Dempster
tells us, that his natalis was particularly observed at Lough Levin, and he is called Abbot in Argyle.
tells us, that his natalis was particularly observed at Lough Levin, and he is called Abbot in Argyle.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
Mundus, who died in the year 634.
'^Camerarius places the death of St. Foilan or Fillan at a. d. 649. See "De Statu hominis Veteris simul ac Novae Eccle- siae," &c. , lib. i. , cap. iii. , § 2, p. 122, and pp. 181, 182.
land. See
"
Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other Principal Saints," vol. i. , ix.
January.
'S
Breviary of Aberdeen. "
'* There was a Mundus, son to Feradach,
of the Dalfiatach family in Ulster, according
to the " " xix. Menologic Genealogy, chap.
"
Colgan says he considers there is no reason
to object to this person being master of St.
Foilan. On the contrary, he thinks it highly
probable ; and for a reason, that both the
latter Mundus and our saint, were sons to
this same Feradach. Consequently they lib. xii. num. 854.
were brothers. Feradach was also father of 3° Camerarius says he erected many mona- those holy virgins, whose Natalis is cele- steries in Albania or Scotland. His feast
brated on the 23rd of March, according to the Martyrologists. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," ix. Januarii, n. 8, p.
Then is celebrated the feast of the Daughters of Feradach.
"7 A St. Mundus son to Tulchan, and a man of renowned sanctity, flourished in Ire- land, about A. D. 626. He died in the year 634, according to our Annals. He is said
is assigned to the 15th of April. See " De Statu hominis Veteris simul ac Novae Eccle-
50.
3> See McKenzie's Lives of the Scottish Writers," vol. i. , p. 272.
''Dempster has the same statement in " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
sia:," &c. , lib. i. , cap. iii. , § 2, pp. 181, 182. "
3* There is a description and a copper- plate engraving of the mediaeval Pittenweem
Priory in Grose's "Antiquitiesof Scotland," vol. ii. , pp. 282, 283.
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 137
CHAPTER II.
ST. FOELAN SUCCEEDS ST. MUNDUS AS ABBOT—SAID TO HAVE VISITED HIS UNCLE ST. CONGAN—RETIREMENT AT GLENDORCHY—HIS CONNEXION WITH SCOTLAND.
When the blessed father Mundus died, by unanimous consent of the '
brethren, the holy monk Faolan, although reluctant, was elected abbot over the monastery. This he governed wisely, for his virtues and good
example instructed his brethren in all holiness, chastity, and humility. Those who believed in Christ, he regarded as true and special friends. He exercised hospitality, through love for God and in the noblest spirit of charity.
After his baptism, and probably during the early stages of youth, St. Kentigerna was careful to rear her offspring in the most tender sentiments
residence, at Loughelch, in Northern Erchadia or Argyle. Here it is thought all lived together for a time. 3 Again, we are informed, that in obedience to
an angelic message,'* St. Foelan went to his uncle, St. Congan, living at a place called Sirach or Siracht, in the upper parts of Glendeochquhy, or Glendorche. Whether this place was in Ireland or in Scotland has been disputed. But, it must be allowed, there are accounts in the acts of this
saint which have been confused, very probably owing to the ignorance of those early waiters who have treated about him and his relatives.
While Camerarius calls the place of our saint's retirement Sira, not far from Glendorchy, this latter district he localizes in Fife, and he associates St. Fillan with Pittenweem. Again the place is called Sirach. s On the other hand, Colgan has Cerete, the desert of Sirach, at Glendorche, formerly a forest, on the confines of the counties of Tyrone and Fermanagh, in the Ulster province. ^ Wherever this spot may have been situated, we are told the site for a basilica had been Divinely pointed out to him, with his seven
serving clerics. 7 There he was given altogether to prayer, contemplation, and exercises of penance. It would not be easy to account for the great veneration in which St. Faolan was held throughout Scotland, unless he lived for a considerable time in that country. As we know his mother Kentigerna chose it for a place of residence, and, as it is stated, other relations were there domiciled, every motive urges us to believe the present saint selected Cale- donia as a theatre for his missionary labours.
While at Glendorchy, St. Foelan, with his little dog, drove away a ferocious
of ^ It is said she had a piety.
named
^vith his sister and her sons, emigrated to Scotland. There he took up his
Chap. II. —' See Colgan's "Acta Sane-
torum Hibemise," ix. Januarii, Vita S.
Foilani, cap. i. , ii. , iii. , p. 49.
*
See notices regarding him at the 13th of October.
3 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
bourhood of Pittenweem, with his store of
cheap hterature, influenced the boy with a strong desire to learn the bookselhng busi- ness. See "Archibald Constable and his
Literary Correspondents," a Memorial by his son Thomas Constable, vol. i.
' He tells that there was a wood us, large
tish
* "
Saints," p. 310.
of Aberdeen. " sSee Bishop Challoner's
known
by
this name, on the confines of these
From the etymology of this word,
Breviary
"Britannia Sancta," part i. , p. 20. At Cambee, in the neighbourhood of Pittenweem, the celebrated
Scottish publisher, Archibald Constable, was bom, a. d. 1774. The arrival of an itinerant Edinburgh stationer in the neigh*
counties.
brother,
Comgan
or
Congan,^ who,
he interprets it as the "dark" or "shady
""" valley. See Acta Sanctorum Hibemise,
ix. Januarii, n. 9, p. 50.
