It was
declared
likewise, from that place he should take his name.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v9
i.
64
See Archbishop Ussher's collected iv. , sect. 3, p. 591. Also, Archdalls Works, vol, iv. Chronological Index, at
"
Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 10.
A. t. 550.
65 Among others, the Ab -e Ma-Geoghegan,
57 See Rev, Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," at A. d. 610, vol. i. , pp. 234 to 237.
"
Seconde Partie, chap, iii. , pp. 304, 305.
6" See her Life at the of
— 15th January
According to the Annales Ultonienses.
"
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
carum Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 25, and Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
in his
Histoire de l'lrlande/' tome i. ,
Return Hiberni-
59«
LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September26.
CHAPTER II.
RETURN OF ST. COLMAN EALA TO HIS ANCESTRAL PROVINCE—HIS VISITS TO ST. COLUMBA IN IONA—ESCAPES THE DANGERS OF COIREBRECAIN WHIRLPOOL- CONVENTION AT WHICH ST. COLMAN OBTAINS A GRANT OF LAND TO FOUND HIS MONASTERY AND CHURCH AT LYNALLY—RECORD OF VARIOUS MIRACLES— FOREKNOWLEDGE OF HIS DEATH—HIS VISIT TO Cl. ONARD IN ANTICIPATION OF IT—HIS RETURN TO LYNALLY AND DEPARTURE FROM LIFE—ST. COLMAN EALA's COMMEMORATION AND MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
After some time, giving his blessing to that people, Colman Eala left Connor, it is said, and came into his own ancestral country of Meath, It seems likely, that he had there established for himself a mission, and a character for great sanctity, before he resolved on visiting his near relative St. Columba in the Island of Iona. In Adamnan's Life there are two distinct accounts of our saint having been on a voyage to that Island, and
of
from it, on the of Sr. Columba's death. 1 very year
having departed
Iona, can hardly be determined. However, the great Abbot of that place being one day in his church, and having the gift of second sight, broke forth
again
Although having little regard to chronological sequence in his biographical narrative ; yet, it seems most probable, those accounts have reference to different visits. It has been supposed from a passage in the Life of St. Columba,2 that St. Colman was not only an Abbot, but also a Bishop. Whether this was so or not before he visited St. Columkille in his monastery of
"
on his voyage to us, is now imperilled in the turbulent waters of Brecan's
Charybdis4 butsittingontheprowofhisshipandliftingbothhishandsto
;
Heaven, he blesses the formidable waves. Nor doth the Lord thus affright him, as if he dreaded shipwreck, but to cause him more fervently to pray,
in a joyous exclamation :
Columbanus,3 the son of Bcognai, who started
and that he come to us
may providentially having escaped
that — danger. *"
since
ocation of Brecan's A hasbeen thatthel—
Charybdis
more generally known as Corrybracken6 was originally near the Island of Rathlin, on the north coast of Ireland, in the time of St. Columba, although
conjecture offered,
it has since moved more to the north-east, and nearer to the coast of Scot- land. ' The " Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela" adds to the foregoing account,
11. See the Rev. Dr. Reeves' Brecan, son of Maine, son of Niall of the Chapter —'
Nine Hostages, was engulfed by it in the cap. 5, p. 29, and lib. ii. , cap. 15, pp. 124, year a. d. 440. It is a curious fact, that the 125. only place in Ireland where the name now
2"
See Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga. " exists is in the inland county of Monaghan,
Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib. i. , cap. 5, p. where a townland, in the parish of Maghera- 340. cloone, having a fine earthen fort, is called 3 By this title Colman Eala is sometimes Corrybracken. See it marked on the "Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the
Adamnan's "Life of St Columba," lib i. ,
distinguished among our Irish saints.
4 In Codex B. of Rev. Dr. Reeves, con-
County of Monaghan,' sheets 30, 31.
7 Although the name has long since shifted to the strait between Scarba and Jura, just as Scotia has forsaken its original home, there can be no doubt that in Adamnan's day this Corry- Bracken was situate near the Irish coast : its connection with the Island of 5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's Life Rathlin, as furnished in the title, and the
taining
S. ColumbcTe Vita, a vellum MS. of
the middle ef the fifteenth century, there is a
titulus to Adamnan's Life, at lib. ii. , cap. 13,
•'
in vortice Brecani," and it is an allusion to this great natural curiosity of con-
which has
sea-tides and currents.
of St. Columba, lib. i. , cap. 5, p. 29.
6 It was called by the Irish CoinebpecAiii,
'
Brecan's Cauldron,' from the peculiar motion of the water, and the tradition that
flicting
"
"
the chapter of Adamnan's Life of St.
Columba, lib. i. , cap. 5, are sufficient proof of this.
expression
transnavigare incipiens," in
September 26. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 599 that when Colman and his brethren safely arrived in Iona, the monks on
"
that Island greatly rejoiced, and Columba said to him,
do not feel dissatisfied, that you go not to teach distant nations, but return again to Hybemia, the land of your birth, and feed your nation by word and example with the grace given you by God. For of necessity, I have been brought hither, but I beseech you not to absent yourself and deprive your land of your teaching. " Having received such admonition, Colman returned
with a favouring wind to Ireland.
