Twelve Apostles of Ireland

Biography

The Twelve Apostles of Ireland, also known as the Twelve Apostles of Erin or Dhá Aspal Déag na hÉireann, were a group of sixteenth-century Irish monks who played a significant role in spreading the Christian faith throughout Ireland. These twelve monks were disciples of Saint Finian and were educated at Clonard Abbey in County Meath, Ireland. The Twelve Apostles of Ireland consisted of the following individuals: 1. Brendan of Birr: Brendan was renowned for his spiritual insight and wisdom. He established the monastery at Birr and is known for his deep devotion to God and his ascetic lifestyle. 2. Brendan the Navigator: Brendan is famous for his legendary journey across the Atlantic Ocean, which is known as "The Voyage of Saint Brendan." He is considered the patron saint of seafarers and navigators. 3. Columba of Iona: Columba, also known as Colum Cille, was an important figure in spreading Christianity in Scotland. He founded the monastery on the island of Iona and played a significant role in preserving Irish culture and learning during a period of political upheaval. 4. Columba of Terryglass: Columba of Terryglass, also known as Colmán, was an abbot and bishop who established the monastery at Terryglass in County Tipperary. He was known for his passion for religious education and missionary work. 5. Keiran of Saighir: Keiran, also spelled Ciarán, was a hermit and preacher who founded the monastery at Saighir in County Offaly. He is considered one of the earliest Irish saints and is known for his dedication to prayer and penance. 6. Kieran of Clonmacnois: Kieran, also spelled Ciarán, established the famous monastery at Clonmacnois on the banks of the River Shannon. He was known for his great piety and is considered a patron saint of Ireland. 7. Canice of Aghaboe: Canice, also known as Cainnech or Kenny, was one of the founding saints of early Christianity in Ireland. He was a monk and bishop and is associated with the monastery at Aghaboe in County Laois. 8. Lasserian of Leighlin: Lasserian, also known as Laserian or Molaise, was an abbot and bishop who founded the monastery at Leighlin in County Carlow. He played an instrumental role in spreading monasticism throughout Ireland. 9. Mobhí of Glasnevin: Mobhí was a disciple of Saint Columba and is considered the patron saint of Glasnevin in Dublin. He was known for his wisdom and austere lifestyle. 10. Ninnidh the Saintly of Loch Erne: Ninnidh, also known as Ninnidh of Inismacsaint, was a hermit and abbot who lived on an island in Lough Erne. He was esteemed for his holiness and his ability to perform miracles. 11. Ruadhán of Lorrha: Ruadhán was an abbot and bishop who founded the monastery at Lorrha in County Tipperary. He is remembered for his great wisdom and deep devotion to God. 12. Senan of Iniscathay: Senan was an abbot and bishop who founded a monastery on Iniscathay, now known as Scattery Island, in County Clare. He led a life of great austerity and was known for his power to heal the sick. These twelve monks were not officially canonized in the traditional sense but were highly esteemed for their contributions to the spread of Christianity in Ireland. Each monk is individually commemorated on specific feast days throughout the year, but they are also collectively celebrated on their joint feast day on January 6th. While Saint Finian is sometimes included in the group, most ancient accounts separate him from the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Nonetheless, all of these monks played a crucial role in the conversion of Ireland to Christianity, and their individual and collective legacies continue to inspire believers to this day.