^ " Breviary of Aberdeen;"
138 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 9.
boar that had devastated this district. He also converted many of the people there from the errors of Gentilism. While building the basilica at Glendorchy, wains and oxen were used to draw materials. A miraculous occurrence is related, which enabled the saint to prosecute his good work without inter- ruption. ^ It must be observed, however, that a certain St. Faolan, surnamed " the Stammerer," is stated to have belonged to Rath-Erran, in Alba, and also to Cill-Fhaelain,9 in Laoighs, of Leinster. ^° Now, it seems just possible, he was really the saint so greatly venerated in Scotland, and to whom so many churches and places have been dedicated. He is also said to have been a leper. " Yet, the authority of Bishop Forbes determines the proba- bility of greater celebrity to St. Faolan or Fillan, whose feast is celebrated on this day. "
For the most part, Scottish historians^3 endeavour to claim this saint as a native of Scotland. This pretension, however, cannot fairly be allowed. ^* This Colgan attempts to show, but in the effort he seems to admit very inappropriate chronologies. But, it would seem he rather quoted popularly national names to prove the force of historic tradition, in favour of his arguments. First, St. Foelan's mother was Kentigerna, daughter to a king of
Leinster, as already appears from the life of this holy widow, 's and from an ac- count,foundinScottishdocuments,citedbyCamerariushimself Secondly,he
was baptized by St. Ibar, who was an Irishman. This Colgan promised to show, in his notes to the acts of St. Ibar, bishop, at the 23rd of April. Thirdly, our saint was a disciple of St. Mundus, who he assumes not to have been a Scottish, but an Irish saint. This would appear, from Colgan's note to the present Acts, as also from a Life of St. Mundus and corresponding notes, which it was intended to publish at the 21st of October. Fourthly, because the natalis of our saint was observed in Ireland on the same day as in Scotland, viz. , on the 9th of January, at Cluain Moescna, in the region of Feratulach, according to St. -^ngus, to Marianus O'Gorman, the Commentator on . ^ngus, the Martyrology of Tallagh and Cashel, at the same day. While, therefore, St. Foilan is venerated in Scotland, because he reposed there, he is also reverenced in Ireland, because he was a native and an abbot belong- ing to our country. Fifthly, the natalis of our saint's sisters, who are called daughterstoFeradach,isobservedinIreland,onthe23rdofMarch. This must appear, from what has been previously observed, and from notes to St. Kentigerna's Life, published at the 7th of January. And lastly, Foelan is expressly numbered among our Irish saints, at the 9th of January, by the Martyrologies of Tallagh, and of Cashel, as also by the Commentator on ^ngus. ^^ Thus, while Ireland is honoured by his birth, education, and training, Scotland deserves a participation in the honour acquired, owing to his missionary career, his death there occurring, while his tomb and relics
8
"Breviary of Aberdeen. "
9 Now Kilwhelan, an old and venerated,
but long disused, graveyard, near the slope of the White Mountain, on the Cullinagh range, in the Queen's County.
*" His feast is observed on the 20th of June, where some notices of him will be found.
ing and leprosy might be monstrosities,
referable to St. Faolan, who is venerated on
the 20th of June.
'^
See "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 344.
'-^ Such as Camerarius and Dempster.
'* Chatelain confounds the present St. Foelan with St. Finan of Lindisfarne, pro-
" The '*
St. Faelan, venerated at this day, that it had been prophesied of him, he should be born with a stone in his and his
Breviary
bably
of Aberdeen" relates of
because their festivals occur on the same day.
mouth,
considered by his father as a monster, may
'* See " Acta Sanctorum ix. Hibemiae,"
being explain why the natural defects of stammer-
Januarii, n. 2, p. 50.
'S At the 7th of January,
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 139
had been preserved, with so many great benefits conferred on his adopted
country.
St. Foelan seems to have laboured at missionary work in Scotland.
Bishop Forbes tells us, that the chief scene of his labours was in the parishes of Glendochart and Killen, in the uplands of Perthshire. There a river and strath are called after him. The saint's cave is yet shown at Pittenweem,'^ in Fifeshire. This seems to indicate his close connexion with the locaHty. '^ There is a place of worship dedicated to him at the chapel-yard, parish of Largs. '9 In Wigtown there is a Kilphillane. ^° In the parish of Largs, and in the lands of Skelmorlie or Cunningham, are the lands of St. Fillan's Well. *^ There was a chapel of St. Phillane, within the castle of Down, and another chapel of St. Phillane, without the same fortress, on the banks of the Teith. ^^
St. Philan is said to have had a
dedicated to — in monastery, him, Knapdale,
whereSt. —Cathalduswaseducated. ^3 ThereisaKillellan acorruptionof
Kill-Fillan near Lochalsh, formerly in Northern Argyle, now Ross-shire,^*
where our saint is said to have built a church in honour of his uncle, St. Congan. ^s Srowan has a fair called Feile Fhaolain. There is a parish, called Killallan or Killellan—a corruption of Kill-Fillan—in Renfrewshire, Scotland. *^ Near the kirk there is a large stone, with a hollow in the middle. This is called St. Fillan's Seat and a little distant from there is
; it,
a spring called Fillan's Well. ^7 At the close of the last century, a local minister had it filled up, to prevent devotions there practised. Here there is a fair in the month of January. The time for holding it is called indiffe- rently, Fillan's Day, or Fillan's Fair. ^^ The "Kalendarium Drummondiense" states that Felan departed to Christ, in Ireland, on the 9th of January. At
" KalendariumdeArbuthnott,"inthe KalendariumBreviariiAberdonensis,"
the same day, his feast occurs in the ""
Kalendarium de Culenros," in the
in Adam in King's Kalendar,
" as also Menologium Scoticum,"
Dempster's
in the Scottish entries in the " Kalendar of David Camerarius. "^?
Dempster
tells us, that his natalis was particularly observed at Lough Levin, and he is called Abbot in Argyle. From some of the foregoing authorities we learn, also, that his office was contained in Nine Lessons. s*'
'7 In a note to the Rev. Alban Butler's
account of this samt, his place is called
Pettinuine, where his memory was greatly
revered, before the beginning of the seven-
teenth century. The county of Fife was
celebrated for its many fine religious estab-
lishments, which the fanatics of the previous
century demolished, crying, "Pull down,
pull down. The crow's nest must be utterly
exterminated, lest they should return, and
attempt again to renew their settlement. "
Such is the statement in " MS. Memoirs on
the Scottish Saints," formerly preserved in
the Scots' College, Paris, fol. 7. The author
^* "
St. Phillan's is the alternative name of i. , p. 316. This, the oldest work on the
was a missionary priest in Scotland, in 1609.
