Saint Mél

Saint Mél of Ardagh was a 5th-century Irish saint who served as a nephew to Saint Patrick and was born into a family known for its dedication to religious life. He was the son of Conis (or Chonis) and Darerca, the sister of Saint Patrick, who herself was called 'the mother of saints' due to her numerous children entering religious service. Mél, along with his brothers Melchu, Munis, and Rioch, accompanied their uncle on missionary work in Ireland. Both Mél and his brother Melchu were consecrated bishops by Saint Patrick himself. After the construction of the church at Ardagh, Saint Patrick appointed Mél as Bishop of Ardagh. Despite having no fixed see for most of his life, Mél was a travelling missionary and evangelist, supporting himself through manual labor while sharing any surplus with the poor.