*° Such is a
statement
of the holy Bishop
*3 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Secunda Vita S.
*3 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Secunda Vita S.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
'^^ ThenhewenttoGaul,ashasbeenthought, in company with St.
Patrick.
It is possible, they had communications, respecting the state of Ireland, and that these were duly forwarded to Pope Celestine.
From his experience of that country, our saint might have been considered most suitable, to serve in the capacity of a missionary bishop, ^s
About the year 431, Pope St. Celestine the First had sent his Archdeacon
Palladius''^ to attempt the Christian conversion of the Irish people. Even
then, the Gospel had been preached among them, by some holy missionaries. At tha—t period, however, our island is said to have been exposed to wintry
cold^7 probably a metaphoric expression used for the prevailing errors of Paganism. It is said, Palladius brought with him the Apostolic number of twelvecompanions. ThePopebestowedsomebooks,withtherelicsoftlie
Apostles,
'9 See Tillemont's
admiUed. See " De Antiquitate Glasto- niensis Ecclesiae. "
=4 See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. lo, p. 5.
=5 According to William of Malmesbury, St German going to his own country, and receiving St. Patrick to become his familiar friend, after some years sent him to preach among the Irish, Pope Celestine ordering it.
^* He is styled, alio nomine, Patricius.
His festival is generally assigned to the 6th
ofJuly.
'^ to Muircu Maccutenus who According
is said to have written his narrative, before A. D. 700. Probus uses a similar expression.
^'
See his Confession, p. 17, and Dr.
" Ecclesiastical of Ire- History
Lanigan's
land," vol. i,, chap, iv. , sect, xiv. , and nn. , pp. 180 to 183.
" See Ussher's "Index at A. D. ccccxxx.
Chronologicus,"
See "
Quinta
Vita S.
Patricii," cap.
xxiv. ,
*3 the" men- Computing aliquot annos,"
tioned by William of Malmesbury, from A. D. 430 to 432, the statCRient pannot be
p. 48.
=* See Sixth
=^9 See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. I3«. , p.
asalsoofother ^^ Themissionaries martyrs.
St. PeterandSt.
set out, and landed on the eastern shore of Ireland. It was not decreed by Providence,however,thatPalladiusshouldconvertitspeople; since,noone can receive anything on earth, unless it be given to him from above. Having reached the territory of Hy-Garchon, he there built three churches, called respectively, Teach na Roman, Kill-fine, and Domnach ardec. ^9 A local ruler, named Nathy, resisted his efforts to spread the Gospel, and drove the missionaries away from that part of the country. Neither did Palladius desiretoremainanylongtime,inacountrynothisown; but,heresolvedon
Paul,
'7 See Ussher's " Index Cluonologicus," ad annum ccccl. , and "Primoidia," cap. xii. , pp. 415, et seq.
'^ At present known as Flanders, Bra- bant, Hainaut and Cambray.
"
Memoires pour servir a I'Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome x. , p.
671.
''° See Malbrancq's work, "DeMorinis,"
lib. ii. , cap. 26.
Life, cap. xxv. , p. 70.
5. Second Life, chap, xxiv. , p. 13; tlxe
March 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 521
returning to him, by whom he had been sent. 3° It is thought he remained there, until about the end of 431, when he intended returning to Rome ;3i but, his vessel was impelled by contrary winds, towards the northern coasts of Ireland. Afterwards, he was driven towards the southern extremity of a land, called Modhaidh. ^^ When Palladius left Ireland for Britain, it is said, he went to the land of the Picts. Fordun was the place selected for his resi- dence. Between the departure of Palladius from Ireland and his arrival there, some time must have intervened, and probably at least three weeks or a month. How long he stayed at Fordun we do not know. There is no reason for supposing, that Palladius died, so soon as he reached that place. 33 It is likely he lived, until the beginning of a. d. 432. 34 Some accounts have it, that he died a martyr, in Ireland. We must allow some weeks to have passed, in any case, between the day of his death, and that time, when an account of it reached St. Germanus, and St. Patrick. 35 It may be, that somewhat later, Pope Celestine learned this failure of his project, for the con-
version of Ireland.
In
conformity
the hypothesis, that our holy Apostle had time to a
according to some accounts he had already beens^ to be consecrated, or even to receive powers, relative to the Irish mission, from Pope Celestine. Now, this Pontiff died, on the 6th of April, a. d. 432, It seems probable, that the whole of Ireland's missionary affairs had been arranged, at Rome,
before the departure of Palladius, for his mission ; and, that due provision had been made, for supplying his place, in case of any untoward accident.