Statistical Account of Scotland," vol.
'*
the parish of Forgan in Fifeshire, although the church had a subsequent dedication to St. Andrew, as we see by a confirmation of Pope Adrian IV.
subject, was printed in Edinburgh, A. D. 1 791 to 1799.
"^ Here it is stated, that St. Felan, Abbot
sensuality and vice might be restrained.
*> Forbes' "Kalendar of Scottish Bishop
Samts," pp. i, 53, 95, in, 141, 190, 233.
in the " Prioratus S. Andree," p. 51.
19 "Origines Parochiales Scotise," vol. i. ,
p. 89. ^°
" Retours, Wigtown, 37.
of from the earliest Strathfillane,
"
Retours, Ayr, 258. Retours, Perth, 97.
, given
Registrum
years, practised such rigid bodily discipline, that in after-time he was an example of how
"
*3Dempster's HistoriaEcclesiasticaGen-
tis Scotoram," vol. i. , lib. iii. , p. 163. *"
See Origines Parochiales Scotise," vol. ii. , p. 395.
•*
^s See Bishop Forbes Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," pp. 310, 344 to 346.
''
Bishop Forbes adds,
Kilkoan and Killellan, the churches of Con-
gan and Fillan, bear testimony to the truth
of the legend. "
^See Rev. Wm. Reeves' Adamnan's
" Life of St. Columba," p. Ixxiv.
^7 Bishop Forbes' "
Saints, p. 468.
"
Kalendars of Scottish
at the present day,
140 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 9.
CHAPTER III.
VARIOUS OPINIONS REGARDING THE DATE OF ST. FOILAN'S DEATH—PLACE OF INTER- MENT, AND VENERATION PAID TO HIS MEMORY—BELL OF ST. FILLAN—HIS CROZIER—THE VICTORY AT BANNOCKBURN ATTRIBUTED TO HIS INTERCESSION— ACCOUNT OF THIS BATTLE, AND OF THAT MIRACULOUS INCIDENT CONNECTING ST. FILLAN WITH IT—CONCLUSION.
The exact year of this sainfs death cannot be ascertained. Were we—to
credit — he died a. d. Camerarius, 649.
But it would
this is almost if
seem,
not altogether a century too early. St. Foilan probably died, about the middle of the eighth age. He seems to have departed, on the 9th day of January ; and at that date, our native martyrologists' record a festival in honour of a Faelan or Foilan, of Cluain Maosgna, in the territory of Feara- Tulach. ' Whetherornothemustbeidentifiedwiththepresentholyman seems open to great doubt. Some of the Scottish historians state, that St. Faolan was buried at Strathfillan. There for a long period his remains were rehgiously preserved. There too a celebrated fountain, known as " St. Fillan's Well,"3 was held in great estimation throughout Scotland, on account of the many cures said to have been \vrought in favour of pilgrims to it.
Here a fair was held, and most likely on the day of this saint's festival.
An elaborate notice of the ancient bell of St. Fillan, with two excellent
wood engravings illustrating it, has been prepared, by the Right Rev. A. P. Forbes, D. C. L. , Protestant Bishop of Brechin. This object of art is very
described
that, when on a visit to Lord Crawford in the autumn of 1869, he met an English gentleman, who told him in a casual conversation regarding the early Scotch Church, that in the house of a relation of his in Hertfordshire there was preserved St, Fillan's bell. The father of that relation, partly in frolic and partly to abolish a still existing usage, had carried it away in the year 1798. The result of this communication was, that ultimately the bell was handed over to the custody of Lord Crawford and the bishop. It was then placed on the table, for the purpose of being deposited in the society's col- lection. This bell was held in great reverence, and it was believed to possess miraculouspowers. Itisofyellowbronze—nowcoveredwithafinepatina— four-sided as all those ancient bells are. It is about twelve inches high. But the most remarkable portion of this bell is the handle, on which there is twice repeated the well-known emblem of the Phallus. This symbol has never hitherto been found in any of the Scoto-Irish metal work, although the cultus
minutely
by
the learned
dignitary.
of the Menhir, which is the same in stone, still survives in Brittany. It was a moot question, whether St. Fillan's bell was Christian or pre-Christian. After careful consideration, Bishop Forbes came to the conclusion, that the bell belonged either to the bronze period, anterior to Christian times, or that, if Christian, it had been imported from southern lands. It might, in the
Chap, in. --' St. ^ngus, the Martyrology of Tallagh, the Calendar of Cashel, Marianus O'Gorman and Charles Maguire.
" This is said to be Fertullagh in West- meath. SeeRev. A. Cogan's"Dioceseof Meath, Ancient and Modem," vol. ill. , chap. Ixxiv. , p. 557.
the Lake :—"
*See "Proceedings of the Society of An- 3 Perhaps it is to this saint and to his holy tiqulries of Scotland," vol. viii. , part ii. well Sir Walter Scott makes allusion, in his Meeting of Monday, January, 1870, pp.
