TheBritishbishopssoughttheassist- ance of their Gallic brethren, to refute the
subtleties
of these heresiarchs.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
^^ Secondly,anaffectionateandunalterableintimacyexisted between St.
David, and some of the most eminent of our Irish saints, who either lived with him for a time, as disciples and scholars, or who claimed his friendship and religious services.
Thirdly, by our national hagiologists and martyrologists, we find his name and festival set down in native Calen- dars and Martyrologies, with the saints of our own country.
This is quite an unusual distinction, when a saint had not been known, as connected with Ireland, by birth, residence, or death.
=7 Fourthly, among the Acts of Irish saints, found in the Codex Kilkeimietisis and Book of the Island, those of St.
David, Bishop of Menevia, are included. To the foregoing, we may be per- mitted to append an observation, that the name, festival, patronage and
memory of St. David, for a long period, have been held in veneration, by the inhabitantsofourownGreenIsland; and,invariouslocalitiesthere,churches
and religious houses have cherished his patronage and protection.
CHAPTER V.
ST. DAVID, WITH ST. ELIUD AND ST. PATERONE, VISITS JERUSALEM—THE GIFT OF TONGUES—HOSPITABLY RECEIVED BY THE PATRIARCH—ST. DAVID'S CONSECRATION —PREACHING OF THOSE HOLY MISSIONARIES, AND NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CON- VERTED—PRESENTS RECEIVED ON THEIR RETURN TO BRITAIN—THE PELAGIAN HERESY—SVNOD CONVOKED AT BREVI—A GREAT MULTITUDE ASSEMBLED THERE, TO WHOM ST. DAVID PREACHES—MIRACULOUS MANIFESTATIONS—HE IS CREATED ARCHBISHOP OVER THE BRITONS—THE PROBABLE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS IN THE SEE OF CARLEON—THE "SYNOD OF VICTORY" THERE ASSEMBLED—ITS DECREES AND HAPPY RESULTS—REMOVAL OF THE SEE FROM CARLEON TO MENEVIA—ST. KENTIGERN'S VISIT TO THE HOLY ARCHBISHOP.
St. David was commanded by an angel to repair to Jerusalem with two of
hiscompanions,namedEliudorTeiio,andPadarnorPeterone. ' Heasked •
brensis' works says : "This legend is also found in the older Life, published by the
Bollandists, but is rejected by them as a later insertion. It is found in all the early
hagiologies, and is so completely Irish in its character, that its genuineness can hardly be disputed. No one would now think of paring down these accounts to the dead level of historic prose. "
=^4 Giraldus calls Modomnoc, "Mandab- naucus. " In the Utrecht MS. we read Modnuciant, iox Co\gz. n! s Modomnoc. See his Life, at the 13th of February.
"S Ricemarc says : "In Hibernia nun-
quam ad illud tempus apes vivere poterant. Nam si Hiberniensem humum aut lapidem
mediis apibus immitteres ; dispersse atque
fugaces nimium devitarent. " Giraldus at-
tributes this importation of most useful
insects, to St. Dominick of Ossory, on the
assertion of some writers. See "Topo-
graphia Hibernica. " Distinctio i, cap. vi. ,
"
Opera," vol. v.
^* Her father, Bracan, was son to Ha- lulph, an Irish king or prince. See Albertus le Grande, "De Sanctis Armoricae. " Vita S. Cadoci, I Novembris. And William Camden, in his account of Great Britain, notes to "Itinerarium Cambrite," lib. i. , cap. ii. In the Acts, and notes thereto, of St. Canoe, at the nth of February, Colgan likewise treats on this subject.
*' St. ^ngus and the Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus O'Gorman, Maguire and
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
the angel, how this matter could be accomplished, as both of these holy men were then living far apart from him, and from each other. The angel then said, he would bring all three together, and that they should meet at an appointed place. All matters being thus arranged, St. David repaired towards the sea-shore. As the angel had promised, both of his designated companions joined him. They formed one band, and all were regarded as on an equal footing. Accordingly, he and his two companions set out, with one heart and will. But, on reaching France, and hearing its people speak in a different language from that of their own native land, God bestowed on David and his friends the gift of tongues, so that, during the whole of their journey, they did not need an interpreter. ^ They were even found capable of speaking strange dialects. Furthermore, the Almighty was pleased to direct their course towards Jerusalem. But. before they had entered this re- nowned and hallowed city, the Angel of God visited its patriarchs in a dream.
Thisangelsaidtohim "ThreeCatholicsfromtheboundsoftheWestare
:
coming to thee. Receive them with honour. One of these, named David,
you shall consecrate Archbishop. " The patriarch greatly rejoiced, on hear- ing these words, and afterwards he received the holy strangers with marked
distinction.
On reaching Jerusalem, they were graciously and hospitably entertained by the patriarch. * David himself, as we are told, was consecrated Arch- bishop. All three were commanded by this patriarch to preach to the Jews, and to other heretical opponents of the Catholic Church. They were ex- horted, to regard this office as their special^duty, being true soldiers of Christ, wielding the buckler of Faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. They were required to preach the Scriptures daily, that so they
the Martyrology of Donegal, have notices of St. David, at the date assigned for his
published at the nth of January. See these notices of Theodosius, in "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , xi. Januarii. Vita S. Theo- dosii, pp. 6S0 to 701. The Bollandists assign this visit of St. David, and his conse- cration at Jerusalem, to about A. D. 516, or almost immediately after this year.
making pilgrimages to Rome, at this period and subsequently, is mentioned by Ricemarc, in his Life of St.
