" ipsi probati
34 In a letter, received from the Rev.
34 In a letter, received from the Rev.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
The Scots called this object Duibhin Declain," on account of its dark colour, and because it appertained to St.
Declan.
It is reported, that St.
Patrick, the future Apostle, and Archbishop of Ireland,
1 *
Britain, pass over,
vessel was to be found. The holy man, on seeing this, took the aforesaid bell in his hand, and then ringing it, Declan prayed the Almighty, that he might be assisted in this juncture. Immediately, his prayer was heard, when an empty vessel, without sails or sailors, appeared skimming over the waves, and approachingtowardsoursaintandhiscompanions. Declanthensaidtohis
then on his
Both holy personages saluted each other, with the kiss of peace, and con- ceived a mutual friendship, before leaving for their respective destinations. *3
being
way
to
Rome, happened
disciples :
" In the name of let us enter this Christ,
and who sent He,
saying of David,
wonderful is the Lord in his saints. "
landedwasinMenevia. 1? Weare
that the two holy Pontiffs, St. David 2 ° and St. Declan, established a Chris-
The wherethe place
voyagers
informed,
Rome is known to have had a son bearing such a name.
" We are told by the writer of our saint's Life, that in his time, this venerated relic of Declan had proved the occasion for many miracles being wrought through God's grace, and that it was preserved with great respect in St. Declan's
year 527, and as St. Declan survived him, according to the Acts of this latter, Dr.
Lanigan thinks it sufficiently established, that our saint " was not a bishop in the year 402, nor at any time before the mission of St. Patrick. "— " Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. i. , chap, i. , sect, xii. , p. 26.
J ? The Bollandist editor that Ycht thinks,
was only another name for the Isbnd, Latinized Vecta, and Englished Wight. This isle is situated in the sea, that divides France
" from England or Britain. See Acta
to Ardmore.
city—
a name
usually applied
13 "
See Ussher's Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates, cap. xvi. , p. 790. Editio Dublinii.
13 See Dr. Charles Smith's "Ancient Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S.
and Present State of the County and City of Waterfoni," chap, i. , p. 5.
'* Roderick O'Flaherty says : "SS. De-
clanus, et Kieranus, Episcopi a summo Pon-
tifica ordinati, et in Italia S. Patricio Romam
tendenti, anno 402 obvii facti in Hiberniam
Declano Episcopo Ardmoriee in Hihernia,
cap. iii. , n. (e), p. 598.
,8 The Irish were always accustomed to
call this the Ictian Sea.
* The ancient name for St. David's, and
still the head of a See in Wales,
venerunt. "— " ao See his at the 1st of in the
Ogygia," pars iii. , cap. Life, March, Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
lxxxv. , p. 398.
j s See his Life, at the 5th of March, in the
Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
2I The Irish tradition has it, that this in- cident occurred, while he was coming from Rome to Ireland, and that it rested on a rock
16
As St. Ailbe is said to have died in the
to meet with St. Declan in ,2 Italy.
this occurred in the x * St. year 402,
to another
the future Bishop of Ossory, being in company with our saint. 16
Pontiff, with his disciples, came towards that sea, which was called Ycht,1 ? and which divided Gaul from 18 but he could not as no
According
statement,
Kieran, The holy
it, will cause it to bear us smoothly over the sea. "
entered that ship, when by a Divine impulse, it returned towards the ocean
again safely cleaving the water. With a swift course, it reached a port of
Britain. Declan and his companions disembarking at that spot, the ship
returned towards the very station whence it came. On experiencing and
witnessing such a miracle wrought in their behalf, all those voyagers gave
thanks to Christ, for his bounties towards them. Thus was accomplished the
"
vessel,
At our saint's word, they
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 323
tian fraternity between themselves and their disciples, which was perpetually
to endure. After the expiration of forty days, having received permission from St. David and from his brethren, with their benediction and the kiss of peace, the holy father St. Declan and his disciples entered their vessel. Then they set out on their voyage for Ireland. The legend runs, that St. Declan's bell—already alluded to as having been sent from Heaven—was in the custody of Lunanus, a short time previous to their embarkation. On the day of their departure from Wales, Lunanus had given this bell to one of his companions,
whowas the son of that he Theste,
might carry
coming towards the shore, that person deposited the bell upon a rock, and
being occupied with some other affairs, he intended afterwards to bring it on board the vessel. However, during the hurry of debarkation, he forgot what had been placed in his charge, until under a full spread of canvass, the ship scudded before a brisk breeze into the mid-sea. When at length, the holy pontiff, St. Declan, had been informed, that the precious relic sent from God to him was forgotten on the shore, he felt much grieved in spirit, on account
of this neglect. All his fellow-passengers shared in this grief. But, looking
towards heaven, our saint secretly offered up a prayer to Christ.
ended this short petition, Declan said to his sorrowing disciples :
dren, lay aside your sadness, for the Almighty who hath bestowed this gift can bring it to us, and by a miraculous transportation. " In giving an account of the miracle which ensued, the author of our saint's Acts exclaims, that the Creator hath admirably shown his power over a material, naturally made weighty at the time of creation. That stone, which was very large, and of the hardest rocky species, nevertheless lightly floated off, with a swift course, and in a straight direction after Declan's ship. Meanwhile, it bore likewise the miraculous bell. After a short interval, the servants of God, who were in the ship, saw what had occurred. - They were greatly astonished at this wonderful miracle, and they were filled with the love of Christ. They also entertained a great veneration for their master. Filled with a prophetic spirit,
:
the holy Declan said to his companions " Steer our ship directly in the
wake of this rock ; and, in whatever place it shall touch the shore, my city shallthererisenearit. Inthatplace,theseatofmybishopricshallremain;and I shall depart thence to Christ, when my resurrection from its earth shall have been accomplished. " That floating rock immediately preceded their ship, at a short distance. It moved also at a rate commensurate with the sailing powers of their craft. The stone directed its course towards Ireland's southern sea-
coast, along which it moved, and at a short distance from the shore.
22
Pass-
ing from headland to headland, their ship followed its course, as the saint had
ordered, until the rock came to a certain island, on the southern shore of the
territory. resting-place
near it the vessel was landed, according to St. Declan's desire. Having dis- embarked, this holy man gave thanks to God, because he had thus reached that spot destined for his future resurrection.
