Several local practices and traditions, having reference to the holy Patron,
are still preserved among the people ;
while those usages and stories appear
sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hiber-
nia, p.
are still preserved among the people ;
while those usages and stories appear
sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hiber-
nia, p.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
34 to 36.
Edited by
VV. K. Sullivan, Ph. D. , &c.
2 SeetheMarquisofBute's"ActaSanc-
torum Hiberniae," ActaSancti Moling, num.
8, cols. 822, 823. 3"
See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's Ancient Life of St. Molyng," p. 26.
June 17. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
717
requested the prayers of its clergy and people. In turn, he bestowed his blessing, and he gave them holy admonitions. He had then a presentiment, that his career on earth was nearly run. Afterwards, he departed for his own monastery, Teach-mullin. The oldest of the foxes already mentioned then appeared to be sad. They all received the saint's blessing, however, and returned to their dens. Certain wise men who were present dwelt on his words to those animals, and they considered, that the holy Prelate intimated through them the shortness of his own life in this world. Both men and animals felt sorrowful, as if they understood such an
to have been made. 5 A certain
dael,
eventothebrain,withexceedinggreatpaintohim. Asaconsequence,his friends brought him to the holy man Molyng, and then asked him to deliver an opinion about that man's condition. Seeing his anguish, the servant of Christ
very poisonous animal, which
6 and the Latins a
a man was sleeping out in the open air, and it began to bore into his head,
interpretation the Irish call a
Scorpio?
entered into his
ear, while
laid his own hand the man's against
ear,
and commanded the little
8 animal, in
thenameofChrist,tocomeforthfromtheinnermostpartofhishead. Forsome
of his friends contended, that the animal had penetrated so far as his brain,
while others of them supposed, that it had not done so. At the saint's bid-
ding, however, the poisonous animal immediately came forth, settled upon the
saint'shand,anditfellbloodyandswollenupontheground. Thatman,be-
smeared with blood and weak from its loss, was in great pain, and he complained
about it in the Prelate's presence. Thereupon, the holy bishop, praying and
breathing upon his ear, blessed it with a sign of the cross. Forthwith, the
running from that man's ear was stopped, and no longer complaining about
the internal affection of his head, the patient was cured from that dangerous
malady. Thereupon rejoicing, along with his friends, the restored person
returned to his own home, praising Christ and his Saint.
In the Legend of his Life, it is stated, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Son of the living God, came to Molyng, in the form of a very beautiful boy, and desiring to console his holy servant. It is related, furthermore, that He rested for some time upon this holy man's bosom, and gave him advice, re- garding those many labours the Prelate was undergoing for Him.
The holy abbot Oiblan, a devout man and one who greatly loved God,
was a faithful friend also of St. Molyng, who loved him much. On his own part,
wishing to prove this mystery, Oiblan came to see it in person. He earnestly besought our saint, that he might witness for himself, Christ resting on his bosom. At this time, the holy old man was working in the field, along with his brethren, and he was engaged digging the earth. The bishop then said to
"
him, that St. Thomas did not believe the other saints, saying
let us see the body of the Lord," until he saw for himself, our Lord's side so far as it was pierced, and the place in the limbs of Christ, wherein the nails had been "You,inyourturn,actlikeuntohim,youbelieve not when you are told, that the Son of God took up his abode for some time,
driven. 10 Thensaid
Molyng,
* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Junii xvii. De S. Molingo sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hibernia,
"
Cauda semper in ictu est," "Historia Natu-
ralis," lib. xi. , cap. 30.
I0
p,4 ""
.
s See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient Life of St. Molyng," pp. 26. 27.
6 According to Edward O'Reilly, the •oaoiI means "leech. " See " Irish English
Dictionary," sub voce.
7 Or scorpion, an animal which is said to
strike with its tail, in which there are seven
n. 1, p. 194. " 9 See Mr. Patrick OLearys
Life of St. Molyng," pp. 28, 29.
Ancient
joints. According to Pliny :
scorpionis
8 The words -oopc n&el, pronounced Dhorrig-a-Dael, signifies dark or "black leech. " This is said to be an insect of the cockchafer tribe. See Rev. John Francis Shearman's "Loca Patriciana," No. ix. ,
718 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
within my bosom, unless you shall see it yourself, with your own eyes. Lest you might be scandalized in me, behold my garments are dirty and wet through
and through with the moist earth; give me thy clean cassula, or cassock, and hold
itupforawhile. Then,thoushaltbeholdtheSonofGodwithinmybosom. "
At the same time, St. Oiblan readily handed his cassock to the renowned
bishop, and after a short time, the real Christ, the Son of the living God,
appeared in a corporeal state, and took his abode within the bosom of the
venerable man Molyng. Immediately, a very great flood of light appeared, in and about Christ. It proved to be so great, that St. Oiblan was not able
to withstand its radiance. Afterwards, coming out of St. Molyng's bosom,
with the rays of heavenly effulgence still around Him, the Son of God satis-
fied his saints regarding his corporeal presence. Each, in turn, and in com- pany with Molyng's attendants, made obeisance before Him. From that place, and in the greatest possible state of ecstasy, St. Oiblan returned to his cell. With a cheerful countenance, he told how he had just seen Christ in St. Molyng's bosom. His faithful disciples were filled, also, with great rejoicing and devotion, when they heard that account An indescribable love of Christ was kindled in their hearts. From this circumstance arose the con- viction in St. Molyng's mind, that as our Lord Jesus Christ rested within his bosom, so should he be endowed with many virtues, and especially with the spirit of prophecy, in regard to the past, present and future.