David, "cum inextinguibile Hibernensium desiderium ad sanctorum Petri et Pauli
'
festival. — Chapter v,
' '^
Fatern, of a noble
family in Armorica, having studied 20 years in Ireland, came and settled in Cambria,
where he usefully employed his time in pro-
the several
* The Irish custom of
moting peace among
He generally resided at Cardigan, where is still to be seen Llan-Badarn-vaivr, that is, The Church of great St. Patent, which for some time was a bishop's seat. Fatern died in his native country, where he was so dis- tinguished for holiness of life, that no less
than three — festival-days
"
on the
"Essays Origin, Doctrines,
his memory. " Rapin's land," vol. i. , book ii. , p. 43.
* We are there was a informed,
chap, iii. , p. 150. On this particBlar sub-
similarity in the lives and actions of Dewi, Padarn and Teilo, and that, on such account,
they are frequently joined together in the
"Welsh Triads. They are called the three
Blessed Visitors and the three Blessed Bards
of the Isle of Britain. David is said to have
performed Divine Service, in a more pleas-
ing manner, than either of his companions ;
Padarn sang in a superior style ; and Teilo
surpassed either of the former, as an excel-
lent preacher. See Rev. John Williams'
proofs, afforded by the author, regai'ding Irish pilgrimages made to Rome, from the days of St. Patrick to periods long subse- quent. We have no mention about St. David having visited Rome ; yet, it is possible, he may have journeyed thither, onr his going to or returning from Jenisalem. However, as he does not then appear to have been consecrated bishop, or as Rome might have taken him too far away from a direct course, or as want of time, opportu- nity, means, &c. , might not have permitted, St. David may have been obliged to forego his wishes, on this matter of accomplishing
a Roman pilgrimage.
s Giraldus says, that at this time the fury
"
Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the Cymry,"
chap, v. , p. 133.
3 The Patriarch of Jerusalem, at this time,
was John HI. , as the Bollandists prove, in the Life of S. Theodosius the Ccenobiarch,
princes.
were dedicated to
See Rt. Rev. Dr. Moran's valuable and learned
History of Eng-
great ject,
there are instances and multiplied
apostolorum reliquias visitandas arderet. '
and Dis- cipline of the Early Irish Church," part iii. ,
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 29
might frustrate and overcome their spiritual adversaries. s These commands were duly obeyed, and the Gospel was announced every day. Their labours were crowned with a fruitful harvest of souls. Many were brought into the fold of Christ's Church. Many believers, also, were still more confirmed in the faith.
This happy and fruitful pilgrimage had brought with it a term, when the Almightywishedhisfaithfulservants'returntowardstheirowncountry. As parting gifts, the patriarch bestowed on Blessed David four different objects. These were intended to serve for religious souvenirs of the time spent by him in a land so celebrated, and which had been the immediate scene of so many great mysteries and miracles effected, when our Lord Jesus appeared to men
upon earth. They were a consecrate
chronicon,
them.
**
In hac quoque provincia, Hibemia, et Scotia Campanae sunt et baculi
Ornatu sub niultiplici. Tarn digni procul dubio
In clero et in
Quod vereantur hodie tory
Perjurium committere
Tam horum
super alterum,
Quam super evangelium. "
(Vol. i. , lib. i. , pp. 426, 428. )
of Vic-
is said to have assembled, a. d. 519.
See the edition, edited by Churchill Babing-
ton, B. D. , and published under direction of
the Master of the Rolls.
2
In the Life of St. Telius, says the Bol-
landist editor, it is related, the bell was his
baculus and cappa choralis. " In Cap- grave's Vita S. Patricii we read, " S. David lapidem, quern a Patriarcha Hierosolymi- tano in sua consecratione acceperat, adhuc vivens Ecclesias Glastoniensi delegavit. " The patriarch, in the Utrecht MS. , is said
peculiar gift, and that St. Padarn received a """
populo,
"
—d
altar^—used no doubt for
missionary purposes while travelling
presents were held in the greatest veneration, as relics, and were long after- wards preserved. Through them, many miracles are said to have been
wrought, in various places. 9
Either before or after his consecration, David founded a monastery in the
ValleyofRosina,^°whichwasafterwardscalledMenevia. Herehelivedin seclusion, for some time, till he was called to the Synod of Brefi. " Amidst
to have told these saints, to return in peace towards their own country, and that those
should after^vards reach them. The guardian angel of each is said to have brought his own gift to every one of those saints, when he had arrived at his own reli- gious house. David was then found at his
of the Gentiles—Ricemarc says of the Jews
—greatly prevailed against the Christians. The Patriarch obtained the consent of our saints, to spread the Gospel " in Orientis aliquamdiu partibus," &c. —Lect. vii.
gifts
monastery, named Langemelech—by
^ " In quo Dominicum sacrabat corpus," adds the Utrecht MS. , "quod innumeris virtutibus pollens, nunquam ab hominibus ab Pontificis obitu visum est sed
Giral-
ejus : pelleis velaminibus tectum absconditum latet in-
dus it is called " Inde ea vo- Langevelach.
signi etiam nola : sed et ipsa virtutibus claret : baculo et tunica ex auro texta. "
^ We learn from Ranulph Higden's "Poly-
"
that in Wales, as in Ireland and Scotland, bells and crooked staves, (croziers) were held in great veneration, and people feared to commit perjury, when swearing on
cat vulgus coelo venientia," adds the Utrecht
MS. Giraldus says, the bell and altar were
regarded as instrumental in working miracles, at his day ; and, that the gifts of Paternus
and Eliud, preserved in their monasteries, were similarly signalized.
5 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sects, xx. ,
xxi. , xxii. , p. 428.