Yet, owing to a complexity and an apparent contradiction of statements, it is particularly difficult, at this period, to arrange the order of our narrative. St. Eric of Auxerre declares, that he considers it as the highest honour of the holy prelate, St. Germanus, of that city, to have been the instructor of St. Patrick ; for, the glory of a father shines, in the government of his children.
Of the many disciples, who are reported to have been his sons in Christ, one, by far the most famous, as the series of his actions must show, was Patrick,
the particular Apostle of Ireland. 3? By some, it has been inferred, St. Patrick's discipleship, under St. Germanus in person, was after his return from the Tuscan Islands, and immediately before his Irish mission began. We are told, that St. Patrick, in a. d. 430, went to Rome ; and, what we would not expect to meet with, is stated by the BoUandists, that he was at first re- pulsed, by the Pope. 32 They add, that he then returned to St. German, by whom he was sent, after the earlier Irish missionary's death, to the same Celes- tine. We learn, that the disciples of Palladius, Augustine, Benedict, and the rest.
Ferrarius' *' at this Catalogus Sanctorum,"
day, and also Colgan's "Trias Thauma-
turga," Secunda Vita S. Patricii, nn. 33, 34, p. 18.
35 See Rev. Dr. " Ecclesias- Lanigan's
tical History of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, iv. , sect, xviii. , 11. 153, p. 201.
36 j^ the year 413, according to the Bol- landists. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
Fourth
with St. Patrick's most ancient
we must — Acts, probably reject
the Seventh Life, part i. , cap. xxxviii. , p.
123.
3° See the Fifth Life, cap. xxiv. , p. 48.
Life, chap, xxvi. , p. 23. 3* See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. 13 «. ,
p. 5-
33 John Bale assigns the death of Palla-
dius, to the 15th day of December. See
"
Scriptorum Illustrium Majoris Britannia;, ii. , Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Apostolo
Life, chap, xxviii. , p. 38;
3' Seethe Third
quam nunc Angliam et Scotiam vocant, Ca- talogus," Centur. xiv.
3* Palladius did not die, so soon as Bale
has stated ; for, the Anglican Martyrology and Ferrarius, much better authorities than he, place the natalis or exit from the world of Palladius, on the 27th of January. See
Hibernise. Commentarius proevius, sect, v. ,
p. 522, and sect, viii. , num. 56, p. 527. 37 See " Vita S. Germani. "
38 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Apostolo Hiber- niae. Commentarius prtevius, sect, v. , p. 522.
—rrive in Rome where
522 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 17.
on their return, brought that news to a place, called Ebmoria, or Euboria. 39 Soon afterwards, the mission pre-ordained by God, and the conversion of the
Irish nation, often promised by the angelic oracle, were given by apostolic authority of Pope Celestine to Patrick,''" Probus declares, that our saint had not yet obtained the episcopal degree, because he had deferred receiving it, as he knew that Palladius, Celestine's chief deacon, had a particular mission to Ireland. Onestatementputsit, thatoursainthadbeenconsecrated,soearly as A. D. 424. 4^ This is too early a period, however, for his episcopacy j and, it does not seem to agree, with the context of the different published Lives. The Scholiast on St. Fiach tells us, that when St. Patrick went to Rome, on what he pretends was the first of two visits to that city, the Pope refused to honour him with the insignia of a bishop, because he had already consecrated and sent Palladius to Ireland. '^^ Other Acts of our saint have a like state- ment. 43 It has been asserted, as Palladius had assigned to him charge of the Irish mission, at that time ; it is likely, in consequence, that St. Patrick could not have been appointed more than his assistant, with a proviso for succession, in case of his principal's death. 44 This, however, is purely con- jectural, as an attempt to clear up some obscurities, in the acts of our Apostle. Again, some writers have inferred, that St. Patrick had been previously nominated, to assume his position in Ireland ; and, as it was not probable he could there receive consecration, a presumption is, that at Eboria he found the venerable prelate, called Amator, deputed to perform such a function. 45 From their experience of his zeal and efficiency, as a missioner, St. Germanus and St. Lupus are said to have highly approved of St. Patrick, as a bishop for the Scots and Britons. *^ Generally, however, it is related, that St. German had been most active, in procuring the appoint- mentofSt. Patrick,forthatgreatcareerbeforehim. 47 Testimonialswere borneaccordinglytotheApostolicSee; for,ithadbeendeemedadvisable,to
send a great labourer in the Lord's vineyard, to gather a harvest of souls in a field, where hitherto but few missionaries had been engaged. It is related, that Segetius accompanied him, on his second visit to Rome. '*^ He was to bear testimony, for the zeal, virtue, prudence and learning of the favourite of heaven, so that, through permission of the Apostolic See,*? according to the proper order, he might go forth to preach. It is thought, that Segetius, or as he is otherwise called, Segestius, had been a member of the Auxerre clergy, for he is styled the Vicar of St. German, in spiritual affairs. s" Some writers
39 See the Fifth Life, cap. xxv. , pp. 48,
49.