The holy Prelate's end was now fast approaching ; but, although his body wasfeeble,hismindstillcontinuedvigorousandactive. Hisreligiousinstruc- tions were given to his monks, at the very hour of his death; while he enjoined charity, above all things, as also humility, gentleness, and every virtue, which he had possessed, and had so often proved to them, through his own good deeds. Sure of an eternal reward, the holy Prelate maintained his cheerful- ness, to the very moment of his departure. In anticipation of this event, all
his disciples felt exceedingly sorrowful.
11
It has been stated, that this
renowned saint attained his
there is sufficient authority for such a statement.
According to one account,
St. died, after a Moling
of
This latter date is
followed, likewise, by
Father
1 ?
The
year
of
as
St. death is not known for
8 unless he is to be
— regarded
Moling's — certain,'
12 we do not believe eighty-second year; but,
on the
while the Annals of the Four Masters
a. d. x 3 The 689.
old
Annals of Clonmacnoise place his demise at a. d. 692,'+ the Chronicum Scotorum
at a. d.
693 ;'s
prolong John Colgan.
it to a. d. ,6 696.
good
age,
17th
June,
identical with Moling Luachra I0 as is generally supposed who died in the
year 696, according to the Annalist Tighernach. However, the Dublin copy
of this latter writer has a. d. 697, as the date, with an additional remark, that Moling died in Britain. 20 This, however, is incorrect. In the Annals of the Four Masters, at a,d. 696, his day is erroneously given in the text as 17. Maii,
10
See St. John, xx. , 24, 25.
"See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient
Life of St. Molyng," &c, pp. 29, 30, 31.
12 See Leslie Stephen's "Dictionary of
National Biography," vol. xiii. , p. 381.
13 See Challenor's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , June xvii. This must be a mistake, as the Borumha Tribute was not remitted
until A. d. 693.
14 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. L, pp. 298, 299, and n.
They also place his death at May See William M. Hennessy's edition,
pp. 112, 113.
* 6 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 29S, 299.
,? See " Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Brigidre, lib. ii. , n. 2, p. 564, and Secun-
dus Index, p. 665.
,8 See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptori-
(x), ibid.
13th. 15
See William M. Hennessy's Chroni-
bus Hibernix," lib. i. , cap. iii. , p. 22. Also, "De Prxsulibus Lagenix," p. 54.
'» See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptoribus
Hibernix," lib. i. , cap. xiii. , pp. 88, 89. TO "
cum Scotorum," n. 3, p. 112.
2I
However, it is correctly stated, in Dr.
June 17. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
719
and it is translated 13th May. 21 Under the head of Teach Moling, Luachra its bishop is set down as having departed 696, on June 17th, by Duald Mac
22
Firbis.
The holy Patron of St. Mullins is said to have been buried in his own
church. In the interior of the largest of the ruins, now standing at St. Mullins, there is a flat stone, round which the people pray nine times, when making a pilgrimage, and placing a small pebble on the stone at each round. This stone, though comparatively modern, very probably marks the place where the saint's body was interred. The fact of praying, at that particular spot, might reasonably be supposed to denote the particular place.
"
on this day, and a most encomiastic tribute is paid to his virtues and renown.
Feihre"23 of St. ^Engus, this holy Prelate was venerated To this, the glossographer has subjoined several legends, in reference to him.
According to the
The is set down name, Moling, Luaim,
of 2* Tallagh,
in the
atthe17thofJune. TheSalamancancopyofSt. Moling'sLife2*placeshis
death, at the 7th of the June Ides. This corresponds, with the 7th of June; but, we suspect it to be an error for the 17th of this month. At this latter
2<5 date,theancientMartyrologyofUsuard mentionshim. Intheanonymous
Calendar, issued by O'Sullevan [Beare, the name Enolichus, for Molingus,
is likewise, at the of entered, — 17th
2? Under the same erroneous
— spel-
Henry Fitzsimon has entered his festival, at the 17th of June.
28
In the
simply,
Martyrology
June.
lingofEnolichus forwhichtheCarthusianMartyrologyisquoted Father
of 29 and at the same date,
Donegal, appears Moling Luachra,
30
Martyrology
Bishop and Confessor, of Tigh Moling. In the List of Irish Saints,31 left by Father John Colgan, St. Moling is entered at the same day. He is
entered, at the 17th of June, as St. Molocus, in the Martyrology of Aber-
deen. 32 Likewise, among the Trinity College, Dublin, Manuscripts, are notes regarding this saint; and these prove, that his chief festival had been
constantly kept, on the 17th of June,33 and that it was formerly celebrated with an office, containing Nine Lessons.