spirited and charming invocation, which 265 to 276. opens his romantic poem, "The Lady of
"
Harp of the north ! that moulderittg long hast hung
On the witch elm, that shades St. Fillan's spring. "
Canto First, The Chase,
"> In this the stated paper bishop
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 141
latter case, have come from Italy, for, according to the legend, St. Ternan is said to have got his bell from Pope Gregory the Great,s
At StrathfiUan are the ruins of a building, 120 feet in length, and 22 broad. Some of its walls are standing, and the structure itself is said to have been a cathedral. Again at this place, there was a deep pool called the " Holy Pool," where even to the beginning of the present century insane people were brought. These were dipped after sunset and before sunrise, on the first day of the quarter, and their friends had hope of a restoration to sanity. Certain functions took place at the well, and afterwards in a corner
"
of the ruined chapel, which was called St. Fillan's Bed. "^ This bed still
"
Fillan's Chair," and seven small stones,7 that are said to have been consecrated by the saint, had been kept
at the mill of Killan. These were regarded as sacred objects. ^
Long after the time of St. Foelan, his staff or crozier had been preserved in the wilds of Glendochart, in Perthshire, where the saint is said to have been buried. As usual among the Irish and Scotch, a certain family had charge of this relic. The possessors enjoyed special privileges in consequence of their trust. Among these were the holding of maintenance lands. This relic of St. Fillan was called the Coygerach, and its holders sought a royal charter, early in the fifteenth century, to confirm their rights. On the 22nd of April, A. D. 1428, the BaiUie of Glendochart called an inquest of the men
exists. For a long time, a stone called
of the glen to give their verdict, regarding the authority and privileges of the '*
relic of St. Fillan, commonly called the Coygerach. " Their verdict was,
that this relic, then in the keeping of Finlay J ore, had been originally granted by the successor of St. Fillan to one of Finlay's progenitors. Finlay himself
"
exercise from the time of King Robert Bruce, and downward to their own
"
day. 9 Malise Doire was keeper of the
Many miracles were wrought by St. Foilan. To his intercession is attri-
buted that glorious victory of Bannockburn, obtained by Robert Bruce over the English forces. The details of this celebrated battle are recorded by the mediaeval and more modem Scottish and English historians. Edward II. , King of England, collected a force, amounting, it is stated, to one hundred
5 Mr. Stuart, secretary of the society, in If it happened, that goods or cattle were moving a vote of thanks to the Bishop of stolen or "lifted," from any of the pa-
was declared the rightful
heir of the office," whose privileges had been in
Brechin for his paper, said, he was inclined to agree with him that the bell may have come from Italy, or some other foreign country. The society was very much in- debted to the bishop, for the learned paper they had heard, and he was glad to say, that Lord Crawford and the bishop, who were now the custodiers of the bell, were willing it should be deposited in the National Museum.
* The bell of St. Fillan was used on those occasions.
' Five of these are still preserved.
* See " Statistical Account of Scotland,"
vol. xviii. , p. 378.
9 Moreover they found, that the keeper of
rishioners, who from any cause might not dare to follow after their property, then they might
despatch a man to the keeper of the Coy- gerach with four pence or a pair of shoes
and a night's provisions. Then the keeper, on his own charges, was bound to follow the
stolen goods, wherever he could trace them, within the kingdom.
'° In 1487, he received from King James
III. a royal letter, narrating that the "Said Malise and his forebearis has had ane relik of Sanct Fulane callit the Quegrick in kep- ing, of us and of oure progenitouris of maist nobill mynde, guham God assoyle, sen the tyme of King Robert the Bruys, and of be- fore," without owing —service to any person
the "Coygerach" was entitled to demand spiritual or temporal therefore the King
from all the inhabitants —of the
on the parish enjoins lieges
" to intend and to obey
yearly
of Glendochart certain dues viz.
:
From
in the broik- the said Malise Doire peccable
ing and joicing of the said relik;" "and that ye mak him nane impediment letting nor distrowblance in the passing with the
everyone owning or labouring a merk of
land, whether for a rent or otherwise half a
boll of meal, and smaller quantities from
those who had less land. But they found, said relik throu the contre, as he and his that these privileges inferred certain duties. forebearis was wount to do. "
Coygerach" forty years later. '"
142 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS, [January 9.
and fifty thousand foot, with several thousand horse, for the invasion of Scot- land. To oppose this immense army, comprising men of various nations,
Bruce could scarcely muster thirty-four thousand men. Placing his whole trust in God, the Scottish King betook himself to prayer. Entertaining a great veneration towards St. Fillan, he entreated a certain abbot or priest, whowascustodian,forarelicofthissaint. TherelicwasanarmofSt. Fillan, which had been preserved in a silver case. Fearing this relic might be lost in battle, the priest removed it fi:om the shrine, which was then presented to King Robert. In presence of many persons, the shrine was seen to open suddenly, and afterwards to close of its own accord. The priest then ap- proached, to behold the result of this miraculous occurrence, when he saw the arm of St. Filan deposited again within its shrine. He related what had oc- curred to the King. Filled with admiration, on account of this incident, the priest exclaimed that Heaven should prove favourable to their cause. On the eve of this great battle, the Scottish King obtained some successes.
Thus inspired with hope, although greatly fatigued, Bruce spent the remaining part of that night in prayer, and in acts of thanksgiving. " On the following day,heorderedtheHolySacrificeofMasstobecelebrated. Hedesiredall
his soldiers to partake of the Holy Eucharist, that thus they might be spiri- tuallystrengthened. Acertainabbot,namedMaurice,"celebratedtheDivine Mysteries on an eminence. He administered the Holy Sacrament to King Robert and to his nobles. Through the ministry of other priests, the entire army received Holy Communion. Afterwards, taking a crucifix in his hands, and showing the image of Christ crucified to the Scottish soldiers, Abbot Maurice exhorted them to defend their country with courage, trusting solely in God's goodness. ^3 He then desired the warriors to prostrate them- selves in prayer.
After a spirited address to his soldiers, ^^ the army was placed in position by Bruce,whiletheEnglishcavalryandarchersadvanced. Immediatelytheonset commenced,andtheScotsfoughtwithdeterminedcourage. Afterafiercecon- flict, victory declared in their favour. Both armies were engaged not far from the castle of Sterling, then besieged by the Scots, '5 and on the glorious field of Bannockbum. This battle took place on Midsummer Day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, a. d. 13 14. The forces on both sides are variously estimated
by English^^ and Scottish writers. '7
" See Bellenden's translation of " The History and Chronicles of Scotland," from the Latin of Boece, vol. ii. , p.
