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  • The Monastic Life and Miracles of Saint Baithen

    On June 9 both the monastic founder of Iona, Saint Colum Cille and his immediate successor and kinsman Saint Baithen are commemorated. Canon O’Hanlon has provided details of the miracles of Saint Baithen (Baoithen, Latin Baitheneus) recorded in his various Vitae. As ever, they give us a glimpse into the monastic life and the virtues of a life of prayer, fasting, humility and obedience:

    The Spirit of Saint Columba Comforts Baithen and the Brethern

    At Iona, Baoithen appears to have been appointed the dispensator, or economus, or steward, of that foundation, and he superintended the labours of the monks in the field. On such an occasion, the monks once noticed a most fragrant odour, as if flowers, at a spot on the Island called Cuuleilne, and they asked the cause from Baoithen, who declared it was the spirit of their Abbot, who thus desired to refresh and comfort them, although he was not bodily present.

    The Sea Voyages of Saint Baithen and Columbanus the Priest

    When St. Columba had established a religious foundation in Tiree, he appointed Baoithen superior of the dependent Monastery there at Magh-Lunge. His journeyings thither by sea are recorded in St. Columba’s Acts, and on occasion of setting out, he was accustomed to invoke the great Abbot’s blessing. He also defended that Island from an invasion of evil spirits. Thence, too, he occasionally visited Hy. It is related, that on a particular occasion, Baithenus and Columbanus, son of Beognus, came to St. Columkille, and entreated him to obtain next day from God a prosperous wind for them, as they intended to set out on the sea, yet in contrary directions. The saint answered:’Baitheneus sailing from the port of Iona in the morning shall have a prosperous wind, until he arrives at the haven of Lungefield.” This God granted him, according to the saint’s words ; for, Baitheneus crossed over the sea to the land of Ethica, and with flowing sails, on that day. Then, at nine o’clock, St. Columba sent for Columbanus the Priest, and bade him make ready; as he told this voyager, that the south wind which favoured Baitheneus should turn to the north, and this was accordingly effected. So Columbanus embarked for Ireland, in the afternoon, and he made the voyage with full sails and favourable winds. This miracle was wrought by virtue of St. Columba’s prayers, because it is written: ‘All things are possible to him that believeth.’ After Columbanus’ departure on that day, St. Columba pronounced this prophecy regarding him: “The holy man Columbanus, whom I have blessed on departing, shall never more see me in this life. So indeed it fell out, for St. Columba departed to our Lord that very same year.

    The Spear Blessed by Saint Baithen

    While living in Iona, Baithen blessed a spear, over which he marked a sign of the cross. Thenceforth, it could hurt no person, and it could not even pierce the skin of any animal. Wherefore, its iron was taken to a smith, and mixed with other iron.

    The Staff of Saint Baithen Protects A Monk

    At one time, Lugbeus his monk happened to hold the staff of Baithen in his hand, when it was slightly gnawed by a dog. Having the same staff with him, while travelling among the Picts, he came to one of their houses, when a furious dog rushed out barking at him. That animal seized the staff of Baithen with his teeth, but immediately fell dead, and thus the monk escaped his meditated violence.

    The Cure of the Monk Trenanus

    Many sick persons were cured by St. Baithen, and among these was one of his monks, named Trenanus, who had been dropsical. But, he was commanded not to reveal this cure to any person, so long as Baithen lived. Our saint also prophesied, that a few days before his death, the patient should undergo a similar cure, and this was fulfilled a very long time afterwards.

    The Judgement on Beoanus the Sinner

    A story is told of one Beoanus—living beyond the Island Strait—who was an impious persecutor of the Church and a scoffer of the monks, and who had sent a messenger in derision to ask for the remains of their dinner. Then Baithen ordered the milk, which each of the brothers had left, to be poured into one vessel, and to be given to the messenger of Beoanus. No sooner had this unhappy man tasted it, than he felt a grievous internal complaint, and he found that death had already seized on him. However, he recognised in this intolerable anguish, that a just judgment had fallen upon him; and he had the grace of becoming contrite, while he died after being reconciled to God.

