This territory,
formerly
of considerable extent and importance, comprised the pre- sent counties of Leitrim and Cavan.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
497, 498.
75 Thus some will have it, that he lived
A. D. 535, while others state, that he flour- ished a. d. 803. P'or notices regarding him and his brotlier Medan, Dempster quotes
Uion's "Lignum VitJe," lib, ii. , p. cdxxi. , "
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv.
'^ See Camerarius, " De Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ecclesiae, et Infidelium
Conversione," lib. i. , pars ii. , cap. iii. , sec. 2, p. 142.
Office iii.
7° His office says, "quasi Modos odiens and lib. iii. , p. ccccxxi. See Hisioria
vanos, seu Motus vacuos, vel Mores angelicos habens," lect. iv.
7^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv. , p. 498.
7^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. ,
lib. xii. , num. 844, p. 450, and num. 869,
p. 459.
7" See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 107.
/52
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
on missionary work. His disciples usually accompanied him. ''7 Though his mind was still active and ready to preach, the Blessed Modan was at last worn down, by his excessive labours, and through study for his own and for the salvation of others. At last, he became so exhausted, that he could scarcely walk. 7^ He frequently interrupted his apostolic employments, notwith- standing,toretireamongthecraggymountains,nearDunbarton. 79 There, he usually spent, in great austerity, thirty or forty days, at once, while his soul was enraptured, by the heavenly exercises of devout contemplation, and in reading the Holy Scriptures. ^° In these occupations, he enjoyed a kind of anticipation or foretaste of those delights, in which consists the happiness of the blessed. ^' His retirement, we are told, was at a secret place, near the ocean of Scotia, not far from Dunbarton and Lochgarloch. ^^ Here, he wascompletelyseparatedfromman. Highmountainssurroundedhim,on every side. After many wonderful miracles, he fell asleep in the Lord, and in that place, where the parochial church of Rosneth now stands. In a chapel of the cemetery there, his sacred relics were for a long time preserved and greatly venerated. There, too, a parochial church stood, and it was
dedicated to his honour. ^3 The place, called Rosneath, is said to have been
"
derived from the Celtic Rosneveth, which means the promontory of the
"
It is a promontory in Dumbartonshire, formed by the Gareloch and Loch
sanctuary. " ^^ Sometimes, it was called simply Neveth,
Long. Fromthissaint,theplaceprobablyacquiredanearlycharacterfor
^^ It to have had the most intimate connexion seems, likewise,
sanctity. "
withhismemoryinScotland. Thesaint'sdeathisplaced,bycertainwriters, in the seventh century ; although, others think he flourished at a later period. ^7 it is said,^^ that the name of St. Modan was formerly celebrated atBrechin,^9acelebratedepiscopalseeintheprovinceofAngus. Brechin was the seat of ecclesiastical institutions, at an early date. 9° Among the few architectural relics there left, the Culdees of Brechin built one of those re- markable " round towers," which serve to perpetuate the memory and the
Irish origin of that church, which gave them birth. Q'' It is stated,^^ that
77 Among these, named by Hector Boetius,
as preaching the Gospel, through the lands
of Scots and Picts, during the reign of King
Conran, are, Colman, Priscus, Medan, ^s See Origines Parochiales Scotise," Modan and Euchinus. See " Scotorum
Hystoriae," lib. viii,, fol. clvii. Whether
these preached in conjunction or otherwise does not appear.
*'
Scottish Saints, p. 402.
'^7 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv,
7^ See Bishop Forbes'
Kalendars of the
Scottish Saints," p. 401. 79Thisplaceissaidtohavebeencalled
^^ByDempster. See"HistoriaEccle- Alcluid, being a fortress on the River siastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib.
Cluid. Afterwards, it was called Dun- xii. , num. 869, p. 459.
britton.
^° See Camerarius, "De Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ecclesise, et Infidelium
Conversione," lib. i. , pars ii. , cap. iii. , sec. 2, p. 142.
^^ See a very interesting account of this place, in Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott's
^'
5° See
ensis cui accedunt Cartae quamplurimfe Ori-
parti. , p. 28.
'^^
"
Scoti-Monasticon," pp. 1 17 to 125.
Registrum Episcopatus Brechin-
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of ginales," I. Registrum, vol. i. , preface, p.
the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv.
^^ See its beauties described, in the " Im- perial Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i. , pp. 702, 703.
^3 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," pp. 401, 402.
iv. This work is one of the Bannatyne Club publications, edited by the brothers Chalmars of Aldbar, and C. Innes, and printed at Aberdeen, 1856, 4to.
91 Several very beautiful illustrations of the round tower, cathedral and other subjects of interest, in connexion with Brechin, are
the Sanctuary. " ^5
^* See Dr. Petrie's "Round Towers and
Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland," part
i. , sect, iii. , p. 57. "
See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
*'
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 295
Kenneth Mac Malcolm 53 bestowed the great city of Brechin on the Lord. 9* The following places, in Scotland, seem to have been called after St. Modan. Kilmadan, in Argyleshire, known anciently as Glenduisk and Glendaruell,
variously styled Kilmoden, Kilmodden, Kilmiiddane and Kilvowan. QS In addition, Balmhaodan, the old name of Ardchattan. Here are the ruins of an ancient church and the saint's well. 9^ St. Modan's Church, at Faulawe, isnoted,inthedeaneryofLothian. 97 Again,Falkirk,whichwastheancient Eglais Breac, or Varia Capella. To our saint was particularly built and dedicated the High Church of Sterling. Finally, perhaps St. Modan's Chapel, at Freswick, may be referred to this saint. s^ In Ireland, it seems doubtful, if we had any church erected, in honour of this St. Modan ; and, that his name has been omitted from our national calendars, at this date, does not necessarily disprove, that our island may have been the country of his birth, although Scotland received the greatest benefits from his life and
labours.
