Andrews ; the first being
regarded
as the founder^ and
Fothad 8 as the tenth in succession.
Fothad 8 as the tenth in succession.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
When all were assembled, Nennoc entered and fell on her knees before her father.
She besought him to grant the petition, which she was about to prefer to him, before all the guests who were present.
^ The king promised he should do so ; when, to his surprise and that of his nobles, Nen- noc asked, not for any temporal favour or wealth, but that she might beallowed to go beyond the sea to Letavia,* together with all those, who wished to
her for God's service. The 1 and all king, queen/ Guennargant,
accompany
who were at the banquet, felt sorrowful, on account of the wish so expressed,
and they remonstrated. However, St. Germanus interposed, and counselled them to be consoled, as Nennoc only followed the will of Heaven in her regard, that she had renounced earthly treasures and enjoyments, that her heart had been consecrated to her Divine Spouse, and that she only aspired to heavenly rewards. Brochan was moved by these words, and gave his con- sent. LearningthatGurkenteliusandhiswifewereabouttoaccompanyher, Nennoc was commended to their care. All things necessary for her purpose were ordered to be ready, and ships were provided for their voyage. 42 The example thus given by the noble lady, when the news of her departure went
3* According to the Legend of our Saint's Acts.
35 The Legend states "ex Hibernensium
regione transmissusa S. Patricio Archiepis-
copo. "
36 Albert le Grand styles him, St. Ger-
maims, Bishop of Auxerre. But, the Bol-
landist editor observes, that he had only
been in Britain, and not in Ireland. If tliis
account be credited, it was another Ger- feelings in these Latin lines
"
37 An account of this ancient division of
France will be found in U. Roberti Coenalis
"Gallica Historia," tomus i. , lib, ii. , De tained, in the Legend of our Saint's Acts.
manus, who, according to Joceline in his Life of St. Patrick, had been made a Canon of Lateran with him in Rome, who then ac- companied him to Ireland, and who after- wards had been sent by him on a mission to the Isle of Man.
Quid mihi divitke prosunt ? quid no- bile regnum ?
Jam tulit exilium natos, quos fuderat alvus :
Nunc superest ut me sine prole relic- tam,
Britannico Tractu, pp. 164 to 182. Parisiis, a. d. mdlvii. , fol.
38 See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des Saints," tome vi. , pp. 456, 457.
39 A dialogue of rather a dramatic charac- ter is introduced in the Legend.
*° A name often given in ancient docu- ments to Armoiic Britain,
*l Sheis as —venttoher represented giving
Mors miseram rapiat. "
*3 Such is a synopsis of the account con-
:
June 4. ]
LTVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
133
abroad, caused a great number to retire from the world, in order to prepare
more securely for the way which leads to heaven. They sold earthly posses-
sions, and distributed the product in alms, resolving to leave their country
and relations. Accompanied by four bishops, a number of priests, deacons,
many holy virgins and religious men, St. Nennocha retired from Greater to
Lesser Britain, having received a last paternal embrace from Brochan at the
port of embarkation. With mutual benedictions they separated ; and the king
returned sorrowfully to his home. It is stated, that she accompanied St. Ger-
manus,43 Bishop of Auxerre,44 during his journey into France, and that he had
general direction of the course. Seven vessels are said to have sailed, and
they had a prosperous voyage to Letavia. Their ships landed at a place, called
Pullilfyn. «s Having taken counsel together, a deputation, consisting o—f the
Morhedrus and —
with also named the
Bishop Gurgalonus, Gurkentelius,
Ilfi. n patron and confidant of St. Nennoc were appointed to wait on the local re- gulus, to relate all the circumstances concerning their journey and purpose,
while they were to seek from him a place, where they could serve God as a community within his territories. When the pious pilgrims had disembarked,
they sought hospitality and protection from that Duke or chief, who is called Guerec*5 orGuerech. 4? HewasabrothertoKingBudix,andfromhim,they received a kindly welcome. The ruler in that part of the country also bestowed a tract of land on St. Nennocha, and at a deserted place, called Pleumur, 48 or Ploermel. Here are some remains of its ancient ramparts, and a church of the sixth century, the facade of which is adorned with curious sculptures. -»9 This place granted to our saint lay towards the south, and near to the sea. There, St. Nennoc founded a celebrated church and monastery, building several cells for herself and her religious. There they lived in peace and holy recollection, serving God with heart and soul. Especially were they addicted to prayer, and to a contemplative life. There, too, she established a monas- tery, for the holy men who accompanied her. s° Some of the bishops and abbots, who were her companions, also erected churches and habitations in Letavia;S» andthesewereheldingreatveneration,bythepeople,tothattime when the Legend of St. Nennoc's Acts had been written. This pious woman had the grace to work many miracles during her lifetime ; for, she gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, activity to the lame, and
43 He was a of herself nor in the time of St. Turrian distinguished opponent lived,
Pelagianism. See Rev. Dr. George T. of Dol, who flourished during the eighth
Stokes' "Ireland and the Celtic Church,"
Lect. iii. , pp. 50, 51.
