="" See "
Lectures
on the
" By way of distinction, he is even called the Scribe of all the Scots.
" By way of distinction, he is even called the Scribe of all the Scots.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
Dr.
Kelly,p.
xvi.
53 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
54, 55. -
54 See "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Down, Connor and Dromore," Appendix LL, p. 376.
**
saints,p,170. — Article iv.
*
Rev. Dr.
55 See Colgan's nisc," XX. Februarii.
See Colgan's Colmani, cap. ii. , p. 248.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Olcani, seu Bolcani, Episcopi et Confessoris, cap. vii. ,
.
• Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
p. 376, and n. 23, p. 378.
54, 55.
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. ,
^
Article hi. — See Bishop Forbes' Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted
**
3 See De Statu Hominis, veteris simul
Edited
Tlie Menologic Genealogy," cap. ix.
Kelly, p. xvi. *"
" nice," iii. Februarii.
3
Acta Sanctorum
by
Hiber-
Appendix ad Acta S.
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 649
ArticleV. —St. GaiusandThirtyCompanions,Martyrs. Inthe " Feilire " of St. ^ngus, at the 20th of February, we have the following
: entry,^ in reference to these heroic Martyrs of the early Cliristian Church —
^ccfAT) 111 celA|\ ;
1m rloclic feci oo^a^a,
Gaius,^ the bishop,
"Who was crucified, I conceal not, With the slaughter—a sad story— Of thirty praiseworthy champions.
Article VI. —Reputed Festival of Caius Ctelius Sedulius. St. Cselius Sedulius, a bishop who was so called owing to his love of God, has a festival assigned to him on this day by Camerarius. ^ Others place his day at the 13th of June. By Colgan, he is styled the Venerable, as the Bollan- dists take care to remark. ^ It is said, a festival in honour of the Venerable Caius Cajlius SeduHus was held, on the 20th of February. 3 Our notices of this celebrated man will be found, at the 12th of this month.
Article VII. —Reputed Festival of the Translation of St. Pan- taleon's Head, at Cologne. In the Scottish or Irish Monastery, at Cologne, was held on the 20th of February, a festival in honour of the translation thereto of the head of St. Pantaleon,^ which had been brought by Henricus de Vlmine, a soldier, according to Dempster. ^ Yet, the Bollandists notice some errors, in his statements, and referring to this reputed festival. 3
Article VIII. —St. Colga, or Colcho, Surnamed the Wise, Lector
OF Clonmacnoise, King's County. [Eighth Cmlury. ] Improvement in
religious life and training depends much on the frequent presence of holy
bishops and pastors, in the schools and religious institutes, under their im- mediate care. This ensures educational efficiency, and blesses the house of
education, even when the faith of pupils is in no way perilled. His frequent presence impresses, not alone on youth, but even on their parents, the im- portance of that business in which they are engaged. To this, the purity and innocence of children are mainly to be attributed, while such religious teach- ingandexampleexercisebeneficialinfluencesduringafterlife/ Atthe20th
of February, Colgan has illustrated such particulars as are known, regarding the present holy man. ^ These he has drawn from various sources. The
Bollandists have simply a brief notice, in which they state, that only in the
saints, p. 170. —
Article v. ^Furnished by Professor
O'Looney, with an English translation, from
sect. 2, p. 152.
^
See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints, pp. 168, 169.
^ See zdid. —
Article vii. 27 th of July.
the
*'
Leabhar Breac" copy.
=^ This was probably St. Caius, Bishop at Rome, mentioned on this day by some
Martyrologists, and whose feast is referred, likewise, to the 22nd of April. See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctomm," tomus iii. , Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 170. —
^
^ His feast occurs at the
See "De Statu Hominis,
192.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Feb.
ruarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints,
Article vi,
veteris simul ac novae Ecclesise, et Infide- Hum conversione," lib. i. , pars, ii. , cap. iii,,
p. 1 70. Article viii.
—
^ See*'EcclesiasticalMe-
= See " Menologium Scoticum. " Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p.
650 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
Irishyatj// do they find him commemorated, as one of the saints. 3 In Irish, we are told, the name is written Coelchu ; and, by some writers, it is rendered
into Cogius, Colcius, ColcuSj-^ Colcanus, Colchoniis and Colganus. By Colgan, the denomination is thought to be derived from the Irish word, coel^
"thin,"
or "
slender,"
and
cu,
''a
grey-hound,"
or "a wolf. "5 ]\Iore
generally
CoelchuorColgchuisrenderedColguorColga. ^ Thisholymanwasborn,
as seems most probable, after the beginning of the eighth century. He
seems, from the family name given him, to have been of the Ui Eathach Mumhan race. 7 Yet, his pedigree has not been more exactly traced, than we find it briefly noted, in our Martyrologies and Annals, In an age of learning and piety, St. Colga was most distinguished among the holy men of Ireland. He was probably educated at Glonmacnoise. It was with him St. Paul the
Cross and Ruins at Glonmacnoise.
Apostle came to converse, according to the legend, in a human form, and to help him on in his road. St. Paul is said to have given him particular lights, and to have taken his satchel of books, at Moin tirean air,^ while, it was he that pleaded for this saint, to preside over the great school of Cluain-mac- nois. 9 It is doubtful, if amidst the ruins and ancient remains of this once celebrated place, any traces of that college can now be found. '° It is stated, likewise, that a great tlieological question was here in controversy, among the
dilations suitable for Priests on the Missions and Students in Diocesan Seminaries. " By a Catholic Clergyman. On the Visitation of the Schools, sect. 2, pp. 130, 131.
