OMNIUM SANCTORUM HIBERNIAE

Author: Michele Ainley

  • Saint Ultan of Ardbreccan, September 4

     

     

     

     

     

     

    September 4 sees the feastday of the first of the saints with a special link to Saint Brigid to be commemorated this month, Ultan of Ardbreccan. As we will see from Canon O’Hanlon’s account of his life below, Saint Ultan is said in some of the sources to be both an uncle of Saint Brigid and to have written a hymn in her honour and to have compiled a record of her miracles. His other reputation in tradition was as someone who took care of destitute children, whilst maintaining a strict ascetic regime himself:

     

    ST. ULTAN, SAID TO HAVE BEEN BISHOP, OR MORE PROBABLY ABBOT, OF ARDBRACCAN, COUNTY OF MEATH.

    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 Felire of Oengus, at this date, and with allusion to what must have been a more ancient legend regarding him. In the “Leabhar Breac” copy is the following rann 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 Ard Breccain.”

    At the 4th of September, likewise, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh, we find a festival recorded in honour of Ultan Mac Hua Conchobar. He was therefore held to be of the O’Connor family. An entry is to be found in that copy, contained in the Book of Leinster, and somewhat different. The words “in Ardbrec” are added, as if to intimate, that he belonged to Ardbraccan. 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, on the maternal side. 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.

    According to very ancient legend, one of his usages was to feed, with his own hands, every child who had no support in Erin. 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, appears in the Annals of lnnisfallen, at A.D. 569 ; but, this is supposed to have been a mistake for the leprosy, which was an epidemic about that time; whereas, only about A.D. 675, or 676, 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, in Fotherta of Leinster, in 663; 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. 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, it wasted the country far and near, destroying a great multitude of persons. Among those who died of the Buidhe Chonnaill this year in Ireland is mentioned St. Ultan Mac hUi-Cunga, Abbot of Cluain-Iraird or Clonard; 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 Fursa 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 Brecain has been attributed the foundation of Ardbraccan Monastery, and from him the place has been named. It seems probable, that Ultan was for some time under his rule in that place. We find it stated, that after St. Bracan 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. He belonged to the Third Class of Irish Saints. This holy man is said to have lived on terms of great intimacy with St. Fechin of Fore. From the latter, it is stated he asked a request. 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.

    Among the Irish writers, St. Ultan of Ardbraccan has been classed. To him is attributed an Irish Hymn, in praise of St. Brigid. It has been published of late in the Liber Hymnorum. We are informed, moreover, that it was he, who made the Latin verse at the end of it. The Latin poem which comes after the Life of St. Brigid 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 composed the Life, as also the Latin and Gaedhlic Poems. Others think St. Columba was the author of the Hymn. The Third Life of St. Brigid, as published by Colgan, is assigned to the authorship of St. Ultan, Bishop of Ardbraccan. This Manuscript Life was received from the learned Father Stephen White, 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,and as being of Irish origin. 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, 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…

    …To St. Ultan has been attributed the spirit of prophecy. It is said his prophecies remain in metre, and in the Irish language. A prophetic poem 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, 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. These Annotations are in the Book of Armagh. Ultan is said to have written a Life of St. Patrick, but this is uncertain. It was he, as we are told,that collected the miracles of St. Brigid, into one book, and he gave them to Brogan Claen, 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.

    St. Ultan died at Ardbraccan, about three miles from Navan, in the present County of Meath. He is said to have completed the extraordinary age of one hundred and eighty years. The O’Clerys’ 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; but according to the Annals of Ulster, those of the Four Masters, and most other authorities, it happened A.D. 656. 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. 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. The Martyrology of Donegal registers him as Ultan, Bishop of Ard-Brecain, at the 4th day of September. At this same date, he has been commemorated in Scotland. Thus, in the Kalendar of Drummond, 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. 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 name, exist in the County of Meath. Long after St. Ultan’s time, A.D. 784, we read of a Translation of his relics at Ardbraccan. 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.

