His proper Mass with its
sequence
was sung likewise, dur-
visio exire de
Duodena concio, felix est exilio,
tanti patris socia.
visio exire de
Duodena concio, felix est exilio,
tanti patris socia.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
Waldetrude, and the entertainer of St.
Etho.
They doubt if he be an Irishman.
,3 The Bollandists suppose him to bear a French name.
** In like manner, the Bollandists think the name to be French.
' 5 His feast occurs, at the 3rd of Decem- ber.
l6
Otherwise unknown.
I? Possibly Willebrordus, the Apostle of
the Frisons, is meant; but, the Bollandists incorrectly assume he came from Britain, and not from Hibernia.
l8 This is undoubtedly an Irish form of name, but his history otherwise seems to be unknown.
8 The Bollandist editors think it
this is a fal»e spelling for a name, otherwise
unknown.
' His festival day occurs, at the 31st of
October.
10 His feast occurs on the 9th of October.
The Bollandists doubt his being from Ire- land, as they deem his name to be French.
likely
'9 The Bollandists editors think—but 11 His feast is held, on the 9th of without offering any ieason—that the fore- July, going twelve names were capriciously intro-
" The Bollandists suppose him to be St. duced into our saint's Life.
8 10 : Nervisandus, Foillanus, Gislenus,
1* 1^ 6
746 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
humility, the saint at first refused, as deeming himself unable to procure such a miracle. Yet, as the blind man persisted in his request, moved through compassion for his case, Goban prostrated himself on the ground, and ear-
nestly besought the Lord to hear his prayers. Then rising from prayer, he made the sign of the cross over the eyes of that blind man, who immediately was restored to the power of vision. This soon became known to his parents and neighbours, who praised the Almighty, as having wrought such a miracle in consideration of his servant Goban. His ardent desire to serve Christ more perfectly, induced him to leave his native country; and to adopt this course, he was further urged, by a vision all the ordained had on a cer- tain Sunday night, when they lay down after a day of labour. Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to them during sleep, and spoke these words : "Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you. " Where- fore, all arose from sleep, and after mutually communicating to each other what had severally happened, they resolved to seek St. Fursey in a body, and relate to him such a remarkable occurrence. When they were assem-
bled together in his presence, St. Goban spoke in the following terms : " Brethren, while lying on my bed and asleep, our Lord Jesus seemed to
address to me these words, ' come, blessed of my Father, possess the king- dom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. '" All his com-
panions stated, that they had heard the very same words, and that the circumstances were precisely the same in each individual case. Where-
fore, on taking counsel together, and remembering the words of Christ, " If any one come tome, and do not leave father and mother, and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple ;" they finally resolved, as if inspired by the Holy Ghost, that all should set out in company for the shores of France. To St.
Fursey, who sought an issue of this affair, they said
:
" This vision certainly
admonishes us to leave our country, and to go on a pilgrimage beyond the
sea. " Wherefore, they began to prepare every requisite necessary for their
journey, so that leaving parents, relations and neighbours, as also their houses and lands, the pious missionaries at once hastened to the sea-shore.
However, while they were there awaiting embarcation, a great tempest arose, and the waves began to swell mightily ; when fearing to venture from land in such a storm, they fasted for three days. Then, the rest of his com- panions approached Goban, and requested he would celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, as the Lord had graciously restored sight to the blind, owing to his merits. Again, his humility was alarmed, as he found they all had an idea of his extraordinary sanctity, and he wished to forbear ; notwith- standing, he yielded in fine, to their pressing remonstrances. Assuming the sacerdotal vestments, and asking a blessing from the whole company, he began to celebrate, and having reached the secret prayers of the Mass," the storm was entirely lulled. Whereupon, all went on board to prosecute their destined voyage, when they had a swift and favourable passage to the shores of France. '3 It has been
supposed,
"° "
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of
the Saints," vol. vi. , June 20, p. 280.
21 In the Life of St. Fursey, at the 16th of
January, we have stated in chap, v. , n. 70,
that the identification of Gobban was doubt-
ful ; but, now it is certain, that the present
holy man is the person to whom allusion
was then made.
M"
The old Life expresses it, ad secretse
Missas orationem," &c.
"3
See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Gobano, I'resbytero Hiberno et Martyre, apud sui no- minis oppidum in Francia, p. 23.
* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. vi. , June 20, p. 280.
25 See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of England," chap, ii. , p. 89.
that he left East 2* in of Anglia, consequence
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
747
theirruptionsofPenda,KingoftheMercians. Thishappenedmostproba- bly, after a. d. 634^5 when the first invasion of Penda took place.
CHAPTER II.
ARRIVAL OF ST. GOBAIN AND HIS COMPANIONS AT CORBIE—HE AFTERWARDS SEEKS LAON—HIS MIRACLES—HIS HERMITAGE ESTABLISHED AT EREMI-MONS—HIS MANNER OF LIFE—HIS MARTYRDOM—HIS RELICS—HIS VENERATION CONCLU- SION.
The port where those pious missionaries landed has not been mentioned in
the record ; but, it seems altogether probable, it was somewhere on the northern coast of France. They afterwards journeyed on for three days.
They sought out and stopped at Corbeny, it is stated, in the first instance ;
but, at the time, there was no monastery in that place, although the Acts
other the kiss of peace, according to the religious usage of those times. Thence St. Goban went to Laon,2 where there was a place known as
Eremi-Mons, or Le Mont d'Hermitage. * When he had arrived, being fatigued with his journey, he fixed his staff in the ground, and placing his cape under his head for a pillow, he lay down to sleep. However, he cautioned his attendant to watch while he slept. Meantime, the holy man appa- rently unconscious of his act began to sing the whole Psalter to the Psalm, " Memento Domine David," and he followed on with the versicles, until he
:
came to these words " Haec requies mea in seculum seculi, hie habitabo
quoniam elegi earn. " When Goban awoke from his sleep, a full flowing fountain of water was running from that spot, in which the staffhad been fixed. From all this he inferred, that it was providentially destined, he should there take up his dwelling, as he found it in every way suitable for his hermitage.