"See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xx. Februarii. De S. Colcho, sive Colga, Sapiente, pp. 378 to 380.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum, "tomusiii. , Feb- ruarii XX. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 169.
* Thus is he
5 A styled,
"cruelty. "
•" See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernije," xx.
Februarii, n. 2, p. 379.
7 This was the tribe name of the O'Ma-
honys and O'Donoghoes, in South Munster. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , nn. (a, r), pp. 772, 775.
in Albinus' secondary meaning is sought for the
The accompanying illustration, from a photograph, taken by Frederick H, Mares, and drawn on the wood by William Y.
name in Colg, which signifies, "a sword," or metaphorically, "a fierce look," or
Wakeman, was engraved by Mrs. Millard.
Epistle.
"
^ This place does not seem to be identified. 9 See Rev. Drs. Todd's and Reeves
Martyrology of Donegal," pp. 54, 55. } '°
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 651
theologians ; and doctors of anotlier place held an opinion, differing from thatofoursaint. Again,St. Paulissaidtohaveappearedinperson,tohave taken part with our saint, and to have spoken to this effect before the seniors assembled. " Soon afterwards, St. Colcho was elected to preside, as Rector of the great school, at Clonmacnoise; and he was recognised as the chief teacher there, while shining pre-eminently a lamp of learning and of sanctity. He was regarded as an accomplished Scribe'^ and Master, having on this accountbeendenominatedtheWise. Hehasleftsomeworksbehind,which are replete with learning and piety. Some of these devotional tracts are thus specially described. A very remarkable Prayer of St. Colga'3 is to be found, in the Leabhar Buidhe Lecain,^-^ or the " Yellow Book of Lecain,'"' a manu- script's of the fourteenth century, kept in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. This appears to have been copied, by Michael O'Clery, in 1627.
Sancti. " '^ We find this described as Prayer
The first part consists of twenty-eight peti- tions, or paragraphs. Each paragraph beseeches the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, through the intercession of some class, among the holy men, found in the Old and New Testament, who are referred to in the paragraph, or re-
presented by the names of one or more, among the most distinguished of them. ^s ThesecondpartconsistsofseventeenpetitionstotheLordJesus, apparently offered at ]\Liss time, beseeching Him to accept the sacrifice then made, for all Christian churches, for the sake of the Merciful Father, from whom He descended upon earth, for the sake of His Divinity, which the Father had overshadowed, in order that it might unite with His humanity for the sake of the Immaculate body from which Pie was formed, in the womb of the Virgin. '9 The reader may consult the Lectures of Professor Eugene O'Curry, for a further account of this precious relic of early Irish devotional literature. ^° The dogmatic importance of this Prayer is very great. It shows the belief of the Irish Church on many points, which are now set down by Protestants as of recent introduction. We are struck, in the first part, with the invocation of saints, whose powerful intercession is asked, not with God the Father only, but with the Son of God made man, the Mediator of God and man, Christ our Lord ; while, intercession with Him is asked from saints
It is " Oratio intituled,
Colgani being divided into two parts. '7
of the Old as of the New Testament.
In the nine degrees of the Church on
in his work, "Lectures on the Manuscript
Matei-ials of Ancient Irish History," lect.
"In a work, known as the "Book of Clonmacnoise," and in other Manuscripts, belonging to Colgan, the foregoing state- ments were contained, while tracts, attri- buted to Colga, were also in his possession. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xx. Feb- ruarii. DeS. Colcho,siveColga,Sapiente, cap. ii. , iii. , iv. , and nn. 6, 9, pp. 378, 379.
ix. , p. 191.
^5 it is classed, H. 2, 16.
Sapientis et Prespiteri et Scripae omnium Sanctorum incipit quicunque banc orationem cantaverit veram penitentiam et indulgentiam peccato- rum habebit et alias multa gratias, id est, Ateoch fuit a Isa naemh do cheithre suiscela,
etc. "
^^ A copy, belonging to Professor Eugene
O'Curry, is preserved among his Manu- scripts at the Catholic University,—
^^ The first thus: "I be- part begins
seech the intercession with Thee, O Holy Jesus ! of Thy four Evangelists, who wrote Thy Gospel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. " —'* O
^^ The second prayer begins thus :
Holy Jesus ! O Beautiful Friend ! " etc. , etc.
="" See " Lectures on the
" By way of distinction, he is even called the Scribe of all the Scots. See ibid. , n, 8. '3 See this Prayer, translated into Eng-
lish, with accompanying comments, in the
' ' Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. 1. , No.
i. , pp. 4 to 12.
^4
Notwithstandingmany losses, thisManu-
contains of script yet 500 pages
large quarto vellum. With the exception of a lew small tracts, in somewhat later hands, it is all finely written, by Donnoch and Gilla Isa Mac Firbis, in the year 1390. It would appear to have been, in its original form, a collection of ancient historical pieces, civil
and both in and verse. ecclesiastical, prose
Professor O'Curry enumerates these pieces,
Ma- terials of Ancient Irish History," lect. xviii. ,
to be met witli in coh 336.