    Saint Baithen Casts Out Demons

    St. Baoithen also had the gift of casting out devils. Just at the time when he had succeeded the founder St. Columba, and while seated at table, he observed a foul demon looking in through a window. Raising his hand to make a sign of the cross over his monks, that evil spirit instantly vanished. The community afterwards inquired from him, for what reason he had signed in token of benediction, when he replied :” My brethren, the devil had looked in through the window at this very hour for dinner, to find if he could discover any of you negligent, either in making the sign of the cross, or in offering thanks to the Almighty. Understanding his craft, however, and having made that sign of the cross, he was overcome and he vanished as smoke.” At one time, a monk of his order had been possessed, and so violent did he become, that manacles were applied, to prevent the maniac from tearing himself and others. Baithen was appealed to, that he might effect a cure, but through humility he distrusted any good result from his own merits. However, he selected some of his monks to take their maniac brother to Ireland, and there to seek the prayers of holy men, at its various churches. The result still continued to be unfavourable. At length, taking courage and offering up the Holy Sacrifice for that object, Baithen ordered the afflicted person into the church. There, in the presence of all the religious, the sufferer was restored to a sound state. Another monk, who dwelt in the monastery of Meagh Lunga, which St. Columba had founded in Heth, had been in like manner possessed. St. Baithen appeared, and pronounced these words in his presence: “You know, O demon, that between you and me, no compact has existed or can exist and therefore, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, depart immediately from this possessed man.” Wherefore the demon vanished, and that brother was restored to health.

    Even his garments were effective for similar purposes. On a certain occasion, one Fedgenus—perhaps Fechinus should be read—who was brother to the Abbot Virgnous, desired to visit his kindred in Britain, and he brought with him a habit belonging to Baithen, believing that it should protect him from every danger and extricate him from every difficulty he might experience along the way. When he visited that province, he entered a house, in which he found a man possessed. The pilgrim at once placed the habit of Baithen over him, and instantly the demon disappeared, the man being restored to perfect health.

    The Vision of the Three Grand Chairs

    To Baoethin, it was permitted to see the three grand chairs in heaven empty, and awaiting some of the saints of Erin, viz., the chair of gold, and a chair of silver, and a chair of glass. He told Colum Cille, at Ia or Iona, the vision which was shown to him. Then Colum Cille gave the interpretation to him of what he had seen, for he was a famous prophet. St. Columba said: ” The chair of gold, which thou hast seen, is the chair of Ciaran, son of the carpenter, the reward for his sanctity, and hospitality, and charity. The chair of silver, which thou hast seen, is thine own chair, for the brightness and effulgence of thy piety. The chair of glass is my own chair, for although pure and bright, I am brittle and fragile, in consequence of the battles, which were fought on my account.” After this event, St. Colum Cille is said to have resolved upon the celebrated abstinence, i.e., to take nettle pottage as food for the future, without drippings or any fat whatever.

    The Asceticism of Saint Baithen

    Among the legends, relating to St. Baoithin, is the following story. In consequence of his abstemiousness, the impression of his ribs through his woollen tunic was seen in the sandy beach, which is by the side of Iona, where he used to lie on it at night. This saint was a most perfect pattern of all virtues, especially of devotion and humility; he was favoured, also, with the gift of prophecy, and of miracles.

    Saint Baithen Fasts Under the Oak

    At one time, St. Columba sent him to excommunicate a certain family, that lived in a place called Druym-Cuill.That night he remained fasting under an oak tree. To those sitting around Baoithen said: I feel unwilling this time to excommunicate that family, until I learn whether or not they shall become penitent. Therefore, let the weight of our judgment to be visited on them fall rather on this tree before the year closes.” After a few days, lightning came from Heaven, and struck that tree, completely stripping off its bark; while, at the same time, a mighty wind laid its trunk prostrate on the earth, where it finally withered.