Several local practices and traditions, having reference to the holy Patron,
are still preserved among the people ;
while those usages and stories appear
sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hiber-
nia, p. 410.
26 The first edition of this work printed
was in 1515, and another edition appeared A. D. 1521. In the latter is printed: "In Hibernia S. Enolich, Confessoris. " The first line of the letter m seems to have been converted into e, in the process of
O'Donovan's note, in vol. i. , p. 298. 22 "
See Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. , pp. 128, 129, and nn. by William M. Hennessy, the editor.
23 From the " Leabhar Breac "
we find the following stanza, thus translated
into — English, by
Dr.
Whitley
copy, Stokes,
printing, spelling.
LL. D.
:
so as to cause an error of the
27 See "Historian Catholicae Ibernise
In'ooff oin UAf crochAib IriS^MAn An u&r cu. acri. Aib Congneic ju5 babe brxAchair* CAin nub moling luAchain.
Compendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi. , p. 50.
aS
See ibid. , cap. xii. , p. 54.
29 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
170, 171. 3°AnotebyDr. Reevesstatesatthisword,
Luachra: "That is, ofLuachair, the title
••Thebushof overborders the gold !
splen- did sun over territories ! white champion of
the king, strong bro—ther, fair soldier, Mo-
ling of Luachair. " "Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript MS. habentur ordine Mensium et Die-
Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar
rum. "
32
"
In Hybernia rum," tomus iii. , Junii xvii. DeS. Molingo ceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of
of Oengus, p. xciv.
24 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxvii.
25 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sancto-
Thus, at xv. Kl. ' Julii :
Sancti confessoris et prophecie spiritu pleni Moloci episcopi et confessoris. "—" Pro-
generally annexed to this saint's name. "
3I In " Actuum Sanctorum Catalogus quae
720 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
to have come down from distant times. Thus, it is related, that St. Moling and his clerics travelled through a great part of the country, desiring to find the most suitable site for a religious establishment. They commenced build- ing in many places, before they came to St. Mullins,3* but always left the work unfinished. 35 St. Molin's Well 36 is to be seen there, while the entrance to it is of similar construction with those of the earliest architectural stone buildings in Ireland. 37 Here young and old still assemble, on the festival daysofSt. Molyng; theycrowdroundhiswellanddrinkofitswaters; they even fill bottles from the limpid spring, and bring its waters home for friends who are unable to visit it. Children's heads are placed under the spout,
which is fixed there, so that the waters may flow upon them. 38 A bell of St. Moling had been preserved here, as a relic. 39 From a very remote period, pilgrimages to the shrine of St. Moling have been observed. At the present
day, and from remote parts of the country, pilgrims *° resort to St. Mullins, on the 17th of June, and on the 25th of July, respectively. They first make on their knees the rounds at certain places three times, and also drink of the well ; they then wade barefoot through the stream, through the Theachra or
'
Thurris,asmalllane4 throughwhichflowsastreamfromtheHolyWell,while
prayingallthetime. Next,theyproceedtoeachoftheruinedchapelsinsucces-
sion,andrecitingcertainprayers,ateachoftheseStations. ** Theyconclude,by bestowing an alms on the poor, of whom there are sure to be several present, on
Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 265. Collections for the Dioceses of Kildare and 3* A Manuscript in Trinity College, Leighlin," vol. iii. , p. 313.
Dublin, classed B. 3, I, contains at June the
17th, Kal. xv. Julii, Molyng Epis. et Confes. ,
38 In a letter from Mr. Patrick O'Leary of Graiguenamanagh, dated November 26th,
ix. Lect. A in 1888, he writes " Manuscript Trinity College, :
Dublin, classed B. 3, 10, contains at June
17th, Kal. xv. Julii, Sancti Molyngi Epis. et Conf. , ix. Lect.
I don't believe there is a manorwoman,withina radiusoftenmiles round, and a native of the place, who does not remember being placed when a child under the cold stream from St. Moling's well. The sensation of feeling an ice-cold stream of water pouring from one of the spouts of St. Moling's well, with consider- ble force on a child's head, fastens the re-
3* A local legend states, that St. Molyng
would not let them finish any of the other
buildings, for when the saint would say,
" We'll build here in the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," the clerks
held their tongues, so he would not collection in its memory. " thenallowthemtobuildthere. Then,they 39 According to tradition, it was stolen came along, until they arrived at St. from Ireland, and conveyed to Germany ;
"
We'll build in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. " "Amen," said the clerks. Then, the saint told them to build there, because it was the first place where they said Amentohim. Andthatisthereason,why the saint built at St. Mullins ; and, it is also the reason, according to the tradition, of there being such a number of old churches throughout the country, with only half the
walls standing. The country people add, " because that's the way they were built, for the saint would not allow his clerks to build any more of them, on account of their not saying Amen to him, at any of those places. "
35 This legend bears some resemblance, to what has been already related, by the author of the ancient Life of St. Molyng.
36 "A picture of this is inserted, in Mr.
Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient Life of St.
Moling. " at Notes, p. 39.