'° Then follow these words
The prayer is "
:
Manuscript
652 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
earth, we find allusion to the four minor and three greater orders f^ while to these are added the office of bishop, which is the completion of the priest- hood, and that of psalm-singer, which, as we are told by an ancient Irish canon, was given to any clerk, not by episcopal ordination, but by delegation from a priest. The nine choirs of blessed spirits are those mentioned by Saint Gregory the Great. ^^^ It may be added, that the coincidence with Saint Gregory's enumeration of them is not, perhaps, altogether casual, for there is reason to believe, that in the eighth century there was in Ireland a very extensive acquaintance with that great Pontiff's writings. St. Colga clearly shows the feeling of the ancient Irish Church, with respect to the practice of holy virginity, and in honouring the ever-blessed Mother of God. He alludes to the special reverence, in which Saint Germanus of Auxerrewas held in Ireland, perhaps on account of his close connection with our holy Apostle, St. Patrick. The honour to be shown to the monastic state is indi- cated, by associating with all the holy monks who made battle for God's sake throughout the whole world, the great names of Ehas and Eliseus under the Old Law, and of John the Baptist, Paul, the first hermit, and Anthony, the first founder of the monastic state, in the New Testament. Then Colga follows a chronological order. Our saint first invokes the early patriarchs, viz. , Abel, Seth, <S. :c. , to Jacob. He then calls upon the chosen of the written Law, including Moses, Josue, &c. , and the chosen of the law of the Prophets,viz. ,Elius,Eliseus,David,andSolomon. Hethenpassestothe New Testament, begging the intercession of Christ's own holy Apostles, and allthesaintstotheendoftheworld. Then,hesumsupunderoneheading, the whole Church of Christ on earth. When indicating those holy bishops, who founded the ecclesiastical city in Rome, St. Colga follows the order of that Canon, found in the ancient Roman Liturgy. After St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles,^3 he names Linus, Cletus, Clement, showing by this arrange- ment, that close connection of our ancient Church, with the other Churches of Europe, and especially with the Church of Rome. Again, we are told, that it was he who composed that kind of prayer, called the Scuab Crab- haidh,^4whichmeans"theBesomorBroomofDevotion. " Intheprologue or preface, before that prayer already- named, it is stated, that this Colga was a saint, was a priest, and was a scribe, among the saints of Erin. ^5 From
Colgan's description, it seems probable, that this does not differ from the prayer, which assumes the form of a Litany. It is stated to be a fasciculus of most ardent prayers, full of devout feeling, and of mental elevation to-
^'^
Besides, there is extant a letter=7 of the celebrated Alban or Alcuin,^'^ the preceptor of the illustrious Charlemagne, addressed to
wards the Almighty.
and Appendix cxxii. , pp. 379, 380, 614, 615.
"Their names are to be found in the Decrees of the Council of Trent.
Colga, Sapicnte, n. 9, p. 379.
"See ** "
=3 The Rev. Father MuUooly, O. P. , of St. Clement's Church in Rome, has ably endeavoured to elucidate the order of succes- sion among the early Sovereign TontilTs.
loge," Epist. xviii. , pp. 51, 52.
""^ He called himself in Latin, Flaccus
Albinus Alcuinus, and he is generally thought to have been a native of York, from certain allusions in his poem, on the saints of that diocese. This has been published by Thomas Gale. See " Ilistorice Britan-
"Ilomilia,"
Opera S. Gregorii Magni.
Evangelia.
Martyrology Donegal,"atthe20thofFebruary.
xxxiv. in
^* This is contained in the "Book of nicaj et Anglicanoe Scriptores, xx. " De
**
Clonmacnoise. " See Colgan's torum Hibernioe," n. 9, p. 379.
'3Seethe *' O'Clerys'
"
"'' This has been Ussher in published by
Veterum Epistolarum Hibernicarum Syl-
Acta Sane- Pontificibus et Sanctis Ecclesioe Eboracensis, pp. 703 to 732, Oxonite, A. D. 1691, fol.
of liewasamanof anda singular learning,
greatfavouriteofCharlemagne. Hedied
=^
niae," xx, Februarii. De S. Colcho, sive at Tours. Raban Maur and other Martyr-
See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
on Wednesday, the I9tri of May, a. d. 804,
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 653
a certain Colcus, a Lector in Scotia, in the heading of which he is styled, a blessed Master, and a pious Father. ^9 The following is a nearly literal and
"
faithful English translation.
Having heard that your Reverence was in the
enjoyment of good health and prosperity, I rejoice with my whole heart. And, because I supposed, you were anxious to know the incidents of our journey, and what lately took place in the world ; I deemed it right to sub- mit, what I have heard or seen, to your discretion, according to the best of my humble ability. In the first place, your delight may be gratified by knowing, that through the mercy of God his holy Church has peace, prospe- rity and increase, in certain parts of Europe. For the old Saxons and Fri- sians3° have been converted to the faith of Christ, through the instrumenta- lity of King Charles, some being led to this course by rewards, and some owing to threats. 3^ But during the last year,32 ^. j^g same king, with an army, made an onset, against the Sclaves,33 whom we call Vionudi, and subjected themtohispower. But,theGreeksduringthethird{Jast? )yearcameto Italy, with a fleet, and fled to their ships vanquished by the generals of the aforesaid king ; four thousand of them are said to have been slain, and one thousand had been made captives. 34 In like manner, the Avari, whom we call the Huns,35 made an irruption into Italy ; but, being overcome by the Christians, they retreated homewards in disgrace, and also they rushed against Baugaria,36 where they were conquered and dispersed by a Christian army. 37 Likewise, the generals and chiefs of the same Christian king de- spoiled the Saracens, in Spain, of about three hundred miles, 3^ in length, of a maritime shore. 39 Yet, alas ! with shame be it said, that these accursed Saracens, also called Aggareni, for the most part hold sway over Africa and Asia Minor. Long ago, as I think, I have written to your wise Reverence, regarding their irruptions. For the rest, most holy Father, know, that I,
ologists have placed him iu their Calendars, at the date of his death. Henschenn has
"
edited his Acts. In Wright's Biographia
Britannica Literaria," a list of the editions of Alcuin's works is given. F. Lorenz has
3= Ussher assigns to the present Epistle the date 795. This seems too late a period,
33 Charlemagne subdued these people, probably in 785 or 786, others state in 789. At the latter year, this event is placed in
"
published his Life, at Halle, A. D. 1829. Eginhard's Annales de Gestis CaroliM.