44 See the History of his Life and Writings
"
century. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, commen- tarius Historicus, sect, i. , num. 2, pp. 407, 408. Also, sect, ii. , num. 14, p. 410.
48 This seems to be identical with Pleu- meur-Gautier, a small commune, having a population of 2,651 in 1846. It is in the de- partment of Cotes-du-Nord, in the province of Britanny. See "Gazetteer of the World,"
Histoire Literaire de la France," tome ii. , v. Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 256, 261.
45 Its exact position we are not able to determine.
^TheBollandists remark, notwithstanding, that no such ruler is found thus named, among
in
the Chiefs or Dukes of Britanny. Among vol. xi. , p. 79.
"
the Counts of Nantes, however, there is one
so named, as belonging to the tenth century,
and therefore he cannot be assigned to the
period of St. Nennoc. Also, there was a
Guerec, Count of Vennes, a very distin-
guished warrior, living in the time of Alan I. ,
King of Britanny, about the end of the
sixth century. See Le Bavd's " Histoire graphicum," this denomination is further
de Bretagne," chap, x. , pp. 72, 73. rendered Lhydaw, said to have been 47 He may have been Guerec, Count of Ven- a tract of Armorica, or Lesser Britain, nes, who might have endowed the monastery and a region of Celtic Gaul. See tomus. i. ,
of Lan-Nennock, but not while St. Nennoc p. 418.
49 See Elisee Reclus'
phie Universelle," tome ii. , chap, viii. , sect, iv. , pp. 621, 624.
5° The writer of her Legend states, that the ruins of this house were to be seen there in his time.
5I In Bavdrand's " Novum Lexicon Geo-
Nouvelle Geogra-
134 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 4.
strength to those who had been paralyzed. St. Nennoc healed lepers, and even she brought the dead to life. As a reward for her merits, while she lived, the Almighty was pleased to produce an abundance of corn and trees for that agricultural people of the whole Kemene Thebone region. 52 Moreover, the fishermen along that coast procured an abundant supply of fish, as a reward for their labours. 5 ? - One day, while engaged hunting near that place, a stag pursued by Prince Guerech fled towards the oratory of St. Nennoke, who was thenengagedatprayerwithhersisters. 5* Thechoirofbishops,abbots,monks andnunsweresingingthedivinepraises. Thedogsandhuntsmenwerearrested at a rivulet, and they did not intrude on the sacred enclosure. However, the Duke entered the church, where the stag had taken refuge. This terrified animal had there couched down at Nennoc's feet, as if to obtain her pro- tection. The sight greatly astonished Guerech, who not only saved the life of that poor animal, but the dynast remained there for seven whole days, offering many gifts to the convent, and commending himself to the prayers of its venerated superioress. After a conference with the holy Abbess, he gave the place where she then dwelt, and all the lands of the parish of Plemaur, as an inheritance and an endowment. This he did with great form and cere- mony, having convened an assembly of Bishops, Abbots and holy men, to
offer the sacred mysteries, and to witness in a public manner his gift of that patrimony, which he destined for St. Nennoc and for her religious. He also
prepared a charter, which was duly sealed, to authenticate that grant. Thank- ing the Duke most gratefully for his largesses, St. Nennoc asked a blessing from God on him and on his posterity. She prayed for his long life, and that his seed might be multiplied and flourish in the land of Letavia. Again, she urged, that the protectorate of that patrimony and its appurtenances might be conferred on her guardian Gurkentelius, and that he might be advanced to the abbatial rank, as he was a man of noble parentage and of consummate wisdom. She had experienced, also, true fidelity and good service from him. The king listened favourably to her request. Soon Gurkentelius obtained charge of a monastery there established, having been appointed by the bishops, who were on the spot, as an Abbot. 55 Duly accomplishing these formalities, all the bishops returned to their respective places, having received
the benediction of St. Thurrian. 56 St. Nennoc became superioress over a con-
vent, and she trained many nuns, in the way of religious life, at that place, afterwards known as Land-Nennoke,57 among the people of Pleumur. 58 The
to which we have has been to the — donation, alluded, assigned, year 458;-^
—s are of however, the Bollandist opinion,
that the foundation of Lan-Ninnoc
60
in honour of our saint did not take place until the eighth century. St.