'^Camerarius places the death of St. Foilan or Fillan at a. d. 649. See "De Statu hominis Veteris simul ac Novae Eccle- siae," &c. , lib. i. , cap. iii. , § 2, p. 122, and pp. 181, 182.
land. See
"
Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs,
and other Principal Saints," vol. i. , ix.
January.
'S
Breviary of Aberdeen. "
'* There was a Mundus, son to Feradach,
of the Dalfiatach family in Ulster, according
to the " " xix. Menologic Genealogy, chap.
"
Colgan says he considers there is no reason
to object to this person being master of St.
Foilan. On the contrary, he thinks it highly
probable ; and for a reason, that both the
latter Mundus and our saint, were sons to
this same Feradach. Consequently they lib. xii. num. 854.
were brothers. Feradach was also father of 3° Camerarius says he erected many mona- those holy virgins, whose Natalis is cele- steries in Albania or Scotland. His feast
brated on the 23rd of March, according to the Martyrologists. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," ix. Januarii, n. 8, p.
Then is celebrated the feast of the Daughters of Feradach.
"7 A St. Mundus son to Tulchan, and a man of renowned sanctity, flourished in Ire- land, about A. D. 626. He died in the year 634, according to our Annals. He is said
is assigned to the 15th of April. See " De Statu hominis Veteris simul ac Novae Eccle-
50.
3> See McKenzie's Lives of the Scottish Writers," vol. i. , p. 272.
''Dempster has the same statement in " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
sia:," &c. , lib. i. , cap. iii. , § 2, pp. 181, 182. "
3* There is a description and a copper- plate engraving of the mediaeval Pittenweem
Priory in Grose's "Antiquitiesof Scotland," vol. ii. , pp. 282, 283.
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 137
CHAPTER II.
ST. FOELAN SUCCEEDS ST. MUNDUS AS ABBOT—SAID TO HAVE VISITED HIS UNCLE ST. CONGAN—RETIREMENT AT GLENDORCHY—HIS CONNEXION WITH SCOTLAND.
When the blessed father Mundus died, by unanimous consent of the '
brethren, the holy monk Faolan, although reluctant, was elected abbot over the monastery. This he governed wisely, for his virtues and good
example instructed his brethren in all holiness, chastity, and humility. Those who believed in Christ, he regarded as true and special friends. He exercised hospitality, through love for God and in the noblest spirit of charity.
After his baptism, and probably during the early stages of youth, St. Kentigerna was careful to rear her offspring in the most tender sentiments
residence, at Loughelch, in Northern Erchadia or Argyle. Here it is thought all lived together for a time. 3 Again, we are informed, that in obedience to
an angelic message,'* St. Foelan went to his uncle, St. Congan, living at a place called Sirach or Siracht, in the upper parts of Glendeochquhy, or Glendorche. Whether this place was in Ireland or in Scotland has been disputed. But, it must be allowed, there are accounts in the acts of this
saint which have been confused, very probably owing to the ignorance of those early waiters who have treated about him and his relatives.
While Camerarius calls the place of our saint's retirement Sira, not far from Glendorchy, this latter district he localizes in Fife, and he associates St. Fillan with Pittenweem. Again the place is called Sirach. s On the other hand, Colgan has Cerete, the desert of Sirach, at Glendorche, formerly a forest, on the confines of the counties of Tyrone and Fermanagh, in the Ulster province. ^ Wherever this spot may have been situated, we are told the site for a basilica had been Divinely pointed out to him, with his seven
serving clerics. 7 There he was given altogether to prayer, contemplation, and exercises of penance. It would not be easy to account for the great veneration in which St. Faolan was held throughout Scotland, unless he lived for a considerable time in that country. As we know his mother Kentigerna chose it for a place of residence, and, as it is stated, other relations were there domiciled, every motive urges us to believe the present saint selected Cale- donia as a theatre for his missionary labours.
While at Glendorchy, St. Foelan, with his little dog, drove away a ferocious
of ^ It is said she had a piety.
named
^vith his sister and her sons, emigrated to Scotland. There he took up his
Chap. II. —' See Colgan's "Acta Sane-
torum Hibemise," ix. Januarii, Vita S.
Foilani, cap. i. , ii. , iii. , p. 49.
*
See notices regarding him at the 13th of October.
3 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot-
bourhood of Pittenweem, with his store of
cheap hterature, influenced the boy with a strong desire to learn the bookselhng busi- ness. See "Archibald Constable and his
Literary Correspondents," a Memorial by his son Thomas Constable, vol. i.
' He tells that there was a wood us, large
tish
* "
Saints," p. 310.
of Aberdeen. " sSee Bishop Challoner's
known
by
this name, on the confines of these
From the etymology of this word,
Breviary
"Britannia Sancta," part i. , p. 20. At Cambee, in the neighbourhood of Pittenweem, the celebrated
Scottish publisher, Archibald Constable, was bom, a. d. 1774. The arrival of an itinerant Edinburgh stationer in the neigh*
counties.
brother,
Comgan
or
Congan,^ who,
he interprets it as the "dark" or "shady
""" valley. See Acta Sanctorum Hibemise,
ix. Januarii, n. 9, p. 50.