*° Such is a statement of the holy Bishop
*3 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. , p. 13. Quinta Vita S. Patricii, lib. i. , cap. xxiv. , p. 48.
* Dr. Lanigan says, that it is worth re-
marking, this is the very reason assigned in some of St. Patrick's Lives, for his not having been sooner consecrated bishop.
<5 See the Second Life, cap. xxvi. , p. 14 ; the Third Life, cap. xxiv. , p. 23 ; the Fourth Life, cap. xxxi. , p. 39; the Fifth Life, lib. i. , cap. XXV. , pp. 48, 49.
** So it is stated, in an old Tract, on the Liturgy.
<7 We are told, by St. Fiach's Scholiast,
Marcus. «• See
proceed to the successor of holy Peter, namely to Celestine, that he may ordain you. For this office belongs to him. " St. Patrick therefore came to him, " et nee ei honorem dedit because Celestine had be-
*' De Morinis. " *^ See n. I3«. , p. 5.
Malbrancq,
;"
fore sent Palladius to Ireland, that he
that Germanus said to "Do Patrick,
you
xxix. , xxx. , p. 39. It adds: "ita enim
ordo " exigebat.
might teach the people there, and bring them to the true Faith. Then, after sending St. Patrick to the islands of the Etruscan Sea, some authorities make him return again to St. German,
*'' This account of St. Patrick's second
visit there rests only on the authority of St.
Fiach's Scholiast, nn. I3«. , 14^. , p. 5. The BoUandists seem to have been led astray, by such an account. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. i. , chap, iv. , sect, xv. , n. 131,
pp. 1S5, 186. 49 "
See Quarta Vita S. Patricii," cap.
March 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 523
have stated, that St. Patrick had been accompanied to Rome, by GermanuSjS' Axilius and Servinius, who are designated Canons of St. John Lateran. Ussher inclines to an opinion, that a Germanus,^^ said to have been con- secrated bishop for the Isle of Man, might have accompanied our saint.
On his way to Rome, it is related, that St. Patrick met Kiaran^s of Saigir and Declan,54 in Italy. s^ This, however, is rather a doubtful matter. We are told, likewise, that Patrick and his companions turned aside from their journey, to seek a remarkable and holy bishop,s^ living in a neighbouring place. He foresaw future events, while the holy pilgrim received episcopal con- secration from that wonderful man, and chief bishop, called Amathorix or Mathorix,57byMuircuMaccutenus. s^ Thisprelateiscalled,likewise,Ama- tor,59 Amatorex,^° Mathorex, Amathus^^ or Mathens. ^^ It is argued, by Colgan, that St. Patrick had been at first nominated a bishop, by the Apos- tolic See, and destined for the conversion of the Irish, sometime before he had been consecrated as bishop. ^3 Those writers, who have most carefully examined the subject,^'* do not consider St. Patrick to have been consecrated in Rome. ^s Others again, are found to assert it. ^^ Some pretend, that he went thither, after he had heard about the death of Palladius. ^7 Several writers have held the opinion, that the Irish Apostle received consecration, as bishop, from the hands of Pope St. Celestine the First. Thus, also, Sigebert,^^ Marianus Scotus,°9 William of Malmesbury, suppose. 7° Jocelyn states, that the Pope, finding St. Patrick sound in faith, learning, and sanctity, consecrated him bishop, and determined to employ him in the conversion of Ireland. Later writers have adopted the same statement. 7^ Ussher would not decide, as to whether he was consecrated, by a certain Bishop, Amator, or Amathaeus, or as some declared, by Pope Celestine himself. However, St. Patrick
there heard the voice of an * Go to the island of and angel saying : Ireland,
assist those who invoke thy aid. ' And Patrick answered ' I will not go,
:
until I salute the Lord. ' Then, the angel conducted him to Mount Arnon, on the Italian sea, in the city which is called Capua : and, there he saluted the Lord as Moyses. Authorities seem to differ, regarding the actual consecrator of SL Patrick. While some have it, that he had been made bishop, by Pope St. Celestine the First ; others state, St. Germanus officiated, at that time, while most of the ancient Acts relate, that Amator consecrated him. 72 The com-
5° " Vita S. See Septima
Patricii,"
lib.