Article III. —St. Lomman, of Lough Gill, County of Sligo. [Sixth Century. '] The whole efforts of a monastic race, who tenanted the various cells and religious houses in Ireland, even during ages of European
barbarism, prove, that our early ecclesiastics were worthy representatives of a missionary people. They were destined to bear aloft the lights of Faith and of Learning, amid the turbulence of political strife and discord. St. Loman was the son of Dalian, son to Bressail, son to Manius, son of Eochaid, son of Domnhail, son to Imchad, son of Colla Dacrioch. ' To this latter race he belonged. "* He was bom, probably, in the earlier part of the sixth century, when Ireland so much abounded in holy men, and in learned teachers. We find him mentioned, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,3 at the 4th of February, asLomman. Here,thisnameisunited,withthatofanothersaint,Colman, Tamlachta Gluidh. This, however, is clearly a peculiarity, or a mistake of entry, on the part of a scribe. '^ We cannot learn, that the Acts of this holy manhavebeenpreserved; but,fromtheLifeofSt. Farannan,5wearein- formed,thathelived,towardsthecloseofthesixthcentury. IntheMartyr- ology of Donegal,^ is set down as having a festival, on this day, Lom. man, of Loch Gile, between Cairbre7 and Breifne. ^ The locaUty, in question, is the beautiful Lough Gill, lying between the counties of Sligo and of Leitrim, but
distributed throughout the volume, pre- viously quoted.
9=^ In an ancient chronicle.
93 He is thought to have reigned, about the end of the tenth century.
^ There appears to have been no other connexion, between St. Lomman and St. Colman, but the fad, that both their festi- vals occur on the same day.
s This will be found, at the 15th of Feb- ruary.
94 See Innes'
95 See "
part ii. , p; 55, and
of " vol. iv. , Scotland,
is comprised in the modem
" Origines
" Scoti-Monasticon," p. 138.
Critical Essay," p. 788.
^ Edited 38, 39.
^ This
territory
barony of Carbury, in the northern part of Sligo county. Its name was derived from
Cairbre, son to Niall of the Nine Hostages,
who was chief of this territory in St. Pa- 98 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of trick's lime. See "The Topographical
"
Scotise,"
Parochiales
Old Statistical Survey
by
Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
pp. 337, 342.
9^ See " New Statistical Survey of Scot-
land. " Argyle, p. 498.
97 See Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott's
Scottish Saints," p. 402.
Article hi. -—' According to the "Ge-
nealogies of the Irish Saints," chap. 18. ='* ^
See the Martyrology of iJonegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 38,
39.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xiv.
This territory, formerly of considerable extent and importance, comprised the pre- sent counties of Leitrim and Cavan. See
ibid. ^ p. xxxvi. , n. 260.
Poems of John CDubhagain and Giolla na Naomh O'Huidhrin," edited by Dr. O'Dono- van, p. xxxviii. , n. 278.
296 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS, [February 4.
chiefly within bounds of the former county. Probably, on one of its islands, our saint had erected his hermitage, about, or a little after, the middle of the sixth age. We find this samt had been a contemporary, with the renowned St. Columkille. He assisted, at the great Synod of Dromceat,9 which ac- cording to some writers was held, about the year 580,'° while others defer it, toA. D. 590. " Here,oursainthadthesingularhonourandhappiness,no
Old Church, on Cottage or Gallagher's Island, Lough Gill.
doubt,towelcomethegreatApostleofCaledonia; but,itmaybe,thattheir acquamtance and friendship had not then been made for the first time. When the traveller takes his departure for Lough Gill, by boat, from the upper bridge at Sfigo," and ascends the river, widening while he advances, scenes of surpassing loveliness begin to open on his view, as he gazes in admiration on either shore. On the northern bank are the spreading forest trees of Hazlewood Demesne,^3 fringing, on that side, the water's edge; while, on the southern bank, the magnificent plantations of Cleaveragh Demesne^4spreadalonginmazesandmassesofvariedsylvanbeauty. Afew small wooded islands, here and there, speck the broad expanse of this noble river. At length, our boat shoots out by a jutting promontory, closing
9 The place, where this convention was held, is said, by O'Mahony, to be now called Daisy Hill, near the River Roe, not far from Newtown Limavaddy, county of Londonderry. The Rev. John Keys O'Doherty, however, identifies Dromceat, with Enagh Hill, in a series of interesting chapters, lately published, in The London- deny Journal, April 24th, 26th and 28th,
1876.
'° "
'3 This is shown in the parish of Calry, and barony of Carbury, on " The Ordnance
Maps for the County of
See Colgan's
Survey
Sligo. " Sheets 14, 15.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," XV. Februarii. Vita S. Farannani, Confessoris, ex Hibernico versa, cap. vii. ,
"See
of Ireland," book ii. , part i. , chap, i. , n. 56, p. 446.
" The town of Sligo, situated within the parishes of St. John's and Calry, in the barony of Carbury, is depicted on " The Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Sligo. " Sheet 14.
*' This is shown in the parish of St.
John's, barony of Carbury, on "The Ord-
nance Survey Townland Maps ^for the O'Mahony's Keating's "History County of Sligo. " Sheets 14, 15.