^ " Breviary of Aberdeen;"
138 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 9.
boar that had devastated this district. He also converted many of the people there from the errors of Gentilism. While building the basilica at Glendorchy, wains and oxen were used to draw materials. A miraculous occurrence is related, which enabled the saint to prosecute his good work without inter- ruption. ^ It must be observed, however, that a certain St. Faolan, surnamed " the Stammerer," is stated to have belonged to Rath-Erran, in Alba, and also to Cill-Fhaelain,9 in Laoighs, of Leinster. ^° Now, it seems just possible, he was really the saint so greatly venerated in Scotland, and to whom so many churches and places have been dedicated. He is also said to have been a leper. " Yet, the authority of Bishop Forbes determines the proba- bility of greater celebrity to St. Faolan or Fillan, whose feast is celebrated on this day. "
For the most part, Scottish historians^3 endeavour to claim this saint as a native of Scotland. This pretension, however, cannot fairly be allowed. ^* This Colgan attempts to show, but in the effort he seems to admit very inappropriate chronologies. But, it would seem he rather quoted popularly national names to prove the force of historic tradition, in favour of his arguments. First, St. Foelan's mother was Kentigerna, daughter to a king of
Leinster, as already appears from the life of this holy widow, 's and from an ac- count,foundinScottishdocuments,citedbyCamerariushimself Secondly,he
was baptized by St. Ibar, who was an Irishman. This Colgan promised to show, in his notes to the acts of St. Ibar, bishop, at the 23rd of April. Thirdly, our saint was a disciple of St. Mundus, who he assumes not to have been a Scottish, but an Irish saint. This would appear, from Colgan's note to the present Acts, as also from a Life of St. Mundus and corresponding notes, which it was intended to publish at the 21st of October. Fourthly, because the natalis of our saint was observed in Ireland on the same day as in Scotland, viz. , on the 9th of January, at Cluain Moescna, in the region of Feratulach, according to St. -^ngus, to Marianus O'Gorman, the Commentator on . ^ngus, the Martyrology of Tallagh and Cashel, at the same day. While, therefore, St. Foilan is venerated in Scotland, because he reposed there, he is also reverenced in Ireland, because he was a native and an abbot belong- ing to our country. Fifthly, the natalis of our saint's sisters, who are called daughterstoFeradach,isobservedinIreland,onthe23rdofMarch. This must appear, from what has been previously observed, and from notes to St. Kentigerna's Life, published at the 7th of January. And lastly, Foelan is expressly numbered among our Irish saints, at the 9th of January, by the Martyrologies of Tallagh, and of Cashel, as also by the Commentator on ^ngus. ^^ Thus, while Ireland is honoured by his birth, education, and training, Scotland deserves a participation in the honour acquired, owing to his missionary career, his death there occurring, while his tomb and relics
8
"Breviary of Aberdeen. "
9 Now Kilwhelan, an old and venerated,
but long disused, graveyard, near the slope of the White Mountain, on the Cullinagh range, in the Queen's County.
*" His feast is observed on the 20th of June, where some notices of him will be found.
ing and leprosy might be monstrosities,
referable to St. Faolan, who is venerated on
the 20th of June.
'^
See "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 344.
'-^ Such as Camerarius and Dempster.
'* Chatelain confounds the present St. Foelan with St. Finan of Lindisfarne, pro-
" The '*
St. Faelan, venerated at this day, that it had been prophesied of him, he should be born with a stone in his and his
Breviary
bably
of Aberdeen" relates of
because their festivals occur on the same day.
mouth,
considered by his father as a monster, may
'* See " Acta Sanctorum ix. Hibemiae,"
being explain why the natural defects of stammer-
Januarii, n. 2, p. 50.
'S At the 7th of January,
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 139
had been preserved, with so many great benefits conferred on his adopted
country.
St. Foelan seems to have laboured at missionary work in Scotland.
Bishop Forbes tells us, that the chief scene of his labours was in the parishes of Glendochart and Killen, in the uplands of Perthshire. There a river and strath are called after him. The saint's cave is yet shown at Pittenweem,'^ in Fifeshire. This seems to indicate his close connexion with the locaHty. '^ There is a place of worship dedicated to him at the chapel-yard, parish of Largs. '9 In Wigtown there is a Kilphillane. ^° In the parish of Largs, and in the lands of Skelmorlie or Cunningham, are the lands of St. Fillan's Well. *^ There was a chapel of St. Phillane, within the castle of Down, and another chapel of St. Phillane, without the same fortress, on the banks of the Teith. ^^
St. Philan is said to have had a
dedicated to — in monastery, him, Knapdale,
whereSt. —Cathalduswaseducated. ^3 ThereisaKillellan acorruptionof
Kill-Fillan near Lochalsh, formerly in Northern Argyle, now Ross-shire,^*
where our saint is said to have built a church in honour of his uncle, St. Congan. ^s Srowan has a fair called Feile Fhaolain. There is a parish, called Killallan or Killellan—a corruption of Kill-Fillan—in Renfrewshire, Scotland. *^ Near the kirk there is a large stone, with a hollow in the middle. This is called St. Fillan's Seat and a little distant from there is
; it,
a spring called Fillan's Well. ^7 At the close of the last century, a local minister had it filled up, to prevent devotions there practised. Here there is a fair in the month of January. The time for holding it is called indiffe- rently, Fillan's Day, or Fillan's Fair. ^^ The "Kalendarium Drummondiense" states that Felan departed to Christ, in Ireland, on the 9th of January. At
" KalendariumdeArbuthnott,"inthe KalendariumBreviariiAberdonensis,"
the same day, his feast occurs in the ""
Kalendarium de Culenros," in the
in Adam in King's Kalendar,
" as also Menologium Scoticum,"
Dempster's
in the Scottish entries in the " Kalendar of David Camerarius. "^?
Dempster
tells us, that his natalis was particularly observed at Lough Levin, and he is called Abbot in Argyle. From some of the foregoing authorities we learn, also, that his office was contained in Nine Lessons. s*'
'7 In a note to the Rev. Alban Butler's
account of this samt, his place is called
Pettinuine, where his memory was greatly
revered, before the beginning of the seven-
teenth century. The county of Fife was
celebrated for its many fine religious estab-
lishments, which the fanatics of the previous
century demolished, crying, "Pull down,
pull down. The crow's nest must be utterly
exterminated, lest they should return, and
attempt again to renew their settlement. "
Such is the statement in " MS. Memoirs on
the Scottish Saints," formerly preserved in
the Scots' College, Paris, fol. 7. The author
^* "
St. Phillan's is the alternative name of i. , p. 316. This, the oldest work on the
was a missionary priest in Scotland, in 1609.