*' See " "
Ussher's Primordia, cap. xvii. ,
p. 839.
i. , cap. XXXV. , p. 122.
5' Thus, Vincent of Beauvais writes :
" Mittitur cum Germano Patr—icius, et Hi-
berniis episcopus ordinatur," "Speculum Historiale. " However, we know, that the great St. Germanus was not sent with St. Patrick.
5^ There is no such person, however, known at this period.
53 His feast occurs, at the 5th of March. 54 His feast occurs, at the 24th of July.
ss Such is the account, as found in the re-
spective Acts of these saints.
5° By John of Teignmouth, he is called Amotus.
*-
These are probably Irish or Latinized
"
S7 Also called Amator. See Tertia Vita cus," at A. D. ccccxxxii. Also Harris'
S. Patricii, cap. xxiv.
5^ In the Book of Armagh.
59 See "Tertia Vita S. Patricii," cap.
xxiv. , p. 23.
^° See " Secunda Vita S. Patricii," cap.
Ware, vol. i. , p. 11.
''^ " In his
"
Index Chronologi- Archbishops of Armagh,"
and " cap. xxxi. , p. 39.
Quarta
Vita S. Patricii,"
7° In his " Chronicle. "
^i Such as Sir James Ware, in his Irish Bishops, p. il. See, also, Dr. O'Donovan's
xxvi. , p. 14,
corruptions of a particular name,
^° "
^^
"
gee Trias Thaumaturga," QuintaAp-
pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xvi. , num. 4, p. 253.
"* Such as the Bollandists.
*5 The more ancient Acts of St. Patrick,
and their writers, are opposed to this con-
elusion, according to Colgan. These he
considers to be the authors of the Second,
Third, and Fourth Lives of St. Patrick.
Among these are Archdeacon Cotton, in Fasti Ecclesise Hibernicae," p. 3.
"' See Ussher's
Chronicon. " ^ In his " Chronicon. "
524 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 17.
mentator on St. Fiach has Amato,73 King, and Bishop of Auxerre, as the officiating prelate, in the presence of Celestine, and of Theodosius the Younger,74KingoftheWorld. ^s Weareinformed,too,thatSt. Patrickhad a special call to the mission of our island, and that it was granted to him, by-
apostolic authority. He proceeded to Rome, as some state, for his grade or orders, and Pope Celestine consecrated him,? ^ in the presence of Saint Ger- manus. Amatho, King of the Romans was there likewise. 77 At this period of his life, Mann was the name he bore. ^^ It is related, by the author of the Tripartite Life,79 that our saint received episcopal consecration from Pope Celestine himself. We have added, that Celestine gave him the name of Patrick. ^" This statement found admittance into some modern lessons and
accounts, relating to our saint,^^ as a consequence. His consecration, it is
said, took place in the presence of the Roman King Amatus^^ and of St. Ger-
man. ^3 The date, most generally assigned for this event, is about the earlier
partoftheyear432. ^4 Then,AuxiHusandIserninus^swithothers,obtaining
minor degrees, as we are told, were associated, apparently on the same day,
and with St. Patrick, those companions received ordination. ^^ In addition to
this account, we may add, that the author of the Second Life, as found in
Colgan, gives almost word for word a similar narrative. But, according to
Nennius, Auxilius was only ordained priest, and Iserninus deacon. The
very ancient Third Life of our saint, without observing chronological order,
yetpresentsaseriesofdetachedfacts,concerninghim. Whenconsecrated, we are told, the three harmonious choirs mingled their chants and rejoicings :
thefirstcomposedofheavenlyspirits; thesecondconsistingoftheRomans; and the third of those Irish infants, living in the region of Caille Fochladh,
79 See lib. i. , cap. xxxix. , p. 123. See
also Jocelyn's "Sexta Vita S. Patricii,"
cap. xxv. , p. 70.
who had cried out to St. Patrick, saying
Patrick, to come and live amongst us, and that you liberate us. " ^^ Also, we are informed, that on the same day, when St.