8
Vivid descriptions' regarding the
dangerous gulf or whirlpool of Coirebrecain, to which allusion has been
made, are preserved in the Irish language, both in the Dinnseanchus and in
Cormac's 10 It is referred to Giraldus Cambrensis,11 andfrom an
copy cap. xiii. , pp. 134, 135.
" Ecclesiastical An
In Irish, Slog tii rnana, Gulp of the
:
" Non procul ab insulis ex parte
Masters," vol. i. , pp. 220 to 227.
20 He ruled over Ireland from a. d. 568 to
a. d. 594, when he was slain by Bran Dubh, King of Leinster. See ibid. , pp. 206 to 221. Hence we must infer, this convention had been held before the latter date, and before
to
Aedh Slaine began reign.
22
which date his Life may be seen in the Tenth Volume of this work.
Glossary. by
it had been the terror of mariners. 12 of 13 Writing Scarbay,
early period
Fordun has an allusion to it. 14
has been also, the called,
The saint to whom reference is here made
15 Colman Mocusailne l6 and it is holy bishop ;
said, his danger occurred near the Isle Reachru. 17 Part of the channel between Ballycastle and the Island of Rathlin, at certain times is so dis- turbed by the tidal action, that even in the absence of wind no small cralt
18
could live in it. It is locally known by the characteristic name Slugnamorra. In the order of narrative as contained in the Franciscan Life, we read after St. Colman's return to Ireland from Iona, that a great convention was
held, and it was attended by Aedh Slaine19 and Aedh20 the son of Ainmi- 21
rech, as also by St. Columcille, St. Kynecus and St. Colman. It is stated,
that our saint returned to the County of Meath about the year 590, and 22
attended a meeting at which St. Columkille, St. Cannich and the monarch
of Ireland were 23 All received our saint with St. Colum- present. great joy.
:
* It is added " oblius est ampullam cum Gentis Scotorum," edited by William F.
oleo quam solus Columba ei concessit. Sed
providential summi provisoris factum est ut sancti Colmano orante in loco suo eandem ampullam in la reiictam corum se vuleret. '' —P'ranciscan
Inisensi,''
9 See Hamilton's " Letters on the North
Coast of Antrim," p. 14.
10 The latter of which, with other illus-
trative matter, is printed in Dr. Reeves'
"
Colgan's TriasThaumaturga,"p. 458,and O'DonneU's Life of S. Columba, lib. iii. , cap.
21, p. 434. **&.
" Thus
boreali, est maris qua;dam admiranda vorago. Ad quam a remotis partibus omnes undique marini fiuctus tanquam ex condicto confluunt et concurrunt : qui in secreta naturre pene- tralia se ib—i transfundentes, quasi in abyssum vorantur. " "Topographia Hibernica. " Dis- tinctio ii. , cap. xiv.
Skeene, vol i. , lib. ii. , cap. x. , p. 43.
'5 He is stated to have been a presbyter, at the time of S. Columba's death. The dig- nity of bishop he must have afterwaids
obtained.
16
The clan name by which he was distin- guished, Colman ela nuc Ui Sailne.
'7 Now Rathlin, off the northern Coast of
" ex Codice
of Down, Coniior and Dromore," pp. 289, 386. See also the extract from the Life of St. Kieran in
sea. ' It is the
probably Jolduhlaup,
iquities
"Owing to the danger encountered, extra
pay had been given to the coast-guard, at
that station, to a comparatively recent was venerated on the nth of October, at
date.
•» About the year 1390.
14
Regarding it, this author says, "Juxta quam gurges oceani decurrit fortissima Core- brekane. "—Johannis de Fordun " Chronica
23 " Diocese of See Rev. A. Cogan's
Antrim County. The natives call it Raghery. 18 '
' Break- ing of waves,' commemorated in the Icelandic
Sagas.
'9 Aedh Slaine began his reign over Ire-
land, a,d. 595, and it continued to a. d. 600.
See Dr. O' Donovan's
"
Annals of the Four
21
He was born A. D. 517, and he died A. D. 600.
Or Canice,the Patron Saint of Kilkenny.
This saint, the patron of Kilkenny,
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. iii. , chap, lxxiv. ,
pp. 617, 618.
Brother Colman,
6oo LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September26.
kille proposed a motion, that they should give Colman a proper place to found a monastery for his disciples. When all the nobles and clergy had agreed to this resolution, ^Edus, the son of Slane, Prince of Meath, proffered
24
a large forest in the southern part of his dominions called Fidh-Elo,
in the
of 8 This Colman accepted, and then foretold, that there territory Fergall. *
should be his place of resurrection.
It was declared likewise, from that place he should take his name. Then accompanied by Lasrianus the minister of St. Columba, Colman went to the place, and they selected a site for the religious foundation. In the middle of that forest, and in a place well watered, and encompassed with fair fields, Colman raised the famous monastery of Land or Lann-Elo. 26 There in after time a great number of
2
holy disciples served the Lord with fidelity. ? Archbishop Ussher furnishes
an extract fiom the life of St. Colman Rio, and he describes the situation of
St. Colman Elo's Church, Lynally.
this church, as having been four miles distant from Durrow of St. Columkille.
28
The place was called Linalli,
Tullamore, in the present King's County. There he lived in extraoidinary sanctity, to a good old age, while he trained up many souls in religious perfection.