"""^i o 33. PP 337, 339-
Townland
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 297
Hazelwood Demesne, when the gorgeous panorama of Lough Gill meets our
enraptured vision. Cottage's or Gallagher's Island/^ of irregular triangular form, lies well out from Aghamore Bay, and it was the first point selected for
our landing. It has a rocky, uneven surface. Ascending through the woods, with which it is covered, an old church might there be seen. '7 it was covered then with heavy masses of ivy. This old church'^ is the chief feature of in- terest, on Gallagher's Island, which prominently and proudly rises over the charming Lough Gill, and lies towards its southern shore. The ruined building seems to have been surrounded, at one time, by an ancient cemetery, which has long been disused. The old church, quadrangular in shape, measures 30 feet by 18, on the outside, and 24 by 12, on the inside. The walls are 3 feet in thickness. The side walls are about 12 feet in height, and about 20 feet to the gable-ridges. It is still very perfect, so far as the masonry is con- cerned. On the south side is Dhonee mountain. Rockwood mountain also rises, on the shore-side, near this island. Gallagher's Island Cottage stands insulated, in beautifully wooded seclusion. Trees, all around the church, give a peculiarly lonely aspect, to those ruins, which are there quite em- bowered. However, Cottage Island is not the largest on Lough Gill p while, the curious old church remains thereon, if marked as to site, are not specially denoted by lettering, on the Ordnance Survey Maps. Having gratified our curiosity here, for a considerable time, a fair opportunity was afforded, to sweep with a good magnifying glass, from our vantage ground, the entire stretch of lake, with its fore-shores, and the distant outlines on the horizon. Over the southern margin of Lough Gill winds a road, close to the shore, and sheltered with some spreading woodlands, along the steep banks. All the smaller islands around were covered with fine trees ; while, the umbrageous character of the shores prevails, even to the mouth of the chief river, which pours its waters into Lough Gill. Romantic and wavy outlines of rocks and mountain ranges are interspersed, along this particular line of country. The variable July day, on which it had been our good fortune to enjoy a delightful sail over various portions of the lake's surface, was one well calculated to exhibit its varied beauties, under every imaginable form of cast and colour. Sometimes, the sun gleamed out brightly, and was reflected to great advantage over the rippling wavelets, dancing in troublous motion over Lough Gill's ruffled surface, and beating with mur- muringsoundontheislandandshoreborders. Sometimes,cloudsgathered singlyorinmasses,andspreadagloomoverthescene; while,occasional light summer showers swept across the lake. Then appeared the sun once
more. Again,thecloudsbegantogathermoreheavily,asthewindsarose to disturb the swelling waves, which happened to be gay with yachts, bearing racing pennons, and hundreds of boats were flitting along, like mere rocking
*5 This lies within the parish of St. John's was taken, by the writer, when he visited and barony of Carbury. It is to be seen on that spot, on the occasion noticed. This "The Ordnance Survey Townland Maps sketch has been transferred to the wood, for the County of Sligo. " Sheets 15, 21,
Island and Church Island were visited by the writer, in the month of July, 1868, accompanied by the Rev. William Purcell, C. C. , Metropolitan
Cathedral, and a lay-gentlemen, from Dub-
lin, also a mutual acquaintance, who then
happened to be sojourning in the same The state of the Llphin churches is not hotel at Sligo. The excursion to Lough minutely noticed. See p, 257.
'5
Gill was one thoroughly enjoyed by all,
and one to be long remembered, with very perches. It is represented on Ordnance pleasurable emotions. Survey Townland Maps for the County of
*'' Both
Gallagher's
'7 The accompanying sketch of this ruin Sligo. " Sheet 15, 21.
by William F. Wakeman, and engraved by George A. Hanlon.
^"^ The "Liber Regalis Visitationis," of
A. D. 161 5, a manuscript copy of which is in
the Royal Irish Academy's Library, states. that for the most part, the churches in the
province of Connaught were in good repair,
It contains 13 acres 3 roods and 14 "
298 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
specks of drift. It was a day, selected for Sligo's annual regatta, and the pleasure-seekers were all out from town and country, interested in, or enjoy-
ing, the aquatic sports, perhaps even more than the splendid scenery, so familiar to their gaze. Yet, such could not have been the case, so far as first visitants were concerned—especially if at all susceptible to the charms of nature's and art's highest adornments. The islands and shores around were literally alive with people, decked in their holiday costume ; the well- appointed pleasure boats, hired for the day, with their sturdy, obliging boat- men, were constantly landing at, or departing from, some favourite point of vantage ground, or of interest, for those ladies and gentlemen, who were their occupants. The farmers and their families, around the lake-shores, were able to put out in their own stout keels ; nor, were the cheerful peasants and tradespeople the least gratified, among those groups assembled. An antiquary might feel all the less distracted, in the peculiar attainment of his object, were the lake less alive, with its freightage of human beings. Yet, even he, having sympathies with the past, more than with the present, could not remain but gratified and delighted, in finding nought to interrupt his pleasure and pursuit, while no moment of time was left unoccupied, and every stroke of the oar brought, within the range of vision, something to charm the fancy, awaken the imagination, inform the mind, and warm the feelings. The waves rolled lustily, greatly ruffled by the stiff breeze, as our boat was steered intothemiddlechannel; but,therockingmotionwasevenproductiveof agreeableexcitement; for,wefeltassured,intheskillandexperienceofthe sturdy and careful men, that drew out into the deep. Our destination, this time, was to Church Island, which spread its woods before us, to the water's edge, in attractive loveliness. Soon was it reached, and we landed at a point, on the western side, in quest of the old church, which, we were in- formed, was one of great interest. After landing, we found a pathway, rather tangled by the growth of thorns and briers. It fully proved, that this solitude was rarely disturbed, by the visitor's intrusion. Strangely different,
indeed, are the tastes and habits of modern society, from those, which pre- vailed in a past age, when the pious contemplative loved to pray and wander
through scenes, so congenial to the soul of a pure and perfect religious. Church Island has its own little satellite islets, scattered chiefly between it and the northern shore, while further west and towards the head of Lough Gill, an unbroken surface of water may be seen, extending into the county of Leitrim. The shores, all around this sheet of rolling waves, were well adorned with forest trees ; and yet, at wide openings, tillage and hilly pastures relieve the prospect, with features of picturesque variety. Nothing in the kingdom of Ireland can surpass the peculiar grace and grouping of the land and wave indentations of this scene. Church Island, formerly Inis Mor, is the largest island on the surface of the enchanting Lough Gill. '° It is finely fringed with wood, although, here and there, we find some clear- ings. '^^ On it are the ruins of a very interesting old church. The cemetery near is now disused. ^^ Tradition says a nunnery was here previous to a church, erected in the townland of Clogherbeg,='3 in the parish of Calry,^*
^Abeautiful steel
wood and Lough Gill, will be found in W.
