The holy Abbot told him, that
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it.
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
Caer- worgan was called Bovium by the Romans.
*3 He served God with great
perfection, until about the year 512. He studied with great diligence. We learn, that Samson was taught all the Old and New Testament in the school of Iltut, and besides this, he was learned in all sorts of philosophy, in geome- try, and in rhetoric, in grammar and in arithmetic, as likewise, in all the arts, then known throughout Britain. Each day he advanced in the way of per- fection, and in his love towards the brethren. While yet in St. Iltut's monas- tery, Samson cured one of the religious, who happened to have been bitten by a hilider or adder, which had darted suddenly from a bramble bush. At this time, the boys happened to be out winnowing corn with the steward. The latter directed one of them to run, and to inform the abbot about that accident. Then Samson ran to Iltut, and with tears in his eyes, he told what had occurred ; while filled with faith and charity, he asked permission to
37 The ancient writer of Vita S. Samsonis,
as, published by the Bollandists, states regard-
in; St. Kltutus, "in cuju> niagnifico monas-
terio ego, cujusque mirifica gesta si per Sampson, through their transcendent merits,
singula dirimamus, ad excessum de incepto ducemur : unum tamen ad confirmandam nostram rem, referentibus nobis catholicis fratribus, qui in hoc locoerant, publicamus in medium. "
38 The old writer of his Life remarks " ut mods infantum est,"
39 From the manner in which this is told "Mirumin modum sub uno eodemque die v cjnas eleas, tesserasque agnovit totas," &c,
we may probably suppose some ingenious contrivance had been used to make him
wrought a miracle, in favour of their master,
Ilildutus, and they saved his crops from the
ravages of destructive sea- fowl. See Colgan's
"
Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe,"xxix. Januarii. Vita S. Gildae Badonici, cap. v. , p. 182.
4I See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 26.
42 This was the residence of the Glamor- gan kings. See William's "Ecclesiastical
Antiquities," p. 213.
e Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
:
Sampson
cated there
1
At the age of fifteen, Samson
learn the elements. See Du Cange, sub- voce.
4° St. Gildas and his fellow disciple, St.
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 4o9
attempt a cure. This permission he obtained from the abbot. Meantime, the monk had fainted through fright. Taking some oil with him, Samson returned,andrubbedthewoundwithit, whenthemonkrecoveredfromhis fright, nor did injurious consequences follow from the bite. This cure greatly added to our saint's reputation. At length, the time had come, when St. Iltud deemed his disciple well and duly prepared to serve as a minister in the church. Samson is said to have been ordained a deacon and a presbyter, by St. Dubricius,44 Archbishop of Caerleon. When he had been ordained deacon, two others of the brethren were elevated to the priesthood. Our saint was distinguished for his humility, benignity, affability and charity. At this time, the church window had been left open, when St. Dublicius, St. Iltut, and a deacon assisting, who held the chalice and who sang the Gospel ; these Ifeheld an extraordinary sight, which had not been seen by others who were present. With motionless wings, and floating in the air on this occasion, a dove descended from Heaven, and sailing over his head, it perched at last on his right shoulder, remaining there, until he had been ordained, and had received Holy Communion. Conferring together afterwards, St. Dubricius and St. Iltut believed that the incident related was an emblem of the graces conferred on Samson by the Holy Ghost, and that he was destined for a career of sanctity. Not long after that occurrence, Samson was called to the higher grade of the priesthood by St. Dubricius ; and a similar appearance of the dove was presented to the three former witnesses. This gave further confirmation of his extraordinary gifts and merits, while it pointed him out as one specially chosen by the Almighty to effect great work in the Church.
We have a legendary account regarding two nephews of St. Iltutus, who were in the monastery with St. Samson ; and these are said to have been envious of his popularity, and to have feared, that he should be chosen Abbot after their uncle's death. One of them was a presbyter, and the other was a butler in the community. These had conspired to take away Samson's life by poison. But, the Almight preserved his favoured servant from their evil machinations. The saint had a supernatural forecast of what had been intended ; but, with wonderful charity, he grieved chiefly that human nature could be so base and perfidious. To prayer, he joined fasting, and he besought the Almighty to convert their hearts from that malignant feeling, which so deeply involved them in guilt. The butler or cook had charge of preparing herbs which were boiled, and which made a beverage for the refreshment of the monks, when they returned from Tierce. A small glass of this particular drink was taken by each, in conformity with their rule. Taking some poisonous plant, the cook tried its effect on a cat, which imme- diately died, and satisfied with this experiment, he mixed a portion of the poison with the cup prepared for Samson. Mindful of the Evangelical words
pronounced by
Christ in favour of
those,
whose faith was
strong,
" If
they
drink anything deadly, it shall not hurt them f*$ with the fullest confidence,
yet knowing by inspiration what had been designed for his destruction, our
saint cheerfully entered the refectory. When about to drink, Samson first blessed the poisoned cup, with the sacred sign of the cross. It is said, the
holy disciple drank off that cup of poison presented him, through the envy andmaliceofthosefalsebrothers. But,itproducednottheintendedeffect. That very same day, sitting beside the cook at dinner, Samson said to him :
44 In the old Life, he is called Dubricius Churches, and it had the signification of Papa. This latter was a term applied to "Father. "
ecclesiastics in the British and Irish 45 St. Mark, xvi. , io,
4io LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
"Your potion I tasted this morning brought sweetness to my mouth and great strength to my heart, dear brother, and may the Almighty remove every ill you suffer. " Knowing that his crime had been discovered, the cook became penitent. That evil plotter subsequently confessed his wicked design to the holy young man, when with tears and in great grief, he asked for
pardon.
Afterwards, going to his brother, and reproaching him for the crime in which
both had been engaged, the cook tried, but in vain, to move him to compunction,
as in conspiring againstSamson,they sought his life, and thus sinned grievously against Christ, whose favourite he had become, while allusion was made nlso to the words of holy writ, that through diabolic envy, death had entered into the world. Through penitence God is placated, but obstinacy in crime exposes the sinner to merited punishment. For this wickedness, God was pleased to suffer the unrepenting wretch to be possessed by the devil, when on the following Sunday he sacrilegiously approached to receive communion from Samson. A horrible spectacle was then presented ; for the culprit rolled on the ground, tore his garments, and railed before the monks, in an insane manner. It was found necessary to bind his limbs and to remove him from the church. With sighs and tears for his condition, the penitent brother cast himself on the ground, and made an open confession of their confederacy in crime, but promised he should do penance for it all the rest of his life. The Abbot and his monks wondered greatly at those miraculous manifestations. The former much feared, lest Samson, taking offence at what had occurred, might leave his monastery. With him all the monks united in a request, that Samson should go to the demoniac's cell, notwithstanding the injury sought to be inflicted. Most willingly did he consent to do so, but first he offered prayers to the Almighty, that the wretched man might be restored to health, and that his heart might be changed through sincere repentance. Samson, whodesiredtoovercomeevilbygood,blessedsomewaterandoil. Thiswas administered to the possessed man, who immediately fell into a trance, in
which he remained for nearly three hours, when he awoke to consciousness,
and he was restored to his former state of health. Thus Samson rescued his
6
malignant foe from demoniac influences/ and probably from that sting of
conscience, which the foul attempt made was calculated to produce.
