No More Learning

^
See ibid. ^ p. 46.
3 A legendary account of St. Maula is to
beseeninHanmer's"ChronicleofIreland,"
pp. 125, 126.
^ See Ledwich's "Antiquities of Ireland,"
P- 497.
5 We are told, another name for this
"Venus of thg East," was Damater, "the Ark. " Thus, by an easy process of trans- fer, we have St. Mel identified with the " Deity of the Ark," or with " the Mother
Apostle
to have survived our saint five ^° For years.
of Ireland is
hisdeath,a. d. 466hasbeenassigned. " MeldepartedthisHfe,atArdagh,
St. ^Engus the Culdee,^* the Mar-
Masters:" "Mel, Bishop of Ard-achadh, in Teathbha, disciple of Patrick, died," vol. i. , pp. 152, 153. His death occurred
in the ninth year of King Lughaidh's reign. According to Colgan and Harris, the Ulster Annals, and an ancient Irish Calendar, place his demise in 487.
^3 At the year 488, however, Ussher states, in his "Index Chronologicus :" "Hoc anno, ut Ultonienses Annales indi- cant, mortem obiit S. Mel, primus Arda- chadensium Episcopus ; qui avunculi sui S.
Patricii adhuc superstitis Acta scripsisse
dicitur," p. 523. Yet, on referring to the ""
of the Gods, by Marcus Keane. For his my- body of Ussher's work, Britannicarum
thologic authority, he cites Bryant, vol. iii. ,
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , pp. 426, 430, where Mel's name occurs, we find no warrant for crediting Ussher's later state- ment. Sir James Ware and Dr. Lanigan place his death at A. D. 488. See "Eccle- siasticalHistoryofIreland,"vol. i. , chap,
pp. 230 to 234. ^"
Towers and
See Marcus Keane's
Temples of Ancient Ireland :
and History discussed from a new point of view,"pp. 91,92.
their Origin
7 See "Trias Thaumaturga. " Quinta vii. , sec. v. , n. 41, chap, viii. , sec. xiii. , Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. , pp. 335, 339, 418.
p. 266. ^4 The following rann^ from the Feilire
^""
See Sir James Ware, De Scriptoribus Hibemiae," lib. ii. , cap. i. , p. I04.
of St. yEngus, Leabhar Breac" copy, has been extrac—ted and translated by Professor
9 See Harris' Ware, vol. Ardagh," p. 248,
*°
of
O'Looney
b. uiii. i'o. ^n'0]\eAt* A]\'o Aoix-oAn efpuc moel iTHtiT) txlge
tuciA CO riAnie riAcctiiTifCAiEfec mite.
Andrew high his ordination, Bishop Moel a kingly mind ;
Lucia with pure splendour, Whom thousands moved not*
If St. Mel wrote some memoirs of St. Patrick, they are not now known to be ex* tant. See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, vii. j sec* v. , n. 41, p. 339-
" See Bishop Challonef 9 * * Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 108.
" At the former of these yearS, We tead
in Mr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
i. ,
"Bishops
:
366 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 6.
tyrology of Tallagh, Marianus O'Gorman, Cathal Maguire, and the Martyr- ology of Salisbury, record this holy bishop's festival, at the present date. It was probably that of his death, which is usually assigned to the 6th of February,^5 and according to accounts left by our Irish hagiographers. ^^ This corresponds with the 8th of the February Ides. ^7
his feast is a double of the first class, with an octave. Notwithstanding the celebrity of this saint, Mel, Epis.
— — meaning bishop
istheonlyentry,intheMartyrologyofTallagh,^^concerninghim. Besides this, we read, in the Martyrology of Donegal,^9 as having a festival on this day,Mel,BishopofArd-achadh,inTethbha. HewasadiscipleofPatrick, according to the same authority ; but, nothing has been noted, about his relationship. Mel is regarded, as the first bishop over the see of Ardagh, and, he has been constantly venerated as the special patron saint of that diocese. Longford being of late years the chief town in the diocese of Ardagh, the magnificent new cathedral of St. Mel was commenced there, by the bishop of that see. Dr. O'Higgins, about forty years ago, and completed, nearly as it now stands, by the late bishop. Dr. Kilduff. The beautiful high altar was erected since this prelate's death, as a memorial to commemorate his zeal and virtues. ='° The present bishop. Dr. Conroy, has contributed largely to complete the interior, and further improvements are yet contemplated. ^^ Adjoining the cathedral, a fine college has been erected, in a delightful situation, and on very extensive grounds, for purposes of lay and ecclesiastical education of a high order. This establishment has also been placed under the patronage of St. Mel. The fine cathedral, dedicated to St. Mel, at Longford, is one of the largest and handsomest ecclesiastical structures in Ireland. It is built of the finest grey marble limestone,^* which on the exterior is cut and carefully dressed, from the foundation to the projecting course, that crowns the walls. Cut stone mouldings enclose the windows exteriorly, and these are covered with moulded pediments. Six pillars are intended to support a grand pediment in front, but this portion has yet to be erected. The style throughout is of the Italian composite order. The ground plan includes a nave, connecting two side aisles, by a double range of eleven arches, divided on either hand, resting on twelve grey marble columns
of great height, yet symmetrical and solid. '3 The columns are capped by chiselled capitals, under the turning of the arches. A transept extends across the upper end of the nave and side aisles. A grand high altar of
^s To show his and to as learning, appear
correcting Ware, Harris says, that an old "
** Ware understood those subje—cts vastly better than his dull correc-
Calendar placeth his death on the 8th of the Ides of February, that is the 5th of the February 487, —with which the Annals of
tor. "
488.