3 ? See Very Rev. Michael Comerford's
Mullins, when the saint said, here,
from which place it floated back to its ori-
See Carr's " in Stranger
ginal locality.
Ireland," article on Bells and Belfries.
40 These poor people go through their rounds, regardless of the multitude of on-
lookers, including visitors to the place, as also scoffers at their devotions, and, likewise, regardless of the thistles and nettles which
throng the place.
41 They finish each round, by praying at
the old cross. Then, they enter the largest
of the ruined churches, where they pray round an old stone slab there nine times, saying a Pater and an Ave each time, and placing a small stone on the slab after each round ; when they go into the inner build- ing, and after praying underthe east window, where the altar once stood, they finish by putting a leaf in the window, and then kissing the stone under the window inside. They then come out, and sitting down on a grave, put their shoes on their feet and depart
43 This lane, in summer time, is full of
June 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
721
thefeastdaysreferredto. Thepilgrimageisgenerallyundertakeninthanksgiv- mgfor recovery from sickness, and in fulfilment of apromise made, either by the sickpersonoronhisbehalf. Butothersvisitthissacredspot,toseekacure, through the intercession of St. Moling. That their faith has been frequently rewarded, by their petitions being granted, there can no great reason to doubt. 43 Their penitential exercises, voluntarily undertaken, are often attended with great self-sacrifice. **
Protestant Church and Cemetery at Timolin, County of Kildare.
TheholyPatronofSt. Mullinswasesteemedoneoftheprincipalsaints
of Leinster. 45 St. Moling was regarded by the Clan Kavanagh as their special
patron saint. St. Mullins has been the burial-place of the Kavanaghs, Kings
of 6 and it continues to be the of interment for their descen- Leinster,* place
dants. ^ ThereisanotherTimolin,atownlandandparishinthebaronyof
thistles, briers, and nettles, so much so, that
several times a person making the pilgrim- age is completely hidden by them ; and the
went round outside the little cell at the old cross three times, as at the well, and the third time, after praying for a few minutes at the door, she went inside and put a leaf in the little narrow window at the east
place being soft underfoot, with numerous
sharp stones in the way, none of which could
be removed, our readers can imagine the gable. An old man, carrying his shoes in
faith it requires, to perform the exercises of
one hand and hat in the other, who was after
• the water,' continued all the while wading
this
43 See Very Rev. Michael Comerford's
"Collections relating to the Dioceses of
Kildare and Leighlin," vol. iii. , p, 314.
** Mr. Patrick O'Leary states : "I have seen
an this who oldwomango through pilgrimage,
had to sit down to take thorns out of her feet, but not before she had crossed the river on her way up to the old ruins ; there she
pilgrimage.
on his knees praying, with his head resting on the base of the old cross. "—"The An- cient Life of St. Molyng," Appendix, pp. 5l»52-
« See " History and Antiquities Ryan's
of the County of Carlow," chap, ii. , p. 26. 4" See " Legend Lays of Ireland," by Lageniensis, No. xxiv. A Legend of St.
IZ
722 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
NarraghandRhebanEast,countyofKildare. There,formerlystoodanold church, the site of which is now occupied by a Protestant church, within a
cemetery still greatly frequented. '18 The graves have accumulated to such a degree, that an embankment surrounding it hides the lower part of the
church, except from a near view. It has been conjectured, that St. Moling established another monastery, or at least, some religious foundation here ; but, of this, we have no Irish historical account, although it was re-edified by
the 4? In Monamolin 5° Anglo-Normans.
parish,
Gorey, county of Wexford, St. Molin's well is to be seen ; the patron day
was kept on the 17th of June, 51 but no longer is the well frequented, for the hope of effecting cures. A fair is still held there, on that day. The old church of the parish has disappeared, for many years past ; but, a cemetery at the place is yet very generally frequented.
Among the collection of Manuscripts in Trinity College, Dublin, is to be found, the Evangelistarium of St. Moling, with its ancient box,52 called the Liath Meisieth. s3 For many years, these were heirlooms in the family of Kavanagh of Borris-Idrone. These were presented by them, together with the Charter Horn and the Figeen, to the Museum of the College. There theyarenowdepositedandcarefullypreserved. Thecoverismadeofbrass, cased in silver, and when presented to the University, it contained a number of loose sheets of vellum. On these were written some extracts from the Gospels, and prayers for the sick, in the Latin language, but in the Irish character. 5* Also, water colour drawings of the Apostles, and tolerably well executed, are supposed to have been the work of St. Moling. 55 For many succeeding centuries, St. Mullins had a succession of Abbots and of monks. 56 In the ninth 5? and tenth centuries, the Northmen ravaged this monastery, and atA. D. 915,s8 and at a. d. 951, we read about the plundering of Teach- Molingfromthesea,byLaraic,intheIrishAnnals. Again,in1138,Teach- Molingwasburned. In1170,mutualbondsonoathwerepledgedonthe altar and shrine of St. Molyng by Maurice de Pendergast and Donall Mac
Gilla Patraic, who met at Timolyng. Mullins, Note I, p. 155.