52 The Eollandist editor remarks, that this it, owing to bis want of knowing that part was probably the former name of her place ; of France well, or of obtaining any informa- but now probably, it has become obso- tion through members of the Society of
Jesus, or of having books, which should
throw some light on its history and topogra-
phy. '
s3 Lann-Nennock must have had its site
within or near the present commune of Pleu -
meui-Gautier, according to this statement, in the Legend of St. Nennoc's Acts. See
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, sect, iii. , num. 17, i8, 19, 20, 21, pp. 410, 411.
» See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des s? AlthoughAlbertleGrandalludestothis Saints,"tomevi„iveJourdeJuin,p. 456.
place as well known in his time, the Bollan- ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii dist editor confesses his inability to identify iv. De S. Ninnoca, Virgine, sect, iii. , num.
lete.
53 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii
iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, Commentarius
Historicus, sect, ii. , num. 15, 16, p. 410.
s4 This event is said to have occurred, three years afier St. Nennoc came to dwell in that
place.
55 Gurkentelin is said to have ruled over
this monastery, for forty-three years.
55 His festival has been assigned to the
13th of July.
June 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 135
Nennoca lived holily in the province of Armorica, where a number of pious women emulated her example, and continued her good works. In Pleumur or Ploermel she continued to reside, until the time of her death
approached, and this was heralded by a malady, which prepared her departure from this world of exile, to a life of perfect enjoyment, in her true country and
home. Such event has been to the assigned,
of
This saint is invoked, in a Breton litany of the twelfth century, which
proves, that the origin of her veneration must be referred to a still earlier date. In the twelfth century, as the writer of her Legend states, the miracles, wrought through her intercession while she lived, had not ceased in his day. This contemporaneous record of their continuance deserves our credence, as its incidents must have come within the author's cognizance.
Article XV. —St. Fothadus or Fothardus, Bishop. {Tenth Cen- tury^ AlthoughIrish-bornbishopsseemtohavebeentheruleandnotthe exception, in the earlier centuries of Scottish Christianity ; yet, in the later ages, it is probable, the cases had been reversed, so that it might not be fairly assumed the present holy man belonged to Ireland, while, in the absence ot authority, it is still possible, that he was a native of our Island. There are no- ticesofSt. Fothadus,thefirst bishopofKilrule,inScotland,tobefoundin
Thomas " Dempster's
of We June.
1 at the
are informed, that he was the second of the recorded Bishops of St. Andrews,
and that he was celebrated for his holy life, thoughout all Scotia. 3 At the
same date, he is mentioned by David Camerarius, or Chambers, as Sanctus
Fothardus, vel Fothadus. 3 The Bollandists* notice him, at this date, on the
authority of the Scottish writers. We also find St. Fothardus or Fothadus,
noted in the work of Bishop Forbes,s at this date, and drawn from the Scot-
tish Entries, in the Kalendar of David Camerarius. The Scottish authorities,
about the middle of the tenth century, assigned this Bishop Fothad to St.
Andrews. 6 There were two bishops, however, bearing the name of Fothad,
in the See of St.
Andrews ; the first being regarded as the founder^ and
Fothad 8 as the tenth in succession. 9 The first of these has II. , havingplace
beencalledBishopofInsi-Alban,orIslandsofScotlandTO and,thecircum- ;
stances of his being noted in our native Irish records may give Ireland some pretension to regard him as one of her sons. If we are to believe Dempster, the St. Fothadus, that flourished in 981," has left a Tract, "Pro Conjugio
22, p. 411.
6 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
of St. Coiumba," Additional Notes (N), p.
365, n. (9).
7 Bishop Forbes makes him Fothad
whose feast is at June 4th, and who died a. d. 963.
61
See "Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des
Saints," tome vi. , —p. 456. " Article xv. z Thus :
Kilreuli Fothadi episcopi primi, qui in Scotia sedem certain habuerit et ornamenta Ecclesiae suae
multa
contulit,
inter alia
Euangelium argen-
8 The same him at the authority places
3rd
to
teatheca— inclusit,
ause nomen "
while his death is
Menologium Scotorum,"
4th day
of
bat. S. " Bishop Forbes' Kalendars of A. D. 1093.
assigned
Evidences, P. No. 2, and n. , p. 125.
3 See "De Scotorum Fortitudine," &c, lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 152.
Sanctorum," Junii iv. , tomus i. Among the pretermitted saints,
P- 375-
s See "Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
P- 35°-
xxiv. , p. 339. Edition of Walter Goodall. ,0 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 682, 683.
XI It be that this date does may observed,
not agree with either Bishop of the name.
a See " Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i,, lib. vi. , num. 545, p.
289.
_
4 See "Acta
ipsius prsefere-
February,
Scottish Saints," p, 202. 9 See Joannis de Fordum " Scotichroni- 2 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Culdees of the con," cum supplements et continuatione
British Islands, as they appear in History," Waltere Boweri, &c, vol. i. , lib. vi. , cap.