*'
=^ was not the case in Such, however,
1837. Here, the incumbent of St. John's Parish, Sligo, was accustomed to take pos-
"
session. See Lewis'
tionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 564.
^3 Xhe people call this CeAinpAll a
ClochAi^.
= This is probably the Vicaria de Galley,
H. Bartlett's
Ireland," vol. i. , p. 64.
engraving
of Hazel-
Scenery and Antiquities of
='
perches, as shown on the " Ordnance Sur-
Topographical Dic-
It comprises 41 acres 2 roods and 10
vey Townland Maps for the County of Sligo. " Sheet 15.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 299
east of Sligc^'s This lies on the northern shore. '^ The old church of
Upper Island, or Church Island, on Lough Gill, is reached, through bramble- covered pathways, after hmding from the boat, on the western side, and with considerable difficulty. The church measures 48 feet by 24, on the outside. It is about 30 feet, to the ridge of the roof. The side walls are over 3 feet
Old Church on Church Island, Lough Gill.
in thickness. ^7 There is a sort of hermitage, walled off from the chapel, as may be seen in the interior, and its construction is worth a careful study of the architect and antiquary. Around the walls, there are several openings, once serving for windows, it may be supposed. Within the church, there are two low doorways to be seen, in a cross wall. One doorway is arched low, on the interior. There may be seen, on the exterior, a long lintel- headeddoorway. Embeddedinthemasonryofthecross-wallinteriorly,a curious Oghan stone, with its hieroglyphic inscription, must arrest the anti- quary's attention. The characters are almost obliterated. After some delay on this island, eventide began its approaches, and we deemed it time to steer down the lake, in the direction of Sligo. A fleet of boats happened to be moving, towards the same destination ; and, in the exciting race for home, which ensued among the hired oarsmen, it was a pleasing sight to observe a great eagerness to steer their respective craft, in advance of con- tending neighbours. It would seem, that the present saint had lived, pro-
in the deanery of Carbery, worth 30s. , and usurped by the soldier John King, a. d.
against the forces of William III. See
Harris' " Life and Reign of William III. ,"
book ix. , pp. 331, 332.
^^^ The accompanying sketch, by the
writer, was taken in 1868. It has been since transferred to wood, by the accom- plished Irish antiquary and artist, William Y. Wakcman, and it is engraved by George A. Hanlon.
1615. R. LA. ,p. 261.
"
Liber Regalis Visitatlonis," MS. ,
=5 See Thomas O'Conor's letter, dated
Grange, September 5th, 1836. Shgo Letters,
vol. i. , pp. 70, 71.
^^
In the parish of Calry, may be seen the Sod Fort, defended by Sir Teague O'Regan,
300 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
bably for some considerable period of his life, on one or other of those
islands, already described, and where we now find the remains of churches, on Lough Gill. ^^ When he died has not been exactly ascertained ; yet, we have every reason to suppose, this occurrence took place, towards the close of the sixth, or about the commencement of the seventh, century.
Article IV. —The Blessed Rabanus Maurus, or Raban IMaur,
Abbot of Fulda, and Archbishop of Mayence, Germany.
atid Ninth Centuries. ^ A very eminent prelate and prince of the Church has rightly observed, that she need not be afraid of the school, foi science has never yet demonstrated anything contrary to Faith. Again, experience has proved, that there never had been any demonstration of science, which was in contradiction with any of the revealed truth, and those who put that theory forward, put it forward, either from want of a clear knowledge of what reve- lation was, or from some mistaken opinion of their own, which they supposed to be scientific. ^ The truth of such an opinion is very clearly demonstrated, in the life and labour of the Blessed iiaban Maur, who joined with his varied and accurate clerical learning, a secular course of studies. If in advance of his period, he was a great scholar, yet, perhaps, his profane learning was not wholly free from those mistakes, which more or less attend, on most human speculations and systems. Philosophy changes its theories, inmanyinstances,andduringthecourseofages. Faithisunalterable,since from the beginning, it has been God's revealed truth. Rodolph, a priest and a monk at Fulda, was one of the Blessed Raban's disciples. ^' He is the first known to have written the Life of his highly-distinguished master. Yet, he strangely enough omits all detailed mention of Raban's parentage, race and place of birth. Such particulars, therefore, must be inferred, rather than decided, from other sources. The fragmentary biography of Rudolf is a very imperfect record of Raban Maur's Acts. He applies, chiefly to an account of the translation of saints' relics, from the city of Rome to France, during the reign of the Emperor Lewis,3 son of Charlemagne. '* In the eleventh or twelfth century lived Meginfrid, a learned monk and chronologist of Fulda, who wrote the history of this abbey and of its inmates. s Trithemius appears chiefly to have taken him as an authority, for many of those accounts he has left of Raban Maur. It is likely, Trithemius had various other authors to quote from, but we can hardly find their value as authorities. Nicolaus Serarius*^ and Christopherus Browerus^ specially write about the Blessed Raban Maur. The most complete and elaborate biography of this holy manisundoubtedlythatbyJohnofTrittenhem. ^ Yet,astheauthorhim-
s8 ** See
Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
twenty-seven years, but, he wanted eight months of such a term. Seethe Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," iv, Februarii. First Life. Preface and n. (b), tomus i. , p.
