Saint Moloc of Mortlach

Saint Moloc of Mortlach, also known as Lua, Luan, Luano, Luanus, Lugaid of Les Mór, Lugaidh, Lugide Lis Moer, Luoch, Mallock, Molaug, Molluog, Moloag, Molua, Moluag, or Murlach, was born around 530 in northern Ireland to a noble family. He received his education at Bangor Abbey in Ireland, where he became a spiritual student of Saint Comgall of Bangor. Legend tells that one day, while standing on a rock on the Irish shore, the rock broke away and sailed across the sea, eventually arriving on the island of Lismore in Loch Linnhe. Regardless of the means of his journey, Moloc, along with Saint Comgall, ventured to Scotland as missionaries. Moloc traveled extensively, specifically reaching out to the Picts, seeking to spread the teachings of Christ. During his mission work, Moloc founded several monasteries. Notably, he established monastic communities on the Isle of Lismore, as well as at Rosemarkie and Mortlach in the territory of the Picts. According to the accounts of Saint Malachy, Moloc is credited with founding as many as 100 monasteries in Scotland. Saint Moloc's representations are not widely documented. However, in terms of veneration, he is associated with the Pre-Congregation era of the Catholic Church's canonization process. His feast day is celebrated on June 25th. Saint Moloc passed away on June 25th, 592, in Rosemarkie, Scotland, due to natural causes. He was buried in Rosemarkie initially, but later his remains were relocated to the Isle of Lismore, where they were re-interred in the cathedral that bears his name. Some of his relics were enshrined in Mortlach, Banffshire, Scotland, within a monastery established in 1010 as an expression of gratitude for a triumph obtained through the intercession of Saint Moloc. Additionally, his crozier is in the possession of the Livingstone chief of Clan LacLea, entrusted to them as a hereditary trust. Although Saint Moloc's canonization occurred before the formal Congregation for the Causes of Saints was established, his sainthood was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1898. As such, he is regarded as a saint within the Catholic tradition. Saint Moloc is recognized as the patron saint against mental illness and holds particular significance in the region of Argyll, Scotland. His life and work exemplify his devotion to spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic communities, leaving a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape of Scotland.