Approaching the close of the sixth century, it is probable St. Colman
Elo erected his monastery and chinch.
24 See the account of Lynally in " Letters containing Information relative to the Anti- quities of the King's County, collected
during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. i. Letter of John O' Donovan, dated Tullamore, January 2nd, 1 838, pp. 93 to 96,
The present ruins of L) nally church
the Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 384, 385-
now Lynally, about one mile south-west of
ss Or Fir-Ceall, where Lann Eala was script Vita; Sanctorum ex Codice Inisensi,
situated. See the Table appended to the
«'
Martyrology of Donegal," edited by
chap, xiv. , p. 135. 28 "
26
Lann is frequently used in connexion with Welsh churches, and having the same mean-
ing.
2; See the Life of our saint from the Manu-
RenderedtheChurchofElo. Theterm
See Primodia," cap. xvii. , p. 960.
September 26. 1
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 601
2
arc not ancient 9 but, a wall which encloses the burial-ground is thought
;
to be of considerable antiquity. South of the church there is a remarkable moat, which appears to have belonged to a former castle. The mediaeval church at Lynally was converted into a Protestant edifice ; the east end of the ancient building only remains. 30 In its interior, there is a vault, built of stone, with lime and sand cement. 31
After St. Colman's establishment had been formed, it is stated, that on a certain occasion food had failed his monks ; yet a miraculous supply reached
them on the feast of the 32 Epiphany.
Again
want of the necessaries of life, a miraculous transport of provisions was
wafted to the monastery through the air,33 and like to the prophet Habacuc's experience. A Briton, who was a member of St. Colman's community, had been reproved by the Abbot for some fault. Angered by that reproof, his hand was raised to strike his superior; but in that very act, the hand became stiff and paralysed, nor could the monk recover its use, until the saint had compassionately pardoned his transgression. 34 On a certain day while St. Colman laboured with his monks in the field, he had a vision, when he suddenly fell prostrate on the ground and shed tearsr His monks astonished at such an unusual occurrence asked him with earnestness the cause. He told them he had seen a number of Angels descending towards earth, and thathethoughttheDayofGeneralJudgmenthadcome. Butthenhesaw them bear a golden altar aloft and on it the soul of Blessed Gregory the Pope. 35 A great illumination took place, as the gates of Heaven opened and Angels appeared to receive him. At the end of a year from that day, he declared that a messenger from Rome should visit their monastery and confirm the fact of Gregory's death. This prediction was fulfilled, for a pilgrim from that city, who had resolved to visit the saints of Ireland, brought such intelligence to them. 36 At one time, the monks of St. Colman mur- mured, because they lived a very laborious life and one that was very austere, without any corporal rest or consolation. Their venerable superior,
knowing this by information communicated to him, addressed them thus :
"
Brothers, if you desire to see the glory of the heavenly kingdom in so far as
it may be permitted to mortals, you shall now behold it. " Having replied, that they most earnestly wished for such a favour, Colman raised his hand and placed it over their eyes. Immediately the beatific vision opened to their great delight and admiration. Thenceforward they bore with great resignation and even joy all their austerities and labours to the end of their lives, deeming them as bearing no comparison with the rewards reserved for them in the realms of the blessed. However, their holy Abbot imposed on them an obligation never to reveal that vision to others during his life-time. s?
When some paupers came to Colman asking for alms, having nothing else tobestow,hegavethemabrazenvessel,inwhichheusedtowash. Thisvessel was soon missed by the servant of the monastery, who went to the Abbot
29 The accompanying illustration is from a sketch taken by the writer in August, 1 888. This has been drawn on the wood, and en- graved by Giegor Grey.
30 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath,
" Vitre Sanctorum, ex Codice Inisensi," cap. xv. , pp. 135, 1 36.
33 See ibid. , tap. xvi. , p. 136.
3*'* Vita Sanctis. -i ni Colmani Ela," cip.
xix. , p. 136.
3s St. who flourished Pope Gregory I. ,
during the life-time ol our saint.
j6 See ''Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela,"
cap. xx. , pp. 136, 137.
3? Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxi. ,
p. 137.
Ancient and Modern," vol.
ii. , chap, xix. , p.
531.
31 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," voi. v. , n. (b), pp. 1414, 1415. 32 According to the " Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela," as fou. d in the Franciscan
is the that when in story told,
6o2
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[September t6.