See Charles " Knight's
See Du Chesne's " Historioe Fran-
EngUsh Cyclopae- dia," Biography, vol. i. , cols. 99, 100, loi. ^5 After these titles, the writer inscribes
Imp. "
corum Scriptores," tomus ii. , pp. 245, 246.
34 These occurrences have been assigned
to A. D. 788, by the old Chronicon of Pitheus,
Harris mistakes, in supposing him to have
been Albin, the companion of Clemens ;
both of whom were Irishmen, and living in
France, during the time of Charlemagne.
See Harris' Ware, vol iii. , "Writers of "Notices et Memoires Historiques," tome
""
himself, Alcuinehumilis Levita salutem.
Ireland," chap, v. , p. 51. Also, chap, vi. , pp. 54 to 56.
ii. La Germanic au huitieme et au neu- vieme siecle, sa conversion au Christianisme, pp. 78, 79.
3S Such is the word used for Bavaria,
37 These occurrences are assigned to A. D.
788, by Sigebert, by ^milius, by Baronius, by Spondanus, and by other writers,
38 These lay between the Pyrennees and
3°
Saints Willibrord, Boniface, Suithbert,
Marcellinus, and others, had spread a know-
ledge of Christianity among these people, before or about the middle of the eighth
century. Yet, they afterwards fell away from the faith, until the arms of Charle-
A. D.
780, and 782. See the admirable account
the Ebro. See Chambers's " dia,"vol. ii. , p. 765.
magne prevailed,
772, 775, 776, 778, "
Encyclopas.
of this great monarch,
M. Capefigue. Tome i. et ii. at these several dates.
39 This expedition took place A. D. 778, according to Aimdin's "Chronicon," lib. iv. , cap. 272, and Baronius' "Annales
Ecclesiastici. " See, likewise, Eginhard's
tores," tomus ii. , p. 240.
3' Speaking of Charlemagne, Guizot
— Duchesne's Historias Francoriun Scrip-
"Les les les says: Frisons, Thuringiens,
"Annales de Gestis Caroli M. "
Imp. "
Bavarois, les Danois, les Saxons tomberent "
sous son pouvoir. "— Essais sur I'Histoire
deFrance. " TroisiemeEssai,p. . 79.
Charlemagne," par
by Reginus, by Almoin, and by other writers.
35 From these people are derived the modern Hungarians. See M. Mignet's
654 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
your son,4° and Joseph,4i yQ^j. coimtrymaii, through God's mercy, enjoy good health, and may your Reverence learn, that all your friends, who live with us,'*^servetheLordinaneffectivemanner. Still,Iknownotwhatdissen-
tion may happen among us ; for, through diabolic instigation, some differ- ences have lately arisen, between King Charles and King Offa,43 so that commerce has been at a stand, as navigation has been interdicted on both sides. ^* Therearepersonswhosay,thatwearetobesenttothoseparts,to treat about peace ; but, I entreat your very holy prayers, that we may be strengthened the more, whether going or remaining. I know not how I have been to blame, because I have not deserved to receive your most welcome letters, for a long time ;'»5 however, I believe that I experience the very necessary prayers of your holiness, each day of my life. I sent to you, be- loved, some oW^ which now can scarcely be had in Britain, so that you might divide47 it among the bishops, for the utility o—f men or in honour of
God. I—
have also sent as a from gift,
Charles I entreat that
for him fifty sicles-^^ for the brethren as alms, and fifty sides of my own as an alms. To the southern brothers of Balthuminega,49 I have sent thirty sides, as the king's alms, and thirty as my own, with twenty sides from the Pater-familias of Areida,5° and twenty of my own as an alms, with three sides of pure silver, through as many anchorets, that all the brethren may pray for me, and for my Lord King Charles, that God may preserve him for the defence of His Church, and for the praise and glory of His name. May the Almighty Lord hear you praying for His holy Church, and cause you to advancehappilytoeternalsalvation. "^! Thecircumstancesofcountry,time,
<° From this expression, Colgan infers, A. D. DccLxxv. , pp. 278, 279.
that St. Alcuin had been the disciple of St. s This shows the existence of a previous
Colga. Yet, Dr. Lanigan thinks this very epistolary correspondence, the letters of
which seem unfortunately to have been lost, ^^ This would appear to have been olive-oil
used for sacramental purposes.
•*7 This seems to indicate, that the restric-
4' From the Irish Annals, Colgan gives
the names of many so-called, about this
time. He holds it, as most probable, that
the person here named may have been obtained from Gaul direct ; although the
inconclusive, since, it does not appear, that Alcuin had ever been in Ireland. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xx. , sect, v. , n. 42, p. 231.