    Fintan the Wise Testifies to the Learning and Humility of Saint Baithen

    It is related, moreover, that no other person on this side of the Alps was comparable to Baoithen in scriptural and scientific knowledge. Such was the opinion expressed by one Fintin, the wise, son of Luppan, and when some who were near him asked, if Baoithen were wiser than his master St. Columba, Fintin answered :” Know you not that I did not compare his alumnus to St. Columkille, full of the gifts of wisdom, but to other men ? For the latter is only to be compared with the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles of God, in whom the Holy Ghost, the fountain and source of wisdom and Divine prophecy, truly reigns ; who according to the Apostolic sentence, becomes like—although there be dissimilar degrees —for through the choice of Heaven, he is made to bring salvation upon all. Yet, he is wise among the wise, a king among kings, an anchorite among anchorites, a monk among monks, and although popular among seculars he needlessly lowered himself; he was poor of heart among the poor after the manner of the Apostles, owing to the wealth of charity which glowed within his breast, rejoicing with the glad souls and weeping with those who lamented. But among all these gifts of Divine bounty, the true humility of Christ strongly reigns in him, as if it had been naturally implanted.” When that pious man had borne testimony to the wisdom of both the master and the disciple, all who heard him were quite ready to adopt his opinion as incontrovertible.

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  • Saint Colman Speaks With His Mother

    June 7 is the commemoration of Saint Colman of Dromore. Various of this saintly bishop’s miracles have been recorded, one of which, the story of Saint Colman and the Water Monster,  Canon O’Hanlon related in a collection of folklore. In the Lives of the Irish Saints he records some other of Saint Colman’s miracles, including this one concerning the saint’s mother:

    Our saint’s mother had sent a message, that she desired the privilege of speaking to him. But, the servant of Christ returned for answer: “Let her take choice of the alternative, either to see me only, or to speak without seeing me”. On hearing this, she said: “I had rather he would speak to me, on matters pertaining to the welfare of my soul”. Then, both met, but on opposite sides of a tree, and they began to converse with each other, without being mutually seen. Meantime, by Divine interposition, an opening was made through the tree, and which enable both to behold each other, without the intervention of any obstacle. 

    Rev. John O’Hanlon, Lives of the Irish Saints, Volume VI, (Dublin, n.d.), 234.

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  • The Monastic Life of Saint Kevin

    June 3 is the feast of Saint Kevin of Glendalough. As I mentioned in last year’s post, Canon O’Hanlon has an exhaustive account of the saint in Volume VI of his Lives of the Irish Saints, including descriptions of miracles attributed to him. These illustrate many facets of the monastic life pursued by the saint, bearing witness, for example, to his life of asceticism and prayer, to monastic hospitality, and to encounters with both demons and angels. Another motif is the tension between Saint Kevin’s desire to live a life of solitude and the demands of his community. In this first miracle we see many of these themes combined:

    The Expulsion of the Demons from Glendalough

    After the term of four years, many holy men assembled together, and drew persuasively St. Kevin from his place of retreat, although much against his inclinations; for, there he wished to dwell, until he should be called to his reward in the next life. It seems, that he lived too austere a life when alone. His friends therefore compelled him to reside among his monks, in that monastery, to which allusion has been already made. One day, after he had resolved on this change of residence, St. Kevin took his station on a stone without his monastery. There, the devil transforming himself into an Angel of light appeared. With apparent modesty of demeanour, and in a very beautiful form, the demon said to our saint : “Hail, O holy man of God ; behold, I am sent to thee by the Lord, that I may give thee counsel. Already thou hast sustained great labour, and the holy Angels praise thee, in the sight of God. The Lord hath ordered thee in love, to depart from this rocky valley, and to seek a place more habitable for thy monks after thee.” Pretending to bless St. Kevin, the devil immediately vanished, after communicating these fallacious orders. Deceived by the modest and beautiful appearance of the demon, Kevin felt greatly perplexed, on hearing this message. For, if it were true, that his life had been pleasing to God and to the Angels in this place : he knew, also, that the Almighty could provide means of living for his servants, at all times, and in all places. Wherefore, he said :” With the permission of God, I will finish my mortal course, in this valley, whether my life be praised by an Angel or by a demon.” Afterwards, with a number of wicked spirits, Satan went beyond the mountain called Tuayd, in the Ulster province, and in the northern part of Ireland. Here, he appeared to the Abbot Comgall, who said to him :” Whence hast thou come, Satan.” The devil answered : “I have come from the territories of Leinster, and from the valley of the two Lakes, where austere Kevin dwells. In that place, with his baneful company, that man hath been greatly and incessantly injuring my followers, for seven whole years. Afterwards, I went to him, and persuaded him to leave his place. But, my representations did not avail, for his fortitude hath overcome all my powers. Now, I and my family, must depart foiled to our place of habitation. Our standards are broken by him, as we must proclaim ; yet, we still wish to tempt him.” Then, St. Comgall said to him: “Satan, return with my monks to St. Coemgen. Thou shalt approach him, neither before nor after, but simultaneously with them ; and, thou shalt manifest to him thy wiles and plots, against him, my monks being present. Thus, I command thee, in the name of Christ.” St. Comgall’s monks then coming to St. Kevin, Satan appeared at the same time with them. The devil told our saint all things, after the manner in which he had been directed, by the holy Abbot of Bangor. Whereupon, giving thanks to God, and blessing his friend St. Comgall, our holy Abbot ordered the devil, that he should, thenceforward and for ever, remove his wicked companions from that happy valley. On hearing St. Kevin’s orders, with a terrible howling the demons departed from Glendalough, and saying at the same time, that they should never more take up their station within it. After this departure of the demons, that rock on which they were accustomed to alight fell into pieces. These were precipitated into the Lake, and with a great noise. Blessed Kevin, as we are informed, had been engaged at prayer, to effect this miracle, at the time of its occurrence.