4th
June,
in the 61 year 467.
136 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 4.
sacro, adversus Dunstanum," lib. i. , which he asserts was extant in his time,
although his other assumed writings have perished, owing to the injury caused by time. 12 The earliest bishop of the Scottish Isles is called Fothadh, son of Bran, a scribhnidh or scribe. 13 That he was a writer of books appears to be very probable, from that account. Also, his period has been referred to that
of Indulf, who reigned from a. d. 954 to 962/4
As will be seen, hereafter,
this king has been synchronized with Fothad II. 15 through a mistake of For- ,
dun. 16 According to this account, Fothad had been banished from his See by Indulf. St. Fothad died a. d. 961, according to the " Annals of the Four Masters;" but, the true year was 963. '? While the foregoing entry is sup-
of Ross, and
21 but neither is he called a saint. by
18 the Pictish Chronicle
the Four Masters plied by only,
J 9 the of death, during reign Niger,
Fothad, bishop,
virtues. He is said to have made peace between Grimus, the- eighty-second King of Scotland, and Malcolm II. , at a time, when both were prepared to
join issue in hostile array. Clothed in his episcopal robes, Fothad, the Bishop, intervened ; and, such was the reverence entertained for him, that
lived, he should continue unmolested on his throne of Scotland, while after his death, Malcolm was to succeed him, and his posterity were to continue
thelegitimateinheritorsofhisroyalty. 23 HavingswornontheHolyGospels to observe this covenant, both dynasts laid aside their warlike preparations,
andwillinglysetaboutprocuringthepublicwelfareofthekingdom. 2* Itissaid,
the son of Malcolm. is mentioned with
simply
high commendation, by John Lesley,
Hector
The latter writer praises him for his clemency, and for his other distinguished
Bishop
by
Boetius,
and
conditions of a truce he established between them, that so long as Grimus
he was enabled to
appease,
their
anger
quarrels,
Fothad was banished from his 25
See, byIndulphus.
26
that the The last known Gaelic or Culdee Bishop of St. Andrews was Fothadh, who died in the same 28 as Malcolm Ceanmore. The See remained vacant the three
2 ?
year
succeeding reigns.
Bishop Fothet caused an inscription to be made,3°was preserved to the time
bishop
lived
eight years afterwards,
and died a. d.
1093.
2?
13 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 682, 683.
,4 See E. William Robertson's "Scot-
Gospels,
In Scotichronicon," vol. cap. xxiv. , p. 319.
i. , lib.
vii. ,
Scotichroni-
'7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
con," vol. i. , lib. vi. , cap xxiv. , p. 339.
26 This is an incorrect statement, however,
A case for the Book of
during
and on which the
land under her Early Kings," vol. i. , chap. et Rebus Gestis Scotorum," lib. v. , cap.
iii. , p. 75, 76.
15 See an account of him, in the Second
Volume of this work, at the 3rd day of
lxxxii. , p. 192.
2* See Hector Boece, " Scotorum Histo-
rue," lib. xi. , fol. ccxlv.
2S Fordun represents him to be the first
"
February, Art. iii. 16 "
bishop of St. Andrews. See
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (o), pp. 6S3, since Indulphus was not contemporaneous
with him, but rather with St. Fothad I.
18 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life "7 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's of St. Columba," Additional Notes (O), p. "Life of St. Columba," Additional Notes
684.
394, n. (k), ibid. 9 " Foihach
episcopus pausavit. "
— (O). p. 402.
28 This was a. d. to the 1093, according
Annals of Ulster.
2? See E. William Robertson's " Scotland
William F. Skene's and Scots," p. 10.
"
Chronicles of the Picts
20 See "De Origine, Moribus et Rebus under her Early Kings," vol. i. , chap, vii. ,
192.
21 See "Scotorum Historic," lib. xi. ,
fol. ccxliv.
22 The particulars of this quarrel are very minutely set forth by Hector Boece, in
Gestis Scotorum," lib. v. , cap. lxxxii. , p. p. 174.
30 "
It is
alsostated,
" Scotorum Historic, lib. xi. . , fol. ccxliii. to ccxlv.