After his ordination as Priest, Samson began to lead a most liQly and austere life. As his youth had been spent in the greatest chastity, so this virtue was ever dear to him. His humility and benignity of mind and disposition were admired by all. 4 ? Great were the self-denial and sanctity of St. Samson ; and manywerethemiraclesGodwaspleasedtoworkthroughhisservant. The holy man abstained from flesh meat altogether; and sometimes, he eat nothing, for two or three days. Such austerity he in no way remitted, but rather was it increased, as he advanced in dignity. He often spent whole nights standing and in prayer, thus allowing himself little or no sleep. He
never went to bed j but what rest he took was in a sitting posture, with his
8
head leaning against a wall/
46 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia Dolce in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
sonis, lib. i. , cap. i. , ii. , pp. 574 to 578.
48
xxviii. De S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. Sancta," part ii. , p. 43.
Sancta," part ii. , p. 43.
*?
See "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus
vi. , Julii
See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 4u
CHAPTER II.
ST. SAMSON LEAVES THE MONASTERY OF ST. ILTUTUS, AND PLACES HIMSELF UNDER
At .
—
one harvest time, the birds began to pluck the corn belonging to St.
THE DIRECTION OF ST. PIRO
FAMILY—THEY EMBRACE A RELIGIOUS LIFE—SAMSON APPOINTED ABBOT OVKR l'IRO'S COMMUNITY—ILK LEAVES FOR IRELAND—HE RETURNS TO BRITAIN—HIS EREMITICAL LIFE—HIS CONSECRATION AS BISHOP.
HIS VISIT TO AMON AND II
1
K OF CONVERSION HIS
lltud's monastery, and he placed some pupils on guard to chase them away. Those birds had left the ears almost empty, but Samson prayed fervently to
God, and he blessed the flock of birds, which then covered the field. The
Legend states, that they attempted to fly away, but their efforts were vain. Then, obedient to St. Samson's voice, they walked before him to St. lltud's cell, and remained gathered around it. Arising from prayer, the holy Abbot blessed them, and set them at liberty; yet, with an injunction, that they
1
should not thenceforth injure the monastic fields.
When the monastery of St. Iltut became very famous, and when great
numbers began to resort thither, St. Samson sighed for a place of greater retirement. Another motive he had in view was to separate himself from a
place, where he was likely to prove the occasion for envy and jealousy. Yet, lie feared such a separation might give offence to his master. The latter had a Divinemonition,however,toconsultthewishesofhisfavouritedisciple. When these became known to him, St. Iltutus declared, that it was certain . the Divine will accorded with his desires, while he stated, likewise, that in the whole of Britain no person was more saintly than he. An aged Irish pres-
named
2 had established a smaller and a stricter on a fraternity
Piro,
neighbouring Islands situated far out in the sea, and less frequented. Thither, St. Samson went, having obtained the consent of Iltutus. It is stated, that
byter,
owing to the jealousy of some among the brethren, Samson passed to the
monastery of St. Piro, or Kieran. 4 It is said, that St. Kieran, the Patron
Saint of Ossory, had lived about a. d. 500 in the monastery of St. Iltud, and
in the most ancient list of its Abbots, he is named as successor. Thence we
are informed, that he proceeded to a small Island in the River Wye, where
he erected a little monastery, to which many devout persons flocked to hear
lessonsofheavenlyinstruction. 5 However,wecannotfeelassured,thatKieran
was identical with Piro, neither can we believe that St. Kieran had his com -
munity established in that place to which allusion has just been made.
Samson was joyfully received by the old man Piro, as 'if he were an Angel
sent from Heaven.
6
In this place, he led a most angelic and mortified life.
There he laboured in the day time with his hands, and he spent the night
in a profound study of the Sacred Scriptures, as also in religious exer-
cises. His prayers was most assiduous, and his manners were especially amiable. 7
Chapter II. — See Rees' " Lives of the Cambro-British Saints," p. 479.
2 He has been also called Kieran, and ac- cording to some accounts, he was identical with the Patron Saint of Ossory, whose Life has been already set forth at the 5th day of
4 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
March, Art. i.
in the Third Volume of this
work,
Saints," p. 83.
tome
ix. ,
xxviiie
Jour
de
Juillet,
3 The writer of St. Samson's Life, as pub- lished by the Bollandists declares, he was in that Island ;
^ See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates," cap. x. , p. 274.
8
"
s See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
IrMi Saints in Great Britain," chap, ii. , p. 32. 6 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Otheraccountshaveit, thattheincidents
412 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
In winter time, and while St. Samson was in the monastery of St. Piro,8
his father, being dangerously ill, sent messengers to the monastery, that his son might come and visit him, for the health, as he said, both of soul and of
body. However, Samson was unwilling to go, lest he might contract too
close relations with his family and friends. He excused himself by saying,
that he hoped he had now quitted Egypt, by which he meant the world, and
that he should be sorry again to return thither. His superior then rebuked
him, and bade him remember, that it was his father who sent for him, and he
insisted on Samson going to see his parent.