About the year 431, Pope St. Celestine the First had sent his Archdeacon
Palladius''^ to attempt the Christian conversion of the Irish people. Even
then, the Gospel had been preached among them, by some holy missionaries. At tha—t period, however, our island is said to have been exposed to wintry
cold^7 probably a metaphoric expression used for the prevailing errors of Paganism. It is said, Palladius brought with him the Apostolic number of twelvecompanions. ThePopebestowedsomebooks,withtherelicsoftlie
Apostles,
'9 See Tillemont's
admiUed. See " De Antiquitate Glasto- niensis Ecclesiae. "
=4 See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. lo, p. 5.
=5 According to William of Malmesbury, St German going to his own country, and receiving St. Patrick to become his familiar friend, after some years sent him to preach among the Irish, Pope Celestine ordering it.
^* He is styled, alio nomine, Patricius.
His festival is generally assigned to the 6th
ofJuly.
'^ to Muircu Maccutenus who According
is said to have written his narrative, before A. D. 700. Probus uses a similar expression.
^'
See his Confession, p. 17, and Dr.
" Ecclesiastical of Ire- History
Lanigan's
land," vol. i,, chap, iv. , sect, xiv. , and nn. , pp. 180 to 183.
" See Ussher's "Index at A. D. ccccxxx.
Chronologicus,"
See "
Quinta
Vita S.
Patricii," cap.
xxiv. ,
*3 the" men- Computing aliquot annos,"
tioned by William of Malmesbury, from A. D. 430 to 432, the statCRient pannot be
p. 48.
=* See Sixth
=^9 See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. I3«. , p.
asalsoofother ^^ Themissionaries martyrs.
St. PeterandSt.
set out, and landed on the eastern shore of Ireland. It was not decreed by Providence,however,thatPalladiusshouldconvertitspeople; since,noone can receive anything on earth, unless it be given to him from above. Having reached the territory of Hy-Garchon, he there built three churches, called respectively, Teach na Roman, Kill-fine, and Domnach ardec. ^9 A local ruler, named Nathy, resisted his efforts to spread the Gospel, and drove the missionaries away from that part of the country. Neither did Palladius desiretoremainanylongtime,inacountrynothisown; but,heresolvedon
Paul,
'7 See Ussher's " Index Cluonologicus," ad annum ccccl. , and "Primoidia," cap. xii. , pp. 415, et seq.
'^ At present known as Flanders, Bra- bant, Hainaut and Cambray.
"
Memoires pour servir a I'Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome x. , p.
671.
''° See Malbrancq's work, "DeMorinis,"
lib. ii. , cap. 26.
Life, cap. xxv. , p. 70.
5. Second Life, chap, xxiv. , p. 13; tlxe
March 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 521
returning to him, by whom he had been sent. 3° It is thought he remained there, until about the end of 431, when he intended returning to Rome ;3i but, his vessel was impelled by contrary winds, towards the northern coasts of Ireland. Afterwards, he was driven towards the southern extremity of a land, called Modhaidh. ^^ When Palladius left Ireland for Britain, it is said, he went to the land of the Picts. Fordun was the place selected for his resi- dence. Between the departure of Palladius from Ireland and his arrival there, some time must have intervened, and probably at least three weeks or a month. How long he stayed at Fordun we do not know. There is no reason for supposing, that Palladius died, so soon as he reached that place. 33 It is likely he lived, until the beginning of a. d. 432. 34 Some accounts have it, that he died a martyr, in Ireland. We must allow some weeks to have passed, in any case, between the day of his death, and that time, when an account of it reached St. Germanus, and St. Patrick. 35 It may be, that somewhat later, Pope Celestine learned this failure of his project, for the con-
version of Ireland.
In
conformity
the hypothesis, that our holy Apostle had time to a
according to some accounts he had already beens^ to be consecrated, or even to receive powers, relative to the Irish mission, from Pope Celestine. Now, this Pontiff died, on the 6th of April, a. d. 432, It seems probable, that the whole of Ireland's missionary affairs had been arranged, at Rome,
before the departure of Palladius, for his mission ; and, that due provision had been made, for supplying his place, in case of any untoward accident.