This intention he expressed, likewise, to that disciple who had accompanied him into the solitude. When he had rested for a few days in that place, Goban was induced to visit Laon, that he might pray there in a church dedi- cated to the Blessed Virgin. He came to the mountain, formerly called Bibrax, and with meekness and reverence, he entered the fortifications of Laon, where he found two afflicted persons, one blind and the other mute, sitting in a porch of the great church. Moved to compassion, he implored our Lord for them, and both were relieved ; one recovered his sight, and the othertheuseofhistongue. Thefameofthesemiraclessoonspreadabroad, and even reached the king, who greatly desired to see the holy stranger. Accordingly, Goban went to visit the monarch, who thus addressed him : "O mybrother,whencehaveyoucome,andtowhatracedoyoubelong? " The
relate it otherwise. 1 as we are the There, informed,
pilgrims were very hos- pitably received by the inhabitants. Having severally chosen the places in which each desired to serve God, the companions separated, giving each
—' the They state, that
Chapter ii.
monastery there, at that time, had been dedicated to St. Peter, Prince oftheApos- ties.
3 This city in the Department of Aisne is ofgreat antiquity, and it is enclosed by old walls. Before the first Revolution, it was the See of a Bishop. Its cathedral was built
See "Gazetteer of the World,"
vol.
3 Here, from times very remote, there ap-
pears to have been an ancient fortification, on the summit of a steep rock, and its ruins are still very remarkable. In the time of our saint, dense woods surrounded the place, and these were the hr. unts of wild animals. It is within the present Isle of France.
in 1 1
15.
viii. , pp. 658, 659.
748
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
holy man answered " I have come from the province of the Hibernian
:
Island, and I belong to the race of the Scots ; for the love of Christ, I journeyed hither, and now I implore your majesty, that you would graciously grant me a small place in the desert of this city. " The king immediately
replied :
" Whatever deem to be suitable for God's service and to spot you
be pleasing for yourself, 1 shall most willingly grant you for ever. " Then, the monarch directed one of his household to return with the saint, and to
confirm by royal charter the perpetual gift which he desired to offer for God's sake/
He had entered a great forest, which was near the River Oise, and there withhisownhands,heresolvedonestablishinghishumbledwelling. About two leagues from that river, he built a cell. It was about equidistant from
LaFereandfromPremontre\s Thesitehadbeen Clotaire given by
6
who ruled over Neustria and Burgundy. ? So long as he lived, that king
never ceased greatly to honour our saint, who in turn never failed to pray for
his sovereign's good estate. There aided by the people, he built a church,
which was dedicated to St. Peter ; and, which afterwards bore the name of
8
In prayer, in vigils and by fasting, the holy man served God, in his retire- ment at this place. Again, he preached to and instructed the people. He laboured especially for the conversion of sinners, for at that time, and in that part of the country, wickedness greatly prevailed ; while the morals and manners of the inhabitants were deplorably uncivilized and un-Christian. Often
:
inprayerheearnestlycriedout "Remove,OLord,thisguiltfromthem,
or if Thou dost not, remove me from this life. " At length he heard these
father and mother, and who had even renounced his own convenience, to become a true disciple.
A horde of 10 from the north of the barbarians, coming Germany,ravaged
whole adjoining country. About this time, moreover, other people appear
its holy founder.
" My servant Goban, the world indeed rejoices,
words in a nightly vision
whileyousadlywailandpray; yet,waitawhile,andyourmourningshallbe changed into joy; for you have unceasingly importuned to pardon those people ; wherefore, I shall bring upon them temporal calamities, that being chastised, they may not perish forever. Within a few days, barbarous men shall come, and these shall prove more fierce than the older Vandals ; for, deriding thy words, they shall crown thy labours with the laurel of martyrdom. " These words comforted the servant of Christ, who, for His sake, had left
:
* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Gobano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre, apud sui nominis oppidum in Francia, pp. 23, 24.
5 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome vii. , xxe Jour de Juin, p. 167.
6 He reigned, from A. D. 656 to A. D. 670.
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vi. , June xx.
7 See L. -P. Anquetil's "Histoire de overrun Europe long before our saint's lime France," Premiere Race dite des Merovin- he only employs the term as did usually the giens, sect, v. , pp. 53, 54. mediaeval writers, who called depredators in
11 * It is still a very interesting parochial general by that name, nor has the practice
Zfrt with a crypt, in which is to be seen
miraculously produced by St. In an elevated position is a Latin
gone out in our own time,
" Now called Sainct Gobain, on a great
elevation, and about two leagues distant
inscription in Gothic characters: "O
Gobane gratiam impetres et gloriam his qui tibi serviunt. " In French is a notice, that the structure for St. Gobain's relics dates from 1534. Attached to this church, also, there was a Benedictine Priory.
9 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto
Gobano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre, Vita, &c, p. 24.
,0
them Vandals ; but, as these devastators had
The old author of Vita S. Gobani calls
III. ,
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
749
to have been associated with them, and they penetrated so far as Mons Eremi. Disrespecting the contemplative state of life embraced by St. Gobain, their hatred was greatly excited against him. They found him engaged in the exercise of prayer. With fierce violence, they set upon the holy man, and he was beheaded, by those barbarians. At that place, formerly known as the Mount of 11 the
holy
man
his sacred remains were waked with religious ceremonies in the church of St.