The holy Abbot told him, that
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it. " I desire said the " but the will of God and I feel nothing," saint, ;
myself ready to do anything for his greater glory, and for the salvation of souls. " Having thus given vent to his interior desires, he immediately despatched the messengers to state, that he should leave on the day follow- ing. Samson and a young deacon, as his companion, set out on a couple of horsesforhisfather'spalace. Theypassedthroughavastwood,accordingtothe Legend, and the hooting of the owls, as also the various strange sounds of an Unpeopled land, filled both with alarm, but especially the young deacon. They saw an old woman 9 emerge from the forest, with wildly flowing grey hair, and with a huge boar-spear in her hand. The deacon screamed to Samson, not to be afraid, but beat his owr n horse, and the
rough
sped along
road at a tearing gallop, until his horse stumbled ; he was thrown, and he fell stunned on the road. Samson crossed himself, and desiring the pursuer to stay her course, he caught the evil woman. She was a witch, and he asked her who she was. He then ordered her to restore his friend to conscious- ness,andbecauseshewasunabletodoso,hekilledher; thinkinghedidGod a service, in ridding the world ofa witch. The young deacon was afterwards
restored to and both consciousness,
" You wera
their nottohavebeentransfixedwithhergreatspear,"saidSamson. Inhisflight,
the deacon had lost his cloak. However, Samson had picked it up and then
restored it to him. 10 When Samson came to his father, after a journey
of three days, it was found he was ill, in soul, as also in body, because Anion
concealed a mortal sin, which he had formerly committed. This, however, he
now confessed, openly in the presence of his wife, his son and the deacon.
Thereupon, being absolved, he effectually resolved on a penitential life, for
the future. With the consent of his wife, and which she readily gave, he pro-
mised to spend the remainder of his days in a monastery. This promise,
after his recovery, Anion fulfilled. His wife Anna also embraced the same
11
kind of life.
They both joined in offering the rest of their children to God's
here related occurred while he was in the monastery of St. Iltut.
9 In the Latin Life of St. Samson, she is
"
able to effect any good. This legend, in its chief features, seems to confirm the Celtic traditions of evil spirits haunting their prime-
val woods, and meditating only mischief against those who disturbed their solitudes,
10
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 28, p. 605.
" She formed afterwards a religious corn-
munity of women, and lived holily with them for the rest ol her life. See Les Petits Bollan-
distes, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , xxviiic Jour de Juillet, p. 84.
Theomacha," and she explained, that her family were prevaricators, and that she alone of their evil race remained in the wood, to which she had been confined. This evil wood-spirit also stated, that her husband had died there, that her mother and eight sisters still lived in a forest far apart, that
from her infancy she had practised nothing but what was sinful, and that she was not
called
pursued
journey.
lucky
holy service. These wereplaced under the care of Samson, their lirst-born. Sam-
son prophetically told them, that his brothers, indeed, should all be very good,
and that they should become the servants of God; but, he stated, that his little
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413 sister would follow the world, and its vanities. This prediction afterwards
12
happened, as he had declared.
The example set by Anion and Anna was imitated by their near relations
Umbrafel and his wife Afrella, with their three children. All of these,
renouncing their worldly possessions, adopted a suggestion of the saint, to found religious houses. They agreed to do so, and exacted from him a pro- mise, that he should assist at their consecration. To this request he willingly assented,andthenSamsonblessedhiswholefamily. Oftheothermembershe took leave; but Samson, his father, his uncle and the deacon, travelled onwards to St. Piro's monastery, yet by a different route from that heretofore pursued. On their way, according to the Legend of our saint's Life, while Anion went before, he noticed the trail of a large serpent on the withered grass, and his brother Umbrafel was informed, that the dreaded monster was known to be lurking in that wood. However, he was encouraged not to fear, as their souls were then wholly given to God. Then St. Samson, who learned what they had been talking about, consoled them by quoting the words of Christ : "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, remove from hence to yonder place, and it shall
" Elect of God, it shallbebetter,thatyoudonotgoalone; therefore,permitmetoaccompany
" I not returned the you. " go alone,"
and
to wait a while, and to pray, as he was about to advance, while they were to
remove;
nothing
shall be
impossible
keep silence regarding the issue. His uncle then said
:
saint,
you remain here, until I return victorious. " The Legend relates, that
Samson then advanced, and soon the dragon appeared creeping along over the desert plain, having his crest erect, and vomiting flames of fire. Then,
Samson began to recite the whole Psalm " The Lord is my light and my
:
salvation, whom shall I fear. " 1 * On seeing Samson, the dragon turned in
dread, as if to seek a hiding place, and there hissing, he gnawed and tore his own body. When the saint approached, he drew a circle round the serpent, with his staff, while at the same time he recited the Psalm: "Praise ye the God of gods," &c. ' 5 Then inviting his companions to come, and to witness the wonders of Divine Omnipotence, they approached to behold the serpent creeping tardily, and faintly moving within that circle, unable to raise his head, or to venture beyond it. Afterwards, Samson spent the rest of that day on the spot, while instructing his attendants regarding the Gospel precepts, and the necessity of having faith in the Creator, who would not suffer the malignant creature to injure them. The day being nearly spent, he doomed the serpent to die in their presence, before proceeding on the
thanks to the the travellers then Almighty,
rest of their 16 long journey.
Giving
pursued their journey together, and on the third day these reached the monas-
tery of St. Piro. There, too, they found holy Dubricius, who was accus-
tomed to spend the Lent on his Island. The latter received them very joy-
fully, and especially did he console St. Samson's father and uncle with
words of spiritual encouragement, in return for the temporal sacrifices
1 they had made. ?
St. Dubricius took some pains to learn from the Deacon, who had accom-
12
See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia arcumque de se inepte faciens, evomuit
Sancta," part ii. , pp. 42, 43. 13 St. Matt. xvii. 19. 14SeePsalmsxxvi.
15 See Psalms exxxv. 2.
16 We then read: "Nee mora,
supra caudam stans, caputque sursum levans,
omne venenum, et mortuus est. "
*7 See "Acta Sanctorum," totnus vi. ,
Juliixxviii. DeS. SamsoneEpiscopeConf. Dolae in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
to
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
serpens
sonis, cap. l8
iii. ,
pp. 579
581.
to x3 He then directed them you. "
"when God is with but, do me;
4i4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
panied St. Samson, all the particulars of their late journey. He was charmed with those virtues and miracles wrought by our saint, and believing that every thing should prosper there for the monks under his management, Samson was appointed baker for the monastery. In this humble position, he did not escape the censures and envy of one who had preceded him in office; but, so far from the injury intended being hurtful to his reputation, it actually brought his merits into clearer light, and Bishop Dubricius eagerly desired, that he should be elevated to a higher position in that religious establishment.