with such a complaint. However, on returning to the place once more, he found the identical basin or one quite like to it restored to the place it
usually occupied. '
his monastery, a monk, remarkable for his humility, obedience and devotion, named Collanus,^ departed this life. On the Abbot's return he went alone to the cell where his body lay, and standing before the door which had been
:
closedhecriedout "OCollanus,asyouhavebeenobedienttomeinlife,so
continue after death, and open this habitation to me. " Immediately the monk arose as if from sleep, at the sound of his Abbot's voice; the door opened, and after mutual salutation, the monk said : "I beseech you Father, permit me to return where I have found <;reat glory and rest, to that realm I have already seen. "
8 On a certain occasion, when Colman was absent from
Almighty. '* day,
This request he obtained. Having received the Body
and his remains were
Among the miracles recorded of Colman is an instance of his restor-
41 where the con- Again
of our he Lord, again
consigned
departed one Cronan from demoniac
ing
fluence of two rivers took
floods came that seemed to bode destruction to their dwellings. They came to St. Colman, and asked him to relieve them, when he gave them his staff,tellingthemtodescribeacirclewithitaroundtheirmonastery. Having complied with such directions, the inundation ceased, nor afterwards were they subjected to any such inconvenience. 43 It is related, that a robber had taken a sacred vessel from the monastery of St. Colman, and which had been used by him for ministerial purposes. Having sold it to a Munster cleric, the robber was apprehended by the people, who were about to hang him for the commission of such a sacrilege, and they threatened to do so if it were not restored. This restitution he was unable then to effect, but the merciful Abbot intervened on his behalf, and rescued him from the hands of that
infuriatedmob. Asarewardforsuchclemency,theampullawasrecovered through the prayers of Colman. 44 Aedh Slaine« held a captive in chains, and the man of God came to entreat for his release, but he found the king at first inexorable. Nevertheless, moved by a remarkable miracle wrought in his presence, the prisoner was afterwards released, owing to Colman's per- suasion and through the king's reverence for his gifts of power derived from the 6 While in choir one the monks were in
engaged singing
saw the of great Apostle
the of St. Patrick,47 when their
Hymn superior
place,
42 some monks lived ill their cells but ;
and proposed that another hymn should be substituted for it.
39 Many saints named Cillin or Cillanus are commemoratedintheIrishCalendars.
40
Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxiii. , pp. 137, 138.
41
See ibid. , cap. xxiv. , p. 138.
42 The exact location or name of this
monastery is not further designated.
43 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxv. ,
p. 138.
4S As already stated, he was five years a
SovereignoverIreland: viz. fromA. D. 595
to A. n. 600.
possession.
Ireland standing in their midst. Colman ordered that hymn to be sung a second and a third time, but one of the elders objected to such a repetition,
"
My brother," responded Colman, M I ordered that Hymn to be repeated, because while singing it St. Patrick stood among you. " No sooner had he spoken these
48
words than the vision disappeared.
A romantic story is told regarding a son who was born blind.
The mother was so shocked and disgusted with his appearance, that she urged another son to take his infant brother and drown him in an adjoining lake. In this resolve her husband coincided.
38 See ibid. , xxii. , 44 See ibid. , xxvi. , 138. cap. p. 137. cap. p.
46
Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
xxvii. , pp. 138, 139.
47 What particular Hymn this was is not
fu-ther known.
48 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
xxviii. , p. 139.
to the 40 grave.
September 26.
J
LIVES OF 1 HE IRJSB SAINTS
603
" O man, I am about to deprive you of life. " The blind infant then said : "Unless you repent of your intention immediately, you shall die, and I shall live, since I am given to Colman Ela that he may nurture me. " Whereupon fearing the conse- quence of such an evil act, the son returned home, and told his father what had occurred. Nevertheless, the father insisted that one of his female servants should execute the deed, and submitting to such an order, again the blind infant spoke to her, and said, that being entrusted by God to the care of St. Colman, she could not deprive him of life, and that unless she should repent of her crime, death must overtake her. Trembling with fear, she returned to the house, and told the father what had — in her
Suddenly was heard the voice of that infant saying to his brother "u
:
do you reflect on what a deed you purpose ? He replied
:
owncase. Filledw—
ith and still the father a chief indignation incredulous,
oftheO'Neillfamily resolvedonthecrimeofinfanticidehimself. Hethenheard his own child's voice upbraid him and declare, that should the father make
any attempt on his son's life the penalty of death mustbeinflictedonhimself,and that too, unless sincere repentance should follow, since tlie Lord had devoted him to St. Colman Ela to be protected. Accordingly the terrified parent relented. At that very time, our saint happened to be near, and afterwards he went to the chieftain's house to reproach him with the crime intended. The child was then entrusted to St. Colman's care, to be baptised and instructed in the rudiments of learning. As years advanced, the boy grew in wisdom and morality ; yet although he was thenceforward known as the Blind Kellamis,49 he became a sage and the teacher of many scholars. 50
1
St. Colman visited a place called Cluain cayn* (Clonkeen) where certain
robbers had taken away some property belonging to the monks; but being accused of the theft, they were ready to deny it on oath. Then said our saint, "We shall give you until morning to state the whole truth. " But they persisted in denying their complicity in the theft. A severe punishment was inflicted on them for this denial, and they suffered great pain, until they were obliged to acknowledge their guilt, on the morning following. 52 A holy virgin named Comna" earnestly entreated Brandanus, a tyrant, to liberate a captiveofhernation,whichhehadsubdued. Inthisshehadtheassistance ofSt. Colman,whowroughtamiracleinherbehalf. Thisinducedthetyrantto relent and grant the prayer of her petition. Then Colman accompanied Comna to her religious house, where he was hospitably entertained by her community. 5 * At one time, the servant of God visited the home of a certain man whose whole family, with the exception of a blind son, had been carried off by a pestilence. The saint was received joyfully by the master of the house, and when told he had no servant but the blind boy to draw water for him from a well which was at a great distance, Colman desired him to dig the earth which was near, when immediately a fountain sprang up, and taking some of the water therefrom, he sprinkled the boy with a sign of the cross. At once he was restored to the use of sight. Again is recorded the miracle of our saint restoring a boy mute and deaf to the faculties of speech and hearing.