Yet, owing to a complexity and an apparent contradiction of statements, it is particularly difficult, at this period, to arrange the order of our narrative. St. Eric of Auxerre declares, that he considers it as the highest honour of the holy prelate, St. Germanus, of that city, to have been the instructor of St. Patrick ; for, the glory of a father shines, in the government of his children.
Of the many disciples, who are reported to have been his sons in Christ, one, by far the most famous, as the series of his actions must show, was Patrick,
the particular Apostle of Ireland. 3? By some, it has been inferred, St. Patrick's discipleship, under St. Germanus in person, was after his return from the Tuscan Islands, and immediately before his Irish mission began. We are told, that St. Patrick, in a. d. 430, went to Rome ; and, what we would not expect to meet with, is stated by the BoUandists, that he was at first re- pulsed, by the Pope. 32 They add, that he then returned to St. German, by whom he was sent, after the earlier Irish missionary's death, to the same Celes- tine. We learn, that the disciples of Palladius, Augustine, Benedict, and the rest.
Ferrarius' *' at this Catalogus Sanctorum,"
day, and also Colgan's "Trias Thauma-
turga," Secunda Vita S. Patricii, nn. 33, 34, p. 18.
35 See Rev. Dr. " Ecclesias- Lanigan's
tical History of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, iv. , sect, xviii. , 11. 153, p. 201.
36 j^ the year 413, according to the Bol- landists. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
Fourth
with St. Patrick's most ancient
we must — Acts, probably reject
the Seventh Life, part i. , cap. xxxviii. , p.
123.
3° See the Fifth Life, cap. xxiv. , p. 48.
Life, chap, xxvi. , p. 23. 3* See St. Fiach's Scholiast, n. 13 «. ,
p. 5-
33 John Bale assigns the death of Palla-
dius, to the 15th day of December. See
"
Scriptorum Illustrium Majoris Britannia;, ii. , Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Apostolo
Life, chap, xxviii. , p. 38;
3' Seethe Third
quam nunc Angliam et Scotiam vocant, Ca- talogus," Centur. xiv.
3* Palladius did not die, so soon as Bale
has stated ; for, the Anglican Martyrology and Ferrarius, much better authorities than he, place the natalis or exit from the world of Palladius, on the 27th of January. See
Hibernise. Commentarius proevius, sect, v. ,
p. 522, and sect, viii. , num. 56, p. 527. 37 See " Vita S. Germani. "
38 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Martii xvii. De S. Patricio Apostolo Hiber- niae. Commentarius prtevius, sect, v. , p. 522.
—rrive in Rome where
522 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 17.
on their return, brought that news to a place, called Ebmoria, or Euboria. 39 Soon afterwards, the mission pre-ordained by God, and the conversion of the
Irish nation, often promised by the angelic oracle, were given by apostolic authority of Pope Celestine to Patrick,''" Probus declares, that our saint had not yet obtained the episcopal degree, because he had deferred receiving it, as he knew that Palladius, Celestine's chief deacon, had a particular mission to Ireland. Onestatementputsit, thatoursainthadbeenconsecrated,soearly as A. D. 424. 4^ This is too early a period, however, for his episcopacy j and, it does not seem to agree, with the context of the different published Lives. The Scholiast on St. Fiach tells us, that when St. Patrick went to Rome, on what he pretends was the first of two visits to that city, the Pope refused to honour him with the insignia of a bishop, because he had already consecrated and sent Palladius to Ireland. '^^ Other Acts of our saint have a like state- ment. 43 It has been asserted, as Palladius had assigned to him charge of the Irish mission, at that time ; it is likely, in consequence, that St. Patrick could not have been appointed more than his assistant, with a proviso for succession, in case of his principal's death. 44 This, however, is purely con- jectural, as an attempt to clear up some obscurities, in the acts of our Apostle. Again, some writers have inferred, that St. Patrick had been previously nominated, to assume his position in Ireland ; and, as it was not probable he could there receive consecration, a presumption is, that at Eboria he found the venerable prelate, called Amator, deputed to perform such a function. 45 From their experience of his zeal and efficiency, as a missioner, St. Germanus and St. Lupus are said to have highly approved of St. Patrick, as a bishop for the Scots and Britons. *^ Generally, however, it is related, that St. German had been most active, in procuring the appoint- mentofSt. Patrick,forthatgreatcareerbeforehim. 47 Testimonialswere borneaccordinglytotheApostolicSee; for,ithadbeendeemedadvisable,to
send a great labourer in the Lord's vineyard, to gather a harvest of souls in a field, where hitherto but few missionaries had been engaged. It is related, that Segetius accompanied him, on his second visit to Rome. '*^ He was to bear testimony, for the zeal, virtue, prudence and learning of the favourite of heaven, so that, through permission of the Apostolic See,*? according to the proper order, he might go forth to preach. It is thought, that Segetius, or as he is otherwise called, Segestius, had been a member of the Auxerre clergy, for he is styled the Vicar of St. German, in spiritual affairs. s" Some writers
39 See the Fifth Life, cap. xxv. , pp. 48,
49.