Statistical Account of Scotland," vol.
'*
the parish of Forgan in Fifeshire, although the church had a subsequent dedication to St. Andrew, as we see by a confirmation of Pope Adrian IV.
subject, was printed in Edinburgh, A. D. 1 791 to 1799.
"^ Here it is stated, that St. Felan, Abbot
sensuality and vice might be restrained.
*> Forbes' "Kalendar of Scottish Bishop
Samts," pp. i, 53, 95, in, 141, 190, 233.
in the " Prioratus S. Andree," p. 51.
19 "Origines Parochiales Scotise," vol. i. ,
p. 89. ^°
" Retours, Wigtown, 37.
of from the earliest Strathfillane,
"
Retours, Ayr, 258. Retours, Perth, 97.
, given
Registrum
years, practised such rigid bodily discipline, that in after-time he was an example of how
"
*3Dempster's HistoriaEcclesiasticaGen-
tis Scotoram," vol. i. , lib. iii. , p. 163. *"
See Origines Parochiales Scotise," vol. ii. , p. 395.
•*
^s See Bishop Forbes Kalendars of
Scottish Saints," pp. 310, 344 to 346.
''
Bishop Forbes adds,
Kilkoan and Killellan, the churches of Con-
gan and Fillan, bear testimony to the truth
of the legend. "
^See Rev. Wm. Reeves' Adamnan's
" Life of St. Columba," p. Ixxiv.
^7 Bishop Forbes' "
Saints, p. 468.
"
Kalendars of Scottish
at the present day,
140 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 9.
CHAPTER III.
VARIOUS OPINIONS REGARDING THE DATE OF ST. FOILAN'S DEATH—PLACE OF INTER- MENT, AND VENERATION PAID TO HIS MEMORY—BELL OF ST. FILLAN—HIS CROZIER—THE VICTORY AT BANNOCKBURN ATTRIBUTED TO HIS INTERCESSION— ACCOUNT OF THIS BATTLE, AND OF THAT MIRACULOUS INCIDENT CONNECTING ST. FILLAN WITH IT—CONCLUSION.
The exact year of this sainfs death cannot be ascertained. Were we—to
credit — he died a. d. Camerarius, 649.
But it would
this is almost if
seem,
not altogether a century too early. St. Foilan probably died, about the middle of the eighth age. He seems to have departed, on the 9th day of January ; and at that date, our native martyrologists' record a festival in honour of a Faelan or Foilan, of Cluain Maosgna, in the territory of Feara- Tulach. ' Whetherornothemustbeidentifiedwiththepresentholyman seems open to great doubt. Some of the Scottish historians state, that St. Faolan was buried at Strathfillan. There for a long period his remains were rehgiously preserved. There too a celebrated fountain, known as " St. Fillan's Well,"3 was held in great estimation throughout Scotland, on account of the many cures said to have been \vrought in favour of pilgrims to it.
Here a fair was held, and most likely on the day of this saint's festival.
An elaborate notice of the ancient bell of St. Fillan, with two excellent
wood engravings illustrating it, has been prepared, by the Right Rev. A. P. Forbes, D. C. L. , Protestant Bishop of Brechin. This object of art is very
described
that, when on a visit to Lord Crawford in the autumn of 1869, he met an English gentleman, who told him in a casual conversation regarding the early Scotch Church, that in the house of a relation of his in Hertfordshire there was preserved St, Fillan's bell. The father of that relation, partly in frolic and partly to abolish a still existing usage, had carried it away in the year 1798. The result of this communication was, that ultimately the bell was handed over to the custody of Lord Crawford and the bishop. It was then placed on the table, for the purpose of being deposited in the society's col- lection. This bell was held in great reverence, and it was believed to possess miraculouspowers. Itisofyellowbronze—nowcoveredwithafinepatina— four-sided as all those ancient bells are. It is about twelve inches high. But the most remarkable portion of this bell is the handle, on which there is twice repeated the well-known emblem of the Phallus. This symbol has never hitherto been found in any of the Scoto-Irish metal work, although the cultus
minutely
by
the learned
dignitary.
of the Menhir, which is the same in stone, still survives in Brittany. It was a moot question, whether St. Fillan's bell was Christian or pre-Christian. After careful consideration, Bishop Forbes came to the conclusion, that the bell belonged either to the bronze period, anterior to Christian times, or that, if Christian, it had been imported from southern lands. It might, in the
Chap, in. --' St. ^ngus, the Martyrology of Tallagh, the Calendar of Cashel, Marianus O'Gorman and Charles Maguire.
" This is said to be Fertullagh in West- meath. SeeRev. A. Cogan's"Dioceseof Meath, Ancient and Modem," vol. ill. , chap. Ixxiv. , p. 557.
the Lake :—"
*See "Proceedings of the Society of An- 3 Perhaps it is to this saint and to his holy tiqulries of Scotland," vol. viii. , part ii. well Sir Walter Scott makes allusion, in his Meeting of Monday, January, 1870, pp.