Leighlin," vol. iii. , p. 313.
VV. K. Sullivan, Ph. D. , &c.
2 SeetheMarquisofBute's"ActaSanc-
torum Hiberniae," ActaSancti Moling, num.
8, cols. 822, 823. 3"
See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's Ancient Life of St. Molyng," p. 26.
June 17. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
717
requested the prayers of its clergy and people. In turn, he bestowed his blessing, and he gave them holy admonitions. He had then a presentiment, that his career on earth was nearly run. Afterwards, he departed for his own monastery, Teach-mullin. The oldest of the foxes already mentioned then appeared to be sad. They all received the saint's blessing, however, and returned to their dens. Certain wise men who were present dwelt on his words to those animals, and they considered, that the holy Prelate intimated through them the shortness of his own life in this world. Both men and animals felt sorrowful, as if they understood such an
to have been made. 5 A certain
dael,
eventothebrain,withexceedinggreatpaintohim. Asaconsequence,his friends brought him to the holy man Molyng, and then asked him to deliver an opinion about that man's condition. Seeing his anguish, the servant of Christ
very poisonous animal, which
6 and the Latins a
a man was sleeping out in the open air, and it began to bore into his head,
interpretation the Irish call a
Scorpio?
entered into his
ear, while
laid his own hand the man's against
ear,
and commanded the little
8 animal, in
thenameofChrist,tocomeforthfromtheinnermostpartofhishead. Forsome
of his friends contended, that the animal had penetrated so far as his brain,
while others of them supposed, that it had not done so. At the saint's bid-
ding, however, the poisonous animal immediately came forth, settled upon the
saint'shand,anditfellbloodyandswollenupontheground. Thatman,be-
smeared with blood and weak from its loss, was in great pain, and he complained
about it in the Prelate's presence. Thereupon, the holy bishop, praying and
breathing upon his ear, blessed it with a sign of the cross. Forthwith, the
running from that man's ear was stopped, and no longer complaining about
the internal affection of his head, the patient was cured from that dangerous
malady. Thereupon rejoicing, along with his friends, the restored person
returned to his own home, praising Christ and his Saint.
In the Legend of his Life, it is stated, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Son of the living God, came to Molyng, in the form of a very beautiful boy, and desiring to console his holy servant. It is related, furthermore, that He rested for some time upon this holy man's bosom, and gave him advice, re- garding those many labours the Prelate was undergoing for Him.
The holy abbot Oiblan, a devout man and one who greatly loved God,
was a faithful friend also of St. Molyng, who loved him much. On his own part,
wishing to prove this mystery, Oiblan came to see it in person. He earnestly besought our saint, that he might witness for himself, Christ resting on his bosom. At this time, the holy old man was working in the field, along with his brethren, and he was engaged digging the earth. The bishop then said to
"
him, that St. Thomas did not believe the other saints, saying
let us see the body of the Lord," until he saw for himself, our Lord's side so far as it was pierced, and the place in the limbs of Christ, wherein the nails had been "You,inyourturn,actlikeuntohim,youbelieve not when you are told, that the Son of God took up his abode for some time,
driven. 10 Thensaid
Molyng,
* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Junii xvii. De S. Molingo sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hibernia,
"
Cauda semper in ictu est," "Historia Natu-
ralis," lib. xi. , cap. 30.
I0
p,4 ""
.
s See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient Life of St. Molyng," pp. 26. 27.
6 According to Edward O'Reilly, the •oaoiI means "leech. " See " Irish English
Dictionary," sub voce.
7 Or scorpion, an animal which is said to
strike with its tail, in which there are seven
n. 1, p. 194. " 9 See Mr. Patrick OLearys
Life of St. Molyng," pp. 28, 29.
Ancient
joints. According to Pliny :
scorpionis
8 The words -oopc n&el, pronounced Dhorrig-a-Dael, signifies dark or "black leech. " This is said to be an insect of the cockchafer tribe. See Rev. John Francis Shearman's "Loca Patriciana," No. ix. ,
718 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
within my bosom, unless you shall see it yourself, with your own eyes. Lest you might be scandalized in me, behold my garments are dirty and wet through
and through with the moist earth; give me thy clean cassula, or cassock, and hold
itupforawhile. Then,thoushaltbeholdtheSonofGodwithinmybosom. "
At the same time, St. Oiblan readily handed his cassock to the renowned
bishop, and after a short time, the real Christ, the Son of the living God,
appeared in a corporeal state, and took his abode within the bosom of the
venerable man Molyng. Immediately, a very great flood of light appeared, in and about Christ. It proved to be so great, that St. Oiblan was not able
to withstand its radiance. Afterwards, coming out of St. Molyng's bosom,
with the rays of heavenly effulgence still around Him, the Son of God satis-
fied his saints regarding his corporeal presence. Each, in turn, and in com- pany with Molyng's attendants, made obeisance before Him. From that place, and in the greatest possible state of ecstasy, St. Oiblan returned to his cell. With a cheerful countenance, he told how he had just seen Christ in St. Molyng's bosom. His faithful disciples were filled, also, with great rejoicing and devotion, when they heard that account An indescribable love of Christ was kindled in their hearts. From this circumstance arose the con- viction in St. Molyng's mind, that as our Lord Jesus Christ rested within his bosom, so should he be endowed with many virtues, and especially with the spirit of prophecy, in regard to the past, present and future.