ing
Also,
Hermitage,
suffered martyrdom. Afterwards,
Peter the Apostle, and which he had built. There, too, they were buried. Long after his happy release, pilgrims came in crowds to his sepulchre, where many miracles were wrought ; the lame were restored to the power of walking, the blind saw, and the deaf recovered hearing, through his great merits before God. This locality afterwards obtained the name Saint Gobain, from the founder. In the sequence to an ancient Mass, a summary of this holy Martyr's career is versified in Latin. "
The head of this holy Martyr was long preserved in the sacristy of the largechurch. ^ Alargestonesarcophagusortombwasalsothere,inwhich the body of the saint lay for many centuries. However, during the wars of the sixteenth century, it was found necessary to remove these remains from place to place for concealment, and at present no clue has been left, which might lead to their discovery. It is much to be regretted, that St. Gobain's body appears to have been irrecoverably lost, owing to the confusion arising from those civil wars, excited by the Calvinists. 1 *
Two chief festivals of St. Gobain were celebrated in his church one on j
the 20th of June, which is supposed to have been the anniversary date for his Martyrdom ; the other is on no fixed day of the month, yet, it is kept on the Wednesday within the Octave of Pentecost, and it is held to have been commemorative of that for the Translation of his remains. Formerly, the first festival was celebrated with an Octave, in which religious solemnities were carried out by the monks of St. Vincent of Laon. Thus, an ancient Lectionary or Life of the Saint, in seven Lessons, one for each day of the week, is extant.
from Calniac, a town on the Isare River. 12 Thus :—
"Ortus in Hibernia, pullulat in Francia, sanctitatis flosculus :
Quern insignem moribus, sociat
Martyribus passionis titulus. Monet hunc in somnio inspirata
Irruentes Wandali regno, causa scan- dali, sanctum interhciunt.
O Gobane, gratiam impetres et glo- riam, his qui tibi serviunt. Amen. "
•3 It was enclosed in a silver case, and on the day of his festival, June 20th, it was shown to all the people.
14 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des saints," tome vii. , xxe Jour de Juin, p. 167.
*3 Printed there in 1664.
16 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Go- bano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre apud sui Nominis oppidum in Francia. Commen- tarius Prsevius R. D. Supprioris Genliacen-
sis, pp. 21 to 23. '? See at p. 172.
His proper Mass with its sequence was sung likewise, dur-
visio exire de
Duodena concio, felix est exilio,
tanti patris socia.
Radiant miraculis, et virtutum titulis,
latere non potuit :
Dun csecos illuminat, languores ex-
terminat, omnibus innotuit.
Per hunc csepit incoli Eremi-mons,
Clotarii, datus beneficio.
In deserto lilium, rosa fit per gladium,
felici martyrio.
patria.
inthenewProcessionalof 1* mentionismadeof Laon,
thatweek.
St. Goban, who is there invoked with other saints of Laon Diocese. 16 In the Rev. Alban Butler's Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints,atthe20thofJune,thefestivalofSt. Gobainissetdown. Thefeast
1 of St. Gobain occurs, likewise, in the Circle of the Seasons. ?
Famous as Ireland was for the learning and sanctity of her teachers, her
750 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
many holy missionaries were no less distinguished for that generous liberality, with which they dispensed to other countries the blessings of religion, of civi- lization, and of education. The unwearied labours of those countless mis- sionaries, who went forth from their home schools to foreign nations, are well known to the world. Like the present holy man, they were not satisfied to leave the seeds of self-seeking in their hearts, but they resolved to remove therootswiththeweeds. Theywereaddictedtoseverefast,longvigils,and earnest prayer. They thirsted for the living waters, and buried themselves in theworld; theywereevenwillingtosurrenderlife,sothatafteracourseof purification and martyrdom, they might live for ever with our Lord Jesus Christ in the happy company of his glorious Martyrs and Saints.
Article II. —St. Faolan, of Rath Erann, in Scotland, and of Cill Fhaelain,inLeix,Queen'sCounty. Atthe9thdayofJanuary,wehave already treated about a distinguished St. Foilan, Felan, or Fillan, who was an Abbot in Scotland, and a native of Ireland. 1 He is said to have been bap- tized, by a holy Bishop named Ibar. 2 Now, such a bishop seems to have lived in Leix, at an early period. It is related of that St. Foilan,3 how it was prophesied, he should be born with a stone in his mouth. Moreover, he was a leper. Wherefore, a suspicion has been suggested rather than approved, that such concurring circumstances might possibly identify him with the St. FaolanofRath-Erran,inAlba,andofCill-Fhaelan,inLeix. Thelatterholy man was venerated on this day. A festival is set down, at the 20th of June, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,* and in honour of Faelan amlabair, in Straith
Eret, in Albain. From a very early period, in the Irish Church, the feast of ""
this latter holy man had been kept, as we find it set down in the Feilire 5 of St. y^Engus, who mentions him with eulogy, as being a "splendid mute. " The commentator adds, that he was the son of Oengus, son of Natfraech. 6
He —
is Marianus O'Gorman and Charles
commemorated, also, by by Maguire,
u"
is as that
at this date. ? He
he was a leper—and it is stated, that he belonged to Laigisia—Leix—a regioninIreland,andthathewasofRath-Eerionn,inAlbania. TheBollan-
8
In the old Life of St. Attracta,? there is a legend related, about how she saved the people of Lugna
following stanza occurs at the 20th day of June, and it is thus translated into English,
7 See Colgan's
nice," xvi. Januarii, Appendix. De Inven- tione S. Follani Ep. et M. , cap. I, p. 104.
8 They only quote Colgan, however, and refer to his conjecture regarding a Foelan, who had been drowned and afterwards raised to life, through the merits of St
9 See notices of this saint, in the Third
Volume of this work, at the 9th day of
February, Art. viii. It is regarded, as one of her festivals. However, the chief feast of St. Attracta appears to have been on the
: by Whitley Stokes, LL. D. —
tomus
paip poiL CipiAa CoprraunAT) marxpri , poeb&n copn mbuaiopn IncAmLAbop Atipn.
* The passion of Paul and Cyriac with that
Attracta. See "Acta Sanctorum," iv. ,Juniixx. Amongthepretermittedsaints, p. 2.
designated, moreover, Leprosus meaning
dists have a notice of this saint, at the present day.
