Modwenna was constructed of dressed planks, according
to the fashion of Scottish 12 as Conchubran remarks.
to the fashion of Scottish 12 as Conchubran remarks.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
The Irish Apostle admonished his convert, to persevere in her angelic state of life, and to associate with herself other pious women, who were to learn the fear and worship of God under her direction, and thus learn to accomplish hisworkinthereligiousstate.
Then,tothechargeofaholypriest,residingnear her parents' residence, was she committed, in order that she might learn the Psalms.
Under his teaching, she remained for some time.
Being a person
39 The Ui Ethach Cobha lived in the On the Calendar of Oengus. , p. cxvi. southern parts of the county of Down. 43 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i. ,
40 Known likewise as Conaille Muir- pp. 168, 169.
themne.
41 See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of
Tallagh," p. xxviii.
42 Some of their stanzas are to be found as
scholia to the Leabhar Breac copy of the "Feilire" of St. ^Engus, and they are thus translated into English, by Dr. Whitley Stokes, LL. D. :—
" Nine score years together
According to rule without warmth, Without folly, without crime, without
fault
Was the age of Moninde,
(The name) 'Mo-ninde' was given to
her
To the holy virgin, pious, with splen- dour
44 However, in the Life of St. Moduenna, attributed to Conchubran, this name is given to one of her disciples, who is also called Orbile.
45 This Irish comment is thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley Stokes : —"Mo- ninne, etc. , i. e. , Moninne of Slieve Gullion, and Sarbile was her name previously. Or Darerca was her name at first. But a cer- tain dumb poet fasted with her, and the first
thing he said [after being miraculously cured ofhisdumbness]wasminnin. Hencethe
Herownnameusually, 1'
'1'
'Mo-nanna (was) her gracious name Which the maidens used to say.
Or from this the name was said
Of the nun for her appellation
From Nine the poet (the better thereof)
Who besought her for her prayer I will tell it out to you
of Ui Echach of Ulster was she. '
Darerca foratimeadheredtoher
Till she got the agnomen,
Nine score. "
49 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta —" Transactions of the Royal Irish Aca- Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. ,
demy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. p. 270.
nun was called — and the Mo-ninde, poet
him-
self Nine Ecis. " "Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, p. cxvi.
46 Thus are we told
: i. e. , " 'Moninne,'
My-nindach the nuns used to call her, and
"
Again, Monine quasi Mo-nanna," was the name given by her nuns, apparently one
expressing affection.
47 See Matthsei Parisiensis Monachi Sancti
Albani, " Chronica Majora," edited by Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , vol. i. ,
p. 181. 48ColganclassesSt. MoninneaorDarerca,
Abbess of Kill-slebhe, among the virgins veiled by St. Patrick.
it is said,
"
84 LIVES OF THE IRISH SA/JVTS. [July 6.
of sound understanding and of retentive memory, she readily imbibed the
precepts of religion and practised its injunctions. She associated with herself eight virgins and one widow. The widow had a baby son, named
Luger, who was adopted by Darerca. Afterwards, he became a bishop, and he was otherwise distinguished. 50 It is said, as in her nation, no house had yet been founded for religious women, that the saint lived for some time with her parents. However, finding social intercourse with them and her relatives to be a cause for distraction and a weakening of the religious spirit, she resolved on leaving them, and on seeking a home, whence the ways and conversation of worldlings should be rigorously excluded.
About this time, St. Ibar is stated to have lived in the Western Isles of Ireland,andthithersherepairedwithhernuns. Theyremainedforalong time under his discipline. At length, the holy Bishop went to the southern
part of Ireland, where he took up a permanent residence. His religious daughtersagainfollowedhim. AttheIslandofBegEreorLittleIreland,in Wexford Harbour, St. Darerca and her nuns were under the guidance of St. Ibar. Hearing of her extraordinary virtues, they visited St. Brigid, 51 in Lein- ster. Under her rule, and partaking of her hospitality, they remained for some time. St. Darerca was appointed portress to the hospital, and while inthissituation,herhumilityandcharitywereapprovedbyall. TheAlmighty even bestowed on her the gift of healing infirm and possessed persons. She was regarded as such a benefactress to the poor, that numbers sought relief from her, and they returned loaded with her bounties. When some of the sisters complained, that she gave too lavishly, reserving little for their con- ventual wants, she returned for answer, that if they had firm faith in Christ, and obtained food and clothing, it should be sufficient for them, and that if yielding to the temptations of the devil they desired riches, they should not failtobedevouredbyavariciouscares. Besides,sheurged,thatasthepoor were suffering members of Christ's mystical body, He would be sure to com- pensate the nuns for any temporal loss, and to reward their labours in the blessed cause of charity. Having spoken thus, when St. Darerca went to seek rest, on her bed were found twelve beautiful dresses ; so that believing they were a gift from Heaven, she went to St. Brigid, and then told her,
that the Almighty had bestowed them to supply her necessities.
The latter
" Those
restored to life again, through the prayers of St. Darerca.
Afterwards, it is said, this holy woman and her company of virgins sought St. Ibar, and placed themselves under his protection. They now settled in
2
Ard-Conais,* where their congregation greatly increased. Several pious
virgins and widows resorted thither, while some of these belonged to regal and noble families. Both by word and example, Darerca trained them in a good rule of living. At one time, the wells and cisterns there were dried up, during an unusually warm summer, and her religious complained about their wanting water. Moved by their entreaties, the servant of Christ offered her prayers, when a fountain was miraculously produced. This spring thenceforward afforded an inexhaustible supply, not only to her nuns, but to all the people living in their neighbourhood. So great had become the reputation of St.
Abbess
sent
the Lord to
sisters divide among them as you will, because they are more in need of such arti- cles than are our sisters. " A certain pauper, having denied that those garments were a gift from Heaven, fell dead very suddenly, but he was soon
holy
replied :
garments
by
your
5° Luger built a church in Ruscach, in the
plain of Cuailgne, now known as Rooskey, near Carlingford.
5t See her Life in the Second Volume of this work, at the 1st of February, Art. i.
& Its location has not been ascertained.
