-
ated in an island, is called the Abbey.
30 See «' The Tour of the French Traveller,
M. de la Boullaye Le Gouz, in Ireland, a.d.
1644," p. 30.
31 With respect to the cemetery, a very
remarkable discovery was made, when laying
the foundation of the north-east pier for the
new cathedral. About this spot the limestone
substratum dipped, so that in order to come
at the solid rock, it was necessary to dig
down to the depth of about thirty feet. At
that depth, an ancient burial place presented
itself, containing human remains for about
six feet in depth, and over these was a
stratum of decayed vegetable matter mixed
with earth and small boulders — an immense
boulder lying on the adjacent rock. Imme-
diately above these objects, there was a
second burial place, about seven feet deep,
and over it another stratum of earth,
mixed with fragments of old buildings, por-
tions of decayed timber and other vegetable
debris, to a depth of about three feet. Over
all these remains was the cemetery of more'
recent times ; so that there were three dis-
tinct places of sepulture on the spot, and so
far as a minute examination of the contents
would lead, ethnological peculiarities of a
very marked type were exhibited. These
are described in further detail by Richard
Caulfield, LL.D., who was an eye-witness
of the excavations and what they revealed,
as recorded in his work, " Annals of St.
Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork." Introduction,
pp. xi. to xiii.
32 See Mr. and Mrs. Hall's " Ireland* its
Scenery, Character," <\c., vol. i., p. 19.
574
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
removed in 1865, and since then, a superb structure has replaced that
Cathedral.
Moreover, the bishops,33 comharbas34 or successors of St. Barri
are recorded as having succeeded him in every age from his own to the
present period. The monastery of St. Finbar is said to have been in or near
Cork.35 The succession of its abbots is clearly — although not consecutively —
traced in our Annals, through the seventh, 36 eighth, 37 ninth, 38 tenth, 39
eleventh/0 and twelfth centuries. To that monastery, we are informed,
Cormac, King of Desmond, appointed Canons Regular of St. Augustine, in
honour of St. John the Baptist, about the year 1134.41 His son and
successor, Diermit, enriched it with possessions about a.d. 1173. This
foundation retained its old name for many years, being called the Monastery
of St. Finnbar's Cave. The monastery founded originally by our saint is said
to have been also called Gill Abbey, from Gilla-^Eda O'Mugin,
its former abbot, and afterwards bishop of Cork, who died in
1173.43 The succession of its abbots was preserved unbroken to the
thirty-third year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, when its possessions
33 The list of Cork bishops before the
Anglo-Norman Invasion, as gleaned from
our Annals, is exceedingly meagre ; unless
we are to suppose, that many of the chief
ecclesiastical superiors there were both
bishops and abbots. The immediate suc-
cessor of St. Finbar in the See is said to hare
been his disciple, St. Nessan, whose feast
occurs at the 1st of December, but the year
of whose death is not known. At 874 is
recorded the death of Aedh Domhnal, bishop
of Corcach, who was a learned scribe. At
891 died Soerbhreathach, son of Connadh,
scribe, wise man, bishop and abbot of Cor-
cach. In 958 Cathmogh, abbot of Lismor
and bishop of Corcach, died. In 1057
Mughron Ua Mutain, successor of Bairre,
noble bishop and lector, was killed by
robbers oftheCorca-Laighdhe, after his return
from Vespers. In 1096 died Ua Cochlain, a
learned bishop and successor of Bairre. The
necrology of the foregoing, as also of those
who succeed, is taken chiefly from the date
recorded in Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of
the Four Masters," vol. i., ii.
34 At A.D. 680 is recorded the death of
Suibhne, son of Maelumha, successor of
Bairre of Corcach. At 821 died Forbhasach,
successor to Bairre of Corcach. At 835
died Dunlang, son of Cathasaigh, successor
to Bara of Corcach. In 1036 died Aenghus,
son of Cathan, abbot of Corcach. At 1085
Clereach Ua Sealbhaigh, chief successor of
Bairre, the glory and wisdom of Desmond,
completed his life in this world. In 1 106
died Mac Beathadh Ua h Ailgheanain,
successor of Bairre. In the year 11 52 died
Finn, grandson of Celechar UaCeinneidigh,
successor of Colum, son of Crimhthann [of
Tir-da-ghlas], and who had been successor
of Bairre for a time. In 11 57 died
Gillaphadraigh, son of Donnchadh Mac
Carthaigh, successor of Bairre of Corcach.
See ibid.
35 Louis Augustine Alemand thinks, that
this monastery near Cork had been first
erected by St. Barr, and, contrary to the
opinion of Sir James Ware, that it was
altogether different from that of Monasterium
Ibraccnse, which he supposes to have been
St. Ibar's foundation in Beg Eri. See
" Histoire Monastique d'Irlande," p. 54,
36 In the year 685, the death of Roisseni,
abbot of Corcach Mor is recorded.
37 In 759 died Donait, son of Tohence,
abbot of Corcach. In 767 died Sealbach,
son of Cualta, abbot of Corcach. In 787
Terog, abbot of Corcach, died. In 795 died
Connmhach, son of Donat, abbot of Corcach-
Mor.
38 In the year 812, Connmhach, son of
Donat, is said to have died ; but it seems
likely this is a second entry for the record
immediately preceding. In 833 is recorded
the death of Dunlaing, abbot of Corcach.
In 850 is entered the death of Colann, son of
Aireachtach, abbot of Corcach. In 861 we
are told, that Daniel Ua Liaithidhe, abbot
of Corcach and Lis-mor, was mortally
wounded. In 866 died Reachtabra, son of
Murchadh, abbot of Corcach Mor. In 892
died Airgetan, son of Forannan, abbot of
Corcach. At 894 is recorded the death of
Arggatan, abbot of Corcach, but he does not
seem to differ from the former, there being
a double entry.
39 In 907 is recorded the death of Flann,
son of Laegh, abbot of Corcach. In 926
died Finnachta, abbot of Corcach, head of
the rule of the most of Ireland. In 949 died
Ailcall, son of Core, abfcbt of Corcach. In
952 Aedh, son of Gairbhith, lord (recte
Abbot) of Corcach-mor and lord of Dart-
raighe, was killed.
40 In 1000 the death of Flaithemh, abbot
of Corcach, is noticed. In 1036 died
Aenghus, son of Cathan, abbot of Corcach.
41 See ArchdalPs " Monasticon Hiber-
nicum," p. 64.
42 In Sir James Ware's work, " De
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 575
were confiscated, and its venerable abbey was soon afterwards
demolished. «
A Frenchman, who visited Cork in 1644, tells us, that at a mile from Cork,
there is a well called by the English Sunday Spring, and that opposite this
to the south of the sea, are the ruins of a monastery, founded by St.
Guillabe\44 No doubt, he mistook the name Gill Abbeys for that of the
reputed founder. The Bollandist Suyskens regards this monastery, as having
been originally founded by St. Barr. Possibly, and in all probability, it was
dedicated by Gilla-^Eda O'Mugin to St. John the Baptist, having being after-
wards re-edified by King Cormac, and presented to the Canons Regular. 46
He is led to this belief, because St. Barr was abbot and bishop of Cork, and
because the monastery in question was called St. Barr's Cave.*? The city of
Corcach-mor, both churches and houses, was burned in the year 108 1.43 In
this conflagration, it seems likely the ancient cathedral of St. Barr perished,
Again, Corcach was burned in io8q.49 It is also stated, that Dermod Brien,s°
devastated Cloyne in 1089, and carried away the relics of Barre for Cill-na-
Clerich. That a cathedral church, dedicated to St. Barr, existed in Cork
city, during the twelfth century, would appear from an epistle of the Roman
Pontiff, Innocent III.,51 who filled the chair of St. Peter with such great
renown from a.d. 1198 to 1216.52 Cork became a suffragan See to Cashel,
in the County of Tipperary, in the year 1152,53 when the four Archbishops
of Armagh, Dublin, Cashel and Tuam received palls from Pope Eugene
III.5* through Cardinal John Paparo.55 In the year 1328, Walter, Bishop of
Cork, and Philip, Dean, confirmed in perpetual alms to the vicars serving
the church of St. Fin Barre and to their successors, 204 feet in breadth and
in length 200 feet of their lands and tenements near the city of Cork, for
Antiquitatibus Hiberniae," this learned rates certain lands of St. Barr, " in Uturp
writer adds : " Estque (ni fallor) monasterium . . . . et terrarn S. Barri in Ciarrigi, in
illud Ibracense a Cormaco rege extructum Ispich, &c," as perpetual possessions
de quo loquitur S. Bernardus in Vita belonging to the bishop of Cork and to his
Malachise."— Cap. xxvi., p. 196. successors, canonical ly elected. See Stephen
43 See the Rev. M. J. Brenan's Ecclesias- Baluzius, " Collectio Epistolarum," tomus
tical History of Ireland," Seventh Century, i., lib. ii., p. 352. This Epistle is dated
chap, i., p. 97. " ii. Idus Aprilis, Indictione ii., Incarna-
44 It is evident, this Frenchman had been tionis Dominicse anno MCXCix., Pontificatus
misinformed, regarding the original founder vero Domini Innocentii Papse in. anno ii."
of Gill Abbey. See Gibson's " History of All of those dates are coherent. Sir James
the County and City of Cork," vol. ii., Ware thinks, that the bishop of Cork, to
chap, xiv., p. 340. whom this epistle had been directed, was
43 "There is no portion of the building Reginald, perhaps denominated O'Selbaic.
now in existence."— Ibid. p. 344. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
46 T© this account Susy kens adds :" Plura Septembris xxv. De S. Barro vel Finbarro
de hoc sancte Prsesule non habeo, nam Ep. Corcagiensi in Hibernia, sect, i., num.
Epistolam de ceremoniis Baptismi quam 5, 6, 7, 8, pp. 142, 143.
Franciscus Porterus in Compendio Annal. 52See notices of his acts in " Encyclo-
eccles. Hiberniae ipsi dubie adscripsit, ipsius pedie Catholique," 8cc, de M. l'Abbe Glaire
non esse." See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii. et de M. le Vte, Walsh, tome xiii., pp. 94 to
Septembris xxv. De S. Barro vel Fin Barro 96.
Ep. Corcagiensi in Hibernia, sect, ii., num. S3 At this date was held the Synod of Ke'ls,
31* 32»P- H6. which forms an epoch in Irish Church
47 The cave was called "Antrum Sancti History. See Rev. Sylvester Malone's
Fion Barrie." — Gibson's " History of the " Church History of Ireland," chap, i.,
County and City of Cork," vol. ii., chap. p. 27.
xiv., p, 340. 54 He was Pope from A.D. 1145 to July
48 See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the 7th, 1853, when he died at Tivoli. See
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 916, 917. Dean Henry Hart Milman's " History of
4»See ibid., pp. 936, 937. Latin Christianity," vol. iv., book viii., chap.
50 He was son ofToirdealbhach O'Brien. vi., vii., pp. 387 to 405.
** In this epistle, he speaks concerning the S5 See Harris' Ware, vol. i., " Archbishops
Cathedral Church of St. Barr, and enume- of Cashel," p. 467.
576 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS. [September 25.
building houses and constructing other necessary matters on said land, which
is described as lying in length, between the greater church on the east and
the episcopal court on the west, and in breadth between the royal road on
the south, and the way which led to that court on the north.s6
The See of Cork had been united with that of Cloyne, by a provision of
Pope Martin V.,57 when both Sees became vacant, by the death of their respec-
tive Bishops. Before the close of 1430, Jordan, Chancellor of Limerick, was
advanced to the canonically united bishoprics; but he did not obtain the restitu-
tion of the temporalities until the 25th of September, 1431.58 Queen Elizabeth,
who had already appointed William Lyons, a native of Chester, to be Protestant
bishop of Ross, on the nth of November, 1583, gave him the Sees of Cork
and Cloyne in commendam, to be held during her pleasure. Afterwards, by
a patent, dated May 17th, 1586, the three Sees of Cork, Cloyne and Ross
were united in his favour.59 In the time of William Camden, this city was
surrounded by a circular wall, and having the river intersecting and bounding it.
Then, it was principally distinguished by one large and direct street, having
connecting bridges over the Lee. It was also a celebrated emporium of
commerce.60 The church of St. Finbar is marked on a Map of Cork,61 by a
French artist, and it was taken about a.d. 1650. This Map is found in a
collection of 116 coloured plans of the fortifications of various places in
England, France, the Netherlands and Germany.62 Both the Map, and a
photographic enlargement from it of St. Barie's church, appear in the
"Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society," with some
notices of St. Fin Barr, written by the Rev. James A. Dwyer, O.P., and
Vice-President of that society. 63
The Bollandists had promised, in an earlier part of their great work, to
institute an enquiry at the 25th day of September, as to whether one saint or
two different saints, bearing the name of Barr, should be venerated at this
date. The editor Suyskens accordingly fulfilled this promise, by pronouncing
the distinction of St. Barr, Bishop of Cork, venerable among the Irish, with
St. Barr, a bishop of Cathay, in Scotland, and reverenced among the people
of North Britain.6* However, it is now well established, that the names
represent but one and the same person.6* The present saint had been
honoured both in Ireland and Scotland.66 The festival of St. Barr, Bishop of
Cork, is usually set down at the 25th of September, in both counties. Thus,
s' This charter was given at Cork, on the 6l Headed "Plan de Corcke Ville
morrow of the Purification of the Blessed d'Irhnde."
Virgin Mary. Anno 1328, 2nd. Edward 3. 6l This is to be found in the British
See Richard Caulfield's " Annals of St. Fin Museum, and it is noted among the Addi-
Barre's Cathedral, Cork, p. 7. tional Manuscripts 1 1564, Art. 28.
57 lie was Sovereign Pontiff from 6i See an interesting Paper, on the " Per-
November nth, A.n. 1417, to the 20th of manent Influence of the Religious Orders,"
February a.d. 1431, when he died of vol. iii., No. 31-33, July-September, 1897.
apoplexy. His career is set forth in the Second Series, pp. 292, 293.
" Ili^toria Ecclesiastica Veteris Novique 6* In a certain MS. Life of our Saint, or
Testamenti," of R. P. Natalis Alexander, rather in a discourse regarding Finbarre,
tomus xviii., Saeculum xv., cap. i., Art. iii., Suyskens tells us, that he is called Macu-
pp. 399 to 406. linus. On what authority, however, this
5*See Harris' Ware, vol. i., "Bishops of is not known. See "Acta Sanctorum,"
Cork," p. 562. tomus vii., Septembris xxv. De S. Barro
s* See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti vel Finbarro Ep. Corcagiensi in Hibernia,
Ecclesiae Hibernicae," vol. i., Bishops of sect, i., num. 2, p. 142.
Cork, p. 223. 6s See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
•°See "Britannia," Division, Hibernia tish Saints," pp. 275, 276.
vulgo Ireland. Momonia, Anglice Mounster, <* See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia
p. 38. Sancta," part ii., p. 142.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
577
at the vii. of the October Kalends, we find the name of Barrind Corcaige6? in
the Manuscript Martyrology of Tamlacht in the Book of Leinster codex, and
also in the copy published by the Rev. Dr. Kelly.68 The Feilire of iEngus
commemorates with an eulogy the feast of Barre of Cork, at the 25th of
September.^ Regarding him there is a comment,?0 that he was of the seed
of Brian, son of Echaid Muidmedon, and in Achad Cille Clochair, or
Drochait in Aird Ulad on this day with Bairre. The Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gorman?1 has the festival of chaste Bairre from Corcach, at the
25th of September. In the Kalendar?2 and Martyrology73 of the Church of
the Holy Trinity, Dublin, the festival of this saint is entered at the same day.
In the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints published by O'Sullivan Beare,
we find at the same date, St. Barms. 74 In the Martyrology of Donegal, at
the day already mentioned in St. Barr's Life — which corresponds with the
25th of September — the feast of St. Bairre, Bishop and Confessor of Corcach,
in Munster, will be found. There, too, we are told, that Christ himself con-
ferred the degree of bishop upon him, as is evident from his Life. 75 In
Scotland he has commemorations in various Calendars ; the supposition being,
that he was a native of that country, and a bishop of Cathania, or Caithness.
In the Scottish Kalendar De Nova Farina, the Feast of St. Barr, Bishop, is
marked at the vii. of the October Kalends, corresponding with the 25th of
September.76 The Kalendar of the Aberdeen Breviary has the Feast of St.
Fymberri, Bishop, at the same date.?? At the 25th of September, he is com-
memorated in the Martyrology of Aberdeen,78 but here there is a distinction
between St. Finbarr, bishop of Cathinensis, Scotland, and St. Finbarr,79
67 In Irish written, bAprrttro Co^cAige.
68 There written, Barrinn Corcaighe. See
p. xxxv.
69 It is thus registered in the Leabhar
Braec copy : —
Lacleij\ eurebi
SAervAf cech jrleit) for\cr\<\it>
bol/icVi inpr» rer\cAij;
£eit bAipr*e o Cojacai^.
Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes : —
1 ' With Eusebius followers, who freed every
banquet from excess, with the festival of the
loving, the feast of Barre of Cork." —
" Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On
the Calendar of Oengus, p. cxxxix.
70 See ibid., p. cxlvii.
71 In the " Felire Hui Gormain," edited
by Dr. Whitley Stokes, the Irish lines run
thus :—
Bairre caid o Corcaig,
rium suas cusin sarthir,
uair blaithmin fri boctaib.
The following is an English translation :
"Chaste Bairre from Corcach (went)
before me up to the great country, for (he
was) smooth and gentle to the poor." To
this the commentator adds, that he was a
holy bishop and confessor, and that his
great country was Heaven. See pp. 184,
185.
73 Thus, at the vii. Kal. Octobris : u Barri
Vol. IX— No. 10.
episcopi et confessoris." — "The Book of
Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral
Church of the Holy Trinity," editedbyjohn
Clarke Crosthwaite, A.M., and Rev. Dr.
James Henthorne Todd, p. 69.
™ Thus, at the vii. Kal. Octobris : " Et in
Hibernia ; sancti episcopi et Confessoris
Barri." — Ibid., p. 161.
?4 See " Historiae Catholicse Ibernise Com-
pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi.,
P. 5i-
?sIn a note on this passage, the Rev. Dr.
Reeves observes, " The legend of St.
Bairre's miraculous consecration is given in
his Latin Life, of which there are several
copies in existence. The Life, however,
which is referred to here is that in Insh,
which is preserved amongst the Irish MSS.
at Brussels, and in the collection of the
Royal Irish Academy." — The " Martyrology
of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and
Reeves, pp. 258, 259.
76 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 75.
77 Sec ibid., p. 121.
78 The Martyrology of Aberdeen says at
vij. Kl'. Octobris : — " Sancti Fimbarri
episcopi Cathinensis qui diem ibidem clausit
extremum cuius vite temporaneia ferocem
illam gentem celestis vite pabulo refertam
Deo reddidit acceptabilem."
79 There also we read: "In Ybernia
Sancti Barri episcopi et confessoris,' —
" Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries
of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 268.
I O
578
LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25
bishop of Cork, in Ireland. In Adam King's Kalendar,8° at the 25th of
September, we find entered, " S. Bane first Bishop of Cathenesse and Confess
vnder King Malcolme ye 3." Thomas Dempster, in his Scottish Menology,
mentions the name of St. Barr, in three different places : at the 23rd of
August,81 at the 24th of September,82 and also at the day following,83 an
assumed Barrus or Fimbarrus, a bishop of Caithness, which, with his usual
inventive genius, he states to have flourished in the year 1079, under the
Scottish King Malcolm III.8* He also makes this St. Barrus the author of
certain works for which titles are found,85 but whose authentic Acts, he states,
have perished. He has another entry respecting a bishop Barr, venerated
" in Hibernia," at the 10th of September.86 Again, at the 25th of Septem-
ber,^ he has an entry from the Scottish Calendar and Breviary.88 David
Camerarius has different days for a festival of a Barrus or Finbarrus, a Bishop
and Confessor : one of these being at the 6th of June,8? and another at the
29th of September.?0 We find, that Greven, in his additions to Usuard,
makes mention of him, at the 25th of September ;Q1 as likewise Castellane, in
his General Martyrology, written in French. He tells us, more particularly,
that the saint was bishop of Cork, which was a suffragan See to that of Cashel,
in Munster.92 In the German Martyrology of Canisius — as found in both
editions, already quoted, and at the same date — there is mention regarding
the holy bishop and Confessor Barr, in Ireland. Again, in the Florarius
Manuscript Catalogue of Saints, there is a notice concerning him, with other
saints, inserted at the 25th of Septembers His festival has been assigned
to the same date by nearly all modern writers ; as for instance, by Bishop
Challoner,94 Rev. Alban Butler,95 Rev. Dr. Lanigan,96 Archdeacon Henry
80 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars ot
Scottish Saints," p. 163.
81 There we read ; " Barreae episcopi et
Confessoris." — Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars
of Scottish Saints," p. 209.
82 At this day, we read : " In Scotia Barrese
episcopi et Confessoris." — Ibid., p. 212.
83 There we read: "In Cathenes Barri,
seu Findbarri, episcopi undecumque sanctis-
simi, qui etiam Hirlandiam praedicatione
illustravit." — Ibid., p. 212.
84 Dempster says that Barrus was accept-
able to that King on account of his saintly
life " uti in ejus Vita Turgotis retulit." —
*' Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
tomus i., lib. ii., num. 135, p. 76.
8s These read : " Synodum Ecclesiae suae,
lib. i., Epistolas ad varios, lib. i., Exposi-
tionem Psalterii, lib. i. Collectionem
Canonum sacrorum, lib. i. De Baptismi
Caerimoniis Epistolam ; quam male Henri-
cus Canisius Alcuini Scoti nomine publicavit,
cum S. Barri opus esse ipsum nomen prae-
fixum in bibliotheca regia testetur, et viri
pii cura, qui pereuntem sanctissimi antistitis
memoriam restituit, hisce apicibus operum
mecum pridem communicatis." — Ibid., pp.
76, 77-
86 For this statement, he quotes Martyr-
ologium Subensi, and Catalogum Sanctorum
Hiberniae.
87 In his notes, we find that this same saint
is called Findbarnus ; but, it is more pro-
bable, Dempster wrote Findbarrus.
88 " In Cathnesia S. Barri episcopi."
89 Thus recorded: "Hoc autem die S.
Finbarrus Episcopus et Confessor."—" De
Fortitudine Scotorum," lib. iii.
90 There he has : " S. Barrus seu Finlarrus
(lege Finbarrus) Confessor et primus episco-
pus Cathanesise."
91 In this work, we read : " In Hibernia,
Barrese episcopi et Confessoris."
92 In the margin he remarks, this saint,
called Finbar, in French, is denominated
Barrius, in Latin.
93 There the following entry occurs :
" Item beatorum episcoporum et Confes-
sorum Bane Barciani, et Gerardi, qui extitit
de Ordine Minorum." To this observation,
the Bollandist editor adds: " Quid tamen sibi
velint, non video. De Gerardo Ordinis Mino-
rum consule, si lubet, Prretermissos hoc die ;
verum cum hie non fuerit episcopus dicendus
est Florariiauctor Barram et Barcianuni duos
diversos episcopos credidisse, sed quis ille
Barcianus sit, nescio." — Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus vii., Septembris xxv. De S. Barro
vel Kinbarro Ep. Corcagiensi in Hibernia,
sect, i., num. 3, 4, p. 142.
'« See " A Memorial of British Piety," p.
135. There, however, he is distinguished
from St. Barrus, called first bishop of Caith-
ness in Scotland, at this same date; although
in an earlier work, there is but one Barrus
mentioned, as venerated in the Irish and
Scottish churches. See " Britannia Sancta,"
part ii., pp. 142, 143.
September 25.I LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
579
Cotton, 97 R. Chambers^8 Miss Mary Francis Cusack,99 Rev. S. Baring-
Gould,100 and in the "Dictionary of Christian Biography."101 Philip
Ferrarius, who inserts the names of many saints, not found in the Roman
Martyrology, has a notice concerning a bishop Barr, venerated " in Scotia,"
at the 22nd of August.102
There are many places in Ireland — especially in the south — called
Kilbarry, and they are said to have been thus denominated formerly in
honour of our saint. In the County of Cork a Kilbarry was about one mile
outside the city to the north. *°3 Another was near Dunmanway, while another
was near Fermoy.104 There is a Knockbarry, near Liscarroll, in the County
of Cork. Also there is a Kilbarry adjoining at E. Castle Cor.10' The follow-
ing were within the County of Cork. In Kilbrin parish, diocese of Cloyne,
the Catholic Church is dedicated to St. Finbar.106 Also in Ballingeary, the
parish Catholic church is dedicated to St. Finbar and St Ronan.10? In the
parish of Castlelyons and barony of Condons and Clangibbon, the townland
of Kilbarry is to be found.108 The Catholic church at Castlelyons is
dedicated to St. Finbar.IQ9 There was a Kilbarry110 in the parish of Kilbrin,
barony of Duhallow. In the parish of Fanlobbus,"1 barony of East Carbery
(West Division) there is a townland called Kilbarry.112 In the parish of
Templemartin,1^ and barony of Kinalmeaky, there is a Kilbarry."* In the
parish of Kilmoe,"5 barony of West Carbery (West Division) there is a town-
land known as Kilbarry."6 There is a townland called Kilbarry"? in the
parish of Ballinadee, and barony of West Muskerry. There is a Kilbarry
townland,"8 in the parish of Inchigeelagh and barony of West Muskerry.
There is a parish called Kilbarry"0 in the barony of Gaultiere, and County of
95 See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Septem-
ber xxv.
96 See " Ecclesiaslical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect, iv., p. 315.
97 See " Fasti Ecclesise Hibernicse," vol.
i., Bishops of Cork, p. 215.
97 See "The Book of Days," vol. ii., p.
380.
"See "The History of the City and
County of Cork," chap, iii., p. 41.
ico gee « jjves of the Saints," vol. ix.,
September 25, pp. 377, 378.
101 Article by the Right Rev. Alexander
Penrose Forbes, Bishop of Brechin, vol. i.,
pp. 266, 267.
102 For this statement, he cites the Meno-
logium Scoticum, and the Martyrologium
Canisii. But the Bollandist editor, Suyskens,
could not find such an entry in Dempster at
that day, nor in the Menology of Camera -
rius, nor in the German Martyrology of
Canisius, edited at Dillinga, in the years
1577 or 1599-
103 In the parish of St. Anne's, Shandon,
barony of Cork and Municipal Borough.
See "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the County of Cork," sheets 63, 74.
104 See John Windale's Manuscript,
already quoted, at p. 757.
105 See John Windale's Manuscript, p.
758.
196 Information communicated by Very
Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P.
107 Information communicated by Very
Rev. Patrick Hurley, P. P.
I0* It is marked on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork,"
sheet 36.
109 Information communicated by Very
Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P.
110 See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the County of Cork," sheets 16, 24.
111 There are remains of a church and
grave-yard. The Catholic parish church is
dedicated to St. Finbar. Information
communicated by Very Rev. Patrick Hurley,
P.P.
1,2 Marked on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork,"
sheets 107, 12c.
113 The Catholic Church there is dedicated
to St. Finbar. Information communicated
by Very Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P.
114 Marked on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork,"
sheet 96.
113 The Catholic Church there is dedicated
to St. Finbar. Information communicated
by Very Rev. Patrick Hurley, P.P.
116 See "Ordnance Survey Townland
Maps for the County of Cork," sheet 147.
"7 See " Ordnance Survey Townland
Maps for the County of Cork," sheet 83.
1,8 Noted on the " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork,"
sheet 82.
"» See "Ordnance Survey Townland
58o
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
Waterford. There is another parish called Kilbarrymeaden120 in the barony of
Decies without Drum, in the same county. It seems probable both were named
after our saint. We are told, that in the seventh century the monks of St.
Finbarr, near Cork, founded a small abbey for Canons Regular of St. Austin,
at Aghamore.121 This was situated towards the western extremity of
Kilcroghan parish, in Dunkerron barony, county of Kerry. It is built on a
small island, near the mouth of Kenmare river ; but, at low water, it is
accessible by land from the neighbouring shore. The old walls are often
beaten both by winds and waves.122 This old ruin is celebrated, moreover, as
forming a portion of the property, and standing near Darrynane — once the
residence of Ireland's illustrious Liberator, Daniel O'Connell.12* His
wife's and many of his ancestors' remains rest within its burial ground. The
surrounding scenery is uncommonly grand and romantic. I2* According to
some accounts, the parish of Kilbarron,I25 in the county of Donegal, probably
bears his name ; the church there is given as Oil barfinn in an ancient
map.126
The memorials of St. Barr are in many parts of Scotland connected with
local topography. Thus in the parish of Kilkerran was Barre's Island, in
modern times designated Davara or Devar,127 and in the mouth of Campbel-
town Lough, in the parish thus named, Argylshire."8 The island is thrown
out like a sentinel from the hills, and it is connected with the shore on the
south-west side by a natural mole of gravel, "9 thus forming a splendid
Maps for the County of Waterford," sheets
9, 17. The townland so named within it is
marked ibid.
120 It is described on the "Ordnance
Survey Townland Maps for the County of
Waterford," sheets 16, 25. The townland
so named is to be found on the latter sheet.
131 See Smith's H Natural and Civil
History of Kerry," chap, v., p. 04. I know
not on what authority, this statement has
been advanced ; but its accuracy must be
doubted, as the Canons Regular of St.
Augustine had not an existence at that early
period.
,2i Allusion to this locality may be seen at
the 7th of April, in the Fourth Volume of
this work, Ait. i. There may be seen an
engraving of the old church ruins, which are
thought by some to have had St. Finan
Lobhar as patron, or possibly St. Finan,
Patron and Abbot of Kinnety, venerated at
that date.
123 His accomplished daughter, Mrs. Ellen
Fitz-simon, has alluded to this locality, in
the following beautiful lines : —
" I pass the arch, and in the grass-grown
aisle
Pause o'er the marble that commemorates,
In plain but energetic phrase, the worth,
Talents and virtues of those long, lone
laid
Within the narrow house."
— " Darrynane in Eighteen Hundred and
Thirty-Two, and other Poems," pp. 3, 4.
,2*An admired Irish poet, under the
signature Desmond in the Nation, has well
described this locality in several spirit-
stirring stanzas. In one of these, written
in 1844, after a visit to Darrynane, allusion
is thus made to St. Finbarr : —
" And who is the chief of this lordly
domain ? —
Does a slave hold the land where a
monarch might reign ? —
Oh! no, by St. Finbar, nor cowards, nor
slaves,
Could live in the sound of those free
dashing waves.
A chieftain, the greatest the world has
e'er known —
Laurel his coronet — true hearts his
throne —
Knowledge his sceptre — a Nation his
clan —
O'Connell, the chieftain of proud Darry-
nane !"
— " Poems," by Denis Florence Mac Carthy,
p. 275, Dublin edition, 1882. 8vo.
125 Already at the 2i>t of May, in the
Fifth Volume of this work, Art. i., allusion
has been made to this place, of which St.
Barrfhion.venerated at that d;ite. is regarded
as patron. There, too, an engraving of
Kilbarron old church, County of Donegal, is
presented.
126 William Allingham on " Irish Names
of Places," in Eraser's Magazine.
127 See " Origines ParochiaUs Scotise,"
pars ii., i., pp. 12, 16, 23.
128 See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 345.
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
58i
harbour for Campbeltown. In the parish of Tarbat, there is Chapel Barre at
Midd Genie.I3° In South Ayrshire there is a parish and a village called Barr.'31
In it are the ruins of a pre-Reformation chapel, known as Kirk Dominae.13*
In Forfarshire and in the parish of Stickathrow,133 is the scattered
village of Inchbare.13* St. Finbarr is patron of the Isle of Barra, which takes
its name from him,I35 and where a culius of the Saint was maintained136 until
the last century,13? There is a church in this island called Kilbarr, which
means St. Barr's church, and a little chapel near it, in which the Macneil,
and those descended from his family, are usually interred. The natives had
St. Barr's wooden image standing on the altar, and covered with linen, in the
form of a surplice.'38 All their greatest asseverations were by this saint. In the
Island of Barray the saint's image used to be clothed with a linen sheet every
year upon the day of his anniversary.1^ This insular parish of the Outer
Hebrides is in Inverness-shire, and it has a Catholic church dedicated to St.
Barr.I4° Si. Finbar is patron of Dornoch,141 the episcopal seat of Caithness,
and a coast town and a parish of south-east Sutherland. It is the capital of
this county, and it was formerly a royal and parliamentary burgh.
On the 25th of September, the Scottish Church kept the festivals of St.
Fynber, a bishop who obtained special reverence in Caithness, and of Sf.
Finneis,1*2 bishop and martyr, at Eddleston.
Among the more modern erections, designed to commemorate the first
Bishop and chief Patron of Cork, the following are especially to be noticed :
The Protestant Chapter of St. Finbar's being free from debt in 1861, the
Finance Committee suggested that the surplus of income should be applied
to the formation of a fund for the repair or rebuilding of the cathedral.1*3
Early in the following year, it was resolved to remove the structure then
existing, and to rebuild the church on a grandiose scale. Liberal subscrip-
tions were received, and designs prepared by Mr. William Burges, the
architect, were approved by the chapter. On the 12th of January, 1865, the
first stone of the new cathedral was laid by Bishop John Gregg, with the usual
129 See ibid.y vol. i., p. 227.
130 See Origines Parochiales Scotia?," pars
ii.,pp. 11,434.