Dr. "Ecclesiastical His* Lanigan's
Ulster agree. "
tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, vii. , sec. v. ,
n. 41, pp. 338, 339.
Harris' vol. ^'^ Ware,
•*
*^
Bishops of Ardagh," p. 248.
For other
particulars regarding
this
samt, we are referred to his brother's Acts,
and to Colgan's Appendix, for the Life of
St. Patrick, in "Trias Thaumaturga. " See
"Acta Sanctorum
Vita S. Meli, cap. v. , vi. , vii. , viii. , ix. , x. , and n. 31, pp. 259, 260, 261, 263, 264.
'7 Harris does not appear to know, that the 8th of the Ides corresponded not to the 5th but to the 6th of that month, as Ware has it ; although, he might have found this in all the common tables of the Roman Ca- lendar. And as to A. D. 487, it was accord- ing to the computation of some old annalists,
Hibernias,"
vi. Februarii.
the same as
Edited Rev. Dr. i. , by
In Ardagh diocese,,
xiVi
'5 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, ppi
40, 41.
=° A white marble statue of this bishop
has been erected within the college grounds
adjoining.
=' these a fine marble Among additions,
altar dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
is conspicuous.
" This valuable building stone was ob*
tained from quarries two miles from the
town of Longford.
=3 These observations are made from per«
sonal inspection of St. Mel's Cathedral, in June, 1876. The patron's feast is celebrated
there, each 6th of February.
Kelly, p.
February 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
exquisitely white polished Carrara marble—of elaborate and congruent
design with the style of building—is in the centre, and opposite to the great
entrance by the nave. At the end of the right side aisle, there is a side
altar of our Holy Redeemer, and at the end of the left side aisle, there is
one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Transverse columns and arches are in
the transepts. Four circular-headed windows light either side aisle, and
they alternate with circular canopied niches, all with fine mouldings in-
teriorly. Five such niches fill up the circular apse, behind the front altar.
A circular-headed window, between similarly designed niches, ornaments
either end of the transept. Twenty-eight angels, wrought in a highly artistic manner, rise immediately over the capitals of all the nave columns.
The coved roof of the ceiling is wrought very tastefully in plaster, while a highly ornamental cornice runs over the whole circuit of nave and apse, in the same elaborate style. High in the coved ceiling, over the three large entrance vestibules, is the fine-toned organ of the choir. Two fine columns, with three connecting arches, support the organ-loft and choir. The vesti- bules, in front, lead to the nave and aisles. A moulded cornice runs imme- diately under the window sills, all through the cathedral. Twelve clerestory and circular-headed lights are over their respective colonnade arches, on either side of the nave. The bishop's throne is on the Gospel side, within the sanctuary ; while the pulpit rises against the third circular column, on the Epistle side of the nave. Basso-relievo flat columns are placed along thewallsofthetransepts,ofthesideaisles,andoftheapse. Thecampanile, surmounted with a dome, and terminated by an elaborate gilt cross, is an object of great architectural beauty. On an octagonal base, rising over the roof, are three projecting mouldings, each sustaining a highly ornate com- partment of the campanile. Carved columns sustain the cornices. ^"'*
As in the instance of the renowned Saint Mel, we find the holiest persons
arenotexemptfromunjustsuspicions. Inlikecases,wemusthavepatience awhile ; slanders are not usually long-lived. Truth is the child of Time ; ere long she shall appear to rehabilitate the character of those, who respect her dictates. Then shall the caluminated and maligned retire from life, vindicated and rewarded. Even, should base calumny fasten a sting, a stigma, or a stain, on the motives or actions of departed persons ; the Almighty, who knows the hearts of all men, and who views their whole course of conduct, in a clear light, will justify the innocent, and most cer- tainly reverse the false opinions of all men, on the day of General Judg- ment.