'°
Sometimes called Ross, Rosnaut or Ros- nat. It was situated in Pembrokeshire. Fre- quent mention is made regarding this monas- tery, in the Acts of various Irish saints. It was reputed as one of their foreign colleges.
portable
a staff, a bell,7 and a tunic. These
" This Synod of Brevy—confounded by
— with the " Colgan (note 27) Synod
See Bale, Century i. , cap. 55, and Ussher's
" Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
ber of bishops here assembled, Colgan observes, formerly in the British and Irish
Church, bishops were much more numerous, than at a later period. He says, there were many titular bishops, who had no determi- nate dioceses or subjects. St. Patrick is said to have consecrated 350 bishops, under his own hand ; but, it does not follow, that all these held different sees, "nisi nomine sedium intelligamus ipsa Monasteria, quo- rum prelati passim creabantur Episcopi. "— "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 27, p. 432.
Antiquitates. " Index Chronologicus, A. D. DXix. , p. 526. Endeavouring to account for the large num-
^
so LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
many calamities tliat befell their country, the Britons found themselves in- volved in theological disputes. About the commencement of the fifth century, these controversies led' to what has been since called the Pelagian heresy. This appellation it derived from Pelagius, a Briton, who broached heterodox and dangerous errors, regarding the nature of Divine Qrace and Original Sin. In advancing such opinions, he was sustained by Celestius, a Scot,andadisciple,namedAgricola.
TheBritishbishopssoughttheassist- ance of their Gallic brethren, to refute the subtleties of these heresiarchs. Having obtained permission from Pope Celestine I. , St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, visited Britain, on two different occasions. In 429 he came, accompanied by St. Lupus, Bishop of Troyes, and again in 446, with Seve- rus of Treves. " The opinions of Pelagius were finally condemned and sup- pressed,whilstjudiciouseffortsweremadetocounteractthem. Schoolsand seminaries for clerical education supplied at length a much needed require- ment, in various dioceses. ^3
At that time, when the Pelagian heresy was again growing rife in Britain, a numerous Synod of bishops was summoned. So great was the throng of
people, that they crowded all the surrounding neighbourhood, when this con- vocation took place. They assembled at a place called Brevi, and hence it is known as the Synod of Brevy. '* One account has it, that no less than one hundred and eighteen bishops's were present, together with an almost limit- less gathering of abbots, religious, clerics, kings, princes and nobles. '^ This multitudinous gathering resembled in some measure one of those great " monster meetings," with which the passing generation of our own country- menmustbetolerablyfamiliar; for,wearetold,thatatrumpet,muchlessa human voice, could hardly be expected to sound in the ears of all present. It was feared, that if this great multitude could not hear a preacher, the leaven of heresy must remain amongst them. '7
This great Synod had assembled within Cardiganshire. A discussion then arose among the bishops, as to who should preach to so great a multitude. '^ It was determined, at last, that he who could preach, so as to be heard by all, should be named Metropolitan. A heap of garments was piled together, and this served as an open-air tribune. Bishop after bishop arose. But
'*
Synod of Brevi. Its chronology has been thus determined : "Papas Rom. Hormisd. 6. Anno Christi 519. Imperat. Justin.
** Both St. Germanus and St. Lupus, in
a conference with the Pelagians at Verlulam,
defended the truth with such constancy and
evidence, that many turned from former nice et Hiberniae," vol. i. , p. 8, there is a errors. " But after their departure, the brief account of what is called Sytwdus Heretkks gaining ground again, Germanus Menevensis, which is identified with the
was desired once more to come over. Though
he was now very old, he undertook a second
voyage into i9; //a/H, in company with ^z/tr-
rus. Bishop of Troyc. " See, Rapin de sen. 2. " It is said to have been convened
*' of translated Thoyras' History England,"
by N. Tindal, M. A. Vol. i. , book i. , p. 29. London : 1743, folio. Third Edition,
'^ In " Ceretica regione"—now Cardi- ganshire— according to GiraldusCambrensis. See Vita S. Davidis. This place is also called Lhan-DeuyBreuy, which is Latinized, "templum S. Davidis Breuiense. " It may be Ano-licized as the church of St. David near the River Brroi. See, also, "Itinera- rum Cambrice," lib. ii. , cap. 4.
's Capgravc and Giraldus Cambrcnsis do not uieutlou the number of bishops present.
"
contra fecem Palagianae hceresis adhuc redolentem. " The account, given by Wilkins, is chiefly extracted from Balaeus, Centur. i. , cap. 55, and from the Eighth Lesson of St. David's Life, by Cam-
brensis.
''Of the people, Giraldus says, "haere-
tica pravitate pene irrevocabiliter infectum,
ad fidei reducere tramitem non prsevaluis-
set. "—Vita S. Davidis.
'3 See Dr. Lingard's "History of Eng- land," vol. i. , chap, i. , A. D. 449, p. 58.
The latter, however, calls this "npiversali totius Kambrise Synodo. "
In Wilkins' "Concilia Magnse Britan-
under St. David,
'^
we are said to possess only the names of
According to an account of this Synod,
"
twg . ind Cybi. " Rev. John Williams' Ec- clesiaslical Antiquities of the Cymry," chap.