According to one account, the sudden death of St. Piro was owing to an unfortunate accident, by which he stumbled into a deep pit of water, whence he was drawn alive. His death, however, followed that same night. Others state, that Piro left Wales, and went to Ireland. When St. Kieran desired to
return,
it is
said,
to
Saigher,
18 Samson was
unanimously
chosen as over Abbot,
the monastery, in St. Piro's Island. It would seem his strict ideas regarding rule
and discipline were not pleasing to many among the monks, although he
laboured with great suavity of manner to enforce his authority. These immortified brothers deemed their abbot to be more fitted for leading a her-
mit'slife,thanfordirectingareligiouscommunity. Inhisturn,St. Samson thus succeeded St. Piro, over the government of that house, where he ruled for a year and a-half. 1 ? He seta great example of self-restraint ; for, while meals were served at table, he always retired from it, both hungry and thirsty.
At this time, the fame of Irish scholarship was very much extended, espe- cially throughout Britain, and many of the natives there, desiring to perfect themselves in learning, had passed over to our Island. The peculiarities of
his station, and a longing to effect greater good, urged St. Samson to desire
a change of position. His stay as an abbot in Wales was not very long ; for, about the year 516, having been visited by some most skilful and learned Irish monks, for further improvement in the way of God, he went over with them to Ireland. 20 He had obtained permission, likewise, from Bishop Dubricius, who hoped, moreover, that he should derive great benefit by a courseofstudyinitsschools. 21 Thezealousmissionarywasurgedtoremain as a there
dwelling.
and example, to all that came near him, but he refused this proffered dignity.
Samson instructed great numbers in the way of everlasting salvation, and
confirmed his doctrine by great miracles. He cured many who were blind,
he healed many lepers, while he released many persons possessed by the
devil. In Ireland, he applied himelf to the acquisition of sacred and profane
learning. There Samson was received by all the religious, whose acquaint-
ance he formed, as if he had been an Angel, sent by the Lord. He rested
monastery called, ;' but, at this distance of time, it does not seem practicable to identify the sea- port thus denominated. 2 « The stay of St. Samson in Ireland was not for a very long time, when he was prepared again for a return to Britain. While
abbot,by religiouscommunity
22 He word preachedby
in a for a time near the sea-coast. It is in Arce Aetride 3
"
Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
19 Yet, his Life in tlie Book of Llandaff
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , saec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxviii.
2i The Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran calls
this Rath Airthir. Sec "Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
s* In some Manuscript copies of our saint's Acts, the name is written Etri /Etri, and Ethri. The circumstances after- wards narrated in the text lead forcibly to the conclusion, that the place must have been in the northern part of Ireland.
states, that he presided for three years and a-half.
20 See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , soec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxvii.
21
e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet,
p. 85.
23
See Mabillon'sj" Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
SeeLesPetitsBollandistes "Viesdes
July 28. ] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
waiting a passage, and the vessel being ready to sail, a favourable wind came from the north. The sailors then desired him to come on board, but Samson answered : "We should first have God's permission before we embark. " This greatly displeased them, but he said : "Go in peace, but as God wills it, returning to-day, we shall equally sail on to-morrow. " It so happened, that some sort of insanity had attacked an Abbot living in a neighbouring monastery, and messengers came to Samson to ask his pious intervention. He found the afflicted man bound, on his arrival ; but, soon was he restored bythesainttohisreasonandtohealth,bothofbodyandofmind. On recovery, he not only gave his monastery but all his substance to Samson. He even resolved to follow our saint to Britain, and thenceforth, he became
2
a constant companion. s Although refusing to become abbot there, Samson
promised the monks to send them a suitable person to be their superior ;
then bestowing his blessing on them, he proceeded to the port, where he expected to find the ship. Those who had left on the previous day found
the wind to veer suddenly in an opposite direction, and they were obliged to return. Now, feeling assured, that Samson had been inspired, they waited
his approach, and they expected a change of wind the next day. On his return from Ireland, Samson brought with him two horses, which appear to
The wind*»had changed for the
Island, in which Samson had previously lived.
Finding his father and his uncle on returning to Wales excelling in devotion
all the other brethren, he sent the latter relative to take the management of that
monastic institution in Ireland, and which had been transferred to him by
the former abbot. His uncle Umbrafel said, with great humility : "You
know, elect of God, that at your suggestion, we have left all carnal affections,
and that as you are altogether spiritual, so ought we to follow you not car-
" You brother indeed,
Then his uncle meekly
have been intended to draw his chariot.
desired 26 on that direction, early
he went on and a board, having
morning
prosperous voyage, on the day after their departure, their vessel reached that
but
Umbrafel, shall become an exile and a pilgrim. "
nally
spiritually. "
replied :
:
priest,
Then Samson
" Thanks be to God. " At this time, he was not a
but Samson
said
knew by Divine revelation, that he should become one in after time. He thenpartedforIreland,havingreceivedoursaint'sblessing. Withhisfather
2
and two other companions, ^ Samson journeyed to a wild desert on the
shores of the River Severn. Leaving his fellow travellers in a castle which they had there discovered, he goes further into the wilderness, and dwells in a secret cave which had an opening towards the east. There he lived a life of great abstinence, holding intercourse with angels, and every Lord's day visitingthethreebrotherswhom. hehadleftinthecastle. 28 There,too,Samson led an exceedingly mortified life ; he only consumed one loaf of bread each week, and his thirst was satisfied by a draught of water, procured from a well, which had first flowed from the earth, where his staff ha—d been fixed in the
whence it At the sprung.
of a 29 said to have been synod
ground
25 Regarding him, the old writer of St.
"
Samson's Life observes :
dem acta, et bonam conversationem post ruinam scio, sed nomen nescio. Referenti- bus autem mini de eo litteris transmarinis supra jam insignitis, in Penetale monasterio quievisse, atque inibi optimam et arduam vitam duxisse, certum teneo. "
26 See Les Petits Bollandistes' "Viesdes e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet, p. 85.
8? See
"
of the Royal Institution
cujus bona qui-
who accompanied Samson from Ireland, and the brother of that priest, who had borne an evil mind towards him.