23 See " De Moribus John Lesley, Orgine
On —
it were these words: Hanc Evangelii thecam construxit aviti. " The Legend of St. Andrew, in William F. Skene's "Chronicles of the Picts and S
p. 190.
records his Another and later
20
22 as the by proposing
June 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 137
of Fordun. 31 While the of the first of that name in the period Fothad, bishop
See of St. Andrews, is not indicated ; the Fothad or Fothach, who gave a superb case to the Gospels, has been entered under the year 1065, in the list of prelates belonging to this See. 32
Article XVI. —St. Breaca, or Breague, Virgin, in Cornwall. \_Fifth or Sixth Century^ A short account of this holy virgin is found, in
2 An
the works of Rev. Alban Butler x and of the Rev. S.
her for God's service. The 1 and all king, queen/ Guennargant,
accompany
who were at the banquet, felt sorrowful, on account of the wish so expressed,
and they remonstrated. However, St. Germanus interposed, and counselled them to be consoled, as Nennoc only followed the will of Heaven in her regard, that she had renounced earthly treasures and enjoyments, that her heart had been consecrated to her Divine Spouse, and that she only aspired to heavenly rewards. Brochan was moved by these words, and gave his con- sent. LearningthatGurkenteliusandhiswifewereabouttoaccompanyher, Nennoc was commended to their care. All things necessary for her purpose were ordered to be ready, and ships were provided for their voyage. 42 The example thus given by the noble lady, when the news of her departure went
3* According to the Legend of our Saint's Acts.
35 The Legend states "ex Hibernensium
regione transmissusa S. Patricio Archiepis-
copo. "
36 Albert le Grand styles him, St. Ger-
maims, Bishop of Auxerre. But, the Bol-
landist editor observes, that he had only
been in Britain, and not in Ireland. If tliis
account be credited, it was another Ger- feelings in these Latin lines
"
37 An account of this ancient division of
France will be found in U. Roberti Coenalis
"Gallica Historia," tomus i. , lib, ii. , De tained, in the Legend of our Saint's Acts.
manus, who, according to Joceline in his Life of St. Patrick, had been made a Canon of Lateran with him in Rome, who then ac- companied him to Ireland, and who after- wards had been sent by him on a mission to the Isle of Man.
Quid mihi divitke prosunt ? quid no- bile regnum ?
Jam tulit exilium natos, quos fuderat alvus :
Nunc superest ut me sine prole relic- tam,
Britannico Tractu, pp. 164 to 182. Parisiis, a. d. mdlvii. , fol.
38 See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des Saints," tome vi. , pp. 456, 457.
39 A dialogue of rather a dramatic charac- ter is introduced in the Legend.
*° A name often given in ancient docu- ments to Armoiic Britain,
*l Sheis as —venttoher represented giving
Mors miseram rapiat. "
*3 Such is a synopsis of the account con-
:
June 4. ]
LTVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
133
abroad, caused a great number to retire from the world, in order to prepare
more securely for the way which leads to heaven. They sold earthly posses-
sions, and distributed the product in alms, resolving to leave their country
and relations. Accompanied by four bishops, a number of priests, deacons,
many holy virgins and religious men, St. Nennocha retired from Greater to
Lesser Britain, having received a last paternal embrace from Brochan at the
port of embarkation. With mutual benedictions they separated ; and the king
returned sorrowfully to his home. It is stated, that she accompanied St. Ger-
manus,43 Bishop of Auxerre,44 during his journey into France, and that he had
general direction of the course. Seven vessels are said to have sailed, and
they had a prosperous voyage to Letavia. Their ships landed at a place, called
Pullilfyn. «s Having taken counsel together, a deputation, consisting o—f the
Morhedrus and —
with also named the
Bishop Gurgalonus, Gurkentelius,
Ilfi. n patron and confidant of St. Nennoc were appointed to wait on the local re- gulus, to relate all the circumstances concerning their journey and purpose,
while they were to seek from him a place, where they could serve God as a community within his territories. When the pious pilgrims had disembarked,
they sought hospitality and protection from that Duke or chief, who is called Guerec*5 orGuerech. 4? HewasabrothertoKingBudix,andfromhim,they received a kindly welcome. The ruler in that part of the country also bestowed a tract of land on St. Nennocha, and at a deserted place, called Pleumur, 48 or Ploermel. Here are some remains of its ancient ramparts, and a church of the sixth century, the facade of which is adorned with curious sculptures. -»9 This place granted to our saint lay towards the south, and near to the sea. There, St. Nennoc founded a celebrated church and monastery, building several cells for herself and her religious. There they lived in peace and holy recollection, serving God with heart and soul. Especially were they addicted to prayer, and to a contemplative life. There, too, she established a monas- tery, for the holy men who accompanied her. s° Some of the bishops and abbots, who were her companions, also erected churches and habitations in Letavia;S» andthesewereheldingreatveneration,bythepeople,tothattime when the Legend of St. Nennoc's Acts had been written. This pious woman had the grace to work many miracles during her lifetime ; for, she gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, activity to the lame, and
43 He was a of herself nor in the time of St. Turrian distinguished opponent lived,
Pelagianism. See Rev. Dr. George T. of Dol, who flourished during the eighth
Stokes' "Ireland and the Celtic Church,"
Lect. iii. , pp. 50, 51.