Pawl— Cat- Dyvrig, Hen, Deiniol, Dewi,"
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 31
their voices could scarcely be heard by their next neighbours, for a great tumult arose among the people. The ecclesiastics especially felt some degree of trepidation, lest the crowd might continue irresolute or unconvinced re- garding the true nature of tlwse subtle controversies discussed or treated on, in this large assembly. The clerics regarded their labour as already lost, until one of the bishops, named Paulinus, with whom David formerly studied, rising in their midst, said before all: "There is indeed a bishop here, who has been consecrated by the patriarch of Jerusalem ; he is eloquent, has a beautiful countenance, is filled with the grace of God, and of approved height'9andfigure,fortheAngeloftheLordishiscompanion. Therefore, call him to your council. " Having heard these words, messengers were sent to invite St. David's attendance. Such, however, had been his humble and
^° that three different times he wished to decline their invita- tion. At last, two venerable men, St, Daniel and St. Dubritius,^' were sent to him. Owing to their persuasions, he consented to come.
On his way to the Synod, it is related, that a woman placed the dead
body of her son" before St. David. She besought him in tears, to bring her
offspring once again to life. The compassionate bishop, touched by her misfortune, offered his prayers to God, when the boy was soon restored to
retiring nature,
life and health. Transported with joy, his mother cried out
"
:
" My son that
had died, through God's favour and yours, now lives !
The holy bishop, David, then lifting this boy in his arms, placed him on his own shoulders, andthusconveyedhimtowardstheSynod. Thischildafterwardsendedhis
days, by a holy death.
When St. David arrived, all those constituting the Synod, especially the
secular and regular clergy, greatly rejoiced. Being asked to preach, he humbly consented. On rising for this purpose, in presence of a vast multi- tude, a snow-white dove seemed coming down from heaven, and, at length, it alighted on the shoulders of St. David. '^3 With clear intonation, and as if with trumpet notes, he begun to announce the Word of God. ^-* He met all
xiv. , p. 237, note. This writer assigns the lagh," p. xxxiv. It is supposed, he was thus usual date, A. D. 519, for the Synod of ranked with the Irish Saints, because he
Brevi.
lived an eremitical life, for some years, at
Inis-angin, in Lough Ree, as would appear from a Life of St. Kieran of Clonmacnois
(Chap. 25). He is supposed to have died, between tlie years 542 and 545.
^^ "
"
adds the Utrecht MS.
'9
Quatuor cubitorum statura erectus,"
^° " Erat enim virsanctus, contemplationi deditus : de temporalibus rebus et seculari-
bus, nisi necessitate urgentiore compulsus,
Cui barbara imperitia Magnum no-
—Giraldus
Dubricius died in the Isle of ^«r^j^ snow-white dove is a circumstance often
"
History noted in the Acts of various saints. Thus, of England," vol. i. , book ii. , note (i), p. at the ordination of St. Sampson, as Cap- 43. Translation by N. Tindal, M. A. His grave relates in his Life of St. Dubricius ;
aut niliil aut parum curans. " Cambrensis, "Vita S. Davidis. "
men adds the Utrecht MS. dederat,"
""
"3 Colgan remarks, that the descent of a
in 522," according to Rapin. See
demise took place on the 14th of November.
St. Daniel was the first bishop of Bangor,
likewise, at the ordination of St. Fabian, Pope, as stated by Eusebius, lib. 6, cap. 22, and by Baronius, at a. d. 238. Again, in
near Anglesea, about A. D. 516, or perhaps
later. He was consecrated by his master, the case of St. Papeus, as related in the
St. Dubritius, Bishop, or as sometimes called Archbishop of LandafF, or Legion- ensis, as we are told, by the Bollandist editor. St. Daniel's feast occurs on the ist of December, according to the English Mar- tyrology, and that of St. Dubritius on the 14th of November, with his translation at the 8th of May. The Martyrology of Tal- laght, Marianus and Maguire, place St. Daniel's festival at the nth of Septeml)er.
Acts of St. Endeus of Arran, at the 21st of
March. See"ActaSanctorumHiberniae,"
i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 29, p. 432. Also, ibid. , xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, cap. xix. , p. 708.
'"' "Juxtaillud : 'Aperi os tuum, et ego
See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of Tal-
'
Non enim vos estis, qui loqua-
adimplebo illud. ' Et alibi :
' Cum
steteritis
ante reges et prsesides, nolite cogitare, quo-
modo aut quid loquamini. Dabitur enim
vobis ilia hora quid loquamini. ' Et subse-
queiiter :
32 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
objections advanced for the prevailing heresy, and admirably refuted them, whilst he proved most convincingly the tenets of Holy Church. He gained
all hearts, by his eloquent and persuasive words, so that the entire multitude gave thanks to the Almighty and to our saint. Meantime, the earth appeared to swell beneath his feet, until the preacher, ascending above the crowd, was
distinctly seen by all present, as if standing upon a high hill. ^s
He preached in so loud, and in so full a voice, that he was heard by all
present ; by those who were near, as well as by those, who were obliged to remain afar. With consent of all prelates, kings and chieftains there, he was named Archbishop of Britain. ^^ To this arrangement he reluctantly assented. The city, in which he was destined to reside, had been raised to the dignity of a Metropolitical see. ^? The date of St. David's elevation to the episcopal dignity has been left very much an open question, for chronographers to determine. ^^ That St. David belonged wholly to the sixth century, is Dr. Lanigan's opinion, he being contemporary with Irish saints of the second order. As for certain biographical writers, who made him a bishop in the fifth century, they are not worth attending to, in the estimation of this learned Doctor.
It hardly falls within our province, to treat on the origin of Menevia ; or rather a removal thither of old Cear-leon see, in the time of David's incum- bency,asratifiedbythecelebratedSynodofBrevy. Theseeventshavebeen illustrated with much accuracy, both by Ussher^s and by StiUingfleet. 3° At the Church of Llan Devi Brevi, a curious inscription was found by Mr. Lluyd, on a stone set over the chancel door. The inhabitants said this com- memorated a person struck dead by St. David, for letting loose a mischievous beaver, after it had been ensnared with difficulty. This inscription was long preserved. Thesextonofthechurchshowedhimararitycalled,Matkornyr
ych bannog or Matkorn ych Dewi, which was said to have been there pre- served from the time of St. David. He added the fable of the oxen called Ychen bannog, which drew away a monstrous beaver dead.