75 Thus some will have it, that he lived
A. D. 535, while others state, that he flour- ished a. d. 803. P'or notices regarding him and his brotlier Medan, Dempster quotes
Uion's "Lignum VitJe," lib, ii. , p. cdxxi. , "
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv.
'^ See Camerarius, " De Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ecclesiae, et Infidelium
Conversione," lib. i. , pars ii. , cap. iii. , sec. 2, p. 142.
Office iii.
7° His office says, "quasi Modos odiens and lib. iii. , p. ccccxxi. See Hisioria
vanos, seu Motus vacuos, vel Mores angelicos habens," lect. iv.
7^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv. , p. 498.
7^ See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. ,
lib. xii. , num. 844, p. 450, and num. 869,
p. 459.
7" See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 107.
/52
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
on missionary work. His disciples usually accompanied him. ''7 Though his mind was still active and ready to preach, the Blessed Modan was at last worn down, by his excessive labours, and through study for his own and for the salvation of others. At last, he became so exhausted, that he could scarcely walk. 7^ He frequently interrupted his apostolic employments, notwith- standing,toretireamongthecraggymountains,nearDunbarton. 79 There, he usually spent, in great austerity, thirty or forty days, at once, while his soul was enraptured, by the heavenly exercises of devout contemplation, and in reading the Holy Scriptures. ^° In these occupations, he enjoyed a kind of anticipation or foretaste of those delights, in which consists the happiness of the blessed. ^' His retirement, we are told, was at a secret place, near the ocean of Scotia, not far from Dunbarton and Lochgarloch. ^^ Here, he wascompletelyseparatedfromman. Highmountainssurroundedhim,on every side. After many wonderful miracles, he fell asleep in the Lord, and in that place, where the parochial church of Rosneth now stands. In a chapel of the cemetery there, his sacred relics were for a long time preserved and greatly venerated. There, too, a parochial church stood, and it was
dedicated to his honour. ^3 The place, called Rosneath, is said to have been
"
derived from the Celtic Rosneveth, which means the promontory of the
"
It is a promontory in Dumbartonshire, formed by the Gareloch and Loch
sanctuary. " ^^ Sometimes, it was called simply Neveth,
Long. Fromthissaint,theplaceprobablyacquiredanearlycharacterfor
^^ It to have had the most intimate connexion seems, likewise,
sanctity. "
withhismemoryinScotland. Thesaint'sdeathisplaced,bycertainwriters, in the seventh century ; although, others think he flourished at a later period. ^7 it is said,^^ that the name of St. Modan was formerly celebrated atBrechin,^9acelebratedepiscopalseeintheprovinceofAngus. Brechin was the seat of ecclesiastical institutions, at an early date. 9° Among the few architectural relics there left, the Culdees of Brechin built one of those re- markable " round towers," which serve to perpetuate the memory and the
Irish origin of that church, which gave them birth. Q'' It is stated,^^ that
77 Among these, named by Hector Boetius,
as preaching the Gospel, through the lands
of Scots and Picts, during the reign of King
Conran, are, Colman, Priscus, Medan, ^s See Origines Parochiales Scotise," Modan and Euchinus. See " Scotorum
Hystoriae," lib. viii,, fol. clvii. Whether
these preached in conjunction or otherwise does not appear.
*'
Scottish Saints, p. 402.
'^7 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv,
7^ See Bishop Forbes'
Kalendars of the
Scottish Saints," p. 401. 79Thisplaceissaidtohavebeencalled
^^ByDempster. See"HistoriaEccle- Alcluid, being a fortress on the River siastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib.
Cluid. Afterwards, it was called Dun- xii. , num. 869, p. 459.
britton.
^° See Camerarius, "De Statu Hominis, veteris simul ac novae Ecclesise, et Infidelium
Conversione," lib. i. , pars ii. , cap. iii. , sec. 2, p. 142.
^^ See a very interesting account of this place, in Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott's
^'
5° See
ensis cui accedunt Cartae quamplurimfe Ori-
parti. , p. 28.
'^^
"
Scoti-Monasticon," pp. 1 17 to 125.
Registrum Episcopatus Brechin-
See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of ginales," I. Registrum, vol. i. , preface, p.
the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol. ii. , February iv.
^^ See its beauties described, in the " Im- perial Gazetteer of Scotland," vol. i. , pp. 702, 703.
^3 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," pp. 401, 402.
iv. This work is one of the Bannatyne Club publications, edited by the brothers Chalmars of Aldbar, and C. Innes, and printed at Aberdeen, 1856, 4to.
91 Several very beautiful illustrations of the round tower, cathedral and other subjects of interest, in connexion with Brechin, are
the Sanctuary. " ^5
^* See Dr. Petrie's "Round Towers and
Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland," part
i. , sect, iii. , p. 57. "
See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
*'
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 295
Kenneth Mac Malcolm 53 bestowed the great city of Brechin on the Lord. 9* The following places, in Scotland, seem to have been called after St. Modan. Kilmadan, in Argyleshire, known anciently as Glenduisk and Glendaruell,
variously styled Kilmoden, Kilmodden, Kilmiiddane and Kilvowan. QS In addition, Balmhaodan, the old name of Ardchattan. Here are the ruins of an ancient church and the saint's well. 9^ St. Modan's Church, at Faulawe, isnoted,inthedeaneryofLothian. 97 Again,Falkirk,whichwastheancient Eglais Breac, or Varia Capella. To our saint was particularly built and dedicated the High Church of Sterling. Finally, perhaps St. Modan's Chapel, at Freswick, may be referred to this saint. s^ In Ireland, it seems doubtful, if we had any church erected, in honour of this St. Modan ; and, that his name has been omitted from our national calendars, at this date, does not necessarily disprove, that our island may have been the country of his birth, although Scotland received the greatest benefits from his life and
labours.