Article ii. —1 See the Third Volume of this work, at that date, Art. i. , chap, ii. , and nn. 9, io, II.
3 He does not appear to have been iden-
tical, with St. Ibar, Bishop of Beg Erin, and venerated at the 23rd of April. Yet, he
probably lived contemporaneously with, or at least soon after, his namesake.
3 In the Breviary of Aberdeen.
4 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxvii.
5 In the " Leabhar Breac" copy, the
great host. Foelan with that victory, that splendid mute. "—"Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i. On the Calendar of Oengus,
p. xcv.
6
See ibid. , p. cvi.
"
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
75i
from the wrath and violence of the King of Connaught, his chiefs, and people,
byopeningapassageforthemthroughLoughTechet. Onlyoneholyman
namedFoelan,theservantofaharper,wasdrowned;andowingtotheentreaties
of his master, St. Attracta prayed for his release from death. An Angel
directed her, to go to the place where he lay; and, obeying this order, she
found the body as if laid out in sleep. On touching him, Faelan arose as if
very early period, if the identity be established; but, there seems to be no bondofhistoricconnexiontotraceit, eitherastotimeorplace,whilethe whole statement is of an extravagant and legendary character. We are further
from an 10 It seems to be ecstasy.
inferred," that this present saint was thus restoredtolife,afterhehadbeendrowned. Hemusthaveflourishedata
Kilwhelan, Queen's County.
informed, that Faolan was descended from the race of Aenghus, son to Nad-
fraech, who is supposed to have been the celebrated King of Munster, bearing that name. If this be so, Faolan most likely was a native of that province, and his birth should be referred to the fifth century. However, there are no safe grounds on which to establish a correct conclusion. It is probable, when he
nth of August.
10 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Attractse, cap. xi. , xii. , pp. 279, 280.
11 By Colgan. See ibid. , n. 16, p. 282.
13 After the battle, fought at the Pass of the Plumes in 1599, and which took place in the valley between Kilwhelan and the height of Croshey Duff over the Demesne of Lamber- ton, the army of Essex marched near this place on the way to Kilkenny. See John Dymmok's "Treatise of Ireland," edited by Rev. Richard Butler, A. B. . M. R. I. A. , pp. 32, 33, in " Tracts relating to Ireland, printed
for the Irish Archaeological Society," vol. ii. ,
the Royal Irish Academy," Second Series, vol. i. Polite Literature and Antiquities, No. xliii. On the Identification of the Site
Dublin, 1843, 4to. Also, see
"
Proceedings of
of the Engagement at the
"
Pass of Plumes,"
by Rev. John OTIanlon, M. R. I. A. , pp. 279 to 288.
13 See "Monasticon Hibernicum," p.
595-
14 It is to be regretted, that this well
known townland, with very many well known
''
Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the Queen's County," although the site of the
mound, without any designation, is shown. *S It appears in the foreground of the pre- sent illustration, as now existing. This sketch was taken by the writer on the spot,
local ones, does not appear on the
752 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
resolved on a place for religious seclusion, a vast wood and a wilderness sur- rounded that elevated spot he selected for a habitation. There, he probably built a cell, and lived in it for some time. His name, moreover, was ever afterwards associated with the locality, and the spot where his church stood was frequented by devout worshippers, so late as the reign of Queen Eliza- beth. " Although Archdall asserts, that the place was unknown,^ such is not the case ; for, Kilwhelan was situated on one of the western slopes of the
CullinaghMountains,intheQueen'sCounty. Thenameisstilllocallypre- 1
served. * It lay also within the ancient territory of Leix. It is remarkable, thatanolddisusedburial-groundI5mayyetbeseeninthistownland; while tradition avers, that an old church formerly marked the site, with even greater prominence. Thewriterhasoftenvisitedthisspot,inearlyyouth,andlong before he had acquired a knowledge of its having had a former historic cele- brity. At that time, the mound of human remains was a much more pro- minent object over the surface of an open field, than it now is; cattle have since trampled it down, in its exposed and neglected situation. However, at no time within the present century has there been even a head-stone to mark the site of a grave; but, the peasantry relate, that when the adjoining earth had been turned—even with the plough—human remains, and also pieces of coffins, have been unearthed, which prove, that formerly it was much used as a place for interment. We find the present saint recorded, in the
Martyrology of Donegal,16 at the same date, as Faolan, the Stammerer, of 1
Rath Eronn, in Albain, and of Cill Fhaolain, in Laoighis, ? of Leinster.
Article III. —St. Guibhsech, of Cluain-boirenn, now Cloon- burren, County of Roscommon. Veneration was given on this day to Guibhsech, of Cluain-boirenn, as we find registered in the Martyrology of
St. Cairech Dergain 3 was patroness of this church. 4 A nunnery seems to have existed here from a remote period. The deaths of some of its Abbesses are found recorded in our Annals. 5
Article IV. —St. Sincheall Ua Liathain. A St. Sinchell Hua Liadainiscommemorated,inourIrishCalendars,atthe20thofJune. Thename of this saint does not occur, however, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,
1
at the xii. of the Kalends of July, or at the toth of June.
circumstances of the place, time and other concomitants, Father John Colgan was of opinion, that he was a monk living at Clonenagh, who is mentioned in
is nowcalled
and near the Shannon, in the barony of Moycarn, and county of Roscommon.
Donegal.
1 Her
place
Cloonburren,
in the
parish
is August, 1888. It has been transferred by William F. Wakeman to the wood, engraved by Mrs. Millard.
16 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
174, 175.
*i Colgan calls these places Rathereann
3 Her feast is celebrated, on the 9th of February, where notices are to be found, in the Second Volume of this work, Art. vi.
* See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (d), p. 630. Also,
" and Kill-foelan. — p. 82.
*s Article hi. Edited by Drs. Todd
and Reeves, pp. 174, 175. 1"
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , at A. D. 577, 773,
It is described, on the Ordnance Sur- vey Townland Maps for the County of Roscommon," sheets 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56.