Article II. —Reputed Festival of St. Melcu or Moelchuo, SUPPOSEDTObeaBishopOFArdagh. Ifwearetocreditsomerecords, at this date should we add the festival of a" St. Melchu or a St. Moelchuo, thought by many to have been the brother and the inseparable companion ofSt. Mel. ^ TheMartyrologyofSalisburycommemorates,atthisdate,four brothers, St. Mel, St. Melchuo, St. Munis,"" who are called bishops, and St.
=* A curious relic of ancient Irish eccle- siastical art, in fine preservation, was acci- dentally found in the old church ruins, at Ardagh, some few years past. This is an antique crozier, covered with elegantly wrought bronze lamince, and highly orna^ mental in design.
It is of the old type, furnished with a crook, and the baculus is
about one yard in length. This crozier is at present m possession of Rl. Rev. George
Conroy,BishopofArdagh. Itisevidently of remote date, and it most probably be* longed to a prelate of this ancient see.
Article ii. - ^ See his Life, already
given, for this day.
= See his Life, at the i8th of Decembef.
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 6.
Rioch,3 called an abbot. They are said to have been distinguished for sanctity, and for many miracles. On the date, contained in such entry, Colgan confesses himself induced to place the festival of those reputed brothers, at the 6th of February ;+ although, he says it is possible, St. Melchuo may be identified with St. Mellan, whose festival was observed on the 28th of October,s in the territory of Hibh Echach, in Ulster. ^ Other writers have followed Colgan's arrangement ; among these may be noted Bishop Challoner,7andRev. S. Baring-Gould. ^ Ancienttractshavealsodistinguished St. Mel from St. Melchuo, a reputed brother. Ware and Colgan are said to have been led astray by these accounts, but they are corrected by Dr. Lanigan. 9 BothMelandMelchusarerepresentedashavingbeenleft,in
Southern St. and as— over the see of
Teffia, by Patrick, jointly ruling Ardagh. ^°
f their festivals is the same a circumstance rather and The o—
day singular, suspicious being reputed brothers, as co-bishops, likewise, in one and the same see. Without sufficient authority, Ware and Harris" place Melchuo afterMel,intheorderofsuccession. Thesenamesandnoticesareapplied, it is thought, to one and the same person ; the real etymon, which was pro-
bably Melchu, having been contracted, and Latinized into Melus or Mel,
signifying
honey. "
"
^' Hence a false distinction of have arisen. persons may
St. Melchu—it has been asserted—was an assistant to St. Mel, during his
missionary labours and preaching. It is thought, too, that Melchu had been
consecrated bishop, by his reputed uncle, St. Patrick ; and that, he remained
withhisreputedbrotherMel,inthemonastery,atArdagh. Theyaresup- posed to have been emulous of each other, only in sanctity, and that Maelchu,
having thus persevered to the end, deserved to be registered among the saints. '3 it is not probable, that Tirechan would have omitted to mention Melchu, in addition to Mel, had the former name belonged to a brother of Mel, and to a joint-administrator, at Ardagh. '-^ Nor is it likely, the name of Melchu should have been omitted, in our most authentic Irish Martyro- logies and Annals, while particular mention is made of Mel or Melus. 'S Labouring under a mistake, Colgan distinguishes St. Melchuo from St. Mel. He devotes a separate short notice to the former, after having given St. Mel's Acts in full, at the 6th of February. For his various illustrations and proofs, reference is made to these Acts. ^^
Article III. —Reputed Festival of St. Munis, Bishop of Forgney, County of Longford. {Fifth Century. '] At this date, the Martyrology
3 of " See his Life, at the 1st August.
See Harris' Ware, vol. i. ,
*'
of
* See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemise," vi. Februarii. De S. Melchuone, Episcopo, with notes, p. 264.
s See an account of him, at that day.
*
Our native Martyrologists state, that St. Mellanus, with his companions Beonus and Nazadius, claimed Britain as their native place. See ibid.
Ardagh," p. 248.
" In the Tripartite Life of St. Patric—k,
Melus is called, "homo vere melleus. " ""
Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga. Septima Vita S. Patricii, lib. ii. , cap. xxix. , p. 133.
'3 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 108.
** Jocelin mentions Mel alone.
'S in the old enumerations of St. Patrick's
pretended nephews, with the exception of what Dr. Lanigan considers an interpolated
one, in "Trias Thaumaturga," p. 227, we find only Melus. See " Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, vii. , sect, v. , n, 41, p. 339.
'^
Colganappearstorely,mainly, onthis following entry, in the Martyrology of Salis-
7 See
•'
Britannia Sancta," part i. , Feb-
ruary 6th, p. 108. ^"
See Lives of the Saints," vol. ii. ,
February vi,, p. 178.