131 See " New Statistical Account of
Scotland." Ayrshire, p. 409.
132 See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., pp. 130, 131.
133 See " New Statistical Account of
Scotland." Forfarshire, p. 668.
134 See Francis H. Groome's " Ordnance
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. iv., p. 283.
135 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's
"Life of St. Columba," Appendix to
Preface, p. lxxiv., n. (d).
136 See M. Martin's " Description of the
Western Islands of Scotland," p. 92.
I3? See " Old Statistical Survey of Scot-
land," vol. xiii, p. 326.
138 Martin states : " I came very early in
the morning with an intention to see this
image, but was disappointed, for the natives
prevented me, by carrying it away lest I
might take occasion to ridicule their super-
stition, as some Protestants have done
formerly, and when I was gone, it was again
exposed on the altar. They have several
traditions concerning this great saint. There
is a chappie (about half a mile on the south
side of the hill near St. Barr's Church),
where I had occasion to get an account of a
tradition concerning this saint which was
thus : The inhabitants having begun to
build the church, which they dedicated to
him, they laid this wooden image within
it, but it was invisibly transported (as they
say) to the place where the church now
stands, and found there every morning." —
M. Martin's " Description of the Western
Islands of Scotland," p. 92.
139 See " Old Statistical Survey of Scot-
land," vol. xiii., p. 326.
140 The Easter Communions there
numbered 1,015, *n 1880, and the church
has 500 seats. See Francis H. Groome's
" Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i.,
P- *34-
141 See an account of it in Francis H.
Groome's " On.i nance Gazetteer of Scot-
land,'' vol. ii., pp. 362, 363.
142 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," p. 275.
143 See the Rev. Andrew C. Robinson's
"St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork, His
torical and Descriptive," p. 17.
582
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
ceremonies, and in the presence of a large and representative assemblage.
The work was rapidly pressed forward,1" but the contractor, Mr. Robert
Walker, resigned the contract in 1866. On the 13th of March, 1867, the
contract of Messrs. Gilbert Cockburne and Sons, Dublin, was accepted, and
on the following 5th of August, the new contractors commenced work.1**
Although unfinished at the time, the ceremonial for the consecration of St. Fin
Barr's Cathedral took
place on Wednesday,
November 30th, 1870.
The consecrating
bishop was the Right
Rev. Dr. Gregg, Bishop
of Cork, Cloyne, and
Ross, who was assisted
by the Lord Primate,
the Archbishop of
Dublin, and the
Bishops of Meath,
Peterborough, Down,
Limerick, Tuam, and
Derry. A crowded and
distinguished congre-
gation was present, the
Corporation of Cork
being represented by
several of its mem-
bers.1^6 At that time,
through want of suffi-
cient funds, the Cathe-
dral was not wholly
completed ; but, on the
6th of April, 1878,
Bishop John Gregg
had the satisfaction of
laying the topmost
stones of the western
towers and spires, at-
tended by a large body
of the clergy and laity.
On the 23rd of October, 1879, his successor. Bishop Robert Samuel
Gregg, attended by members of the Diocesan Synod then in session,
laid the topmost stone of the great central tower, thus practically
>r View of St. Fin Barre's Cnthedral, Cork.
'** An external view of the Cathedral,
taken at an angle which introduces the
western portals, duplex towers and spires,
with the great central lower and spire, one
side and transept, is given in the frontis-
piece to the work already quoted. The
appearance here presented introduces an
obverse view of the external apse, choir and
transept, taken from an approved photo-
graph, before the great centra] tower had
been completed. It was drawn and en-
graved on the wood by Gregor Grey.
,4SThe work was pushed on energetically:
the south and north Portals were begun on
the 1 2th of August ; the Triplet window of
Ambulatory on the 7th of September ;
Bases of Nave columns, north side, on
the nth of October; south-east great
pier commenced October 30th, and north-
east great pier, on the 31st ; north-east and
south-west great piers were begun on the
2nd of December. On the 27th of January,
1868, the Bases of Nave columns com-
menced on the south side ; Arches of the
Apse windows were begun on the 17th of
March ; first string course of great piers
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 583
completing the work of building the Cathedral of St. Fin Barre.1^
The following is a detail of its architecture : — The building is in the
early French style, with a mixture of the Norman. The west front
has a most stately and imposing aspect. The structure consists of a
lofty nave, with aisles widening into twin transept gables,1*8 and ter-
minating in a magnificent circular apse. ^9 The main entrance, which is on
the western side, is one of the grandest features in the design. It consists of
a central and two side doorways in the Gothic style, embayed into deep
porticoes by retreating coils of masonry, resting on solid pillars, and
diminishing until they reach the doors themselves. T5° The sides of the
portals are enriched with statuary and sculpture, after the manner of French
cathedrals. The great western window^1 is circular and of immense size,152
being placed over the central doorway. Two lofty towers are being reared
on each side of this western entrance, supported on red brick vaulting, with
a circular well in the centre to admit the bells. Another, a great central
tower, springs from the chancel roof, and rises to several hundred feet.
Clustering round the central tower are octagonal pinnacles rising 14 feet from
the base, richly carved at top, and two turrets terminating in conical roofs.
The material employed in the building is the best Cork limestone, with
buttresses and supports of Carlow stone. The nave has a clear length of 162
feet, with a width of 24 feet, or, including the sides of the aisle, a clear breadth
of 57 feet 6 inches.1" Between the nave and aisles runs a double row of
four massive Bathstone columns, resting on huge pedestals, and rising to 16
feet, where they support the arcade of the nave, and abut against the base of
the central tower. The roof of nave, chancel, and aisles is plainly vaulted,
and laid out in panels, painted in suitable allegories. x54 The walls of the
aisles are pierced by four couplet lights in the pointed style, and supported by
Bathstone columns carved with limestone mullions. Further lisrht is afforded
March 24th ; Lintel of north-west portal of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork," pp. 109
set March 26th; south-west portal do. 1st to 114.
of April ; central portal left side and right I47 See Rev. Andrew C. Robinson's '* St.
side commenced April 7th ; limestone Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork, Historical and
columns to side portals do. April 17th ; Descriptive," pp. 18, 19.
Bathstone caps on Nave columns 23rd I48 Over the north transept door, on the
April ; south transept four light windows tympanum, is a handsome design in lime-
begun 6th of May ; Tympanum of central stone representing the building of Solomon's
portal on June 1st; cornice and brocking temple, executed by Mr. Harrison, of Dublin,
south aisle, June 15th ; Nave arches 25th of It was presented to the dean and chapter by
July ; Transept rose windows commenced the contractors.
October 8th. On the 22nd of January, I49 The apse is surmounted by a life-size
1869, were erected the columns and caps to figure, in gilt bronze, having an angel fixed
gallery of western Tower ; Rose window in in a commanding position,
the western front was commenced on the ,5= The entrance doors are square-headed,
1 8th of February ; Gutter course and Gur- thickly sheeted with oak, and ornamented
goyles of nave on the 28th of June ; the with wolf-heads.
Gurgoyles in chancel were finished on the ISI In the spandrils around it are carved
1st of October ; the western Rose window emblematical figures of an eagle, an angel,
was finished on the loth of December. In an ox, and a lion, supported on columns of
1870 and on the 9th of February, the eastern polished masonry.
great arch was finished ; the great piers I52 It is divided into eight floreated panels,
were finished on the nth of June; the richly mounted.
slating was continued during the months of x53 The ground plan of the Cork Cathedral
July, August, September and October ; the is set forth in an engraving, to which
glazing commenced in September ; the detailed measurements and references are
plastering was finished in October ; and the annexed, in Rev. Andrew C. Robinson's
Marble steps to chancel commenced on the "St. Finbarre's Cathedral, Cork, Historical
1st of November. and Descriptive," p. 40.
146 See Dr. Richard Caulfield's " Annals l& The accompanying illustration of the
;84
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25,
by the clerestory windows, five in number, 3 feet 4 inches wide, beneath
which are five corresponding trifolium arches, supported on Bathstone columns,
richly carved. The chancel is marked off by a row of eight massive Cork
red marble pillars, doubled, each of which has a parasitical Bathstone column
running up to the roof.155 Round the pillars of the chancel is an ambulatory,
lighted by seventeen
windows, arranged in
triple lights, with rich
moulding, and supports.
The ascent from the
nave to the chancel is by
seven steps of Sicilian
marble.156
In the City of Cork,
the Catholic parish
church of the South
Parish is dedicated to
St. Finbar ; while there
is a parish known as St.
Finbar's West, with a
church dedicated to the
Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. At Sunday's
Well is St. Finbar's In-
dustrial School, under
the management of the
Sisters of the Good Shep-
herd. The Seminary at
Cork is also dedicated to
St. Finbar. The parish
church of Bantry is dedi-
cated to him. The
parish church of Inchi-
geela, where there are remains of an old chapel in a grave-yard, and said to
have been a chapel of ease, is dedicated to St. Finbar. The present writer
had been informed by Mr. Joseph Long,^ a native of the city, and who
had an excellent local knowledge of Cork, that a tradition there prevailed
regarding a chime of silver bells, formerly belonging to the church of St.
Finnbarr. It was supposed, these bells had been buried under ground, behind
the North Mall. It was reported, a certain family in Cork had a knowledge
of where they had been buried ; but, it was thought, that family has become
extinct, and that every clue to the bells' place of concealment is now lost.
Many buildings at present cover the site, as indicated by citizens of Cork.
In the poem158 beginning "Patrick of the fort of Macha loves," it states,
Interior View of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork.
interior of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork,
is copied from an approved photograph,
and drawn on the wood, engraved by Gregor
Grey.
'ss The organ gallery, at the western end
of the church, is approached by a spiral
staircase, and it contains a magnificent
organ, built by Mr. Hill, of London, at a
cost of £1,500.
156 The foregoing description is taken chit fly
from the Dublin Evening Mailoi Thursday,
December 1st, 1870.
157 Then engaged in cataloguing Irish
Manuscripts, contained in the Royal Irish
Academy, February, 1867.
158 Ascribed to Cuimin of Connor.
159 This is found in the English transla-
tion ;—
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 585
that Bairre was humble to every person, and that he used to give assistance
to every needy person.^ The holy man, Barrus, was great and wonderful,
say his ancient biographers, both on earth and in Heaven. He was
constant in faith as St. Peter, an excellent doctor like St. Paul, courageous as
St. Andrew, supplanting vices like St. James, full of God's grace, like St.
John. Like Abraham he was a true pilgrim; like Moses he was gentle,
tender and forgiving ; like David he was a choice and praiseworthy psalmist ;
like Solomon he was renowned for knowledge and wisdom. In daily, and
especially in his inward, life, Bairre united all the virtues of perfect men,
such as humility, obedience, affability, patience, faith, hope, and charity.
His well-regulated temper and gentle rule; his constant prayers and
meditation ; his vigils, his fasting and abstinence ; his purity of heart and
soul ; his powers and strength of mind ; his generosity and discernment ;
these and many other high qualifications are enumerated by his panegyrists.
Having performed many miracles, having fought the good fight, and having
kept the faith, this glorious Saint, owing to his merits, deserved the kingdom
of Heaven and the sight of its King. Among choirs of angels he happily
passed to the Lord.
Article II. — St. Colman, of Comhruire, now Kilcomreragh, at
Uisneach Hill, County of Westmeath. \_Seventh Century.'] The
name Colman, being a diminutive of Colum or Colin — a contraction for
Columba — was very frequently applied to very many of our early Irish
Saints.1 The name Colman, Comraire, appears in the Martyrology of
Tallagh,2 as having veneration paid him, at the 25th of September. The
like entry3 is in the Book of Leinster copy. The feast of Colman is entered
in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman,* at the 25th of September, and the
commentator says, &*.', Colman Comhruire — rendered Colman of the
Casket. Bronach,* daughter to Miliuc, son of Buan, with whom Patrick6
was in bondage, is said to have been his mother.? Again, it is related, that
his mother was Galges, daughter of Aedh-finn or Hugh the White, prince of
Hybruinn. He is said to have been the son of Fintan, and grandson of
Finloga, prince of South Munster. His brother was the celebrated St. Fursa
or Fursey,8 who preached and founded monasteries in England and
France. Uisneach was in the parish of Killare, barony of Rathconrath and
county of Westmeath. It is now known as Usnagh hill,9 and somewhere
in its vicinity, Comhruire must be sought. This place was also called
Comhraire-Midhe, and it is now known as Kilcomreragh, near the hill of
Uisneach. The church there is said to have been founded early in the
seventh century, by the present Saint. It seems likely he died during that
period, or perhaps early in the eighth century. The death of Abbot Ferfio of
" Bairre, the fire of wisdom, loves 3 Thus : Colman Comnaine.
Humility to the men of the world ; *See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
He never saw in want Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
A person that he did not assist." 5 See her commemoration at the 2nd of
April, in the Fourth Volume of this work,
A somewhat different English translation — Art. i.
yet substantially the same — may be seen in 6 See his Life at the 17th of March in the
Rev. Dr. Kelly's " Martyrology of Tallagh," Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
p. 165. 7 Such is the O'Clery statement.
Article 11. — 'See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's 8 See his Life, at the 16th of January, in
" Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. the First Volume of this work, Art. i.
iii., chap, xix., sect, i., n. 12, p. 146. 9 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Anmls of the
2 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv. Four Masters," vol. i., 11. (e), p. 166.
586 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
Comhraire-Midhe, is recorded, at a.d. 757.10 Comraire monastery seemed
not to have survived the Danish invasions.11 The history of St. Colman,
and the year of his death, do not appear to be known. He is recorded in
the Martyrology of Donegal,12 at this same date as Colman, of Comhruire,
at Uisneach.
Article III. — Reputed St. Colman, Sci. The Martyrology ot
Tallagh,1 registers St. Colman, Sci., as having been venerated, at the 25th of
September. In like manner, we meet such an insertion2 in the Book of
Leinster copy. As we do not meet this distinctive entry in any other Irish
Calendar, it seems to have been a superfluous notice, and only intended to
commemorate the preceding saint.
Article IV. — St. Iomchaidh, of Kill Drochoid, County or Down.
In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 as also in the Book of Leinster
copy,2 we find the simple entry, Imchad, at the 25th of September. In the
Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman, his name, place and feast are entered at the
25th of September.3 From the name of this Saint's locality, it must be
Anglicised, "Church of the Bridge." Doubt exists as to the exact place
where this Saint had been venerated, within that peninsula called the Ards
of Ulster. There is no river in the Ards, deserving a bridge, except the
Blackstaff, which divides the Great and Little Ards. The chapel of Grangia
or Gransha, a townland at the south end of Inishargy parish,* was situated
near the Blackstaff river.s The name of Iomchaidh is also entered in the
Martyrology of Donegal,6 at this same date, as being of Cilldroichit, in Ard
Uladh.
Article V. — St. Coelan or Caelan, of Echinis. When the topic or
individual for praise is honestly deserving, it seldom happens, that the faculty
for praising is easy of exercise, because there is a want of complete knowledge
regarding the subject. The published Martyrology of Tallagh1 enters a
feast for Coelan, at the 25th of September, The Book of Leinster has a
like entry,2 at that date. In the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman the feast of
Coelan is to be found at this date, and the commentator states, that he was
from Ech-inis.3 The Martyrology of Donegal* records a festival, at the 25th
of September, to honour St. Caelan. It also gives the name of his place,
Each-inis, which means in English, u the horse-island." There are no less
than fourteen ascertained denominations of its Anglicised form in various parts
of Ireland ; ' with perhaps many more not recorded, yet locally known to the
10 See ibid., pp. 358 to 361, and n. (e). 4 See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
"See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of for the County of Down," sheet 18.
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., chap. sSee Rev. William Reeves' " Eccle
lxxiv., p. 558. siastical Antiquities of Down, Connor and
"Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Dromore," p. 21, and n. (m), ibid.. Also,
258, 259. Appendix LL, p. 380, and n. (d) ibid.
Article hi. — l Edited by Rev. Dr. 6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp
Kelly, p. xxxv. 258, 259.
2 Thus : Colmani Sci. Akicle v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly
Article iv — • Edited by Rev. Dr. p. xxxv.
Kelly, p. xxxiv. 'Thus : Caelan.
2 Thus: Imchao. 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui
*Th« commentator notes that he was of Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
Chille droichit or Cell Droichit, in Ard * Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp
Ulad. See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire 258, 259.
Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185. s See "General Alphabetical Index to the
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 587
people living in their neighbourhood. An Aghinish6 is found in the parish
of Kinawley, in the barony of Knockninny, and County of Fermanagh.
There is an Aghinish, in the parish of Ballyovey, barony of Carra, and County
of Mayo.? Within Lough Carra, opposite the residence of Moore Hall, are
the ruins of an old church,8 which may possibly be identified with the cultus
of this St. Coelan or Caelan.
Article VI. — St. Ainmire, of Ross-ua-Chonna, in Mughdhorna.
The Martyrology of Donegal l mentions, that veneration was given at the
25th of September to Ainmire, of Ross-ua-Chonna, in Mughdhorna. In the
Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman2 there is mention of a true Ainmire, my
Superior," at this day ; while a commentator adds, that he was from Ross
Hua Chonna in Mughdornaibh.3 The Mughdhorna Breagh* were a Sept of
the Oirghialla 5 seated in Bregia, in East Meath, but their exact position has
not been determined. They are to be distinguished from the Mughdhorna-
Maighen, who were seated in and gave name to the barony of Cremorne, in
the County of Monaghan.6
Article VII.— St. Sineall, of Druim-Broan. In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 there seems an incorrect entry, Linell (for Sinell)
Droma broon. The proper entry2 is to be found in the Book of Leinster copy.
In the " Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman " 3 there is an entry of Sinell, and his
commentator adds, that he was of Droma Broan or Druim Brdan. Among
the townland denominations of Ireland, we can only discover one place
called Drumbrone, which is situated in the parish of Magheracloone, in the
barony of Farney, and County of Monaghan.* Sineall, of Drium Broan, is
set down in the Martyrology of Donegal, 5 as having had a festival, at the
25th of September.
Article VIII. — St. Seanan or Senan, Bishop of Cork. The pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh1 records the name Senan, Bishop of Corcaighe
— now Cork city — as having had veneration paid him, at the 25th of Septem-
ber. Also, in the Book of Leinster copy, he is entered,2 in like manner. The
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman has a Senan, with eulogy,3 at this date,
and the commentator calls him a bishop, but without naming his see. Pro-
Townlands and Towns, Parishes and Latinised Provincia Mugdornorum and Regio
Baronies of Ireland," p. 530. Mugdornorum. See the " Topographical
6 See Ordnance Survey Townland Maps Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na
for the County of Fermanagh," sheet 34. Naomh O'Huidhrin," edited by John
7 See Ordnance Survey Townland Maps O'Donovan, LL.D., p. xxi., num. 121.
for the County of Mayo," sheet 109. 6 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
8 So I have been informed by the late Four Masters," vol. i, n. (f), p. 420.
Very Rev. Canon Ulick J. Bourke, who had Article vii.— l Edited by Rev. Mr.
a good knowledge of the vicinity. Kelly, p. xxxv.
Article vi. — * Edited by Drs. Todd and 2 Thus : Smell DfoniA bpoon.
Reeves, pp. 258, 259. 3See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
2 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
Gormain," pp. 184, 185. 4 See "Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
3 See ibid., notes. for the County of Monaghan," Sheet 30.
* The Mughdorni were the descendants of 5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Mughdom Dubh, son of Colla Meann. See 258,259.
Roderick O'Flaherty's " Ogygia," pars iii., Article viii.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr.
cap. lxxvi., p. 363. Kelly, p. xxxv.
5 The Mughdhorna territory is more 2 'Thus : Sen <\n Cope,
usually called Crich Mughdhorn ; it is 3 There he is noted us " Senan Saigthir,"
5 88 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
bably on the authority of the Tallagh Martyrology, Colgan notices his feast
for this day, and states, that he ruled as bishop over the See of Cork.* He
is simply set down as Seanan, Bishop, in the Martyrology of Donegal,s at this
same date.
Article IX. — St. Modain or Modoe, in Ailbhe. The published
Martyrology of Tallagh1 mentions'a festival in honour of Modoe, in Ailbhe, at
the 25th of September. In the Book of Leinster, the entry is somewhat
different.2 In the Feilire of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 there is a line "Mo Doe
fri decraib " — rendered " My Doe, against hardships," and the commentator
adds that he was in Ailbe. In the Annals of the Four Masters,* at the year
of Christ 528, we have the account of a battle fought at Ailbhe, in Breagh, a
place now known as Cluan-Ailbhe, in barony of Upper Duleek, and County
of Meath. In the Martyrology of Donegal, s there is a commemoration of
Modoe in Ailbhe,6 at this date.
Article X. — Feast of Firmin or Firminus, First Bishop of Amiens,
by some writers reputed an Irish Saint. Although by some rather
modern writers, St. Firminus has been regarded as a native of Ireland; yet
the more ancient accounts and the circumstances of his career are manifestly
in contradiction of those authorities. At the 25th day of September, Colgan
had desired to publish the Acts of St. Firminus, as we learn from the
posthumous list of his Manuscripts.1 This holy man was born in Ireland,
according to some writers. His father is said to have been named Firmus,
and to have been distinguished for his social rank. From him, as we are
informed, the son was called Firminus.2 The idea of the present holy
bishop having been a native of our Island seems to have arisen from an
error of Petrus de Natalibus, in mistaking Hiberia — as found in his ancient
Acts — for Hibernia, in which the city of Pampilonia is placed. Firmin was
born, it is stated, in the second half of the first century. 3 The Life of St.
Firminus, Bishop and Martyr of Amiens, has been published* by the Bollan-
dists,s at the 25th of September. It has been edited6 from two Manuscripts ;
which is rendered " Senan who is sought." Magh-n- Ailbhe, 'plain of Ailbhe,' is
See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui intended, as it is not unusual to find in such
Gormain," pp. 184, 185. cases as Cairbre, Laoghaire, &c, a personal
4 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," viii., name applied to a region, without anyquali-
Martii, Vita S. Senani, Appendix, cap. i.,p. fication."
541, (recte) 537. Article x. — 'See "Catalogus Actuum
5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Sanctorum quae MS. habentur, Ordine
258, 259. In the Irish Ordnance Survey Meusium et Dierum."
MS. copy, we read simply, Senan epp, at 2 See DeBurgo's " Officia Propria Sanc-
this day." See p. 81. . torum Hiberniae," Die xxv. Septembris. In
Article ix. — ' Edited by Rev. Mr. Fest-» S. Firmini. Officium. Lect. iv., p. 80.
Kelly, p. xxxv. I lis feast is to he found at the same date in
2 Thus : moodi i.e. m -dilbe-. the "Supplementumad Breviarium Romano-
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui Seraphicum," p. 74. Printed in Dublin,
Gormain," pp. 184, 185. 1752, i2mo., by Ignatius Kelly, of St.
4 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i., pp. Mary's-lane.
176, 177, and n. (m). 3 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des
s Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, Saints," tome xi. xxv.eJour de Septembre,
pp. 258, 259. p. 372.
6 In a note Dr. Reeves says at the word 4 In two chapters containing nineteen
Ailbhe : " The manuscript, following the paragraphs.
note on Marian, has in, which makes Ailbe s bee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.
the name of a place not of a man. Probably Septembris xxv. De S. Firmino Episc.
Cluain-Ailbhe, ' lawn of Ailbhe,' or Mart. Ambianis in Gallia, pp. 24 to 57.
September 25.] LIVES OJ- THE IRISH SA/ATS. 589
one belonging to Amiens, and the other to Antwerp, while these have been
collated witli six others, and the edition of Bosquet. Notes and a previous
commentary'' are annexed. The published Latin Life of St. Firminus states,
that at an early period of Christianity, he was the son of Firmus, a senator
of great virtue and noble birth, as also of Eugenia, his wife, a lady of like
conditions, who lived in a city of Hyberia, called Pampolana. They were
originally Pagans, but afterwards converts to the true Religion. Their
children are named Firminus, and Faustus, brothers, with a sister named
Eusebia ; and of these Firminus the oldest was entrusted by his parents to
the care and instruction of a priest, Honestus,8 by whom he had been bap-
tised. Having passed seven years under the discipline of that holy man,
St. Firmin went forth to spread the Gospel in Gaul, and there he was
ordained priest by St, Honoratus,9 Bishop of Toulouse. Afterwards he was
consecrated bishop.10 Inspired by great zeal for God's glory, he began his
mission among the people of Aquitaine, where he converted many to the
true Faith. Subsequently, he travelled to the north-eastern parts of France,
where the Christians were violently persecuted by the Roman governor,
Valerus. He first preached at Beauvais," where he was arrested and cast
into prison, from which he was released, but only to engage the more ear-
nestly in his apostolic labours. About this time, Trajan ruled over the
Roman Empire, while Sebastian and Longalus were governors of Bclgic
Gaul Thence Firmin proceeded to the territory of the Ambiani,12 and in
their chief city, called Ambianum,^ now known as Amiens,1'* he zealously
laboured to convert the pagans from idolatry. He there founded a church
and had numerous disciples. Among his converts was a senator named
Faustinien, who with his family was baptised, as also many others of distin-
guished rank. He likewise wrought a number of miracles. His missionary
work extended to the surrounding country, and even among the Morini. It
is said the episcopal see of Amiens had been established on the outskirts of
that city,15 by St. Firmin, on the site of the present Abbey of St. Acheul.
The first church he founded was, no doubt, of moderate dimensions, and
probably of perishable materials, and it has long since disappeared. The
present Cathedral of Amiens l6 is one of the most magnificent Gothic struc-
tures in the world ; while it is remarkable for its noble dimensions and the
extraordinary height of its vaulted roof over the nave. The front or western
entrance is flanked on both angles of the facade with two lofty and imposing
towers, symmetrical in height and closely corresponding in architectural
6 By Father John Stilting, S.J. I2 These people are alluded to by Cse-ar,
7 The commentary is comprised in ten in his work '• Commentariorum de Bello
sections, and it contains one hundred and Gallico," lib. ii., cap. xv.
twenty paragraphs. I3 See Pliny's " Historia Naturalis," lib.
8 He is said to have been a native of iv., cap. xxxi.
Nismes, and a disciple of St. Saturnin, MAn arrondisement, canton, commune
bishop of Toulouse. His chief feast is and city of France in the Department of the
marked in the Modern Martyrologies at the Somme. Amiens was anciently the capital
16th of February. See Adrien Baillet's of Picardy, and it was called Samarabriva or
*' Vies des Saints," tome ix., xxv. Jour de " the passage of the Somme." See Elisee
Septembre, pp. 645, 646. Reclus' " Nouvelle Geographie Univer-
9 His festival is kept on the 21st of selle,r' tome ii. La France, chap, xii., sect.
December. iv., p. 788.
10 See Pierre Larousse's " Grand Diction- 15 See Murray's " Handbook for Travellers
naire Universel du Xixe Siecle," tome viii., in France," sect, i., route 3, p. 23
p. 406. l6 The accompanying illustration presents a
11 See "Encyclopedic Catholique," par general view of the western front. It has been
M. l'Abbe Glaire et de M. le Vte Walsh, copied from an approved illustration, and
tome xii., p. 82. drawn on the wood, engraved by Gregor Grey.
59°
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September ft$.
details. The Cathedral was designed and commenced by the architect
Robert de Lusarches in 1220,^ while it was continued and almost completed
in 1269,18 by Thomas and Regnault de Cormont. However, the great
western front was not finished until the close of the fourteenth century.'9
Three vast and deeply recessed portals lead into the interior ; the central
doorway being of greater height and width than the ones flanking it on either
side, and leading under the towers into the lateral aisles. The arches are
supported by a long array of statues in niches, instead of pillars ; rows of
statuettes supplying
the place of mould-
ings, so that a con-
nected mass of
sculpture runs along
the whole front-
age.30 The entire
length of the Cathe-
dral measures four
hundred and sixty-
nine feet; the height
of the nave roof is
one hundred and
forty-one feet; while
the space covered
by the building oc-
cupies eight thou-
sand metres. At
the crossing of the
transepts, the spec-
tator from within
may admire the
three magnificent
rose windows,21 all
of elaborate tracery
and varied patterns,
filled with rich
stained glass. The
choir terminates in
a semicircular apse,
and the elegantly
groined roof rests
on compressed
lancet-arches,
its aisles, there is
high relief;
Firmin and
Cathedral ot Amiens, France,
Round the wail which separates the choir from
a low stone-screen enclosing a series of sculptures in
on the south side, these represent the legends of St.
St Sauve, while to the north are the acts and death of St. John the Baptist
17 See M. Vivien de Saint-Martin's
" Nouveau Dictionaire de Geographic
Universelle," tome i., Amiens, p. 121.
'• It is said to hare been in course of
building to A.D. 1288.
'9The central spire, which replaces one
raised in 1240, but destroyed by lightning,
dates from the year 1529.
20 Over the centre door or Porchc du
Mean Dieti if Amiens, there is a fine statue
of Christ, the bas-relief representing the
Last Judgment ; over the right hand porch
are represented the Death and Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin ; while over the left
hand porch is sculptured the legend of St.
Firmin, patron of the city.
31 Each one of these is nearly one hundred
feel in circumference-
September 25.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 591
Such success attended the ministry of St. Firmin, that the temples and idols
of the pagan gods were deserted by the great majority of the Ambiani, and
complaints soon reached the Roman governors, Longalus and Sebastien, then
at Treves, who came to Amiens, where they ordered all the inhabitants
to assemble at the Pretorium, and Firrnin to be arrested, He was there
confronted by the Pagan priests and interrogated by Sebastien. The holy
bishop courageously confessed the Faith of Christ. Fearing a popular
tumult, should he be subjected to public punishment, the governor pretended
to set him at liberty. Nevertheless, he gave orders, that the bishop should
be privately seized and cast into prison. Then, in the dark hour of night,
soldiers were sent to his cell, where he was beheaded, on the 25th day of
September.22 In the crypt of the old castle of Amiens, which still remains,
St. Firmin is said to have suffered martyrdom,23 There appears to be a
great divergency of opinion regarding the date when he was executed.2-*
According to Usuard, it was by order of the prefect, Rictius Varus, he was
put to death.25 Again, it has been thought he received the heavenly reward
in some other persecution, and from that of Decius in 250 to that of Diocle-
tion in 303.26 According to some accounts, he was crowned with martyrdom
about the year 287. 2? Faustinian buried him in his field called Abladana,
where many miracles were afterwards wrought at his tomb, and there St.
Firmin II.,28 bishop of Amiens, built a church dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin. The veneration for his memory spread from Amiens to all the
neighbouring dioceses. At Pequigny, his relics are said to have been pre-
served from a very early period. Thence, it has been asserted, they were
transferred to St. Denis by Dagobert I., King of Austrasia,29 of Neustria, of
Bourgogne and Aquitaine.30 However, these assertions rest on no trustworthy
authority.31 Early in the seventh century, St. Salvius 32 or Sauve had his
relics translated into the ancient Cathedral of Amiens.33 The year, however,
is uncertain.34 About the year 11 10, St. Godefridss made another translation
22 See Adrien Baillet's " Vies des Saints," Commentarius Praevius, sect, be., pp. 43
tome ix., xxv. Jour de Septembre, p. 644. to 46.
23 See Murray's " Handbook for Travellers 32 This holy bishop and confessor was b rn
in France," sect, i., route 3, p. 22. at Amiens in the sixth century. Having
24 It has been placed at various periods been called to the episcopacy, he died of a
from the apostolic age down to the com- prevailing pestilence on the 28th of October,
mencement of the fourth century. See A.D., 615. His feast is kept on the 29th of
"Dictionary of Christian Biography," vol. that month. See Les Petits Bollandistes,
ii., p. 522. Vies des Saints," tome xiii, xxixe Jour
25 See Baronius' " Annales Ecclesiastici," d' Octobre, pp. 13 to 16.
tomus ii., sub. A.C. 303, sect, exxx., p. 617. 33This was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin,
26 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the and to St. Firmin. To it, a chapter of Canons
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," was attached from an early period.
vol. ix., September xxv. 34 Father John Stilting, S.J., has learnedly
27 See " Histoire Literaire de la France," refuted the statements of Le Cointe, who
tome i., Partie i. Troisieme Siecle de contends that St. Salvius was bishop of
l'Eglise, sect, xii.j p. 307. Amiens in the latter part of the seventh
b His memory is venerated on theist day century, in " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
of September. Septembris xxv. De S. Firmino Episc.
29 In 622. Mart. Ambianis in Gallia, Commentarius
30 In 628 he became sovereign over these Praevius, sect, vi., pp. 36 to 38.
countries. He died at Epinay A.D. 638, and 35 He was born at Molincourt or Monti-
he was buried in St. Denis, which he court, in Soissons, about the year 1066. In the
founded. See " Encyclopedic Catholique," year 1104, he was consecrated bishop of
par. M. L'Abbe Glaire et M. le Vte Walsh, Amiens by Archbishop Mar.asses II. at
tome x., p. 6. Rheims. He died on the 8th November,
31 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sane- A.D. 1 1 15. See Les Petits Bollandistes,
torum," tomus vii., Septembris xxv. De " Vies des Saints," tome xiii., viiie Jour de
S. Firmino Episc Mart. Ambianit in Gallia, Navembre, pp. 255 to 270.
592 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 25.
of them, to a shrine more worthy of the sacred deposit. However, a great fire
broke out at Amiens in 1 137, and destroyed a considerable portion of the city,
which then for the most part was built of wood, while some of the churches
were also destroyed. But St. Firmin's church and shrine seem to have been
saved from the flames. About the year 1200, bishop Theobald caused a
new gold shrine to be prepared. It was presented in the form of a house,
with enamels representing scenes in the holy bishop's life. To this the relics
of St. Firmin were consigned on the 16th of October, 1204, and on that day
a festival was religiously observed in Amiens.*6 St. Firmin has always been
venerated with distinguished honour, and pilgrimages have been made to his
tomb ; while various churches and religious institutions have been erected,
especially throughout France, under his patronage.3? The veneration for our
Saint naturally spread to his native Spain, where he is regarded as one of its
chief patrons. To the whole of that country his Office was extended,38 by
Pope Benedict XIV. His commemoration is in many Calendars and
Martyrologies, at this date, while his Office is read in several old Breviaries.