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 85
Moninna, that numbers of both sexes came to receive her blessing, and to ask spiritual favours through her intercession. She was even gifted with the spiritofprophecy. When,onacertainoccasion,St. Ibarrecommendeda
girl living in her neighbourhood to be consigned to her care, and to be trained according to her rule ; the holy virgin, having an intuition of what
:
" This pupil child shall prove to be the cause, why we
should happen, said
must desert our cell, on a future occasion. " The event corresponded with this prediction ; for, when that girl became an adult, she was filled with an invidious feeling towards Darerca, and this spirit she communicated to her relations. The meek superioress then called her sisters together and said : " Lo ! what the Almighty revealed to us regarding this girl is now clearly manifested. If while I live, you have to endure such opposition, when I am dead, how shall you be able to live here ? Let us then yield to the envious, and let us leave to them all we possess, except our habits, and the Lord shall provide another place for us, and where we can dwell. "A legend is related, about St. Darerca's leaving that place with fifty of her nuns. On coming to a river which was usually fordable, a great flood suddenly took place, so that they were unable to pass. This was owing to the fault of one among the sisters, who had taken a certain article from Ard Conis, contrary to the order given by her superioress. This she was ordered to restore, and afterwards the company of religious were enabled to ford that river.
Again, they visited St. Brigid and remained with her for some days, which
were spent in pious colloquies. They asked her blessing on taking leave,
and Brigid said
:
" May the Almighty God preserve you along the way on
which you travel, and grant that you reach the desired habitation.
,,
At their
departure, St. Brigid presented St. Darerca with a silver vessel, called Escra,53
in the Irish language, and one which the chiefs of Ireland were accustomed to use when drinking. However, Darerca did not wish to receive anything but a blessing from the venerable Abbess, and on leaving with her sisters, she deposited the measure in a secret place, where it was afterwards found by
:
the nuns of St. Brigid. Presenting it to their superioress, she said u What
we have given for God's sake, we ought not again receive. " Then, St. Brigid ordered that it should be cast into the adjoining River Lyfi, now known as the Liffey. In a miraculous manner, as the legend relates,5* it was restored to St. Darerca.
CHAPTER II.
ST. DARERCA GOES TO THE NORTHERN PARTS OF IRELAND, AND FOUNDS A HOUSE AT FOCHARD—THIS PLACE SHE LEAVES TO SEEK A NEW SETTLEMENT AT SLIEVE GULLION—HER ESTABLISHMENT AT KILLEVY—HER PERSONAL VIRTUES AND MIRACLES—SHE IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM ANOTHER ST. MODWENNA, VENE- RATED CHIEFLY IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND—MONINIA ASSISTS AT THE SYNOD OF EASDRA—ACCOUNT OF HER DEATH—HER COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
Afterwards, the virgin of Christ went to the northern parts of Ireland, and thereshefoundherrelations,intheplainofMurthenne. Thepeopleofthat
53 The Irish word Ofc]\a means " a water cant Caput littoris, a quodam viro sancto bucket. " Probably, however, it was a Mether, Herbe Pontifice, Darercae fratre, traditur
manufactured in an artistic manner.
54 Thus: "Vasitaqueprojectuminflumen, quod in mare versus orientem influit, contra consuetum cursum naturae, divina operante potentia, in ora stagni, quod Hibernici vo-
fuisse repertum. Quod vas ipse sanctae Darercae, cujus monasterium prope praedic- turn stagnum fuit situm, donare distulit, sanctae vero Darercse monasterium a monas- terio sanctae Brigidae quatuor diebus distat.
86 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
district—said to have been greatly addicted to magian practices—had been
brought to a knowledge of the true religion, through the ministry of St. Patrick. Here, she is related to have lived a very retired life. She especially avoided the society of men, and in order that she might not be seen by them, often under the shade of night, she set forth to visit infirm persons and to exercise other works of charity. Always she wore a veil when abroad. Several extraordinary miracles are attributed to her, but they are mostly of a
1
legendary character. According to the writers of her Lives, St. Darerca and
her 2 lived at Fochard, near Dundalk, and in the companions
present county of Louth. It is intimated, furthermore, that she was the first to establish there a religious house. One hundred and fifty sisters are said to have lived with her. Nor does she seem to have continued long in that place; for, find- ing some of the neighbouring people to be of dissolute morals, and addicted to the singing of improper songs, she told her sisters, that they should seek ShethenaskedherbrotherRoman3 tosearch for a more suitable spot, and it is said to have been revealed by the Almighty Himself. However, before St. Darerca left the mountain of Facartha, now the Hill of Faughart, she selected one of her nuns, named Orbile, to dwell
there, and to guard her establishment.
For the sake of greater quiet, Darerca sought a desert place, near the Moun-
tain ofCulinn, to which she removed. Here, the nuns found a swineherd belongingtotheKingofOrior,andwhosenamewasMacloithe. Norwould he suffer such a numerous company to settle in that place, without first learn- ing the pleasure of the king. For seven whole days were they obliged to wait in great privation for that rustic's return. He obtained permission from his master, however, that they might remain there, and so fix their abode. Mean- time,theswinehadstrayedindifferentdirectionsduringhisabsence. Theholy virgin Modwenna told him to be of good cheer, and that his charge should be safely restored to him. Her promise was redeemed that very same hour. When the swineherd found all the animals together, he selected one of them to present as an offering to St. Modwenna and her sisters. They told him, however, that they were accustomed to live on roots and herbs, tasting no flesh meat. In this remote situation, where a range of desolate mountains is to be seen at the present day, St. Darerca resolved on founding her church and monastery/ Itwassituatedatthefootof SliabhCuillinns or SlieveGullion. Her church of Cill-tsleibhe is now known as 6 or a old
Killevy Killeavy, very building, inaparishbearingthesamename. ItliesnearthepresenttownofNewry.
That magnificent mountain Gullion 7 attains an altitude of 1,893 ^eet over tne sea-level, and it is composed chiefly of green-stone. There are many natural obstacles to its rugged sides and summits being reclaimed ; and from base to
8
outaless
frequented locality.
summit, the ascent is fully two miles.
Several antiquities, evidently referring brated Cuchullain had been fostered.
6
This is a very extensive mountain parish, having 3,583a. ir. 33p. in the barony of Lower Orior, and 24,590a. 3r. in the barony of Upper Orior, in the county of Armagh.
Allusion is thus made to it in a poem in- ' —
tituled "Diarmid's Chase :"
Chapter ii. —• That taken from the Salamancan Manuscript, as also that attri- buted to Conchubran.
2
Brigid, Athea and Orbile.