David, Bishop of Menevia, are included. To the foregoing, we may be per- mitted to append an observation, that the name, festival, patronage and
memory of St. David, for a long period, have been held in veneration, by the inhabitantsofourownGreenIsland; and,invariouslocalitiesthere,churches
and religious houses have cherished his patronage and protection.
CHAPTER V.
ST. DAVID, WITH ST. ELIUD AND ST. PATERONE, VISITS JERUSALEM—THE GIFT OF TONGUES—HOSPITABLY RECEIVED BY THE PATRIARCH—ST. DAVID'S CONSECRATION —PREACHING OF THOSE HOLY MISSIONARIES, AND NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CON- VERTED—PRESENTS RECEIVED ON THEIR RETURN TO BRITAIN—THE PELAGIAN HERESY—SVNOD CONVOKED AT BREVI—A GREAT MULTITUDE ASSEMBLED THERE, TO WHOM ST. DAVID PREACHES—MIRACULOUS MANIFESTATIONS—HE IS CREATED ARCHBISHOP OVER THE BRITONS—THE PROBABLE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS IN THE SEE OF CARLEON—THE "SYNOD OF VICTORY" THERE ASSEMBLED—ITS DECREES AND HAPPY RESULTS—REMOVAL OF THE SEE FROM CARLEON TO MENEVIA—ST. KENTIGERN'S VISIT TO THE HOLY ARCHBISHOP.
St. David was commanded by an angel to repair to Jerusalem with two of
hiscompanions,namedEliudorTeiio,andPadarnorPeterone. ' Heasked •
brensis' works says : "This legend is also found in the older Life, published by the
Bollandists, but is rejected by them as a later insertion. It is found in all the early
hagiologies, and is so completely Irish in its character, that its genuineness can hardly be disputed. No one would now think of paring down these accounts to the dead level of historic prose. "
=^4 Giraldus calls Modomnoc, "Mandab- naucus. " In the Utrecht MS. we read Modnuciant, iox Co\gz. n! s Modomnoc. See his Life, at the 13th of February.
"S Ricemarc says : "In Hibernia nun-
quam ad illud tempus apes vivere poterant. Nam si Hiberniensem humum aut lapidem
mediis apibus immitteres ; dispersse atque
fugaces nimium devitarent. " Giraldus at-
tributes this importation of most useful
insects, to St. Dominick of Ossory, on the
assertion of some writers. See "Topo-
graphia Hibernica. " Distinctio i, cap. vi. ,
"
Opera," vol. v.
^* Her father, Bracan, was son to Ha- lulph, an Irish king or prince. See Albertus le Grande, "De Sanctis Armoricae. " Vita S. Cadoci, I Novembris. And William Camden, in his account of Great Britain, notes to "Itinerarium Cambrite," lib. i. , cap. ii. In the Acts, and notes thereto, of St. Canoe, at the nth of February, Colgan likewise treats on this subject.
*' St. ^ngus and the Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus O'Gorman, Maguire and
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
the angel, how this matter could be accomplished, as both of these holy men were then living far apart from him, and from each other. The angel then said, he would bring all three together, and that they should meet at an appointed place. All matters being thus arranged, St. David repaired towards the sea-shore. As the angel had promised, both of his designated companions joined him. They formed one band, and all were regarded as on an equal footing. Accordingly, he and his two companions set out, with one heart and will. But, on reaching France, and hearing its people speak in a different language from that of their own native land, God bestowed on David and his friends the gift of tongues, so that, during the whole of their journey, they did not need an interpreter. ^ They were even found capable of speaking strange dialects. Furthermore, the Almighty was pleased to direct their course towards Jerusalem. But. before they had entered this re- nowned and hallowed city, the Angel of God visited its patriarchs in a dream.
Thisangelsaidtohim "ThreeCatholicsfromtheboundsoftheWestare
:
coming to thee. Receive them with honour. One of these, named David,
you shall consecrate Archbishop. " The patriarch greatly rejoiced, on hear- ing these words, and afterwards he received the holy strangers with marked
distinction.
On reaching Jerusalem, they were graciously and hospitably entertained by the patriarch. * David himself, as we are told, was consecrated Arch- bishop. All three were commanded by this patriarch to preach to the Jews, and to other heretical opponents of the Catholic Church. They were ex- horted, to regard this office as their special^duty, being true soldiers of Christ, wielding the buckler of Faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. They were required to preach the Scriptures daily, that so they
the Martyrology of Donegal, have notices of St. David, at the date assigned for his
published at the nth of January. See these notices of Theodosius, in "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , xi. Januarii. Vita S. Theo- dosii, pp. 6S0 to 701. The Bollandists assign this visit of St. David, and his conse- cration at Jerusalem, to about A. D. 516, or almost immediately after this year.
making pilgrimages to Rome, at this period and subsequently, is mentioned by Ricemarc, in his Life of St.
David, "cum inextinguibile Hibernensium desiderium ad sanctorum Petri et Pauli
'
festival. — Chapter v,
' '^
Fatern, of a noble
family in Armorica, having studied 20 years in Ireland, came and settled in Cambria,
where he usefully employed his time in pro-
the several
* The Irish custom of
moting peace among
He generally resided at Cardigan, where is still to be seen Llan-Badarn-vaivr, that is, The Church of great St. Patent, which for some time was a bishop's seat. Fatern died in his native country, where he was so dis- tinguished for holiness of life, that no less
than three — festival-days
"
on the
"Essays Origin, Doctrines,
his memory. " Rapin's land," vol. i. , book ii. , p. 43.