Article III. —St. Lomman, of Lough Gill, County of Sligo. [Sixth Century. '] The whole efforts of a monastic race, who tenanted the various cells and religious houses in Ireland, even during ages of European
barbarism, prove, that our early ecclesiastics were worthy representatives of a missionary people. They were destined to bear aloft the lights of Faith and of Learning, amid the turbulence of political strife and discord. St. Loman was the son of Dalian, son to Bressail, son to Manius, son of Eochaid, son of Domnhail, son to Imchad, son of Colla Dacrioch. ' To this latter race he belonged. "* He was bom, probably, in the earlier part of the sixth century, when Ireland so much abounded in holy men, and in learned teachers. We find him mentioned, in the Martyrology of Tallagh,3 at the 4th of February, asLomman. Here,thisnameisunited,withthatofanothersaint,Colman, Tamlachta Gluidh. This, however, is clearly a peculiarity, or a mistake of entry, on the part of a scribe. '^ We cannot learn, that the Acts of this holy manhavebeenpreserved; but,fromtheLifeofSt. Farannan,5wearein- formed,thathelived,towardsthecloseofthesixthcentury. IntheMartyr- ology of Donegal,^ is set down as having a festival, on this day, Lom. man, of Loch Gile, between Cairbre7 and Breifne. ^ The locaUty, in question, is the beautiful Lough Gill, lying between the counties of Sligo and of Leitrim, but
distributed throughout the volume, pre- viously quoted.
9=^ In an ancient chronicle.
93 He is thought to have reigned, about the end of the tenth century.
^ There appears to have been no other connexion, between St. Lomman and St. Colman, but the fad, that both their festi- vals occur on the same day.
s This will be found, at the 15th of Feb- ruary.
94 See Innes'
95 See "
part ii. , p; 55, and
of " vol. iv. , Scotland,
is comprised in the modem
" Origines
" Scoti-Monasticon," p. 138.
Critical Essay," p. 788.
^ Edited 38, 39.
^ This
territory
barony of Carbury, in the northern part of Sligo county. Its name was derived from
Cairbre, son to Niall of the Nine Hostages,
who was chief of this territory in St. Pa- 98 See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of trick's lime. See "The Topographical
"
Scotise,"
Parochiales
Old Statistical Survey
by
Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
pp. 337, 342.
9^ See " New Statistical Survey of Scot-
land. " Argyle, p. 498.
97 See Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott's
Scottish Saints," p. 402.
Article hi. -—' According to the "Ge-
nealogies of the Irish Saints," chap. 18. ='* ^
See the Martyrology of iJonegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 38,
39.
3 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xiv.
This territory, formerly of considerable extent and importance, comprised the pre- sent counties of Leitrim and Cavan. See
ibid. ^ p. xxxvi. , n. 260.
Poems of John CDubhagain and Giolla na Naomh O'Huidhrin," edited by Dr. O'Dono- van, p. xxxviii. , n. 278.
296 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS, [February 4.
chiefly within bounds of the former county. Probably, on one of its islands, our saint had erected his hermitage, about, or a little after, the middle of the sixth age. We find this samt had been a contemporary, with the renowned St. Columkille. He assisted, at the great Synod of Dromceat,9 which ac- cording to some writers was held, about the year 580,'° while others defer it, toA. D. 590. " Here,oursainthadthesingularhonourandhappiness,no
Old Church, on Cottage or Gallagher's Island, Lough Gill.
doubt,towelcomethegreatApostleofCaledonia; but,itmaybe,thattheir acquamtance and friendship had not then been made for the first time. When the traveller takes his departure for Lough Gill, by boat, from the upper bridge at Sfigo," and ascends the river, widening while he advances, scenes of surpassing loveliness begin to open on his view, as he gazes in admiration on either shore. On the northern bank are the spreading forest trees of Hazlewood Demesne,^3 fringing, on that side, the water's edge; while, on the southern bank, the magnificent plantations of Cleaveragh Demesne^4spreadalonginmazesandmassesofvariedsylvanbeauty. Afew small wooded islands, here and there, speck the broad expanse of this noble river. At length, our boat shoots out by a jutting promontory, closing
9 The place, where this convention was held, is said, by O'Mahony, to be now called Daisy Hill, near the River Roe, not far from Newtown Limavaddy, county of Londonderry. The Rev. John Keys O'Doherty, however, identifies Dromceat, with Enagh Hill, in a series of interesting chapters, lately published, in The London- deny Journal, April 24th, 26th and 28th,
1876.
'° "
'3 This is shown in the parish of Calry, and barony of Carbury, on " The Ordnance
Maps for the County of
See Colgan's
Survey
Sligo. " Sheets 14, 15.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," XV. Februarii. Vita S. Farannani, Confessoris, ex Hibernico versa, cap. vii. ,
"See
of Ireland," book ii. , part i. , chap, i. , n. 56, p. 446.
" The town of Sligo, situated within the parishes of St. John's and Calry, in the barony of Carbury, is depicted on " The Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Sligo. " Sheet 14.
*' This is shown in the parish of St.
John's, barony of Carbury, on "The Ord-
nance Survey Townland Maps ^for the O'Mahony's Keating's "History County of Sligo. " Sheets 14, 15.