Joseph Ua Cearnaigh, Abbot of Clonmac- noise, and one of the Kianachta Breagli, whose death is recorded at a. d. 789 nr/6^ 794, in Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
53 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
54, 55. -
54 See "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Down, Connor and Dromore," Appendix LL, p. 376.
**
saints,p,170. — Article iv.
*
Rev. Dr.
55 See Colgan's nisc," XX. Februarii.
See Colgan's Colmani, cap. ii. , p. 248.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Olcani, seu Bolcani, Episcopi et Confessoris, cap. vii. ,
.
• Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
p. 376, and n. 23, p. 378.
54, 55.
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. ,
^
Article hi. — See Bishop Forbes' Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted
**
3 See De Statu Hominis, veteris simul
Edited
Tlie Menologic Genealogy," cap. ix.
Kelly, p. xvi. *"
" nice," iii. Februarii.
3
Acta Sanctorum
by
Hiber-
Appendix ad Acta S.
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 649
ArticleV. —St. GaiusandThirtyCompanions,Martyrs. Inthe " Feilire " of St. ^ngus, at the 20th of February, we have the following
: entry,^ in reference to these heroic Martyrs of the early Cliristian Church —
^ccfAT) 111 celA|\ ;
1m rloclic feci oo^a^a,
Gaius,^ the bishop,
"Who was crucified, I conceal not, With the slaughter—a sad story— Of thirty praiseworthy champions.
Article VI. —Reputed Festival of Caius Ctelius Sedulius. St. Cselius Sedulius, a bishop who was so called owing to his love of God, has a festival assigned to him on this day by Camerarius. ^ Others place his day at the 13th of June. By Colgan, he is styled the Venerable, as the Bollan- dists take care to remark. ^ It is said, a festival in honour of the Venerable Caius Cajlius SeduHus was held, on the 20th of February. 3 Our notices of this celebrated man will be found, at the 12th of this month.
Article VII. —Reputed Festival of the Translation of St. Pan- taleon's Head, at Cologne. In the Scottish or Irish Monastery, at Cologne, was held on the 20th of February, a festival in honour of the translation thereto of the head of St. Pantaleon,^ which had been brought by Henricus de Vlmine, a soldier, according to Dempster. ^ Yet, the Bollandists notice some errors, in his statements, and referring to this reputed festival. 3
Article VIII. —St. Colga, or Colcho, Surnamed the Wise, Lector
OF Clonmacnoise, King's County. [Eighth Cmlury. ] Improvement in
religious life and training depends much on the frequent presence of holy
bishops and pastors, in the schools and religious institutes, under their im- mediate care. This ensures educational efficiency, and blesses the house of
education, even when the faith of pupils is in no way perilled. His frequent presence impresses, not alone on youth, but even on their parents, the im- portance of that business in which they are engaged. To this, the purity and innocence of children are mainly to be attributed, while such religious teach- ingandexampleexercisebeneficialinfluencesduringafterlife/ Atthe20th
of February, Colgan has illustrated such particulars as are known, regarding the present holy man. ^ These he has drawn from various sources. The
Bollandists have simply a brief notice, in which they state, that only in the
saints, p. 170. —
Article v. ^Furnished by Professor
O'Looney, with an English translation, from
sect. 2, p. 152.
^
See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints, pp. 168, 169.
^ See zdid. —
Article vii. 27 th of July.
the
*'
Leabhar Breac" copy.
=^ This was probably St. Caius, Bishop at Rome, mentioned on this day by some
Martyrologists, and whose feast is referred, likewise, to the 22nd of April. See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctomm," tomus iii. , Februarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 170. —
^
^ His feast occurs at the
See "De Statu Hominis,
192.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Feb.
ruarii xx. Among the pretermitted saints,
Article vi,
veteris simul ac novae Ecclesise, et Infide- Hum conversione," lib. i. , pars, ii. , cap. iii,,
p. 1 70. Article viii.
—
^ See*'EcclesiasticalMe-
= See " Menologium Scoticum. " Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p.
650 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
Irishyatj// do they find him commemorated, as one of the saints. 3 In Irish, we are told, the name is written Coelchu ; and, by some writers, it is rendered
into Cogius, Colcius, ColcuSj-^ Colcanus, Colchoniis and Colganus. By Colgan, the denomination is thought to be derived from the Irish word, coel^
"thin,"
or "
slender,"
and
cu,
''a
grey-hound,"
or "a wolf. "5 ]\Iore
generally
CoelchuorColgchuisrenderedColguorColga. ^ Thisholymanwasborn,
as seems most probable, after the beginning of the eighth century. He
seems, from the family name given him, to have been of the Ui Eathach Mumhan race. 7 Yet, his pedigree has not been more exactly traced, than we find it briefly noted, in our Martyrologies and Annals, In an age of learning and piety, St. Colga was most distinguished among the holy men of Ireland. He was probably educated at Glonmacnoise. It was with him St. Paul the
Cross and Ruins at Glonmacnoise.
Apostle came to converse, according to the legend, in a human form, and to help him on in his road. St. Paul is said to have given him particular lights, and to have taken his satchel of books, at Moin tirean air,^ while, it was he that pleaded for this saint, to preside over the great school of Cluain-mac- nois. 9 It is doubtful, if amidst the ruins and ancient remains of this once celebrated place, any traces of that college can now be found. '° It is stated, likewise, that a great tlieological question was here in controversy, among the
dilations suitable for Priests on the Missions and Students in Diocesan Seminaries. " By a Catholic Clergyman. On the Visitation of the Schools, sect. 2, pp. 130, 131.
