Saint Canice

Biography

Saint Canice, also known as Caimnech, Cainnech, Cainnic, Canicus, Cechan, Chainnigh, Kenneth, or Kenny, was born around the year 525 in Glengiven, County Derry, northern Ireland. His father was a distinguished royal bard, and his mother's name was Maul. At a young age, Canice became a spiritual student of Saint Finnian of Clonard in 543 and later studied under Saint Columba. He also studied under Saint Kieran of Conmacnoise, Saint Comgall of Bangor, and Saint Mobhi in 544. In 545, he was ordained at Llancarvan, Glamorganshire. Canice joined the monastic community at Glasnevin in 550 and eventually founded the monastery of Agahanoe, where he served as the abbot. He is also believed to have founded the monastery of Kilkenny, a city that came to be named after him. In 565, Canice embarked on a missionary journey to Scotland alongside Saint Columba. He was known as an effective preacher and built a church in the place now known as Saint Andrews. Canice showed great devotion to the Scriptures and copied out all four Gospels, as well as wrote a commentary on them. Various legends surround Saint Canice, illustrating his spiritual power and connection with nature. One legend states that he chased away all the mice on the island of Inish Ubdain with a stern word. Another legend tells how he ordered all the birds on En Irish to land and stop singing during Mass. In addition, when Canice lived as a hermit, a local stag would hold his Bible in its antlers, allowing the saint to hold his hands aloft when praying. Saint Canice is often depicted in art as a man praying with his arms raised while a nearby stag holds a Bible in its antlers. He is also portrayed as a man ordering birds to stop singing or commanding mice to leave. Saint Canice died around the year 599 at Aghaboe, Laois, Ireland, from natural causes. He was venerated as a saint even before the formal process of canonization began, making him a saint of the Pre-Congregation era. Saint Canice is recognized as the patron saint against shipwrecks and of Kilkenny, Ireland. His feast day is celebrated on October 11th, and on some calendars it is also observed on August 1st or August 14th. His life and devotion continue to inspire countless Catholics around the world.