9 See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. i. , chap, vii. , sect, v. , n. 41, p. 339. "See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga. " SeptimaVita,orVitaTripartitaS. Patricii,
lib. ii. , cap. xxvi. , p. 132.
Bishops
February 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 369
of Salisbury, and the Carthusian Martyrology, mark the festival of the present saint. Colgan has even given the Acts of St. Munis, at this day. ' As, however, the Irish Calendars assign his feast to the 18th of December,* we prefer following their authority, and defer giving his Life, until then, and according to their arrangement
Article IV. —Reputed Festival of St. Rioch, Abbot of Inis- BoFiNDE, Lough Ree, County of Longford. [^lifth Century. "] The only authority, for Colgan placing the Acts of the present holy abbot, at this date,' seems to be the untrustworthy record in the Martyrology of Salisbury. * Preferring to follow the more reliable Irish Calendarists,3 who assign his feast to the I St of August, we reserve his Life for insertion, at that day. -*
Article V. —St. Finian, or Mael-Finnia, of St. Patrick's Island,
near Skerries, County of Dublin. [Mjith Cejittiry. '] Like specks of oases, peering in the Arabian deserts, the Skerries Islands lie out as hermits in the ocean, off the north-east coast of Dublin county. One among these is specially known as St. Patrick's Island. It takes this name, from a popular tradition, that the Apostle of Ireland, when driven to sea by the , pagan inhabitants on the southern side of Dublin Bay, landed there, and blessed it. This small island has some remains of the ancient church,' which is now rarely visited by pilgrims. In former times, it had some celebrity, for it is alluded to in very ancient tracts, and it is noticed in our early annals. We find it mentioned, in the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,^ and in an old Life of St. Benignus. 3 It has been confounded, too, with Sodor, or the Isle of Man. Thus, in those Acts of St. Connan, to which Colgan alludes, and which are published by him at the 13th ot January,* St. Patrick's Island has been identified with the present Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Channel, and nearly equi-distant from England, Ireland and Scotland. Marianus O'Gorman should have set him right, however, in re- ference to this matter ;5 and, in point of fact, Colgan acknowledges the dis- tinction, at this date, although he does not wholly appear to have discovered a previous mistake he had committed, owing to a confusion of ideas. ^ The
bury, at the 6th of February, in order to establish the distinction of these persons. "Eodem die in Hibemia festum S. Melis, S. Melchuonis, S. Munis, Episcoporum, et S. Riochi, Abbatis
Acts a historic commentary in four sections, conta ning twenty-eight paragraphs, at the 6th of February. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Februarii vi. , pp. 778 to 782.
Articlev. ' See D'Allons "His- Jolin
tory of the County of Dublin," p. 444.
^ After he lelt an estuary, called Inbher Domnonn, he came to this Inis-Padruic. See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga. " Sep-
:
qui quatuor
tratres et
S. Patricii ex sorore Darerca nepotes, viri
plane singulari sanctimonia, et multis mira-
culis clar. "
Article III. —' See "Acta Sanctorum
Hiberniae," vi. Februarii. De S. Mune, tima Vila S. Patricii, lib. i. , cap. xliv. , p.
Episcopo Fornagiensi, pp. 264 to 267 and n. 16.
'
Seeibid. yn. 17,p. 267.
Article iv. —» See "Acta Sanctorum
Hiberniae," vi. Februarii. De S. Riocho
Abbate de Inis-Bofinde. Ex variis, pp.
267, 268.
'
124.
3 In the Third Chapter.
•* See,likewise,ournoticesofhimatthat
date.
s Marianus, at the 13th of January, says, that a St. Connan was Abbot of Inispatrick, which was identical with the island already mentioned in the text.
<> a conclusion must be Colgan remarks,
drawn, that the present island must be dis- tinguished from another church, havmg a similar description, and to be lound in the
See ibid. ,
3 See ibid. ,
< The Bollandists-who treat about the
holy bishops in Ireland Mel, Melcho, Munis and Rioch — consider these to have been
p. 26S and n. 10.
p.
268 and n. ii.
four distinct jiersons. They devote to their Isle of Man. He observes, lurihermore, Vol. iL a b
370 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 6.
BoUandists have a notice regarding this Finian, a supposed Abbot of Melli-
fonte, in three short paragraphs, at the 6th of February. 7 Yet, this appears to have been asserted, alter a mistaken statement, by the author of a Life of
St. Finian, Bishop of Lismore,^ when he alludes to another St. Finianus, Abbot, who was said to have been buried at Mellifonte,^ and whose feast had been assigned to the eighth of the February Ides. But, as the Cistercian monastery at Meliifonte had not been founded before the twelfth century, it is clear, a mistake of locality has been admitted, and the holy man thus de- signated had his connexion with the Island of St.