"See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xx. Februarii. De S. Colcho, sive Colga, Sapiente, pp. 378 to 380.
3 See "Acta Sanctorum, "tomusiii. , Feb- ruarii XX. Among the pretermitted saints, p. 169.
* Thus is he
5 A styled,
"cruelty. "
•" See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernije," xx.
Februarii, n. 2, p. 379.
7 This was the tribe name of the O'Ma-
honys and O'Donoghoes, in South Munster. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , nn. (a, r), pp. 772, 775.
in Albinus' secondary meaning is sought for the
The accompanying illustration, from a photograph, taken by Frederick H, Mares, and drawn on the wood by William Y.
name in Colg, which signifies, "a sword," or metaphorically, "a fierce look," or
Wakeman, was engraved by Mrs. Millard.
Epistle.
"
^ This place does not seem to be identified. 9 See Rev. Drs. Todd's and Reeves
Martyrology of Donegal," pp. 54, 55. } '°
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 651
theologians ; and doctors of anotlier place held an opinion, differing from thatofoursaint. Again,St. Paulissaidtohaveappearedinperson,tohave taken part with our saint, and to have spoken to this effect before the seniors assembled. " Soon afterwards, St. Colcho was elected to preside, as Rector of the great school, at Clonmacnoise; and he was recognised as the chief teacher there, while shining pre-eminently a lamp of learning and of sanctity. He was regarded as an accomplished Scribe'^ and Master, having on this accountbeendenominatedtheWise. Hehasleftsomeworksbehind,which are replete with learning and piety. Some of these devotional tracts are thus specially described. A very remarkable Prayer of St. Colga'3 is to be found, in the Leabhar Buidhe Lecain,^-^ or the " Yellow Book of Lecain,'"' a manu- script's of the fourteenth century, kept in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. This appears to have been copied, by Michael O'Clery, in 1627.
Sancti. " '^ We find this described as Prayer
The first part consists of twenty-eight peti- tions, or paragraphs. Each paragraph beseeches the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, through the intercession of some class, among the holy men, found in the Old and New Testament, who are referred to in the paragraph, or re-
presented by the names of one or more, among the most distinguished of them. ^s ThesecondpartconsistsofseventeenpetitionstotheLordJesus, apparently offered at ]\Liss time, beseeching Him to accept the sacrifice then made, for all Christian churches, for the sake of the Merciful Father, from whom He descended upon earth, for the sake of His Divinity, which the Father had overshadowed, in order that it might unite with His humanity for the sake of the Immaculate body from which Pie was formed, in the womb of the Virgin. '9 The reader may consult the Lectures of Professor Eugene O'Curry, for a further account of this precious relic of early Irish devotional literature. ^° The dogmatic importance of this Prayer is very great. It shows the belief of the Irish Church on many points, which are now set down by Protestants as of recent introduction. We are struck, in the first part, with the invocation of saints, whose powerful intercession is asked, not with God the Father only, but with the Son of God made man, the Mediator of God and man, Christ our Lord ; while, intercession with Him is asked from saints
It is " Oratio intituled,
Colgani being divided into two parts. '7
of the Old as of the New Testament.
In the nine degrees of the Church on
in his work, "Lectures on the Manuscript
Matei-ials of Ancient Irish History," lect.
"In a work, known as the "Book of Clonmacnoise," and in other Manuscripts, belonging to Colgan, the foregoing state- ments were contained, while tracts, attri- buted to Colga, were also in his possession. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xx. Feb- ruarii. DeS. Colcho,siveColga,Sapiente, cap. ii. , iii. , iv. , and nn. 6, 9, pp. 378, 379.
ix. , p. 191.
^5 it is classed, H. 2, 16.
Sapientis et Prespiteri et Scripae omnium Sanctorum incipit quicunque banc orationem cantaverit veram penitentiam et indulgentiam peccato- rum habebit et alias multa gratias, id est, Ateoch fuit a Isa naemh do cheithre suiscela,
etc. "
^^ A copy, belonging to Professor Eugene
O'Curry, is preserved among his Manu- scripts at the Catholic University,—
^^ The first thus: "I be- part begins
seech the intercession with Thee, O Holy Jesus ! of Thy four Evangelists, who wrote Thy Gospel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. " —'* O
^^ The second prayer begins thus :
Holy Jesus ! O Beautiful Friend ! " etc. , etc.
="" See " Lectures on the
" By way of distinction, he is even called the Scribe of all the Scots. See ibid. , n, 8. '3 See this Prayer, translated into Eng-
lish, with accompanying comments, in the
' ' Irish Ecclesiastical Record," vol. 1. , No.
i. , pp. 4 to 12.
^4
Notwithstandingmany losses, thisManu-
contains of script yet 500 pages
large quarto vellum. With the exception of a lew small tracts, in somewhat later hands, it is all finely written, by Donnoch and Gilla Isa Mac Firbis, in the year 1390. It would appear to have been, in its original form, a collection of ancient historical pieces, civil
and both in and verse. ecclesiastical, prose
Professor O'Curry enumerates these pieces,
Ma- terials of Ancient Irish History," lect. xviii. ,
to be met witli in coh 336.