64
See Archbishop Ussher's collected iv. , sect. 3, p. 591. Also, Archdalls Works, vol, iv. Chronological Index, at
"
Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 10.
A. t. 550.
65 Among others, the Ab -e Ma-Geoghegan,
57 See Rev, Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," at A. d. 610, vol. i. , pp. 234 to 237.
"
Seconde Partie, chap, iii. , pp. 304, 305.
6" See her Life at the of
— 15th January
According to the Annales Ultonienses.
"
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
carum Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 25, and Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
in his
Histoire de l'lrlande/' tome i. ,
Return Hiberni-
59«
LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September26.
CHAPTER II.
RETURN OF ST. COLMAN EALA TO HIS ANCESTRAL PROVINCE—HIS VISITS TO ST. COLUMBA IN IONA—ESCAPES THE DANGERS OF COIREBRECAIN WHIRLPOOL- CONVENTION AT WHICH ST. COLMAN OBTAINS A GRANT OF LAND TO FOUND HIS MONASTERY AND CHURCH AT LYNALLY—RECORD OF VARIOUS MIRACLES— FOREKNOWLEDGE OF HIS DEATH—HIS VISIT TO Cl. ONARD IN ANTICIPATION OF IT—HIS RETURN TO LYNALLY AND DEPARTURE FROM LIFE—ST. COLMAN EALA's COMMEMORATION AND MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
After some time, giving his blessing to that people, Colman Eala left Connor, it is said, and came into his own ancestral country of Meath, It seems likely, that he had there established for himself a mission, and a character for great sanctity, before he resolved on visiting his near relative St. Columba in the Island of Iona. In Adamnan's Life there are two distinct accounts of our saint having been on a voyage to that Island, and
of
from it, on the of Sr. Columba's death. 1 very year
having departed
Iona, can hardly be determined. However, the great Abbot of that place being one day in his church, and having the gift of second sight, broke forth
again
Although having little regard to chronological sequence in his biographical narrative ; yet, it seems most probable, those accounts have reference to different visits. It has been supposed from a passage in the Life of St. Columba,2 that St. Colman was not only an Abbot, but also a Bishop. Whether this was so or not before he visited St. Columkille in his monastery of
"
on his voyage to us, is now imperilled in the turbulent waters of Brecan's
Charybdis4 butsittingontheprowofhisshipandliftingbothhishandsto
;
Heaven, he blesses the formidable waves. Nor doth the Lord thus affright him, as if he dreaded shipwreck, but to cause him more fervently to pray,
in a joyous exclamation :
Columbanus,3 the son of Bcognai, who started
and that he come to us
may providentially having escaped
that — danger. *"
since
ocation of Brecan's A hasbeen thatthel—
Charybdis
more generally known as Corrybracken6 was originally near the Island of Rathlin, on the north coast of Ireland, in the time of St. Columba, although
conjecture offered,
it has since moved more to the north-east, and nearer to the coast of Scot- land. ' The " Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela" adds to the foregoing account,
11. See the Rev. Dr. Reeves' Brecan, son of Maine, son of Niall of the Chapter —'
Nine Hostages, was engulfed by it in the cap. 5, p. 29, and lib. ii. , cap. 15, pp. 124, year a. d. 440. It is a curious fact, that the 125. only place in Ireland where the name now
2"
See Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga. " exists is in the inland county of Monaghan,
Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib. i. , cap. 5, p. where a townland, in the parish of Maghera- 340. cloone, having a fine earthen fort, is called 3 By this title Colman Eala is sometimes Corrybracken. See it marked on the "Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the
Adamnan's "Life of St Columba," lib i. ,
distinguished among our Irish saints.
4 In Codex B. of Rev. Dr. Reeves, con-
County of Monaghan,' sheets 30, 31.
7 Although the name has long since shifted to the strait between Scarba and Jura, just as Scotia has forsaken its original home, there can be no doubt that in Adamnan's day this Corry- Bracken was situate near the Irish coast : its connection with the Island of 5 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's Life Rathlin, as furnished in the title, and the
taining
S. ColumbcTe Vita, a vellum MS. of
the middle ef the fifteenth century, there is a
titulus to Adamnan's Life, at lib. ii. , cap. 13,
•'
in vortice Brecani," and it is an allusion to this great natural curiosity of con-
which has
sea-tides and currents.
of St. Columba, lib. i. , cap. 5, p. 29.
6 It was called by the Irish CoinebpecAiii,
'
Brecan's Cauldron,' from the peculiar motion of the water, and the tradition that
flicting
"
"
the chapter of Adamnan's Life of St.
Columba, lib. i. , cap. 5, are sufficient proof of this.
expression
transnavigare incipiens," in
September 26. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 599 that when Colman and his brethren safely arrived in Iona, the monks on
"
that Island greatly rejoiced, and Columba said to him,
do not feel dissatisfied, that you go not to teach distant nations, but return again to Hybemia, the land of your birth, and feed your nation by word and example with the grace given you by God. For of necessity, I have been brought hither, but I beseech you not to absent yourself and deprive your land of your teaching. " Having received such admonition, Colman returned
with a favouring wind to Ireland.
8
Vivid descriptions' regarding the
dangerous gulf or whirlpool of Coirebrecain, to which allusion has been
made, are preserved in the Irish language, both in the Dinnseanchus and in
Cormac's 10 It is referred to Giraldus Cambrensis,11 andfrom an
copy cap. xiii. , pp. 134, 135.