28 "At a time that I was in Britain," says the old writer, " the place was held in great reverence, and an oratory was built on the spot where holy Samson was wont to cele- brate Mass and to hold communion with
Christ every Sabbath day. "
request
2? These are said to have been, that Abbot
Journal
416 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
held at Caerleon 3° by St. Dubricius—he became Abbot over a monastery founded by St. Germanus. Those ecclesiastics, who took part in it, con- sidered he should not devote himself alone to self-sacrifice and self-sanctifica- tion. Accordingly, he was summoned thither, and he obeyed the order. Then he reluctantly assumed the office, which had been imposed on him. Whether his consecration as bishop followed soon afterwards or not seems to be undetermined; but, some writers refer his consecration to a.
perfection, until about the year 512. He studied with great diligence. We learn, that Samson was taught all the Old and New Testament in the school of Iltut, and besides this, he was learned in all sorts of philosophy, in geome- try, and in rhetoric, in grammar and in arithmetic, as likewise, in all the arts, then known throughout Britain. Each day he advanced in the way of per- fection, and in his love towards the brethren. While yet in St. Iltut's monas- tery, Samson cured one of the religious, who happened to have been bitten by a hilider or adder, which had darted suddenly from a bramble bush. At this time, the boys happened to be out winnowing corn with the steward. The latter directed one of them to run, and to inform the abbot about that accident. Then Samson ran to Iltut, and with tears in his eyes, he told what had occurred ; while filled with faith and charity, he asked permission to
37 The ancient writer of Vita S. Samsonis,
as, published by the Bollandists, states regard-
in; St. Kltutus, "in cuju> niagnifico monas-
terio ego, cujusque mirifica gesta si per Sampson, through their transcendent merits,
singula dirimamus, ad excessum de incepto ducemur : unum tamen ad confirmandam nostram rem, referentibus nobis catholicis fratribus, qui in hoc locoerant, publicamus in medium. "
38 The old writer of his Life remarks " ut mods infantum est,"
39 From the manner in which this is told "Mirumin modum sub uno eodemque die v cjnas eleas, tesserasque agnovit totas," &c,
we may probably suppose some ingenious contrivance had been used to make him
wrought a miracle, in favour of their master,
Ilildutus, and they saved his crops from the
ravages of destructive sea- fowl. See Colgan's
"
Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe,"xxix. Januarii. Vita S. Gildae Badonici, cap. v. , p. 182.
4I See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 26.
42 This was the residence of the Glamor- gan kings. See William's "Ecclesiastical
Antiquities," p. 213.
e Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
:
Sampson
cated there
1
At the age of fifteen, Samson
learn the elements. See Du Cange, sub- voce.
4° St. Gildas and his fellow disciple, St.
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 4o9
attempt a cure. This permission he obtained from the abbot. Meantime, the monk had fainted through fright. Taking some oil with him, Samson returned,andrubbedthewoundwithit, whenthemonkrecoveredfromhis fright, nor did injurious consequences follow from the bite. This cure greatly added to our saint's reputation. At length, the time had come, when St. Iltud deemed his disciple well and duly prepared to serve as a minister in the church. Samson is said to have been ordained a deacon and a presbyter, by St. Dubricius,44 Archbishop of Caerleon. When he had been ordained deacon, two others of the brethren were elevated to the priesthood. Our saint was distinguished for his humility, benignity, affability and charity. At this time, the church window had been left open, when St. Dublicius, St. Iltut, and a deacon assisting, who held the chalice and who sang the Gospel ; these Ifeheld an extraordinary sight, which had not been seen by others who were present. With motionless wings, and floating in the air on this occasion, a dove descended from Heaven, and sailing over his head, it perched at last on his right shoulder, remaining there, until he had been ordained, and had received Holy Communion. Conferring together afterwards, St. Dubricius and St. Iltut believed that the incident related was an emblem of the graces conferred on Samson by the Holy Ghost, and that he was destined for a career of sanctity. Not long after that occurrence, Samson was called to the higher grade of the priesthood by St. Dubricius ; and a similar appearance of the dove was presented to the three former witnesses. This gave further confirmation of his extraordinary gifts and merits, while it pointed him out as one specially chosen by the Almighty to effect great work in the Church.
We have a legendary account regarding two nephews of St. Iltutus, who were in the monastery with St. Samson ; and these are said to have been envious of his popularity, and to have feared, that he should be chosen Abbot after their uncle's death. One of them was a presbyter, and the other was a butler in the community. These had conspired to take away Samson's life by poison. But, the Almight preserved his favoured servant from their evil machinations. The saint had a supernatural forecast of what had been intended ; but, with wonderful charity, he grieved chiefly that human nature could be so base and perfidious. To prayer, he joined fasting, and he besought the Almighty to convert their hearts from that malignant feeling, which so deeply involved them in guilt. The butler or cook had charge of preparing herbs which were boiled, and which made a beverage for the refreshment of the monks, when they returned from Tierce. A small glass of this particular drink was taken by each, in conformity with their rule. Taking some poisonous plant, the cook tried its effect on a cat, which imme- diately died, and satisfied with this experiment, he mixed a portion of the poison with the cup prepared for Samson. Mindful of the Evangelical words
pronounced by
Christ in favour of
those,
whose faith was
strong,
" If
they
drink anything deadly, it shall not hurt them f*$ with the fullest confidence,
yet knowing by inspiration what had been designed for his destruction, our
saint cheerfully entered the refectory. When about to drink, Samson first blessed the poisoned cup, with the sacred sign of the cross. It is said, the
holy disciple drank off that cup of poison presented him, through the envy andmaliceofthosefalsebrothers. But,itproducednottheintendedeffect. That very same day, sitting beside the cook at dinner, Samson said to him :
44 In the old Life, he is called Dubricius Churches, and it had the signification of Papa. This latter was a term applied to "Father. "
ecclesiastics in the British and Irish 45 St. Mark, xvi. , io,
4io LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
"Your potion I tasted this morning brought sweetness to my mouth and great strength to my heart, dear brother, and may the Almighty remove every ill you suffer. " Knowing that his crime had been discovered, the cook became penitent. That evil plotter subsequently confessed his wicked design to the holy young man, when with tears and in great grief, he asked for
pardon.
Afterwards, going to his brother, and reproaching him for the crime in which
both had been engaged, the cook tried, but in vain, to move him to compunction,
as in conspiring againstSamson,they sought his life, and thus sinned grievously against Christ, whose favourite he had become, while allusion was made nlso to the words of holy writ, that through diabolic envy, death had entered into the world. Through penitence God is placated, but obstinacy in crime exposes the sinner to merited punishment. For this wickedness, God was pleased to suffer the unrepenting wretch to be possessed by the devil, when on the following Sunday he sacrilegiously approached to receive communion from Samson. A horrible spectacle was then presented ; for the culprit rolled on the ground, tore his garments, and railed before the monks, in an insane manner. It was found necessary to bind his limbs and to remove him from the church. With sighs and tears for his condition, the penitent brother cast himself on the ground, and made an open confession of their confederacy in crime, but promised he should do penance for it all the rest of his life. The Abbot and his monks wondered greatly at those miraculous manifestations. The former much feared, lest Samson, taking offence at what had occurred, might leave his monastery. With him all the monks united in a request, that Samson should go to the demoniac's cell, notwithstanding the injury sought to be inflicted. Most willingly did he consent to do so, but first he offered prayers to the Almighty, that the wretched man might be restored to health, and that his heart might be changed through sincere repentance. Samson, whodesiredtoovercomeevilbygood,blessedsomewaterandoil. Thiswas administered to the possessed man, who immediately fell into a trance, in
which he remained for nearly three hours, when he awoke to consciousness,
and he was restored to his former state of health. Thus Samson rescued his
6
malignant foe from demoniac influences/ and probably from that sting of
conscience, which the foul attempt made was calculated to produce.