Likewise, we have traces of his cultus in Ireland. In the Kalendar of the
Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Dublin, at vii. of the October Kalends,
the festival of Firmin, Bishop and Martyr, is recorded.3? The name does
not appear, however, in the Martyrology attached/0
Article XI. — St. Ruine. The published Martyrology of Tallagh1
mentions, that a festival in honour of Ruine was celebrated at this date. In
the Book of Leinster copy it is likewise entered.3
Article XII. — Reputed Feast of St. Adamnan, Abbot or Iona.
In treating about St. Adamnan, the Rev, Mr. Reeves remarks, that the
Scotch Prayer Book of 1638, in its calendar, borrows the Irish error, by
making this saint a bishop. It also places his day at the 25th of September.1
The Acts of St. Adamnan, already precede this date, as may be seen at the
23rd of September. But, the Bollandists,* quoting Camerarius, also notice
him at the present date.
Article XIII. — Cleophas. In the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman we
find a festival for Cleophas leir — rendered " Industrious Cleophas " — at the
25th of September.1 This Cleopha or Cleophus is said to have been born in
the castle of Emmaus, and to have become one of the seventy-two disciples of
Christ. According to some accounts, he was brother to St. Joseph, spouse
of the Blessed Virgin. He was one of the two disciples to whom Christ
appeared on the day of his Resurrection, and when proceeding to the castle
of Emmaus, being invited to enter, they first knew our Lord in the breaking
of bread.2 The Acts of this Saint — so far as they can be gleaned — are treated
36 See "Gallia Christiana," tomus x., p. *° See ibid., p. 161.
1 150. Article xi.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
"See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des p. xxXv.
Saints," tome xi. xxv'Jour de Septembre, 'Thus : ftuin».
PP- 384i 385- Article xii.— 'See Rev. Mr. Reeves'
38 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," Adamnan's " Life of St. Columba." Addi-
tomus vii., Septembris xxv. De S. Firmino tional Notes, C, p. 257.
Episc. Mart. Commentarius Praevius, sect. 2 See '■ Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
x., pp. 46 to 50. Septembris xxv. Among the pretermitted
39 Thus : " Firmini episcopi et Martyris." — feasts, p. 3.
11 The Book of Obits and Martyrology of the Article xiii. — ■ See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity," " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite, A.M., 2 See the account in St. Luke, chap,
and James Henthorn Todd, D.D., p. 69. xxiv.
September 26.] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. 593
in the great Bollandist Collection^ at the 25th of September, in a learned
dissertation,* by Father John Stilting, S.J. Certain difficulties regarding him
are there examined, but are not resolved in a manner satisfactory to the
writer.
Article XIV. — St. Lupus. In the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman,
there is a feast for Lupus, at the 25th of September.1 The present holy
man was bishop and confessor at Lyons in Gaul. His Acts are preserved
for us in an ancient Breviary of that city, and reproduced by the Bollandists
in their great work, at this day.2 A previous commentary3 explains the
records referring to the saint, especially in old calendars, as also memorials
regarding his period, some of his transactions, his relics, his cultus and
miracles.
Article XV. — St. Eusebius. In the Feilire of St. yEngus, at the 25th of
September, there is a festival for Eusebius' followers, who freed every banquet
from excess.1 A comment is affixed,2 which explains that Eusebius was a
bishop. This entry is no doubt meant for Pope Eusebius, whose feast is
recorded at this date in some copies of the Martyrology of St. Jerome.
However, in others, as in the Roman Martyrology, his festival is placed at
the day following. The Bollandists3 likewise have this notice.
Ctoentp-'Strtl) 2Bap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. COLMAN EALA, OR ELO, ABBOT OF LANN ELO, NOW
LYNALLY, KING'S COUNTY.
[SIXTH AND SEVENTH CENTURIES.]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION — FAMILY AND BIRTH OF ST. COLMAN EALA — HIS EARLY INSTRUCTION
UNDER ST. CAEMAN OF SLIABH BLOOM— MIRACLES — COLMAN IS SAID TO HAVE
SPENT SOME TIME AT CONNOR— CONFOUNDED WITH ST. COLMAN OF DROMORE.
SANCTITY and wisdom combined are necessary to form the character of
a perfect religious. Especially in superiors, discrimination of motives
and objects to be attained is required. The pious rector must understand,
3 See Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184,
tembris xxv. De S. Cleopha Discipulo 185.
Christi. pp. 5 to 10. 2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
4 Or Sylloge. This is given in two Septembris xxv. De S. Lupo Episc. Conf.
sections, containing twenty-four paragraphs. Lugduni in Gallia, pp. 81 to 85.
There we find treated— I. His memorials in 3 The editor is Father John Perier, S.J.
the Greek and Latin Martyrologies. 2. His Article xv. — ' See " Transactions of the
cultus. 3. His Acts as gleaned from the Royal Irish Academy, " Irish Manuscript
Evangelists and from other sources. 4. Series, vol. i., pait i. On the Calendar of
His relationship to St. Joseph, the Blessed Oengus, by Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p.
Virgin and to Christ our Lord. 5. His cxxxix.
sons called brothers of our Lord. 6. In 2 See ibid., p. cxlvii.
fine, an enquiry concerning doubts about his 3See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
history. Septembris xxv. Among the pretermitted
Article xiv. — • See Dr. Whitley saints, p. 4.
I P
594
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
that faults are often substitutes for virtues. Thus, avarice assumes the guise
of saving, and waste that of liberality ; sloth is often called piety, and unre-
strained anger is thought to be spiritual zeal.1 Experience of his own dis-
position, and a knowledge of human nature generally, help him to prescribe
the best correctives for those he is appointed to govern, and for the regula-
tion of his own conduct.
From a very early period this pious ccenobiarch was venerated in the Irish
Church. At the vi. of the October Kalends, or 26th of September, we find
entered in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,2 a festival to honour Colman
of Lainn ElaJ It is also found recorded in the Book of Leinster copy.* At
the 26th of September, the Feilire of St. ^Engus5 commemorates St. Colman of
Lann Ela with a distinguished eulogy, and it calls him " the great John of Ire-
land's sons." To this a commentator has appended explanatory notes relating
to his pedigree6 and to his place.* Several Manuscript Acts of this holy man
are extant. In Dublin, Trinity College Library8 and Marsh's Library' have
Manuscript Lives. There is a Vita S. Colmani Ela,10 among the Franciscan
Records, Dublin. This is the Life, we have chiefly consulted in compiling
the present memoir, but it abounds with fables. Among the manuscripts
belonging to the Burgundian Library at Bruxelles, there is an Irish Life of St.
Colman Elo, transcribed by Brother Michael O'Clery.11 There is also a Latin
Life of St. Colman Elo among the Burgundian Library Manuscripts,
Bruxelles." The Bodleian Library at Oxford, has Manuscript Lives of St.
Colman. '3 At the 26th of September, Colgan intended to publish the Acts
of this holy Abbot.1*
The modern writers who have treated abjut St. Colman Elo or Eala are
Meredith Hanmer,1* Archbishop Ussher,16 L'Abbe' Ma-Geoghegan,1? Bishop
Article i.— Chap. i. * St. Gregory the
Great ; Opera, M Pastoralia," pars ii., cap.
ix.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv.
3 To this is added " 55 anno setat."
* Thus : Colmani Lam elo, lu anno Aec.
5 In the Leabhar Breac copy we find :
Coltnan o tAint) elA
lahuAigi Ailc legem)
Conit) he An huAlAnn
1om WAp mAcc nepent).
Thus rendered into English, by Dr. Whitley
Stokes : " Colman of Lann Ela, with per-
fection of high readings, so that he is
splendid (and) praiseworthy, the great John
of Ireland's sons ! "— " Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part. i. On the Calendar of
CKngus, p. exxxix.
6 " Colman Ela, son of Beogna, son of
Mochta, son of Cuinned, of Land Ela."
Then is added in Latin, that Ela was the
name of a woman who lived there before
St. Colman, or Ela was the proper name of
a river near to his church. Then we have
the Scriptural verse : " Colman ela dixit
exsurgam diluculo, confitebor Domino, quia
non est inane speiare in Domino." In a
second note there is a repetition of the con-
jecture regarding the local nomenclature. —
Ibid. 1 p. cxlvii.
I In Irish there is an added note, thus
translated into English : " A John was he,
i.e., like is he unto John for wisdom and
virginity." — Ibid., p. cxlvii.
8 Thus a MS. inT.C.D., classed B. 3, 12,
contains for September 26th, Kal. vi. Oct.
Colmani Epis.
9 The Codex Kilkenniensis registers St.
Colmann's Life, at fol. 130 to 133.
10 In a Manuscript " Vitse Sanctorum," ex
Cod. Inisensi, pp. 130 to 142.
II It is classed : MSS. vol. iv., part ii.,
At. iii. In the Irish Life of St. Columba,
cap. 158, it would seem, that the narrative
confounds him with St- Colman mac Ua
Laoighse, whose feast occurs at the 15th of
May.
123-
: Vila S. Colmani dt
B. 505, pp. 104-1 1 1,
MS. Bodl Kawl. B.
Vol. xxii., at fol. :
'3 They are classed
Elo, MS. Bodl. Rawl,
veil, folio, xiv. cent.
485, fol. 205, veil. 4to., xiv. cent.
14 See *' Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum
quae MS. habentur, ordine Mensiura et
Dierum."
,sSee "Chronicle of Ireland," p. 132.
16 See Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii., p. 497.
17 See " LTIistoire de l'lrlande, ancienne
September 26.] LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS.
595
Challoner,18 Rev. Alban Butler,1? Rev. Dr. Lanigan,20 and a writer in the
'* Dictionary of Christian Biography."21 At this date, moreover, Bishop Forbes
has some account of the present Saint ;22 for he had been venerated, also, in
Scotland.
This saint's parents belonged to Meath and were of a noble race.23 They
were known as the family of Mocusailni. St. Colman was the son of Beognai,
sometimes written Beagni.2* He belonged to the race of Eochaidh,2? or
Eocho Mairedha,26 son to Muireadh. and he sprang from the descendants of
Heremon. His mother was Mor, daughter to Feidhlimidh,2? and sister of
St. Columba,28 according to the O'Clerys. Feidhlemidh was twenty-second
in descent from Fedhlim Saillne, the head of the Dal-Selli, and -from whom
this Colman derived his tribe name, Mac-U-Sailni,29 but from a nearer
progenitor. 3° In some cases, our saint is called Colmanus Episcopus
Mac-U-Sailne, or Mocusailni from his tribe name. He is called also
Columbanus Alius Beogni, from his father Beogna.31 It would seem, that the
people of Leinster had made an incursion upon the Meathian territory, which
obliged the parents of our saint to take refuge in the Valley of Hoichle,32 now
known as Glenelly,33 in the north-east of the County of Tyrone. A river
flows through this valley, in the parish of Upper Badoney.3* The valley is
about fifteen miles long, and from one and a half to about three miles in
width. 35 The Glenelly River has its source in the hills bordering on London-
derry County, and several streams converge before it joins the Owenleagh
et moderne," tome i,, seconde partie, chap,
iii., p. 303.
18 See "A Memorial of Ancient British
Piety," p. 136.
'9 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. ix., Sep-
tember xxvi.
20 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
land," vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect, ii., pp. 303
to 310.
31 See vol. i., p. 600.
aS See " Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
p. 304.
23 Fuit vir vite venerabilis Colmanus
nomine de nobili gente Hiberniae, i.e., de
Nepotibus Neill et pater ejus Beogne voca-
batur. Qui cum esset regio Midi a Lagi-
nensibus devastata, fugit cum suis in Vallem
Hoichle et ibi natus est sanctus Colmanus." —
" Vita S. Colmani Ela," cap. i., (MS. E. 3,
11, belonging to Trinity College, Dublin),
fol. 106 a, b.
2*Thus in Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
Hibernise" we read, "S. Colmannus filius
Beagni." — Vita S. Finniani, cap. xxxii.,
p. 397. Again, Colman ela mac
DeopiAi tmctnoccdi true Cuhtotoa. — Book
of Lecan, p. 70.
25This Eochaidh's legendary destruction
about A.D. 90 by the expansion of the river
Bann gave to that sheet of water the name of
Loch nOACACh, now called Lough Neagh.
His descendant in the sixth generation was
Clothrach, who had two sons, each giving
name to a sept ; namely, Fedhlim Saillne,
or Salline, the head of the Dal Sailne, or
Dal Selli ; and Fedhlim Buan, the head of
the Dal mBuain. According to Mac Firbis
Genealogical Manuscripts, pp. 102, 728, b.
26 Allusion is made to the eruption of
Lough Neagh over the former plain of
Linnmhuine in the Dinnseanchus, as found
in the Leabhar n-Uidhri, at fol. 36, as also
in the " Irish Version of the Historia Brito-
num of Nennius," edited by Rev. James
Henthorn Todd, and by the Hon. Algernon
Herbert, pp. 226, 227, and n. (y).
27 Son of Ferghus Cennfada, son to Conall
Gulban, son to Niall of the Nine Hostages.
See "Vita S. Colman," cap. i.
28 See his Life at the 9th of June> in the
Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
29 Every man in the clan Dal-Sailne was a
mac U1 SAilne. See Rev. Dr. Reeves'
Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, lib. i., cap.
5, n. (b.), p. 29.
30 See "Dictionary of Christian Biogra-
phy," vol. i., p. 600.
31 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. 5, p. 29, and
lib. ii., cap. 15, p. 124.
32 According to the Vita S. Colmani Ela,
cap. i. (MS. known as Codex Kilkenniensis
in Marsh's Library, Dublin), folio 129, a.b.
33 It is written 5liono Vhoicle, ln j_)r
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
vol. i., at A.D. 854, p. 488, and ^leano
aichle, at A.D. 1600. See vol. vi., p. 2226.
34 See an account of it in the " Parliamen-
tary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i., p. 115.
35 See " Acts of Archbishop Colton in his
Metropolitan Visitation of the Diocese of
Derry, A.D. mcccxcvii., by Rev. William
Reeves, D.D., p. 55, n. (o.)
596 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
River above Newtown Stewart. Two parallel roads run through the
picturesque valley, one on either side of the water. St. Colman Elo was born
in Gleann-aich-Le, in the present County of Tyrone, according to another
authority. 36 His advent to this world and his future sanctity were heralded
by an extraordinary miracle, as related in one of his Lives. 3? The date of his
birth must have been about 555,3s 557 0r 558, if fifty-two years were his age,
when he resigned his spirit to heaven, about a.d. 610. 39
St. Colman Ela is classed among St. Patrick's disciples ;<° but this must be
regarded as a great anachronism. It is clear, however, that in this instance,
Colgan has confounded a St. Colman — not otherwise distinguished in the Irish
Apostle's Acts — with the present St. Colman Elo.41 The latter was
educated under St. Coeman,<2 the holy Abbot who presided over the monas-
tery of Enachtruim, now Annatrim, on Mount Bladhma, now Slieve Bloom,
in the west of Leinster. Under this great master, our Saint was instructed in
moral and literary science.43 While there, he was assailed by a passionate
woman, and for this act she was miraculously punished.44 The anecdote
is thus related, that while he was a youth, and coming out of Church one
day, without any provocation, that woman struck the innocent boy. Where-
upon, his master said, " May that left hand of thine, with which thou hast
unjustly struck the servant of Christ, fall to-morrow from thy side." This
imprecation was followed, by such result, according to the legend. As a
memorial of the miracle wrought, a stone was afterwards to be seen erected
on that spot, where it took placets
Thence, it is stated, Colman went to Connor in Ulster.46 This place had
been lately the seat of the blessed Bishop Macnesse.4? We are told in the
Franciscan Life,*8 that when distinguished for holiness, Colman built a
monastery, but it is not stated where, and in it he desired to spend his days in
heavenly contemplation. Afterwards he left it in charge of four disciples. He
requested them to remain there, and such injunction they fulfilled, although
suffering from dire want. The total privation of food at last caused their
death. It is related, that he restored dead persons to life, and among these
was a youth who afterwards devoted himself to the saint's service, in which
he continued to his old age. His intervention also restored peace to hostile
clans.4? When travelling one day in a chariot, Colman came to a river,
called Dabhall50 or Dabul, which at the time had been swollen to a torrent,
36 In Ultonia. This Colgan intended to 42 His feast is held on the 3rd of Novem-
show, in the first chapter of his Life, to be ber, where notices of him may be found in
published at the 26th of September, and in the present work.
notes to be appended. 43 According to the Life of St. Colman
37 This is to be fouud in the Franciscan Eala found in the Franciscan copy "ox
copy " Vitoe Sanctorum, ex Codice Inisinsi," Codice Inisensi," cap. 2, p. 130.
in the hand-writing of Father John Colgan, 4,See ibid., cap. 2, pp, 130, 131.
cap. i., p. 130. 45 The foregoing narrative is to be found in
38 According to Tigernach. a Manuscript, belonging to Trinity College,
39The Annals of Clonmacnoise state, that Dublin, and classed E. 3. II, fol, 106, a, b.
he died in 609 ; other Irish Annals have 610. 46 This is not mentioned, however, in the
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the P'our Franciscan Life of our saint.
Masters," vol. i., pp. 234-236, and n. (o), 47 His feast occurs at the 3rd of September,
ibid. where his Acts may be found, in the present
40 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." volume, Art. i.
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. 48That copy "ex Codice Inisinsi," cap.
xxiii, p. 266. hi., iv., pp. 131, 132.
41 See ibid. Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. 4» According to the Franciscan Life "ex
clxxix., and n. 169, pp. 104, 1 16. Also Sep- Codice Inisensi," cap. v„ vi., vii., viii., pp.
tima Vita S. Patricii, lib. iii., cap. xcii, and 132, L33.
n. 117, pp. 166, 188. s»This was the ancient name of the
September 26. 1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
597
yet he drove forward and passed it in safety. Again, he visited the cell of
a holy virgin, named Lasara,*1 and there an incredible miracle is recorded as
having taken place."52
At Connor, it is stated, St. Colman Ela made some stay. In such a manner
were his virtues and miracles manifested, that in following ages he was honoured
and esteemed as second patron of that city." This saint is thought to be
identical with St. Colman-Elo of Connor and Muckamore,5* about two miles
from Antrim. According to certain writers, St. Colman built a noble
monastery at Muckamore.ss — some ruins of which still exist. It is said to
have been erected in 550, and to have been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary.s6 But, if St. Colman Elo died in 610, when fifty-two or even fifty-six,
years old,5? the monastery at Muckamore must have been built, at a much
later period, supposing this saint to have been its founder. By Adamnan St.
Colman is represented as being a Presbyter in one passage, and so he is
designated in his Life ; but in a capitular title58 he is called Episcopus, which
seems to be an error. To make good his episcopal rank, Colgan identifies
him with the individual, mentioned5? in the Life of St. Ita,6oas Columbanus ;
and apparently for no better reason, than because the latter went to visit St.
Columba on the island of Hyth or Iona, where he obtained the grade of
bishop, and afterwards returned to Ireland. He was the foster son of
St. Rethna or Rathnat, who lived at Kill-Raith, in the plain of the
LifTfey, and whose feast is kept on the 5 th of August. There, as already
stated, it seems most likely, he was the Columbanus Mac Ua Laoigse,
venerated on the 15th of May.
Were we to admit that Colman was born in 555, he must have only been
fifteen years of age, at the time of St. Ita's death, generally assigned to a.d.
56961 or 570. 62 As may readily be concluded, he could not have been
consecrated bishop, at so early a period. By many writers, this saint has
been confounded with St. Colman, Bishop of Dromore,63 whose festival occurs
at the 7th of June. The learned Ussher fell into this mistake ;6* and his
authority, doubtless, deceived several subsequent writers.65
Abhainn-mor or iilackwater Rver, id the s8 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
Counties of Tyrone and Arm.-igh. See Dr. of St. Columba," lib. i., cap. 5, p. 29.
O' Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," S9Thus: "cui nomen erat Columbam
vol. i., p. 124, n, (u). pergens, ill ic gradum episcopalem accepit."
51 Several saints bearing this name are — Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xv.
recorded in our Irish Calendars Januarii,Vita S. Itae,cap. xxi., p. 69, and n.22.
s2 Related in the Franciscan Life, "ex 6" See her Life at the 15th of January —
Codice Iniscensi," cap. x., xii., pp. 133, the date for her feast — in the First Volume
134. of this work, Art. i.
53 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," 6l According to the Annales Ultonienses.
Sexta Vita S- Patricii. or Jocelyn's, cap. xcvi. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Return Hiberni-
Also, Archbishop Ussher's Works, vol. vi., carum Scriptores," tomus iv., p. 25, and Dr.
" Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
cap xvii., p. 530. vol. i. pp. 206, 207.
54 See Rev. William Reeves' " Ecclesias- 62 According to the Annals of Tighernach.
tical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
Dromore," pp. 97, 98, n. (g), and Appendix, carum Scriptores," tomus ii., Tigernaci
p. 380. Annales, p. 150. The Annals of Inisfallen
55 See L'Abbe Ma-Geoghegan's "Historic assign this event to the much earlier date,
de l'lrlande, ancienne et moderne," tome i,, a.d. 562. Seeibid., Ann des Inisfalenses, p. 7.
seconde partie, chap, iii., p. 296, 6iSee his Acts, at the 7th of June, in the
56 See Rev. John Dubourdieu's " Statisti- Sixth Volume of this work, Art. i.
cal Survey of the County of Antrim," chap. 64 See Archbishop Ussher's collected
iv., sect. 3, p. 591. Also, Archdalls Works, vol, iv. Chronological Index, at
" Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 10. A.t. 550.
57 See Rev, Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of 65 Among others, the Ab -e Ma-Geoghegan,
the Four Masters," at A.d. 610, vol. i., pp. in his " Histoire de l'lrlande/' tome i.,
234 to 237. Seconde Partie, chap, iii., pp. 304, 305.
59« LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
CHAPTER II.
RETURN OF ST. COLMAN EALA TO HIS ANCESTRAL PROVINCE— HIS VISITS TO ST.
COLUMBA IN IONA— ESCAPES THE DANGERS OF COIREBRECAIN WHIRLPOOL-
CONVENTION AT WHICH ST. COLMAN OBTAINS A GRANT OF LAND TO FOUND HIS
MONASTERY AND CHURCH AT LYNALLY — RECORD OF VARIOUS MIRACLES—
FOREKNOWLEDGE OF HIS DEATH— HIS VISIT TO Cl.ONARD IN ANTICIPATION OF
IT— HIS RETURN TO LYNALLY AND DEPARTURE FROM LIFE— ST. COLMAN EALA's
COMMEMORATION AND MEMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
After some time, giving his blessing to that people, Colman Eala left
Connor, it is said, and came into his own ancestral country of Meath, It
seems likely, that he had there established for himself a mission, and a
character for great sanctity, before he resolved on visiting his near relative
St. Columba in the Island of Iona. In Adamnan's Life there are two
distinct accounts of our saint having been on a voyage to that Island, and
again of having departed from it, on the very year of Sr. Columba's death.1
Although having little regard to chronological sequence in his biographical
narrative ; yet, it seems most probable, those accounts have reference to
different visits. It has been supposed from a passage in the Life of St.
Columba,2 that St. Colman was not only an Abbot, but also a Bishop.
Whether this was so or not before he visited St. Columkille in his monastery of
Iona, can hardly be determined. However, the great Abbot of that place
being one day in his church, and having the gift of second sight, broke forth
in a joyous exclamation : " Columbanus,3 the son of Bcognai, who started
on his voyage to us, is now imperilled in the turbulent waters of Brecan's
Charybdis ;4 but sitting on the prow of his ship and lifting both his hands to
Heaven, he blesses the formidable waves. Nor doth the Lord thus affright
him, as if he dreaded shipwreck, but to cause him more fervently to pray,
and that he may come providentially to us having escaped that danger.*"
A conjecture has been offered, that the location of Brecan's Charybdis — since
more generally known as Corrybracken6 — was originally near the Island of
Rathlin, on the north coast of Ireland, in the time of St. Columba, although
it has since moved more to the north-east, and nearer to the coast of Scot-
land. ' The " Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela" adds to the foregoing account,
Chapter 11. — ' See the Rev. Dr. Reeves' Brecan, son of Maine, son of Niall of the
Adamnan's "Life of St Columba," lib i., Nine Hostages, was engulfed by it in the
cap. 5, p. 29, and lib. ii., cap. 15, pp. 124, year a.d. 440. It is a curious fact, that the
125. only place in Ireland where the name now
2 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." exists is in the inland county of Monaghan,
Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib. i., cap. 5, p. where a townland, in the parish of Maghera-
340. cloone, having a fine earthen fort, is called
3 By this title Colman Eala is sometimes Corrybracken. See it marked on the "Ord-
distinguished among our Irish saints. nance Survey Townland Maps for the
4 In Codex B. of Rev. Dr. Reeves, con- County of Monaghan,' sheets 30, 31.
taining S. ColumbcTe Vita, a vellum MS. of 7 Although the name has long since shifted
the middle ef the fifteenth century, there is a to the strait between Scarba and Jura, just as
titulus to Adamnan's Life, at lib. ii., cap. 13, Scotia has forsaken its original home, there
which has •' in vortice Brecani," and it is an can be no doubt that in Adamnan's day this
allusion to this great natural curiosity of con- Corry- Bracken was situate near the Irish
flicting sea-tides and currents. coast : its connection with the Island of
5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life Rathlin, as furnished in the title, and the
of St. Columba, lib. i., cap. 5, p. 29. expression " transnavigare incipiens," in
6 It was called by the Irish CoinebpecAiii, the chapter of Adamnan's Life of St.
' Brecan's Cauldron,' from the peculiar Columba, lib. i., cap. 5, are sufficient proof
motion of the water, and the tradition that of this.
September 26.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
599
that when Colman and his brethren safely arrived in Iona, the monks on
that Island greatly rejoiced, and Columba said to him, " Brother Colman,
do not feel dissatisfied, that you go not to teach distant nations, but return
again to Hybemia, the land of your birth, and feed your nation by word and
example with the grace given you by God. For of necessity, I have been
brought hither, but I beseech you not to absent yourself and deprive your
land of your teaching." Having received such admonition, Colman returned
with a favouring wind to Ireland.8 Vivid descriptions' regarding the
dangerous gulf or whirlpool of Coirebrecain, to which allusion has been
made, are preserved in the Irish language, both in the Dinnseanchus and in
Cormac's Glossary.10 It is referred to by Giraldus Cambrensis,11 and from an
early period it had been the terror of mariners.12 Writing of Scarbay,13
Fordun has an allusion to it.14 The saint to whom reference is here made
has been called, also, the holy bishop15 Colman Mocusailne ;l6 and it is
said, his danger occurred near the Isle Reachru.17 Part of the channel
between Ballycastle and the Island of Rathlin, at certain times is so dis-
turbed by the tidal action, that even in the absence of wind no small cralt
could live in it. It is locally known by the characteristic name Slugnamorra.18
In the order of narrative as contained in the Franciscan Life, we read
after St. Colman's return to Ireland from Iona, that a great convention was
held, and it was attended by Aedh Slaine19 and Aedh20 the son of Ainmi-
rech, as also by St. Columcille, St. Kynecus21 and St. Colman. It is stated,
that our saint returned to the County of Meath about the year 590, and
attended a meeting at which St. Columkille, St. Cannich22 and the monarch
of Ireland were present.23 All received our saint with great joy. St. Colum-
* It is added : " oblius est ampullam cum
oleo quam solus Columba ei concessit. Sed
providential summi provisoris factum est ut
sancti Colmano orante in loco suo eandem
ampullam in la reiictam corum se vuleret.''
— P'ranciscan copy " ex Codice Inisensi,''
cap. xiii., pp. 134, 135.
9 See Hamilton's " Letters on the North
Coast of Antrim," p. 14.
10 The latter of which, with other illus-
trative matter, is printed in Dr. Reeves'
" Ecclesiastical An iquities of Down, Coniior
and Dromore," pp. 289, 386. See also the
extract from the Life of St. Kieran in
Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," p. 458, and
O'DonneU's Life of S. Columba, lib. iii., cap.
21, p. 434. **&.
" Thus : " Non procul ab insulis ex parte
boreali, est maris qua;dam admiranda vorago.
Ad quam a remotis partibus omnes undique
marini fiuctus tanquam ex condicto confluunt
et concurrunt : qui in secreta naturre pene-
tralia se ibi transfundentes, quasi in abyssum
vorantur." — "Topographia Hibernica." Dis-
tinctio ii., cap. xiv.
"Owing to the danger encountered, extra
pay had been given to the coast-guard, at
that station, to a comparatively recent
date.
•» About the year 1390.
14 Regarding it, this author says, "Juxta
quam gurges oceani decurrit fortissima Core-
brekane." — Johannis de Fordun " Chronica
Gentis Scotorum," edited by William F.
Skeene, vol i., lib. ii., cap. x., p. 43.
'5 He is stated to have been a presbyter, at
the time of S. Columba's death. The dig-
nity of bishop he must have afterwaids
obtained.
16 The clan name by which he was distin-
guished, Colman ela nuc Ui Sailne.
'7 Now Rathlin, off the northern Coast of
Antrim County. The natives call it Raghery.
18 In Irish, Slog tii rnana, ' Gulp of the
sea.' It is probably the Jolduhlaup, ' Break-
ing of waves,' commemorated in the Icelandic
Sagas.
'9 Aedh Slaine began his reign over Ire-
land, a,d. 595, and it continued to a.d. 600.
See Dr. O' Donovan's " Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. i., pp. 220 to 227.
20 He ruled over Ireland from a.d. 568 to
a.d. 594, when he was slain by Bran Dubh,
King of Leinster. See ibid., pp. 206 to 221.
Hence we must infer, this convention had
been held before the latter date, and before
Aedh Slaine began to reign.
21 Or Canice,the Patron Saint of Kilkenny.
He was born A.D. 517, and he died A.D. 600.
22 This saint, the patron of Kilkenny,
was venerated on the nth of October, at
which date his Life may be seen in the
Tenth Volume of this work.
23 See Rev. A.Cogan's " Diocese of Meath,
Ancient and Modern," vol. iii., chap, lxxiv.,
pp. 617, 618.
6oo
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
kille proposed a motion, that they should give Colman a proper place to
found a monastery for his disciples. When all the nobles and clergy had
agreed to this resolution, ^Edus, the son of Slane, Prince of Meath, proffered
a large forest in the southern part of his dominions called Fidh-Elo,24 in the
territory of Fergall.*8 This Colman accepted, and then foretold, that there
should be his place of resurrection. It was declared likewise, from that
place he should take his name. Then accompanied by Lasrianus the
minister of St. Columba, Colman went to the place, and they selected a site
for the religious foundation. In the middle of that forest, and in a place
well watered, and encompassed with fair fields, Colman raised the famous
monastery of Land or Lann-Elo.26 There in after time a great number of
holy disciples served the Lord with fidelity.2? Archbishop Ussher furnishes
an extract fiom the life of St. Colman Rio, and he describes the situation of
St. Colman Elo's Church, Lynally.
this church, as having been four miles distant from Durrow of St. Columkille.
The place was called Linalli,28 now Lynally, about one mile south-west of
Tullamore, in the present King's County. There he lived in extraoidinary
sanctity, to a good old age, while he trained up many souls in religious
perfection.
Approaching the close of the sixth century, it is probable St. Colman
Elo erected his monastery and chinch. The present ruins of L) nally church
24 See the account of Lynally in " Letters
containing Information relative to the Anti-
quities of the King's County, collected
during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey
in 1837," vol. i. Letter of John O' Donovan,
dated Tullamore, January 2nd, 1 838, pp. 93
to 96,
ss Or Fir-Ceall, where Lann Eala was
situated. See the Table appended to the
«' Martyrology of Donegal," edited by
the Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 384,
385-
26 Rendered the Church of Elo. The term
Lann is frequently used in connexion with
Welsh churches, and having the same mean-
ing.
2; See the Life of our saint from the Manu-
script Vita; Sanctorum ex Codice Inisensi,
chap, xiv., p. 135.
28 See " Primodia," cap. xvii., p. 960.
September 26. 1 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 601
arc not ancient ;29 but, a wall which encloses the burial-ground is thought
to be of considerable antiquity. South of the church there is a remarkable
moat, which appears to have belonged to a former castle. The mediaeval
church at Lynally was converted into a Protestant edifice ; the east end of
the ancient building only remains.30 In its interior, there is a vault, built of
stone, with lime and sand cement.31
After St. Colman's establishment had been formed, it is stated, that on a
certain occasion food had failed his monks ; yet a miraculous supply reached
them on the feast of the Epiphany. 32 Again is the story told, that when in
want of the necessaries of life, a miraculous transport of provisions was
wafted to the monastery through the air,33 and like to the prophet Habacuc's
experience. A Briton, who was a member of St. Colman's community, had
been reproved by the Abbot for some fault. Angered by that reproof, his
hand was raised to strike his superior; but in that very act, the hand became
stiff and paralysed, nor could the monk recover its use, until the saint had
compassionately pardoned his transgression. 34 On a certain day while St.