933. —
Article iv.
,3 The Bollandists suppose him to bear a French name.
** In like manner, the Bollandists think the name to be French.
' 5 His feast occurs, at the 3rd of Decem- ber.
l6
Otherwise unknown.
I? Possibly Willebrordus, the Apostle of
the Frisons, is meant; but, the Bollandists incorrectly assume he came from Britain, and not from Hibernia.
l8 This is undoubtedly an Irish form of name, but his history otherwise seems to be unknown.
8 The Bollandist editors think it
this is a fal»e spelling for a name, otherwise
unknown.
' His festival day occurs, at the 31st of
October.
10 His feast occurs on the 9th of October.
The Bollandists doubt his being from Ire- land, as they deem his name to be French.
likely
'9 The Bollandists editors think—but 11 His feast is held, on the 9th of without offering any ieason—that the fore- July, going twelve names were capriciously intro-
" The Bollandists suppose him to be St. duced into our saint's Life.
8 10 : Nervisandus, Foillanus, Gislenus,
1* 1^ 6
746 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
humility, the saint at first refused, as deeming himself unable to procure such a miracle. Yet, as the blind man persisted in his request, moved through compassion for his case, Goban prostrated himself on the ground, and ear-
nestly besought the Lord to hear his prayers. Then rising from prayer, he made the sign of the cross over the eyes of that blind man, who immediately was restored to the power of vision. This soon became known to his parents and neighbours, who praised the Almighty, as having wrought such a miracle in consideration of his servant Goban. His ardent desire to serve Christ more perfectly, induced him to leave his native country; and to adopt this course, he was further urged, by a vision all the ordained had on a cer- tain Sunday night, when they lay down after a day of labour. Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to them during sleep, and spoke these words : "Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you. " Where- fore, all arose from sleep, and after mutually communicating to each other what had severally happened, they resolved to seek St. Fursey in a body, and relate to him such a remarkable occurrence. When they were assem-
bled together in his presence, St. Goban spoke in the following terms : " Brethren, while lying on my bed and asleep, our Lord Jesus seemed to
address to me these words, ' come, blessed of my Father, possess the king- dom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. '" All his com-
panions stated, that they had heard the very same words, and that the circumstances were precisely the same in each individual case. Where-
fore, on taking counsel together, and remembering the words of Christ, " If any one come tome, and do not leave father and mother, and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple ;" they finally resolved, as if inspired by the Holy Ghost, that all should set out in company for the shores of France. To St.
Fursey, who sought an issue of this affair, they said
:
" This vision certainly
admonishes us to leave our country, and to go on a pilgrimage beyond the
sea. " Wherefore, they began to prepare every requisite necessary for their
journey, so that leaving parents, relations and neighbours, as also their houses and lands, the pious missionaries at once hastened to the sea-shore.
However, while they were there awaiting embarcation, a great tempest arose, and the waves began to swell mightily ; when fearing to venture from land in such a storm, they fasted for three days. Then, the rest of his com- panions approached Goban, and requested he would celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, as the Lord had graciously restored sight to the blind, owing to his merits. Again, his humility was alarmed, as he found they all had an idea of his extraordinary sanctity, and he wished to forbear ; notwith- standing, he yielded in fine, to their pressing remonstrances. Assuming the sacerdotal vestments, and asking a blessing from the whole company, he began to celebrate, and having reached the secret prayers of the Mass," the storm was entirely lulled. Whereupon, all went on board to prosecute their destined voyage, when they had a swift and favourable passage to the shores of France. '3 It has been
supposed,
"° "
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of
the Saints," vol. vi. , June 20, p. 280.
21 In the Life of St. Fursey, at the 16th of
January, we have stated in chap, v. , n. 70,
that the identification of Gobban was doubt-
ful ; but, now it is certain, that the present
holy man is the person to whom allusion
was then made.
M"
The old Life expresses it, ad secretse
Missas orationem," &c.
"3
See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Gobano, I'resbytero Hiberno et Martyre, apud sui no- minis oppidum in Francia, p. 23.
* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. vi. , June 20, p. 280.
25 See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of England," chap, ii. , p. 89.
that he left East 2* in of Anglia, consequence
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
747
theirruptionsofPenda,KingoftheMercians. Thishappenedmostproba- bly, after a. d. 634^5 when the first invasion of Penda took place.
CHAPTER II.
ARRIVAL OF ST. GOBAIN AND HIS COMPANIONS AT CORBIE—HE AFTERWARDS SEEKS LAON—HIS MIRACLES—HIS HERMITAGE ESTABLISHED AT EREMI-MONS—HIS MANNER OF LIFE—HIS MARTYRDOM—HIS RELICS—HIS VENERATION CONCLU- SION.
The port where those pious missionaries landed has not been mentioned in
the record ; but, it seems altogether probable, it was somewhere on the northern coast of France. They afterwards journeyed on for three days.
They sought out and stopped at Corbeny, it is stated, in the first instance ;
but, at the time, there was no monastery in that place, although the Acts
other the kiss of peace, according to the religious usage of those times. Thence St. Goban went to Laon,2 where there was a place known as
Eremi-Mons, or Le Mont d'Hermitage. * When he had arrived, being fatigued with his journey, he fixed his staff in the ground, and placing his cape under his head for a pillow, he lay down to sleep. However, he cautioned his attendant to watch while he slept. Meantime, the holy man appa- rently unconscious of his act began to sing the whole Psalter to the Psalm, " Memento Domine David," and he followed on with the versicles, until he
:
came to these words " Haec requies mea in seculum seculi, hie habitabo
quoniam elegi earn. " When Goban awoke from his sleep, a full flowing fountain of water was running from that spot, in which the staffhad been fixed. From all this he inferred, that it was providentially destined, he should there take up his dwelling, as he found it in every way suitable for his hermitage.