     

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  • Saint Mac Nissi of Connor, September 3

    September 3 is the commemoration of Saint Mac Nissi, an early disciple of Saint Patrick and patron of the northern Diocese of Connor. Canon O’Hanlon summarizes what is traditionally known of his life and his miracles:

    Saint Macnessius or Mac Nissi, Bishop of Connor, County Down.

    [Fifth and Sixth Centuries]

    In the “Feilire ” of St. Oengus, yet in a very enigmatical form, the feast of St. Mac Nisse is entered at the 3rd of September. Thus rendered in Dr. Whitley Stokes’ English translation:

    “Colman of Druim Ferta :
    Longarad a delightful sun;
    Mac Nisse with thousands,
    from great Conderi.”

    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, or Nisa, was the son of Fobrec or Fobreach, as stated in the Annals of Tigernach. 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. As such, it is to be found in the Leabhar Breac copy, and at the 3rd of September. 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. The original name of this saint is said to have been Oengus.

    In a fountain of water, which miraculously sprung from the earth, it is stated, that our saint was baptised by the Apostle of the Irish nation. Afterwards, he was known as Mac Cneise or the son of Cnes. The Christian name bestowed on him was Oengus, and his surname was derived from his mother. This is a more likely derivation than that one given, where he is said to have been fostered and accustomed to sleep with St. Patrick. Wherefore, 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 – 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, having met Bolcan with our saint, 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.

    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 ; 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.

    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, that he was advanced to the episcopal dignity in the fifth century. 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. When Mac Nessius, with his remarkable relics, 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 demonstrations 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, 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, Macnessius asked as a favour, that the boy should not be slain until brought to a pile of stones, 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.

    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. 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. 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. Brigid 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 community 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.”

    In his Acts, it is stated, that in company with St. Patrick and St. Brigid, the holy bishop had been journeying through Momonia, and he passed through a place, called Lann-ela. While his companions passed on, our saint 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, 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.

    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. 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. It is now called Kells, in the parish, and about one half mile west from the church, of Connor.

    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 to any offspring. Again, we are told, the father to the great St. Comgall of Bangor, 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 : “O 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.” This was a prediction referring to St. Comgall’s future eminence. As it is probable, that St. Comgall of Bangor had been born, in the year 510, 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 punishment from on high.

    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. However, he departed this life, on the 3rd day of September, and in the year 514, according to the most probable accounts; 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. Others have it during the year 507; the Annals of Tigernach at A.D. 510 and Colgan, A.D. 513. The holy Bishop and founder of the see was buried in the city of Connor.

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  • Saint Seanan of Laithrech-Briuin, September 2

     

    September 2 is the feastday of a County Kildare saint, Seanan of Laithrech-Briuin. Canon O’Hanlon begins his account with a lament that he is one of the many Irish saints of whom we know little:

    ST. SEANAN, OF LAITHRECH-BRIUIN, NOW LARAGHBRINE, COUNTY OF KILDARE.

    [SIXTH CENTURY.]

    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.

    According to the Feilire-Aenguis, the Feast of St. Senan was celebrated in Lathrach Briuin, or Laraghbrine, in Ui-Foelain, on the 2nd of September. 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 “Sanctilogic Genealogy.” There he is called the son of Fintan, son to Strened, son of Glinder, son to Core, son of Conned, son to Aengus, son of Fieg, son to Mail, son of Carthage, & etc. His genealogy is then carried back to Heremon for fifty generations, or for about 1600 years. Marianus O’Gorman has noted this saint, in his Martyrology, at the present date. St. Senan must have flourished in the sixth century, and been a contemporary of the great St. Columbkille, for he is named as one of those ecclesiastics who attended the great Synod, held at Dromcreat in 580. On the 2nd of September, a festival is entered in the Martyrology of Donegal, 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, 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 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 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, showing that it had been used for purposes of worship, and at no very remote date.

     

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