Mochta facts for kids

Saint Mochta was a very important early Irish saint. He is known as the last student of Saint Patrick. Saint Mochta died around the year 535 or 537. His feast day is celebrated on August 19th.

Early Life and Studies

Mochta was born in Britain, just like Saint Patrick. An old book about Columba calls Mochta a "holy man" and a student of Saint Patrick. It also says Mochta predicted that Saint Columba would be born.

One story says that Mochta came to Ireland as a child. He came with his parents and a druid named Hoam. The druid settled in County Louth, and Mochta grew up with his family there.

Mochta later traveled to Rome to continue his studies. In Rome, the Pope made him a bishop. The Pope then sent him back to Ireland. Mochta returned with twelve friends who helped him.

Founding Churches in Ireland

The first church Mochta founded was in Kilmore. When he left Kilmore, he gave everything he owned to the monks there. He only took a special fountain with him.

He followed the water from this fountain. This water became the River Fane. Mochta then founded a monastery in Louth, Ireland.

Life at Louth Monastery

The area where Mochta built his monastery was once a holy place for the Celtic god Lugh. Mochta's monastery became very famous across Ireland.

Mochta was a great scholar. He knew a lot about the Bible. He even wrote a set of rules for monks, but these rules have not survived.

He also started writing a history book at Louth. This book was continued by other monks after him. It became known as the Book of the Monks.

Mochta and Saint Patrick

When Saint Patrick was very old, he spent some time with Mochta. After Patrick died, Mochta took care of the church in Armagh for a short time. He then gave the church to Benignus.

There is a story that Mochta brought the daughter of the druid Hoam back to life. This young woman then became a nun. She made special clothes for priests and altar cloths for the church.

Later History of Louth

Over the years, the monastery and village of Louth faced many challenges. Between 829 and 968, the Danes often attacked and burned them.

A round tower was built to protect the monastery. However, it was blown down in 981. An old church building from the late 1100s is called St. Mochta's House. It might have held his relics, which are special items connected to a saint.

Mochta's Death

Records show Mochta died around 535 or 537. He was much younger than Saint Patrick. Scholars believe he died when he was about 90 years old. He was the last of Saint Patrick's students still alive.