Local tradition has another version for this story, and as there are variations in details, here it may be as well to present its substance.
Nan Decii 2 3 Here it found a on the sea-coast, and
in the Bay of Ardmore. See" Maityrology of Donegal," edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
ship in Erin. Declan said, that where the rock should touch the land, there God would permit him to erect a church, and this was afterwardsfulfilled. Thischurchwassituated
"See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- in the Deisies of Minister, where he per-
morise in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects. 28, 29, 30, 31, p. 599.
83 The rock, it is stated by the O'Clerys, swam after him, so that it arrived before the
formed many signs and miracles. See the
"
Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
24 This too accords with the relation, in
it to the 21 But, on ship.
"
Having My chil-
321 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
There is furthermore a Urge mass of rock on the beach, known as " St. Declan's Stone," and with which a curious popular belief is connected. It is said,tohavetloatedoverfromRome,2* withthebellsofArdmorecathedral. This fragment rests on the strand, in front of the village, and on a ledge of rock, by which it is supported 25 while many practices here intended to be de-
votional yet take place.
26
;
It is still to be seen,
2?
and just beneath the old cell of
The Slone of St. Deglan, Ardmore, County of Waterford.
St. Declan, which rises on the cliff. '- 8 On that island, there was a celebrated
2
hill. 9 By the inhabitants, in that part of the country, it had been denomi-
natedArdGoerach,3°whichisLatinize6M////W0ovium; becausecertainsheep there belonged to the chief's wife, residing in that country, and these were pastured on the island, where after feeding they were accustomed to lie down
the "Mattyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
5 A view of M. Declan's Rock is pre-
sented, where the human figure stands, in
the accompanying engraving, by Mrs. Millard. Tins view was drawn onthe wood by William
F. Wakeman, from a photograph, kindly procurred for the writer, by Very Rev. John Walsh, P. P. of Ardmore.
•
on the "patron day," and these celebrations annually occur on the 24th
•8
Tradition says, that the stone floated the holy man's bell and vestments in a miracu- lous manner from Rome. It is of course girt, like all the adjacent cliff, and it lies sheh ing on the point of a rock. On St. Declan's "patron day,'' numbers of the people used to pass three different times under this stone, to cure or prevent pains in the back. See Smith's "Ancient and present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, hi. , p. 47.
1 his has been Latinized Altitude
maqna.
30 More correctly written Ard-na-g-cae-
rach, in the Gaelic language. See Dayman's "Mew Handbook for Youghal,"p. x.
3 ' "Here," we are told, "Declan
Especially
of
2? For further illustrations of many other
objects of interest connected with Ardmore,
see Mr. and Mrs. Hall's "Ireland: its
Scenery, Character," &c, vol. i. , pp. 278 to 2$S.
July.
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 325
on its hill. Looking from that elevation, some disciples of our saint saw the
island surrounded by the sea. They asked their master Declan, how this
small eminence could suffice for the wants of his people. Our saint replied :
"
hill. " Wherefore, St. Declan's city, subsequently built in that place, received
the name of Ardmore, from the Scots. The holy bishop went to the Nan
Desiichieftain,andaskedthatislandfromhim. Thetanistcompliedwith
his
1 request.
My children, it si Kill no longer be called the small eminence, but the large
3
Then St. Declan went to a place which is called Atrium breasoil, in his Acts, and here ships were moored, to bear him towards that island. But, the local inhabitants felt greatly displeased, that St. Declan desired to dwell onsuchanisolatedspot. Topreventhislandingthere,theyconcealedhisships.
:
Whereupon, St. Declan's disciples said to him " O father, a necessity forsailing
thither shall arise, when obliged to pass from one place to another ; but, such necessity must more frequently occur, when thou art called away to Heaven. Wherefore, with heart and mouth we entreat thee, to desert that island, or to ask the Almighty Father, in the name of the Son, and through the unity of the Holy Spirit, that this strait be moved from its place, out into tl>e sea, and that in its place, there may be level land before thy city. For this spot cannot be easily inhabited, on account of the strait ; and here, not alone can
a cell much less a be built. " The city
holy
man
answered, saying :
" How
can I desert a place assigned to me by God, that I may die and be interred
therein? Yet, what you state, regarding the difficulty of dwelling here, I
know as well as yourselves, while the Almighty knows it still better ; how- ever, I am unwilling to ask the removal of this strait, contrary to God's holy will. Nevertheless, according to your wishes, I shall offer my prayers to the Lord, and then let him do whatever shall be most pleasing to his adorable Providence. '^ The legend relates, that on arising from his prayers, St. Declan
: wisaddressedbyhisdisciples,inthesefollowingwords "OFather,takeyour
staff, and after the manner in which his rod had been used by Moyses, strike the water of the strait. Afterwards, as you have said, let God do what He
pleases. " At the same time, his disciples 33 prayed to God, with their holy patron. Having taken his staff in hand, St. Declan struck the water in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, while making a sign of Christ's holy cross. Immediately, through a Divine favour, the waters of that wide strait began to retire 34 from their position, and towards the sea, in the presence of this man of God. We are told, that they rolled like a torrent from the breast of a mountain, and that marine animals could scarcely follow with sufficient speed the retreating waves, while many fishes were left behind on the deserted strand. Our holy pontiff, holding the staff in his hand, pur-
sued the retiring motion of these waters, when his disciples also followed, the sea meantime heaving in commotion, while the animals it contained sent forth a variety of discordant sounds. When holy Declan came to t—hat line, where earthandseawerebounded,apiousyouth,namedManchinus whofollowed in his
—was filled with on those monsters with the horror, seeing flying
footsteps
retreating waters, while those rolling on the deserted shore opened their mouths, in an unusual manner. He therefore said to St. Declan : "O holy
founded circ, 416, a seminary from which the light of Christianity radiated into all the
pp. 599, 600.
** In a parenthesis, we find it observed,
" eniin Sanctiet erant.