* We are there was a informed,
chap, iii. , p. 150. On this particBlar sub-
similarity in the lives and actions of Dewi, Padarn and Teilo, and that, on such account,
they are frequently joined together in the
"Welsh Triads. They are called the three
Blessed Visitors and the three Blessed Bards
of the Isle of Britain. David is said to have
performed Divine Service, in a more pleas-
ing manner, than either of his companions ;
Padarn sang in a superior style ; and Teilo
surpassed either of the former, as an excel-
lent preacher. See Rev. John Williams'
proofs, afforded by the author, regai'ding Irish pilgrimages made to Rome, from the days of St. Patrick to periods long subse- quent. We have no mention about St. David having visited Rome ; yet, it is possible, he may have journeyed thither, onr his going to or returning from Jenisalem. However, as he does not then appear to have been consecrated bishop, or as Rome might have taken him too far away from a direct course, or as want of time, opportu- nity, means, &c. , might not have permitted, St. David may have been obliged to forego his wishes, on this matter of accomplishing
a Roman pilgrimage.
s Giraldus says, that at this time the fury
"
Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the Cymry,"
chap, v. , p. 133.
3 The Patriarch of Jerusalem, at this time,
was John HI. , as the Bollandists prove, in the Life of S. Theodosius the Ccenobiarch,
princes.
were dedicated to
See Rt. Rev. Dr. Moran's valuable and learned
History of Eng-
great ject,
there are instances and multiplied
apostolorum reliquias visitandas arderet. '
and Dis- cipline of the Early Irish Church," part iii. ,
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 29
might frustrate and overcome their spiritual adversaries. s These commands were duly obeyed, and the Gospel was announced every day. Their labours were crowned with a fruitful harvest of souls. Many were brought into the fold of Christ's Church. Many believers, also, were still more confirmed in the faith.
This happy and fruitful pilgrimage had brought with it a term, when the Almightywishedhisfaithfulservants'returntowardstheirowncountry. As parting gifts, the patriarch bestowed on Blessed David four different objects. These were intended to serve for religious souvenirs of the time spent by him in a land so celebrated, and which had been the immediate scene of so many great mysteries and miracles effected, when our Lord Jesus appeared to men
upon earth. They were a consecrate
chronicon,
them.
**
In hac quoque provincia, Hibemia, et Scotia Campanae sunt et baculi
Ornatu sub niultiplici. Tarn digni procul dubio
In clero et in
Quod vereantur hodie tory
Perjurium committere
Tam horum
super alterum,
Quam super evangelium. "
(Vol. i. , lib. i. , pp. 426, 428. )
of Vic-
is said to have assembled, a. d. 519.
See the edition, edited by Churchill Babing-
ton, B. D. , and published under direction of
the Master of the Rolls.
2
In the Life of St. Telius, says the Bol-
landist editor, it is related, the bell was his
baculus and cappa choralis. " In Cap- grave's Vita S. Patricii we read, " S. David lapidem, quern a Patriarcha Hierosolymi- tano in sua consecratione acceperat, adhuc vivens Ecclesias Glastoniensi delegavit. " The patriarch, in the Utrecht MS. , is said
peculiar gift, and that St. Padarn received a """
populo,
"
—d
altar^—used no doubt for
missionary purposes while travelling
presents were held in the greatest veneration, as relics, and were long after- wards preserved. Through them, many miracles are said to have been
wrought, in various places. 9
Either before or after his consecration, David founded a monastery in the
ValleyofRosina,^°whichwasafterwardscalledMenevia. Herehelivedin seclusion, for some time, till he was called to the Synod of Brefi. " Amidst
to have told these saints, to return in peace towards their own country, and that those
should after^vards reach them. The guardian angel of each is said to have brought his own gift to every one of those saints, when he had arrived at his own reli- gious house. David was then found at his
of the Gentiles—Ricemarc says of the Jews
—greatly prevailed against the Christians. The Patriarch obtained the consent of our saints, to spread the Gospel " in Orientis aliquamdiu partibus," &c. —Lect. vii.
gifts
monastery, named Langemelech—by
^ " In quo Dominicum sacrabat corpus," adds the Utrecht MS. , "quod innumeris virtutibus pollens, nunquam ab hominibus ab Pontificis obitu visum est sed
Giral-
ejus : pelleis velaminibus tectum absconditum latet in-
dus it is called " Inde ea vo- Langevelach.
signi etiam nola : sed et ipsa virtutibus claret : baculo et tunica ex auro texta. "
^ We learn from Ranulph Higden's "Poly-
"
that in Wales, as in Ireland and Scotland, bells and crooked staves, (croziers) were held in great veneration, and people feared to commit perjury, when swearing on
cat vulgus coelo venientia," adds the Utrecht
MS. Giraldus says, the bell and altar were
regarded as instrumental in working miracles, at his day ; and, that the gifts of Paternus
and Eliud, preserved in their monasteries, were similarly signalized.
5 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sects, xx. ,
xxi. , xxii. , p. 428.