This intention he expressed, likewise, to that disciple who had accompanied him into the solitude. When he had rested for a few days in that place, Goban was induced to visit Laon, that he might pray there in a church dedi- cated to the Blessed Virgin. He came to the mountain, formerly called Bibrax, and with meekness and reverence, he entered the fortifications of Laon, where he found two afflicted persons, one blind and the other mute, sitting in a porch of the great church. Moved to compassion, he implored our Lord for them, and both were relieved ; one recovered his sight, and the othertheuseofhistongue. Thefameofthesemiraclessoonspreadabroad, and even reached the king, who greatly desired to see the holy stranger. Accordingly, Goban went to visit the monarch, who thus addressed him : "O mybrother,whencehaveyoucome,andtowhatracedoyoubelong? " The
relate it otherwise. 1 as we are the There, informed,
pilgrims were very hos- pitably received by the inhabitants. Having severally chosen the places in which each desired to serve God, the companions separated, giving each
—' the They state, that
Chapter ii.
monastery there, at that time, had been dedicated to St. Peter, Prince oftheApos- ties.
3 This city in the Department of Aisne is ofgreat antiquity, and it is enclosed by old walls. Before the first Revolution, it was the See of a Bishop. Its cathedral was built
See "Gazetteer of the World,"
vol.
3 Here, from times very remote, there ap-
pears to have been an ancient fortification, on the summit of a steep rock, and its ruins are still very remarkable. In the time of our saint, dense woods surrounded the place, and these were the hr. unts of wild animals. It is within the present Isle of France.
in 1 1
15.
viii. , pp. 658, 659.
748
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
holy man answered " I have come from the province of the Hibernian
:
Island, and I belong to the race of the Scots ; for the love of Christ, I journeyed hither, and now I implore your majesty, that you would graciously grant me a small place in the desert of this city. " The king immediately
replied :
" Whatever deem to be suitable for God's service and to spot you
be pleasing for yourself, 1 shall most willingly grant you for ever. " Then, the monarch directed one of his household to return with the saint, and to
confirm by royal charter the perpetual gift which he desired to offer for God's sake/
He had entered a great forest, which was near the River Oise, and there withhisownhands,heresolvedonestablishinghishumbledwelling. About two leagues from that river, he built a cell. It was about equidistant from
LaFereandfromPremontre\s Thesitehadbeen Clotaire given by
6
who ruled over Neustria and Burgundy. ? So long as he lived, that king
never ceased greatly to honour our saint, who in turn never failed to pray for
his sovereign's good estate. There aided by the people, he built a church,
which was dedicated to St. Peter ; and, which afterwards bore the name of
8
In prayer, in vigils and by fasting, the holy man served God, in his retire- ment at this place. Again, he preached to and instructed the people. He laboured especially for the conversion of sinners, for at that time, and in that part of the country, wickedness greatly prevailed ; while the morals and manners of the inhabitants were deplorably uncivilized and un-Christian. Often
:
inprayerheearnestlycriedout "Remove,OLord,thisguiltfromthem,
or if Thou dost not, remove me from this life. " At length he heard these
father and mother, and who had even renounced his own convenience, to become a true disciple.
A horde of 10 from the north of the barbarians, coming Germany,ravaged
whole adjoining country. About this time, moreover, other people appear
its holy founder.
" My servant Goban, the world indeed rejoices,
words in a nightly vision
whileyousadlywailandpray; yet,waitawhile,andyourmourningshallbe changed into joy; for you have unceasingly importuned to pardon those people ; wherefore, I shall bring upon them temporal calamities, that being chastised, they may not perish forever. Within a few days, barbarous men shall come, and these shall prove more fierce than the older Vandals ; for, deriding thy words, they shall crown thy labours with the laurel of martyrdom. " These words comforted the servant of Christ, who, for His sake, had left
:
* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Gobano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre, apud sui nominis oppidum in Francia, pp. 23, 24.
5 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome vii. , xxe Jour de Juin, p. 167.
6 He reigned, from A. D. 656 to A. D. 670.
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vi. , June xx.
7 See L. -P. Anquetil's "Histoire de overrun Europe long before our saint's lime France," Premiere Race dite des Merovin- he only employs the term as did usually the giens, sect, v. , pp. 53, 54. mediaeval writers, who called depredators in
11 * It is still a very interesting parochial general by that name, nor has the practice
Zfrt with a crypt, in which is to be seen
miraculously produced by St. In an elevated position is a Latin
gone out in our own time,
" Now called Sainct Gobain, on a great
elevation, and about two leagues distant
inscription in Gothic characters: "O
Gobane gratiam impetres et gloriam his qui tibi serviunt. " In French is a notice, that the structure for St. Gobain's relics dates from 1534. Attached to this church, also, there was a Benedictine Priory.
9 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto
Gobano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre, Vita, &c, p. 24.
,0
them Vandals ; but, as these devastators had
The old author of Vita S. Gobani calls
III. ,
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
749
to have been associated with them, and they penetrated so far as Mons Eremi. Disrespecting the contemplative state of life embraced by St. Gobain, their hatred was greatly excited against him. They found him engaged in the exercise of prayer. With fierce violence, they set upon the holy man, and he was beheaded, by those barbarians. At that place, formerly known as the Mount of 11 the
holy
man
his sacred remains were waked with religious ceremonies in the church of St.