    An Angel Vanquishes the Monster of the Lake

    St. Kevin is said to have prayed each night, for a full hour, surrounded by the Lake waters, in that place where he stood. A monster frequenting the Lough, according to a legend, was accustomed to swim around his body, without offering him any violence. The servant of God bore all this with patience, for a long time. To reward his virtues, the Almighty sent an Angel, at last, to assist him, and to relieve him from what he saw and endured. For three principal reasons, the Angel was despatched to his assistance :—First, that he might be relieved from his many self-imposed labours; secondly, that the monster might be repelled ; and thirdly, that the cold water might be rendered warm. For, on the Angel of the Lord coming to him each night, the monster retired. Then, reposing on his bosom, that Angel caused the Lake water to lose its naturally cold temperature, and to become warm.

    Dinner for the Reapers

    One day in autumn, our saint’s superiors collected many reapers for their harvest. An abundance of flesh meat and beer had been prepared for these labourers. Having been appointed to serve his turn for this day, in the kitchen, a great crowd of pilgrims arrived, and these asked Kevin for food, in the name of Christ. Full of compassion, he entreated the cooks to bestow on these strangers the reapers’ food, which had been prepared. St. Eogoin sent to the workmen saying, that they should come to dinner. But, St. Lochan, hearing what had occurred, went to the kitchen. He addressed these words to Kevin : ” O good youth, what hast thou done without our orders? There are many reapers, and they justly deserve a good dinner, for they have wrought a good day’s work; and, we would have given other food to the pilgrims.” On hearing this reproach, falling on his knees, the holy youth besought pardon. The pious senior went outside the kitchen. Kevin then closed it, and ordered the attendants to collect all the bones, and to fill with water all those vessels, which before had contained beer. Afterwards, he desired the cooks to retire, and then he prayed with great fervour. Immediately, through favour of Heaven, the water is stated to have become wine, while the bones were covered with an abundance of excellent flesh meat. Then, calling the chief cook, our saint showed him the miracle, that had taken place. Instantly, the cook hastened with an account of this event, to his pious superiors in the monastery. These seniors glorified God, whose Almighty power was manifested in this miracle, and then they blessed their holy disciple, who had been made an instrument, for procuring such a great abundance of excellent food and drink. Three days in succession, there was a sufficiency for all reapers, pilgrims, and brothers, who remained in the place.

    The Counsel of Garbhan the Hermit

    One day, the devotion of Kevin had it in contemplation, to make a pilgrimage alone, and for some considerable distance. Holding this purpose in mind, he left his monastery. But, a holy hermit, named Garban, or Garbhan, on seeing him alone, said: ” O servant of God, whither art thou bound? It is better for thee to remain in one spot, serving the Lord, than to go about from place to place, in thy old age ; for, thou hast heard, that no bird, while flying, can hatch her eggs.” Hearing this, the holy Abbot felt some degree of compunction, and he promised to return to his place.