The holy Prelate's end was now fast approaching ; but, although his body wasfeeble,hismindstillcontinuedvigorousandactive. Hisreligiousinstruc- tions were given to his monks, at the very hour of his death; while he enjoined charity, above all things, as also humility, gentleness, and every virtue, which he had possessed, and had so often proved to them, through his own good deeds. Sure of an eternal reward, the holy Prelate maintained his cheerful- ness, to the very moment of his departure. In anticipation of this event, all
his disciples felt exceedingly sorrowful.
11
It has been stated, that this
renowned saint attained his
there is sufficient authority for such a statement.
According to one account,
St. died, after a Moling
of
This latter date is
followed, likewise, by
Father
1 ?
The
year
of
as
St. death is not known for
8 unless he is to be
— regarded
Moling's — certain,'
12 we do not believe eighty-second year; but,
on the
while the Annals of the Four Masters
a. d. x 3 The 689.
old
Annals of Clonmacnoise place his demise at a. d. 692,'+ the Chronicum Scotorum
at a. d.
693 ;'s
prolong John Colgan.
it to a. d. ,6 696.
good
age,
17th
June,
identical with Moling Luachra I0 as is generally supposed who died in the
year 696, according to the Annalist Tighernach. However, the Dublin copy
of this latter writer has a. d. 697, as the date, with an additional remark, that Moling died in Britain. 20 This, however, is incorrect. In the Annals of the Four Masters, at a,d. 696, his day is erroneously given in the text as 17. Maii,
10
See St. John, xx. , 24, 25.
"See Mr. Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient
Life of St. Molyng," &c, pp. 29, 30, 31.
12 See Leslie Stephen's "Dictionary of
National Biography," vol. xiii. , p. 381.
13 See Challenor's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , June xvii. This must be a mistake, as the Borumha Tribute was not remitted
until A. d. 693.
14 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. L, pp. 298, 299, and n.
They also place his death at May See William M. Hennessy's edition,
pp. 112, 113.
* 6 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 29S, 299.
,? See " Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Brigidre, lib. ii. , n. 2, p. 564, and Secun-
dus Index, p. 665.
,8 See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptori-
(x), ibid.
13th. 15
See William M. Hennessy's Chroni-
bus Hibernix," lib. i. , cap. iii. , p. 22. Also, "De Prxsulibus Lagenix," p. 54.
'» See Sir James Ware, " De Scriptoribus
Hibernix," lib. i. , cap. xiii. , pp. 88, 89. TO "
cum Scotorum," n. 3, p. 112.
2I
However, it is correctly stated, in Dr.
June 17. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
719
and it is translated 13th May. 21 Under the head of Teach Moling, Luachra its bishop is set down as having departed 696, on June 17th, by Duald Mac
22
Firbis.
The holy Patron of St. Mullins is said to have been buried in his own
church. In the interior of the largest of the ruins, now standing at St. Mullins, there is a flat stone, round which the people pray nine times, when making a pilgrimage, and placing a small pebble on the stone at each round. This stone, though comparatively modern, very probably marks the place where the saint's body was interred. The fact of praying, at that particular spot, might reasonably be supposed to denote the particular place.
"
on this day, and a most encomiastic tribute is paid to his virtues and renown.
Feihre"23 of St. ^Engus, this holy Prelate was venerated To this, the glossographer has subjoined several legends, in reference to him.
According to the
The is set down name, Moling, Luaim,
of 2* Tallagh,
in the
atthe17thofJune. TheSalamancancopyofSt. Moling'sLife2*placeshis
death, at the 7th of the June Ides. This corresponds, with the 7th of June; but, we suspect it to be an error for the 17th of this month. At this latter
2<5 date,theancientMartyrologyofUsuard mentionshim. Intheanonymous
Calendar, issued by O'Sullevan [Beare, the name Enolichus, for Molingus,
is likewise, at the of entered, — 17th
2? Under the same erroneous
— spel-
Henry Fitzsimon has entered his festival, at the 17th of June.
28
In the
simply,
Martyrology
June.
lingofEnolichus forwhichtheCarthusianMartyrologyisquoted Father
of 29 and at the same date,
Donegal, appears Moling Luachra,
30
Martyrology
Bishop and Confessor, of Tigh Moling. In the List of Irish Saints,31 left by Father John Colgan, St. Moling is entered at the same day. He is
entered, at the 17th of June, as St. Molocus, in the Martyrology of Aber-
deen. 32 Likewise, among the Trinity College, Dublin, Manuscripts, are notes regarding this saint; and these prove, that his chief festival had been
constantly kept, on the 17th of June,33 and that it was formerly celebrated with an office, containing Nine Lessons.