"""^i o 33. PP 337, 339-
Townland
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 297
Hazelwood Demesne, when the gorgeous panorama of Lough Gill meets our
enraptured vision. Cottage's or Gallagher's Island/^ of irregular triangular form, lies well out from Aghamore Bay, and it was the first point selected for
our landing. It has a rocky, uneven surface. Ascending through the woods, with which it is covered, an old church might there be seen. '7 it was covered then with heavy masses of ivy. This old church'^ is the chief feature of in- terest, on Gallagher's Island, which prominently and proudly rises over the charming Lough Gill, and lies towards its southern shore. The ruined building seems to have been surrounded, at one time, by an ancient cemetery, which has long been disused. The old church, quadrangular in shape, measures 30 feet by 18, on the outside, and 24 by 12, on the inside. The walls are 3 feet in thickness. The side walls are about 12 feet in height, and about 20 feet to the gable-ridges. It is still very perfect, so far as the masonry is con- cerned. On the south side is Dhonee mountain. Rockwood mountain also rises, on the shore-side, near this island. Gallagher's Island Cottage stands insulated, in beautifully wooded seclusion. Trees, all around the church, give a peculiarly lonely aspect, to those ruins, which are there quite em- bowered. However, Cottage Island is not the largest on Lough Gill p while, the curious old church remains thereon, if marked as to site, are not specially denoted by lettering, on the Ordnance Survey Maps. Having gratified our curiosity here, for a considerable time, a fair opportunity was afforded, to sweep with a good magnifying glass, from our vantage ground, the entire stretch of lake, with its fore-shores, and the distant outlines on the horizon. Over the southern margin of Lough Gill winds a road, close to the shore, and sheltered with some spreading woodlands, along the steep banks. All the smaller islands around were covered with fine trees ; while, the umbrageous character of the shores prevails, even to the mouth of the chief river, which pours its waters into Lough Gill. Romantic and wavy outlines of rocks and mountain ranges are interspersed, along this particular line of country. The variable July day, on which it had been our good fortune to enjoy a delightful sail over various portions of the lake's surface, was one well calculated to exhibit its varied beauties, under every imaginable form of cast and colour. Sometimes, the sun gleamed out brightly, and was reflected to great advantage over the rippling wavelets, dancing in troublous motion over Lough Gill's ruffled surface, and beating with mur- muringsoundontheislandandshoreborders. Sometimes,cloudsgathered singlyorinmasses,andspreadagloomoverthescene; while,occasional light summer showers swept across the lake. Then appeared the sun once
more. Again,thecloudsbegantogathermoreheavily,asthewindsarose to disturb the swelling waves, which happened to be gay with yachts, bearing racing pennons, and hundreds of boats were flitting along, like mere rocking
*5 This lies within the parish of St. John's was taken, by the writer, when he visited and barony of Carbury. It is to be seen on that spot, on the occasion noticed. This "The Ordnance Survey Townland Maps sketch has been transferred to the wood, for the County of Sligo. " Sheets 15, 21,
Island and Church Island were visited by the writer, in the month of July, 1868, accompanied by the Rev. William Purcell, C. C. , Metropolitan
Cathedral, and a lay-gentlemen, from Dub-
lin, also a mutual acquaintance, who then
happened to be sojourning in the same The state of the Llphin churches is not hotel at Sligo. The excursion to Lough minutely noticed. See p, 257.
'5
Gill was one thoroughly enjoyed by all,
and one to be long remembered, with very perches. It is represented on Ordnance pleasurable emotions. Survey Townland Maps for the County of
*'' Both
Gallagher's
'7 The accompanying sketch of this ruin Sligo. " Sheet 15, 21.
by William F. Wakeman, and engraved by George A. Hanlon.
^"^ The "Liber Regalis Visitationis," of
A. D. 161 5, a manuscript copy of which is in
the Royal Irish Academy's Library, states. that for the most part, the churches in the
province of Connaught were in good repair,
It contains 13 acres 3 roods and 14 "
298 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
specks of drift. It was a day, selected for Sligo's annual regatta, and the pleasure-seekers were all out from town and country, interested in, or enjoy-
ing, the aquatic sports, perhaps even more than the splendid scenery, so familiar to their gaze. Yet, such could not have been the case, so far as first visitants were concerned—especially if at all susceptible to the charms of nature's and art's highest adornments. The islands and shores around were literally alive with people, decked in their holiday costume ; the well- appointed pleasure boats, hired for the day, with their sturdy, obliging boat- men, were constantly landing at, or departing from, some favourite point of vantage ground, or of interest, for those ladies and gentlemen, who were their occupants. The farmers and their families, around the lake-shores, were able to put out in their own stout keels ; nor, were the cheerful peasants and tradespeople the least gratified, among those groups assembled. An antiquary might feel all the less distracted, in the peculiar attainment of his object, were the lake less alive, with its freightage of human beings. Yet, even he, having sympathies with the past, more than with the present, could not remain but gratified and delighted, in finding nought to interrupt his pleasure and pursuit, while no moment of time was left unoccupied, and every stroke of the oar brought, within the range of vision, something to charm the fancy, awaken the imagination, inform the mind, and warm the feelings. The waves rolled lustily, greatly ruffled by the stiff breeze, as our boat was steered intothemiddlechannel; but,therockingmotionwasevenproductiveof agreeableexcitement; for,wefeltassured,intheskillandexperienceofthe sturdy and careful men, that drew out into the deep. Our destination, this time, was to Church Island, which spread its woods before us, to the water's edge, in attractive loveliness. Soon was it reached, and we landed at a point, on the western side, in quest of the old church, which, we were in- formed, was one of great interest. After landing, we found a pathway, rather tangled by the growth of thorns and briers. It fully proved, that this solitude was rarely disturbed, by the visitor's intrusion. Strangely different,
indeed, are the tastes and habits of modern society, from those, which pre- vailed in a past age, when the pious contemplative loved to pray and wander
through scenes, so congenial to the soul of a pure and perfect religious. Church Island has its own little satellite islets, scattered chiefly between it and the northern shore, while further west and towards the head of Lough Gill, an unbroken surface of water may be seen, extending into the county of Leitrim. The shores, all around this sheet of rolling waves, were well adorned with forest trees ; and yet, at wide openings, tillage and hilly pastures relieve the prospect, with features of picturesque variety. Nothing in the kingdom of Ireland can surpass the peculiar grace and grouping of the land and wave indentations of this scene. Church Island, formerly Inis Mor, is the largest island on the surface of the enchanting Lough Gill. '° It is finely fringed with wood, although, here and there, we find some clear- ings. '^^ On it are the ruins of a very interesting old church. The cemetery near is now disused. ^^ Tradition says a nunnery was here previous to a church, erected in the townland of Clogherbeg,='3 in the parish of Calry,^*
^Abeautiful steel
wood and Lough Gill, will be found in W.
