Saint Finbar of Wexford

Biography

Saint Finbar of Wexford, also known as Saint Finbarr or Saint Fionnbarra, was a renowned Irish saint of the sixth century. He is primarily known for founding a significant monastic community on the Innis Doimhle, also called the Isle of Crimlen, located in Wexford, Ireland. This monastic establishment would become an influential center of spirituality and education during that time, continuing to inspire generations long after Saint Finbar's departure. Little is known about Saint Finbar's early life, but historical records suggest that he was born in Ireland, most likely in the region of Wexford. He was believed to have received his religious education and training at the renowned monastic school of Bangor in County Down, under the guidance of Saint Comgall. This academic background would lay a solid foundation for Saint Finbar's future endeavors in establishing his own monastic community. Inspired by the early Christian tradition of solitary or hermitic living, Saint Finbar embarked on a solitary period of prayer and penance lasting several years after leaving Bangor. During this time, he cultivated a deep spiritual discipline and acquired a reputation for holiness. It was during this solitude that he felt the call to establish a monastic community that would bring people together in a shared life of prayer, contemplation, and service. In the year 610, Saint Finbar chose the Innis Doimhle, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Wexford, as the site for his new monastic foundation. With his wealth of knowledge and experience received from the monastic school in Bangor, he started to construct a monastery and welcomed likeminded individuals seeking a life dedicated to God. Under his guidance as the first abbot, the monastery flourished, drawing many disciples and becoming a hub of monastic life in Ireland. Saint Finbar's monastic community on the Innis Doimhle was known for its strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Columba and its dedication to intellectual pursuits. The monastery became renowned for its scholars, who produced works of great theological and historical significance. The influence of Saint Finbar's monastery extended beyond its physical boundaries, as its reputation attracted visitors and pilgrims from all over Ireland and beyond. In addition to his role as an abbot and spiritual leader, Saint Finbar was known for his piety, humility, and compassion towards those in need. He dedicated himself to helping the poor, feeding the hungry, and tending to the sick. His devotion to service and charity made him beloved by both his monastic community and the wider population. Saint Finbar passed away peacefully at an advanced age, drawing mourners from far and wide to pay their respects. His legacy as a monastic founder and spiritual guide lived on after his death, and his followers continued to preserve and amplify his teachings and practices. Though Saint Finbar of Wexford did not receive an official patronage during his lifetime, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 4th, the anniversary of his death. While he was canonized before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, his sanctity and impact on the lives of many continue to be recognized and revered within the Catholic tradition. The life and works of Saint Finbar of Wexford stand as a testament to his dedication to the pursuit of God, his commitment to community, and his contributions to the spiritual and intellectual growth of Ireland. His foundation of the monastery on the Innis Doimhle remains an enduring symbol of his holiness and his profound impact on the religious and cultural landscape of Ireland.