'° Then follow these words
The prayer is "
:
Manuscript
652 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
earth, we find allusion to the four minor and three greater orders f^ while to these are added the office of bishop, which is the completion of the priest- hood, and that of psalm-singer, which, as we are told by an ancient Irish canon, was given to any clerk, not by episcopal ordination, but by delegation from a priest. The nine choirs of blessed spirits are those mentioned by Saint Gregory the Great. ^^^ It may be added, that the coincidence with Saint Gregory's enumeration of them is not, perhaps, altogether casual, for there is reason to believe, that in the eighth century there was in Ireland a very extensive acquaintance with that great Pontiff's writings. St. Colga clearly shows the feeling of the ancient Irish Church, with respect to the practice of holy virginity, and in honouring the ever-blessed Mother of God. He alludes to the special reverence, in which Saint Germanus of Auxerrewas held in Ireland, perhaps on account of his close connection with our holy Apostle, St. Patrick. The honour to be shown to the monastic state is indi- cated, by associating with all the holy monks who made battle for God's sake throughout the whole world, the great names of Ehas and Eliseus under the Old Law, and of John the Baptist, Paul, the first hermit, and Anthony, the first founder of the monastic state, in the New Testament. Then Colga follows a chronological order. Our saint first invokes the early patriarchs, viz. , Abel, Seth, <S. :c. , to Jacob. He then calls upon the chosen of the written Law, including Moses, Josue, &c. , and the chosen of the law of the Prophets,viz. ,Elius,Eliseus,David,andSolomon. Hethenpassestothe New Testament, begging the intercession of Christ's own holy Apostles, and allthesaintstotheendoftheworld. Then,hesumsupunderoneheading, the whole Church of Christ on earth. When indicating those holy bishops, who founded the ecclesiastical city in Rome, St. Colga follows the order of that Canon, found in the ancient Roman Liturgy. After St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles,^3 he names Linus, Cletus, Clement, showing by this arrange- ment, that close connection of our ancient Church, with the other Churches of Europe, and especially with the Church of Rome. Again, we are told, that it was he who composed that kind of prayer, called the Scuab Crab- haidh,^4whichmeans"theBesomorBroomofDevotion. " Intheprologue or preface, before that prayer already- named, it is stated, that this Colga was a saint, was a priest, and was a scribe, among the saints of Erin. ^5 From
Colgan's description, it seems probable, that this does not differ from the prayer, which assumes the form of a Litany. It is stated to be a fasciculus of most ardent prayers, full of devout feeling, and of mental elevation to-
^'^
Besides, there is extant a letter=7 of the celebrated Alban or Alcuin,^'^ the preceptor of the illustrious Charlemagne, addressed to
wards the Almighty.
and Appendix cxxii. , pp. 379, 380, 614, 615.
"Their names are to be found in the Decrees of the Council of Trent.
Colga, Sapicnte, n. 9, p. 379.
"See ** "
=3 The Rev. Father MuUooly, O. P. , of St. Clement's Church in Rome, has ably endeavoured to elucidate the order of succes- sion among the early Sovereign TontilTs.
loge," Epist. xviii. , pp. 51, 52.
""^ He called himself in Latin, Flaccus
Albinus Alcuinus, and he is generally thought to have been a native of York, from certain allusions in his poem, on the saints of that diocese. This has been published by Thomas Gale. See " Ilistorice Britan-
"Ilomilia,"
Opera S. Gregorii Magni.
Evangelia.
Martyrology Donegal,"atthe20thofFebruary.
xxxiv. in
^* This is contained in the "Book of nicaj et Anglicanoe Scriptores, xx. " De
**
Clonmacnoise. " See Colgan's torum Hibernioe," n. 9, p. 379.
'3Seethe *' O'Clerys'
"
"'' This has been Ussher in published by
Veterum Epistolarum Hibernicarum Syl-
Acta Sane- Pontificibus et Sanctis Ecclesioe Eboracensis, pp. 703 to 732, Oxonite, A. D. 1691, fol.
of liewasamanof anda singular learning,
greatfavouriteofCharlemagne. Hedied
=^
niae," xx, Februarii. De S. Colcho, sive at Tours. Raban Maur and other Martyr-
See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
on Wednesday, the I9tri of May, a. d. 804,
February 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 653
a certain Colcus, a Lector in Scotia, in the heading of which he is styled, a blessed Master, and a pious Father. ^9 The following is a nearly literal and
"
faithful English translation.
Having heard that your Reverence was in the
enjoyment of good health and prosperity, I rejoice with my whole heart. And, because I supposed, you were anxious to know the incidents of our journey, and what lately took place in the world ; I deemed it right to sub- mit, what I have heard or seen, to your discretion, according to the best of my humble ability. In the first place, your delight may be gratified by knowing, that through the mercy of God his holy Church has peace, prospe- rity and increase, in certain parts of Europe. For the old Saxons and Fri- sians3° have been converted to the faith of Christ, through the instrumenta- lity of King Charles, some being led to this course by rewards, and some owing to threats. 3^ But during the last year,32 ^. j^g same king, with an army, made an onset, against the Sclaves,33 whom we call Vionudi, and subjected themtohispower. But,theGreeksduringthethird{Jast? )yearcameto Italy, with a fleet, and fled to their ships vanquished by the generals of the aforesaid king ; four thousand of them are said to have been slain, and one thousand had been made captives. 34 In like manner, the Avari, whom we call the Huns,35 made an irruption into Italy ; but, being overcome by the Christians, they retreated homewards in disgrace, and also they rushed against Baugaria,36 where they were conquered and dispersed by a Christian army. 37 Likewise, the generals and chiefs of the same Christian king de- spoiled the Saracens, in Spain, of about three hundred miles, 3^ in length, of a maritime shore. 39 Yet, alas ! with shame be it said, that these accursed Saracens, also called Aggareni, for the most part hold sway over Africa and Asia Minor. Long ago, as I think, I have written to your wise Reverence, regarding their irruptions. For the rest, most holy Father, know, that I,
ologists have placed him iu their Calendars, at the date of his death. Henschenn has
"
edited his Acts. In Wright's Biographia
Britannica Literaria," a list of the editions of Alcuin's works is given. F. Lorenz has
3= Ussher assigns to the present Epistle the date 795. This seems too late a period,
33 Charlemagne subdued these people, probably in 785 or 786, others state in 789. At the latter year, this event is placed in
"
published his Life, at Halle, A. D. 1829. Eginhard's Annales de Gestis CaroliM.