'°
Sometimes called Ross, Rosnaut or Ros- nat. It was situated in Pembrokeshire. Fre- quent mention is made regarding this monas- tery, in the Acts of various Irish saints. It was reputed as one of their foreign colleges.
portable
a staff, a bell,7 and a tunic. These
" This Synod of Brevy—confounded by
— with the " Colgan (note 27) Synod
See Bale, Century i. , cap. 55, and Ussher's
" Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
ber of bishops here assembled, Colgan observes, formerly in the British and Irish
Church, bishops were much more numerous, than at a later period. He says, there were many titular bishops, who had no determi- nate dioceses or subjects. St. Patrick is said to have consecrated 350 bishops, under his own hand ; but, it does not follow, that all these held different sees, "nisi nomine sedium intelligamus ipsa Monasteria, quo- rum prelati passim creabantur Episcopi. "— "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 27, p. 432.
Antiquitates. " Index Chronologicus, A. D. DXix. , p. 526. Endeavouring to account for the large num-
^
so LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
many calamities tliat befell their country, the Britons found themselves in- volved in theological disputes. About the commencement of the fifth century, these controversies led' to what has been since called the Pelagian heresy. This appellation it derived from Pelagius, a Briton, who broached heterodox and dangerous errors, regarding the nature of Divine Qrace and Original Sin. In advancing such opinions, he was sustained by Celestius, a Scot,andadisciple,namedAgricola.
TheBritishbishopssoughttheassist- ance of their Gallic brethren, to refute the subtleties of these heresiarchs. Having obtained permission from Pope Celestine I. , St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, visited Britain, on two different occasions. In 429 he came, accompanied by St. Lupus, Bishop of Troyes, and again in 446, with Seve- rus of Treves. " The opinions of Pelagius were finally condemned and sup- pressed,whilstjudiciouseffortsweremadetocounteractthem. Schoolsand seminaries for clerical education supplied at length a much needed require- ment, in various dioceses. ^3
At that time, when the Pelagian heresy was again growing rife in Britain, a numerous Synod of bishops was summoned. So great was the throng of
people, that they crowded all the surrounding neighbourhood, when this con- vocation took place. They assembled at a place called Brevi, and hence it is known as the Synod of Brevy. '* One account has it, that no less than one hundred and eighteen bishops's were present, together with an almost limit- less gathering of abbots, religious, clerics, kings, princes and nobles. '^ This multitudinous gathering resembled in some measure one of those great " monster meetings," with which the passing generation of our own country- menmustbetolerablyfamiliar; for,wearetold,thatatrumpet,muchlessa human voice, could hardly be expected to sound in the ears of all present. It was feared, that if this great multitude could not hear a preacher, the leaven of heresy must remain amongst them. '7
This great Synod had assembled within Cardiganshire. A discussion then arose among the bishops, as to who should preach to so great a multitude. '^ It was determined, at last, that he who could preach, so as to be heard by all, should be named Metropolitan. A heap of garments was piled together, and this served as an open-air tribune. Bishop after bishop arose. But
'*
Synod of Brevi. Its chronology has been thus determined : "Papas Rom. Hormisd. 6. Anno Christi 519. Imperat. Justin.
** Both St. Germanus and St. Lupus, in
a conference with the Pelagians at Verlulam,
defended the truth with such constancy and
evidence, that many turned from former nice et Hiberniae," vol. i. , p. 8, there is a errors. " But after their departure, the brief account of what is called Sytwdus Heretkks gaining ground again, Germanus Menevensis, which is identified with the
was desired once more to come over. Though
he was now very old, he undertook a second
voyage into i9; //a/H, in company with ^z/tr-
rus. Bishop of Troyc. " See, Rapin de sen. 2. " It is said to have been convened
*' of translated Thoyras' History England,"
by N. Tindal, M. A. Vol. i. , book i. , p. 29. London : 1743, folio. Third Edition,
'^ In " Ceretica regione"—now Cardi- ganshire— according to GiraldusCambrensis. See Vita S. Davidis. This place is also called Lhan-DeuyBreuy, which is Latinized, "templum S. Davidis Breuiense. " It may be Ano-licized as the church of St. David near the River Brroi. See, also, "Itinera- rum Cambrice," lib. ii. , cap. 4.
's Capgravc and Giraldus Cambrcnsis do not uieutlou the number of bishops present.
"
contra fecem Palagianae hceresis adhuc redolentem. " The account, given by Wilkins, is chiefly extracted from Balaeus, Centur. i. , cap. 55, and from the Eighth Lesson of St. David's Life, by Cam-
brensis.
''Of the people, Giraldus says, "haere-
tica pravitate pene irrevocabiliter infectum,
ad fidei reducere tramitem non prsevaluis-
set. "—Vita S. Davidis.
'3 See Dr. Lingard's "History of Eng- land," vol. i. , chap, i. , A. D. 449, p. 58.
The latter, however, calls this "npiversali totius Kambrise Synodo. "
In Wilkins' "Concilia Magnse Britan-
under St. David,
'^
we are said to possess only the names of
According to an account of this Synod,
"
twg . ind Cybi. " Rev. John Williams' Ec- clesiaslical Antiquities of the Cymry," chap.
Pawl— Cat- Dyvrig, Hen, Deiniol, Dewi,"
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 31
their voices could scarcely be heard by their next neighbours, for a great tumult arose among the people. The ecclesiastics especially felt some degree of trepidation, lest the crowd might continue irresolute or unconvinced re- garding the true nature of tlwse subtle controversies discussed or treated on, in this large assembly. The clerics regarded their labour as already lost, until one of the bishops, named Paulinus, with whom David formerly studied, rising in their midst, said before all: "There is indeed a bishop here, who has been consecrated by the patriarch of Jerusalem ; he is eloquent, has a beautiful countenance, is filled with the grace of God, and of approved height'9andfigure,fortheAngeloftheLordishiscompanion. Therefore, call him to your council. " Having heard these words, messengers were sent to invite St. David's attendance. Such, however, had been his humble and
^° that three different times he wished to decline their invita- tion. At last, two venerable men, St, Daniel and St. Dubritius,^' were sent to him. Owing to their persuasions, he consented to come.