*'
=^ was not the case in Such, however,
1837. Here, the incumbent of St. John's Parish, Sligo, was accustomed to take pos-
"
session. See Lewis'
tionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 564.
^3 Xhe people call this CeAinpAll a
ClochAi^.
= This is probably the Vicaria de Galley,
H. Bartlett's
Ireland," vol. i. , p. 64.
engraving
of Hazel-
Scenery and Antiquities of
='
perches, as shown on the " Ordnance Sur-
Topographical Dic-
It comprises 41 acres 2 roods and 10
vey Townland Maps for the County of Sligo. " Sheet 15.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 299
east of Sligc^'s This lies on the northern shore. '^ The old church of
Upper Island, or Church Island, on Lough Gill, is reached, through bramble- covered pathways, after hmding from the boat, on the western side, and with considerable difficulty. The church measures 48 feet by 24, on the outside. It is about 30 feet, to the ridge of the roof. The side walls are over 3 feet
Old Church on Church Island, Lough Gill.
in thickness. ^7 There is a sort of hermitage, walled off from the chapel, as may be seen in the interior, and its construction is worth a careful study of the architect and antiquary. Around the walls, there are several openings, once serving for windows, it may be supposed. Within the church, there are two low doorways to be seen, in a cross wall. One doorway is arched low, on the interior. There may be seen, on the exterior, a long lintel- headeddoorway. Embeddedinthemasonryofthecross-wallinteriorly,a curious Oghan stone, with its hieroglyphic inscription, must arrest the anti- quary's attention. The characters are almost obliterated. After some delay on this island, eventide began its approaches, and we deemed it time to steer down the lake, in the direction of Sligo. A fleet of boats happened to be moving, towards the same destination ; and, in the exciting race for home, which ensued among the hired oarsmen, it was a pleasing sight to observe a great eagerness to steer their respective craft, in advance of con- tending neighbours. It would seem, that the present saint had lived, pro-
in the deanery of Carbery, worth 30s. , and usurped by the soldier John King, a. d.
against the forces of William III. See
Harris' " Life and Reign of William III. ,"
book ix. , pp. 331, 332.
^^^ The accompanying sketch, by the
writer, was taken in 1868. It has been since transferred to wood, by the accom- plished Irish antiquary and artist, William Y. Wakcman, and it is engraved by George A. Hanlon.
1615. R. LA. ,p. 261.
"
Liber Regalis Visitatlonis," MS. ,
=5 See Thomas O'Conor's letter, dated
Grange, September 5th, 1836. Shgo Letters,
vol. i. , pp. 70, 71.
^^
In the parish of Calry, may be seen the Sod Fort, defended by Sir Teague O'Regan,
300 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
bably for some considerable period of his life, on one or other of those
islands, already described, and where we now find the remains of churches, on Lough Gill. ^^ When he died has not been exactly ascertained ; yet, we have every reason to suppose, this occurrence took place, towards the close of the sixth, or about the commencement of the seventh, century.
Article IV. —The Blessed Rabanus Maurus, or Raban IMaur,
Abbot of Fulda, and Archbishop of Mayence, Germany.
atid Ninth Centuries. ^ A very eminent prelate and prince of the Church has rightly observed, that she need not be afraid of the school, foi science has never yet demonstrated anything contrary to Faith. Again, experience has proved, that there never had been any demonstration of science, which was in contradiction with any of the revealed truth, and those who put that theory forward, put it forward, either from want of a clear knowledge of what reve- lation was, or from some mistaken opinion of their own, which they supposed to be scientific. ^ The truth of such an opinion is very clearly demonstrated, in the life and labour of the Blessed iiaban Maur, who joined with his varied and accurate clerical learning, a secular course of studies. If in advance of his period, he was a great scholar, yet, perhaps, his profane learning was not wholly free from those mistakes, which more or less attend, on most human speculations and systems. Philosophy changes its theories, inmanyinstances,andduringthecourseofages. Faithisunalterable,since from the beginning, it has been God's revealed truth. Rodolph, a priest and a monk at Fulda, was one of the Blessed Raban's disciples. ^' He is the first known to have written the Life of his highly-distinguished master. Yet, he strangely enough omits all detailed mention of Raban's parentage, race and place of birth. Such particulars, therefore, must be inferred, rather than decided, from other sources. The fragmentary biography of Rudolf is a very imperfect record of Raban Maur's Acts. He applies, chiefly to an account of the translation of saints' relics, from the city of Rome to France, during the reign of the Emperor Lewis,3 son of Charlemagne. '* In the eleventh or twelfth century lived Meginfrid, a learned monk and chronologist of Fulda, who wrote the history of this abbey and of its inmates. s Trithemius appears chiefly to have taken him as an authority, for many of those accounts he has left of Raban Maur. It is likely, Trithemius had various other authors to quote from, but we can hardly find their value as authorities. Nicolaus Serarius*^ and Christopherus Browerus^ specially write about the Blessed Raban Maur. The most complete and elaborate biography of this holy manisundoubtedlythatbyJohnofTrittenhem. ^ Yet,astheauthorhim-
s8 ** See
Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ire-
twenty-seven years, but, he wanted eight months of such a term. Seethe Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," iv, Februarii. First Life. Preface and n. (b), tomus i. , p.