Several local practices and traditions, having reference to the holy Patron,
are still preserved among the people ;
while those usages and stories appear
sive Dayrgello Episcopo Fernensi in Hiber-
nia, p. 410.
26 The first edition of this work printed
was in 1515, and another edition appeared A. D. 1521. In the latter is printed: "In Hibernia S. Enolich, Confessoris. " The first line of the letter m seems to have been converted into e, in the process of
O'Donovan's note, in vol. i. , p. 298. 22 "
See Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. , pp. 128, 129, and nn. by William M. Hennessy, the editor.
23 From the " Leabhar Breac "
we find the following stanza, thus translated
into — English, by
Dr.
Whitley
copy, Stokes,
printing, spelling.
LL. D.
:
so as to cause an error of the
27 See "Historian Catholicae Ibernise
In'ooff oin UAf crochAib IriS^MAn An u&r cu. acri. Aib Congneic ju5 babe brxAchair* CAin nub moling luAchain.
Compendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi. , p. 50.
aS
See ibid. , cap. xii. , p. 54.
29 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
170, 171. 3°AnotebyDr. Reevesstatesatthisword,
Luachra: "That is, ofLuachair, the title
••Thebushof overborders the gold !
splen- did sun over territories ! white champion of
the king, strong bro—ther, fair soldier, Mo-
ling of Luachair. " "Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript MS. habentur ordine Mensium et Die-
Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar
rum. "
32
"
In Hybernia rum," tomus iii. , Junii xvii. DeS. Molingo ceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of
of Oengus, p. xciv.
24 Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxvii.
25 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sancto-
Thus, at xv. Kl. ' Julii :
Sancti confessoris et prophecie spiritu pleni Moloci episcopi et confessoris. "—" Pro-
generally annexed to this saint's name. "
3I In " Actuum Sanctorum Catalogus quae
720 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
to have come down from distant times. Thus, it is related, that St. Moling and his clerics travelled through a great part of the country, desiring to find the most suitable site for a religious establishment. They commenced build- ing in many places, before they came to St. Mullins,3* but always left the work unfinished. 35 St. Molin's Well 36 is to be seen there, while the entrance to it is of similar construction with those of the earliest architectural stone buildings in Ireland. 37 Here young and old still assemble, on the festival daysofSt. Molyng; theycrowdroundhiswellanddrinkofitswaters; they even fill bottles from the limpid spring, and bring its waters home for friends who are unable to visit it. Children's heads are placed under the spout,
which is fixed there, so that the waters may flow upon them. 38 A bell of St. Moling had been preserved here, as a relic. 39 From a very remote period, pilgrimages to the shrine of St. Moling have been observed. At the present
day, and from remote parts of the country, pilgrims *° resort to St. Mullins, on the 17th of June, and on the 25th of July, respectively. They first make on their knees the rounds at certain places three times, and also drink of the well ; they then wade barefoot through the stream, through the Theachra or
'
Thurris,asmalllane4 throughwhichflowsastreamfromtheHolyWell,while
prayingallthetime. Next,theyproceedtoeachoftheruinedchapelsinsucces-
sion,andrecitingcertainprayers,ateachoftheseStations. ** Theyconclude,by bestowing an alms on the poor, of whom there are sure to be several present, on
Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 265. Collections for the Dioceses of Kildare and 3* A Manuscript in Trinity College, Leighlin," vol. iii. , p. 313.
Dublin, classed B. 3, I, contains at June the
17th, Kal. xv. Julii, Molyng Epis. et Confes. ,
38 In a letter from Mr. Patrick O'Leary of Graiguenamanagh, dated November 26th,
ix. Lect. A in 1888, he writes " Manuscript Trinity College, :
Dublin, classed B. 3, 10, contains at June
17th, Kal. xv. Julii, Sancti Molyngi Epis. et Conf. , ix. Lect.
I don't believe there is a manorwoman,withina radiusoftenmiles round, and a native of the place, who does not remember being placed when a child under the cold stream from St. Moling's well. The sensation of feeling an ice-cold stream of water pouring from one of the spouts of St. Moling's well, with consider- ble force on a child's head, fastens the re-
3* A local legend states, that St. Molyng
would not let them finish any of the other
buildings, for when the saint would say,
" We'll build here in the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," the clerks
held their tongues, so he would not collection in its memory. " thenallowthemtobuildthere. Then,they 39 According to tradition, it was stolen came along, until they arrived at St. from Ireland, and conveyed to Germany ;
"
We'll build in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. " "Amen," said the clerks. Then, the saint told them to build there, because it was the first place where they said Amentohim. Andthatisthereason,why the saint built at St. Mullins ; and, it is also the reason, according to the tradition, of there being such a number of old churches throughout the country, with only half the
walls standing. The country people add, " because that's the way they were built, for the saint would not allow his clerks to build any more of them, on account of their not saying Amen to him, at any of those places. "
35 This legend bears some resemblance, to what has been already related, by the author of the ancient Life of St. Molyng.
36 "A picture of this is inserted, in Mr.
Patrick O'Leary's "Ancient Life of St.
Moling. " at Notes, p. 39.
