Finbarr The “White Head” St. Finnian of Movilla – 23rd September Our holy father Finnian of Movilla was an Irish missionary, born around the year 495. He is sometimes known by the epithet Finbarr, meaning “white head,” a nod to his distinctive white hair. Not to be confused with his namesake, St. Finnian of Clonard, […]
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Máel Ruain of Tallaght Máel Ruain – 20th July Our Holy Father Máel Ruain was the founder, abbot, and bishop of the God-protected monastery of Tallaght in Dublin, established in the year of our Lord 755. This sacred dwelling was built upon land graciously provided to him by Cellach Mac Drunchada, who reigned as King
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Early Life Óengus of Tallaght – March 11 Our Venerable Father Óengus of Tallaght, a holy bishop and God-inspired writer of Ireland, is chiefly known to us for his sacred works, the Félire Óengusso (Martyrology of Óengus) and possibly the Martyrology of Tallaght. Through his unwavering dedication to Christ, he became a powerful instrument for the renewal of
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Mo Laisse Laisrén mac Nad Froích – 25th September Our Venerable Father Laisrén, known affectionately as Mo Laisse, shone forth as a beacon of Christ’s light in sixth-century Ireland. He is venerated as the patron saint of Devenish Island, nestled within the tranquil waters of Lough Erne, near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. Though he reposed
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Early Life Its of Kileedy – 28th January The name Ita means “thirst for holiness,” reflecting a life lived in accordance with our Lord’s teachings, echoing “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Ita’s zeal for Christ transformed Ireland’s monastic landscape, fostering many great saints, earning her the nickname “The foster mother of
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Early Life Finnian of Clonard – 25th December Finnian of Clonard, one of the early Irish monastic saints, was the blessed founder of Clonard Abbey in County Meath. He was born in County Carlow in the Kingdom of Leinster in 470, a member of the Clanna Rudraige tribe, which originated in Ulaid, Northern Ireland. This
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Also Known As St. Aidan St. Máedóc of Ferns – 13th February St. Máedóc, also known as St. Mogue or Madoc, and more famously as St. Aidan (Not the same as St. Aidan of Lindisfarne), was an Irish saint, the first Bishop of Ferns in County Wexford, and the founder of 30 churches! His birth
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A Great Irish Missionary St. Cillian – 21st July Cillian was an Irish missionary bishop and the apostle of what is modern-day Bavaria. He was born to noble parents, as were many Irish saints of that time, around 640 in Cloughballybeg in County Cavan. In the summer of 686, Cillian and 11 of his companions
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Who is St. Felim? Felim – 22nd August Saint Felim was an Irish hermit monk born shortly after 500 AD. He was a descendant of Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. If you have read our Life of St. Patrick, you will know that the mac Néill clan was divided regarding
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Early Life Kevin of Glendalough – 16th June Born in 498, St. Kevin, or Caoimhín in Irish, lived a long and impactful life, passing away in 618. A scion of noble Leinster lineage, he became a hermit, ascetic, and a great standard bearer for the unique spiritual beauty of Celtic Orthodoxy. He was baptised by
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