" Ecclesiastical An
In Irish, Slog tii rnana, Gulp of the
:
" Non procul ab insulis ex parte
Masters," vol. i. , pp. 220 to 227.
20 He ruled over Ireland from a. d. 568 to
a. d. 594, when he was slain by Bran Dubh, King of Leinster. See ibid. , pp. 206 to 221. Hence we must infer, this convention had been held before the latter date, and before
to
Aedh Slaine began reign.
22
which date his Life may be seen in the Tenth Volume of this work.
Glossary. by
it had been the terror of mariners. 12 of 13 Writing Scarbay,
early period
Fordun has an allusion to it. 14
has been also, the called,
The saint to whom reference is here made
15 Colman Mocusailne l6 and it is holy bishop ;
said, his danger occurred near the Isle Reachru. 17 Part of the channel between Ballycastle and the Island of Rathlin, at certain times is so dis- turbed by the tidal action, that even in the absence of wind no small cralt
18
could live in it. It is locally known by the characteristic name Slugnamorra. In the order of narrative as contained in the Franciscan Life, we read after St. Colman's return to Ireland from Iona, that a great convention was
held, and it was attended by Aedh Slaine19 and Aedh20 the son of Ainmi- 21
rech, as also by St. Columcille, St. Kynecus and St. Colman. It is stated,
that our saint returned to the County of Meath about the year 590, and 22
attended a meeting at which St. Columkille, St. Cannich and the monarch
of Ireland were 23 All received our saint with St. Colum- present. great joy.
:
* It is added " oblius est ampullam cum Gentis Scotorum," edited by William F.
oleo quam solus Columba ei concessit. Sed
providential summi provisoris factum est ut sancti Colmano orante in loco suo eandem ampullam in la reiictam corum se vuleret. '' —P'ranciscan
Inisensi,''
9 See Hamilton's " Letters on the North
Coast of Antrim," p. 14.
10 The latter of which, with other illus-
trative matter, is printed in Dr. Reeves'
"
Colgan's TriasThaumaturga,"p. 458,and O'DonneU's Life of S. Columba, lib. iii. , cap.
21, p. 434. **&.
" Thus
boreali, est maris qua;dam admiranda vorago. Ad quam a remotis partibus omnes undique marini fiuctus tanquam ex condicto confluunt et concurrunt : qui in secreta naturre pene- tralia se ib—i transfundentes, quasi in abyssum vorantur. " "Topographia Hibernica. " Dis- tinctio ii. , cap. xiv.
Skeene, vol i. , lib. ii. , cap. x. , p. 43.
'5 He is stated to have been a presbyter, at the time of S. Columba's death. The dig- nity of bishop he must have afterwaids
obtained.
16
The clan name by which he was distin- guished, Colman ela nuc Ui Sailne.
'7 Now Rathlin, off the northern Coast of
" ex Codice
of Down, Coniior and Dromore," pp. 289, 386. See also the extract from the Life of St. Kieran in
sea. ' It is the
probably Jolduhlaup,
iquities
"Owing to the danger encountered, extra
pay had been given to the coast-guard, at
that station, to a comparatively recent was venerated on the nth of October, at
date.
•» About the year 1390.
14
Regarding it, this author says, "Juxta quam gurges oceani decurrit fortissima Core- brekane. "—Johannis de Fordun " Chronica
23 " Diocese of See Rev. A. Cogan's
Antrim County. The natives call it Raghery. 18 '
' Break- ing of waves,' commemorated in the Icelandic
Sagas.
'9 Aedh Slaine began his reign over Ire-
land, a,d. 595, and it continued to a. d. 600.
See Dr. O' Donovan's
"
Annals of the Four
21
He was born A. D. 517, and he died A. D. 600.
Or Canice,the Patron Saint of Kilkenny.
This saint, the patron of Kilkenny,
Meath, Ancient and Modern," vol. iii. , chap, lxxiv. ,
pp. 617, 618.
Brother Colman,
6oo LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September26.
kille proposed a motion, that they should give Colman a proper place to found a monastery for his disciples. When all the nobles and clergy had agreed to this resolution, ^Edus, the son of Slane, Prince of Meath, proffered
24
a large forest in the southern part of his dominions called Fidh-Elo,
in the
of 8 This Colman accepted, and then foretold, that there territory Fergall. *
should be his place of resurrection.
It was declared likewise, from that place he should take his name. Then accompanied by Lasrianus the minister of St. Columba, Colman went to the place, and they selected a site for the religious foundation. In the middle of that forest, and in a place well watered, and encompassed with fair fields, Colman raised the famous monastery of Land or Lann-Elo. 26 There in after time a great number of
2
holy disciples served the Lord with fidelity. ? Archbishop Ussher furnishes
an extract fiom the life of St. Colman Rio, and he describes the situation of
St. Colman Elo's Church, Lynally.
this church, as having been four miles distant from Durrow of St. Columkille.
28
The place was called Linalli,
Tullamore, in the present King's County. There he lived in extraoidinary sanctity, to a good old age, while he trained up many souls in religious perfection.
Approaching the close of the sixth century, it is probable St. Colman
Elo erected his monastery and chinch.