After his ordination as Priest, Samson began to lead a most liQly and austere life. As his youth had been spent in the greatest chastity, so this virtue was ever dear to him. His humility and benignity of mind and disposition were admired by all. 4 ? Great were the self-denial and sanctity of St. Samson ; and manywerethemiraclesGodwaspleasedtoworkthroughhisservant. The holy man abstained from flesh meat altogether; and sometimes, he eat nothing, for two or three days. Such austerity he in no way remitted, but rather was it increased, as he advanced in dignity. He often spent whole nights standing and in prayer, thus allowing himself little or no sleep. He
never went to bed j but what rest he took was in a sitting posture, with his
8
head leaning against a wall/
46 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia Dolce in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
sonis, lib. i. , cap. i. , ii. , pp. 574 to 578.
48
xxviii. De S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. Sancta," part ii. , p. 43.
Sancta," part ii. , p. 43.
*?
See "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus
vi. , Julii
See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 4u
CHAPTER II.
ST. SAMSON LEAVES THE MONASTERY OF ST. ILTUTUS, AND PLACES HIMSELF UNDER
At .
—
one harvest time, the birds began to pluck the corn belonging to St.
THE DIRECTION OF ST. PIRO
FAMILY—THEY EMBRACE A RELIGIOUS LIFE—SAMSON APPOINTED ABBOT OVKR l'IRO'S COMMUNITY—ILK LEAVES FOR IRELAND—HE RETURNS TO BRITAIN—HIS EREMITICAL LIFE—HIS CONSECRATION AS BISHOP.
HIS VISIT TO AMON AND II
1
K OF CONVERSION HIS
lltud's monastery, and he placed some pupils on guard to chase them away. Those birds had left the ears almost empty, but Samson prayed fervently to
God, and he blessed the flock of birds, which then covered the field. The
Legend states, that they attempted to fly away, but their efforts were vain. Then, obedient to St. Samson's voice, they walked before him to St. lltud's cell, and remained gathered around it. Arising from prayer, the holy Abbot blessed them, and set them at liberty; yet, with an injunction, that they
1
should not thenceforth injure the monastic fields.
When the monastery of St. Iltut became very famous, and when great
numbers began to resort thither, St. Samson sighed for a place of greater retirement. Another motive he had in view was to separate himself from a
place, where he was likely to prove the occasion for envy and jealousy. Yet, lie feared such a separation might give offence to his master. The latter had a Divinemonition,however,toconsultthewishesofhisfavouritedisciple. When these became known to him, St. Iltutus declared, that it was certain . the Divine will accorded with his desires, while he stated, likewise, that in the whole of Britain no person was more saintly than he. An aged Irish pres-
named
2 had established a smaller and a stricter on a fraternity
Piro,
neighbouring Islands situated far out in the sea, and less frequented. Thither, St. Samson went, having obtained the consent of Iltutus. It is stated, that
byter,
owing to the jealousy of some among the brethren, Samson passed to the
monastery of St. Piro, or Kieran. 4 It is said, that St. Kieran, the Patron
Saint of Ossory, had lived about a. d. 500 in the monastery of St. Iltud, and
in the most ancient list of its Abbots, he is named as successor. Thence we
are informed, that he proceeded to a small Island in the River Wye, where
he erected a little monastery, to which many devout persons flocked to hear
lessonsofheavenlyinstruction. 5 However,wecannotfeelassured,thatKieran
was identical with Piro, neither can we believe that St. Kieran had his com -
munity established in that place to which allusion has just been made.
Samson was joyfully received by the old man Piro, as 'if he were an Angel
sent from Heaven.
6
In this place, he led a most angelic and mortified life.
There he laboured in the day time with his hands, and he spent the night
in a profound study of the Sacred Scriptures, as also in religious exer-
cises. His prayers was most assiduous, and his manners were especially amiable. 7
Chapter II. — See Rees' " Lives of the Cambro-British Saints," p. 479.
2 He has been also called Kieran, and ac- cording to some accounts, he was identical with the Patron Saint of Ossory, whose Life has been already set forth at the 5th day of
4 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
March, Art. i.
in the Third Volume of this
work,
Saints," p. 83.
tome
ix. ,
xxviiie
Jour
de
Juillet,
3 The writer of St. Samson's Life, as pub- lished by the Bollandists declares, he was in that Island ;
^ See Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates," cap. x. , p. 274.
8
"
s See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
IrMi Saints in Great Britain," chap, ii. , p. 32. 6 See Les Petits Bollandistes, " Vies des
Otheraccountshaveit, thattheincidents
412 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
In winter time, and while St. Samson was in the monastery of St. Piro,8
his father, being dangerously ill, sent messengers to the monastery, that his son might come and visit him, for the health, as he said, both of soul and of
body. However, Samson was unwilling to go, lest he might contract too
close relations with his family and friends. He excused himself by saying,
that he hoped he had now quitted Egypt, by which he meant the world, and
that he should be sorry again to return thither. His superior then rebuked
him, and bade him remember, that it was his father who sent for him, and he
insisted on Samson going to see his parent.