44 See the History of his Life and Writings
"
century. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, commen- tarius Historicus, sect, i. , num. 2, pp. 407, 408. Also, sect, ii. , num. 14, p. 410.
48 This seems to be identical with Pleu- meur-Gautier, a small commune, having a population of 2,651 in 1846. It is in the de- partment of Cotes-du-Nord, in the province of Britanny. See "Gazetteer of the World,"
Histoire Literaire de la France," tome ii. , v. Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 256, 261.
45 Its exact position we are not able to determine.
^TheBollandists remark, notwithstanding, that no such ruler is found thus named, among
in
the Chiefs or Dukes of Britanny. Among vol. xi. , p. 79.
"
the Counts of Nantes, however, there is one
so named, as belonging to the tenth century,
and therefore he cannot be assigned to the
period of St. Nennoc. Also, there was a
Guerec, Count of Vennes, a very distin-
guished warrior, living in the time of Alan I. ,
King of Britanny, about the end of the
sixth century. See Le Bavd's " Histoire graphicum," this denomination is further
de Bretagne," chap, x. , pp. 72, 73. rendered Lhydaw, said to have been 47 He may have been Guerec, Count of Ven- a tract of Armorica, or Lesser Britain, nes, who might have endowed the monastery and a region of Celtic Gaul. See tomus. i. ,
of Lan-Nennock, but not while St. Nennoc p. 418.
49 See Elisee Reclus'
phie Universelle," tome ii. , chap, viii. , sect, iv. , pp. 621, 624.
5° The writer of her Legend states, that the ruins of this house were to be seen there in his time.
5I In Bavdrand's " Novum Lexicon Geo-
Nouvelle Geogra-
134 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 4.
strength to those who had been paralyzed. St. Nennoc healed lepers, and even she brought the dead to life. As a reward for her merits, while she lived, the Almighty was pleased to produce an abundance of corn and trees for that agricultural people of the whole Kemene Thebone region. 52 Moreover, the fishermen along that coast procured an abundant supply of fish, as a reward for their labours. 5 ? - One day, while engaged hunting near that place, a stag pursued by Prince Guerech fled towards the oratory of St. Nennoke, who was thenengagedatprayerwithhersisters. 5* Thechoirofbishops,abbots,monks andnunsweresingingthedivinepraises. Thedogsandhuntsmenwerearrested at a rivulet, and they did not intrude on the sacred enclosure. However, the Duke entered the church, where the stag had taken refuge. This terrified animal had there couched down at Nennoc's feet, as if to obtain her pro- tection. The sight greatly astonished Guerech, who not only saved the life of that poor animal, but the dynast remained there for seven whole days, offering many gifts to the convent, and commending himself to the prayers of its venerated superioress. After a conference with the holy Abbess, he gave the place where she then dwelt, and all the lands of the parish of Plemaur, as an inheritance and an endowment. This he did with great form and cere- mony, having convened an assembly of Bishops, Abbots and holy men, to
offer the sacred mysteries, and to witness in a public manner his gift of that patrimony, which he destined for St. Nennoc and for her religious. He also
prepared a charter, which was duly sealed, to authenticate that grant. Thank- ing the Duke most gratefully for his largesses, St. Nennoc asked a blessing from God on him and on his posterity. She prayed for his long life, and that his seed might be multiplied and flourish in the land of Letavia. Again, she urged, that the protectorate of that patrimony and its appurtenances might be conferred on her guardian Gurkentelius, and that he might be advanced to the abbatial rank, as he was a man of noble parentage and of consummate wisdom. She had experienced, also, true fidelity and good service from him. The king listened favourably to her request. Soon Gurkentelius obtained charge of a monastery there established, having been appointed by the bishops, who were on the spot, as an Abbot. 55 Duly accomplishing these formalities, all the bishops returned to their respective places, having received
the benediction of St. Thurrian. 56 St. Nennoc became superioress over a con-
vent, and she trained many nuns, in the way of religious life, at that place, afterwards known as Land-Nennoke,57 among the people of Pleumur. 58 The
to which we have has been to the — donation, alluded, assigned, year 458;-^
—s are of however, the Bollandist opinion,
that the foundation of Lan-Ninnoc
60
in honour of our saint did not take place until the eighth century. St.
52 The Eollandist editor remarks, that this it, owing to bis want of knowing that part was probably the former name of her place ; of France well, or of obtaining any informa- but now probably, it has become obso- tion through members of the Society of
Jesus, or of having books, which should
throw some light on its history and topogra-
phy. '
s3 Lann-Nennock must have had its site
within or near the present commune of Pleu -
meui-Gautier, according to this statement, in the Legend of St. Nennoc's Acts. See
"Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, sect, iii. , num. 17, i8, 19, 20, 21, pp. 410, 411.