Among these are said to have been
3 Wedonot cord in history.
thathehas
any
otherre-
find,
4 According to Archdall, this happened about the year 630. See "Monasticon Hi-
bernicum," p. 34.
s This mount tin took its name from Cui-
reign of Conchobhar Mac Nessa, King of Lays of Loyalty, Patriotism, Chivalry and Ulster, and by whom it is stated the cele- Devotion," p. 41.
lean, an artificer, who lived there in the —Miss Stewart's " Mirror of the Heart ; or
"
Rose proudly o'er the vale below. "
Slieve Gullien's lofty brow
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 87
to a remote period, are to be found in this picturesque and deserted region. Among these, the artificial and subterranean chamber at Aughnaclough has often excited the curiosity of visitors. 9 On the summit of Slieve Gullion, there is a very large cairn, supposed to have been an ancient sepulchral monument. Near it is a pool, called the Loch, about 60 yards in diameter. These objects form the subject of an Irish poem IO ascribed to Ossian, and in which Fionn mac Cumhall and his heroes conspicuously figure. "
View of Slieve Gullion, from Aughnaclough.
The church of St.
Modwenna was constructed of dressed planks, according
to the fashion of Scottish 12 as Conchubran remarks. ^ mis- people, Through
take, some Acts of St. Modwenna state, that she erected her nunnery at Cel- "
liscline;14 however, this is only a mistake for Kill-sleve-Cuillin, or the cell of Mount Cuillin. " It would seem, that this nunnery existed so early as the
sixth
T s
century.
The following story seems to synchronise our saint with another holy
virgin, who is supposed to have flourished, in the fifth and sixth centuries.
8 See "The Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Ireland," vol. iii. , p. 253.
9 The accompanying illustration of the
opening to Aughnaclough chamber, with a distant view of Slieve Gullion, was drawn by William F. Wakeman on the wood, en- graved by Mrs. Millard.
10 Called Iaoi na SeAlzjA or The Chase. It has been elegantly translated into English
consummatum est de lignis quidem levigatis, sed apte firmiterque contextum opus Scoti-
Miss
verse, by Brooke,
Irish Poetry. "
11 See Lewis' "
in her " of Reliques
dedolatis, juxta morem Scoticarum gentium, eo quod macerias Scoti non solent facere, nee factas habere. " Second Life of St. Mod- wenna, chap, viii. , num. 74, p. 311.
14 Dean Cressy falls into a great error when he states, that St. Modwenna's nunnery was so called from the multitude of cells in it. See " Church History of Brittany," book xxviii. , chap, ii. , num. 8, p. 744.
'3 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xvii. , sect, ix. , p. 38, and nn. 116, 1 18, pp. 40
to 42.
16 Her Acts are recorded at the 1st of
Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 146.
12
Thus, Columbanus, an Irishman, built
"
at Bobbio an oratory,
tudinem corporis sui. " St. Bernard refer- ring to the church erected by Malachi at
Bangor, says,
" oratorium intra dies paucos
ex lignis ad magi-
cum. "
13 It was constructed as he states,
"
tabulis
88 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
In the Arts of St. Fanchea, 16 the name of St. Darercha or Moninna is intro- duced. While St. Fanchea passed over the sea to visit her brother St. Endeus, the holy virgin Darercha was engaged in prayer beside a church and before a cross. This happened, while she dwelt in the nunnery, and at a
1 "''
place denominated Belsleibhe, ? which means the mountain gorges, accord-
8 He
tain cell. 1 ^ While thus engaged at prayer, St. Darerca had a miraculous vision regarding a brazen vessel, recovered from the sea, into which Fanchea had cast it. ao
In her Acts, it is stated, that St. Darerca exacted from her sisters such a rigorous course of fasting, that on a certain occasion they were brought almost to a condition of starvation, when a holy and compassionate man entreatedhertorelievetheirnecessities. Thissheeffected,andinamiracu- lous manner. She raised also a dead novice to life through her prayers. Various other miracles are recounted in her Lives, but it is unnecessary to specify them, as many may be relegated to the class of fables. In the Life
21 three
seem to have had a special relation with her, are named. These were Brignata or Brecnata,22 Damnoda,23 and Derlasre. 24 The first of these is
said to have been sent from her monastery to that of Rosnat, in the Island of Britain, where she was commissioned to learn the rules there practised. Like a true daughter of obedience, she hastened thither, and remained for some time in the hospice, reading the Psalms and other pious books. Having accomplished the object of her mission, Brignat returned to Slieve Cullin, after a prosperous journey. It is stated, in St. Darerca's Acts, that the Angels of God were accustomed to visit her and to hold frequent conferences with her. However, on a certain night, when the sisters were going forth to recite Matins, Darerca missed the accustomed angelic visitation, and she had a revelation, that some one among her companions must have committed a grievous sin. She invited all the sisters to examine their consciences. One of the widows acknowledged, that contrary to her rule, she had not asked per- mission from the Abbess to retain a pair of shoes, which she wore to protect her from the cold, and which she had received from a man of bad morals. Darerca suggested, that these should be thrown into a neighbouring lake, where they might not more be found, and she charged Brignat with this com- mission. The angelic messengers afterwards appeared, and the saint gave thanks to God, that the community devotions were not further interrupted
throughanysimilarcause. Theforegoingnarrativeisfollowedbyanother,that when the sisters returned to their dormitory to have a little rest before daylight,
January, in the First Volume of ihis work, Art. i.
x ? Probably a mistake in writing for Kill-
Sleibhe.
18 "
See Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe,"
i. Januarii, Vita S. Fancheaj, cap. ix. , p. 2.
19 He remarks, that it is a parish church
belonging to Armagh diocese, at the passes
of Cuillen in Ulster. See Mountain, ibid. ,
n. 19, p. 4.
30 The story which follows is too improba-
ble to deserve further notice; but, it serves to
ing
to
Colgan. *
says
it is more called Kill-sleibhe "the moun- usually
of this woman and which is holy
quoted by Colgan,
pious virgins,
who
the 25 went alone to the virgin Brigid
where the Abbess
and where she held colloquy with the Angels. When she approched that pl. ice, two swans of a snow-white colour seemed to fly away from it. This vision terrified the sister, and she fell on the ground. She soon arose, how-
chamber,
illustrate a custom prevalent at a time, whin the original Acts were written, of brazen ves>Hs having been u>e<l in Ireland bo:h for drinking and for washing pur- poses.
2I
See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Ap- pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. , p. 270.
23 At chapter xviii. , xix.
"* At chapter xxi.