*° Such is a statement of the holy Bishop
*3 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Secunda Vita S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. , p. 13. Quinta Vita S. Patricii, lib. i. , cap. xxiv. , p. 48.
* Dr. Lanigan says, that it is worth re-
marking, this is the very reason assigned in some of St. Patrick's Lives, for his not having been sooner consecrated bishop.
<5 See the Second Life, cap. xxvi. , p. 14 ; the Third Life, cap. xxiv. , p. 23 ; the Fourth Life, cap. xxxi. , p. 39; the Fifth Life, lib. i. , cap. XXV. , pp. 48, 49.
** So it is stated, in an old Tract, on the Liturgy.
<7 We are told, by St. Fiach's Scholiast,
Marcus. «• See
proceed to the successor of holy Peter, namely to Celestine, that he may ordain you. For this office belongs to him. " St. Patrick therefore came to him, " et nee ei honorem dedit because Celestine had be-
*' De Morinis. " *^ See n. I3«. , p. 5.
Malbrancq,
;"
fore sent Palladius to Ireland, that he
that Germanus said to "Do Patrick,
you
xxix. , xxx. , p. 39. It adds: "ita enim
ordo " exigebat.
might teach the people there, and bring them to the true Faith. Then, after sending St. Patrick to the islands of the Etruscan Sea, some authorities make him return again to St. German,
*'' This account of St. Patrick's second
visit there rests only on the authority of St.
Fiach's Scholiast, nn. I3«. , 14^. , p. 5. The BoUandists seem to have been led astray, by such an account. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. i. , chap, iv. , sect, xv. , n. 131,
pp. 1S5, 186. 49 "
See Quarta Vita S. Patricii," cap.
March 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 523
have stated, that St. Patrick had been accompanied to Rome, by GermanuSjS' Axilius and Servinius, who are designated Canons of St. John Lateran. Ussher inclines to an opinion, that a Germanus,^^ said to have been con- secrated bishop for the Isle of Man, might have accompanied our saint.
On his way to Rome, it is related, that St. Patrick met Kiaran^s of Saigir and Declan,54 in Italy. s^ This, however, is rather a doubtful matter. We are told, likewise, that Patrick and his companions turned aside from their journey, to seek a remarkable and holy bishop,s^ living in a neighbouring place. He foresaw future events, while the holy pilgrim received episcopal con- secration from that wonderful man, and chief bishop, called Amathorix or Mathorix,57byMuircuMaccutenus. s^ Thisprelateiscalled,likewise,Ama- tor,59 Amatorex,^° Mathorex, Amathus^^ or Mathens. ^^ It is argued, by Colgan, that St. Patrick had been at first nominated a bishop, by the Apos- tolic See, and destined for the conversion of the Irish, sometime before he had been consecrated as bishop. ^3 Those writers, who have most carefully examined the subject,^'* do not consider St. Patrick to have been consecrated in Rome. ^s Others again, are found to assert it. ^^ Some pretend, that he went thither, after he had heard about the death of Palladius. ^7 Several writers have held the opinion, that the Irish Apostle received consecration, as bishop, from the hands of Pope St. Celestine the First. Thus, also, Sigebert,^^ Marianus Scotus,°9 William of Malmesbury, suppose. 7° Jocelyn states, that the Pope, finding St. Patrick sound in faith, learning, and sanctity, consecrated him bishop, and determined to employ him in the conversion of Ireland. Later writers have adopted the same statement. 7^ Ussher would not decide, as to whether he was consecrated, by a certain Bishop, Amator, or Amathaeus, or as some declared, by Pope Celestine himself. However, St. Patrick
there heard the voice of an * Go to the island of and angel saying : Ireland,
assist those who invoke thy aid. ' And Patrick answered ' I will not go,
:
until I salute the Lord. ' Then, the angel conducted him to Mount Arnon, on the Italian sea, in the city which is called Capua : and, there he saluted the Lord as Moyses. Authorities seem to differ, regarding the actual consecrator of SL Patrick. While some have it, that he had been made bishop, by Pope St. Celestine the First ; others state, St. Germanus officiated, at that time, while most of the ancient Acts relate, that Amator consecrated him. 72 The com-
5° " Vita S. See Septima
Patricii,"
lib.
