St. Columba of Iona: Apostle to Scotland Saint Columba (c. 521–597), known in Irish as Columcille (the dove of the church), stands as one of the three patron saints of Ireland alongside Patrick and Brigid, and as the primary founder of organised Christianity in Scotland. His establishment of the monastery at Iona around 563 transformed an obscure […]
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The First-Born of The Irish Saints St. Ciarán of Saighir – 18th March St. Ciarán was born in 5th Century Ireland in the kingdom of Ossory and as many of the early saints, he was related to royalty. His father was from Ossory and his mother was from Cork. Saint Ciarán’s birth was foretold in
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Saint Assicus: A Bishop, An Artisan, And The Burden of Humility St. Assicus – 10th May Saint Assicus (also known as Asicus) is often confused with Saint Tassach—given their similar skills, names, and also by the fact they both died in the same year: 490 AD. Patrick’s Skilled Collaborator and First Bishop of Elphin Saint
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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