25 Whether she was a different person or
" At xiv. , xvi. chapter
prayed,
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 89
ever, and tremblingly knocking at her superior's door, she revealed what had occurred. Darerca told her, to sign her eyes with a sign of the cross, lest she might have had a demoniac vision, as sometimes happened to saints in the
" Now do I truly know, that the Almighty, who reveals many things in favour of the humanrace,hathenrichedtheewithhisgrace,andit is timethoushouldst profit by it, in seeking thy birth-place. Soon shalt thou want those eyes, which have seen the Angels, yet better ones shall be given thee, and which may enable thee mentally to see God. But, until I depart this life, reveal
"
thy vision to no person.
her holy superioress, and obeying her command, she went to her natal place, whichwasoneday'sjourneyremovedfromDarerca'smonastery. Thereshe found a place, suitable for the erection of a nunnery, and so long as she lived,
Brigid was deprived of corporal vision.
An old tradition has it, that Darerca through her custom of mortification
desert. However, on being told the particulars, Darerca said
:
never ate a
sufficiency,
26 and that she never took a
dinner;
while th—is habit of
living is dated from the time
2
sheworea ? abouther
The servant of Christ observed the instructions of
.
a
girdle body phrase
equivalent to the modern one of taking the veil. 28 It is certain, however,
that St. Moninna practised great austerities, and that she was most abstemious as regarded food. 2 9 We are told, that in the coarseness of her garments, she
might be regarded as a true daughter of Elias and of St. John the Baptist, while her sisters nobly emulated her example in this species of heavenly war-
fare. As a light placed on its candlestick, so did she dissipate the darkness of those northern parts. Her vigils and prayers were incessant. She was never a moment idle, and she laboured with her own hands. She wrought many miracles, and she was always victorious over the assaults of Satan. Her chastity was so admirable, that she had applied to her the term "a sister of Mary," as the highest eulogy; for, that she was a virgin even as Mary is remarked by a scholiast on the " Feilire" of St. ^Engus. 30 Her humility was very great, while she endeavoured to conceal her good actions and virtues from the know- ledgeofmen. Thefameofhergreatmeritsspreadnotwithstandingoverall parts of Ireland. Noble matrons were especially anxious to visit her, to prostrate themselves at her feet, to seek her counsel, and to gain the favour of her prayers. Besides, the number of virgins in her community increased day by day, and they came not only from her neighbourhood, but even from distant places.
As we have already stated, on the preceding day, a St. Modwenna, also called Monenna,31 went to England, and she founded no less than seven
not from Brignat may be questioned.
29 This is expressed in an old Irish rami, thus tran—slated into English by Dr. Whitley
26
This Cuimin of Connor states, in the
poem which begins, CAyvAr- pAcr\Aic puipc ITIaca, which is thus translated into English : " Patrick of Ard Madia's city loved. "—Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of Irish Saints," pp. 162, 163. This is also quoted, in a note sue- ceeding, and taken from the scholia on the Feilire of St. ^Engus.
27 The monastic girdle is frequently men- tioned in the Lives of the Irish Saints, as in those of St. Brigid at February 1st ; in those of St. Colman, at February 3rd, in those of St. Mochta, at August 9th, and in those of St. Mobhi, at October 12th.
Stokes
" She took a girdle on her body,
It is according to knowledge of her that I hear
She ate not her fill or food. Moninne of Slieve Gullion. "
—
Irish Aca- demy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar of Oengus p. cxvi.
3° See " Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , 28 See the " Martyrology of Donegal," part i. On the Calendar of Oengus. By
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 186 to 189, and note by Dr. Reeves I, at p. 188.
Whitley Stokes, LL. D. , p. cxvi.
3I See the Acts of St. Modwen, Monynna,
Moninia, Monenna, Moduenna, Modwenna,
:
"Transactions of the
Royal
9 o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
churchesinScotland. *2 OneofthesewasknownasChilnacase,inGalloway;
anotherwasonthesummitofthemountainofDundevenal,inLaudonia a ;
third stood on the mountain of Dunbreten ; the fourth at the Castle of Stri- ve. lin; the fifth was at Dun Eden, now Edinburgh; a sixth was on the moun- tain of Dunpelder; while the seventh was built at Lamfortin, near Dundee. 33 We think, however, she must be distinguished from the present saint ; yet, it must be observed, that all the narratives and legends, in which her ascertainable Acts abound, appear to have reference only to Moninne of SliabhCuillin. Thelatterdoesnotappear,however,tohaveleftIrelandforany more distant country, and she seems to have lived about two centuries earlier. Wherefore, we deem it quite unnecessary to introduce here, those incidents which have been recorded in the previous Life, and which have been set down at the day immediately preceding.
As mentioned in the Acts of St. Farannan,34 this St. Moninnia 3S of Cui- linn Mountain assisted in the synod held at Easdra, after St. Columba 36 had built the church of Druim Cliabh,37 in Cairbre. The exact period, when this took place, has been contested ; some think it had been before the great Apostle of the Picts and Scots left Ireland for Scotland about a. d. 563, while others suppose it happened, after the great Convention held at Druim Ceat,
8 The latter seems to us more probable
the synod of Easdra to have been held late in the sixth century, and if we admit Moninnia to have been veiled by St. Patrick, she must then have attainedanextremeoldage. AswehavedistinguishedtheSt. Modwennaof the previous day 39 from the present holy woman, and as it is generally believed she died in Scotland, and had been finally buried. in England; so we have every reason to suppose, that St. Modwenna of the present date de- parted this life, in her establishment, at Slieve Cuillinn. This is very dis- tinctly laid down, in the most authentic of her biographies, where it is stated, that when her death approached, King Eugene,40 with his chiefs and a great multitude, moved through sorrow for her anticipated departure, came to her
about a. d.
590. 3
;
while, if we allow
place,
andhe a namedHerbeus*1 toentreatherfortheircon- besought bishop
Monyma, Modovenna, Mowena, Mod- and Apostle of Caledonia, Art. i. , chap, venna, or Nodwenna, Virgin, at the 5th of and chap, xv. , at the 9th ofJune, in the Sixth
Volume of this work. 3"ThisUsshershowsfromConchubranus, 39Seeatthe5thofJuly,Art. i. , inthe
July, in the present volume, Art. i.
and she is said to have been identical with
" Ea Ecclesia in Armachano Comitatu sita Kil- sieve nomen adhuc retinet, et mons ille vici- nus Sleu-gullen; a quo morunne o fl-iab CuilieAn appellationem apud H—ibernosnos- tros Virgo ipsa est consecuta. " "Britanni- carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xv.