spirited and charming invocation, which 265 to 276. opens his romantic poem, "The Lady of
"
Harp of the north ! that moulderittg long hast hung
On the witch elm, that shades St. Fillan's spring. "
Canto First, The Chase,
"> In this the stated paper bishop
January 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 141
latter case, have come from Italy, for, according to the legend, St. Ternan is said to have got his bell from Pope Gregory the Great,s
At StrathfiUan are the ruins of a building, 120 feet in length, and 22 broad. Some of its walls are standing, and the structure itself is said to have been a cathedral. Again at this place, there was a deep pool called the " Holy Pool," where even to the beginning of the present century insane people were brought. These were dipped after sunset and before sunrise, on the first day of the quarter, and their friends had hope of a restoration to sanity. Certain functions took place at the well, and afterwards in a corner
"
of the ruined chapel, which was called St. Fillan's Bed. "^ This bed still
"
Fillan's Chair," and seven small stones,7 that are said to have been consecrated by the saint, had been kept
at the mill of Killan. These were regarded as sacred objects. ^
Long after the time of St. Foelan, his staff or crozier had been preserved in the wilds of Glendochart, in Perthshire, where the saint is said to have been buried. As usual among the Irish and Scotch, a certain family had charge of this relic. The possessors enjoyed special privileges in consequence of their trust. Among these were the holding of maintenance lands. This relic of St. Fillan was called the Coygerach, and its holders sought a royal charter, early in the fifteenth century, to confirm their rights. On the 22nd of April, A. D. 1428, the BaiUie of Glendochart called an inquest of the men
exists. For a long time, a stone called
of the glen to give their verdict, regarding the authority and privileges of the '*
relic of St. Fillan, commonly called the Coygerach. " Their verdict was,
that this relic, then in the keeping of Finlay J ore, had been originally granted by the successor of St. Fillan to one of Finlay's progenitors. Finlay himself
"
exercise from the time of King Robert Bruce, and downward to their own
"
day. 9 Malise Doire was keeper of the
Many miracles were wrought by St. Foilan. To his intercession is attri-
buted that glorious victory of Bannockburn, obtained by Robert Bruce over the English forces. The details of this celebrated battle are recorded by the mediaeval and more modem Scottish and English historians. Edward II. , King of England, collected a force, amounting, it is stated, to one hundred
5 Mr. Stuart, secretary of the society, in If it happened, that goods or cattle were moving a vote of thanks to the Bishop of stolen or "lifted," from any of the pa-
was declared the rightful
heir of the office," whose privileges had been in
Brechin for his paper, said, he was inclined to agree with him that the bell may have come from Italy, or some other foreign country. The society was very much in- debted to the bishop, for the learned paper they had heard, and he was glad to say, that Lord Crawford and the bishop, who were now the custodiers of the bell, were willing it should be deposited in the National Museum.
* The bell of St. Fillan was used on those occasions.
' Five of these are still preserved.
* See " Statistical Account of Scotland,"
vol. xviii. , p. 378.
9 Moreover they found, that the keeper of
rishioners, who from any cause might not dare to follow after their property, then they might
despatch a man to the keeper of the Coy- gerach with four pence or a pair of shoes
and a night's provisions. Then the keeper, on his own charges, was bound to follow the
stolen goods, wherever he could trace them, within the kingdom.
'° In 1487, he received from King James
III. a royal letter, narrating that the "Said Malise and his forebearis has had ane relik of Sanct Fulane callit the Quegrick in kep- ing, of us and of oure progenitouris of maist nobill mynde, guham God assoyle, sen the tyme of King Robert the Bruys, and of be- fore," without owing —service to any person
the "Coygerach" was entitled to demand spiritual or temporal therefore the King
from all the inhabitants —of the
on the parish enjoins lieges
" to intend and to obey
yearly
of Glendochart certain dues viz.
:
From
in the broik- the said Malise Doire peccable
ing and joicing of the said relik;" "and that ye mak him nane impediment letting nor distrowblance in the passing with the
everyone owning or labouring a merk of
land, whether for a rent or otherwise half a
boll of meal, and smaller quantities from
those who had less land. But they found, said relik throu the contre, as he and his that these privileges inferred certain duties. forebearis was wount to do. "
Coygerach" forty years later. '"
142 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS, [January 9.
and fifty thousand foot, with several thousand horse, for the invasion of Scot- land. To oppose this immense army, comprising men of various nations,
Bruce could scarcely muster thirty-four thousand men. Placing his whole trust in God, the Scottish King betook himself to prayer. Entertaining a great veneration towards St. Fillan, he entreated a certain abbot or priest, whowascustodian,forarelicofthissaint. TherelicwasanarmofSt. Fillan, which had been preserved in a silver case. Fearing this relic might be lost in battle, the priest removed it fi:om the shrine, which was then presented to King Robert. In presence of many persons, the shrine was seen to open suddenly, and afterwards to close of its own accord. The priest then ap- proached, to behold the result of this miraculous occurrence, when he saw the arm of St. Filan deposited again within its shrine. He related what had oc- curred to the King. Filled with admiration, on account of this incident, the priest exclaimed that Heaven should prove favourable to their cause. On the eve of this great battle, the Scottish King obtained some successes.
Thus inspired with hope, although greatly fatigued, Bruce spent the remaining part of that night in prayer, and in acts of thanksgiving. " On the following day,heorderedtheHolySacrificeofMasstobecelebrated. Hedesiredall
his soldiers to partake of the Holy Eucharist, that thus they might be spiri- tuallystrengthened. Acertainabbot,namedMaurice,"celebratedtheDivine Mysteries on an eminence. He administered the Holy Sacrament to King Robert and to his nobles. Through the ministry of other priests, the entire army received Holy Communion. Afterwards, taking a crucifix in his hands, and showing the image of Christ crucified to the Scottish soldiers, Abbot Maurice exhorted them to defend their country with courage, trusting solely in God's goodness. ^3 He then desired the warriors to prostrate them- selves in prayer.
After a spirited address to his soldiers, ^^ the army was placed in position by Bruce,whiletheEnglishcavalryandarchersadvanced. Immediatelytheonset commenced,andtheScotsfoughtwithdeterminedcourage. Afterafiercecon- flict, victory declared in their favour. Both armies were engaged not far from the castle of Sterling, then besieged by the Scots, '5 and on the glorious field of Bannockbum. This battle took place on Midsummer Day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, a. d. 13 14. The forces on both sides are variously estimated
by English^^ and Scottish writers. '7
" See Bellenden's translation of " The History and Chronicles of Scotland," from the Latin of Boece, vol. ii. , p.