The holy Abbot told him, that
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it. " I desire said the " but the will of God and I feel nothing," saint, ;
myself ready to do anything for his greater glory, and for the salvation of souls. " Having thus given vent to his interior desires, he immediately despatched the messengers to state, that he should leave on the day follow- ing. Samson and a young deacon, as his companion, set out on a couple of horsesforhisfather'spalace. Theypassedthroughavastwood,accordingtothe Legend, and the hooting of the owls, as also the various strange sounds of an Unpeopled land, filled both with alarm, but especially the young deacon. They saw an old woman 9 emerge from the forest, with wildly flowing grey hair, and with a huge boar-spear in her hand. The deacon screamed to Samson, not to be afraid, but beat his owr n horse, and the
rough
sped along
road at a tearing gallop, until his horse stumbled ; he was thrown, and he fell stunned on the road. Samson crossed himself, and desiring the pursuer to stay her course, he caught the evil woman. She was a witch, and he asked her who she was. He then ordered her to restore his friend to conscious- ness,andbecauseshewasunabletodoso,hekilledher; thinkinghedidGod a service, in ridding the world ofa witch. The young deacon was afterwards
restored to and both consciousness,
" You wera
their nottohavebeentransfixedwithhergreatspear,"saidSamson. Inhisflight,
the deacon had lost his cloak. However, Samson had picked it up and then
restored it to him. 10 When Samson came to his father, after a journey
of three days, it was found he was ill, in soul, as also in body, because Anion
concealed a mortal sin, which he had formerly committed. This, however, he
now confessed, openly in the presence of his wife, his son and the deacon.
Thereupon, being absolved, he effectually resolved on a penitential life, for
the future. With the consent of his wife, and which she readily gave, he pro-
mised to spend the remainder of his days in a monastery. This promise,
after his recovery, Anion fulfilled. His wife Anna also embraced the same
11
kind of life.
They both joined in offering the rest of their children to God's
here related occurred while he was in the monastery of St. Iltut.
9 In the Latin Life of St. Samson, she is
"
able to effect any good. This legend, in its chief features, seems to confirm the Celtic traditions of evil spirits haunting their prime-
val woods, and meditating only mischief against those who disturbed their solitudes,
10
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 28, p. 605.
" She formed afterwards a religious corn-
munity of women, and lived holily with them for the rest ol her life. See Les Petits Bollan-
distes, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , xxviiic Jour de Juillet, p. 84.
Theomacha," and she explained, that her family were prevaricators, and that she alone of their evil race remained in the wood, to which she had been confined. This evil wood-spirit also stated, that her husband had died there, that her mother and eight sisters still lived in a forest far apart, that
from her infancy she had practised nothing but what was sinful, and that she was not
called
pursued
journey.
lucky
holy service. These wereplaced under the care of Samson, their lirst-born. Sam-
son prophetically told them, that his brothers, indeed, should all be very good,
and that they should become the servants of God; but, he stated, that his little
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413 sister would follow the world, and its vanities. This prediction afterwards
12
happened, as he had declared.
The example set by Anion and Anna was imitated by their near relations
Umbrafel and his wife Afrella, with their three children. All of these,
renouncing their worldly possessions, adopted a suggestion of the saint, to found religious houses. They agreed to do so, and exacted from him a pro- mise, that he should assist at their consecration. To this request he willingly assented,andthenSamsonblessedhiswholefamily. Oftheothermembershe took leave; but Samson, his father, his uncle and the deacon, travelled onwards to St. Piro's monastery, yet by a different route from that heretofore pursued. On their way, according to the Legend of our saint's Life, while Anion went before, he noticed the trail of a large serpent on the withered grass, and his brother Umbrafel was informed, that the dreaded monster was known to be lurking in that wood. However, he was encouraged not to fear, as their souls were then wholly given to God. Then St. Samson, who learned what they had been talking about, consoled them by quoting the words of Christ : "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, remove from hence to yonder place, and it shall
" Elect of God, it shallbebetter,thatyoudonotgoalone; therefore,permitmetoaccompany
" I not returned the you. " go alone,"
and
to wait a while, and to pray, as he was about to advance, while they were to
remove;
nothing
shall be
impossible
keep silence regarding the issue. His uncle then said
:
saint,
you remain here, until I return victorious. " The Legend relates, that
Samson then advanced, and soon the dragon appeared creeping along over the desert plain, having his crest erect, and vomiting flames of fire. Then,
Samson began to recite the whole Psalm " The Lord is my light and my
:
salvation, whom shall I fear. " 1 * On seeing Samson, the dragon turned in
dread, as if to seek a hiding place, and there hissing, he gnawed and tore his own body. When the saint approached, he drew a circle round the serpent, with his staff, while at the same time he recited the Psalm: "Praise ye the God of gods," &c. ' 5 Then inviting his companions to come, and to witness the wonders of Divine Omnipotence, they approached to behold the serpent creeping tardily, and faintly moving within that circle, unable to raise his head, or to venture beyond it. Afterwards, Samson spent the rest of that day on the spot, while instructing his attendants regarding the Gospel precepts, and the necessity of having faith in the Creator, who would not suffer the malignant creature to injure them. The day being nearly spent, he doomed the serpent to die in their presence, before proceeding on the
thanks to the the travellers then Almighty,
rest of their 16 long journey.
Giving
pursued their journey together, and on the third day these reached the monas-
tery of St. Piro. There, too, they found holy Dubricius, who was accus-
tomed to spend the Lent on his Island. The latter received them very joy-
fully, and especially did he console St. Samson's father and uncle with
words of spiritual encouragement, in return for the temporal sacrifices
1 they had made. ?
St. Dubricius took some pains to learn from the Deacon, who had accom-
12
See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia arcumque de se inepte faciens, evomuit
Sancta," part ii. , pp. 42, 43. 13 St. Matt. xvii. 19. 14SeePsalmsxxvi.
15 See Psalms exxxv. 2.
16 We then read: "Nee mora,
supra caudam stans, caputque sursum levans,
omne venenum, et mortuus est. "
*7 See "Acta Sanctorum," totnus vi. ,
Juliixxviii. DeS. SamsoneEpiscopeConf. Dolae in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
to
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
serpens
sonis, cap. l8
iii. ,
pp. 579
581.
to x3 He then directed them you. "
"when God is with but, do me;
4i4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
panied St. Samson, all the particulars of their late journey. He was charmed with those virtues and miracles wrought by our saint, and believing that every thing should prosper there for the monks under his management, Samson was appointed baker for the monastery. In this humble position, he did not escape the censures and envy of one who had preceded him in office; but, so far from the injury intended being hurtful to his reputation, it actually brought his merits into clearer light, and Bishop Dubricius eagerly desired, that he should be elevated to a higher position in that religious establishment.