» See " Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des s? AlthoughAlbertleGrandalludestothis Saints,"tomevi„iveJourdeJuin,p. 456.
place as well known in his time, the Bollan- ^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii dist editor confesses his inability to identify iv. De S. Ninnoca, Virgine, sect, iii. , num.
lete.
53 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Junii
iv. De S. Ninnoca Virgine, Commentarius
Historicus, sect, ii. , num. 15, 16, p. 410.
s4 This event is said to have occurred, three years afier St. Nennoc came to dwell in that
place.
55 Gurkentelin is said to have ruled over
this monastery, for forty-three years.
55 His festival has been assigned to the
13th of July.
June 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 135
Nennoca lived holily in the province of Armorica, where a number of pious women emulated her example, and continued her good works. In Pleumur or Ploermel she continued to reside, until the time of her death
approached, and this was heralded by a malady, which prepared her departure from this world of exile, to a life of perfect enjoyment, in her true country and
home. Such event has been to the assigned,
of
This saint is invoked, in a Breton litany of the twelfth century, which
proves, that the origin of her veneration must be referred to a still earlier date. In the twelfth century, as the writer of her Legend states, the miracles, wrought through her intercession while she lived, had not ceased in his day. This contemporaneous record of their continuance deserves our credence, as its incidents must have come within the author's cognizance.
Article XV. —St. Fothadus or Fothardus, Bishop. {Tenth Cen- tury^ AlthoughIrish-bornbishopsseemtohavebeentheruleandnotthe exception, in the earlier centuries of Scottish Christianity ; yet, in the later ages, it is probable, the cases had been reversed, so that it might not be fairly assumed the present holy man belonged to Ireland, while, in the absence ot authority, it is still possible, that he was a native of our Island. There are no- ticesofSt. Fothadus,thefirst bishopofKilrule,inScotland,tobefoundin
Thomas " Dempster's
of We June.
1 at the
are informed, that he was the second of the recorded Bishops of St. Andrews,
and that he was celebrated for his holy life, thoughout all Scotia. 3 At the
same date, he is mentioned by David Camerarius, or Chambers, as Sanctus
Fothardus, vel Fothadus. 3 The Bollandists* notice him, at this date, on the
authority of the Scottish writers. We also find St. Fothardus or Fothadus,
noted in the work of Bishop Forbes,s at this date, and drawn from the Scot-
tish Entries, in the Kalendar of David Camerarius. The Scottish authorities,
about the middle of the tenth century, assigned this Bishop Fothad to St.
Andrews. 6 There were two bishops, however, bearing the name of Fothad,
in the See of St.
Andrews ; the first being regarded as the founder^ and
Fothad 8 as the tenth in succession. 9 The first of these has II. , havingplace
beencalledBishopofInsi-Alban,orIslandsofScotlandTO and,thecircum- ;
stances of his being noted in our native Irish records may give Ireland some pretension to regard him as one of her sons. If we are to believe Dempster, the St. Fothadus, that flourished in 981," has left a Tract, "Pro Conjugio
22, p. 411.
6 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life
of St. Coiumba," Additional Notes (N), p.
365, n. (9).
7 Bishop Forbes makes him Fothad
whose feast is at June 4th, and who died a. d. 963.
61
See "Les Petits Bollandistes, Vies des
Saints," tome vi. , —p. 456. " Article xv. z Thus :
Kilreuli Fothadi episcopi primi, qui in Scotia sedem certain habuerit et ornamenta Ecclesiae suae
multa
contulit,
inter alia
Euangelium argen-
8 The same him at the authority places
3rd
to
teatheca— inclusit,
ause nomen "
while his death is
Menologium Scotorum,"
4th day
of
bat. S. " Bishop Forbes' Kalendars of A. D. 1093.
assigned
Evidences, P. No. 2, and n. , p. 125.
3 See "De Scotorum Fortitudine," &c, lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 152.
Sanctorum," Junii iv. , tomus i. Among the pretermitted saints,
P- 375-
s See "Kalendars of Scottish Saints,"
P- 35°-
xxiv. , p. 339. Edition of Walter Goodall. ,0 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 682, 683.
XI It be that this date does may observed,
not agree with either Bishop of the name.
a See " Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i,, lib. vi. , num. 545, p.
289.
_
4 See "Acta
ipsius prsefere-
February,
Scottish Saints," p, 202. 9 See Joannis de Fordum " Scotichroni- 2 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' " Culdees of the con," cum supplements et continuatione
British Islands, as they appear in History," Waltere Boweri, &c, vol. i. , lib. vi. , cap.
4th
June,
in the 61 year 467.