" ipsi probati
34 In a letter, received from the Rev. Samuel Hayman, Rector of Youghal, the writer states, that only local residents can
understand this legend, regarding that change in the embouchure of the River Blackwater,
districts ; and the retired hamlet became a sanctuary for religion and letters. "
See ibid.
32 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morise in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects. 32, 33,
contiguous
326 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
father, you have sufficiently diverted the waves from their course, we now should fear those animals recovered from the sea. " At these words, the waters stopped in their progress, and did not retire to any greater distance. On seeing this, Bishop Declan felt greatly displeased. He gave the youth a
" I have not
Almighty by His great power hath done so, and unless thou hadst thus
spoken, he would send them to a far greater distance. " Immediately, three drops of blood fell fromManchinus on the earth, and in three different places. Seeing this, St. Declan bestowed a benediction on his forehead, and the blood instantly ceased, to flow. Three clear fountains of fresh water sprung up beneath the saint's feet,35 exactly in those places where the blood-gouts had fallen.
That space, embraced by the former waters and within the reclaimed
strait, was about a mile in width ; and, although extending in length to a great distance, it afterwards became tributary to St. Declan's city. As meadow
6
After the waters retired, St. Declan's staff, which he held in his hand, was styled from that time, to a period when our saint's biographer wrote, Feartach Declain, in the Irish language. 37. It was so called, because many wonderful miracles were wrought through it, in every age, and owing to Declan's great sanctity. In a subsequent passage, the writer promises examples of such miracles, in attestation of his
slight
stroke on the
face, saying :
expelled
the but the waves,
and tillage land, it is said to have been most productive. 3
assertions. 38 We are that the lord over that told,
of the
land to our saint, at Ardmore. On this site, his monastery afterwards was built. 39 At what precise time, the foundations of his establishment were laid by our saint, seems to have baffled the inquiries of our best antiquaries and historians. It is told us, however, in the Life of St. Declan, that together with the saints and bishops, Ailbe, Ibar, Kyran, and with some disciples, he spread the faith of Christ in Ireland, before the arrival of St. Patrick ; although, to this latter is ascribed the conversion of potentates and princes in the Island. The labours of St. Declan were principally confined to the territory of Nan-Desii. There he preached to the people faith in the three persons of the Most Adorable Trinity, baptizing many, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. * The holy Bishop, with his disciples, rejoiced at the waves receding from that strait. In consequence thereof, his fame was divulged throughout all parts of Ireland. He began to build a large monastery, at the western side of a rivulet, which emptied into
1
the dried up strait, and which flowed from the middle of the former Island/ At this same place, a small city 42 was built near the rivulet, in honour of St. Declan.
Having heard rumoured the fame of our saint's sanctity, multitudes flocked to St. Declan, from all parts of Ireland, and those delivered themselves, soul
35 These fountains were to be seen at a time, when the author of our saint's Acts wrote. We arc told, by this writer, that sometimes, although rarely, the water in these wells was converted into a blood-red appearance. After this relation, he adds : "post mu'tuni tamen tempus, in signum virtutis apparent. "
36 «' Terra arrida sine aqua post aquarum
36, p. 600.
c Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland,"
p. 69. New edition.
4° He turned, as we are told, many from the
devil's service to that of the true God ; and, to confirm the faith of his new converts, he founded many religious establishments, in which some of his disciples were placed, that by securing their own salvation, they might, at the same time, be enabled to procure that
exitus expulsarum apparuit," are words that
follow, and they are attributed to the of his neophytes.
Psalmist.
37 It is Latinized, by the same writer, Mirabilis Bacillus Declani.
38 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. 1 )eclano Episcopo Ard- morix in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects, 34, 35,
4I The author of our saint's Acts aids, "sed modo in mare post fretum vadit. "
part
country granted
42 In the Irish language, this town was "
called Ardmore. The biographer adds, Kt quomodo hsec Latine dicitur nomen apcrte pramotaturn est. "
July 24] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 327
and body, to Christ's service, under the rule of their holy patron. The sanc- tified father Declan built many cells and monasteries, through the whole
Desii country; and, not alone in that particular territory, but in other parts of Ireland, he founded establishments to promote God's honour. Many thou- sands of both sexes, we are told, assumed the monastic habit, in various places, under the government and rule of their holy patron, while these lived most piously in their profession. He also made certain disciples bishops, while he stationed them in some of those places already alluded to, and for the pur- pose of scattering the Gospel seed. Such was the piety, meekness, and perfect impartiality, towards his disciples, displayed by St. Declan, that his spiritual children preferred becoming subjects, under his own immediate jurisdiction, to assuming the charge of being superiors in other places, apart from the supervision of their beloved master. «
When Bishop Declan went to his native Nan Desii territory, in
order to spread the Gospel seed, he began to preach faith in the Most Holy Trinity to its people. He converted many from diabolic error to the
religion of Christ, the Omnipotent God, and he baptized them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He set apart many places for God's honour, in which he appointed some of his disciples to remain in the service of Christ, and in order to imbue the minds of the Gentiles with the Christian faith. He recalled numbers from the worship of the devil, to followthemaximsoftheGospel. Atonetime,oursaintvisitedthatplace, in which he was born,** and he remained there for forty days. He estab- lished in it, likewise, a cell 45 for men, who there led a most religious life. Then, those seven holy persons already mentioned,*6 who lived within the bounds of Scuti plain, and who had prophesied concerning him in his youth, came thither, and placed themselves, with their disciples and cells, under his direction. Those seven proto-monachists are named, Mochellog,4? Beanus,*8 Colmanus,49 Lachnin,s° Mothey,51 Findlach 52 and Caminanus. w Afterwards, these lived religiously, under the care of St. Declan, and through them, the Almighty was pleased to work many miracles. *4 When St. Declan arrived in Ireland, he began to scatter the Gospel seed. He united the prudence of the serpent with the simplicity of a dove. Like the hive of the provident bee, his habitation became filled with the sweet honey of sacred learning. It is said, that Saints Albeus, Declan and Ibar were strictly joined in bonds of
43 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morise in Hibernia, cap. v. , sects. 37, 38,
pp. 600,601.
44 This place was at first called "Atrium
Dobrani," and afterwards, "Atrium De- clani," as already stated.
