A Devoted Disciple of the Enlightener
St. Tassach – 27th April
Born in the early 5th century, Saint Tassach walked in the luminous footsteps of Ireland’s enlightener, Saint Patrick. Imagine being a part of that foundational period of the Church! Saint Patrick himself entrusted Tassach with the care of a sacred place: the Church of Raholp. This beacon of faith, nestled near Saul, still has its enduring ruins, a testament to the sanctity that once permeated those hallowed grounds. It’s protected by law, reminding us of the enduring legacy of these early saints.
The Divine Spark in Skillful Hands
Saint Tassach was a disciple of Patrick, a priest and also a master craftsman, imbued with a truly divine gift for artistry. Like the artisans who built the Ark of The Covenant, Tassach dedicated his crafting skills to the glory of God.
From his pious workshops emerged crosiers, patens, chalices, credences, shrines, and crosses—each creating a testament to his hard work ethic and love for God. His works were often sent to the countless churches founded by Saint Patrick throughout Ireland. Many people these days struggle to pray without ceasing as they believe this means having their prayer rope glued to their hand and their mind always focused solely on the Jesus Prayer. But there are many ways to “Pray continuously” as Paul told us to. Many saints, like St. Tassach used their hands to work hard and then dedicated that work to God. It reminds us that every talent, every skill, when offered to God, can become a path to holiness.
Administering the Communion of the Dying to St. Patrick
Saint Tassach is most remembered for the the blessed privilege he had of administering Communion to Saint Patrick in his final hours. As recorded in “The Martyrology of Donegal,” it simply states: “Tassach of Raholp gave the Body of Christ to Saint Patrick before his death in the monastery of Saul.”
To be chosen by the Enlightener of Ireland to prepare him for his ultimate union with Christ is a great honour and gift bestowed upon St. Tassach. This event also shows us how holy and saintly Tassach truly was. It is a truly poignant reminder for us all of the ultimate communion we seek with Christ, especially as we approach the threshold of eternity.
Lessons for Our Lives
Saint Tassach’s life, offers some great lessons for the modern Orthodox Christian:
- All our gifts can be sanctified: Our work, our hobbies, our skills—all can be offered to God.
- Presence is powerful: To be present for another, especially in their most vulnerable moments, is an act of profound Christian love.
- The blessed end: His service to Saint Patrick at the end of his life encourages us to live in preparation for our own blessed repose, always striving for communion with Christ.
Let us, then, in our own lives, strive to emulate Saint Tassach. May we dedicate our efforts to Christ, ensuring that all we do is in accordance with His divine requirements. And through the intercessions of Saint Tassach, may we pray for a blessed and peaceful end to our own earthly sojourn, that we too may be prepared to meet Christ and dwell forever in His unending light.
Prayer to St. Tassach
You were one of the first to follow Saint Patrick
and you administered the Holy Viaticum to him at the last.
Please be at my side when it is my turn to leave this earth and help me so that, like you, I will be with Christ forever.
Like Moses’ disciples adorning the tabernacle,
you were a skilled artist and craftsman
and are now with Christ.
Please be at my side ensuring that whilst doing my daily chores you
ensure that I will always do as Christ requires from me.