24 See the account of Lynally in " Letters containing Information relative to the Anti- quities of the King's County, collected
during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. i. Letter of John O' Donovan, dated Tullamore, January 2nd, 1 838, pp. 93 to 96,
The present ruins of L) nally church
the Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 384, 385-
now Lynally, about one mile south-west of
ss Or Fir-Ceall, where Lann Eala was script Vita; Sanctorum ex Codice Inisensi,
situated. See the Table appended to the
«'
Martyrology of Donegal," edited by
chap, xiv. , p. 135. 28 "
26
Lann is frequently used in connexion with Welsh churches, and having the same mean-
ing.
2; See the Life of our saint from the Manu-
RenderedtheChurchofElo. Theterm
See Primodia," cap. xvii. , p. 960.
September 26. 1
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 601
2
arc not ancient 9 but, a wall which encloses the burial-ground is thought
;
to be of considerable antiquity. South of the church there is a remarkable moat, which appears to have belonged to a former castle. The mediaeval church at Lynally was converted into a Protestant edifice ; the east end of the ancient building only remains. 30 In its interior, there is a vault, built of stone, with lime and sand cement. 31
After St. Colman's establishment had been formed, it is stated, that on a certain occasion food had failed his monks ; yet a miraculous supply reached
them on the feast of the 32 Epiphany.
Again
want of the necessaries of life, a miraculous transport of provisions was
wafted to the monastery through the air,33 and like to the prophet Habacuc's experience. A Briton, who was a member of St. Colman's community, had been reproved by the Abbot for some fault. Angered by that reproof, his hand was raised to strike his superior; but in that very act, the hand became stiff and paralysed, nor could the monk recover its use, until the saint had compassionately pardoned his transgression. 34 On a certain day while St. Colman laboured with his monks in the field, he had a vision, when he suddenly fell prostrate on the ground and shed tearsr His monks astonished at such an unusual occurrence asked him with earnestness the cause. He told them he had seen a number of Angels descending towards earth, and thathethoughttheDayofGeneralJudgmenthadcome. Butthenhesaw them bear a golden altar aloft and on it the soul of Blessed Gregory the Pope. 35 A great illumination took place, as the gates of Heaven opened and Angels appeared to receive him. At the end of a year from that day, he declared that a messenger from Rome should visit their monastery and confirm the fact of Gregory's death. This prediction was fulfilled, for a pilgrim from that city, who had resolved to visit the saints of Ireland, brought such intelligence to them. 36 At one time, the monks of St. Colman mur- mured, because they lived a very laborious life and one that was very austere, without any corporal rest or consolation. Their venerable superior,
knowing this by information communicated to him, addressed them thus :
"
Brothers, if you desire to see the glory of the heavenly kingdom in so far as
it may be permitted to mortals, you shall now behold it. " Having replied, that they most earnestly wished for such a favour, Colman raised his hand and placed it over their eyes. Immediately the beatific vision opened to their great delight and admiration. Thenceforward they bore with great resignation and even joy all their austerities and labours to the end of their lives, deeming them as bearing no comparison with the rewards reserved for them in the realms of the blessed. However, their holy Abbot imposed on them an obligation never to reveal that vision to others during his life-time. s?
When some paupers came to Colman asking for alms, having nothing else tobestow,hegavethemabrazenvessel,inwhichheusedtowash. Thisvessel was soon missed by the servant of the monastery, who went to the Abbot
29 The accompanying illustration is from a sketch taken by the writer in August, 1 888. This has been drawn on the wood, and en- graved by Giegor Grey.
30 See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath,
" Vitre Sanctorum, ex Codice Inisensi," cap. xv. , pp. 135, 1 36.
33 See ibid. , tap. xvi. , p. 136.
3*'* Vita Sanctis. -i ni Colmani Ela," cip.
xix. , p. 136.
3s St. who flourished Pope Gregory I. ,
during the life-time ol our saint.
j6 See ''Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela,"
cap. xx. , pp. 136, 137.
3? Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxi. ,
p. 137.
Ancient and Modern," vol.
ii. , chap, xix. , p.
531.
31 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," voi. v. , n. (b), pp. 1414, 1415. 32 According to the " Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela," as fou. d in the Franciscan
is the that when in story told,
6o2
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[September t6.