45 The Bollandist editor states, that the word "cella" is everywhere used for
rum Antiquitates," cap. xvi. , p. 410.
47 His feast is placed at the 7th of March
in Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise,"
Lismore, might be a corruption of Mochel- loc.
48 This holy man has not been identified in the Irish Calendars, although five Beoans are there to be found.
49 Of one hundred and thirteen saints, called
Colman, in the O'Clerys' Calendar, the pre- sent Colmanus cannot be distinguished,
s° For this name, Rev. Dr. Lanigan substi-
tutes Lactin, and there are four different
Lachtains or Laichteins, in our Calendars, but no Lachin.
5* For this name, Dr. Lanigan substitutes Mobys, but he has not been identified,
& Dr. Lanigan substitutes Findlug, and there are five saints of this name in the Irish Calendars.
53 Otherwise Caminen or There Caymin.
is a Caimin of Inis-celtra, and no less than fourteen Caemhans ; but, amongst them, the present holy man cannot be discovered.
S4 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Aid-
" 46
monasterium," in our saint's Acts.
By Archbishop Ussher, the seven saints were thus named, "Mochelloci, scilicet, Beani, Colmani, Lachnini, Mobi, Findlugi, et Caminani. "—" Britannicarum Ecclesia-
where notices are
Eremita," pp. 511, 512, recte. At the same date, the reader shall find an account of him in the Third Volume of this work, Art. i. Rev. Dr. Lanigan offers a conjecture, that Mocollop, the name of a parish not far from
given,
" De S. Mochello
323
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July's*
friendship and alliance, and that they entered into these endearing ties, which were to continue among their successors, both on earth and in heaven. But, St. Albeus and St. Declan entertained such a particular friendship for each other, that they desired always to be in company, did not their disciples' interests urge the necessity for a separation^
6
The most holy father Declan wished to preach the Gospel to ^ngus,' son to Noadfrigh,57 King of Minister^8 who dwelt in the city of Cashel. 5' Towards this latter place, the saint proceeded. We are told, that St. Declan
60 hadtwobrothers,thesonsofhismother, butnotofhisfather,andthatthese
were also children to /Engus, King of Cashel. 61 These sons were called
otherwise Eocha. We learn, too, that
by Divine grace, Colman went of his own accord to the holy Bishop Albeus, and was baptized by this latter. He also received the ecclesiastical habit from Albeus, with whom he remained a diligent student, while he became a
holy and a wonder-working saint. But, Equitius remained a laic, expecting toinheritthekingdomafterhisfather'sdeath. Thelatterentreatedtheking his father, that he would give an honourable reception to his brother Declan. With this request, dingus cheerfully complied. The king not only allowed him to preach, but even Declan's discourses, morals and precepts, pleased him ; however, ^ngus did not profess himself a believer in his doctrines, nor would he receive baptism. The author of our saint's published Acts tells us, it was said by some, that the king would not be baptized by St. Declan, because the latter belonged to the Nan Desii, who were hostile to the Eoga- nachtribe,towhom. ADngusbelonged. Therefore,thekingwasnotwilling toacceptapatronfromtheNanDesiirace. Hisobjectionwasnotonaccount of mere incredulity, as succeeding events proved. For, on hearing that St.
6* the
deferred. 6*
morise in Hibernia, cap. iii. , sects. 24, 25,
p. 598.
W See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard-
moriae in Hibernia, cap. iii. , sect. 20, 21, 22,
23. PP- 597. 598.
styled i%neas.
s? More generally written Nadfraoich.
s8 According to the " Annals of the Four
Masters," he was killed A. D. 489.
59 Cashel was formerly the ancient resi-
dence of the Munster kings. It is situated
in the county of Tipperary.
60 She should thus have been married a
second time, according to the Life.
6t The manifest absurdity of this chrono- logy shows how inaccurate and how ignorant of history the writer must have been.
Colmanus,
02 and
Equitius,
being inspired
was about to visit him, the same
went from his city, and met the saint with great joy; but, immediately he believed in the Christian religion, and received baptism, from the Irish Apostle. With premonitory intimations of Divine grace being in store for the people of Cashel, St. Declan was satisfied and returned to his own nation. There, the whole people believed in those doctrines he taught, and they were duly baptized. The chieftain and some of his followers promised from day to day, to profess their belief in Christian truths, and to receive baptism from St. Declan. Yet,throughtheinstigationofSatan,theirconversionwasstill
Patrick,
Archbishop,
king
not
only
s6 the Irish In
6a has some notices of this Colgan
he is also noticed as Oengus and Aongus, and in Latin he is
Colman, as also of his brother Equitius or Eochadius, at the 27th day of January, in his Acts of St. Natalia, Abbot. There, this Colman is stated to have been Bishop of Doremore,and
According
to Ussher's Index
Chronologicus,
language,
St. Declan was born circiter a. d. 347. See
"
Biitannicarum Ecclesiarum
p. 511. A difference of 140 years should
elapse, in that supposition, between the
birth of our saint and the death of King iKngus.
to have had a feast at the 20th of May.
63 The author of our saint's Acts observes of St. Patrick: "qui de gente Britannia erat natus, cum quibus rex neque invidiam
See Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morias in Hibernia, cap, iv. , sect. 26,27,
pp. 598, 599.
6s xjie JJollandist editor observes, in a note
nee odium habebat. " 6* "
Antiquitates,"
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 329
It had been commonly asserted, that St. Declan visited Rome on
several occasions but, the author of our saint's Acts relates, that in old re- j
cords, he found three timeshad been the utmost numberassigned for those visits. During one of these journeys, on his return from Rome, Declan came to a holy bishop among the Britons, who was named David. 6 ^ lie lived in his city of Cellmhuny,66 beside the shore and sea, which divides Hibernia from Bri- tannia. He was most honourably receivedby St. David, owing to whose entreaty Declan remained as a guest for forty days. During this time, he daily cele- brated the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 6? Meantime, as we are told, the glorious Archbishop Patrick, being sent on his mission by Pope Celestine, came into Ireland, and Almighty God disposed the hearts of its people to
68
St. Patrick was favourably received by yEngus, son to Neodfruoich, who has been already
mentioned as the of Munster. 6 9 From King
receive his doctrine.