Colman laboured with his monks in the field, he had a vision, when he
suddenly fell prostrate on the ground and shed tearsr His monks astonished
at such an unusual occurrence asked him with earnestness the cause. He
told them he had seen a number of Angels descending towards earth, and
that he thought the Day of General Judgment had come. But then he saw
them bear a golden altar aloft and on it the soul of Blessed Gregory the
Pope.35 A great illumination took place, as the gates of Heaven opened
and Angels appeared to receive him. At the end of a year from that day,
he declared that a messenger from Rome should visit their monastery and
confirm the fact of Gregory's death. This prediction was fulfilled, for a
pilgrim from that city, who had resolved to visit the saints of Ireland, brought
such intelligence to them.36 At one time, the monks of St. Colman mur-
mured, because they lived a very laborious life and one that was very
austere, without any corporal rest or consolation. Their venerable superior,
knowing this by information communicated to him, addressed them thus :
" Brothers, if you desire to see the glory of the heavenly kingdom in so far as
it may be permitted to mortals, you shall now behold it." Having replied,
that they most earnestly wished for such a favour, Colman raised his hand
and placed it over their eyes. Immediately the beatific vision opened to
their great delight and admiration. Thenceforward they bore with great
resignation and even joy all their austerities and labours to the end of their
lives, deeming them as bearing no comparison with the rewards reserved for
them in the realms of the blessed. However, their holy Abbot imposed on
them an obligation never to reveal that vision to others during his life-time.s?
When some paupers came to Colman asking for alms, having nothing else
to bestow, he gave them a brazen vessel, in which he used to wash. This vessel
was soon missed by the servant of the monastery, who went to the Abbot
29 The accompanying illustration is from a " Vitre Sanctorum, ex Codice Inisensi," cap.
sketch taken by the writer in August, 1 888. xv., pp. 135, 1 36.
This has been drawn on the wood, and en- 33 See ibid., tap. xvi., p. 136.
graved by Giegor Grey. 3*'* Vita Sanctis.-i ni Colmani Ela," cip.
30 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath, xix., p. 136.
Ancient and Modern," vol. ii., chap, xix., p. 3s Pope St. Gregory I., who flourished
531. during the life-time ol our saint.
31 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the j6 See ''Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela,"
Four Masters," voi. v., n. (b), pp. 1414, 1415. cap. xx., pp. 136, 137.
32 According to the " Vita Sanctissimi 3? Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxi.,
Colmani Ela," as fou.d in the Franciscan p. 137.
6o2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September t6.
with such a complaint. However, on returning to the place once more, he
found the identical basin or one quite like to it restored to the place it
usually occupied.'8 On a certain occasion, when Colman was absent from
his monastery, a monk, remarkable for his humility, obedience and devotion,
named Collanus,^ departed this life. On the Abbot's return he went alone
to the cell where his body lay, and standing before the door which had been
closed he cried out : " O Collanus, as you have been obedient to me in life, so
continue after death, and open this habitation to me." Immediately the
monk arose as if from sleep, at the sound of his Abbot's voice; the door
opened, and after mutual salutation, the monk said : "I beseech you Father,
permit me to return where I have found <;reat glory and rest, to that realm I
have already seen." This request he obtained. Having received the Body
of our Lord, again he departed and his remains were consigned to the grave.40
Among the miracles recorded of Colman is an instance of his restor-
ing one Cronan from demoniac possession.41 Again where the con-
fluence of two rivers took place,42 some monks lived ill their cells ; but
floods came that seemed to bode destruction to their dwellings. They
came to St. Colman, and asked him to relieve them, when he gave them his
staff, telling them to describe a circle with it around their monastery. Having
complied with such directions, the inundation ceased, nor afterwards were
they subjected to any such inconvenience.43 It is related, that a robber had
taken a sacred vessel from the monastery of St. Colman, and which had
been used by him for ministerial purposes. Having sold it to a Munster cleric,
the robber was apprehended by the people, who were about to hang him for
the commission of such a sacrilege, and they threatened to do so if it were not
restored. This restitution he was unable then to effect, but the merciful
Abbot intervened on his behalf, and rescued him from the hands of that
infuriated mob. As a reward for such clemency, the ampulla was recovered
through the prayers of Colman.44 Aedh Slaine« held a captive in chains,
and the man of God came to entreat for his release, but he found the king
at first inexorable. Nevertheless, moved by a remarkable miracle wrought in
his presence, the prisoner was afterwards released, owing to Colman's per-
suasion and through the king's reverence for his gifts of power derived from
the Almighty.'*6 While in choir one day, the monks were engaged in singing
the Hymn of St. Patrick,47 when their superior saw the great Apostle of
Ireland standing in their midst. Colman ordered that hymn to be sung a
second and a third time, but one of the elders objected to such a repetition,
and proposed that another hymn should be substituted for it. " My brother,"
responded Colman, M I ordered that Hymn to be repeated, because while
singing it St. Patrick stood among you." No sooner had he spoken these
words than the vision disappeared.48
A romantic story is told regarding a son who was born blind.
The mother was so shocked and disgusted with his appearance, that
she urged another son to take his infant brother and drown him
in an adjoining lake. In this resolve her husband coincided.
38 See ibid., cap. xxii., p. 137. 44See ibid., cap. xxvi., p. 138.
39 Many saints named Cillin or Cillanus are 4SAs already stated, he was five years a
commemorated in the Irish Calendars. Sovereign over Ireland : viz. from A. D. 595
40 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxiii., to A.n. 600.
pp. 137, 138. 46 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
41 See ibid., cap. xxiv., p. 138. xxvii., pp. 138, 139.
42 The exact location or name of this 47 What particular Hymn this was is not
monastery is not further designated. fu-ther known.
43 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxv., 48 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
p. 138. xxviii., p. 139.
September 26. J LIVES OF 1 HE IRJSB SAINTS 603
Suddenly was heard the voice of that infant saying to his brother : " O man,
do you reflect on what a deed you purpose ? " He replied : u I am about
to deprive you of life." The blind infant then said : "Unless you repent of
your intention immediately, you shall die, and I shall live, since I am given
to Colman Ela that he may nurture me." Whereupon fearing the conse-
quence of such an evil act, the son returned home, and told his father what
had occurred. Nevertheless, the father insisted that one of his female
servants should execute the deed, and submitting to such an order, again
the blind infant spoke to her, and said, that being entrusted by God to the
care of St. Colman, she could not deprive him of life, and that unless she
should repent of her crime, death must overtake her. Trembling with fear,
she returned to the house, and told the father what had happened in her
own case. Filled with indignation and still incredulous, the father — a chief
of the O'Neill family — resolved on the crime of infanticide himself. He then heard
his own child's voice upbraid him and declare, that should the father make
any attempt on his son's life the penalty of death mustbeinflictedonhimself,and
that too, unless sincere repentance should follow, since tlie Lord had devoted
him to St. Colman Ela to be protected. Accordingly the terrified parent
relented. At that very time, our saint happened to be near, and afterwards
he went to the chieftain's house to reproach him with the crime intended.
The child was then entrusted to St. Colman's care, to be baptised and
instructed in the rudiments of learning. As years advanced, the boy grew
in wisdom and morality ; yet although he was thenceforward known as the
Blind Kellamis,49 he became a sage and the teacher of many scholars.50
St. Colman visited a place called Cluain cayn*1 (Clonkeen) where certain
robbers had taken away some property belonging to the monks; but being
accused of the theft, they were ready to deny it on oath. Then said our
saint, "We shall give you until morning to state the whole truth. " But they
persisted in denying their complicity in the theft. A severe punishment was
inflicted on them for this denial, and they suffered great pain, until they were
obliged to acknowledge their guilt, on the morning following.52 A holy
virgin named Comna" earnestly entreated Brandanus, a tyrant, to liberate a
captive of her nation, which he had subdued. In this she had the assistance
of St. Colman, who wrought a miracle in her behalf. This induced the tyrant to
relent and grant the prayer of her petition. Then Colman accompanied
Comna to her religious house, where he was hospitably entertained by her
community.5* At one time, the servant of God visited the home of a certain
man whose whole family, with the exception of a blind son, had been carried
off by a pestilence. The saint was received joyfully by the master of the
house, and when told he had no servant but the blind boy to draw water for
him from a well which was at a great distance, Colman desired him to dig
the earth which was near, when immediately a fountain sprang up, and
taking some of the water therefrom, he sprinkled the boy with a sign of the
cross. At once he was restored to the use of sight. Again is recorded
the miracle of our saint restoring a boy mute and deaf to the faculties of
speech and hearing.55 While on a visit to St. Columkille in Iona, Colman
49 There are several saints named Cillen or 52 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap xxxi.,
Kellanus in the Irish Calendar, as already p. 140.
observed. 53 [iCI place is no; nr.med, nor can her
50 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. identity be traced among the saints of her
xxix, p. 139. name in our Irish Calendars.
51 There are many places in Ireland known 54 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
thus or under the Anglicized form of Clon- xxxiv., p. 141.
keen, interpreted " the beautiful meadow." 5SSeeibtd., cap. xxxv., xxwi.,pp. 141, 142.
6o4 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
Eala was about returning to Ireland in the year 597,5* when at the third hour
of the day the illustrious Abbot prophesied, that he should have a favouring
wind to bear him southwards, while Baithen, who was bound for the Island
of Ethica — but in a northern direction — was to be favoured in a similar
manner. This result was miraculously obtained, through the great merits of
St. Columkille. When our saint had obtained his blessing, and had set out
on his homeward-bound voyage for Ireland, the Abbot said to his commu-
nity present : "The holy man Columbanus,57 to whom my blessing has been
given on his departure, shall never again see my face in this life." Such
prophecy was also fulfilled, for during that very year, the illustrious Abbot of
Iona departed this life.58
At one time St. Molua mac Coiche59 came to visit St. (Dolman,
and being entreated by the monks to remain with them for the
night, he alleged that he had some necessary affairs which demanded his
attention, so that he was obliged to decline their invitation. Then (Dolman
directed his monks to pray the Almighty to grant a request the saint denied
them. When Molua was about to set forth on his journey a great tempest
arose, accompanied with thunder and lightning. Then, seeing that God had
heard the prayers of the monks, he said to (Dolman ; " If I do as you desire
to-day, shall I not retain you, when seeking to depart from me ? "6o There
was about that time a powerful prince in the Leinster province named
Brandubh,61 who had been killed by his enemies, and Bishop Maedoc of
Ferns with his brethren greatly loved him. They offered up prayers, sacri-
fices and fasts for his eternal repose. The Bishop sent a message that
(Dolman should visit him. Accordingly, our saint set out, and on his way
took Clonfert Molua, where the monks earnestly pressed him to remain for
the night. But he refused, being anxious to hasten his journey. He was
about to leave at an early hour, when a fire broke out in their house. (Dolman
raised his hand in benediction, and the flames ceased. The seniors then
collecting around requested him to remain for the night, and he complied
with their request. Having come to Maedoc of Ferns, he was told, that
prayers had been offered without ceasing for Brandubh's soul, and that
although these had been continued for a whole year, yet he had not been
released from the pains of Purgatory.62 However, the prayers of St. (Dolman
56 This is to be inferred, since it is the tores," tomus ii., Annales Inisfalenses,
year generally assigned for the death of St. p. 9. Again is he distinguished, at A.i>.
Columba. 596, for his victory over Cumasgadh, son of
s? A term often commutable with Colman Aedh, at the battle of Arx Buchat. See
in Irish hagiology. ibid., tomus iv., Annales Ultonienses, p. 33.
58 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life At A.D., 597, Brandub killed Aedh mac
of St. Columba," lib. ii., cap. 15, pp. 124, Ainmire, and Beach mac Cuanach, at the
125. battle Arx Belgarum or Bolgarum. See ibid.,
59 See his life at the 4th of August, in the p. 34.
Eighth Volume of this work, Art. i. 'Different dates have been assigned for
&Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Eala, cap. the death of King Brandubh. Thus, the
xxxii., p. 140. Annals of Boyle record the date for the
61 Some of the exploits of this provincial Battle of Slabte, in which Brandubh mac
potentate are on record. Thus, the Annales Eachach fell, at the year 579. See Rev. Dr.
Ultonienses place at A.D. 589, the battle of O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
Ochtar fought by Brandubh, the son of tores," tomus ii., Annales Buelliani, pp.
Eachach, against the TJi Neill. See Rev. 5, 6. At the year 600 is recorded in the
Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Annales Inisfalenses, [" Vulnus Brandubii,
Scriptores," tomus iv., pp. 31,32. At the i c. Regis Lagenire filii Eachachi] a sua
year 592, the Annals of Innisfallen have an familia." — Ibid., p. 10. The Annales
account regarding the destruction or haras- Ultonienses have even a later date. In the
sing of people (ordain tia T>Aine) by year 604 is recorded the battle of Sleibre in
Brandubh, King of Leinster. See Dr. which Brandubh mac Ethach was vanquished
O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- by the Uli Neill. See ibid., tomus iv., p. 36.
September 26.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 605
proved so efficacious, that Brandubh came to life, and he appeared without
any sign of wounds. Soon afterwards, he departed to bliss, having happily
passed the term of his purgation.63
At last, Colman was favoured with a foreknowledge of his approaching
dissolution, which he ardently wished for, so that he might resign his soul
into the hands of his Redeemer. He felt a great desire to be dissolved and
to be with Christ. Then he went to Clonard, that his petition might be
preferred before the relics of St. Finian. When he had come to that monas-
tery, and while the monks were asleep, he went to the church in which their
founder had been buried, and knocking at the door, he cried out : " O holy
Finian, open thy church to me." Immediately either the holy Patron or an
Angel came and opened the door, when our saint said : " I beseech you,
O Finian, to pray the Lord for me, that I may depart from life this very year
and go to Him." Then Finian replied : " The Lord hath heard your prayers ;
for this very year you shall ascend to the Kingdom of Heaven.64 When
both saints had fraternally saluted each other, Colman returned to his
brethren. As the time of his decease now approached, the miraculous sign
of a fiery cross appeared in the heavens. This the monks interpreted to
mean, that their holy superior was destined soon to close his career upon
earth. They were in a state of desolation and grief, when he said to them :
" Fear not, my children, because this is the sign of my passage from this life.''
When in his infirmity, the day of Ins departure approached, St. Kartaius,
also called Mochuda, who lived in Rathen,and other monks in the adjoining
country, came to visit him. On their arrival, St. Colman said to them :
" Know, my brothers, that I have preferred my prayers to God, and have
obtained from Him, that whosoever shall pray to me in his last moments
shall have life eternal, and whosoever shall observe religiously the day of my
departure shall obtain mercy." Saying these words, his spirit passed into the
keeping of Angels who brought it to the mansions of everlasting happiness. 6s
The Annals of Boyle and of Innisfallen place the . death of this holy
Abbot, at much too early a period to correspond with many incidents
recorded in his life.66 It is generally held, that St. Colman Ealadied on the
26th of September, a.d. 610, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.67 Such is the
year assigned for it by the Annals of Ulster68 and of the Four Masters,6?
while Tigernach has a.d. 611. After the death of St. Colman, one of his
monks, who served those building his church, was murdered by certain
robbers, but when his body had been brought for interment, some of his
religious brothers laid the crozier of their founder over his remains, when he
immediately arose living and unharmed. When the sacred remains of St.
Colman had crumbled to dust and only his bones remained in the grave, the
holy man appeared in a vision to some of his brethren, desiring that his
relics should be raised from earth to be deposited in a shrine. Accordingly
this command was complied with ; a suitable shrine was prepared, and into
63 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. " Quies Colmain Ela." — Ibid.t\>. 10.
xxxiii,, pp. 140, 141. fc7 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
64 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. History of Ireland,' vol. ii., chap, xiv.,
xxxvi.,p. 142. sect, ii., p. 305, and nn. 34,35, pp. 309,
65 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. 310.
xxxvii., p. 142. 68At A.D. 610 we read " Quies Colmani
66 At A.D. 585 is entered in the Annales Ela." — Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
Buelliam " Quies Colmani Ela." See Rev. carum Scriptores," tomus iv., Annales
Dr. O'Conor's " Reium Hibernicarum Ultonienses, p. 36.
Scriptores," tomus ii., p. 6. At the year 69 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
605, the Annales Inisfalenses enter also pp. 234 to 237.
606 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
it the remains were transferred with great solemnity and honour. The clergy
and people assembled on this occasion in great numbers. 7° In the seven-
teenth century the staff of St. Colman Ealo was still to be found.71
This holy Abbot is commemorated in our Irish Calendars, at the present
day. We have already seen, that he had been commemorated in the
Martyrology of Tallagh and in the Festilogy of ^Engus. At the 26th of
September, Marianus O'Gorman records the festival of St. Colman Ela with
an eulogy. 72 He is also recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal,73 at the
same date, as Colman Eala, Abbot of Lann Elo, in Fir-Ceall, in West Meath.
There is also a Colmanellus, Bishop, mentioned in Henry Fitzsimon's List of
Irish Saints, 74 and in connexion with him Jocelyn's Life of St. Patrick is
quoted. 75 In the anonymous Calendar of Irish Saints, published by
O'Sullivan Beare,?6 we find probably the same Colman set down at the same
date ; although as we may see, another Colman was venerated, likewise on
this day. The latter, however, is less celebrated than the former St. Colman.
Nor was the fame of St. Colman Ela confined to Ireland alone : it extended
to Scotland, where he was known as Colmonel. Thus, the church of
Colmonel in Kintyre.77 In a confirmation by Pope Clement IV. in 1268, the
Abbey of Paisley possessed the Church of St. Colmonel of Scybinche, with
chapels, lands and appurtenances. ?8 In the seventeenth century, a church
apparently dedicated to the Irish, St. Colmanelo7^ stood at Clachan on the
west coast of Scotland.80 There is a parish of Colmonell in Ayrshire.*1 At
this day, St. Colman is recorded in the Martyrology of Aberdeen.82 The
genealogists of South Knapdale have handed down a Gaelic couplet,8* which
is adduced in evidence, that saints Colmonel, Barry and Mac Charmaig were
patron saints of the clans mentioned in it.8* Besides the old calendarists,
many of the modern writers on hagiology, have entered the feast of St.
Colman Ela. Thus, among others, Bishop Challoner,8s the Rev. Alban
Butler,86 the Rev. Mervyn Archdall,87 and the Rev. Dr. Lanigan.88 He is
70 See Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. Glasg. i., 95, 56. " Old Statistical Survey
xxxviii., p. 142. of Scotland," vol. x., p. 54, and vol. xix., p.
71 See "The Martyrology of Donegal," 318.
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, 78 In the Registrum de Passelet, p. 249, as
Appendix to the Introduction, p. xliv. quoted in the " Origines Parochiales Scotise,"
73 Thus: — pars i., 69.
•■ Colman alaind Ela, 79 See "Origines Parochiales Scotise,"
'com din 'na doss dalaimm." Parit"" P-29' ~ . , ttV . .
89 See Bishop Forbes " Kalendars of
The translation by Dr. Whitley Stokes Scottish Saints," p. 305.
reads, " beautiful Colman Ela, whom I meet 8l See "New Statistical Survey of Scot-
protecting me like a bush." — " Feilire Hui land," vol. v., p. 528.
Gormain," pp. 184, 185. 82The Martyrology of Aberdeen says at
73 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. vj. KT. Octobris, (September 26): "In
260, 261. Ybernia Sancti Colmani, confessoris viri Dei
74 See " Historic Catholic* Ibernise Com- inter suos diuini Scripturis eruditissimi." —
pendium," lib. iv., cap. xii., Catalogus " Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries
aliquorum Sanctorum Iberniae, p. 53. of Scotland," vol. ii., p. 26S.
75 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," 8* " Colmonel, Clan a Gorry ; Barry, Clan
Vita Sexta S. Patricii, cap. xcvi., and n. Murachie ; Mac O Charmaig, Clan Niel ;
106, p. 113. Colgan seems doubtful as to Martin, Clan Donochee."
whether this bishop must be identified with ** See "Old Statistical Survey of Scot-
St. Colman of Dromore, venerated at the 7th land," vol. xix., p. 318.
of June, or with the present Colman Eala, at 8s See "A Memorial of British Piety,"
the 26th of September. p. 136. Also in " Britannia Sancta," part
76 See " Historiae Catholics Ibernire ii., pp. T43, 144.
Compendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., ^See " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and
P- 51- other principal Saints," vol. ix., September
77 Thus termed in the Register of Paisley. xxvi.
p. 123, and passim. Registrum Episcop. 8? See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 402.
September 26.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 607
recorded at this date in the " Circle of the Seasons,"8? and by Robert
Chambers.*0 Also, is his festival entered in the '* Dictionary of Christian
Biography."?1 St. Colman Elo had an Office of Nine Lessons.02
Like so many other Irish religious, this holy Abbot founded a monastery
and school for other men who aspired to perfection, and as their superior his
life led among them was so perfect a model of all virtues, that they needed
no other rule for their guidance. In his countenance, as in his training and
habits, in his speech, as in his whole behaviour, his disciples saw what they
were to embrace, and what they were to avoid, in order to acquire the theory
and practice of their holy state. His monastery, to which many resorted from
all parts, attracted by the fame of his sanctity, and desiring to consecrate
themselves to the love and service of God, observing his conduct and discipline,
continued to flourish long after his time, under a succession of devout
superiors and their monks habituated to regular rules.
Article II. — St. Colman, of Ros Bkanduibh. We read in the
published Martyrology of Tallagh1 that veneration was given, at the 26th of
September, to Colman, of Ruis Branduib. The words " vel hie Barrind
Corcaighe," which follow this announcement, seem to have been altogether
misplaced, and evidently have reference to St. Barr, about whom we have
already treated. A similar entry is found, at this date, in the Book of
Leinsler copy.2 Where Ruis or Ros Branduib was located we cannot ascer-
tain. At the 26th of September, Marianus O'Gorman notices the festival of
a second Colman of Ross.3 In a Manuscript Calendar of Professor Eugene
O'Curry, Colman is named, likewise, for this day. There is a Rosbran, in the
parish of St. John's, partly in the baronies of Narragh and Reban West,
County of Kildare, and partly in the barony of Ballyadams, Queen's County.4
This is probably the nearest Irish denomination, approaching to Ros
Branduibh, which can now be found ; but, it is possible, some better identifi-
cation may be imagined. At this same date, the Martyrology of Donegal*
records the name Colman, of Ros-Branduibh.
Article III. — Feast of St. Natalis, at Kinnawley. In the County
of Fermanagh, St. Natalis is still remembered in connexion with the ruined
church and holy well, at Kinawly.1 Natives in the immediate neighbourhood
of the church have stated, that September 26th is the day locally kept, in
honour of St. Natalis, at Kinawley.2
Article IV. — St. Justina, Martyr, near Nicomedia, in Bithynia.
Marianus O'Gorman celebrates the festival ot " Justina 6g ergrinn," rendered,
8b See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," dered into English, 'and Colman of Ross
vol. ii., chap, xiv., sect. ii., p. 305, and n. whom I reckon." A comment on the place
35- P- 3°9- names it Ross Branduib. See Dr. Whitley
89 See p. 270. Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184,
90 See the '-Book of Days/' vol. ii., p. 382. 185.
91 Edited by Drs. Smith and Wace, vol. V, "See "Alphabetical Index to the Town-
p. 600. lands and towns, Parishes, and Baronies of
92 A MS. in Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland," p. 797.
classed B. 3, 10. contains it at beptember 5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
26th, Kal. vi., Oct. Colmani. Conf. non. 260, 261.
Epis. ix. Lect. Article hi. — "Communication of
Articlr ii.— 'Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, William F. Wakeman, Esq., in a letter
p. xxxiv. dated Enniskillen, .November 27th, 1873.
2Thus: ColmAm ftuif bruMvouib ueLlnc 2 This Mr. Wakeman learned from a man
bapjvm'o Ccpch. named Mac Manus, and two old women
3 Thus : — "is Colman Rois rimeimm" ren- belonging to the place.
608 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 26.
" Justina a very lovely virgin," at September 26th.1 The ancient Acts of this
illustrious martyr and of her companions are given by the Bollandists,2 at the
present date, with a previous commentary 3 and notes, learnedly compiled by
Father John Cleo, S.J. Those Acts, relating to the conversion of St. Justina,
Virgin, and of St. Cyprian, Bishop, are written in Latin ;4 then follow the Acts
of St. Cyprian and St. Justina in Greek, accompanied with a Latin translation
and notes ; while as an Appendix- follow the memorials and commemorations
of those holy martyrs after their death, and in fine, Nine Lessons in Latin of
an office,5 taken from a Manuscript, belonging to the Church of Placentia in
Italy, relating to the Translation of St. Justina's Relics from Rome to that
city.
Article V.— St. Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr, near Nicomedia, in
Bithinia. At the 26th of September, Marianus O'Gorman enters " Ciprian
seim Senator," rendered " Slender Cyprianus Senator''1 in his Calendar. His
Acts, published by the Bollandists at this day, are included in those to which
allusion has been made in the preceding Article.
Article VI. — St. Faustinus, Martyr. Marianus O'Gorman has
entered " Faustin firscing " or " Faustinus the emaciated,"1 at the 26th of
September. Although he is named and in conjunction with other martyrs in
some ancient Martyrologies at this date ; yet the Bollandists2 who enter such
a feast are not able to throw much light on his history, period or place:
Article VII, — Eusebius. At the 26th day of September, Marianus
O'Gorman enters Euseib or Eusebius in his Calendar.1 It is difficult to
determine the identity of this saint, as two holy men bearing the name are
venerated on this day ; one St. Eusebius, Pope and Confessor at Rome,2 and
the other St. Eusebius, Bishop and Confessor at Bononia, in Italy.3
Article VIII. — Translation of the Relics of St. David, Patron of
Wales. Already at the 1st of March, we have given the Acts of this great
saint at sufficient length j1 but in a Carthusian copy of Greven, annotated in
Article 1 v.— ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' 2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.
" Keilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185. Septembris xxvi. De SS. Magigno, Nabore
2 See '"Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- et Kaustino MM. Ex Apographis Hierony-
tembris xxv. De SS Cyprinno, Justina et miani?, p. 263.
Theoctisto seu Theognito Martyribus prope ARTICLE VII. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
Nicomedium in Bithynia, pp. 195 to 262. " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
3This is contained in six sections ami * See the Bollandists' '' Acta Sanctorum,"
ninety-one paragraphs. tomus vii., Septembris xxvi. De S. Kusebio
4 They are said to have been interpolated Papa Conf Romx. Sylloge Historic*. In
by an anonymous author, but to have been two lections, containing twenty-six para-
collated with the Acts edited by Martene, in graphs, edited by Father John Stilting, S.J.,
his " Thesaurus Novus Anecdotorum," pp. 265 to 271.
tomus iii. 3 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
5 This comprises fifteen paragraphs, and tomus vii., Septembris xxvi. DeS. Kusebio
notes are added. Episcopo Conf. Bononiee in Italia. Sylloge,
Article v. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' in seventeen paragraphs, edited by Father
" Feilire Hui Gorman,'' pp. 184, 185. John Stilting, S.J., pp. 271 to 274.
Article vi.— See Dr. Whitley Stokes' Article VIII. — x At that date, in the
"Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185. Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
September 27.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 609
manuscript notes, at Bruxelles, the Translation of his Relics is commemo-
rated at the 26th of September, as the Bollandists also remark on this day.2
Article IX. — Translation of the Relics of St. Virgilius, Bishop
of Saltzburg. By Canisius and Ferrarius, the commemoration of a Trans-
lation of the Relics of St. Virgilius, Bishop of Saltzburg, in Bavaria, takes
place on this day. His Acts are more properly deferred to the 27th of
November, the date for his principal festival. The Bollandists notice the
Translation of his Relics, at the 26th of September.1
Article X. — Reputed Anniversary of the Death of St. Raban
Maur. Already, at the 4th of February, the Life of St. Raban Maur, Abbot
of Fulda, and Archbishop of Mayence, in Germany, will be found written.1
Most authorities, as may there be seen, agree that he departed this life, on
that day. However, the German Kalendar has a different statement, and it
assigns his decease to the 26th of September.2 Ferrarius and the Bollandists^
notice it also at this date.
Ctoentrj-^dmttl) JBap of September.
ARTICLE I.— ST. LUPaTT OR LUPITA, ALSO THOUGHT TO HAVE
BEEN LIAMAIN OR LIEMANIA, SISTER OF ST. PATRICK.
[FIFTH CENTURY.-]
IT has been remarked by naturalists, that certain vigorous plants, such as the
hardy slow-thorn of our hedge-rows, throw out their blossoms in the
Spring-time, before the leaves appear ; and thus do the flowers of sanctity
begin to bloom, before the leaves of lesser but additional natural and
supernatural graces give an increase of moral beauty to favoured individuals.
The present holy woman — thought to have been sister to our great Irish
Apostle — must have had family associations from her very childhood, in such
a supposition, as moulded her actions in after life, and the blossoms of saint-
liness forecast in her youth the fuller adornment of those virtues wrhich grew
more luxuriantly as her years advanced to a close.
Colgan promised to treat about St. Lupita, at the 27th of September,1 but
he did not live to redeem that promise. The Bollandists,2 who have a notice
'See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- mania. Commentariuspraevius, sec. x., subsc.
tembris xxvi. Among the pretermitted 54, p. 5 1 1.
feasts, p. 1S7. 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep-
Article ix. — ' See " Acta Sanctorum," tembris xxvi. Among the pretermitted
tomus vii., Septembris xxvi. Among the feasts, p. 187.
pretermitted feasts, p. 189. Article i. — 'See "Acta Sanctorum Hi-
Article x. — » See in the Second Volume berniae," Februarii vi. De S. Mele Episcopo.
of this work, at that date. Ardachadensi, nn. II, 12, p. 262.
2 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum," 2See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii,,
tomus i., Februarii iv., De S. Rabano Septembris xxvii. Among the pretermitted
Mauro, Archiepiscopo Moguntino in Ger- saints, p. 378.
1 Q
6io
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 27.
of Lupita at the 27th of September, remark, that while some writers style
her a widow and others a virgin, they do not find her name on the Kalendar
list of other saints, nor have they indications of her public cultus.s As we
learn in the various Lives of St. Patrick,4 this pious woman, Lupait or Lupita,
was sister to our great Apostle.s In a previous Volume of this work, the very
complicated and confusing statements, regarding the genealocical and family
connexions of St. Patrick, have been set forth and sufficiently treated.6 The
various Lives of St. Patrick contain some accounts regarding her, yet they are
of a doubtful and unsatisfactory nature. The earliest account we have of Lupita
leads to the inference, that as she was sister to St. Patrick,? that her parents
were Calphurnius and Conchessa, and that she was born in Nemthor.
A miracle is recorded, on a particular occasion, when with her brother,
St. Patrick, both were engaged in herding sheep.8 This appears to have
happened in Nemthur, when they were young. Endeavouring to prevent the
lambs from approaching the ewes, they ran swiftly, and the girl falling, her
head struck against a stone, which caused a fracture, that endangered her life.
Patrick at first wept bitterly ; but raising his sister from the ground, he made
a sign of the cross over the wound, which immediately was healed. However,
in after time a white mark remained, to show where it had been. Both
returned home, as if no accident happened.9 It is said, St. Lupita had been
made a captive,10 with her brother, St. Patrick,'1 when some pirate vessels,
conducted by the seven sons of Factmud,12 a king of the Britons, touched in
British Armorica. The Tripartite Life of St. Patrick states, that two of his
sisters — Lupita and Tigrida — were taken with him, and sold as slaves, in the
3 The Bollandists observe at this date,
that as Camerarius has her noted as a saint
at the ioth of October, on that day also,
they may have more to state regarding her.
4 See the Life of St. Patrick, Apostle and
Chief Patron of Ireland, at the 17th of
March, in the Third Volume of this work,
Art. i.
sSee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga."
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. i., and n. 2,
pp. II, 16. Tertia Vita S. Patricii, cap. ii.,
and n. 3, pp. 21, 29. Sexta VitaS. Patricii,
cap. iv., and n. n, pp. 63, 109. Septima
Vita S. Patricii, lib. i., cap. xvi., and n. 7,
pp. 119, 170.
6 See chap, iii., and nn. 58 to 70.
7 Thus opens the Secunda Vita S. Patricii,
cap. i. : "Natus est igitur in illo oppido,
Nemthor nomine : eratque illi soror, Lupita
nomine ; cujus Reliquiae sunt in Ardmacha.
Patricius natus est in campo Taburne. Cam-
pus autem tabemaculoruni ob hoc dictus. eo
quod in eo Romani exeicitus quodam tem-
pore tabernacula sua ibi statueiunt hyemali
frigore, et de hoc nominatus est campus
Tabern, id est, campus tabemaculoruni." —
Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," p. 1 1, and
n. 2. Also Tertia Vita S- Patricii, cap. i.,
p. 21.
8 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. vii., p. II.
Also, Tertia Vita S. Patricii, cap. vii., p.
21. Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. vi., p. 66.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars i, cap. viii.,
p. 118.
9 See Miss Mary F. Cusack's " Life of St.
Patrick, Apostle of Ireland," Tripartite
Life, part i., p. 374.
"However, the Scholiast on St. Fiach's
Hymn relates, that the family of St. Patrick
all went from the Britons of Alcluaid across
the Iccian Sea southwards on a journey to
their relatives, who lived among the BritOIU
of Letha. The mother of these children is
named Conches, and is said to have been a
sister to St. Martin. At that time, certain
sea-rovers came with British ships and
plundered British Armoric Letha, where
Patrick then lived. They wounded Calpuirnn,
and then carried off Patrick and Lupait to
Ireland. SeeColgan's " Trias Thaumaturga."
l'rima Vita S. Patricii, Scholia Veteris
.^choliastae, n. $e, p. 4.
"The old scholiast on St. Fiach's Hymn
does not mention Lupita as sister of St.
Patrick.
' 'By Probus, they are called the s« ns
of King Rethmit. See ibid., Quinta Vita
S. Patricii. lib. i., cap. xii., p. 48 (rede), and
n. 10, p. 62. In the Tripartite Life, how-
ever, we read : "Fectmagii Regis Britonom
septem filii ex palria relegati in Armon'cain
Lethaniensem profecti, coeperunt prediia el
incendiis vicinas regiones vastare." — Ibid.,
Septima Vita S. Patrtcii, pars i., cap. xvi., p.
119. In some Manuscript Lives of St.
Patrick, the British King's name is set down
as Sectmacius ; but under none of the forms
already given does his place in British his-
tory appear.
September 27.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
611
northern parts of Ireland. r3 Another Life records only the capture of his
sister Lupita, with others, who were sold there, when the Apostle of Ireland
was only seven years old.1* It seems difficult — if not impossible — to
reconcile the various discrepancies of narrative in the many Lives of St.
Patrick.
In that Book on the Mothers of the Irish Saints, attributed to ^Engus the
Culdee,1* it is stated that Lupait, the sister of St. Patrick, was the mother of
seven sons, named respectively Sechnall,16 Nechtan,1? Dabonna,'8 Mogor-
nan,'9 Darigoc,20 Ausille,21 and the Priest Lugnath or Lugna.23 It has been
asserted, that Lupait is an error for the true name of Liemania or Liamain.23
This is sought to be verified, owing to the discovery of a very ancient tomb-
stone,2'* which bears an inscription 2* supposed to identify it with one of her
sons named Lugnad or Lugna.26 This St. Lugna or Lugnath is set down as
the luctmaire or " pilot " of St. Patrick. "27 It is thought, that while the Apostle
13 The Second, Third, and Fourth Lives
of St. Patrick expressly state, that it was a
Scottish or Irish fleet, which led away the
captives on this occasion from Britain, the
coasts of which they were accustomed to
ravage. See Colgan's " Trias Thauma-
turga," Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xi. , p.
12. Tertia Vita S. Patricii, cap. xi., p. 22.
Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap. xv., p. 37.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars i., cap. xvi.,
P- "9-
14 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quarta Vita S. Patricii, cap. xv., p. 37.
However, this differs from the Apostle's own
account in his Book of Confessions, where
he states the age to be sixteen, when he was
brought a captive to Ireland.
15 See Miss Mary F. Cusack's " Life of
St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland," Introduc-
tion, chap, hi., pp. 112, 113.
16 Or Seachnall, said to have been bishop
of Dunshaughlin, and whose feast occurs at
the 27th of November.
17 Or Neachtain, son of Ua Baird, vene-
rated on the 22nd of April, where notices of
him may be found in the Fourth Volume of
this work, Art. iii.
18 His name does not appear in our Irish
Calendars.
19 His name is not found in the Irish
Calendars.
20 Under this form, the name is not in the
Irish Calendars.
21 Auxilius has a double festival where
mention is made of him, first, at the 19th of
March, in the Third Volume, Art. vi., and
in the Eighth Volume of this work, at
August 27th, Art. i.
22 His feast — if such there be — cannot
be fixed. However, there is a festival for a
St. Lugna, Priest of Cilltarsna, in the First
Volume of this work, at the 20th of January,
Art. v. At the 25th of April, there are
notices of a Lugna of Letir, Art. vi. At the
31st of December, our Calendars record a
Lughna, the Deacon. The Septima Vita S.
Patricii adds two other sons, named Dier-
mitius and Comitius or Connetus, to
Restitutes of the Lombards, and it may be
assumed ihey were also the children of his
wi'e Liemania. See "Trias Thaumaturga,"
pars Li., cap. vi., p. 130, and cap. xviii., p. 131.
23 The whole subject of St. Patrick's rela-
tives is treated by Colgan in his " Trias
Thaumaturga." Quinta Appendix ad Acta
S. Patricii, cap. i., ii., iii., iv., v., pp. 219 to
232.
24 Found on the Island of Inis-an-ghoill,
in Lough Corrib, County of Galway, and in
front of the small and ancient Cyclopean
church known as Templepatrick.
25 The characters inscribed on it, and
deeply cut, are thought to date back to
the beginning of the aixth century. The
letters are thus read : Lie Lugnaedon
Macclmenue, translated, "The stone of
Lugnaed, son of Limania." Lugnaedon is
the Celtic genitive of Lugnad or Lugna,
reported to have been the youngest of
Liamain's or Limania's seven sons. It is on
an upright pillar of dark limestone. Both
the ancient church of Templepatrick and the
monument of Lugnaedon Mace Lmenuch,
are represented by two beautiful wood
engravings in Dr. George Petrie's "Round
Towers and Ancient Architecture of Ire-
land," part ii., sect, iii., sub. sec. I., pp. 164,
165.
26 In the following passage of the
" Leabhar Breac," it is stated : Cpuimchep
bugnAi (.1. oaIcapac|\ai5 7 mac a pechan)
111 pechcm<vd mac in Daint), oc pepcaib
Uine |?eic, pop Loch m epoch*. " Cruimther
Lugnai (i.e. the foster-son of Patrick and son
of his sister) was the seventh son of the Bard,
and located at Ferta of Tir Feic, on Lough
Mask."— Fol. 9, a.
27 In a poem by Flann of the Monastery are
the lines : —
DpogAn pepibm'de a pcoiLe,
Cpuimcher Lugna a LuAmaipe.
" Brogan, the scribe of his school,
Cruimther Lugna his pilot.'*
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 27.
was in the western part of Connaught, with a sister named Nitria and fifteen
disciples called Franks,28 he may have appointed one of these, and he, Lugnat,
to a station on Lough Mask, in the immediate neighbourhood of Inchaguile,
where the tomb to which allusion has been made was found,2? As already
stated, in the Life of St. Patrick, Liemania's husband was called Restitutus
Hua-Baird or Longobardus, because he belonged to the nation of the
Lombards ; yet it is supposed from her parentage, she could not have been
the Sister of St, Patrick. Neither is the name or feast of Liemania to be
found in our Irish Calendars, if she is distinguishable from Lupit or Lupita.
She was sold in the district known as Connallia Murthemnensis 3° or
Conaille Muirthemne, now that part of the County Louth, extending from the
Cuailgne or Cooley mountains to the River Boyne.31 The Tripartite Life of
St. Patrick states, that while he had been sold to Milchon, son to Buan, the
dynast of Dalaradia, his two sisters Lupita and Tigrida were sold in the terri-
tory of Conall Murthemne. Nevertheless, St. Patrick knew not of his sisters'
captivity ; neither did they of their brother's servitude.32 A curious romantic
legend is told33 about her being brought as a spouse by Milchuo, to her brother
St Patrick, who owing to the white mark caused through the wound already
alluded to recognised her as his sister. According to oue account,
St. Patrick had five sisters,3* and of these Lupait, who is first named, is said
to have been a virgin.3*
While in Ireland, Lupita lived for a time with her nephew, St. Mel,36
Bishop of Ardagh, so that she might profit by his teaching and example, in
the exercise of a spiritual life. Although this was in accordance with a custom
of the primitive church,3? it gave scandal to some ; and while St. Patrick was
in the southern part of Teffia, he resolved on visiting St. Mel, to ascertain
28 See the account contained in Colgan's
" Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Vita S.
Patricii, lib. ii., cap. 1., p. 136, and nn. 98,
99, loo, p. 177.
2»See the ingenious argument of Dr.
George Petrie, on this subject, and his cor-
rection of Colgan's text by referring to the
Annotations of Tirechan, in the Book of
Armagh, in " Round Towers and Ancient
Architecture of Ireland," part ii., sect, iii.,
subs. 1.
30 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga,"
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xii., p. 12.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pais i., cap. xvi.,
p. 119.
31 See the Rev. Dr. James Henthorn
Todd's " St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland,"
chap, ii., n. 2, p. 361.
i* See Colgan's ". Tri.is Thaumaturga,"
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars i., cap. xvi.,
p. 119.
33 It is thus related, in the Second Life of
St. Patrick, after the statement that the
Gentiles were accustomed to release their
slaves after seven years had passed in
servitude, unless they chose to continue in
that state. " Cogitans autem Miliuc,
quomodo eum (sal. PatriciumJ obtineret,
voluit ancillam ipsi adjungere. Dehir.c ancilla
sibi desponsata, paratoque ejus convivio, in
domo separatim nocte nuptiarum collocati
sunt. Tunc ille ancilla predicavit, ut simul
in oratione totam noctem transigerent. Luce
autem orla, ipse in fronte ancillae vestigia
cicatiicis intendit. Atque ei interrogante,
quae causa h*c esset, ilia respondens dixit ;
Tempore quo fueram puella in Britiania in
patria mea Nemthor. contigit mihi offendare
caput lapidi, ut morti comigua jacerem. Hoc
frater metis, cui Succet vocabulum erat
aspectans, caput meum manu sua signavit, et
statim vulnus sanatum est. At ille subridens,
ait ; Ego sum ille frater tuus, qui te sanam
feci : sed ista nostra conjunctio facta est Dei
misericordia, ut postquam dispersi surnui
per cantivitatem simul iterum convenissemus.
Post haec itaque Deo gratias agentes, imii
pal.un deseruini petunt, ibidem Deum
orantes." — Colgan's 'Trias Thaumaturga,"
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xvi., xvii., p.
12. The same account is given ill Quarta
Vita S. Patricii, cap. xx., p. 37, as also
in Septima Vila S. Patricii, pars, i., cap. xxi.,
p. 120.
34 They are written in the following order :
viz. Lupait, Agris, Liamain, Darerca, and
Cinnenam.
35 See Archbishop Ussher's Britanni-
caruin Ecclesiarum Antiquitate.N," cap. xvii.,
p. 429.
36 See his Acts in the Second Volume of this
work, at his feast day, February 6th, Art. i.
37 According to Jocelyn. See Colgan's
Sexta Vita S. Patricii, cap. cii., p. 89.
September 27.] LIVES 0I< THE IRISH SAINTS.
whether any truth could be in the rumours spread abroad, which however
the Irish Apostle did not credit. A miracle wrought in their favour satisfied
him regarding the innocence of his sister and her nephew. Nevertheless, he
deemed it advisable, that both should live in separate houses, saying : k< Men
should dwell apart from women, lest occasion of scandal arise for the weak,
and least our 1 ,ord's name be injured through us, which God avert. "& Where-
upon he ordered that Mel should live at Ardagh, and Lupita at Druimheo, to
the east of a mountain called Brileith, which separated both places. 39
Lupait founded a monastery for religious women on the eastern side of
Armagh,"0 but at what period is not stated. It seems probable, the selection of
such a site was owing to a desire she naturally entertained, that it might have
the advantage of St. Patrick's supervision and direction. From him also, it is
said she received the veil.41 There was a church, called Temple na fearta,42
near the city of Armagh, and, according to Harris43 a nunnery was there
founded by St. Patrick,44 in the fifth century. It is said, St. Patrick employed
his sister Lupita in weaving or embroidering vestments and in arranging linens,
for altar purposes. 4* In this work she was assisted by other holy virgins/6
In Ussher's Tripartite version, 4? it is said, that St. Lupita was buried at the
eastern side of the city of Armagh. By some writers, the place has been called
Temple na Fearta. Others place her remains at Armagh. But, as the former
place is very near the latter, this difference of statement can be easily recon-
ciled. The following curious account is given by Ward, that about the middle
of the seventeenth century, the body of St. Lupita was found in an upright
position, and between two crosses, one before and the other behind,"4*
while these remains were buried under the ruins of the old church of Temple
Fartagh.49 Her festival was held, on the 27th ot September — although not
set down in the O'Clery's Calendar — at Innis-Lothair. This place is said to
be identical with Inish-Lirroo, or Inish Lougher,s° on Lough Erne. It lies
within the parish of Devenish, in the barony of Magheraboy, and in the County
of Fermanagh. At the 27th of September, the feast of Lupita, a virgin, is
recorded in Thomas Dempster's " Menologium Scoticum,"*1 although in his
allusion to her in another work,s2 while stating that she flourished in 592, he
38 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Schools and Scholars," chap, iii., p. 66,
Hibernise," Februarii vi. De S. Mele Epis- Dublin, 1890, 8vo.
copo Ardachadensi, cap. ix., p. 261. 47 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Ami-
39 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," quitates," cap. xvii, p. 429.
Septima Vita S. Patricii, part ii., cap. xxix., 4* See " Sancti Rumoldi Martyris Inclyti,"
p. 133. &c. Dissertatio Historica de Patria S.
40 See Ussher's " Britannicarum Eccle- Rumoldi, sect. 10, num. 9, p. 184.
siarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii., p. 429. 49See Archdall's " Monasiicon Hiberni-
41 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." cum," p. 32.
Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. 5° It contains 36 acres, 3 roods and 23
xxiii., p. 269. perches ; while it is shown on the •' Ordnance
4- Rendered Church of the Miracles. Survey Townland Maps for the County Fer-
43 See Harris' Ware, vol. ii., " Antiqui- managh," Sheet 15.
ties of Ireland," chap, xxxviii., p. 269. 5' Thus : " Lupitse virginis, quae fratrem
44 See Arch-dall at Temple-fartagh, in suum S. Patricium ad convertendam Hirlan-
" Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 32. diam properantem secuta, ita vixit, ut
45 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." sanctissimis adnumeretur." — Bishop Forbes'
Secunda Vita S. Patricii, n. 2, p. 16. " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 212.
46 "The three embroideres^es, Lupait, 52 He writes: " S. Lupita, virgo Scota,
sister of Patrick, and Ere, daughter of Divi Patricii Scoti, apostoli Hibernise soror
Daire, and Cruimthiris, made with their own uterina. fratrem suum ad evangelicum opus
pure hands the vestments and altar linens proficiscentem secuta, magnorunv laborum
used during the Holy Sacrifice in the churches particeps evasit, et in divorum album relata
of Erin." — Most Rev. Dr. Healy's " Insula ab utraque gente colitur." — Thomas
Sanctorum etDoctorum; or Ireland's Ancient Dempster's " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
614 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAIATS. [September 27.
says the day for her cultus is unceitain.53 We are informed by Ferrarius,54
that the holy Virgin, Lupita, was venerated in Ireland, on the 27th of
September. Arturus ss and Castellans6 enter, at this date, the celebration of
Lupita' s feast.
The strength cf high purpose and stern resolve is combined with the most
attractive self-denial and retirement in the life of a true religious. The severe
discipline and austerity of regular rule become a reproach to the weak ones
of this world, who love its comforts, conveniences and luxuries. The fashions
and frivolities of every age are rightly set down as folly, while the service of
God chiefly occupies the time and thoughts of those holy women, who trust
in Him alone as their Preserver and Guide, in the quiet seclusion of their
cloisters. Thence, too, they soon pass away to everlasting rewards and final
rest.
Article II. — St. Fionntain, or Fintan. Nothing particular appears
to be known regarding this St. Fionntain, whose name occurs, in the Irish
Calendars at this date.1 The entry of Fintan's feast at the present day is
noticed, in a line of Marianus O'Gorman's Irish metrical Festilogy,2 Among
the many holy men having the same name, and without any other designa-
tion, it seems difficult to know when and where he lived. On the peninsula of
Howth, in the vicinity of Dublin, and at a considerable elevation on the Hill,
may be seen the small church or oratory of a St. Fintan. 3 It is supposed * to
have been formed out of the "survivals" of at least two churches — it may be
of more — one of which was of much greater dimensions than the present
church, and the other was about the same size as the structure now extant.
The present " St. Fintan's" appears to stand partly on the site of that early
oratory. An examination of the foundations shows, that they are laid at two
levels. Evidence for such conclusions are seemingly afforded, by the pecu-
liar stone dressings of the apertures, such as found in the door, small windows,
and interior recesses. There is a gable over the western door, now covered
with ivy, but having an ope for a bell in its upper part ; while between it
and the door-way, there is a recessed circular window. The whole of the
interior had been plastered with mortar, and the exterior was dashed ; but,
both the mortar and the dashing have fallen off, leaving only an indication
Scetorum," tomus ii., lib. xi., num. 800, p. it now stands, measures internally 16 feet
433. 6 inches in length on the north side, and
53 "Dies cultus incertus." — Ibid.. 16 feet 8 inches on the south. The breadth
54 See " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum." of the west end is 8 feet 1 inch, and it
55 In his Gynaeceum. narrows at the eastern end to 7 feet 7 inches.
56 In his General Martyrology. This contraction is remarkable. Moreover,
Ak th i.i:. 11. — ' See Colgan's " Acta Sane- internally, it is what is called by builders
torum Hiberniaj," xvii Februarii. Appendix ' ofl the square,' its diagonals being of dif-
au Vitani S. Fintani, cap. i., p. 355. ferent lengths, one measuring 18 feet
2 Thus : pnean jrem jrru pogLA. It is 7 inches, and the other 17 feet 1 1 inches,
translated as follows by Dr. Whitley Stokes: It, however, recovers the rectangular shape
" Fintan himself against plundering*" — externally to_a great extent. The external
" Feihre Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185. measurements are, on the south side, 21 feet
3 The fullest and most satisfactory detailed 6 inches, and on the north 21 feet 4 inches,
description of this building, with illustra- Similarly the eastern end measures 12 feet
tions, is that given by Mr. Robert Cochrane, 9 inches, and the western 12 feet 8£ inches."
in his interesting paper, "Notes on the — "Journal of the Royal Society of Anti-
Ecclesiastical Antiquities in the Parish of quaries of Ireland," vol. iii., fifth series, part
Howth, County of Dublin." Its dimensions iv., 1893, p. 386.
are thus set forth : " St. Fintan's church, as 4By Robert Cochrane F.S.A., M.R.I.A.
September 27.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
6iS
that the walls had been thus treated.5 At the western end are traces
showing, that the ends of beams resting on the side walls supported a loft,
while light was afforded only from the circular window already mentioned.
A short distance from the church is the holy well of St. Fintan, but any
tradition of the day when pilgrims resorted to it has not been preserved in
the locality to give a possible clue, which might serve for the patron's identi-
fication.6 An ancient cemetery surrounds the oratory, and there are still to
be seen several tombs and graves.? The scenery around St. Fintan's Oratory
St. Fintan's Church, Howth.
has been described and admirably versified in a local legend,8 which intro-
duces Aideen as the heroine, and records her rest under a remarkable
Cromlech, in the adjoining beautiful demesne of Lord Howth. From the
simple entry of his name, at this date, we do not feel warranted in connecting
the present Fintan with this locality ; neither is it established, on any fair
grounds, that any other so called had been venerated at Howth. We find
s The accompanying illustration, present-
ing a north-west view of St. Fintan's church,
Howth, and drawn by J. M. Kavanagh,
R. H.A., in 1893, has been reproduced on
the wood and engraved by Gregor Grey.
6 However, the Very Rev. James Henthorn
Todd supposes that the patron was St.
Fintan Find of Drum Ingaid — now Dromin,
in the County of Meath — and whose feast
occurs on the ioth of October. See " The
Book of Obits and Martyrology of the
Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, com-
monly called Christ Church, Dublin,"
edited by John Clarke Crosthwaite, A,M.,
and James Henthorn Todd, D.D., p xliv.,
n. (k.)
'Among those interred here may be men-
tioned the late distinguished physician and
literateur, Dr. William Stokes, of Dublin,
belonging to a family eminent for talent and
the cultivation of Irish national literature.
The flag-stone under which he rests has
been designed by his accomplished daughter,
Miss Margaret Stokes, and the tracery on it
is a truly elegant reproduction of ancient
Irish monumental art.
8 A harmonious and pathetic poem of the
late Sir Samuel Ferguson, and intituled the
"Cromlech on Howth," has received addi-
tional interest from the drawings of Miss
Margaret Stokes, with exquisite coloured
illustrations in lithography. It was published
6i6
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 27.
Fionntain merely set down in the Martyrology of Donegal,' at the 27th of
September, and the same notice is in the Irish Calendar, belonging to the
Ordnance Survey Records.10
Article III. — St. Columm ok Columban. — In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 a festival is registered at the 27th of September, in
honor of Columban.2 The word w elevatio," which is associated here with
his name, seems referable to his being raised to Heaven on this day. It may
mean, however, a translation of the saint's relics. As noticed in the metrical
Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 this " fair Coluimm4" seems to have
been regarded as the superior of monks. No reference to his place or period
has been discovered. At this same date, the Martyrology of Donegal contains
the simple entry of Columm ; but in the table subjoined to this work, he is
further distinguished as Columm Ban, (the white).6
Article IV. — St. Suibni, or Suibhne. — The published Martyrology ot
Tallagh1 records, that veneration was paid to Suibhne, at the 27th of Septem-
ber. Si is postfixed to the mention of his name in this Calendar.2 At this
day, likewise, Marianus O'Gorman has a commemoration of Suibne.3
Colgan4 seems desirous of identifying this holy man with St. Subneus Ui
Fionnachta, bishop of Kildare, who died a.d. 878.5 However, in the year
876, the " Chronicum Scotorum"6 records the plundering of Cill-dara by
Gentiles,' when fourteen score men were taken out of it, together with the
vice-Abbott, Suibhne, (son) of Dubhdabhairenn. We can hardly doubt but
that he must be identified with the former ; but whether he survived that
capture two years, or that there be a difference in the chronology of the
annalists, cannot be determined. The present saint's name is simply recorded,
in the Martyrology of Donegal.8
in London, 1861, in folio size. We shall
only introduce the following stanza, in allu-
sion to Aideen : —
" Here, far from camp and chase removed,
Apart in nature's quiet room,
The music that alive she loved
Shall cheer her in the tomb.
The humming of the noon-tide bees,
The lark's loud carol all day long,
And borne on evening's salted breeze
The clanking sea-bird's song."
9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
260, 261.
10 See " Common Place Book F," p. 82.
Article in.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly
p. XXXV.
a In the Book of Leinster copy we read
Colurnbani eliuAoo.
3 There he is thus recorded : —
Cotuitn ban pin rarvcheno
ftoba blAchcenn buione.
Thus rendered by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
" Fair Coluimm (Columban ?) a very strict
sage, who was the smooth chief of a troop."
" Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
4 The editor adds a note here : " We
should probably read Columban." — Ibid.,
n. (f).
5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
360, 361.
6 See ibid., pp. 380, 381.
Article iv. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxxv.
"In the Book of Leinster copy we find
Suibtn rci.
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilite Hui
Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
4 See " Trias Thaumaturga." Quinta
Appendix ad Acta S. Brigidae, cap. ii., p.
629.
5 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 526, 527. The
" Annales Ultonienses," have at A. n. 880 :
" Suibne Episcopus Cilledaro quievit." —
Dr. O Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus iv., p. 235.
6 See William M. Hennessy's edition, pp.
170, 171.
1 A usual designation for the Da-ies or
Northmen given in the Irish records.
8 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
260, 261.
September 27.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 617
Article V. — St. Finnen or Finnian, Bishop. We find simply the
name Finnian, without further designation, entered in the published Martyr-
ology of Tallagh,1 at the 27th of September. A similar entry is in the Book
of Leinster copy,2 Marianus O'Gorman has the feast of St. Finian's Eleva-
tion at this same date. 3 Colgan thinks it is referable either to St. Finian,4
Bishop of Clonard, or to St. Finian,* Bishop of Maghbile, in Ulster.* At
this same date, the Martyrology of Donegal,? records Finnen, Bishop. I think,
adds the calendarist, this was the Bishop Finnen, whom Senan left in Inis
Cunla,* in Crich Ua Sedna, in Munster. We do not find any other Finnen,
without being characterised, except this one.*
Article VI. — St. Finnanie Mac Coppain. At this date, a festival is
recorded in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 to honour Finnanie
Mac Coppain. We also meet with a somewhat different entry in the Book
of Leinster copy.2 The entry of "Mac Coppain co cuibdi," or " Coppan's
harmonious son," by Marianus O'Gorman, occurs at the 27th of September. 3
This St. Finnan appears to have been a distinct person from a saint of the
name, already described as a bishop. At a holy well in the parish of Skreen,
County of Wexford, a patron was formerly held on the 27th of September.*
The local saint seems unknown to the people.
Article VII. — Festival for the Translation or St. Gibrian's
Relics, The feast of the Translation ot St. Gibrian's relics is set down, by
Saussay and Ferrarius, at the 16th of April ; but, at the 27th of September,
it is in an ancient copy of Usuard's Martyrology, and in the Florarius Sanc-
torum.1 At the 8th of May, which is the date assigned for his chief festival,
we have inserted the particulars of his life so for as they are known.2
Article VIII. — St. Ernin Ua Briuin. The Almighty descends from
His supernal delights and glory, to accommodate himself to the weakness
Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, at the 8th of March, in the Third Volume
p. xxxv. of this work, Art. i,
2 Thus, pniAtn. 9 The Life of St. Senan, chapter 24, is
3 Thus is it recorded in his " Felire": — quoted, as authority for the foregoing state-
,_ -i . ^ ments. See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum
Cocbait, pirnum eprcuip Hiberni*," Manii viii. Secunda Vita S.
It, cnerWc ,c chtmnne. Senani> c;p> xxvij> p ^ (rgcU) ^ ^
These lines are thus translated by Dr. n. 21, p. 540, (recte) 536.
Whitley Stokes: "Let the Elevation of Article vi.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
Bishop Finnian the soft-skinned be in thy me- p. xxxv.
mory."— "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 2 Thus pncAine in Copam.
185. 3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
4 See notices of him at the 23rd ot Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
February, in the Second Volume of this 4 See " Letters containing Information re-
work, Art. ix., and his Life, given more in lative to the Antiquities of the County of
detail, at the 12th of December, in the Wexford collected during the Progress of
Twelfth Volume, Art. i. the Ordnance Survey," vol. i.
5 See his Acts, at the 10th of September, Article VII. — 'See the Bollandists'
in the present volume, Art. i. "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii., Maii viii.
6 See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xxiii. De S. Gibriano Presbytero, num. 2., p. 300.
Februarii. Appendix ad Acta S. Finniani, Also, in "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
cap. i., p. 402. Septembris xxvii. Among the pretermitted
7 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. saints, p, 375.
260, 261. 2See, at that date, in the Fifth Volume of
See the Life of St. Senan, which occurs this work, Art.
6iS LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 27.
of men, confirming them by His graces. The saint called Ernin Ua Briuin,
was venerated, at the 27th of September, as we read in the published Martyr-
ology of Tallagh.1 A similar entry is in the Book of Leinster copy.2 In the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, he is noticed at this date as " Slender
Ernin." 3 If this allusion have reference to his external appearance, we may
arrive at the conclusion that he was thin or spare in figure. He is also com-
memorated in the Martyrology of Donegal/ at this date.
Article IX. — St. Orannus, or Oranus, Bishop. The English
Martyrology and Henry Fitzsimon have a St. Oranus, Bishop, on their
Catalogue for the 27th of September. The Bollandists who note Oranus,
Orannus, or Odranus at this date, allude to the St. Odranus, the disciple and
charioteer of St. Patrick,1 who is venerated at 19th of February,2 and who
sacrificed his own life to save that of his master. Ferrarius states, that the
Orannus venerated on this day in Ireland had been a bishop.3 But whether
he had been a priest or a bishop, or identical with the Odranus, St. Patrick's
servant, the Bollandists promise to examine, possibly at the 27th of October,
to which his festival has been assigned by many writers, as also by Ferrarius.4
In the anonymous Calendar of National Saints, published by O'Sullivan
Beare,5 there is a St. Orannus, for this same day.
Article X.— Reputed Feast of Marcellus, Scottish Tutor of
Notker Balbulus, St. Gall, Switzerland. At the 27th of September,
the Bollandists quote Camerarius as giving a festival to Marcellus, a Scot, and
the master of St. Notker Balbulus,1 the celebrated Abbot of St. Gall, in
Switzerland. Camerarius refers incorrectly to Ekerhardus, who wrote a Life
of Notker Balbulus. In this allusion is made to Marcellus, although nothing
in it serves to class him among the saints in any of the ancient calendars.
However, Dempster2 and Ferrarius,3 as a Scot, have a feast for him at the
17th of December, when, as the Bollandists state, the question may be again
opened/ At the time when Marcellus flourished on the Continent, every
Scotus so distinguished was known as a native of Ireland, and notably at St.
Gall's, a monastery of exclusively Irish foundation.
Article vm. — » Edited by Rev. Dr. feasts, p. 378.
Kelly, p. xxxv. In this Calendar his name is s See " Historic Catholicas Hiberniae Com-
wntten Ernen h. Briain. pendium," tomus i., lib. iv., cap. xi., xii.,
2 Thus, er»ttaeni h btMum. pp. 51, 56.
3 The Irish is epnm reim, and a Gloss dis- ARTICLE X. — * Hit feast occurs in the
tinguishes his tribe name as Ui bru'um. See Calendars, at the 6th of April.
Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui Gormain," 'Thus " Sangalli Marcelli monachi ct
pp. 184, 185. scholarchae, sancti Notkeri Balbuli pnecep-
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. toris sanctissimi.'' He adds B.C., which
260, 261. initials furnish no clue to the verification of
Article IX. — ' See his Life at the 17th his extract. See "Menologium Scoticum,"
of March, in the Third Volume of this work, in Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
Art. i., and chap. xxi. Saints," p. 221.
3 See at that date an account of him, in 3 See " Catalogus Generalis Sanctorum."
the Second Volume of this work, Art. i. Ferrarius always slavishly follows the doubt-
» Thus he writes : "In Ilibernia S. Oranni ful authority of Dempster,
episcopi." -» See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
4 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- Septembris xxvii. Among the pretermitted
tembris xxvii. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 379.
September 27.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 619
Article XI. — Festival of St. Barry, in Scotland. Already have
we treated about St. Barr or St. Barry — otherwise known as Finbarr, at the
25th of this month — but in the Isle of Barraand parish of Barray, his feast is
referred to this day. The parish so named is formed from a cluster of more
than twenty Islands — of which the main Island of Barray, properly so called,
is chief — while some of those are considerable in size, about ten being
inhabited, and the rest serve for grazing purposes. The Island of Barray
proper is about 12 miles in length, but varying in breadth from three to six
miles, being much indented by bays and arms of the sea, chiefly on the
eastern side.1 It has been supposed, that the Island and Parish derive their
name from Barr, the patron saint.2 Killbarr, the chief town on the Island,
is specially dedicated to him, and there the Catholics observe his festival. It
was kept in the Island of Barray on the 27th of September. We are told,*
one of the ceremonies was performed by riding on horseback, and that the
solemnity was concluded by three turns round St. Barr's church. Several
ruined pre-Reformation chapels are still on the Island, besides numerous
duns and standing stones, supposed to have been of Scandinavian origin ;
but one stone Celtic monument found its way in 1S80 to the Edinburgh
Antiquarian Museum/
Article XII. — Festival of Saints Cosmas and Damian. In the
early Irish Church, as we learn from the Feilire of St. ^Engus,1 Saints Cosmas
and Damian were venerated and invoked, with distinguished eulogy, on the
27th of September. At this same date, the Acts of these holy Martyrs have
been published by the Bollandists,2 with a previous learned commentary, 3 by
Father John Stilting, S.J.4 Those saints were brothers, and born in Arabia. s
They became eminent as physicians, but they took no fees for the practice of
their profession, through motives of Christian zeal and charity. They lived
at Egsea, in Cilicia, but were apprehended by Lysias, governor of that pro-
vince, and after enduring various torments, they were beheaded, during the
Article XL — * See the " New Statisti- Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i.,
cal Account of Scotland," vol. xiv., part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, p.
Inverness, Parish of Barray, p. 199. exxxix.
2 However, the Rev. Alexander Nicolson, 2 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
Minister, who wrote the foregoing account, Septembris xxvii. De S. Cosma, Damiano,
holds, that it is much more probable the Anthimo, Leontio et Euprepio. MM.
name of Barray was originally derived from its -<Egis in Cilicia, pp. 428 to 478.
particular situation or bearing, i.e., from Ay 3 Containing fourteen sections and Con-
or I, an island, near Bar, a point or top ; sisting of two hundred and twenty-five
Barray forming the point or top island of the paragraphs.
Hebrides. See ibid., p. 198. 4 The first of these Acts by an anonymous
3 See Martin's " Western Islands," p. 99. author is in Greek, and taken from a Vatican
4 See Francis H. Greome's " Ordnance Manuscript. The second of these Acts is
Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i., p. 131. from the edition of Mombritius, and likewise
Article xil. — ' In theLeabhar Breac copy by an anonymous author. The third by an
we read : — anonymous author is from the Manuscript 1'.