39 The Ui Ethach Cobha lived in the On the Calendar of Oengus. , p. cxvi. southern parts of the county of Down. 43 See Dr. O'Donovan's Edition, vol. i. ,
40 Known likewise as Conaille Muir- pp. 168, 169.
themne.
41 See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of
Tallagh," p. xxviii.
42 Some of their stanzas are to be found as
scholia to the Leabhar Breac copy of the "Feilire" of St. ^Engus, and they are thus translated into English, by Dr. Whitley Stokes, LL. D. :—
" Nine score years together
According to rule without warmth, Without folly, without crime, without
fault
Was the age of Moninde,
(The name) 'Mo-ninde' was given to
her
To the holy virgin, pious, with splen- dour
44 However, in the Life of St. Moduenna, attributed to Conchubran, this name is given to one of her disciples, who is also called Orbile.
45 This Irish comment is thus translated into English by Dr. Whitley Stokes : —"Mo- ninne, etc. , i. e. , Moninne of Slieve Gullion, and Sarbile was her name previously. Or Darerca was her name at first. But a cer- tain dumb poet fasted with her, and the first
thing he said [after being miraculously cured ofhisdumbness]wasminnin. Hencethe
Herownnameusually, 1'
'1'
'Mo-nanna (was) her gracious name Which the maidens used to say.
Or from this the name was said
Of the nun for her appellation
From Nine the poet (the better thereof)
Who besought her for her prayer I will tell it out to you
of Ui Echach of Ulster was she. '
Darerca foratimeadheredtoher
Till she got the agnomen,
Nine score. "
49 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta —" Transactions of the Royal Irish Aca- Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. ,
demy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. p. 270.
nun was called — and the Mo-ninde, poet
him-
self Nine Ecis. " "Transactions of the
Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar of
Oengus, p. cxvi.
46 Thus are we told
: i. e. , " 'Moninne,'
My-nindach the nuns used to call her, and
"
Again, Monine quasi Mo-nanna," was the name given by her nuns, apparently one
expressing affection.
47 See Matthsei Parisiensis Monachi Sancti
Albani, " Chronica Majora," edited by Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , vol. i. ,
p. 181. 48ColganclassesSt. MoninneaorDarerca,
Abbess of Kill-slebhe, among the virgins veiled by St. Patrick.
it is said,
"
84 LIVES OF THE IRISH SA/JVTS. [July 6.
of sound understanding and of retentive memory, she readily imbibed the
precepts of religion and practised its injunctions. She associated with herself eight virgins and one widow. The widow had a baby son, named
Luger, who was adopted by Darerca. Afterwards, he became a bishop, and he was otherwise distinguished. 50 It is said, as in her nation, no house had yet been founded for religious women, that the saint lived for some time with her parents. However, finding social intercourse with them and her relatives to be a cause for distraction and a weakening of the religious spirit, she resolved on leaving them, and on seeking a home, whence the ways and conversation of worldlings should be rigorously excluded.
About this time, St. Ibar is stated to have lived in the Western Isles of Ireland,andthithersherepairedwithhernuns. Theyremainedforalong time under his discipline. At length, the holy Bishop went to the southern
part of Ireland, where he took up a permanent residence. His religious daughtersagainfollowedhim. AttheIslandofBegEreorLittleIreland,in Wexford Harbour, St. Darerca and her nuns were under the guidance of St. Ibar. Hearing of her extraordinary virtues, they visited St. Brigid, 51 in Lein- ster. Under her rule, and partaking of her hospitality, they remained for some time. St. Darerca was appointed portress to the hospital, and while inthissituation,herhumilityandcharitywereapprovedbyall. TheAlmighty even bestowed on her the gift of healing infirm and possessed persons. She was regarded as such a benefactress to the poor, that numbers sought relief from her, and they returned loaded with her bounties. When some of the sisters complained, that she gave too lavishly, reserving little for their con- ventual wants, she returned for answer, that if they had firm faith in Christ, and obtained food and clothing, it should be sufficient for them, and that if yielding to the temptations of the devil they desired riches, they should not failtobedevouredbyavariciouscares. Besides,sheurged,thatasthepoor were suffering members of Christ's mystical body, He would be sure to com- pensate the nuns for any temporal loss, and to reward their labours in the blessed cause of charity. Having spoken thus, when St. Darerca went to seek rest, on her bed were found twelve beautiful dresses ; so that believing they were a gift from Heaven, she went to St. Brigid, and then told her,
that the Almighty had bestowed them to supply her necessities.
The latter
" Those
restored to life again, through the prayers of St. Darerca.
Afterwards, it is said, this holy woman and her company of virgins sought St. Ibar, and placed themselves under his protection. They now settled in
2
Ard-Conais,* where their congregation greatly increased. Several pious
virgins and widows resorted thither, while some of these belonged to regal and noble families. Both by word and example, Darerca trained them in a good rule of living. At one time, the wells and cisterns there were dried up, during an unusually warm summer, and her religious complained about their wanting water. Moved by their entreaties, the servant of Christ offered her prayers, when a fountain was miraculously produced. This spring thenceforward afforded an inexhaustible supply, not only to her nuns, but to all the people living in their neighbourhood. So great had become the reputation of St.
Abbess
sent
the Lord to
sisters divide among them as you will, because they are more in need of such arti- cles than are our sisters. " A certain pauper, having denied that those garments were a gift from Heaven, fell dead very suddenly, but he was soon
holy
replied :
garments
by
your
5° Luger built a church in Ruscach, in the
plain of Cuailgne, now known as Rooskey, near Carlingford.
5t See her Life in the Second Volume of this work, at the 1st of February, Art. i.
& Its location has not been ascertained.