with such a complaint. However, on returning to the place once more, he found the identical basin or one quite like to it restored to the place it
usually occupied. '
his monastery, a monk, remarkable for his humility, obedience and devotion, named Collanus,^ departed this life. On the Abbot's return he went alone to the cell where his body lay, and standing before the door which had been
:
closedhecriedout "OCollanus,asyouhavebeenobedienttomeinlife,so
continue after death, and open this habitation to me. " Immediately the monk arose as if from sleep, at the sound of his Abbot's voice; the door opened, and after mutual salutation, the monk said : "I beseech you Father, permit me to return where I have found <;reat glory and rest, to that realm I have already seen. "
8 On a certain occasion, when Colman was absent from
Almighty. '* day,
This request he obtained. Having received the Body
and his remains were
Among the miracles recorded of Colman is an instance of his restor-
41 where the con- Again
of our he Lord, again
consigned
departed one Cronan from demoniac
ing
fluence of two rivers took
floods came that seemed to bode destruction to their dwellings. They came to St. Colman, and asked him to relieve them, when he gave them his staff,tellingthemtodescribeacirclewithitaroundtheirmonastery. Having complied with such directions, the inundation ceased, nor afterwards were they subjected to any such inconvenience. 43 It is related, that a robber had taken a sacred vessel from the monastery of St. Colman, and which had been used by him for ministerial purposes. Having sold it to a Munster cleric, the robber was apprehended by the people, who were about to hang him for the commission of such a sacrilege, and they threatened to do so if it were not restored. This restitution he was unable then to effect, but the merciful Abbot intervened on his behalf, and rescued him from the hands of that
infuriatedmob. Asarewardforsuchclemency,theampullawasrecovered through the prayers of Colman. 44 Aedh Slaine« held a captive in chains, and the man of God came to entreat for his release, but he found the king at first inexorable. Nevertheless, moved by a remarkable miracle wrought in his presence, the prisoner was afterwards released, owing to Colman's per- suasion and through the king's reverence for his gifts of power derived from the 6 While in choir one the monks were in
engaged singing
saw the of great Apostle
the of St. Patrick,47 when their
Hymn superior
place,
42 some monks lived ill their cells but ;
and proposed that another hymn should be substituted for it.
39 Many saints named Cillin or Cillanus are commemoratedintheIrishCalendars.
40
Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxiii. , pp. 137, 138.
41
See ibid. , cap. xxiv. , p. 138.
42 The exact location or name of this
monastery is not further designated.
43 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap. xxv. ,
p. 138.
4S As already stated, he was five years a
SovereignoverIreland: viz. fromA. D. 595
to A. n. 600.
possession.
Ireland standing in their midst. Colman ordered that hymn to be sung a second and a third time, but one of the elders objected to such a repetition,
"
My brother," responded Colman, M I ordered that Hymn to be repeated, because while singing it St. Patrick stood among you. " No sooner had he spoken these
48
words than the vision disappeared.
A romantic story is told regarding a son who was born blind.
The mother was so shocked and disgusted with his appearance, that she urged another son to take his infant brother and drown him in an adjoining lake. In this resolve her husband coincided.
38 See ibid. , xxii. , 44 See ibid. , xxvi. , 138. cap. p. 137. cap. p.
46
Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
xxvii. , pp. 138, 139.
47 What particular Hymn this was is not
fu-ther known.
48 Vita Sanctissimi Colmani Ela, cap.
xxviii. , p. 139.
to the 40 grave.
September 26.
J
LIVES OF 1 HE IRJSB SAINTS
603
" O man, I am about to deprive you of life. " The blind infant then said : "Unless you repent of your intention immediately, you shall die, and I shall live, since I am given to Colman Ela that he may nurture me. " Whereupon fearing the conse- quence of such an evil act, the son returned home, and told his father what had occurred. Nevertheless, the father insisted that one of his female servants should execute the deed, and submitting to such an order, again the blind infant spoke to her, and said, that being entrusted by God to the care of St. Colman, she could not deprive him of life, and that unless she should repent of her crime, death must overtake her. Trembling with fear, she returned to the house, and told the father what had — in her
Suddenly was heard the voice of that infant saying to his brother "u
:
do you reflect on what a deed you purpose ? He replied
:
owncase. Filledw—
ith and still the father a chief indignation incredulous,
oftheO'Neillfamily resolvedonthecrimeofinfanticidehimself. Hethenheard his own child's voice upbraid him and declare, that should the father make
any attempt on his son's life the penalty of death mustbeinflictedonhimself,and that too, unless sincere repentance should follow, since tlie Lord had devoted him to St. Colman Ela to be protected. Accordingly the terrified parent relented. At that very time, our saint happened to be near, and afterwards he went to the chieftain's house to reproach him with the crime intended. The child was then entrusted to St. Colman's care, to be baptised and instructed in the rudiments of learning. As years advanced, the boy grew in wisdom and morality ; yet although he was thenceforward known as the Blind Kellamis,49 he became a sage and the teacher of many scholars. 50
1
St. Colman visited a place called Cluain cayn* (Clonkeen) where certain
robbers had taken away some property belonging to the monks; but being accused of the theft, they were ready to deny it on oath. Then said our saint, "We shall give you until morning to state the whole truth. " But they persisted in denying their complicity in the theft. A severe punishment was inflicted on them for this denial, and they suffered great pain, until they were obliged to acknowledge their guilt, on the morning following. 52 A holy virgin named Comna" earnestly entreated Brandanus, a tyrant, to liberate a captiveofhernation,whichhehadsubdued. Inthisshehadtheassistance ofSt. Colman,whowroughtamiracleinherbehalf. Thisinducedthetyrantto relent and grant the prayer of her petition. Then Colman accompanied Comna to her religious house, where he was hospitably entertained by her community. 5 * At one time, the servant of God visited the home of a certain man whose whole family, with the exception of a blind son, had been carried off by a pestilence. The saint was received joyfully by the master of the house, and when told he had no servant but the blind boy to draw water for him from a well which was at a great distance, Colman desired him to dig the earth which was near, when immediately a fountain sprang up, and taking some of the water therefrom, he sprinkled the boy with a sign of the cross. At once he was restored to the use of sight. Again is recorded the miracle of our saint restoring a boy mute and deaf to the faculties of speech and hearing.