*' See " "
Ussher's Primordia, cap. xvii. ,
p. 839.
i. , cap. XXXV. , p. 122.
5' Thus, Vincent of Beauvais writes :
" Mittitur cum Germano Patr—icius, et Hi-
berniis episcopus ordinatur," "Speculum Historiale. " However, we know, that the great St. Germanus was not sent with St. Patrick.
5^ There is no such person, however, known at this period.
53 His feast occurs, at the 5th of March. 54 His feast occurs, at the 24th of July.
ss Such is the account, as found in the re-
spective Acts of these saints.
5° By John of Teignmouth, he is called Amotus.
*-
These are probably Irish or Latinized
"
S7 Also called Amator. See Tertia Vita cus," at A. D. ccccxxxii. Also Harris'
S. Patricii, cap. xxiv.
5^ In the Book of Armagh.
59 See "Tertia Vita S. Patricii," cap.
xxiv. , p. 23.
^° See " Secunda Vita S. Patricii," cap.
Ware, vol. i. , p. 11.
''^ " In his
"
Index Chronologi- Archbishops of Armagh,"
and " cap. xxxi. , p. 39.
Quarta
Vita S. Patricii,"
7° In his " Chronicle. "
^i Such as Sir James Ware, in his Irish Bishops, p. il. See, also, Dr. O'Donovan's
xxvi. , p. 14,
corruptions of a particular name,
^° "
^^
"
gee Trias Thaumaturga," QuintaAp-
pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xvi. , num. 4, p. 253.
"* Such as the Bollandists.
*5 The more ancient Acts of St. Patrick,
and their writers, are opposed to this con-
elusion, according to Colgan. These he
considers to be the authors of the Second,
Third, and Fourth Lives of St. Patrick.
Among these are Archdeacon Cotton, in Fasti Ecclesise Hibernicae," p. 3.
"' See Ussher's
Chronicon. " ^ In his " Chronicon. "
524 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 17.
mentator on St. Fiach has Amato,73 King, and Bishop of Auxerre, as the officiating prelate, in the presence of Celestine, and of Theodosius the Younger,74KingoftheWorld. ^s Weareinformed,too,thatSt. Patrickhad a special call to the mission of our island, and that it was granted to him, by-
apostolic authority. He proceeded to Rome, as some state, for his grade or orders, and Pope Celestine consecrated him,? ^ in the presence of Saint Ger- manus. Amatho, King of the Romans was there likewise. 77 At this period of his life, Mann was the name he bore. ^^ It is related, by the author of the Tripartite Life,79 that our saint received episcopal consecration from Pope Celestine himself. We have added, that Celestine gave him the name of Patrick. ^" This statement found admittance into some modern lessons and
accounts, relating to our saint,^^ as a consequence. His consecration, it is
said, took place in the presence of the Roman King Amatus^^ and of St. Ger-
man. ^3 The date, most generally assigned for this event, is about the earlier
partoftheyear432. ^4 Then,AuxiHusandIserninus^swithothers,obtaining
minor degrees, as we are told, were associated, apparently on the same day,
and with St. Patrick, those companions received ordination. ^^ In addition to
this account, we may add, that the author of the Second Life, as found in
Colgan, gives almost word for word a similar narrative. But, according to
Nennius, Auxilius was only ordained priest, and Iserninus deacon. The
very ancient Third Life of our saint, without observing chronological order,
yetpresentsaseriesofdetachedfacts,concerninghim. Whenconsecrated, we are told, the three harmonious choirs mingled their chants and rejoicings :
thefirstcomposedofheavenlyspirits; thesecondconsistingoftheRomans; and the third of those Irish infants, living in the region of Caille Fochladh,
79 See lib. i. , cap. xxxix. , p. 123. See
also Jocelyn's "Sexta Vita S. Patricii,"
cap. xxv. , p. 70.
who had cried out to St. Patrick, saying
Patrick, to come and live amongst us, and that you liberate us. " ^^ Also, we are informed, that on the same day, when St.