See Charles " Knight's
See Du Chesne's " Historioe Fran-
EngUsh Cyclopae- dia," Biography, vol. i. , cols. 99, 100, loi. ^5 After these titles, the writer inscribes
Imp. "
corum Scriptores," tomus ii. , pp. 245, 246.
34 These occurrences have been assigned
to A. D. 788, by the old Chronicon of Pitheus,
Harris mistakes, in supposing him to have
been Albin, the companion of Clemens ;
both of whom were Irishmen, and living in
France, during the time of Charlemagne.
See Harris' Ware, vol iii. , "Writers of "Notices et Memoires Historiques," tome
""
himself, Alcuinehumilis Levita salutem.
Ireland," chap, v. , p. 51. Also, chap, vi. , pp. 54 to 56.
ii. La Germanic au huitieme et au neu- vieme siecle, sa conversion au Christianisme, pp. 78, 79.
3S Such is the word used for Bavaria,
37 These occurrences are assigned to A. D.
788, by Sigebert, by ^milius, by Baronius, by Spondanus, and by other writers,
38 These lay between the Pyrennees and
3°
Saints Willibrord, Boniface, Suithbert,
Marcellinus, and others, had spread a know-
ledge of Christianity among these people, before or about the middle of the eighth
century. Yet, they afterwards fell away from the faith, until the arms of Charle-
A. D.
780, and 782. See the admirable account
the Ebro. See Chambers's " dia,"vol. ii. , p. 765.
magne prevailed,
772, 775, 776, 778, "
Encyclopas.
of this great monarch,
M. Capefigue. Tome i. et ii. at these several dates.
39 This expedition took place A. D. 778, according to Aimdin's "Chronicon," lib. iv. , cap. 272, and Baronius' "Annales
Ecclesiastici. " See, likewise, Eginhard's
tores," tomus ii. , p. 240.
3' Speaking of Charlemagne, Guizot
— Duchesne's Historias Francoriun Scrip-
"Les les les says: Frisons, Thuringiens,
"Annales de Gestis Caroli M. "
Imp. "
Bavarois, les Danois, les Saxons tomberent "
sous son pouvoir. "— Essais sur I'Histoire
deFrance. " TroisiemeEssai,p. . 79.
Charlemagne," par
by Reginus, by Almoin, and by other writers.
35 From these people are derived the modern Hungarians. See M. Mignet's
654 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February20.
your son,4° and Joseph,4i yQ^j. coimtrymaii, through God's mercy, enjoy good health, and may your Reverence learn, that all your friends, who live with us,'*^servetheLordinaneffectivemanner. Still,Iknownotwhatdissen-
tion may happen among us ; for, through diabolic instigation, some differ- ences have lately arisen, between King Charles and King Offa,43 so that commerce has been at a stand, as navigation has been interdicted on both sides. ^* Therearepersonswhosay,thatwearetobesenttothoseparts,to treat about peace ; but, I entreat your very holy prayers, that we may be strengthened the more, whether going or remaining. I know not how I have been to blame, because I have not deserved to receive your most welcome letters, for a long time ;'»5 however, I believe that I experience the very necessary prayers of your holiness, each day of my life. I sent to you, be- loved, some oW^ which now can scarcely be had in Britain, so that you might divide47 it among the bishops, for the utility o—f men or in honour of
God. I—
have also sent as a from gift,
Charles I entreat that
for him fifty sicles-^^ for the brethren as alms, and fifty sides of my own as an alms. To the southern brothers of Balthuminega,49 I have sent thirty sides, as the king's alms, and thirty as my own, with twenty sides from the Pater-familias of Areida,5° and twenty of my own as an alms, with three sides of pure silver, through as many anchorets, that all the brethren may pray for me, and for my Lord King Charles, that God may preserve him for the defence of His Church, and for the praise and glory of His name. May the Almighty Lord hear you praying for His holy Church, and cause you to advancehappilytoeternalsalvation. "^! Thecircumstancesofcountry,time,
<° From this expression, Colgan infers, A. D. DccLxxv. , pp. 278, 279.
that St. Alcuin had been the disciple of St. s This shows the existence of a previous
Colga. Yet, Dr. Lanigan thinks this very epistolary correspondence, the letters of
which seem unfortunately to have been lost, ^^ This would appear to have been olive-oil
used for sacramental purposes.
•*7 This seems to indicate, that the restric-
4' From the Irish Annals, Colgan gives
the names of many so-called, about this
time. He holds it, as most probable, that
the person here named may have been obtained from Gaul direct ; although the
inconclusive, since, it does not appear, that Alcuin had ever been in Ireland. See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xx. , sect, v. , n. 42, p. 231.
Joseph Ua Cearnaigh, Abbot of Clonmac- noise, and one of the Kianachta Breagli, whose death is recorded at a. d. 789 nr/6^ 794, in Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