1 *
Britain, pass over,
vessel was to be found. The holy man, on seeing this, took the aforesaid bell in his hand, and then ringing it, Declan prayed the Almighty, that he might be assisted in this juncture. Immediately, his prayer was heard, when an empty vessel, without sails or sailors, appeared skimming over the waves, and approachingtowardsoursaintandhiscompanions. Declanthensaidtohis
then on his
Both holy personages saluted each other, with the kiss of peace, and con- ceived a mutual friendship, before leaving for their respective destinations. *3
being
way
to
Rome, happened
disciples :
" In the name of let us enter this Christ,
and who sent He,
saying of David,
wonderful is the Lord in his saints. "
landedwasinMenevia. 1? Weare
that the two holy Pontiffs, St. David 2 ° and St. Declan, established a Chris-
The wherethe place
voyagers
informed,
Rome is known to have had a son bearing such a name.
" We are told by the writer of our saint's Life, that in his time, this venerated relic of Declan had proved the occasion for many miracles being wrought through God's grace, and that it was preserved with great respect in St. Declan's
year 527, and as St. Declan survived him, according to the Acts of this latter, Dr.
Lanigan thinks it sufficiently established, that our saint " was not a bishop in the year 402, nor at any time before the mission of St. Patrick. "— " Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. i. , chap, i. , sect, xii. , p. 26.
J ? The Bollandist editor that Ycht thinks,
was only another name for the Isbnd, Latinized Vecta, and Englished Wight. This isle is situated in the sea, that divides France
" from England or Britain. See Acta
to Ardmore.
city—
a name
usually applied
13 "
See Ussher's Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates, cap. xvi. , p. 790. Editio Dublinii.
13 See Dr. Charles Smith's "Ancient Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S.
and Present State of the County and City of Waterfoni," chap, i. , p. 5.
'* Roderick O'Flaherty says : "SS. De-
clanus, et Kieranus, Episcopi a summo Pon-
tifica ordinati, et in Italia S. Patricio Romam
tendenti, anno 402 obvii facti in Hiberniam
Declano Episcopo Ardmoriee in Hihernia,
cap. iii. , n. (e), p. 598.
,8 The Irish were always accustomed to
call this the Ictian Sea.
* The ancient name for St. David's, and
still the head of a See in Wales,
venerunt. "— " ao See his at the 1st of in the
Ogygia," pars iii. , cap. Life, March, Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
lxxxv. , p. 398.
j s See his Life, at the 5th of March, in the
Third Volume of this work, Art. i.
2I The Irish tradition has it, that this in- cident occurred, while he was coming from Rome to Ireland, and that it rested on a rock
16
As St. Ailbe is said to have died in the
to meet with St. Declan in ,2 Italy.
this occurred in the x * St. year 402,
to another
the future Bishop of Ossory, being in company with our saint. 16
Pontiff, with his disciples, came towards that sea, which was called Ycht,1 ? and which divided Gaul from 18 but he could not as no
According
statement,
Kieran, The holy
it, will cause it to bear us smoothly over the sea. "
entered that ship, when by a Divine impulse, it returned towards the ocean
again safely cleaving the water. With a swift course, it reached a port of
Britain. Declan and his companions disembarking at that spot, the ship
returned towards the very station whence it came. On experiencing and
witnessing such a miracle wrought in their behalf, all those voyagers gave
thanks to Christ, for his bounties towards them. Thus was accomplished the
"
vessel,
At our saint's word, they
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 323
tian fraternity between themselves and their disciples, which was perpetually
to endure. After the expiration of forty days, having received permission from St. David and from his brethren, with their benediction and the kiss of peace, the holy father St. Declan and his disciples entered their vessel. Then they set out on their voyage for Ireland. The legend runs, that St. Declan's bell—already alluded to as having been sent from Heaven—was in the custody of Lunanus, a short time previous to their embarkation. On the day of their departure from Wales, Lunanus had given this bell to one of his companions,
whowas the son of that he Theste,
might carry
coming towards the shore, that person deposited the bell upon a rock, and
being occupied with some other affairs, he intended afterwards to bring it on board the vessel. However, during the hurry of debarkation, he forgot what had been placed in his charge, until under a full spread of canvass, the ship scudded before a brisk breeze into the mid-sea. When at length, the holy pontiff, St. Declan, had been informed, that the precious relic sent from God to him was forgotten on the shore, he felt much grieved in spirit, on account
of this neglect. All his fellow-passengers shared in this grief. But, looking
towards heaven, our saint secretly offered up a prayer to Christ.
ended this short petition, Declan said to his sorrowing disciples :
dren, lay aside your sadness, for the Almighty who hath bestowed this gift can bring it to us, and by a miraculous transportation. " In giving an account of the miracle which ensued, the author of our saint's Acts exclaims, that the Creator hath admirably shown his power over a material, naturally made weighty at the time of creation. That stone, which was very large, and of the hardest rocky species, nevertheless lightly floated off, with a swift course, and in a straight direction after Declan's ship. Meanwhile, it bore likewise the miraculous bell. After a short interval, the servants of God, who were in the ship, saw what had occurred. - They were greatly astonished at this wonderful miracle, and they were filled with the love of Christ. They also entertained a great veneration for their master. Filled with a prophetic spirit,
:
the holy Declan said to his companions " Steer our ship directly in the
wake of this rock ; and, in whatever place it shall touch the shore, my city shallthererisenearit. Inthatplace,theseatofmybishopricshallremain;and I shall depart thence to Christ, when my resurrection from its earth shall have been accomplished. " That floating rock immediately preceded their ship, at a short distance. It moved also at a rate commensurate with the sailing powers of their craft. The stone directed its course towards Ireland's southern sea-
coast, along which it moved, and at a short distance from the shore.
22
Pass-
ing from headland to headland, their ship followed its course, as the saint had
ordered, until the rock came to a certain island, on the southern shore of the
territory. resting-place
near it the vessel was landed, according to St. Declan's desire. Having dis- embarked, this holy man gave thanks to God, because he had thus reached that spot destined for his future resurrection.