ing
Also,
Hermitage,
suffered martyrdom. Afterwards,
Peter the Apostle, and which he had built. There, too, they were buried. Long after his happy release, pilgrims came in crowds to his sepulchre, where many miracles were wrought ; the lame were restored to the power of walking, the blind saw, and the deaf recovered hearing, through his great merits before God. This locality afterwards obtained the name Saint Gobain, from the founder. In the sequence to an ancient Mass, a summary of this holy Martyr's career is versified in Latin. "
The head of this holy Martyr was long preserved in the sacristy of the largechurch. ^ Alargestonesarcophagusortombwasalsothere,inwhich the body of the saint lay for many centuries. However, during the wars of the sixteenth century, it was found necessary to remove these remains from place to place for concealment, and at present no clue has been left, which might lead to their discovery. It is much to be regretted, that St. Gobain's body appears to have been irrecoverably lost, owing to the confusion arising from those civil wars, excited by the Calvinists. 1 *
Two chief festivals of St. Gobain were celebrated in his church one on j
the 20th of June, which is supposed to have been the anniversary date for his Martyrdom ; the other is on no fixed day of the month, yet, it is kept on the Wednesday within the Octave of Pentecost, and it is held to have been commemorative of that for the Translation of his remains. Formerly, the first festival was celebrated with an Octave, in which religious solemnities were carried out by the monks of St. Vincent of Laon. Thus, an ancient Lectionary or Life of the Saint, in seven Lessons, one for each day of the week, is extant.
from Calniac, a town on the Isare River. 12 Thus :—
"Ortus in Hibernia, pullulat in Francia, sanctitatis flosculus :
Quern insignem moribus, sociat
Martyribus passionis titulus. Monet hunc in somnio inspirata
Irruentes Wandali regno, causa scan- dali, sanctum interhciunt.
O Gobane, gratiam impetres et glo- riam, his qui tibi serviunt. Amen. "
•3 It was enclosed in a silver case, and on the day of his festival, June 20th, it was shown to all the people.
14 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des saints," tome vii. , xxe Jour de Juin, p. 167.
*3 Printed there in 1664.
16 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus iv. , Junii xx. De Sancto Go- bano, Presbytero Hiberno et Martyre apud sui Nominis oppidum in Francia. Commen- tarius Prsevius R. D. Supprioris Genliacen-
sis, pp. 21 to 23. '? See at p. 172.
His proper Mass with its sequence was sung likewise, dur-
visio exire de
Duodena concio, felix est exilio,
tanti patris socia.
Radiant miraculis, et virtutum titulis,
latere non potuit :
Dun csecos illuminat, languores ex-
terminat, omnibus innotuit.
Per hunc csepit incoli Eremi-mons,
Clotarii, datus beneficio.
In deserto lilium, rosa fit per gladium,
felici martyrio.
patria.
inthenewProcessionalof 1* mentionismadeof Laon,
thatweek.
St. Goban, who is there invoked with other saints of Laon Diocese. 16 In the Rev. Alban Butler's Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints,atthe20thofJune,thefestivalofSt. Gobainissetdown. Thefeast
1 of St. Gobain occurs, likewise, in the Circle of the Seasons. ?
Famous as Ireland was for the learning and sanctity of her teachers, her
750 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
many holy missionaries were no less distinguished for that generous liberality, with which they dispensed to other countries the blessings of religion, of civi- lization, and of education. The unwearied labours of those countless mis- sionaries, who went forth from their home schools to foreign nations, are well known to the world. Like the present holy man, they were not satisfied to leave the seeds of self-seeking in their hearts, but they resolved to remove therootswiththeweeds. Theywereaddictedtoseverefast,longvigils,and earnest prayer. They thirsted for the living waters, and buried themselves in theworld; theywereevenwillingtosurrenderlife,sothatafteracourseof purification and martyrdom, they might live for ever with our Lord Jesus Christ in the happy company of his glorious Martyrs and Saints.
Article II. —St. Faolan, of Rath Erann, in Scotland, and of Cill Fhaelain,inLeix,Queen'sCounty. Atthe9thdayofJanuary,wehave already treated about a distinguished St. Foilan, Felan, or Fillan, who was an Abbot in Scotland, and a native of Ireland. 1 He is said to have been bap- tized, by a holy Bishop named Ibar. 2 Now, such a bishop seems to have lived in Leix, at an early period. It is related of that St. Foilan,3 how it was prophesied, he should be born with a stone in his mouth. Moreover, he was a leper. Wherefore, a suspicion has been suggested rather than approved, that such concurring circumstances might possibly identify him with the St. FaolanofRath-Erran,inAlba,andofCill-Fhaelan,inLeix. Thelatterholy man was venerated on this day. A festival is set down, at the 20th of June, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,* and in honour of Faelan amlabair, in Straith
Eret, in Albain. From a very early period, in the Irish Church, the feast of ""
this latter holy man had been kept, as we find it set down in the Feilire 5 of St. y^Engus, who mentions him with eulogy, as being a "splendid mute. " The commentator adds, that he was the son of Oengus, son of Natfraech. 6
He —
is Marianus O'Gorman and Charles
commemorated, also, by by Maguire,
u"
is as that
at this date. ? He
he was a leper—and it is stated, that he belonged to Laigisia—Leix—a regioninIreland,andthathewasofRath-Eerionn,inAlbania. TheBollan-
8
In the old Life of St. Attracta,? there is a legend related, about how she saved the people of Lugna
following stanza occurs at the 20th day of June, and it is thus translated into English,
7 See Colgan's
nice," xvi. Januarii, Appendix. De Inven- tione S. Follani Ep. et M. , cap. I, p. 104.
8 They only quote Colgan, however, and refer to his conjecture regarding a Foelan, who had been drowned and afterwards raised to life, through the merits of St
9 See notices of this saint, in the Third
Volume of this work, at the 9th day of
February, Art. viii. It is regarded, as one of her festivals. However, the chief feast of St. Attracta appears to have been on the
: by Whitley Stokes, LL. D. —
tomus
paip poiL CipiAa CoprraunAT) marxpri , poeb&n copn mbuaiopn IncAmLAbop Atipn.
* The passion of Paul and Cyriac with that
Attracta. See "Acta Sanctorum," iv. ,Juniixx. Amongthepretermittedsaints, p. 2.
designated, moreover, Leprosus meaning
dists have a notice of this saint, at the present day.
Article ii. —1 See the Third Volume of this work, at that date, Art. i. , chap, ii. , and nn. 9, io, II.
