Máedóc of Ferns facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Máedóc of Ferns
Stained glass window of young Saint Áedan at Saint Áedan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy
Bishop of Ferns
Born	c. 558 County Cavan
Died	(632-01-31)31 January 632 Ferns
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Major shrine	Enniscorthy
Feast	31 January
Attributes	Honey bees
Patronage	Ferns Abbey, Templeport Abbey, Drumlane Abbey, Rosinver Abbey, Disert Nairbre Abbey, Llawhaden Abbey

Saint Máedóc of Ferns was an important Irish saint. He lived in the 6th and 7th centuries. He is also known by other names like Saint Aidan, Saint Madoc, or Saint Mogue.

Máedóc was the first Bishop of Ferns in County Wexford, Ireland. He is famous for starting many churches, possibly as many as thirty. His birth name was Áed, which means "fire." The names Aidan, Máedóc, and Mogue are all loving nicknames for Áed. For example, Máedóc means "my dear little Aodh."

The Early Life of Saint Máedóc

Áed was born around the year 558. His birthplace was an island called Inisbrefny. This island is in Templeport Lake, located in County Cavan, Ireland.

Some old stories say he was related to famous Welsh saints. Other Irish stories say his parents were Sedna and Eithne. Sedna was a chieftain from Connaught.

When Áed was a baby, Saint Caillín wanted to baptize him. There was no boat to cross the lake. So, baby Áedan floated to shore on a stone slab. A font at St Mogue's in Bawnboy is said to be made from this very stone.

As a young boy, Áedan was held as a hostage. This was common in those times. He was held by Ainmuire mac Sétnai, a powerful High King of Ireland. Ainmuire was so impressed by Áedan's character. He offered Áedan his freedom. Áedan agreed, but only if all the other hostages were also set free. Ainmuire agreed and released everyone.

Áedan then went to study at a famous school. It was the school of Saint Finnian of Clonard at Clonard Abbey. There, he became good friends with Molaise. Molaise later founded a monastery on Devenish Island.

Máedóc's Time in Wales

Many people wanted to become Áedan's students. But he decided to leave Ireland. He went to Wales to study with St. David, another great saint.

Welsh stories tell of his time there. They say he helped defeat an army of invaders. He did this by rolling stones down a valley onto their camp. He was known as one of David's most loyal students.

Áedan returned to Ireland around 570. He brought with him hives of honey bees. Bees were rare in Ireland then. He landed in Wexford. There, he impressed a local chieftain with his quick actions. The chieftain gave him land for religious communities.

Starting a Monastery in Ferns

Saint Máedóc was known for his kindness. He was also very welcoming to visitors. Once, he allowed tired bishops to eat beef during Lent. He said it was like "milk and vegetables in condensed form." This showed his understanding and care.

The king of Leinster, King Brandubh, was very grateful to Máedóc. He gave Máedóc the town of Ferns in County Wexford. There, Máedóc started a monastery.

King Brandubh also helped make Ferns an important religious center. Máedóc became the Chief Bishop of Leinster. This meant he was a very important leader for other bishops in the area.

Amazing Miracles

Many amazing stories are told about Saint Máedóc. These stories are called miracles.

• The Broken Jug: Once, he broke a jug while getting ale. He made the sign of the cross over the pieces. The jug instantly became whole again!
• The Magic Yoke: He was given a wooden yoke that was too small for his oxen. But when he used it, it magically fit them perfectly. This helped him carry materials for a church.
• The Blind Beggar: A man begged for food, pretending to be blind. Máedóc gave him some. The man came back, still pretending. Máedóc was annoyed. He said that the man's family would always have a blind member.
• The Loving Calf: Wolves ate a calf at one of his monasteries. The mother cow was very sad. Máedóc blessed his cook's head. He told the cook to offer it to the cow. The cow licked the cook and loved him like her own calf.
• Healing and Sickness: Another saint, Saint Fintan Munnu, asked Máedóc to heal sick monks. Máedóc cured them. But then Saint Fintan changed his mind. He thought the sickness was good for their souls. So, Máedóc allowed the sickness to return.
• The Withered Hand: A man named Sarán killed his father-in-law. Máedóc cursed him, saying his right hand would wither. Sarán begged for forgiveness. Máedóc told him to pray at King Brandubh's tomb. Sarán did, and a voice from the tomb forgave him. But his hand still withered.

Máedóc's blessings were also linked to King Brandubh's victory in a battle. He also helped choose his successor, Dachua.

Máedóc's Legacy

Saint Máedóc died on January 31, 632. He passed away near Lough Melvin in County Leitrim. His relics (holy remains) are kept at St. Edan's in Ferns. His stone tomb is inside the cathedral.

A special container for his relics, called the Breac Maodhóg, dates from the 9th century. It was often used for making important promises. Today, it is in the National Museum of Ireland.

Máedóc is the patron saint of Wexford and Templeport in County Cavan. His feast day is celebrated in Bawnboy. People visit his church and the island where he was born. The name Aidan is still popular for boys in West Cavan.

The main Catholic church for the area is now St. Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy. The original cathedral in Ferns was destroyed in 1575. It was partly rebuilt later.

Máedóc is believed to have founded many churches and monasteries. One of his first monasteries was on his birth island. People believe that clay from its ruins can protect against fire or drowning. Other monasteries he founded include Drumlane in County Cavan and Rosinver. He also started churches in Wales, like Saint Madoc of Ferns church.