Ayo ,ce|wiu chrome JLS5. belonging to the Bollandist Library.
Acpocfc nirbo Aintnirr T^ (oTh °/ thT A°tS-!S l" F f*b"lous>
ftonpiAwiJ; t>i^nt>iltir a?d Collated a"d co™Pded fl"T-n f?^
Corner tMmiJiurr. Manuscripts. These Acts are all dlustrated
1 by critical notes.
Thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley 5 Their mother is named Theodota. She
Stokes :" Our two heart's-champions, their had five sons, named Cosmas, Damian,
cross was not deserved ; may they protect us Anthimus, Leontius and Euprepius — all of
to their possession, Cosmas and Damianus." whom are noted in ancient Calendars, on this
—"Transactions of the Royal Irish day.
6io LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 27
persecution of Dioclesian. They suffered about the beginning of the fourth
century. Their bodies were at first carried into Syria and buried at Cyrus.
In course of time, Pope St. Felix built a church in their honour, at Rome, to
which their relics were conveyed, and where they are religiously preserved to
the present day. Marianus O'Gorman has the festival of Cosmas and
Damian, at this same date.6 The feast of both saints is also to be
found in the Scottish Calendars. At the 27th of September, they are entered
in the Roman Martyrology,7 and in nearly all the Latin Martyrologies. The
Greeks, Russians, and Arabians keep their festivals at various other dates.8
Article XIII. — Leoint or Leontius. The Feilire of Marianus
O'Gorman enters Leoint — or, according to another Manuscript copy —
Leoaint, at the 27th of September.1 The Latinized form of the name is
Leontius. His Acts are included in those of his brothers, St. Cosmas and
Damian, as furnished by the Bollandists.
Article XIV. — Antim or Anthimus. Marianus O'Gorman1 has the
entry of "Antim ergna" or u Wise Anthimus," at this date. His Acts are
included in those of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, his brothers, and as
furnished by the Bollandists.
Article XV. — Adulf. The festival of Adulf is set down in the Feilire
of Marianus O'Gorman at the 27th of September.1 Adulphus is the Latinized
form. This is doubtless the Adulphus Martyr, who with his brother John,
suffered at Cordova, in Spain, and whose Acts are recorded by the Bollan-
dists3 at this date. A Commentary3 precedes their Acts* as contained in John
Tamayus' Spanish Martyrology.
Article XVI. — Petar. In the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman at the
27th of September is entered Petar's festival,1 The name, Latinized Petrus,
•In his Feilire we read: — Coym*, moration, on Oct. 28. Many versions of the
X) Ami An, T>e5 fin It is thus translated by Acts in Greek and Latin exist, but all are
Dr. Whitley Stokes : " Cosmas (and) Dami- fabulous. The original proconsular Acts
anus, good men." — " Feilire Hui Gormain," possibly subsist under a gradually growing
pp. 184, 185. accretion of fable." — Rev. S. Baring-Gould's
7 Thus; " JEgex natalis sanctorum "Lives of the Saints," vol. ix., September
Martyrum Cosmas et DamUni fratium, qui 27, p. 397.
in persecuti6ne Diocletiani post multa Article XIII. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
tormenta, vincula, et carceres, post mare, et " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
ignes, cruces, lapidationem, et sagittas ARTICLE xiv. — 'See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
divinitus superatas, capite plectuntur : cum " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
quibus etiam referuntur passi tres eorum Article xv. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
ratres germdmi, Anthimus, Leontius et " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
Euprepius." — " Martyrologium Komanum," a See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii.,
editio novissima, Quinto Kalendas Octobris. Septembris xxvii, De SS. Adulpho et
pp. 143, 144. Joanne Fratribus Martyribus Cordubae
8" By the Greeks on July I ; again on Hispania, pp. 507 to 51 1.
October 17 with their brothers Leontius, 3 It consists of twenty-one paragraphs,
Anthimius, and Euprepius ; again on Nov. edited by Father Constantine Suysken, S.J.
I, Cosmas and Damian alone. So also the * By the Bollandist' editor, they are
Russians. In the Arabic Kalendar published characterised as Acta sublestae fidei ex
by Simoni, on July I and Nov. I, and in the Legendario Ms. Asturicensi.
Arabic Martyrology again on Oct. 17. In Article xvi. — 'See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
many Greek Menaeas, also a fourth comme- "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
September 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 62]
is known as Peter. It seems most probable, that this commemoration refers
to Peter, regarded in succession as the twenty-fifth bishop of Metz,2 and who
died during the reign of Tiberius Constantinus,3 while Pelagius II. was
Pope/ That bishop flourished in the sixth century. The Bollandistss doubt
his claim to be inscribed on the Calendar of the Saints, as he is only comme-
morated in the more recent Martyrologies.6 However, the fact of his entry
in that of Marianus O'Gorman? appears to have escaped their notice, and it
is to be inferred, he borrowed this insertion from more ancient Continental
records.
Article XVII.— Kupkeip. The name of Eupreip — Latinized Eupre
pius — occurs in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,1 at this date. He
is identical with the Euprepius, who suffered Martyrdom with St. Cosmas
and St. Damian, his brothers. Their Acts have been interpolated, however,
and are disfigured with fables by the more modern Greek writers.
Ctoentp'tig&tl) 2Ba{> of September.
ARTICLE L— ST. SINACH MAC DARA, OF INIS CRUACH MAC DARA,
COUNTY OF GALWA\.
OF this holy anchorite little is positively known, and yet his name and
veneration have survived for many ages. He is much venerated by
inhabitants on the western shores of Galway. He must have flourished at a
very early period, however, and most probably at a time, when his remote
position secluded him from cognizance of our ancient chroniclers. Tradition
asserts, that the name of our Saint's father was Dara ; and Sinach, his own
peculiar name, was placed before Mac Dara, that by which he is now popularly
known.1 However, the St. Mac Dara of the western coasts should be called
2 In a catalogue of the Bishops of Metz, Florarius MS. Maurolycus, Canisius,
edited by b'Achery, he is thus com memo- Felicius, Saussay, and Ferrarius.
rated. " Villico successit Petrus episcopus, 7 As already seen in the Introduction to
Metensis xxv : sedit annosx Obiit v. Kal. this work, First Volume, he flourished in the
Octobris sub Papa Pelagio II., regnante twelfth century.
Tiberio Constantino." — " Veterum aliquot Article xvii. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
Scriptorum, qui in Galliae Bibliothecis, " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 184, 185.
maxime Benedictinorum, latuerunt, Spicile- Article I. — ' The name Sinach is de-
gium," tomus vi., p. 650. rived from the Irish word Sionnac. Aug,
3 The first year of his reign commenced "a fox." "It is a curious coincidence,
after October 25th, a.d. 574. See Henry that the name of this favourite saint of our
Fynes Clinton's " Fasti Romani," vol. i. Western fishermen, should be that of an
Tables, p. 841. animal, which, of all others, they most
4 He occupied ihe Papal chair from A.D. abhor. So great is their aver-ion to a fox,
578 to 590. See " Encyclopedic Catholique," hare or rabbit, that they never so much as
par M. f Abbe Glaire et M. le Vte- Walsh, mention their names themselves, nor can
tome xv., p. 514. they endure even to hear them named by
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii. others. ***** jt has h,een
Septembris xxvii. Among the pretermitted pleasantly remarked by Mr. O'Donovan,
feasts, p. 376. that if a man of the name of Fox, Hare, or
6 Such as the continuators of Usuard, the Rabbit, wished <o settle amongthe Claddagh
622
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 28.
Sionnach, which was his real name. At the 28th of September, Marianus
O'Gorman sets down Sinach in his Festilogy.2 His commentator has a note
appended to his name which states, that he was from Cruach mac Daro.3
From other Irish Martyrologies regarding this saint, we can glean no parti-
culars. On the south-western shore of a peninsula, anciently called
Torrasainteach,* and comprising the southern portion of the present Ballyna-
hinch Barony, and in the parish of Moyrus,s lies a small Island, presenting to
the sea on all sides rocks which are high and precipitous, except towards the
eastern part, where boats can safely touch. The appearance of this Island
Island Oratory of Cruach Mac Dara.
from a distance, coupled with its relation to our saint, gave it the name of
Cruach Mac Dara, which when anglicised means, "The Rick of Mac Dara,"
or '« The Island of Mac Dara." Near the landing place on this Island, St.
Sinach Mac Dara is supposed to have built a small stone church,
the ruins of which yet remain, and are in a good state of preservation.6
fishermen, he should change his name to
Pike, Coddle, or Salmon, or some such ;
for that hi j name would destroy the hick
and happiness of this strnnge people." —
Roderick O'Flaherty's " Chorographical
Description of West or H-Iar Connaught,"
edited by James llardiman n. (d.) pp. ioo,
101.
2 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Ui
Gorniain," pp. 186, 187.
3 Rendered in Irish o Crvudich nielcDapo.
4 This is interpreted " the stormy Irros,"
by Tohn O'Donovan.
5 This parish, bounded on the south and
south-west by the Atlantic Ocean, forms the
southern portion of Conmaicne-mara or
Conmaicne — meaning " maritime" — terri-
tory, is very fully described by John
O* Donovan in " Letters containing Informa-
tion relative to tlie Antiquities of the County
ot Galway collected during the Progress of
the Ordnance Survey in 1839." Vol. iii.,
Letter dated Taylor's Hill near Galway,
July 22nd, 1839, pp. 112 to 125.
6 An interesting account of the ruins on
this Island — taken chiefly from that given
by John O'Donovan — and a beautiful
engraving representing the stone church,
may be seen, by referring to Dr. l'etrie's
splendid work, " The Round Towers and
Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland," part
ii., sect, iii., subs, i., pp. 189 to 191.
September 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 623
These evince a date of erection, almost coeval with the first establishment
of Christianity in Ireland. This church is built with stones of massive size,
and in the ancient Cyclopean style of primitive and rude architecture.7 It
has, however, angular projections or plain-faced pilasters, carried up to the
apex of its gables, at both ends. It is small in dimensions, only fifteen feet
in length by eleven in breadth, and its walls, extending beyond this area, are
nearly three feet in thickness.* Besides this ruin, a circular or rather
oval stone-house, twenty-four feet by eighteen, with walls seven feet in thick-
ness, is yet to be seen, although in a very dilapidated condition. This was
probably our saint's usual habitation, and the church might have been chiefly
in use, as an oratory. At the distance of 300 feet from this church, and on
its northern side, a square altar, surmounted by a cross, and a holy well near
it, are pointed out to strangers. 9 Both are dedicated to St. Mac Dara. He
seems to have led a secluded life on the Island bearing his name, and one
devoted to the practice of most austere religious rules and duties. According
to a custom,10 usual in our old Irish churches," the wooden statue of this
saint was preserved in his chapel for many centuries subsequent to his
death — this image being commemorative of the founder and patron, whose
intercession was invoked. However, for special weighty reasons, the Arch-
bishop of Tuam, Malachy Queely,12 caused its removal during the time of
his incumbency, and had it buried under the ground. x3 Besides the venera-
tion paid our saint on this Island, the inhabitants of Moyrus Parish,14 on the
shore of the opposite mainland, point out the ruins of an old parish church,
which is dedicated to him.1* There, in the time of Roderick O'Flaherty,
" his altar stone, by the name of Leac Sinach," was kept as a venerable relic,
This church likewise may have been one of Sionnach's erection. It had two
7 A view of Mac Dara's church, with de- vent the islanders from asseverating by the
tai s of its door-way and small windows, is saint, as was then, and is still practised, on
preserved in the " Letters containing Infor- the relics of saints, in other places, not-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the withstanding the utmost vigilance of the
County of Galway collected during the clergy to prevent it." See u Chorogra-
Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839," phical Description of West or H-Iar
vol. iii., p. 136. Connaught," written a.d. 1684, by Roderick
a The annexed illustration, which has been O'Flaherty. Edited with notes and illus-
faithfully copied from Dr. Petrie's work, trations by James Hardiman, Esq., pp. 98,
presents the ruin on a somewhat enlarged 99, n. (a).
.-cale in its present isolated position. It has '•» This very extensive parish and its
been copied and drawn on the wood, en- islands, in the baruny of Ballynahinch and
graved by Gregor Grey. County of Gal way, covers 101,510a. 3r. and 8p.
9 Mr. Petrie says of St. Mac Dara, " his XS There is a ground-plan and a beautiful
bronze cross, which was preserved in his drawing of the old church of Moyrus, with
church, still exists and is supposed to pos- details of its round-headed door- way, and a
sess miraculous powers." — " Round Towers small square-headed window, by George
and Ancient Architecture of Ireland," part Petrie, together with a description in his
ii., sec. iii., subs, i., p. 190. handwriting, setting forth that the church
10 Alluded to by Giraldus Cambrensis, in was thirty-eight feet in length, by eighteen
his time, when many wooden effigies ot the feet six inches interiorly, and that it ori^i-
primitive Irish saints were preserved in the nally had two door- ways. The eastern
ehurches of which they were founders or gable contained a fine window, now nearly
patrons. destroyed. The remaining door-way is
11 See Bishop De Burgo's " Hibernia composed of three concentric arches in
Dominicana," cap. ix., sec. xx., num. iv., p. beautifully cut stone ; it was buried several
273, and cap. x., sec. iv., num. v., p. 344. feet in the earth when measured as four feet
12 He was the prelate, who sent Colgan a two inches in height, and only two feet, five
list of the churches and chapels in his inches in breadth. See " Letters containing
diocese, shortly before the year 1645, as Information relative to the Antiquities of
mentioned in " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," the County of Galway collected during the
p. 7*4- Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839,"
13 This was done, most probably to pre- vol. iii., pp. 139, 140.
624 LIVES Of THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 28.
doorways, formerly ; one in the north, and the other in its south side. The
northern one is now built up ; but the other is formed of cut-stone, and it
has three concentric arches directly over the entrance. The eastern gable-
window is now a melancholy ruin. Here, the coast inhabitants, who are
principally fishermen, assemble on the 16th of July16 each year, to celebrate
the festival of their patron of Moyrus parish.1' At this date, however, we find
no mention of Sinach Mac Dara, in our Martyrologies. The principal
festival of our saint is noted in the Irish Calendar, as occurring on the 28th
day of September. This day may probably be assigned, as that for his
departure. Many miraculous occurrences are recorded, and some super-
stitious observances are said to have been practised in connection with this
saint's memory by recurring to local tradition. One of the latter practices
was the collection of Dunleasg or salt sea-leaf,18 at low water, by women, in
order to obtain the release of some friend in captivity : this reprieve, however,
they expected should be obtained chiefly through the intercession of our
saint. This practice of gathering Dunleasg has been disused for many years
past ; although old people are yet living, who remember its frequent observ-
ance. In the time of Roderick O' Flaherty, it was customary for all boats,
passing between Mason-head and the Island, to lower their sails three times,
in honour of Mac Dara.1? In the year 1672, a certain captain of Galway
garrison, passing without the usual mark of reverence, experienced such a
violent gale, that he made a vow of never again sailing by without a proper
obeisance ;ae he was shipwrecked shortly afterwards, and never reached his
destination. One Gill, a fisherman of Galway, during the prevalence of fair
weather before and after the occurrence, was struck dead almost instanta-
neously, by a stroke from the mast of his own boat, when it fell on his head.
This accident, like the former, was attributed to that contempt shown towards
our saint by a departure from the time-honoured custom. His altar-stone,
called " Leac Shinac," was said to have been preserved to the middle of the
present century ; but its whereabouts is not now known. The name Mac Dara
is a very common prefix to surnames of many Islanders and borderers, on
the Galway coast, and even boats and hookers belonging to its fishermen are
inscribed with the name, in token of veneration for our saint.
Article II.— Feast of St. Fursey. A Feast in honour of St. Fursey
was kept on the 28th day of September, according to Petrus de Natalibus,1
,6 At that date, a " pattern" is held in his however it may have originated, few sea-
honour, on the shore opposite his island, faring natives of the coasts would now
and in the town of Clifdeu. venture to omit that accustomed mark of
'7 Moyrus, an Anglicised form of the Irish respect to St. Mac Dara." — Roderick
max; Uuip, meaning the " plain or field of O'Flaherty's " Chorographical Description
the point or promontory"; and this is a of Iar or West Connaught," p. ioo, note c,
name truly descriptive of the land on which by Mr. Hardiman.
the ancient church of the parish stands. *>To this custom, allusion is made in
18 Called in Latin Rhodomenia palmata, Denis Florence Mac Carthy's "Voyage of
by the botanists. St. Brendan." The Navigator is repre-
19 " This is scrupulously observed to the sented as saying,
present day ; and it is performed by lower-
ing the main-sail a little, three times. The ' ' Borne on the tide or driven before the gale;
custom is supposed to have originated with And as I passed Mac Dara's Sacred Isle,
some pious boatmen, who probably in the Thrice bowed my mast, and thrice let
life-time of the saint, first adopted that mode down my sail."
of salutation on sailing by the Island. That — Part ii., stanza io.
precedent a few times repeated, and a wreck
or other accident befalling a boat which Article ii.— ' "Fursaeus Episcopus anno
might happen to neglect it, would be suffi- 5. Constantis qui & Constantinus, in
cient to establish the ceremony. But, iiibernia claruit ut dicit Sigebertus. Hie
Sep r ember 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
625
Maurolycus Felicis, Ferrarius, and Wion.2 The latter writer supposes this
to have been the Feast for the finding of St. Fursey's relics. The particulars
of St. Fursey's life will be found at the 1 6th of January.3 which is the day for
his chief festival.* Colgan refers to the Lives of various Irish saints, for testi-
monies regarding the miracles and virtues of St. Fursey, besides giving those
special Acts, which he has published, at the 16th of January, and at the 9th
of February. Among those we are referred to the Life of St. Cronan,5 to the
close of St. Cuan's Acts, to the Life of St. Molaga,6 to the Life of St. Barr,7
&c. St. Cumineus alludes to our saint in his treatise, intituled, u I)e
singularibus Sanctorum aliquot Virtutibus sive Elogiis •" 8 and there he
mentions the extraordinary practice of austerity whilst reciting the Psaltery.
St. ^fCngus, in his Litany, alludes to our saint,9 while his ancient scholiast
treats about Fursey's miracles, and his spiritual friendship with Magnennus10
and St. Meldan,11 both Irish saints.12 According to the account of
Venerable Bede, St. Fursey descended from a noble family of the Scots,1*
nobilis genere sed nobilior fide, ab infantia
sacris litteris eruditus, dum inter parentes
suos sacri verbi seminaret eloquium quadam
die &c," lib. viii., cap. 126.
2 See " Lignum Vitse," at the 28th of Sep-
tember.
3 On this day, Colgan presents the saint's
Acts, in three different Books or Tracts,
with notes and a valuable Appendix, in
Eleven Chapters. In the last of these
chapters, he gives a summary of the contents
of previous ones, while showing certain
incidents, that serve to illustrate the Acts of
St. Fursey, and which partly concern the
honours referable to him. In the first
chapter is described the number and distinc-
tion of those writers, who have treated his
Acts in their various tracts. In the second
Chapter are to be found important testi-
monies relating to his sanctity. The third
Chapter proves his country not to have been
Scotia Minor or Albania, as some Scoto-
Britons pretend, but Scotia Major or
Hibernia, and in like manner are his mis-
sionary companions to be regarded as Irish.
In the fourth Chapter he is set down as of
Munster origin, and his pedigree is traced to
its proper source. In the fifth Chapter he is
thought probably to have been of the Bene-
dictine and episcopal order. In the sixth
Chapter are enumerated his twenty-one
disciples, illustrious for their sanctity, and all,
with the single exception of King Sigebert,
were Irish. The seventh Chapter shows, that
from his infancy to about the year 635,
Fursey was in Ireland. The eighth Chapter
states how he went to England in 636, and
thence went to Gaul about the year 648 or
649. The ninth Chapter relates his death
at A.D. 652. The tenth Chapter places the
observance of his Natalis at the 9th of
February, and the day of his Deposition at
the 4th of March, the first Elevation or
Translation of his Relics at the 1 6th of
January, the second at the 25th of February,
the third at the 17th of September, while the
feast of the Finding of his Relics, or some
other special commemoration, is assigned to
the 28th of September. The eleventh
Chapter forms an epilogue of the preceding
chapters. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae."
xvi. Januarii. Vi'a S. Furssei, Appendix,
cap. i. to xi., pp. 92 to 98.
4 See also at that date his Life, in the First
Volume of this work, Art. i.
5 We are told, that our saint was a bishop
in Vita S. Cronani, cap. xvi. See the Life
of this saint at the 28th of April, in the
Fourth Volume of this work, Art. i.
6 In the Vita S. Molagae, cap. xix. See his
Life at the 20th of January, in the First
Volume of this work, Art. i.
7 Vita S. Barsei, cap. xxiv. See his Life,
at the 25th of September, in the present
Volume, Art. i.
8 These are his words: " Hoc in more
habuit S. Fursseus mire devotus, (nee auditur
quid rarius) quod in puteo, ad instar nivis
gelido ; stans, Psalterium landesque divinas
semper persolverit." — Num. 25.
9 Thus : " Hodie S. Fursaeus cum 27.
millibus astra ascendit."
10 We can find no saint with a correspond'
ing name in our Irish Calendars.
11 However, in the Vision of St. Fursey,
Saints Beoan and Meldan are mentioned as
those who appeared to him, as may be seen
in our Life of St. Fursey, Abbot of Lagny,
in France, chap, iv., at the 16th of January.
" The latter saint is associated with saints
Nasad and Beoain, in the Feilire of St.
^Engus, at the 26th of October. At that
date, more may be found regarding them, in
the present work.
13 That the Irish and Scots are the same
people, and Hiberniaand Scotia are the same
nation, would appear from many passages in
Bede, and especially in the instance, where
Fursey " ab ipsa quoque insula patria dis-
cessit." We see, that the term Scotia can
only apply to Ireland, which is an island.
The British Scotia is not by itself so
I R
626 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 28.
being son to Finlog, a king of Munster. He is also said to have come from
Hibernia, and to have lived many years in Scotia. In John Capgrave's Lives
of the Saints, Fursey is stated to have been a native of Ireland, and sprang
from a noble race, but rendered still more noble on account of his Faith, and
although distinguished in his family circle, Divine Grace made him yet more
illustrious. He was beautiful in external appearance, chaste in his actions,
devout in disposition, affable in discourse, amiable in his looks, and
abounding in good works. From his infancy, he was addicted to sacred
studies, and trained to monastic discipline.1* The account of our saint by
Mabillon has been derived from old Acts of St. Fursey, by an anonymous
author.'5 Numbers of other writers, that have flourished in France,
Belgium and various Continental counties, at a more recent date, have treated
On the life and virtues of St. Fursey. The old writer of St. Fursey's Acts
supposes him to have been advanced to the episcopal dignity. If we are to
credit the statement of Desmay,'6 both Fursay and his brother Foillan were
ordained bishops in Rome,17 by Pope Martin I. This account, however, is
not only fabulous but unchronological, since his brother Foillan did not
leave Ireland for the Continent until after Fursey's death. In the Life of St.
Cronan,18 who was a contemporary of Fursey, the latter is styled Bishop.1?
He is thus designated in the Annals of Ulster at a.d. 627. Also, in the Index
Chronologicus of Archbishop Usher, at the same year.20 Mabillon states,21
that lie was not a bishop, although improperly called so, like Richarius of
Centula and some others, on account of his having been a great preacher of
the Gospel. Nevertheless, five hundred years before Mabillon wrote,22
Fursey's figure on the larger door of his church at Perrone was represented in
episcopal insignia ; while an old writer of his Life23 makes him a bishop. The
opinion of Dr. Lanigan is, that perhaps he was a chorepiscopus, or one of
those bishops without regular sees,2* of whom there were in his days many in
Ireland. Yet, he thinks, although the matter is uncertain, that the supposi-
tion of some writers regarding Fursey being a bishop to be not quite
unfounded. According to the testimony of Molanus, such also had been the
constant tradition of people living in the neighbourhood of Cambray. In the
latter diocese he is revered as a bishop, not so much because he reached that
dignity, but that he had been recognised as the Apostle of various places in
its vicinity.2* When treating about Fursey, neither the Venerable Bede nor
circumstanced. See Colgan's " Acta Sane- accordance with the testimony of Venerable
torum Hibernire, xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Bede. See "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti,"
Furssei, lib. i., cap. i., p. 75, lib. iii., pp. 87, tomus i., lib. xiv., sect, i., p. 410.
88, and num. 4, 5, p. 91. l6 In the Fourteenth Chapter of our saint's
14 See " Nova Legenda Angliae," Vita S. Life.
Furssei, fob cliii. '7 Even Colgan rejects this story, and
J5He is praised by Venerable Bede, and joins Feirarius, who says, that St. Fursey
his words are almost literally given in the was a bishop, but consecrated in Ireland,
history of this latter writer. We are told, ,8 Vita S. Cronani, cap. xvi.
also, by Mabillon, that another anonymous '» See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Iliber-
wi iter issued the Acts of St. Fursey, in two niae," xvi. January. Appendix ad Acta S.
Books ; and that after his time, Arnulfus, Furscei, cap. v., p. 96.
Abbot of Lagny, towards the close of the 20See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
eleventh century, wrote two books on this quitates," p. 537.
same subject. One of these gave an account 2I At A.D. 645.
of the saint's Life, and the other of his See at a.d. 650.
miracles. In a book, formerly belonging to *3 This had been written before the
Christina, Queen of Sweden, it is said, that biography by Arnulph.
these memoirs were written at special re- J* See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
quest of the inhabitants of l'errone. Those vol. ii., chap, xvi., sec. x., n. 96, pp. 463,
Acts of our saint contain an account of his 464.
pilgrimage to Rome. They state, that he *s The words of Molanus are : **Camara-
was descended from a royal Scotic race, in censes ut episcopum colunt, non quod
September 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 627
the writer of the Saint's ancient Acts styles him Bishop. We have no sufficient
evidence' for Fursey having been the author of" De Vita Monastica," HI), i.,
attributed to him by Dempster.26 This is merely stated by Sir James Ware,
but without attaching credence to a statement depending on such, doubtful
authority ; moreover, his editor, Walter Harris, adds, that a Prophecy written in
the Irish language has also been ascribed 10 him.2? Tne writings of Ado, Wion
and other authors have been cited by Mabillon to show, that St. Fursey had
been at first interred in Lagny, and that afterwards his remains had been
removed to Perrone. Arnold Wion 28 has published laudatory Hymns in
praise of St. Fursey. Besides various old authors, in whose writings eulogies
and notices of St. Fursey occur, and whose testimonies may be found in
previous portions of this work, there are many others, that make honourable
mention of him, and whose words are quoted by Colgan.29 In his
Martyrology, at the 16th of January, Notker Balbulus has alluded to a
passage from the old life of the Hibernian St. Fursey, who was taken from this
world to Heaven, whence he returned to relate many miraculous and
admirable Visions he had there to other mortals. Afterwards, Fursey led an
austere life and departed to bliss, in the village of Manden, at Perone. The
Blessed Rabanus Maurus 3° more fully describes the life and miracles of our
saint in his Martyrology, at the 16th of January.31 Florence of Worcester has
an account of St. Fursey in his Chronicle at the year 636, when the holy man
is said to have come from Hibernia to King Sigebert, who ruled over the
East Angles, and by whom he was reverently received. . There he preached
the word of God, and converted many' Gentiles to the true Faith. After-
wards the King founded a noble monastery, into which himself entered, having
resigned his kingdom and all secular and governmental affairs to his relative
Egric. Again does Vincentius Belluacenis relate his actions, by stating that
Fursaus was of noble birth, but still more noble in Faith, having been com-
mitted through the disposal of Divine Providence to the care of priests, and
instructed as well in sacred studies as in monastic discipline^2 The Chronicon
proprii nominis episcopus fuerit, sed quia 3IThus, "In pago vero Mandinse in
quorundum locorum Apostolus fuit. Hac Perona Monasterio depositio S. Fursaei con-
enim de causa plures ut episcopos coli, fessoris, qui in Hibernia natus, & nutritus,
sparsim a me est annotatum." — " Natales patriam parentesque relinquens, sacrae scrip-
Sanctorum Belgii," Decima-sexta Januarii, turae studiis, aliquot vacabat annis : unde
Num 2, p. 13. monasterium in quodam, construxit loco ;
26 Indeed, we may take it for granted, sed dum patriam parentesque visitare pro-
that it is but one of his many inventions; peraret, ut inter illos sacri verbi semina
and especially as in the very same article, spiritualibus seminaret eloquiis, quodam
he accuses of error the early and most die corporis aegrotantis molestia corripitur,
reliable authorities, Notker Balbulus and ac post subito in extasi raptus, jacuit quasi
Raban Maur, who state that Fursey was exanimis a vespertina hora usque ad galli-
born in Hibernia. Contrary to the well- cantum. Sed dum ad se rediret, agnovit
known acts of his life, Dempster in mala fide Angelicam esse visionem, & sumpto corpore
impudently states: "S. Fursaeus Scotus, non & sanguine Christi, jacuit infirmus ipso die
Hibernus, licet ex Hibernia cum sociis in & altero : tertia vero nocte iterum ab
patriam venisse scribatur." — See " Historia Angelis sublatus mirabiles vidit visiones,
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., sicut liber vitae ipsius testatur." Then it is
lib. vi., num. 517, pp. 283 to 285. stated, that after his Ecstasy, he spent twelve
2? See Harris' Ware. " Writers of Ire- years in preaching the word of God, and
land," vol. ii., book i., chap, iv., p. 35. that he became renowned for the working of
23 In " Lignum Vitae," lib. iii. miracles. Later still, his merits culminating,
29 See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," xvi. he built monasteries in Gaul, whence he
Januarii, Vita S. Fursaei, Appendix, cap. departed to Christ. His body was honour-
ii. , pp.92, 93. ably buried by Duke Ercenwald and by the
30 See an account of his Life and writings faithful in the Church of St. Peter the
at the 4th of February — when his festival Apostle at Perona Monastery, and near the
occurs — in the Second Volume of this work, Altar.
Art. v. 32See lib. iii., cap. 81, 82, 83.
62S LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS. [September 28.
Generalc Mundiss celebrates St. Fursey's virtues, assigning his festival to the
4th of March. In the time of Mabillon, the Benedictine monks at Lagny
preserved a chasuble and stole belonging to St. Fursey. They had also
bestowed a maniple upon the canons of Perrone, in exchange for a portion of
the saint's cranium, which had become petrified. Mabillon remarks, that to
the ninth century, St. Fursey's church belonged to the monks, at Perrone, as
this establishment then received the name of a monastery. Such name was used
only to distinguish the domicile of monks, up to that period, as will be seen
by recurring to this confessor's old life ; but from the age mentioned, the
denomination " monastery " was used to designate a college of secular canons,
which the house at Perrone was known to be. Having first founded Lagney
monastery, through his respect for St. Fursay, Erchinoald afterwards built
another religious house at Perrone, on the mountain called de Cygnes ; so that,
if the holy man found this latter more agreeable, for a place of residence, he
and his monks might inhabit it, and select it, as a place for their sepulture.3*
At the 28th of September, Thomas Dempster^ mentions the Finding of St.
Fursey's Relics, on the fourth year after his death.
Article III.— St. Fiachrach or Fiachra, Bishop of Ctjil Each-
TRANN, NOW CULFEIGHTRrN PARISH, COUNTY OF ANTRIM. A festival is
set down in the published Martyrology of Tallagh1 at the 28th of September,
in honour of Fiachrach or Fiachra, Bishop.2 The parish church of Cul-
feightrin was originally founded by St. Patrick ; and was then known as
Cuil-Ectrann, Anglicised, " the corner of the strangers." It was situated in
the territory of Cathrigia, now the barony of Cary. Over this church he
placed Fiachrius, as its bishop. 3 The festival of this holy man was observed
most probably on the 28th of September.* In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gormans is entered Fiachra at this day, with an eulogy.6 The commentator
adds, that he was an Epscob or Bishop. 7 In the year 1524, this parish
church of Cowlefeghraine is said to have been dedicated to St. Fechtany.
It belonged to the diocese of Connor.8 The present Protestant church is in
the townland of Ballynaglogh, about half a mile north of the townland, called
3} " Fursanis quoque Hiberniae Regis filius, rebus suis facile condonaverit," — " Annaies
per id tempus cum duobus germanis con- Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i., lib. xiv.,
temptis regni sui pompis, monachalem sect. I, 2, pp. 410, 411.
habitum susceperunt, & in magno pretio 35See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
evaserunt. Is Monasterium in loco quern Scottish Saints." Menologium Scoticum,
vocant Latiniacum construxit, nee multo p. 213.
post ordinatis fratribus migravit ad Article III. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Dominum. Post quatuor autem annos ab Kelly, p. xxxv.
Eligio & Ausberto Episcopis immaculatum 2 Also in the Book of Leinster copy at
corpus, sine ulla putredine transfertur. this date is pAchrtaich epf.
Hujus Natalis celebratur quarto Nonas 3 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga."
Mariii." Vita Tripartita S. Patricii, pars ii., cap.