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 85
Moninna, that numbers of both sexes came to receive her blessing, and to ask spiritual favours through her intercession. She was even gifted with the spiritofprophecy. When,onacertainoccasion,St. Ibarrecommendeda
girl living in her neighbourhood to be consigned to her care, and to be trained according to her rule ; the holy virgin, having an intuition of what
:
" This pupil child shall prove to be the cause, why we
should happen, said
must desert our cell, on a future occasion. " The event corresponded with this prediction ; for, when that girl became an adult, she was filled with an invidious feeling towards Darerca, and this spirit she communicated to her relations. The meek superioress then called her sisters together and said : " Lo ! what the Almighty revealed to us regarding this girl is now clearly manifested. If while I live, you have to endure such opposition, when I am dead, how shall you be able to live here ? Let us then yield to the envious, and let us leave to them all we possess, except our habits, and the Lord shall provide another place for us, and where we can dwell. "A legend is related, about St. Darerca's leaving that place with fifty of her nuns. On coming to a river which was usually fordable, a great flood suddenly took place, so that they were unable to pass. This was owing to the fault of one among the sisters, who had taken a certain article from Ard Conis, contrary to the order given by her superioress. This she was ordered to restore, and afterwards the company of religious were enabled to ford that river.
Again, they visited St. Brigid and remained with her for some days, which
were spent in pious colloquies. They asked her blessing on taking leave,
and Brigid said
:
" May the Almighty God preserve you along the way on
which you travel, and grant that you reach the desired habitation.
,,
At their
departure, St. Brigid presented St. Darerca with a silver vessel, called Escra,53
in the Irish language, and one which the chiefs of Ireland were accustomed to use when drinking. However, Darerca did not wish to receive anything but a blessing from the venerable Abbess, and on leaving with her sisters, she deposited the measure in a secret place, where it was afterwards found by
:
the nuns of St. Brigid. Presenting it to their superioress, she said u What
we have given for God's sake, we ought not again receive. " Then, St. Brigid ordered that it should be cast into the adjoining River Lyfi, now known as the Liffey. In a miraculous manner, as the legend relates,5* it was restored to St. Darerca.
CHAPTER II.
ST. DARERCA GOES TO THE NORTHERN PARTS OF IRELAND, AND FOUNDS A HOUSE AT FOCHARD—THIS PLACE SHE LEAVES TO SEEK A NEW SETTLEMENT AT SLIEVE GULLION—HER ESTABLISHMENT AT KILLEVY—HER PERSONAL VIRTUES AND MIRACLES—SHE IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM ANOTHER ST. MODWENNA, VENE- RATED CHIEFLY IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND—MONINIA ASSISTS AT THE SYNOD OF EASDRA—ACCOUNT OF HER DEATH—HER COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
Afterwards, the virgin of Christ went to the northern parts of Ireland, and thereshefoundherrelations,intheplainofMurthenne. Thepeopleofthat
53 The Irish word Ofc]\a means " a water cant Caput littoris, a quodam viro sancto bucket. " Probably, however, it was a Mether, Herbe Pontifice, Darercae fratre, traditur
manufactured in an artistic manner.
54 Thus: "Vasitaqueprojectuminflumen, quod in mare versus orientem influit, contra consuetum cursum naturae, divina operante potentia, in ora stagni, quod Hibernici vo-
fuisse repertum. Quod vas ipse sanctae Darercae, cujus monasterium prope praedic- turn stagnum fuit situm, donare distulit, sanctae vero Darercse monasterium a monas- terio sanctae Brigidae quatuor diebus distat.
86 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
district—said to have been greatly addicted to magian practices—had been
brought to a knowledge of the true religion, through the ministry of St. Patrick. Here, she is related to have lived a very retired life. She especially avoided the society of men, and in order that she might not be seen by them, often under the shade of night, she set forth to visit infirm persons and to exercise other works of charity. Always she wore a veil when abroad. Several extraordinary miracles are attributed to her, but they are mostly of a
1
legendary character. According to the writers of her Lives, St. Darerca and
her 2 lived at Fochard, near Dundalk, and in the companions
present county of Louth. It is intimated, furthermore, that she was the first to establish there a religious house. One hundred and fifty sisters are said to have lived with her. Nor does she seem to have continued long in that place; for, find- ing some of the neighbouring people to be of dissolute morals, and addicted to the singing of improper songs, she told her sisters, that they should seek ShethenaskedherbrotherRoman3 tosearch for a more suitable spot, and it is said to have been revealed by the Almighty Himself. However, before St. Darerca left the mountain of Facartha, now the Hill of Faughart, she selected one of her nuns, named Orbile, to dwell
there, and to guard her establishment.
For the sake of greater quiet, Darerca sought a desert place, near the Moun-
tain ofCulinn, to which she removed. Here, the nuns found a swineherd belongingtotheKingofOrior,andwhosenamewasMacloithe. Norwould he suffer such a numerous company to settle in that place, without first learn- ing the pleasure of the king. For seven whole days were they obliged to wait in great privation for that rustic's return. He obtained permission from his master, however, that they might remain there, and so fix their abode. Mean- time,theswinehadstrayedindifferentdirectionsduringhisabsence. Theholy virgin Modwenna told him to be of good cheer, and that his charge should be safely restored to him. Her promise was redeemed that very same hour. When the swineherd found all the animals together, he selected one of them to present as an offering to St. Modwenna and her sisters. They told him, however, that they were accustomed to live on roots and herbs, tasting no flesh meat. In this remote situation, where a range of desolate mountains is to be seen at the present day, St. Darerca resolved on founding her church and monastery/ Itwassituatedatthefootof SliabhCuillinns or SlieveGullion. Her church of Cill-tsleibhe is now known as 6 or a old
Killevy Killeavy, very building, inaparishbearingthesamename. ItliesnearthepresenttownofNewry.
That magnificent mountain Gullion 7 attains an altitude of 1,893 ^eet over tne sea-level, and it is composed chiefly of green-stone. There are many natural obstacles to its rugged sides and summits being reclaimed ; and from base to
8
outaless
frequented locality.
summit, the ascent is fully two miles.
Several antiquities, evidently referring brated Cuchullain had been fostered.
6
This is a very extensive mountain parish, having 3,583a. ir. 33p. in the barony of Lower Orior, and 24,590a. 3r. in the barony of Upper Orior, in the county of Armagh.
Allusion is thus made to it in a poem in- ' —
tituled "Diarmid's Chase :"
Chapter ii. —• That taken from the Salamancan Manuscript, as also that attri- buted to Conchubran.
2
Brigid, Athea and Orbile.