Local tradition has another version for this story, and as there are variations in details, here it may be as well to present its substance.
Nan Decii 2 3 Here it found a on the sea-coast, and
in the Bay of Ardmore. See" Maityrology of Donegal," edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
ship in Erin. Declan said, that where the rock should touch the land, there God would permit him to erect a church, and this was afterwardsfulfilled. Thischurchwassituated
"See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- in the Deisies of Minister, where he per-
morise in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects. 28, 29, 30, 31, p. 599.
83 The rock, it is stated by the O'Clerys, swam after him, so that it arrived before the
formed many signs and miracles. See the
"
Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
24 This too accords with the relation, in
it to the 21 But, on ship.
"
Having My chil-
321 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
There is furthermore a Urge mass of rock on the beach, known as " St. Declan's Stone," and with which a curious popular belief is connected. It is said,tohavetloatedoverfromRome,2* withthebellsofArdmorecathedral. This fragment rests on the strand, in front of the village, and on a ledge of rock, by which it is supported 25 while many practices here intended to be de-
votional yet take place.
26
;
It is still to be seen,
2?
and just beneath the old cell of
The Slone of St. Deglan, Ardmore, County of Waterford.
St. Declan, which rises on the cliff. '- 8 On that island, there was a celebrated
2
hill. 9 By the inhabitants, in that part of the country, it had been denomi-
natedArdGoerach,3°whichisLatinize6M////W0ovium; becausecertainsheep there belonged to the chief's wife, residing in that country, and these were pastured on the island, where after feeding they were accustomed to lie down
the "Mattyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 200, 201.
5 A view of M. Declan's Rock is pre-
sented, where the human figure stands, in
the accompanying engraving, by Mrs. Millard. Tins view was drawn onthe wood by William
F. Wakeman, from a photograph, kindly procurred for the writer, by Very Rev. John Walsh, P. P. of Ardmore.
•
on the "patron day," and these celebrations annually occur on the 24th
•8
Tradition says, that the stone floated the holy man's bell and vestments in a miracu- lous manner from Rome. It is of course girt, like all the adjacent cliff, and it lies sheh ing on the point of a rock. On St. Declan's "patron day,'' numbers of the people used to pass three different times under this stone, to cure or prevent pains in the back. See Smith's "Ancient and present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, hi. , p. 47.
1 his has been Latinized Altitude
maqna.
30 More correctly written Ard-na-g-cae-
rach, in the Gaelic language. See Dayman's "Mew Handbook for Youghal,"p. x.
3 ' "Here," we are told, "Declan
Especially
of
2? For further illustrations of many other
objects of interest connected with Ardmore,
see Mr. and Mrs. Hall's "Ireland: its
Scenery, Character," &c, vol. i. , pp. 278 to 2$S.
July.
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 325
on its hill. Looking from that elevation, some disciples of our saint saw the
island surrounded by the sea. They asked their master Declan, how this
small eminence could suffice for the wants of his people. Our saint replied :
"
hill. " Wherefore, St. Declan's city, subsequently built in that place, received
the name of Ardmore, from the Scots. The holy bishop went to the Nan
Desiichieftain,andaskedthatislandfromhim. Thetanistcompliedwith
his
1 request.
My children, it si Kill no longer be called the small eminence, but the large
3
Then St. Declan went to a place which is called Atrium breasoil, in his Acts, and here ships were moored, to bear him towards that island. But, the local inhabitants felt greatly displeased, that St. Declan desired to dwell onsuchanisolatedspot. Topreventhislandingthere,theyconcealedhisships.
:
Whereupon, St. Declan's disciples said to him " O father, a necessity forsailing
thither shall arise, when obliged to pass from one place to another ; but, such necessity must more frequently occur, when thou art called away to Heaven. Wherefore, with heart and mouth we entreat thee, to desert that island, or to ask the Almighty Father, in the name of the Son, and through the unity of the Holy Spirit, that this strait be moved from its place, out into tl>e sea, and that in its place, there may be level land before thy city. For this spot cannot be easily inhabited, on account of the strait ; and here, not alone can
a cell much less a be built. " The city
holy
man
answered, saying :
" How
can I desert a place assigned to me by God, that I may die and be interred
therein? Yet, what you state, regarding the difficulty of dwelling here, I
know as well as yourselves, while the Almighty knows it still better ; how- ever, I am unwilling to ask the removal of this strait, contrary to God's holy will. Nevertheless, according to your wishes, I shall offer my prayers to the Lord, and then let him do whatever shall be most pleasing to his adorable Providence. '^ The legend relates, that on arising from his prayers, St. Declan
: wisaddressedbyhisdisciples,inthesefollowingwords "OFather,takeyour
staff, and after the manner in which his rod had been used by Moyses, strike the water of the strait. Afterwards, as you have said, let God do what He
pleases. " At the same time, his disciples 33 prayed to God, with their holy patron. Having taken his staff in hand, St. Declan struck the water in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, while making a sign of Christ's holy cross. Immediately, through a Divine favour, the waters of that wide strait began to retire 34 from their position, and towards the sea, in the presence of this man of God. We are told, that they rolled like a torrent from the breast of a mountain, and that marine animals could scarcely follow with sufficient speed the retreating waves, while many fishes were left behind on the deserted strand. Our holy pontiff, holding the staff in his hand, pur-
sued the retiring motion of these waters, when his disciples also followed, the sea meantime heaving in commotion, while the animals it contained sent forth a variety of discordant sounds. When holy Declan came to t—hat line, where earthandseawerebounded,apiousyouth,namedManchinus whofollowed in his
—was filled with on those monsters with the horror, seeing flying
footsteps
retreating waters, while those rolling on the deserted shore opened their mouths, in an unusual manner. He therefore said to St. Declan : "O holy
founded circ, 416, a seminary from which the light of Christianity radiated into all the
pp. 599, 600.
** In a parenthesis, we find it observed,
" eniin Sanctiet erant.
" ipsi probati
34 In a letter, received from the Rev. Samuel Hayman, Rector of Youghal, the writer states, that only local residents can
understand this legend, regarding that change in the embouchure of the River Blackwater,
districts ; and the retired hamlet became a sanctuary for religion and letters. "
See ibid.