34 He adds : " Denique annaies Mtttenses exxx., p. 146.
sjeculo nono scripti diserte habent, post Tex- * See ibid., n. 204, p. 182.
tricianam Pippini contra Theodericum regem 5 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
vietoriam, quae paullo post Fursaei mortem Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
accidit, multos ex Theodericianis ad beati 6Thus:
Quintini martyris limina nonnullos ad Per-
ronam Scottorum monasterium, in quo pachpA, c&\x> m ctepech
beatus Fursaeus requiescit, confugium fecisse: " Fiachra, chaste was the cleric."
quibus, interventu abbatum locorumillorum,
mitissimus princeps Pippinus, acceptis ab ? See ibid., n. 1.
his tantum sacramentis, cunctis vitam cum 8 Register of Cromer, p. 453.
September 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 629
Church-field. 9 Here the ancient church formerly stood.10 This building,
excepting the east gable which is nearly entire, has been demolished. Yet,
sufficient traces of the old foundations remain, to show that its dimensions
had been very large. The area of this old church and of its adjoining
cemetery are now in pasturage." In the Martyrology of Donegal13 at this
same date, we find the simply entry of Fiachra, Bishop.
Article IV. — St. Diarmait, Bishop of Cluain Finn-Aighne. At
the 28th of September, according to the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1
veneration was given to Diarmait, son of Luchradh, Bishop of Cluain Finn
Aighne.2 It calls him the son of Lucnaid, and names his place Cluain
Fidnaighi. In the Martyrology of Marianus 0'Gorman,3 his name is men-
tioned with a special eulogy,* at the present date. The glossographer further
distinguishes him as the son of Luchraid and a bishop from Cluain Finn
Aighne.s There was a Fidhnacha, in West Connaught, where a great battle
had been fought, a.d. 1094. There was also a Fiodhnacha-Maighe-Rein, now
Fenagh, in the County of Leitrim.6 It is not certain, however, if either of
those be the place here mentioned. The Martyrology of Donegal? also
enters the feast of Diarmait, son of Luchradh, Bishop of Cluain Finn-Aighne,
at this date.
Article V. — The Two Findias and Lobhar. In the Feilire of
^ngus,1 at the 28th of September, two Findias2 are commemorated. It is
not easy to determine the saints to whom this entry is referred. Together
with another holy man bearing the same name, St. Finian, Bishop of Clonard,
is said to be commemorated at the 28th of September, in the Martyrology of
St. ^Engus the Culdee, as also in the annexed commentary of Cathal Maguire.3
9 Called Magheratemple, in the Down 1nt>A ptroiAcet/oAi
Survey. 1u5Cf1 uncech cobaiyv
10 See " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps Cleip mop m AfvciLl umail
for the County of Antrim," Sheet 9. 1nmtt LaLich tob<M|\.
11 See Rev. WiUiam Reeves' " Ecclesias-
tical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
Dromore," n. (s), p. 79. Also Appendix, " The two fair Findias are to be sought for
T, p. 251, and Appendix LL, p. 3S0. every aid. Humble Marcellus' great train,
12 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. with infirm Junell's (Julianus ?) festival." —
260, 261. '• Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,"
Article iv. — l Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., part i. On
p. xxxv. the Calendar of Oengus, p, cxxxix.
2 In the Book of Leinsler copy we read 2 There is a note appended, partly in Latin
"OiAjunaic mAc luchp.Ai'o o Cl p-o nAige. and partly in Irish, on the words 1nt)A
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui ptvoia. It is thus translated into English
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. by the editor, and it seems to express a great
4 Thus : doubt regarding the meaning and applica-
■OiAj\mAic "OiAnr'Aim. tion. " ' The Two Findias? i.e., two saints,
" Exceeding gentle Diarmait." and in Aran are they. Or it is one name. Or
Findia Gillda, i.e., Findia of Clonard, is
5 See ibid., n. 2. commemorated here. Or Gillse is the name
6 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the of a saint. Or ' two Findias.' Others say
Four Masters," vol. ii., pp. 948, 949, and that it is he who used to be in Futerna
vol. vii. Index Locorum, p. 60. [Whitherne, Whithorne, in Galloway, per-
7 Edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, haps,] that is (mentioned) in these lines,
pp. 260, 261. verumest. Findia, i.e. one that knows God,
Article v. — " In the Leabhar Breac copy etc." — Ibid., p. cxlvii.
we find : — 3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
630 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 28.
The Martyrology of Donegal* registers a festival at the 28th of September,
in honour of the Two Findias and Lobhar, who are in Aengluis, at this day.s
Although not found in the published copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh f
yet there is a feast for Finnio entered in the Book of Leinster copy, at the
28th of September.?
Article VI.— Reputed Feast for St. Junill or Junaill, Infirmus.
Veneration was paid to Junill, Infirmus, at the 28th of September, according
ro the published Martyrology of Tallagh.1 It is also in the Book of Leinster
copy.2 But, it is quite probable, a false entry has been made in this
Calendar, as from the previous note, we find a Iunill, " of the shining deeds,"
commemorated. The term lobair, may have been mistaken to imply that
he was a Leper, and consequently that he must be regarded as an infirm
person. In the Feilire of St. ££ngus,3 there is an Innill entered at the 27th
of September ; as also in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman, where the name
is written Iunaill.*
Article VII. — St. Dairi, a Holy Widow. We read in the Martyr-
ology of Donegal1 that veneration was given to Dairi, a holy Widow,2 at the
28th of September. In the table, postfixed to this Martyrology, her name
and distinctive state is Latinized Daria, Vidua. 3
Article VIII. — St. Machan, Bishop and Confessor. According to
the Breviary of Aberdeen,1 St. Machan was sent from Scotland at an early age,
nise," xxiii. Februarii. Appendix ad Acta is appended, and which states " iunill .i.
S. Finniani, cap. i., p. 402. hicorco baiscind ata." ' Iunill .i. in Corco-
* Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Baiscinn is he. — Ibid., p. cxlvii. Another
260, 261. note follows, " lobair no labair ,i. india,
5 In a note Dr Reeves says at the words, .i. iunaill lobar .i. dari chaillech," translated
This day : "This entry is in a different lobair, ox labair 'say' i.e. infirm Iunill, i.e.
hand, and after it is added by a more recent Dari the Nun. — Ibid., p. cxlviii.
writer. ' Sed forte est Lioba Sax, virgo in 4To it is attached the note, "Iunaill,
Usuardo Molani hodie. Expresse Iunill (gen. sg.) FeL Oeng." See Dr. Whitley
numerum pluralem ./Eneas'; that is the Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186,
Lobhar in the text may be intended to 187.
represent Lioba, who is mentioned at this Article vii. — 'Edited by Drs. Todd
day in Molanus edition of Usuardus ; and, and Reeves, pp. 260, 261.
as regards the Findias, ^Engas, in his 2 A note by Dr. Reeves says at this word
Feilire, expressly names two. 1n ■oapn'oiA Widow :" Vidua, the Latin equivalent for
5ebt>Ai, ' the two shining Finnias,' are his pe-ob, is subjoined in the later hand."
words ; but tobAift occurs at the end of the 3See ibid., pp. 398, 399.
quatrain as a common noun in connection Article viii. — ' See " Martyrologium
with another saint : lunitt a lich lobAip, Aberdonense," pars Estiva, fol. cxvi.
Iunill, of the shining deeds." a See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
6 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly. part i., p. 44.
7Thuspnmo. 3 His feast is thus entered : M iiij. KP.
Article VI. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. Octobris. — In Scocia Sancti Machani
Kelly, p. xxxv. episcopi. Hie apud Campsi in Lenox
2Thus1unitti .1. inpijimi sepultus : vite et virtutum speculum
3 See " Transactions of the Royal Irish singulare. Gentem illam moribus et fide
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i., instructam sua exhortatione a viciis ad vitam
part i. On the Calendar of Oengus, by reduxit."— " Proceedings of the Society of
Whitley Stokes LL.D., p. exxxix. A note Antiquaries of Scotland," vol, ii., p. 269.
September 28.] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 631
to be trained in Ireland. He is said to have been a disciple of St. Cadoc. He
addicted himself to the salvation of souls, and returning to his native country,
he desired to teach the people there, who were living in Gentile ignorance.
He was raised to the priesthood, and he travelled in various districts, preach-
ing the Gospel and exhorting the inhabitants. Afterwards, he went on a
pilgrimage to Rome. There, against his protest, Machan was raised to the
episcopal office. He was gifted with the power of working miracles. He
was buried at Camsie in Lennox.2 By Adam King, this saint is said to have
lived under King Donalde. In the Martyrologys and KalendaH of Aberdeen,
at the 28th of September, there is a festival for St. Machan. He is also
entered, at this date, in Adam King's Kalendar.s In that of David
Camerarius, his feast is relegated to the 30th day of this month.6 At the 28th of
September, on the authority of the Breviary of Aberdeen, the Bollandists
note a feast for Machanus or Mathanus, but deeming the account of little
value, they defer further observation, until they could obtain more certain
documents.? Various localities in Scotland held St. Machan in great venera-
tion. Thus his name is connected with Eccles-machan — rendered the
" church of Machan."8 There was a chapel to Machan in Clyne.9 The
parish of Dalserf is called Machan.10 In Glasgow Cathedral there was an
altar dedicated to St. Machan.11 The name of this saint is found likewise
in Strathblane.12
Article IX. — Festival of St. Conval. On the 28th of September1 —
as on the 18th of May — a feast in honour of St. Conval, patron of Eastwood,
was held in Scotland. The Martyrology of Aberdeen enters his feast at the
28th of September, with an eulogy of his virtues and miracles.2 At this date,
also, he is entered in the Kalendar of Arbuthnott.3 His Acts are more fully
treated, at the 18th of May, in the Fifth Volume of this work.*
Article X. — Faust or Faustus. In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman, at the 27th of September,1 is entered the festival of Faust or
Faustus. There is a feast for a St. Faustus, Bishop of Regiensis, in Gaul, at
this date, in the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum."2 There what can be known
regarding him is examined in a learned dissertations by Father John Stilting,
4 See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of deen has " iiii. Kal. Oct. Convalli
Scottish Saints," p. 121. Confessoris," with an office of Nine Lessons.
5Se& ibid., y>. 163. 2Thus: " Eodem die in Scocia apud
6 See ibid.) p. 24J . Inchenan Sancti Conualli confessoris cuius
7 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., predicatio preclaram sanctitatis sue excellen-
Septembris xxviii. Among the pretermitted ciam signorum choruscatione posteris morum
feasts, p. 595. prebet incrementum." — Bishop Forbes'
8 See " Old Statistical Survey of Scot- " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 135.
land," vol. ii., p. 367. 3 See ibid., p. 105.
9 See " Origines Parochiales Scotiae," part 4 See Art. i.
ii., p. 724. Article x. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
,0See ibid., part i., pp. 5, 107. " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
11 See ibid.) part i., p. 3. 2 See tomus vii., Septembris xxviii. De S.
12 Register of Testaments, Commissariot Fausto Episcopo Regiensi, in Provincia
of Glasgow. See Bishop Forbes' "Kalen- Galliae, pp. 651 to 714.
dars of Scottish Saints," pp. 380, 381. 3 Commentarius Historicus, in sixteen
Article ix. — ' According to the Breviary sections and three hundred and thirty-two
of Aberdeen. Also the Kalendar of Aber- paragraphs,
632 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 28.
S.J. He was the third abbot of Lerins in 434, and afterwards bishop of Riez
in 461. He is said to have been from Great Britain, and to have come into
the world about the year 390. He left his native country, and joined the
monastic community at Lerins. After ruling as bishop for thirty-three years,
he died on the 25th of January, jL.b. 493, having exceeded one hundred
years of age.* Besides the present day, he is venerated at the 17th of
January, and at the 21st of May. At the 28th of September, likewise, there
is a feast for another St. Faustus, Bishop of Tarbes, in Gaul, and the Bollan-
distss have notices of him in a sylloge6 of eight paragraphs. He flourished
towards the end of the fifth century.? The first of the prelates named is
possibly the saint commemorated, at this date, by Marianus O'Gorman ;
but it seems to us more probable, that he was really the Spanish Martyr, St.
Faustus.8
Article XI. — Ianair or Jantjaritjs. The festival of Ianair or Januarius
is inserted in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman,1 at the 27th of Sep-
tember. This is probably the Spanish Martyr to whom the Bollandists allude at
this date,2 with his two companions, Faustus and Martial. But Usuard and the
Roman Martyrologys refer their festival to the 13th of October,
Article XII. — Martial or Martialis. In the Martyrology of
Marianus O'Gorman,1 the feast of Martial with an eulogy 2 is marked at the
28th of September. A St. Martialis, with a number of companions, Martyrs
in Africa, is commemorated on this day, and notices regarding them are to
be found in the Bollandists. 3 However, to us it seems most likely, the
Spanish Martyr Martialis already alluded to is set down by Marianus
O'Gorman at this date.
Article XIII. — Exuperius. In the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gor-
man, there is a festival for Venerable Exuperius,1 at this date.2 This is no
doubt intended to mark the feast St. Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor of
Toulouse in Gaul, who is commemorated in several ancient Martyrologies,
and to the investigation of whose Acts the Bollandistss have devoted a
4 For an interesting account of him see deinde superciliis rasis, dentibus evulsis,
Les Petits Bollandistes, *■* Vies des Saints," auribus quoque et naribus prsecisi>, ignis
tome xi., xxviiie Jour de Septembre, pp. passione martyrium consunimarunt." —
468 to 474. " Martyrologium Romanum," editio novis-
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., sima, Tertio Idus Octobris, p. 152.
Septembris xxviii. De S. Fausto Episc. Article xii. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes
Tarbensi, in Novempopulania, pp. 715,716. " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
6 Written by Father John Stilting, S.J. -Thus:
7 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Saints," tome xi,, xxviiie Jour de Septembre, ITlAftCiAt nAft mAi-omech
p. 460. " Martialis who was not boastful."
8 Also venerated at this day, as noticed in
succeeding articles. 3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep-
Article xi. — * See Dr. Whitley Stokes' tembris xxviii., pp. 603, 604, where Father
" Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. John Stilting treats about them, as their
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- names occur in the ancient Martyrologies.
tembris xxviii. Among the pretermitted Article xiil— * Noticed in Irish as
feasts, exupeji ntuir.
3 Thus: "Cordubse in Hispania natalis ■ See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
sanctorum Martyrum Fausti, Januarii et Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
Martialis, qui primo equulei poena cruciati, J See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep-
September 28.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 633
Historic Sylloge,* at this date. The natal place and date of birth for St.
Exuperius are alike unknown. He is supposed to have succeeded St.
Silvius,5 Bishop of Toulouse, and to have acted in tjie like capacity, towards
the close of the fourth and beginning of the fifth century. He is thought
to have died about the year 415, and on the 28th day of September.6
Article XIV. — Salon. The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman has
the feast of Salon, at the 28th of September.1 It seems most likely, he is to
be identified with Salon — also called Salomon and Salonius — Bishop and
Confessor at Genoa in Italy, and regarding whom the Bollandists2 have
printed a critical Sylloge 3 taken from the Martyrologies, and written by
Father John Stilting, S.J. His history is little known, but it would seem
that he flourished in the fifth century.
Article XV. — Reputed Feast of a Marcellus. In the Feilire of
St. iEngus,1 and in Marianus O'Gorman,2 at the 28th of September there is a
feast for Marcellus. Elsewhere, in any calendar of the saints, we do not
find the entry of Marcellus, at this date.
Article XVI. — Zacheus. At the 27th of September, Zacheus is com-
memorated in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman.1 We cannot find his name
in any other calendar, and relating to this day.
Article XVII. — Reputed Feast of St. Gilda. Although not found
in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 yet there is a festival forGilde,2in
the Book of Leinster Copy, at the 28th of September.
Article XVIII. — Translation of St. Dysibod's Relics. At the
28th of September, according to Thomas Dempster's account,1 was celebrated
the anniversary of a Translation into a marble coffin placed behind the high
altar of St. Dysibod's Relics. This is referred to the year 1 143.2 The Acts
of St. Disibod are already given at the 8th of July, in the Seventh Volume of
this work.3 There was a festival for him at the 8th of June j* as also at the
8th of this month.
tembris xxviii. De S. Exuperio Episcopo 2 In the Feilire of Marianus, at this date,
Conf. Tolosse in Gallia, pp. 623 to 630. is the line:—
4 It is contained in Three Sections, com-
prising thirty-four paragraphs. This is tTlAjtceilt, buAn a bfustiAuh.
edited by Father John Stilting, S.J.
5 The Bollandists give notices of him in This is translated: "Marcellus lasting (is)
their " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Maii, his vigorous grace." — Whitley Stokes'
at p. 438. "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
"See an account of him, in Les Petits Article xvl— x See Dr. Whitley Stokes'
Bollandistes, " Vies des Saints," tome xi., "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
xxviiie Jour de Septembre, pp. 461 to 467. Article xvn. — * Edited by Rev. Dr.
Article xiv.— l See Dr. Whitley Stokes' Kelly.
"Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. 2 Thus 5it/oe.
2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii., Sep- Article xviii. — 'See Bishop Forbes'
tembris xxviii., pp. 716 to 720. " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," Meno'o-
3 In twenty-one paragraphs. gium Scoticum, pp. 212, 213.
Article xv. — l See " Transactions of 2 Dodechin follows this statement as if an
the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript authority quoted for it.
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of 3 Art. i.
Oengus. By Whitley Stokes, LL.D., p. 4 See the Sixth Volume of this work, at
cxxxix. In a note affixed we find the obser- that date, Art. vii.
vation ** marcill .i. papa .i. marcialis." — 5 See in the present volume, at the 8th of
Ibid., p. cxlvii. September, Art. i.
634 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 29.
CtoentiMuntt) 2Bap of £>rptrmbrr.
ARTICLE I.— ST. MURGHAL, ABBOT OF RATHLIN, COUNTY OF
ANTRIM.
[EIGHTH CENTURY.]
IN very remote situations, many of our Irish saints chose to remove
from the world, to avoid its temptations and snares. In the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we find simply the entry Murgail, at the 29th of
September. A similar entry is in the Book of Leinster copy.2 The Feilire
of Marianus O'Gorman enters Murgal,3 at this date, and a commentator adds,
that he was the son of Uinnid, and abbot of Rechrann.* This is now the Island
of Rathlin, off the northern coast of Antrim. Sometimes the name of Murgal's
father is written Nenned. Our saint was probably born before or soon after
the commencement of the eighth century. At a remote period, and early in
the seventh century,5 a monastic institution had been there established at
Rathlin, by St. Segene, Abbot ot Iona, a.d. 630,6 or a little later.? The
succession of its Abbots has been given by Colgan.8 There, or perhaps at
Iona, our saint had been religiously trained in monastic stndies and religious
discipline. He appears to have immediately succeeded as Abbot to St.
Cobthach, who died a.d. 743, about twenty years before the period assigned
for his own departure to bliss. 9 The " Annals of the Four Masters" place
his death at the year 764.'° According to the Annals of Ulster,11 he died
a.d. 768, with which date the O'Clerys agree, and state, that he departed on
the 29th of September. Additional particulars are recorded at the same
date in the Martyrology of Donegal.12 There he is mentioned as Murghal,
son of Niunidh, Abbot of Rechrainn.^
Article I.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. 9 See Rev. William Reeve's " Ecclesias-
Kelly, p. xxxv. tical Antiquities of Down, Connor, and
2 Thus : mApgAile. Dromore," Appendix T, p. 249, and
3 See Dr. WhitU-y Stokes' ''Feilire Hui Appendix LL., p. 380.
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. l0 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i.,
4 Thus written in Irish mac Umne'oh.A pp. 366, 367.
<\b neach|\4inne. See p. 186, n. I. "See Dr. OConor's u Renun Hiberni-
5 In the Life of St. Comgall of Bangor, carum Scriptores," tomus iv., Annates
it is stated, that he attempted to build a Ultonienses.
church on Rechrann, but had been ,a Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves,, pp.
prevented from doing so by certain 262, 263.
evil-disposed soldiers. See Flemming's ,3 In a note, Dr. Reeves says at this
"Collectanea Sacra," p. 311, col. 2. It is word Kechrainn : " O'Donovan, in his
mentioned, that St. Columba visited the Annals of the Four Masters, and others
Island of Rechrea, but no statement exists regard this form of the name as nominative ;
of his having there founded a church. See but strictly speaking, as albain from <\lb-J,
" Trias Thaumaturga," Adamnan's Quarta it is the genitive of flech)\4. Thus, in
Vita S. Columbse. lib. ii., cap. 41, p. 361. Adamnan we find it written Rechru
6 According to Dr. O'Donovan's '' Annals (i., 5, p. 29, ed. Reeves), and in an adjective
of the Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 250,251. form Rechrea insula (ii., 41, p. 164). In
7 The Annals of Tigernach and of Ulster the Annals of the Four Masters, it is always
place this foundation at A.D. 634 or 635. in a dependant construction, and, therefore,
8 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta ttechr\ainn, except once (An. 1038), where
Appendix, ad Acta S. Columbse, cap. viii, it appears as a nominative in the form,
pp. 5°9> 510- Heachrui."
September 29.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAIATS.
635
Article II. — St. Columba, or Columm. At the 29th of September,
in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we find that veneration was given
to Columba. The contracted word Si. appears postfixed to this entry. In a
similar manner, we find it repeated in the Hook of Leinster copy.2 There is
a festival for Colum or Colomb, in the " Feilire" of Marianus O'Gorman, at
this same date,3 but without further notice. To look for his place or
period in our church history seems to evade investigation. There is,a parish
— yet called Tecolm — and within the barony of Ballyadams, in the Queen's
County. It is not known, however, if it had been included within the
ancient territory of Cremhthenna ; notwithstanding, if such happened to have
Teampull Tecolm.
been the case, the word Inghen, having been dropped to shorten the
pronounciation, there might not be so much difficulty in the attempt to
identify it with the holy women who were the Daughters of Coluim.4 A very
old ruined church and a grave-yard are seen, on the road between Carlow
and Stradbally, and not far from Corbally House. About the year 1840, one
of the old church gables had fallen flat over the graves beneath it ;5 but
hardly one stone was displaced from its original position in the walls, while
the mass of green ivy growing around this gable was truly luxuriant.6 Thirty
years afterwards, the whole of this gable had been removed, so that not a
stone of it now appears. Another old gable still stands, and it is also
Article ii. — * Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p. xxxv.
2 Thus: CotumbAe rci.
3SeeDr Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
4 Their festival occurs at the 13th of
September, and at that date it is entered in
the present volume, Art ii.
5 It fell in the great storm of the 6th of
January, 1839.
6 In that year, the writer first saw this
place, and observed what has been stated.
Another visit was in May, 1870 ; and later
still in June, 1897, when a sketch of the
ruin, as here presented, was taken. It has
been drawn on the wood, and engraved by
Gregor Grey.
7 Burials have been long discontinued in
the cemetery there, and hardly a rude
headstone is now visible. Near the old
636 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 29.
covered with ivy. The church seems to have been oblong, and its walls
measured about 40 by 20 feet. They were over three feet in thickness.? An
old road led from Noughval, where St. Columban was venerated,8 towards
Tecolm old church. It may therefore happen, this latter too had been
dedicated to the same saint, as Tegh-colm means Columban's or Coluim's
House. The present saint, equally with any other bearing a similar name,
might be locally connected with Tecolm ; yet, such a suggestion cannot be
affirmed of him with any degree of certainty. At this same date, the
Martyrology of Donegal registers Columm. That he may be Colum Toma,
who was descended from the race of Laeghaire, son to Niall, is the further
remark of O'Clery, the Calendarist.
Article III. — St. Ciaran, Son of Iar, Bishop. At this date, there is
no mention of this saint in Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition of the Martyrology of
Tallagh ; neither is he recorded in the Book of Leinster copy. Yet,
Colgan notes him as having a festival in our Irish Martyrologies.1 In the
Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman we find M comely Ciaran. the son of Ciar "
commemorated, at the 29th of September.2 A commentator calls him
bishop. 3 At this date, the Martyrology of Donegal* mentions that a festival
was celebrated in honour of Ciaran, son of Iar, Bishop. The same
account is contained in the Irish Calendar, belonging to the Ordnance
Survey Records.*
Article IV. — St. Nessan, of Uladh. The published Martyrology
of Tallagh,1 registers a festival, to honour Nessan, of Uladh, at the 29th of
September. In a similar way is he noticed in the Book of Leinster copy.2
It seems evident, his place must be sought for in the province of Ulster, but
the exact locality is not known, The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman
calls him "hallowed Nessan. "3 He is entered also in the Martyrology of
Donegal.4
Article V. — St. Sedrach, Bishop. According to the Martyrology
of Tallagh,1 veneration was given to Sedrach. These words, " cum reliquis
Mac Ieir," follow such announcement at the 29th of September.2 In the
Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman, he is eulogised as Sedrach, " modest, bashful,
church, at present locally called Teampul 3 In Irish epfcop.
by the peasantry, there is a remarkable * Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
spring, called Pharoah's Well ; but, why 262, 263.
it has been so designated, the writer could s See Common Place Book, F., p. 82.
obtain no information in reply to his Article IV. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
enquiries. An ash tree grows over it, and Kelly, p. xxxv.
it is seen beside the high road from 2Thus: nerTAti Ul<vo.
Stradbally to Carlow. 3 Written in Irish nerfAn naeimM.—
8 See an account of him on the 15th of Dr. Whitley Stokes' ''Feilire Hui
May — the day for his festival — in the Fifth Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
Volume of this work. Art. iv. * Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 262, 263.
262, 263. Article v.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly,
Article hi.— x See " Acta Sanctorum p. xxxv.
Hiberniae," xv. Februarii, n. 8, p. 348. 2We find, likewise, the following entry in
2 The words in Irish are Ciaran cat>Ia the Hook of Leinster copy : Seonach cum
mac Cier>— Dr. Whitley Stokes' '"Feilire ncliqunr— to this is added Opi, indicating
Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. that he was a bishop.
September 29.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
637
and excellent," at this date.3 He seems to have attained the rank of bishop
in the Irish church, The name Sedrach, without any further designation or
addition, is found in the Martyrology of Donegal,* at this same date.
Article VI. — St. Colman. Marianus O'Gorman mentions St. Colman
with an eulogy,1 at the 29th of September, but we find no other particulars
to determine his period, place or position. A festival, in honour of Colman,
is entered in the Martyrology of Donegal,2 at the 29th of September.
Article VII. — St. Comgill or Comghall. A festival in honour of
Comgill, who is called " a soldier of Christ," appears in the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 29th of September.2 In the Feilire of
Marianus O'Gorman, he is simply noticed at this same date. 3 The Martyr-
ology of Donegal* merely enters the name Comghall, at the 29th of September.
Articlic VIII. — Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. In the
Church from a very remote date, the Festival of this Head of the Angelic
Host had been observed with special solemnity. In Ireland, St. ^Engus
the Culdee has pronounced a distinguished eulogy on him, at the 29th of
September, in the " Feilire."1 Allusion is made to his fight with the Dragon
and Anti-Christ.2 The Scholiast has comments3 which state, that Michael
was Prince of the Angels, and that as a soldier he was the champion whose
name is explained by sicui Deus in Mount Garganus. In recording his
feast at this day, Marianus O'Gorman addresses the Archangel Michael as a
powerful intercessor.* The Bollandists treat very fully about St. Michael,
the Archangel^ in a learned dissertation,6 by Father John Stilting, S.J., in
3 Thus : Se-onach pAlnars £eboa. — Dr.
Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain,"
pp. 186, 187.
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
262, 263.
Article vi. — * Thus is he commemorated,
Colman oeboa Amna, which is rendered
" beautiful wondrous Colman." See Dr.
Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain,"
pp. 186, 187.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
262, 263.
Article vil— " Edited by Rev. Dr.
Kelly, p, xxxv.
2 In the Book of Leinster copy, he is also
entered as Comj;iLLi mibm Xpi.
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
262, 263.
Article viil— * In the " Leabhar Breac,"
copy we read : —
LA^leo prviA -orvic nT>AlAch
"Oiarx rtticheL bale bua-oAch
-Arvrlig <dmchr\irc mrwich
1nmil flirgel fluAgAch.
Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes ;
" At the fight against the multitudinous
Dragon of our Michael stout, victorious, the
soldier whitesided, hostful, will slay
Wrathful Antichrist." — " Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i., part i. On the Calendar of
/Engus, p. cxxxix.
2 See Apocalypse xii., 7.
3 See ibid., p. cxlviii. The following
notices are added: "Hoc die factum (sic)
est dedicatio basilicae Michaelis. Onlo
Dominicse diei et uestes albe super altaria
et sine labore seruili communicatio corporis
et sanguinis Christi et elimosinarum in
pauperes et praedicatio Michaelis turbis."
4 Thus run the Irish lines :
Archaingel mor Michel
rop sciat(h) dam fri demna
do imdegail m'anma.
They are translated by Dr. Whitley
Stokes : May the great Archangel Michaela
be a buckler to me against devils to protect
my soul ! — " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp.
186, 187.
5 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus viii.,
Septembris xxix, De S. Michaele
Archangelo, et de Omnibus Angelis, pp. 4
to 123.
6 Described as a Commentarius His-
toricus. It is contained in 38 sections
and 580 paragraphs.
63$ LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 29.
which is included an enquiry regarding the date, circumstances and
traditions of the Apparition at Mount Gargan.?
Article IX. — Eutic or Eutychius. The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman notices the feast of Eutic, at the 29th of September.1 St.
Euticus or Euthichius was one of a band of Martyrs, that suffered for the
Faith in Thrace, and the acts of whose martyrdom are related at this day,
as they have been gleaned from the ancient Martyrologies by the
Bollandists.2
Article X. — Reputed Feast for St. Barr. At the 29th of
September, Camerarius has the Festival of St. Barrus or Finbarrus,
Confessor and first Bishop of Caithness.' However, when treating about
St. Finbarr, Bishop of Cork, at the true date for his Feast — the 25th of this
month2 — we have already shown that no distinct Bishop of Caithness
so-called existed. Quoting Camerarius, the Bollandistss have a Feast for
St. Barr, Bishop, at this day.
Article XI. — Feast of Coganus, Abbot. At the 29th of September,
in the English Martyrology, printed in the year 1608, Coganus Abbot is set
down as a saint, but with an asterisk, by which is indicated, that he is not
found in the more ancient Martyrologies. Wion calls him a saint in the
Appendix to his " Lignum Vitae." Ferrarius follows these authorities by
calling him Coganus Abbot in Scotia. The Bollandists,1 who repeat their
entries, state they found no clue to his cultus, but at the 13th of October,
they promise a possible examination as to whether he be identical with
Conganus, classed with the pretermitted at the 20th of February, or with
Comganus, about whom they treated at the 2nd of August.
Article XII. — Festival of St. Disibod. Some writers, as Dempster
observes,1 place the Finding of St. Dysibod's Relics, at this day. At the
29th of September, also, the Bollandists,2 quoting Wion, Menard, and
Bucelin, have a festival for St. Disibod. His chief feast is at the 8th of
July.3
Article XIII.— Reputed Feast for St. Firminus, Bishop of
Amiens —The Bollandists,1 quoting Camerarius, have noticed a festival for
St. Firminus, Bishop of Amiens, at the 29th day of September. At the 25th
day of this month, there are notices of him in the present volume.2
7 This subject is specially treated in the feasts, p. 2.
eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, and Article xi. — ] See " Acta Sanctorum,"
twenty-first sections. tomus viii., Septembris xxix. Among the
Article ix. — ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' pretermitted saints, p. 3.
" Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. Article xil — 'See his Menoh><num
2 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus viii., Scoticum, in Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Septembris xxix. De SS. Eutico vel Scottish Saints," p. 213.
Eutichio, Plauto.et forte Heraclea, Placido. 2 See "Acta Sanctorum." tomus viii.,
Ambuto, Tracia, Donata, Martyribus, in Septembris xxix. Among the pretermitted
Thracia, pp. 125, 126. In three paragraphs. feasts, p. 2.
Article x. — 'See Scottish Entries in 3 At that date, his life has been written
the Kalendar of David Camerarius, in in the Seventh Volume of this work.
Bishop Forbes* " Kalendars of Scottish Art. i.
Saints," p. 240. Article xiil— ' See" Acta Sanctorum/'
2 In the present volume. Art i. tomus viii., Septembris xxix. Among the
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus viii., pretermitted feasts, p. 2.
Septembris xxix. Among the pretermitted 2 See Art. x.
September 30.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 639
Cbirtirtb 2Bay of September
ARTICLE I.— ST. MOCHONNA, OF CLUAIN-AIRDNE.
[SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES.]
OF most saints recorded in the Irish Calendars, we have barely their
names, or when their ancient places are mentioned in connection
with them, only conjecture can be hazarded to fix localities, which serve to
identify these with denominations preserved in modern topography. According
to the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 we find that veneration was given
to Mochonna of Cluain-Airdne, at the 30th of September. For such deno-
mination, however, this version of the Martyrology substitutes Cuairne,
evidently through mistake. That copy of it in the Book of Leinster has the
correct entry,2 at this date. The Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman has
Mo Chonna entered at this day in his Feilire ; 3 while his scholiast notes,
that he was of Cluain Airdne.4 In the Trip rtite Life of St. Patrick. s it is
stated, that when the Irish Apostle came to the territory of K.ierragia Airtigh,
and to a place called Dromat, in the west of Ireland, he received a grant of
land, whereon to build a church. Over this he set Cona, the smith, and a
brother to Bishop Sacellus, or Sechnall.6 Colgan conjectures, that Cluain-
Airdne may be the Church of Cluain-aird, in the territory of Airteach, and
diocese of Elphin.? Colgan was inclined to think, that Cona was the same
as Mochonna, which means " my Cona" of Cluain-airdne church, and who is
mentioned in the Irish Calendars, at September 30th. His only reason for
doubting of their identity was, that this St Mochonna's death is assigned by
the Four Masters to a,d. 713.8 Consequently, either he was not the same
as Cona, or the Tripartite, amid its numberless anachronisms, has placed
Cona in times long prior to his real period.9 The truer identification,
however, is that of Mochonna, who was born about or sometime after the
middle of the seventh, and who died in the earlier part of the eighth, century,
Jiis exact position in the church has not been ascertained. According to
the O'Clerys, the 30th of September was the day of his death, and the year
was 713. *9 The Annals of Ulster, however, have placed it at a.d. 714.1'
Later still, at a.d. 715, Tighernach has recorded the death of Mocondha
Cnerne,'2 for which we should read Moconna Airne. Dr. O' Donovan has
remarked, that although there are countless places in Ireland, known as
Article i. — « Edited by Rev. Dr. 8 See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i.,
Kelly, p. xxxv. pp. 312, 313.