3 He does not appear to have been iden-
tical, with St. Ibar, Bishop of Beg Erin, and venerated at the 23rd of April. Yet, he
probably lived contemporaneously with, or at least soon after, his namesake.
3 In the Breviary of Aberdeen.
4 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxvii.
5 In the " Leabhar Breac" copy, the
great host. Foelan with that victory, that splendid mute. "—"Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript
Series, vol. i. On the Calendar of Oengus,
p. xcv.
6
See ibid. , p. cvi.
"
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
June 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
75i
from the wrath and violence of the King of Connaught, his chiefs, and people,
byopeningapassageforthemthroughLoughTechet. Onlyoneholyman
namedFoelan,theservantofaharper,wasdrowned;andowingtotheentreaties
of his master, St. Attracta prayed for his release from death. An Angel
directed her, to go to the place where he lay; and, obeying this order, she
found the body as if laid out in sleep. On touching him, Faelan arose as if
very early period, if the identity be established; but, there seems to be no bondofhistoricconnexiontotraceit, eitherastotimeorplace,whilethe whole statement is of an extravagant and legendary character. We are further
from an 10 It seems to be ecstasy.
inferred," that this present saint was thus restoredtolife,afterhehadbeendrowned. Hemusthaveflourishedata
Kilwhelan, Queen's County.
informed, that Faolan was descended from the race of Aenghus, son to Nad-
fraech, who is supposed to have been the celebrated King of Munster, bearing that name. If this be so, Faolan most likely was a native of that province, and his birth should be referred to the fifth century. However, there are no safe grounds on which to establish a correct conclusion. It is probable, when he
nth of August.
10 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Attractse, cap. xi. , xii. , pp. 279, 280.
11 By Colgan. See ibid. , n. 16, p. 282.
13 After the battle, fought at the Pass of the Plumes in 1599, and which took place in the valley between Kilwhelan and the height of Croshey Duff over the Demesne of Lamber- ton, the army of Essex marched near this place on the way to Kilkenny. See John Dymmok's "Treatise of Ireland," edited by Rev. Richard Butler, A. B. . M. R. I. A. , pp. 32, 33, in " Tracts relating to Ireland, printed
for the Irish Archaeological Society," vol. ii. ,
the Royal Irish Academy," Second Series, vol. i. Polite Literature and Antiquities, No. xliii. On the Identification of the Site
Dublin, 1843, 4to. Also, see
"
Proceedings of
of the Engagement at the
"
Pass of Plumes,"
by Rev. John OTIanlon, M. R. I. A. , pp. 279 to 288.
13 See "Monasticon Hibernicum," p.
595-
14 It is to be regretted, that this well
known townland, with very many well known
''
Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the Queen's County," although the site of the
mound, without any designation, is shown. *S It appears in the foreground of the pre- sent illustration, as now existing. This sketch was taken by the writer on the spot,
local ones, does not appear on the
752 LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 20.
resolved on a place for religious seclusion, a vast wood and a wilderness sur- rounded that elevated spot he selected for a habitation. There, he probably built a cell, and lived in it for some time. His name, moreover, was ever afterwards associated with the locality, and the spot where his church stood was frequented by devout worshippers, so late as the reign of Queen Eliza- beth. " Although Archdall asserts, that the place was unknown,^ such is not the case ; for, Kilwhelan was situated on one of the western slopes of the
CullinaghMountains,intheQueen'sCounty. Thenameisstilllocallypre- 1
served. * It lay also within the ancient territory of Leix. It is remarkable, thatanolddisusedburial-groundI5mayyetbeseeninthistownland; while tradition avers, that an old church formerly marked the site, with even greater prominence. Thewriterhasoftenvisitedthisspot,inearlyyouth,andlong before he had acquired a knowledge of its having had a former historic cele- brity. At that time, the mound of human remains was a much more pro- minent object over the surface of an open field, than it now is; cattle have since trampled it down, in its exposed and neglected situation. However, at no time within the present century has there been even a head-stone to mark the site of a grave; but, the peasantry relate, that when the adjoining earth had been turned—even with the plough—human remains, and also pieces of coffins, have been unearthed, which prove, that formerly it was much used as a place for interment. We find the present saint recorded, in the
Martyrology of Donegal,16 at the same date, as Faolan, the Stammerer, of 1
Rath Eronn, in Albain, and of Cill Fhaolain, in Laoighis, ? of Leinster.
Article III. —St. Guibhsech, of Cluain-boirenn, now Cloon- burren, County of Roscommon. Veneration was given on this day to Guibhsech, of Cluain-boirenn, as we find registered in the Martyrology of
St. Cairech Dergain 3 was patroness of this church. 4 A nunnery seems to have existed here from a remote period. The deaths of some of its Abbesses are found recorded in our Annals. 5
Article IV. —St. Sincheall Ua Liathain. A St. Sinchell Hua Liadainiscommemorated,inourIrishCalendars,atthe20thofJune. Thename of this saint does not occur, however, in the published Martyrology of Tallagh,
1
at the xii. of the Kalends of July, or at the toth of June.
circumstances of the place, time and other concomitants, Father John Colgan was of opinion, that he was a monk living at Clonenagh, who is mentioned in
is nowcalled
and near the Shannon, in the barony of Moycarn, and county of Roscommon.
Donegal.
1 Her
place
Cloonburren,
in the
parish
is August, 1888. It has been transferred by William F. Wakeman to the wood, engraved by Mrs. Millard.
16 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
174, 175.
*i Colgan calls these places Rathereann
3 Her feast is celebrated, on the 9th of February, where notices are to be found, in the Second Volume of this work, Art. vi.
* See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (d), p. 630. Also,
" and Kill-foelan. — p. 82.
*s Article hi. Edited by Drs. Todd
and Reeves, pp. 174, 175. 1"
See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , at A. D. 577, 773,
It is described, on the Ordnance Sur- vey Townland Maps for the County of Roscommon," sheets 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56.
933. —
Article iv.