32 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morise in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects. 32, 33,
contiguous
326 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
father, you have sufficiently diverted the waves from their course, we now should fear those animals recovered from the sea. " At these words, the waters stopped in their progress, and did not retire to any greater distance. On seeing this, Bishop Declan felt greatly displeased. He gave the youth a
" I have not
Almighty by His great power hath done so, and unless thou hadst thus
spoken, he would send them to a far greater distance. " Immediately, three drops of blood fell fromManchinus on the earth, and in three different places. Seeing this, St. Declan bestowed a benediction on his forehead, and the blood instantly ceased, to flow. Three clear fountains of fresh water sprung up beneath the saint's feet,35 exactly in those places where the blood-gouts had fallen.
That space, embraced by the former waters and within the reclaimed
strait, was about a mile in width ; and, although extending in length to a great distance, it afterwards became tributary to St. Declan's city. As meadow
6
After the waters retired, St. Declan's staff, which he held in his hand, was styled from that time, to a period when our saint's biographer wrote, Feartach Declain, in the Irish language. 37. It was so called, because many wonderful miracles were wrought through it, in every age, and owing to Declan's great sanctity. In a subsequent passage, the writer promises examples of such miracles, in attestation of his
slight
stroke on the
face, saying :
expelled
the but the waves,
and tillage land, it is said to have been most productive. 3
assertions. 38 We are that the lord over that told,
of the
land to our saint, at Ardmore. On this site, his monastery afterwards was built. 39 At what precise time, the foundations of his establishment were laid by our saint, seems to have baffled the inquiries of our best antiquaries and historians. It is told us, however, in the Life of St. Declan, that together with the saints and bishops, Ailbe, Ibar, Kyran, and with some disciples, he spread the faith of Christ in Ireland, before the arrival of St. Patrick ; although, to this latter is ascribed the conversion of potentates and princes in the Island. The labours of St. Declan were principally confined to the territory of Nan-Desii. There he preached to the people faith in the three persons of the Most Adorable Trinity, baptizing many, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. * The holy Bishop, with his disciples, rejoiced at the waves receding from that strait. In consequence thereof, his fame was divulged throughout all parts of Ireland. He began to build a large monastery, at the western side of a rivulet, which emptied into
1
the dried up strait, and which flowed from the middle of the former Island/ At this same place, a small city 42 was built near the rivulet, in honour of St. Declan.
Having heard rumoured the fame of our saint's sanctity, multitudes flocked to St. Declan, from all parts of Ireland, and those delivered themselves, soul
35 These fountains were to be seen at a time, when the author of our saint's Acts wrote. We arc told, by this writer, that sometimes, although rarely, the water in these wells was converted into a blood-red appearance. After this relation, he adds : "post mu'tuni tamen tempus, in signum virtutis apparent. "
36 «' Terra arrida sine aqua post aquarum
36, p. 600.
c Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland,"
p. 69. New edition.
4° He turned, as we are told, many from the
devil's service to that of the true God ; and, to confirm the faith of his new converts, he founded many religious establishments, in which some of his disciples were placed, that by securing their own salvation, they might, at the same time, be enabled to procure that
exitus expulsarum apparuit," are words that
follow, and they are attributed to the of his neophytes.
Psalmist.
37 It is Latinized, by the same writer, Mirabilis Bacillus Declani.
38 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. 1 )eclano Episcopo Ard- morix in Hibernia, cap. iv. , sects, 34, 35,
4I The author of our saint's Acts aids, "sed modo in mare post fretum vadit. "
part
country granted
42 In the Irish language, this town was "
called Ardmore. The biographer adds, Kt quomodo hsec Latine dicitur nomen apcrte pramotaturn est. "
July 24] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 327
and body, to Christ's service, under the rule of their holy patron. The sanc- tified father Declan built many cells and monasteries, through the whole
Desii country; and, not alone in that particular territory, but in other parts of Ireland, he founded establishments to promote God's honour. Many thou- sands of both sexes, we are told, assumed the monastic habit, in various places, under the government and rule of their holy patron, while these lived most piously in their profession. He also made certain disciples bishops, while he stationed them in some of those places already alluded to, and for the pur- pose of scattering the Gospel seed. Such was the piety, meekness, and perfect impartiality, towards his disciples, displayed by St. Declan, that his spiritual children preferred becoming subjects, under his own immediate jurisdiction, to assuming the charge of being superiors in other places, apart from the supervision of their beloved master. «
When Bishop Declan went to his native Nan Desii territory, in
order to spread the Gospel seed, he began to preach faith in the Most Holy Trinity to its people. He converted many from diabolic error to the
religion of Christ, the Omnipotent God, and he baptized them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He set apart many places for God's honour, in which he appointed some of his disciples to remain in the service of Christ, and in order to imbue the minds of the Gentiles with the Christian faith. He recalled numbers from the worship of the devil, to followthemaximsoftheGospel. Atonetime,oursaintvisitedthatplace, in which he was born,** and he remained there for forty days. He estab- lished in it, likewise, a cell 45 for men, who there led a most religious life. Then, those seven holy persons already mentioned,*6 who lived within the bounds of Scuti plain, and who had prophesied concerning him in his youth, came thither, and placed themselves, with their disciples and cells, under his direction. Those seven proto-monachists are named, Mochellog,4? Beanus,*8 Colmanus,49 Lachnin,s° Mothey,51 Findlach 52 and Caminanus. w Afterwards, these lived religiously, under the care of St. Declan, and through them, the Almighty was pleased to work many miracles. *4 When St. Declan arrived in Ireland, he began to scatter the Gospel seed. He united the prudence of the serpent with the simplicity of a dove. Like the hive of the provident bee, his habitation became filled with the sweet honey of sacred learning. It is said, that Saints Albeus, Declan and Ibar were strictly joined in bonds of
43 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morise in Hibernia, cap. v. , sects. 37, 38,
pp. 600,601.
44 This place was at first called "Atrium
Dobrani," and afterwards, "Atrium De- clani," as already stated.
45 The Bollandist editor states, that the word "cella" is everywhere used for
rum Antiquitates," cap. xvi. , p. 410.