2 Thus niochonnA Cluam Airtne. 9 See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, v., sect.
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. • x., n. 98, p. 248.
4 Thus : CliiAttA -Airvone. ,0 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
sSee the Life of St. Patrick Apostle of Four Masters," vol. i., pp. 312, 313.
Ireland, at the 17th of March, in the Third "There we find written, " Mocomno-
Volume of this work, chap, xii., and nn. Chuerni," a mistake for Mochonna Cluana-
27, 28. airne. See Dr. O'Conor's "" Rerum
6 He is not identified in our Calendars. Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv.,
7 See " Trias Thaumaturga," Septima Annates Ultonienses, p. 74.
Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii., cap. Ivi., p. 137, I2 See ibid., tomus ii., Tigernachi
and n. 115, p. 178. Annales, pp. 227, 228.
64o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 30.
Cluain-airdne,1* he could discover nothing to prove among these that one,
to which allusion is made.1* The festival of Mochonna, of Cluain Airdne, is
entered likewise, in the Martyrology of Donegal, js at this same date.
Article II. — Reputed Feast of a St. Conn a. According to the pub-
lished Martyrology of Tallagh,1 veneration was given to Conna, at this date.
The contraction, Sae, is found postfixed. A similar entry is to be found in
the Book of Leinster copy.2 Perhaps Conna does not differ from the former
saint.
Article III. — St. Brigid, of Cluainfidhe, or perhaps of Kil-
breedy, Queen's County. In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 the
feast of St. Brigitta is thus simply recorded, at the 30th of September. In
the Book of Leinster copy, at this day, there is a similar entry.2 Without
any further designation, Brigit is entered in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman,
at this day .3 In the Martyrology of Charles Maguire, as in the Martyrologies
of Tallagh and of Marianus O'Gorman, the feast of a St. Brigid is entered at
the 30th of September/ Among the holy women, who are recorded as
having flourished in the Irish church, there is a St. Brigid, who was daughter
to Conchraid, and she belonged to the family of Mactail. Colgan says, this
family seems to have been derived, from the Kings of Munster, having issued
from the race of ^Engus, King over that province. From this line, St.
Mactail the Bishop was descended. 5 Or perhaps, the family of Mactail was
derived from the O'Brien sept. Cassius, surnamed Tallins, had several sons,
among whom were Blodius, Cassius, Sedneus, and Delbatius. Hence it
happens, that some one of these, or of their posterity — especially Blodius'
children, who inherited the chieftainship" — might be considered as belonging
to the family of Mactail. The word itself signifies son of Tallius.6 If
Colgan's conjecture be correct, those circumstances connected with the
family and place of her residence point out St. Brigid, who is venerated on
the 30th of September, as the one mentioned in St. Senan's Second Life.
From it we are able to procure the following account of her. We are told
there, how St. Brigid, a holy virgin, had established herself in a cell, on the
banks of the river Shannon, and at a place, called Clain in fidi, or Cluainfidhe,?
Whilst there, she had prepared a cloak or chasuble for St. Senan, which she
desired sent to him, but had not the necessary means for transport. However,
she covered the vestment with hay, and having placed it, with some letters,
in an osier basket, which floated out on the river, the result was committed to
a providential issue. The letters were directed to St. Senan, and contained
a request, that he would send the Most Holy Sacrament to her. By a
miracle of Divine Providence, and without any human direction, the basket
*3 Usually Anglicised Clonarny. Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidw, cap.
14 See, -'Annals of the Four Masters," i.,p. 612.
vol. i., n. (g), pp. 312, 313. s According to the " Menelogium
15 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Genealogicum," cap. 34.
262, 263. 6 See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Article 11. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. nLx," viii. Martii, n. 24, p. 540 (rede), 536.
Kelly, p. xxxv. 1 This is rendered into English "the
2 Thus : Cormae fCAe. retreat in the wood." Colgan thinks it to
Article III. — 'Edited by Rev. Dr. be identical with a place called Inisfidhe in
Kelly, p. xxxv. the Life of St. Maccretius. It is sometimes
2 Thus b|M5iCAe. found transposed, and written Fidh-inis,
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui "the woody island." It lies in the River
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. Shannon, where the Fergus enters. See
4 See, Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," ibid.y n. 24, p. 540, (rede), 536.
September 30.] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. 641
floated out into the bed of the Shannon, which at this point was very wide;
and, at length it landed on the Island shore, near the church of St. Senan.
This circumstance, being revealed to the holy man, he called one of his
disciples, who was a Deacon. He was desired to bring the basket, which
lay on the shore, to the monastery. Having fulfilled such orders, Senan took
the vestment and letters contained in the basket. He then placed therein,
as we are told, two portions of salt and a pixis containing the Sacred Host.8
He next ordered, in the name of God, to whom every creature owes
obedience, that the basket should return by the same way it had come, and
restore to St. Biigid one of the lumps of salt and the pixis it contained ; and
that it should bear the other portion ot salt, to St. Diermit,9 who dwelt in the
monastery of Inis-clothrand. According to St. Senan's mandate, the basket
returned to St. Brigid. She took out therefrom the pixis, and one of the
salt portions. Before she had time to remove the other, the basket was
carried off by motion of the water; and it sailed, by a direct course,
against the river's current until it arrived at Inisclothrand. Having under-
stood what had occurred through a Divine revelation, St. Diermit went forth,
and brought the basket to his monastery with much joy. He gave thanks to
God, for the wonder wrought through his holy servant, St. Senan.10 Of the
thirteen saints bearing this name, as mentioned by our Irish Martyrologists,
Colgan supposed the circumstance already related can only apply to that St.
Biigid, who was venerated on the 30th of September. However, in the
Third11 and Fourth12 Lives ot St. Brigid, *3 such anecdote was transferred to
her, with tins variation, that the basket or box was entrusted to the ocean,
and had to pass over a very great round and extent of sea. Such a
transaction — in which there is nothing improbable — was transformed into a
marvellous story, which has probably Helped to give rise to the opinion, *♦ that
Senan was 'established at Inniscatthy before tiie death of St. Brigid. *S A St.
Brighit, or Bride, seems to have been venerated in the Parish ot Bordwell,16
Queen's Coun y. Tnere had been a pattern at a Bride's Well, "7 not tar from
8 This miracle is differently related, in to St Senan. He adds, that if we regard
the Metrical Life of St. Senan. See St. Brigid of Kildare as having sent this
Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," chasuble, it must have been while she
viii Martii. Vita Metrica S, Senani, cap. resided in Connaught, since other incidents
xxiii., p. 527 [recle) 523. There .St. here related could only accord with the
Diermit, and not St. -rigid, is said to have wnole narrative. See ibid., on. 24, 25, p.
sent the vestment; and thai, to him, in 540 (r<?cA?) 536.
return, was sent, " tr^s salis petras idico," " See Vita Tertia S. Brigidse, cap. 1 15.
wbica he received. Colgan accounts tor ,2 See Vita Quarta S. Brigidae, lib. i.,
the discrepancy of statement in this cap. 8t.
manner : — St. Brigid, at the instigation of I3 See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga.''
St. Diermit, could have been the .sender of M See Ussher's " Primordia," cap. xvii.,
this yift to St. Senan ; while regarding the p. 874.
present returned to both, the former, '5 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
might be said to have been transmitted to History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, ix., sect.
St. Diermit alone, as in the Metiical Life, iv., n. 65, pp. 449, 450.
or to both saints, as in St. Sen.m's Prose l6 This parish, situated partly in the
Liie. See ibid, n. 25, p. 540, [recte) 536. Barony of Clandonagh, but for the greater
9 His festival is held on ihe loth of ponion in tne Barony of Clarmallagh, is
January, at which date, his Acts are written shown on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
in the First Volume of this work. Art. 1. land Maps for the Queen's County, '
'" See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- sheet 28.
niae." viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, '? This well was near the castle, but it
cap. xxxix., p. 536 {rectc) 532. Colgan dried up after some filthy clothing belong-
atkls, in his notes to this account, that the ing to a poor family had been washed in
present miraculous occurrence, or one it. Fever-stricken householders had been
similar to it, has been ascribed to St. removed to the interior of the old castle,
Bri-id ot Kildare, in her Life by St. where a shed had been erected for their
Uitan, cap. 119. There it is related, that reception, and to prevent the spreading of
she sent in a casket, and by sea, a vestment contagion. Their neighbours washed the
J S
642
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 30.
the old church and castle of Kilbreedy,'8 and it was held between the close
of harvest and the month of November.'? No other saint bearing the name
of Brigid seems so likely to correspond wiih her to whom allusion has been
here made. The old church of Kilbreedy lies about a mile from Rath-
downey. Measured outside the old walls, it is 50 feet in length, by 24 feet
in breadth. The walls of limestone are nearly four feet in thickness, and
were well built, but only the lower portions nw remain.20 The church and
Old Church of Kilbreedy, Queen's Couniy.
grave-yard are evidently very ancient ; but both have been enclosed by a
modern and well-built wall, with an iron-gate set up for entrance. Many
graves and magnificent hawthorn trees are within the grave-yard enclosure.
The remarkable fort of Middlemount rises to a considerable elevation, at
some little distance, and on the opposite side of the high road. Concentric and
diminishing circular fosses surround it, and ascend to the terminating
irregular cone. The festival of Brighit is set down, without further clue for
identification, in the Martyrology of Donegal,21 at the 30th day of September.
Article IV. — St. Mobi, Nun, of Uomhnach Broc, Donnvbrook,
County of Dublin. In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 the present
bedding and clothes, when the fever had
run its course ; and soon afterwards, the
water disappeared, so that the large
patterns were discontinued, about the
beginning of the present century. Such
was the story, as related to the writer, in
May, 1870, by a very intelligent and hale
old man, who was a native of tliis place,
and who had lived there continuously to
that time. Church lands were annexed to
the oid church, lor which the landlord
received rent ; and formerly those lands
were supposed to have constituted an
ecclesiastical endowment.
18 This townland is in liordwell parish, in
the barony of Clarmallagh, and it is marked
on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the Queen's County," sheet 28.
'»Of this I was assured by the old man —
in 1870 considerably over 80 years of age —
but he could not recollect the exact day on
which the pattern had been kept.
30 The accompanying sketch, taken from
the interior of the graveyard by the writer,
in June, 1*597, has been copied on the wood,
engraved by Gregor Grey.
21 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
262, 263.
September 30.J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 643
Saint is called Mobi Clarenech,2 Domnaigh Broc, at this particular date.
The copy found in the Book of Leinster corresponds.3 The entry of mo Bi
or " my Bf," in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 28th of September,
is supplemented by the annotator, who explains that she was a nun of
Domnach brocc.« The place of this holy woman may be identified with
Donnybrook,5 east of the city, and within the County, of Dublin.6 It seems
certain, there was a nunnery in ancient times, at this place.? The fullest
account of Donnybrook is that contained in an elegantly printed and
illustrated little book, which has reached a second edition.8 The name Mobi,
Nun, of Domhnach Broc, is set down in the Martyrology of Donegal,? as
having honour paid her, at the 30th of September.
Article V. — St. Airmer or Airinne, the Pious, of Breachmhagh.
In the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 it has been thus entered, Airmer-
Craibdec, o Brecmaigh, Craibdheach signifies " the Pious." Nearly in like
manner do we find it, in the Book of Leinster copy.3 The name of the
district Breachmhagh, sometimes called Magh-Breagh, may be Anglicised as
" the plain of Bregia," and it extended northwards, as far as the Casan, now
the Annagassan stream, near Dundalk, in the county of Louth. 3 This large
and level territory comprised five cantreds in East Meath.* Breaghmhagh is
a transposed form of the name Magh Breagh.s In the Martyrology ot
Marianus O'Gorman we find a festival for Airmir [<5j[], and the scholiast
tells us she was from Br^chmag.6 That this holy woman was a virgin is
stated within brackets. Yet the situation of her place has been assigned to
quite a different part of Ireland. Under the head of BrecmuiglV Duald Mac
Firbis 8 records Aidhbche, bishop and abbot of Tir da-glais,9 Aidbhe i.e.
Aedh beo (Aedtis vivus), for he was active in prodigies and miracles. His
church is said to have been southwards from Imlech, or in Brechmagh of
Cera, in the west of Connaught. At the 30th of September, the Martyrology
of Donegal10 records a festival in honour of Airinne, the Pious, ot Breach-
mhagh.
Article iv.— » Edited by Rev. Dr. Annals." By the Rev. Beaver H. Blacker,
Kelly, p. xxxv. A. M.. Incumbent of Booterstown. See
2 It appears that this word has been especially pp. 10 to 15, with corresponding
entered lor that of cai bleach, "a nun," as notes and appendices.
found in the Martyrologies of Marianus 9 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
O'Gorman and of Donegal. 262, 263.
3 Thus entered : mobi clai^enech Article v. — x Edited by Rev. Dr.
"DonnaiS bnoc. Kelly, p. xxxv.
4 Thus written mo bii, caillech. 2 Thus : <Virmieri Croboech o bpechmAijg.
"OonriAi5 bj\oc. See Dr. Whitley Scokes' 3 According to an old poem, quoted by
" Fedire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187, Keating.
and n. 4. * See O'Donovan's "Topographical
5 The parish of Donnybrook is situated Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na
in the three baronies of Dublin, ofRathdown naomh O'Huidhrin," p. iii., n. II.
and of Upper Cross. It is described on the 5 See ibid, n. 63, p. xv.
" Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the 6 Thus : 6 b|\echm<M5h. See Dr. Whit-
County of Dublin," sheets 18, 19, 22, 23. lry Stokes' "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp.
6 Various documents in reference to the 186, 187, and n. 8.
old church and possessions at Donnybrook 7 Brecmuigh is said to be Breaffy, in the
occur in " Registrum Prioratus Omnium barony of Carra, County of Mayo, according
Sanctorum juxta Dublin," which has been to William M. Hennessy's note,
edited by Dean Butler for the Irish 8 See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Archaeological Society. Academy," Irish MSS. Series, vol. 1.,
7 See a historical and statistical account part i., pp. 90, 91.
of this parish in lohu D'Alton's " History 9 Tir <ia-glais is now Terry gla^s, in the
of the County of Dublin." pp. 801 to 806. barony of Lower Ormond, County of Tip-
8 It is entitled, " Brief .sketches of the perary. See William M. Hennessy's note
Parishes ol Booterstown and Donnybrook I0 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp,
in the County of Dublin ; with Notes and 262, 263.
644 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 30
Article VI. — St. Faolan, of Rath-aine, in Dal Araidhe. We
find mentioned in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 that Faelan of Rath
Aidhne in Dal Araidhe was commemorated on the 30th of September.2 In
the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at this same date, we find Da Foelan
or the Two Faelans ; while the scholiast states, that one of the. in was Faehn
of Raith Aidne in Dalaraidia.3 The Dal-Araidhe was a large region in the
east of Ulster, and it extended from Newry, in the southern part of Down
County, to Sliabh Mis, now Slimmish in the barony of Lower Antrim, and in
the county of Antrim.4 We are told, that while St. ColumkilleS was still a
small boy, he recited the psalms together with Brugacius,6 bishop at Kath-
enaigh.' Thither Columba had accompanied his preceptor, for the bishop had
invited the latter to celebrate the Christmas festival at that place. This
anecdote shows that Rath-aine was a religious staiion in the earlier part of
the Sixth Century. The exact site of St. Faolan's church in Daleradia does
not appear to have been as yet identified. At the present date, St. Faelan is
entered in the Martyrology of Donegal.8 In his enumeration of saints bearing
this name, Colgan mentions St. Foilanus of Rathaige, in the territory of
Dalaradia, as having veneration given to him at the 30th day oi September.9
We learn also from Dr. Reeves' Calendar,10 that veneration was given to
Faelan, of Rath-Aidhne, in Dal Araidhe, at the 30th of September.
Article VII. — St. Faelan. In addition to the saint of this name,
already distinguished as belonging to Rath-Aidhne, another St. Faelan — but
without further designation — is found entered in the Calendars of Tallagii1 of
Marianus O'Gorman2 and of Donegal, 3 at the 30th of September.*
Article VIII. — St. Daighre, of Cluain Accair, in Ardgail. In
the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at the 30th of September, we find a
festival set down to honour Daighre of Cluain Achuir.2 This saint is
reckoned among the disciples of St. Patrick in St. Tirechan's list.3 However,
in the Acts of St. Patrick, as published by Colgan, the present saint is not
mentioned.4 In the F< ilire of Marianus O'Gorman, there is notice of Dai-re ;
and the commentator ados,5 that he was from Cluain Accuir in Ardgal. This
place has not been identified. At the same date, in the Martyrology of
Donegal,6 the name entered is D.iighre, of Cluain Accair. in Ardgiil.
Artici e VI. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, Dr. Kellv, p. xxxv. ; as also the version in
p. xxxv. the Hook of Leinster copy ai this clay.
2 It is thus entered in the Book of ' See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
Leinster copy : £AeUxn fUcha Ait>ne. Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' '' Fe ilire Hui 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Gormain," pp. 186. 187, and n. 9. 262, 263.
4 See Dr. O Donovan's " Leabhar na 4 See also Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
g-Ceart, or Book of Rights," n. (x), p. 23. Hibernire," xvi. Januarii. l)e Inventione S.
s See his life, at the Qth day of June in Foillani Ep. et VI., Appendix, cap. i, p.
the Sixth Volume t»f this woik, Art. i. 104.
6 His feast is kept on the 1st of ARTICLE vui. — 1 Edited by Rev. Dr.
November. Kelly, p. xxxv.
7 This place has been identified with 2 This feast is entered in the Book of
Ramoehy, in the barony of Raphoe, in the Leinster copy thus TtocAn agup "Oai^Ii 0
the County of Donegal. Cluain <\cuip.
8 Edited by Rev. Dis. Todd and Reeves, 3 See Ussher's " Primondia Ecclesiarum
pp. 262, 263. Britanniciriim," cap. xvii., p. 950.
' See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernian," xvi. 4 See "Trias Tliaumatiuga," Quinta
Januarii. De Inventione S. Foillani Ep. et Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii.,
M., Appendix, cap. 1., p. 104. p. 268.
10 See "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of 5 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui
Down Connor and Dromore. " Appendix Gormain," pp. 186, 187, and n. 10.
L.L., p. 380. 6 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Article vii.— ' See that edited by Rev. 262, 263.
September 30.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 645
Article IX.— St. Lassar, daughter of Lochain. The published
Martyrology of Tallagh x registers a festival to honor Lassar, daughter of
Lochan, at the 30th of September. Somewhat differently is she entered in
the Book of^Leinster copy.2 The record of Lassar is also found in the
Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, 3 on this day ; the commentator observes
that she was daughter to Lochain/ The feast of Lassar, daughter of
Lochan, is entered in the Martyrology of Donegal 5 at this date.
Article X. — St. Lugaid or Lughaidh, of Airther-Achadh.
Lughaidh or Lugaid, of Airther-achadh, according to the published
Martyrology of Tallagh,1 was commemorated at the 30th of September.2 We
find him entered at the same date in the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman as
Bishop Lugaith, " the very gentle •" and the commentator affirms, that he was
bishop of Airthir Achaid.3 The xMartyrology of Donegal* repeats this state-
ment at the 30th of September. We are told by William M. Hennessy that
his place has not been identified. s
Article XI. — St. Laeghaire, Bishop of Lough Conn, County of
Mayo. Only in the Book of Leinster copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh 1
do we find the entry of this saint's name ; it being omitted in the published
version. In the Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman at the 30th of September, for
Leogaire nach lamaimm, rendered " Leogaire, whom I dare not ;" and the
commentator tells us that he was a bishop from Lough Con.2 We find
entered, in the Martyrology of Donegal, 3 that veneration was given to
Laeghaire, Bishop, of Loch Con, at the 30th of September. This Lake
forms a most romantic and an extensive sheet of water, surrounded by
magnificent scenery, towards the north-eastern part of Mayo County. It is
said, that Errew, near Lough Conn, was the place of this Bishop.4
Article XII. — St. Corcan, the Pilgrim, Bishop. The Book of
Leinster copy of the Martyrology of Tallagh enters Corcan,1 and a note
ex Liins that he was a Pilgrim Bishop.2 His place is not known. In the
Feilire ot Marianus O'Gorman, at the 30th of September, there is a feast for
Corcan ; and the scholiast sets him down as a Pilgrim and a bishop. 3 A
festival, in honour of Corcan, the Pilgrim and Bishop, was celebrated at this
date, according to the Martyrology of Donegal.*
Article XIII. — Reputfd Feast of Ailithir, a Bishop. Such is an
Article ix.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Article xi.— ' Thus: LoeshaipeoLocriA
Kelly, p. xxxv. Con.
2 Thus : tarr-an .1. Lochan. 2 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187, and n. 7.
Gormain," pp. 186,' 1 87. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
4 Thus : mgen Lochain, ibid., n. 12. 262, 263.
s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, * See a note of William M. Hennessy, at
pp. 262, 263. the notice of this saint by Duald Mac
Article x.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. Fir bis, " Proceedings of the Royal Irish
Kelly, p. xxxv. Academy," Irish MS. Series, vol. i„ pa.t i„
2 In the Book of Leinster copy we find pp. 118, 119.
him thus entered : U15A10 <M|\chip Achaio. Article XII.— ' Thus : Copcan.
3See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui 2 Thus : -dilicnep ep. In the published
Gormain." pp. 186, 187, and note 3. Martyrology of Tallagh, edited by Rev. Dr.
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Kelly, we meet no notice of him at the 30th
262, 263. of September.
s See " Proceedings of the Royal Irish 3 The scholiast writes Ailichip eprcob.
Academy," I'ish MSS. Series, vol. i., part See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui
i., n. n, p. 85. Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
646 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 30.
entry to be found in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 at this date. But
where this Ailithir exercised his episcopal office is not stated, and it seems to
us the designation of Ailithir M the Pilgrim " applies only to the Bishop
Corcan previously mentioned.
Article XIV. — St Comesd or Coimsigh, Priest, op Domhnach
Airis. The published Martyrology of Tallagh ■ mentions that at the 30th
of September, a festival was celebrated to honor Comesd, Priest, of Dora-
naig Aires.2 The Feilire of Marianus O'Gorman enters him as Comsid caid,
or " chaste Comsid," at this same date ; the scholiast telling us he was a
priest from Domnach Airis.3 In the Martyrology of Donegal,* the foregoing
statements are repeated — the name of his place being written Domhnach
Airis.
Article XV. — St. Coininn, Virgin. In the Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman, at the 30th of September, there is a feast for Conind chuanna —
rendered " fine Coninn " by Dr. Whitley Stokes.1 The Martyrology of
Donegal 2 mentions a festival in honor of Coininn, Virgin, as having been
celebrated, at the 30th of September.
Article XVI. — St. Rodan or Rotan. Already at the feast of
Daighre of Cluain Accair, on this day,1 we find both in the published and
Book of Leinster copies of the Martyrology of Tallagh, that the present
Rotan is mentioned in conjunction with him. The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman has Rotan rogaimm — rendered u Rotan whom I entreat "—at
this date.2 Although written Rotan, in the text, of the Martyrology of
Donegal,3 his name is entered Rodan, in the table appended to it.*
Article XVII. — St. Broncein or Bronchan, of Lethet corcraidhe.
We read in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,1 that a festival was cele-
brated at the 30th of September, to honor Broncein of Lethet corcraidha.
More correctly, however, his feast is entered, at the same date, in the Book
of Leinster copy, as Bronchein of Lethet.3 The Martyrology of Marianus
O'Gorman has a feast for Bronchain, at this day, and it is placed after some
other festivals of Saints preceding ; 3 the commentator adding, that he was
of Leithgt.* The name Bronchan, of Lethet, is also set down in the
Martyrology of Donegal s at this same date.
Article XVIII. —St. Bresal, of Derthaio. The published Martyr-
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 3 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
262, 263. 262, 263.
Article xiii.—1 Edited by Rev. Dr. 4 See ibid., pp. 462, 463.
Kelly, p. xxxv. Article xvii. — ' Edited by Rev. Dr.
Article xiv.— ' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxv.
Kelly, p. xxxv. 2 Thus : bnonchein lecnec.
2 In the Book of Leinster copy, at this date 3 It is entered thus : —
is entered : Compo r-ac "DomnAig dipir\ bnochaw
3 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui ^\r\T> ^ CAZ [h] h CAim)ll5
Gormain,' pp. 186, 187. leo uon Uinop'5 Wham
4 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. ' '
262, 263. Thus translated into English : " Bronchain :
Article xv. — 'See his edition of may [we wend] with them to the shining
"Felire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. city, to the splen-iid radient king ! "—Dr.
2 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. Whitley Stokes' "Feilire Hui Gormain, pp.
262, 263. 186. 187.
Article xvi — * See Art. viii. 4 Thus written : Leich£cc— ibid,, n. 6.
2 See \)x. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui s Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. 262, 263.
September 30.] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 647
ology of Tallagh x inserts the name Bresal, of Derthaig, at the 30th of
September.2 It is hardly possible to distinguish this particular Derthaig or
duirtheach — or oratory, usually built of wood 3 — from many other places
named in a similar manner, and probably owing to the circumstance of an
ancient church having been built there at some former time. This saint is
inserted in the Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, on the same day, as
Bresal ; 4 while an annotation represents him as of Dherthaigh.s
Article XIX. — St. Sbanan, or Senan. A festival in honor of Senan
is found recorded in the published Martyrology of Tallagh x at the 30; h of
September. A similar entry is in the Book of Leinster copy.2 After a
previous enumeration of saints venerated on this day, Marianus O'Gorman
records Senan, with an eulogy, in his Martyrology. 3 The Martyrology of
Donegal « has a feast for Seanan at the 30th of September.
Article XX. — St. Creber. Greatness, as applied to men, is only
specious, even when it ceases to be ephemeral, it it be not allied with good-
ness. Exalted character and heroic selt-saciince are attributes of God's
greatest servants, and yet they have often failed to make a fame for their
possessors. A feast to St. Creber is mentioned in the published Martyrology
of Tallagh " on this day.2 No further information, however, is vouchsafed
concerning this saint.
Article XXI. — St. Colman, of Cluain-tioprat, now Clontibret,
County of Monaghan. The Martyrology of Donegal l mentions, that
veneration was given to Colman, of Cluain-tioprat, at the 30th of September.
Clontibret, the modern name for this place, is situated in the barony of
Cremorne, and County of Monaghan.2 Having entered the names of many
other saints at this the last day ot September, Marianus O Gorman closes the
list with Colman of Ciuain ; 3 and his scholiast states, that the latter
denomination stands for Ciuain-tiprat.4
Article XXII. — Reputed Festival for St. Machanus. At the
30th of September, Camerarius has a festival for St. Machanus, Bishop and
Confessor.1 Following the Breviarium Aberdonense, the Bollandists' have
placed him in the pretermitted column at the 28th ot this month.
Article xviii. — l Edited by Rev. Dr. Article xx. — • Edited by Rev. Dr.
Keliy, p. xxxv. Kelly, p. xxxv.
2 In like manner we read in the Book of 2 In the Book of Leinster copy we find
Leinster copy bnefal o "Oenchaij;. entered simply the name Cneben.
3 See the remarks of Dr. Petrie on this Article xxi.— ' Edited by Drs. Todd
this subject in his "Ecclesiastical Archi- and Reeves, pp.262, 263.
tecture and Round Towers of Ireland," 2 According to William M, Hennessy.
part ii., sect. I., sub-sect. 2, pp. 343 to 358. 3 In these lines : —
4 See Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feilire Hui Colman CluannA char\Ai [m] m,
Gormain," pp. 186, 187. tYlAiche m mif t>14|\ rtnvo<voh,
5 Tnus o ■Ohervcrxng. — ibid., n. 6. <\rv b<vo<vo, an banain-o.
Article xix.— « Edited by Rev. Dr. The following is the English translation by
Kelly, p. xxxv. Dr. Whitley Stokes: " Colman of Ciuain,
2 Thus : Sen An. whom I love, the nobles of the month to
3 The lollowing is the Irish form : — protect us from drowning, from wrath ! '' —
Vorx in coemlo cecna F^'ire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
* * Serum romim>. 4 Thus : ^., cLu.n Ciopnac.
1 Article xxii. — » See Scottish entries
Thus translated into English :— " On the the Kalendar of David Camerarius,
same dear day * * Senan of the goodly Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
diadem."— Dr. Whitley Stokes' " Feinre Saints," p. 241.
Hui Gormain," pp. 186, 187. 2 See " Acta Sanctorum,'6 tomus viii.,
4 Edited by Drs, Todd and Reeves, pp. Septembris xxx., among the pretermitted
262, 263. feasts, p 259.
648 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 30.
Article XXIII. — Reputed Feast of St. Coganus, Abbot. Id his
Calendar, Camerarius has placed the festival of Coganus, Abbot, at the 30th
of September. He is said to have lived at Lochaber, a Scottish province.
This the Bollandists1 mention only at the same date, but refer to the preter-
mitted saints at the 28th of this month.
Article XXIV. — Riiputed Feast of St. Malchus, Bishop of Sodor,
Scotland. In the Scottish Entries in the {Calendar of David Camerarius,
there is a feast for St. Malchus, Bishop of Sodor, in Scotia.1 Quoting
Camerarius, at the 30th of September, the Bollandists2 note Malchus, Bishop
of Sodor, in Scotia; but not finding him elsewhere on the list of saints, they
are not satisfied with the authority of Camerarius alone, unless, as they
observe, this name may be identical with that of St. Malchus, Bishop of
Lismore, treated by them at the and of August.
Article XXV. — St. Victor of the I'hkban Legion, Martyr. In
tiie Martyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 301I1 of September, a festival
is entered for St. Victor.1 Saints Victor and Ursus, with their mart) red
companions of the Theban Legion, at Solodornm, in Helvetia, are comme-
morated by the Bollandists,2 at the 29th of September. From two different
sources, but by anonymous writers, their Acts are drawn : one of these is
taken from Suriiis,3 and the other from a Manuscript belonging to
Signiacensis,4 while explanatory notes are appended. A previous commentary,
by Father John Cleo, S.J., is added, in seven sections, containing one
hundred and one paragraphs.
Article XXVI. — Ursus. of the Thkban Legion, Martyr. In the
Manyrology of Marianus O'Gorman, at the 3otn of September, there is a
festival fur Ursus orchain — rendered u gold-bright Ursus," by Dr. Wlutley
Stokes.1
Article XXVII. — St. Jerome, Priest at Bethlehem, and Doctor
OF the Church. The Bollandists1 have presented at the 30th of Septem-
ber, a most exhaustive and learned disquisition'' by Father John Stilting, S.J.,
on the Life and Writings of the illustrious St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of
the Church at Bethlehem. In the Maityrology 01 Marianus O'Gorman, at
the 30th of September, the feast of Jerome (s- il) Cirme is recorded with an
eulogy.3
Article XXIII. — 'See "Acta Sancto- ARTICLK XXVI- — '.See " Feilire Hui
rum,'' lomus viii., Sei tembns xxx., among Gormain," pp. 186, 187.
the pretermitted feasts, p. 259. Articlk xxvii — ' See "Acta Sancto-
Akticle xxiv.— ' See Bishop Forbes' rum," tomus viii., Septembris xxx., I >e S.
" Kalenuars ol Scottish Saints," p. 241. Hieronymo Presbyteio et Doctore Ecclesiae
2 See "Acta >anctorum," tomus viii., in Belhleem, pp. 418 to 683.
among the pretermitted feasts, p. 259. ' It is headed, Commentarius Historicus,
Article xxv. — ' See Dr. Whitley and it is written in eighty-two secdon>, con-
Stokes' " Feilire Hui Gormain," pp. 186, tainingno less than one thousand, three
187. hundred and lOrty-seven paragraphs.
'See "Acta Sanctorum," tonuis viii., ' In this manner : —
Septembris xxx., De bS. Victor* et Uno « bate mate [h] e m.Y [rl ea
cum Socill Lhebou Martynbus Solodon in c e coemhdmnl.
Helvetia, pp. 261 to 293.
3 Denominated, Martyrium SS. Ursi, Thus translated by Dr. Whitley Stokes :
Victoiis et Sociorum, auctore anonymo. "Nobles complete this month. Hierony-
4 Called, 1'assio S. Victoris el Sociorum mus, harp of delightful music!"** Feilire Hui
ex iMs. Signiacensi, auctore anonymo. Gormain,"' pp. 186. 187.
Knd of Volume IX.
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