On his way to the Synod, it is related, that a woman placed the dead
body of her son" before St. David. She besought him in tears, to bring her
offspring once again to life. The compassionate bishop, touched by her misfortune, offered his prayers to God, when the boy was soon restored to
retiring nature,
life and health. Transported with joy, his mother cried out
"
:
" My son that
had died, through God's favour and yours, now lives !
The holy bishop, David, then lifting this boy in his arms, placed him on his own shoulders, andthusconveyedhimtowardstheSynod. Thischildafterwardsendedhis
days, by a holy death.
When St. David arrived, all those constituting the Synod, especially the
secular and regular clergy, greatly rejoiced. Being asked to preach, he humbly consented. On rising for this purpose, in presence of a vast multi- tude, a snow-white dove seemed coming down from heaven, and, at length, it alighted on the shoulders of St. David. '^3 With clear intonation, and as if with trumpet notes, he begun to announce the Word of God. ^-* He met all
xiv. , p. 237, note. This writer assigns the lagh," p. xxxiv. It is supposed, he was thus usual date, A. D. 519, for the Synod of ranked with the Irish Saints, because he
Brevi.
lived an eremitical life, for some years, at
Inis-angin, in Lough Ree, as would appear from a Life of St. Kieran of Clonmacnois
(Chap. 25). He is supposed to have died, between tlie years 542 and 545.
^^ "
"
adds the Utrecht MS.
'9
Quatuor cubitorum statura erectus,"
^° " Erat enim virsanctus, contemplationi deditus : de temporalibus rebus et seculari-
bus, nisi necessitate urgentiore compulsus,
Cui barbara imperitia Magnum no-
—Giraldus
Dubricius died in the Isle of ^«r^j^ snow-white dove is a circumstance often
"
History noted in the Acts of various saints. Thus, of England," vol. i. , book ii. , note (i), p. at the ordination of St. Sampson, as Cap- 43. Translation by N. Tindal, M. A. His grave relates in his Life of St. Dubricius ;
aut niliil aut parum curans. " Cambrensis, "Vita S. Davidis. "
men adds the Utrecht MS. dederat,"
""
"3 Colgan remarks, that the descent of a
in 522," according to Rapin. See
demise took place on the 14th of November.
St. Daniel was the first bishop of Bangor,
likewise, at the ordination of St. Fabian, Pope, as stated by Eusebius, lib. 6, cap. 22, and by Baronius, at a. d. 238. Again, in
near Anglesea, about A. D. 516, or perhaps
later. He was consecrated by his master, the case of St. Papeus, as related in the
St. Dubritius, Bishop, or as sometimes called Archbishop of LandafF, or Legion- ensis, as we are told, by the Bollandist editor. St. Daniel's feast occurs on the ist of December, according to the English Mar- tyrology, and that of St. Dubritius on the 14th of November, with his translation at the 8th of May. The Martyrology of Tal- laght, Marianus and Maguire, place St. Daniel's festival at the nth of Septeml)er.
Acts of St. Endeus of Arran, at the 21st of
March. See"ActaSanctorumHiberniae,"
i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 29, p. 432. Also, ibid. , xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, cap. xix. , p. 708.
'"' "Juxtaillud : 'Aperi os tuum, et ego
See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of Tal-
'
Non enim vos estis, qui loqua-
adimplebo illud. ' Et alibi :
' Cum
steteritis
ante reges et prsesides, nolite cogitare, quo-
modo aut quid loquamini. Dabitur enim
vobis ilia hora quid loquamini. ' Et subse-
queiiter :
32 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
objections advanced for the prevailing heresy, and admirably refuted them, whilst he proved most convincingly the tenets of Holy Church. He gained
all hearts, by his eloquent and persuasive words, so that the entire multitude gave thanks to the Almighty and to our saint. Meantime, the earth appeared to swell beneath his feet, until the preacher, ascending above the crowd, was
distinctly seen by all present, as if standing upon a high hill. ^s
He preached in so loud, and in so full a voice, that he was heard by all
present ; by those who were near, as well as by those, who were obliged to remain afar. With consent of all prelates, kings and chieftains there, he was named Archbishop of Britain. ^^ To this arrangement he reluctantly assented. The city, in which he was destined to reside, had been raised to the dignity of a Metropolitical see. ^? The date of St. David's elevation to the episcopal dignity has been left very much an open question, for chronographers to determine. ^^ That St. David belonged wholly to the sixth century, is Dr. Lanigan's opinion, he being contemporary with Irish saints of the second order. As for certain biographical writers, who made him a bishop in the fifth century, they are not worth attending to, in the estimation of this learned Doctor.
It hardly falls within our province, to treat on the origin of Menevia ; or rather a removal thither of old Cear-leon see, in the time of David's incum- bency,asratifiedbythecelebratedSynodofBrevy. Theseeventshavebeen illustrated with much accuracy, both by Ussher^s and by StiUingfleet. 3° At the Church of Llan Devi Brevi, a curious inscription was found by Mr. Lluyd, on a stone set over the chancel door. The inhabitants said this com- memorated a person struck dead by St. David, for letting loose a mischievous beaver, after it had been ensnared with difficulty. This inscription was long preserved. Thesextonofthechurchshowedhimararitycalled,Matkornyr
ych bannog or Matkorn ych Dewi, which was said to have been there pre- served from the time of St. David. He added the fable of the oxen called Ychen bannog, which drew away a monstrous beaver dead.