Among these are said to have been
3 Wedonot cord in history.
thathehas
any
otherre-
find,
4 According to Archdall, this happened about the year 630. See "Monasticon Hi-
bernicum," p. 34.
s This mount tin took its name from Cui-
reign of Conchobhar Mac Nessa, King of Lays of Loyalty, Patriotism, Chivalry and Ulster, and by whom it is stated the cele- Devotion," p. 41.
lean, an artificer, who lived there in the —Miss Stewart's " Mirror of the Heart ; or
"
Rose proudly o'er the vale below. "
Slieve Gullien's lofty brow
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 87
to a remote period, are to be found in this picturesque and deserted region. Among these, the artificial and subterranean chamber at Aughnaclough has often excited the curiosity of visitors. 9 On the summit of Slieve Gullion, there is a very large cairn, supposed to have been an ancient sepulchral monument. Near it is a pool, called the Loch, about 60 yards in diameter. These objects form the subject of an Irish poem IO ascribed to Ossian, and in which Fionn mac Cumhall and his heroes conspicuously figure. "
View of Slieve Gullion, from Aughnaclough.
The church of St.
Modwenna was constructed of dressed planks, according
to the fashion of Scottish 12 as Conchubran remarks. ^ mis- people, Through
take, some Acts of St. Modwenna state, that she erected her nunnery at Cel- "
liscline;14 however, this is only a mistake for Kill-sleve-Cuillin, or the cell of Mount Cuillin. " It would seem, that this nunnery existed so early as the
sixth
T s
century.
The following story seems to synchronise our saint with another holy
virgin, who is supposed to have flourished, in the fifth and sixth centuries.
8 See "The Parliamentary Gazetteer of
Ireland," vol. iii. , p. 253.
9 The accompanying illustration of the
opening to Aughnaclough chamber, with a distant view of Slieve Gullion, was drawn by William F. Wakeman on the wood, en- graved by Mrs. Millard.
10 Called Iaoi na SeAlzjA or The Chase. It has been elegantly translated into English
consummatum est de lignis quidem levigatis, sed apte firmiterque contextum opus Scoti-
Miss
verse, by Brooke,
Irish Poetry. "
11 See Lewis' "
in her " of Reliques
dedolatis, juxta morem Scoticarum gentium, eo quod macerias Scoti non solent facere, nee factas habere. " Second Life of St. Mod- wenna, chap, viii. , num. 74, p. 311.
14 Dean Cressy falls into a great error when he states, that St. Modwenna's nunnery was so called from the multitude of cells in it. See " Church History of Brittany," book xxviii. , chap, ii. , num. 8, p. 744.
'3 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xvii. , sect, ix. , p. 38, and nn. 116, 1 18, pp. 40
to 42.
16 Her Acts are recorded at the 1st of
Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 146.
12
Thus, Columbanus, an Irishman, built
"
at Bobbio an oratory,
tudinem corporis sui. " St. Bernard refer- ring to the church erected by Malachi at
Bangor, says,
" oratorium intra dies paucos
ex lignis ad magi-
cum. "
13 It was constructed as he states,
"
tabulis
88 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
In the Arts of St. Fanchea, 16 the name of St. Darercha or Moninna is intro- duced. While St. Fanchea passed over the sea to visit her brother St. Endeus, the holy virgin Darercha was engaged in prayer beside a church and before a cross. This happened, while she dwelt in the nunnery, and at a
1 "''
place denominated Belsleibhe, ? which means the mountain gorges, accord-
8 He
tain cell. 1 ^ While thus engaged at prayer, St. Darerca had a miraculous vision regarding a brazen vessel, recovered from the sea, into which Fanchea had cast it. ao
In her Acts, it is stated, that St. Darerca exacted from her sisters such a rigorous course of fasting, that on a certain occasion they were brought almost to a condition of starvation, when a holy and compassionate man entreatedhertorelievetheirnecessities. Thissheeffected,andinamiracu- lous manner. She raised also a dead novice to life through her prayers. Various other miracles are recounted in her Lives, but it is unnecessary to specify them, as many may be relegated to the class of fables. In the Life
21 three
seem to have had a special relation with her, are named. These were Brignata or Brecnata,22 Damnoda,23 and Derlasre. 24 The first of these is
said to have been sent from her monastery to that of Rosnat, in the Island of Britain, where she was commissioned to learn the rules there practised. Like a true daughter of obedience, she hastened thither, and remained for some time in the hospice, reading the Psalms and other pious books. Having accomplished the object of her mission, Brignat returned to Slieve Cullin, after a prosperous journey. It is stated, in St. Darerca's Acts, that the Angels of God were accustomed to visit her and to hold frequent conferences with her. However, on a certain night, when the sisters were going forth to recite Matins, Darerca missed the accustomed angelic visitation, and she had a revelation, that some one among her companions must have committed a grievous sin. She invited all the sisters to examine their consciences. One of the widows acknowledged, that contrary to her rule, she had not asked per- mission from the Abbess to retain a pair of shoes, which she wore to protect her from the cold, and which she had received from a man of bad morals. Darerca suggested, that these should be thrown into a neighbouring lake, where they might not more be found, and she charged Brignat with this com- mission. The angelic messengers afterwards appeared, and the saint gave thanks to God, that the community devotions were not further interrupted
throughanysimilarcause. Theforegoingnarrativeisfollowedbyanother,that when the sisters returned to their dormitory to have a little rest before daylight,
January, in the First Volume of ihis work, Art. i.
x ? Probably a mistake in writing for Kill-
Sleibhe.
18 "
See Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe,"
i. Januarii, Vita S. Fancheaj, cap. ix. , p. 2.
19 He remarks, that it is a parish church
belonging to Armagh diocese, at the passes
of Cuillen in Ulster. See Mountain, ibid. ,
n. 19, p. 4.
30 The story which follows is too improba-
ble to deserve further notice; but, it serves to
ing
to
Colgan. *
says
it is more called Kill-sleibhe "the moun- usually
of this woman and which is holy
quoted by Colgan,
pious virgins,
who
the 25 went alone to the virgin Brigid
where the Abbess
and where she held colloquy with the Angels. When she approched that pl. ice, two swans of a snow-white colour seemed to fly away from it. This vision terrified the sister, and she fell on the ground. She soon arose, how-
chamber,
illustrate a custom prevalent at a time, whin the original Acts were written, of brazen ves>Hs having been u>e<l in Ireland bo:h for drinking and for washing pur- poses.
2I
See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Ap- pendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap. xxiii. , p. 270.
23 At chapter xviii. , xix.
"* At chapter xxi.