    Returning from St. Garban, holy Kevin went to the venerable senior Berchan, who was blind, that they might hold conferences together on some sacred subject. St. Berchan had a divine admonition, concerning the approach of his guest, and he said prophetically to his disciples : “O my children, quickly prepare a bath for the holy and venerable old man, Kevin, who is on his way towards us.” After our saint’s arrival, Berchan said : “Holy Father, wash thy body in this bath, prepared for thee, by Divine monition.” Kevin replied : “Indeed, father, from the time I resolved upon a religious life, in my youthful days, to this time, I have never bathed, but in cold water, that I might chastise my body ; however, on thy account, and for the sake of that God, whose servant thou art, I will bathe.” Whilst our saint was laving himself in the bath, Berchan desired his servant, to bring St. Kevin’s wooden shoes to him. After an inspired manner, we are told, St. Berchan saw the tempter of man upon them. He then asked the demon, why he had dared to enter the holy man’s shoes. Satan answered :” The demons can persuade him to do nothing, but by presenting their temptations, under some appearance of good, and hence, I entered his shoes, persuading him to make a pilgrimage, and to desert his place. This was an evil act, disguised under the appearance of good.” Saying these words, the demon cried out, in a loud manner, requesting that he might be permitted to depart thence ; for, in the presence of God’s saints, he felt himself deprived of power. His request was complied with, and then he vanished from sight. Afterwards, St. Kevin and St. Berchan entered upon a holy conference; and, while the latter remained within his cell, fearing and loving God, the former returned to his monks glorifying the Divine name.

    The Nun Cassayr Makes New Garments for Saint Kevin

    A certain holy virgin, named Cassayr, daughter to Aedha, on seeing the holy old man Kevin in the air, and clothed with rough skins, asked him in God’s name, to receive better garments from her. But, the servant of God rejected them, lest Satan might tempt him through avarice. The virgin felt sorrowful, on account of his refusal. She afterwards placed herself, with all her religious daughters and her monastery, under the rule of St. Kevin. Then, the Angel of the Lord, taking his rough vesture from the holy old Abbot, who was decrepid, clothed him with garments offered by the virgin. Wherefore, St. Kevin, St. Cassayr, and her nuns, returned thanks to God, on account of what had occurred.

    The Last Days of Saint Kevin

    About the close of our saint’s career, as his Acts narrate, a holy man named Mocherog —who was by birth a Briton—seems to have had intimate spiritual relationship with the illustrious Abbot. Having now attained a most venerable age, St. Kevin wished to pass out of this life, to be with Christ. From his infancy to his declining years, he always ran in the Commandments of God without blame, in holiness, and in justice, adorned with many virtues, and performing various miracles. Now, he called together twelve of his most religious brethren, and he sent them to the place, where the Apostle of Ireland stood, when his hymn had been sung three several times. These holy monks betook themselves to that spot, indicated by the venerable Abbot. Here, according to his orders, they prayed, that the Lord would grant his petition to our saint. However, they received no intimation, whatever, regarding its object. On ending their prayer, they returned to the venerable superior. Knowing their request had been granted, he told them, that he had asked to be released from the prison of his body, and that the Lord had formerly told him, he should not pass out of life, until he preferred such a request and of his own accord to the Almighty. Hearing this, the brethren felt very sorrowful. But, our saint consoled them, by saying, that hitherto he had seen God’s kingdom, while living in the flesh. He encouraged them, likewise, to observe diligently his Rule, and all God’s Commandments. Afterwards, elevating his hands, he blessed them and their place.

    When St. Kevin had consoled his monks and imparted his benediction, his thoughts were solely devoted to preparation for his departure from that place, so endeared to him by religious associations; and, he now turned his mind, on the abiding home he sought for in Heaven. He then received Christ’s most Sacred Body and Blood, from the hands of St. Mocherog. His monks stood around, in tears and lamentations, when their venerable superior breathed his last. Having lived, in this world, according to common report, for the extraordinary and lengthened period of one hundred and twenty years, he departed to join choirs of Angels and Archangels, in the Heavenly Jerusalem.

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