3 ? See Very Rev. Michael Comerford's
Mullins, when the saint said, here,
from which place it floated back to its ori-
See Carr's " in Stranger
ginal locality.
Ireland," article on Bells and Belfries.
40 These poor people go through their rounds, regardless of the multitude of on-
lookers, including visitors to the place, as also scoffers at their devotions, and, likewise, regardless of the thistles and nettles which
throng the place.
41 They finish each round, by praying at
the old cross. Then, they enter the largest
of the ruined churches, where they pray round an old stone slab there nine times, saying a Pater and an Ave each time, and placing a small stone on the slab after each round ; when they go into the inner build- ing, and after praying underthe east window, where the altar once stood, they finish by putting a leaf in the window, and then kissing the stone under the window inside. They then come out, and sitting down on a grave, put their shoes on their feet and depart
43 This lane, in summer time, is full of
June 17. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
721
thefeastdaysreferredto. Thepilgrimageisgenerallyundertakeninthanksgiv- mgfor recovery from sickness, and in fulfilment of apromise made, either by the sickpersonoronhisbehalf. Butothersvisitthissacredspot,toseekacure, through the intercession of St. Moling. That their faith has been frequently rewarded, by their petitions being granted, there can no great reason to doubt. 43 Their penitential exercises, voluntarily undertaken, are often attended with great self-sacrifice. **
Protestant Church and Cemetery at Timolin, County of Kildare.
TheholyPatronofSt. Mullinswasesteemedoneoftheprincipalsaints
of Leinster. 45 St. Moling was regarded by the Clan Kavanagh as their special
patron saint. St. Mullins has been the burial-place of the Kavanaghs, Kings
of 6 and it continues to be the of interment for their descen- Leinster,* place
dants. ^ ThereisanotherTimolin,atownlandandparishinthebaronyof
thistles, briers, and nettles, so much so, that
several times a person making the pilgrim- age is completely hidden by them ; and the
went round outside the little cell at the old cross three times, as at the well, and the third time, after praying for a few minutes at the door, she went inside and put a leaf in the little narrow window at the east
place being soft underfoot, with numerous
sharp stones in the way, none of which could
be removed, our readers can imagine the gable. An old man, carrying his shoes in
faith it requires, to perform the exercises of
one hand and hat in the other, who was after
• the water,' continued all the while wading
this
43 See Very Rev. Michael Comerford's
"Collections relating to the Dioceses of
Kildare and Leighlin," vol. iii. , p, 314.
** Mr. Patrick O'Leary states : "I have seen
an this who oldwomango through pilgrimage,
had to sit down to take thorns out of her feet, but not before she had crossed the river on her way up to the old ruins ; there she
pilgrimage.
on his knees praying, with his head resting on the base of the old cross. "—"The An- cient Life of St. Molyng," Appendix, pp. 5l»52-
« See " History and Antiquities Ryan's
of the County of Carlow," chap, ii. , p. 26. 4" See " Legend Lays of Ireland," by Lageniensis, No. xxiv. A Legend of St.
IZ
722 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 17.
NarraghandRhebanEast,countyofKildare. There,formerlystoodanold church, the site of which is now occupied by a Protestant church, within a
cemetery still greatly frequented. '18 The graves have accumulated to such a degree, that an embankment surrounding it hides the lower part of the
church, except from a near view. It has been conjectured, that St. Moling established another monastery, or at least, some religious foundation here ; but, of this, we have no Irish historical account, although it was re-edified by
the 4? In Monamolin 5° Anglo-Normans.
parish,
Gorey, county of Wexford, St. Molin's well is to be seen ; the patron day
was kept on the 17th of June, 51 but no longer is the well frequented, for the hope of effecting cures. A fair is still held there, on that day. The old church of the parish has disappeared, for many years past ; but, a cemetery at the place is yet very generally frequented.
Among the collection of Manuscripts in Trinity College, Dublin, is to be found, the Evangelistarium of St. Moling, with its ancient box,52 called the Liath Meisieth. s3 For many years, these were heirlooms in the family of Kavanagh of Borris-Idrone. These were presented by them, together with the Charter Horn and the Figeen, to the Museum of the College. There theyarenowdepositedandcarefullypreserved. Thecoverismadeofbrass, cased in silver, and when presented to the University, it contained a number of loose sheets of vellum. On these were written some extracts from the Gospels, and prayers for the sick, in the Latin language, but in the Irish character. 5* Also, water colour drawings of the Apostles, and tolerably well executed, are supposed to have been the work of St. Moling. 55 For many succeeding centuries, St. Mullins had a succession of Abbots and of monks. 56 In the ninth 5? and tenth centuries, the Northmen ravaged this monastery, and atA. D. 915,s8 and at a. d. 951, we read about the plundering of Teach- Molingfromthesea,byLaraic,intheIrishAnnals. Again,in1138,Teach- Molingwasburned. In1170,mutualbondsonoathwerepledgedonthe altar and shrine of St. Molyng by Maurice de Pendergast and Donall Mac
Gilla Patraic, who met at Timolyng. Mullins, Note I, p. 155.
Leighlin," vol. iii. , p. 313.