25 Whether she was a different person or
" At xiv. , xvi. chapter
prayed,
July 6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 89
ever, and tremblingly knocking at her superior's door, she revealed what had occurred. Darerca told her, to sign her eyes with a sign of the cross, lest she might have had a demoniac vision, as sometimes happened to saints in the
" Now do I truly know, that the Almighty, who reveals many things in favour of the humanrace,hathenrichedtheewithhisgrace,andit is timethoushouldst profit by it, in seeking thy birth-place. Soon shalt thou want those eyes, which have seen the Angels, yet better ones shall be given thee, and which may enable thee mentally to see God. But, until I depart this life, reveal
"
thy vision to no person.
her holy superioress, and obeying her command, she went to her natal place, whichwasoneday'sjourneyremovedfromDarerca'smonastery. Thereshe found a place, suitable for the erection of a nunnery, and so long as she lived,
Brigid was deprived of corporal vision.
An old tradition has it, that Darerca through her custom of mortification
desert. However, on being told the particulars, Darerca said
:
never ate a
sufficiency,
26 and that she never took a
dinner;
while th—is habit of
living is dated from the time
2
sheworea ? abouther
The servant of Christ observed the instructions of
.
a
girdle body phrase
equivalent to the modern one of taking the veil. 28 It is certain, however,
that St. Moninna practised great austerities, and that she was most abstemious as regarded food. 2 9 We are told, that in the coarseness of her garments, she
might be regarded as a true daughter of Elias and of St. John the Baptist, while her sisters nobly emulated her example in this species of heavenly war-
fare. As a light placed on its candlestick, so did she dissipate the darkness of those northern parts. Her vigils and prayers were incessant. She was never a moment idle, and she laboured with her own hands. She wrought many miracles, and she was always victorious over the assaults of Satan. Her chastity was so admirable, that she had applied to her the term "a sister of Mary," as the highest eulogy; for, that she was a virgin even as Mary is remarked by a scholiast on the " Feilire" of St. ^Engus. 30 Her humility was very great, while she endeavoured to conceal her good actions and virtues from the know- ledgeofmen. Thefameofhergreatmeritsspreadnotwithstandingoverall parts of Ireland. Noble matrons were especially anxious to visit her, to prostrate themselves at her feet, to seek her counsel, and to gain the favour of her prayers. Besides, the number of virgins in her community increased day by day, and they came not only from her neighbourhood, but even from distant places.
As we have already stated, on the preceding day, a St. Modwenna, also called Monenna,31 went to England, and she founded no less than seven
not from Brignat may be questioned.
29 This is expressed in an old Irish rami, thus tran—slated into English by Dr. Whitley
26
This Cuimin of Connor states, in the
poem which begins, CAyvAr- pAcr\Aic puipc ITIaca, which is thus translated into English : " Patrick of Ard Madia's city loved. "—Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of Irish Saints," pp. 162, 163. This is also quoted, in a note sue- ceeding, and taken from the scholia on the Feilire of St. ^Engus.
27 The monastic girdle is frequently men- tioned in the Lives of the Irish Saints, as in those of St. Brigid at February 1st ; in those of St. Colman, at February 3rd, in those of St. Mochta, at August 9th, and in those of St. Mobhi, at October 12th.
Stokes
" She took a girdle on her body,
It is according to knowledge of her that I hear
She ate not her fill or food. Moninne of Slieve Gullion. "
—
Irish Aca- demy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. On the Calendar of Oengus p. cxvi.
3° See " Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , 28 See the " Martyrology of Donegal," part i. On the Calendar of Oengus. By
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 186 to 189, and note by Dr. Reeves I, at p. 188.
Whitley Stokes, LL. D. , p. cxvi.
3I See the Acts of St. Modwen, Monynna,
Moninia, Monenna, Moduenna, Modwenna,
:
"Transactions of the
Royal
9 o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 6.
churchesinScotland. *2 OneofthesewasknownasChilnacase,inGalloway;
anotherwasonthesummitofthemountainofDundevenal,inLaudonia a ;
third stood on the mountain of Dunbreten ; the fourth at the Castle of Stri- ve. lin; the fifth was at Dun Eden, now Edinburgh; a sixth was on the moun- tain of Dunpelder; while the seventh was built at Lamfortin, near Dundee. 33 We think, however, she must be distinguished from the present saint ; yet, it must be observed, that all the narratives and legends, in which her ascertainable Acts abound, appear to have reference only to Moninne of SliabhCuillin. Thelatterdoesnotappear,however,tohaveleftIrelandforany more distant country, and she seems to have lived about two centuries earlier. Wherefore, we deem it quite unnecessary to introduce here, those incidents which have been recorded in the previous Life, and which have been set down at the day immediately preceding.
As mentioned in the Acts of St. Farannan,34 this St. Moninnia 3S of Cui- linn Mountain assisted in the synod held at Easdra, after St. Columba 36 had built the church of Druim Cliabh,37 in Cairbre. The exact period, when this took place, has been contested ; some think it had been before the great Apostle of the Picts and Scots left Ireland for Scotland about a. d. 563, while others suppose it happened, after the great Convention held at Druim Ceat,
8 The latter seems to us more probable
the synod of Easdra to have been held late in the sixth century, and if we admit Moninnia to have been veiled by St. Patrick, she must then have attainedanextremeoldage. AswehavedistinguishedtheSt. Modwennaof the previous day 39 from the present holy woman, and as it is generally believed she died in Scotland, and had been finally buried. in England; so we have every reason to suppose, that St. Modwenna of the present date de- parted this life, in her establishment, at Slieve Cuillinn. This is very dis- tinctly laid down, in the most authentic of her biographies, where it is stated, that when her death approached, King Eugene,40 with his chiefs and a great multitude, moved through sorrow for her anticipated departure, came to her
about a. d.
590. 3
;
while, if we allow
place,
andhe a namedHerbeus*1 toentreatherfortheircon- besought bishop
Monyma, Modovenna, Mowena, Mod- and Apostle of Caledonia, Art. i. , chap, venna, or Nodwenna, Virgin, at the 5th of and chap, xv. , at the 9th ofJune, in the Sixth
Volume of this work. 3"ThisUsshershowsfromConchubranus, 39Seeatthe5thofJuly,Art. i. , inthe
July, in the present volume, Art. i.
and she is said to have been identical with
" Ea Ecclesia in Armachano Comitatu sita Kil- sieve nomen adhuc retinet, et mons ille vici- nus Sleu-gullen; a quo morunne o fl-iab CuilieAn appellationem apud H—ibernosnos- tros Virgo ipsa est consecuta. " "Britanni- carum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xv.