47 His feast is placed at the 7th of March
in Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise,"
Lismore, might be a corruption of Mochel- loc.
48 This holy man has not been identified in the Irish Calendars, although five Beoans are there to be found.
49 Of one hundred and thirteen saints, called
Colman, in the O'Clerys' Calendar, the pre- sent Colmanus cannot be distinguished,
s° For this name, Rev. Dr. Lanigan substi-
tutes Lactin, and there are four different
Lachtains or Laichteins, in our Calendars, but no Lachin.
5* For this name, Dr. Lanigan substitutes Mobys, but he has not been identified,
& Dr. Lanigan substitutes Findlug, and there are five saints of this name in the Irish Calendars.
53 Otherwise Caminen or There Caymin.
is a Caimin of Inis-celtra, and no less than fourteen Caemhans ; but, amongst them, the present holy man cannot be discovered.
S4 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Aid-
" 46
monasterium," in our saint's Acts.
By Archbishop Ussher, the seven saints were thus named, "Mochelloci, scilicet, Beani, Colmani, Lachnini, Mobi, Findlugi, et Caminani. "—" Britannicarum Ecclesia-
where notices are
Eremita," pp. 511, 512, recte. At the same date, the reader shall find an account of him in the Third Volume of this work, Art. i. Rev. Dr. Lanigan offers a conjecture, that Mocollop, the name of a parish not far from
given,
" De S. Mochello
323
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July's*
friendship and alliance, and that they entered into these endearing ties, which were to continue among their successors, both on earth and in heaven. But, St. Albeus and St. Declan entertained such a particular friendship for each other, that they desired always to be in company, did not their disciples' interests urge the necessity for a separation^
6
The most holy father Declan wished to preach the Gospel to ^ngus,' son to Noadfrigh,57 King of Minister^8 who dwelt in the city of Cashel. 5' Towards this latter place, the saint proceeded. We are told, that St. Declan
60 hadtwobrothers,thesonsofhismother, butnotofhisfather,andthatthese
were also children to /Engus, King of Cashel. 61 These sons were called
otherwise Eocha. We learn, too, that
by Divine grace, Colman went of his own accord to the holy Bishop Albeus, and was baptized by this latter. He also received the ecclesiastical habit from Albeus, with whom he remained a diligent student, while he became a
holy and a wonder-working saint. But, Equitius remained a laic, expecting toinheritthekingdomafterhisfather'sdeath. Thelatterentreatedtheking his father, that he would give an honourable reception to his brother Declan. With this request, dingus cheerfully complied. The king not only allowed him to preach, but even Declan's discourses, morals and precepts, pleased him ; however, ^ngus did not profess himself a believer in his doctrines, nor would he receive baptism. The author of our saint's published Acts tells us, it was said by some, that the king would not be baptized by St. Declan, because the latter belonged to the Nan Desii, who were hostile to the Eoga- nachtribe,towhom. ADngusbelonged. Therefore,thekingwasnotwilling toacceptapatronfromtheNanDesiirace. Hisobjectionwasnotonaccount of mere incredulity, as succeeding events proved. For, on hearing that St.
6* the
deferred. 6*
morise in Hibernia, cap. iii. , sects. 24, 25,
p. 598.
W See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard-
moriae in Hibernia, cap. iii. , sect. 20, 21, 22,
23. PP- 597. 598.
styled i%neas.
s? More generally written Nadfraoich.
s8 According to the " Annals of the Four
Masters," he was killed A. D. 489.
59 Cashel was formerly the ancient resi-
dence of the Munster kings. It is situated
in the county of Tipperary.
60 She should thus have been married a
second time, according to the Life.
6t The manifest absurdity of this chrono- logy shows how inaccurate and how ignorant of history the writer must have been.
Colmanus,
02 and
Equitius,
being inspired
was about to visit him, the same
went from his city, and met the saint with great joy; but, immediately he believed in the Christian religion, and received baptism, from the Irish Apostle. With premonitory intimations of Divine grace being in store for the people of Cashel, St. Declan was satisfied and returned to his own nation. There, the whole people believed in those doctrines he taught, and they were duly baptized. The chieftain and some of his followers promised from day to day, to profess their belief in Christian truths, and to receive baptism from St. Declan. Yet,throughtheinstigationofSatan,theirconversionwasstill
Patrick,
Archbishop,
king
not
only
s6 the Irish In
6a has some notices of this Colgan
he is also noticed as Oengus and Aongus, and in Latin he is
Colman, as also of his brother Equitius or Eochadius, at the 27th day of January, in his Acts of St. Natalia, Abbot. There, this Colman is stated to have been Bishop of Doremore,and
According
to Ussher's Index
Chronologicus,
language,
St. Declan was born circiter a. d. 347. See
"
Biitannicarum Ecclesiarum
p. 511. A difference of 140 years should
elapse, in that supposition, between the
birth of our saint and the death of King iKngus.
to have had a feast at the 20th of May.
63 The author of our saint's Acts observes of St. Patrick: "qui de gente Britannia erat natus, cum quibus rex neque invidiam
See Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. De S. Declano Episcopo Ard- morias in Hibernia, cap, iv. , sect. 26,27,
pp. 598, 599.
6s xjie JJollandist editor observes, in a note
nee odium habebat. " 6* "
Antiquitates,"
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 329
It had been commonly asserted, that St. Declan visited Rome on
several occasions but, the author of our saint's Acts relates, that in old re- j
cords, he found three timeshad been the utmost numberassigned for those visits. During one of these journeys, on his return from Rome, Declan came to a holy bishop among the Britons, who was named David. 6 ^ lie lived in his city of Cellmhuny,66 beside the shore and sea, which divides Hibernia from Bri- tannia. He was most honourably receivedby St. David, owing to whose entreaty Declan remained as a guest for forty days. During this time, he daily cele- brated the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 6? Meantime, as we are told, the glorious Archbishop Patrick, being sent on his mission by Pope Celestine, came into Ireland, and Almighty God disposed the hearts of its people to
68
St. Patrick was favourably received by yEngus, son to Neodfruoich, who has been already
mentioned as the of Munster. 6 9 From King
receive his doctrine.