According to one account, the sudden death of St. Piro was owing to an unfortunate accident, by which he stumbled into a deep pit of water, whence he was drawn alive. His death, however, followed that same night. Others state, that Piro left Wales, and went to Ireland. When St. Kieran desired to
return,
it is
said,
to
Saigher,
18 Samson was
unanimously
chosen as over Abbot,
the monastery, in St. Piro's Island. It would seem his strict ideas regarding rule
and discipline were not pleasing to many among the monks, although he
laboured with great suavity of manner to enforce his authority. These immortified brothers deemed their abbot to be more fitted for leading a her-
mit'slife,thanfordirectingareligiouscommunity. Inhisturn,St. Samson thus succeeded St. Piro, over the government of that house, where he ruled for a year and a-half. 1 ? He seta great example of self-restraint ; for, while meals were served at table, he always retired from it, both hungry and thirsty.
At this time, the fame of Irish scholarship was very much extended, espe- cially throughout Britain, and many of the natives there, desiring to perfect themselves in learning, had passed over to our Island. The peculiarities of
his station, and a longing to effect greater good, urged St. Samson to desire
a change of position. His stay as an abbot in Wales was not very long ; for, about the year 516, having been visited by some most skilful and learned Irish monks, for further improvement in the way of God, he went over with them to Ireland. 20 He had obtained permission, likewise, from Bishop Dubricius, who hoped, moreover, that he should derive great benefit by a courseofstudyinitsschools. 21 Thezealousmissionarywasurgedtoremain as a there
dwelling.
and example, to all that came near him, but he refused this proffered dignity.
Samson instructed great numbers in the way of everlasting salvation, and
confirmed his doctrine by great miracles. He cured many who were blind,
he healed many lepers, while he released many persons possessed by the
devil. In Ireland, he applied himelf to the acquisition of sacred and profane
learning. There Samson was received by all the religious, whose acquaint-
ance he formed, as if he had been an Angel, sent by the Lord. He rested
monastery called, ;' but, at this distance of time, it does not seem practicable to identify the sea- port thus denominated. 2 « The stay of St. Samson in Ireland was not for a very long time, when he was prepared again for a return to Britain. While
abbot,by religiouscommunity
22 He word preachedby
in a for a time near the sea-coast. It is in Arce Aetride 3
"
Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
19 Yet, his Life in tlie Book of Llandaff
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , saec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxviii.
2i The Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran calls
this Rath Airthir. Sec "Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
s* In some Manuscript copies of our saint's Acts, the name is written Etri /Etri, and Ethri. The circumstances after- wards narrated in the text lead forcibly to the conclusion, that the place must have been in the northern part of Ireland.
states, that he presided for three years and a-half.
20 See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , soec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxvii.
21
e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet,
p. 85.
23
See Mabillon'sj" Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
SeeLesPetitsBollandistes "Viesdes
July 28. ] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
waiting a passage, and the vessel being ready to sail, a favourable wind came from the north. The sailors then desired him to come on board, but Samson answered : "We should first have God's permission before we embark. " This greatly displeased them, but he said : "Go in peace, but as God wills it, returning to-day, we shall equally sail on to-morrow. " It so happened, that some sort of insanity had attacked an Abbot living in a neighbouring monastery, and messengers came to Samson to ask his pious intervention. He found the afflicted man bound, on his arrival ; but, soon was he restored bythesainttohisreasonandtohealth,bothofbodyandofmind. On recovery, he not only gave his monastery but all his substance to Samson. He even resolved to follow our saint to Britain, and thenceforth, he became
2
a constant companion. s Although refusing to become abbot there, Samson
promised the monks to send them a suitable person to be their superior ;
then bestowing his blessing on them, he proceeded to the port, where he expected to find the ship. Those who had left on the previous day found
the wind to veer suddenly in an opposite direction, and they were obliged to return. Now, feeling assured, that Samson had been inspired, they waited
his approach, and they expected a change of wind the next day. On his return from Ireland, Samson brought with him two horses, which appear to
The wind*»had changed for the
Island, in which Samson had previously lived.
Finding his father and his uncle on returning to Wales excelling in devotion
all the other brethren, he sent the latter relative to take the management of that
monastic institution in Ireland, and which had been transferred to him by
the former abbot. His uncle Umbrafel said, with great humility : "You
know, elect of God, that at your suggestion, we have left all carnal affections,
and that as you are altogether spiritual, so ought we to follow you not car-
" You brother indeed,
Then his uncle meekly
have been intended to draw his chariot.
desired 26 on that direction, early
he went on and a board, having
morning
prosperous voyage, on the day after their departure, their vessel reached that
but
Umbrafel, shall become an exile and a pilgrim. "
nally
spiritually. "
replied :
:
priest,
Then Samson
" Thanks be to God. " At this time, he was not a
but Samson
said
knew by Divine revelation, that he should become one in after time. He thenpartedforIreland,havingreceivedoursaint'sblessing. Withhisfather
2
and two other companions, ^ Samson journeyed to a wild desert on the
shores of the River Severn. Leaving his fellow travellers in a castle which they had there discovered, he goes further into the wilderness, and dwells in a secret cave which had an opening towards the east. There he lived a life of great abstinence, holding intercourse with angels, and every Lord's day visitingthethreebrotherswhom. hehadleftinthecastle. 28 There,too,Samson led an exceedingly mortified life ; he only consumed one loaf of bread each week, and his thirst was satisfied by a draught of water, procured from a well, which had first flowed from the earth, where his staff ha—d been fixed in the
whence it At the sprung.
of a 29 said to have been synod
ground
25 Regarding him, the old writer of St.
"
Samson's Life observes :
dem acta, et bonam conversationem post ruinam scio, sed nomen nescio. Referenti- bus autem mini de eo litteris transmarinis supra jam insignitis, in Penetale monasterio quievisse, atque inibi optimam et arduam vitam duxisse, certum teneo. "
26 See Les Petits Bollandistes' "Viesdes e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet, p. 85.
8? See
"
of the Royal Institution
cujus bona qui-
who accompanied Samson from Ireland, and the brother of that priest, who had borne an evil mind towards him.
28 "At a time that I was in Britain," says the old writer, " the place was held in great reverence, and an oratory was built on the spot where holy Samson was wont to cele- brate Mass and to hold communion with
Christ every Sabbath day. "
request
2? These are said to have been, that Abbot
Journal
416 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
held at Caerleon 3° by St. Dubricius—he became Abbot over a monastery founded by St. Germanus. Those ecclesiastics, who took part in it, con- sidered he should not devote himself alone to self-sacrifice and self-sanctifica- tion. Accordingly, he was summoned thither, and he obeyed the order. Then he reluctantly assumed the office, which had been imposed on him. Whether his consecration as bishop followed soon afterwards or not seems to be undetermined; but, some writers refer his consecration to a.