136 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 4.
sacro, adversus Dunstanum," lib. i. , which he asserts was extant in his time,
although his other assumed writings have perished, owing to the injury caused by time. 12 The earliest bishop of the Scottish Isles is called Fothadh, son of Bran, a scribhnidh or scribe. 13 That he was a writer of books appears to be very probable, from that account. Also, his period has been referred to that
of Indulf, who reigned from a. d. 954 to 962/4
As will be seen, hereafter,
this king has been synchronized with Fothad II. 15 through a mistake of For- ,
dun. 16 According to this account, Fothad had been banished from his See by Indulf. St. Fothad died a. d. 961, according to the " Annals of the Four Masters;" but, the true year was 963. '? While the foregoing entry is sup-
of Ross, and
21 but neither is he called a saint. by
18 the Pictish Chronicle
the Four Masters plied by only,
J 9 the of death, during reign Niger,
Fothad, bishop,
virtues. He is said to have made peace between Grimus, the- eighty-second King of Scotland, and Malcolm II. , at a time, when both were prepared to
join issue in hostile array. Clothed in his episcopal robes, Fothad, the Bishop, intervened ; and, such was the reverence entertained for him, that
lived, he should continue unmolested on his throne of Scotland, while after his death, Malcolm was to succeed him, and his posterity were to continue
thelegitimateinheritorsofhisroyalty. 23 HavingswornontheHolyGospels to observe this covenant, both dynasts laid aside their warlike preparations,
andwillinglysetaboutprocuringthepublicwelfareofthekingdom. 2* Itissaid,
the son of Malcolm. is mentioned with
simply
high commendation, by John Lesley,
Hector
The latter writer praises him for his clemency, and for his other distinguished
Bishop
by
Boetius,
and
conditions of a truce he established between them, that so long as Grimus
he was enabled to
appease,
their
anger
quarrels,
Fothad was banished from his 25
See, byIndulphus.
26
that the The last known Gaelic or Culdee Bishop of St. Andrews was Fothadh, who died in the same 28 as Malcolm Ceanmore. The See remained vacant the three
2 ?
year
succeeding reigns.
Bishop Fothet caused an inscription to be made,3°was preserved to the time
bishop
lived
eight years afterwards,
and died a. d.
1093.
2?
13 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 682, 683.
,4 See E. William Robertson's "Scot-
Gospels,
In Scotichronicon," vol. cap. xxiv. , p. 319.
i. , lib.
vii. ,
Scotichroni-
'7 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
con," vol. i. , lib. vi. , cap xxiv. , p. 339.
26 This is an incorrect statement, however,
A case for the Book of
during
and on which the
land under her Early Kings," vol. i. , chap. et Rebus Gestis Scotorum," lib. v. , cap.
iii. , p. 75, 76.
15 See an account of him, in the Second
Volume of this work, at the 3rd day of
lxxxii. , p. 192.
2* See Hector Boece, " Scotorum Histo-
rue," lib. xi. , fol. ccxlv.
2S Fordun represents him to be the first
"
February, Art. iii. 16 "
bishop of St. Andrews. See
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (o), pp. 6S3, since Indulphus was not contemporaneous
with him, but rather with St. Fothad I.
18 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life "7 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's of St. Columba," Additional Notes (O), p. "Life of St. Columba," Additional Notes
684.
394, n. (k), ibid. 9 " Foihach
episcopus pausavit. "
— (O). p. 402.
28 This was a. d. to the 1093, according
Annals of Ulster.
2? See E. William Robertson's " Scotland
William F. Skene's and Scots," p. 10.
"
Chronicles of the Picts
20 See "De Origine, Moribus et Rebus under her Early Kings," vol. i. , chap, vii. ,
192.
21 See "Scotorum Historic," lib. xi. ,
fol. ccxliv.
22 The particulars of this quarrel are very minutely set forth by Hector Boece, in
Gestis Scotorum," lib. v. , cap. lxxxii. , p. p. 174.
30 "
It is
alsostated,
" Scotorum Historic, lib. xi. . , fol. ccxliii. to ccxlv.
23 See " De Moribus John Lesley, Orgine
On —
it were these words: Hanc Evangelii thecam construxit aviti. " The Legend of St. Andrew, in William F. Skene's "Chronicles of the Picts and S
p. 190.
records his Another and later
20
22 as the by proposing
June 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 137
of Fordun. 31 While the of the first of that name in the period Fothad, bishop
See of St. Andrews, is not indicated ; the Fothad or Fothach, who gave a superb case to the Gospels, has been entered under the year 1065, in the list of prelates belonging to this See. 32
Article XVI. —St. Breaca, or Breague, Virgin, in Cornwall. \_Fifth or Sixth Century^ A short account of this holy virgin is found, in
2 An
the works of Rev. Alban Butler x and of the Rev. S.
